I object to the proposal on environmental grounds (details attached)

I fully support the project. This project will ensure additional employment in our local area which it vital if our small communities are to survive. I am totally satisfied that all ethical and safety measures have been fulfilled and that the project is being managed with a keen eye on the impact to the environment.

As a frequent tourist to the Mudgee region, I have been fortunate to observe and enjoy the natural wonders of the beautiful landscape and I do not think a toxic lead mine should be allowed to proceed. The Mudgee region is a prime tourist destination as people come to the area to appreciate good wine and food in a pristine location. The development of this project will deter large numbers of tourists from coming to the area and supporting the local economy. I object to the development of the proposed Bowdens lead, zinc and silver mine at Lue because of the potential for lead poisoning, a toxic tailings dam and acid forming rock perched above the water table of the Lawson Creek. The impact this would have on native wildlife including the Regent Honeyeaters and koalas deserves serious consideration and should alone be reason for the project not to proceed.

I love visiting the region as a tourist and don't believe a toxic lead mine should be allowed to proceed

This is heart-breaking to hear of the beautiful country of Mudgee/Lue.
We visit the area often from Sydney.
Please reconsider.

My extended family have farmed the country surrounding Bowdens Silver Mine for 5 generations. I have spent my entire life visiting the area every couple of months. I am highly aware of the issues relating to the proposed Bowdens Silver Mine and how it would affect the surrounding country.
The reasons why I object to this proposal are
1. The mine will operate 24 hours/7 days per week and is only 2km from Lue Village and the primary school, it is expected that mine will produce massive increase in noise levels and directly impact those in the village.
2. There is no suitable plan for rehabilitation of the mine. When the mine closes the tailings dam and all the PAF will remain forever. This is likely to directly impact the community and generations to come.
3. The tailing dams are likely to have an impact on the surrounding catchment of Lawson Creek. If the tailing dams fail, there will be permanent damage to the water catchment. Further to this, the tailing dam will be highly toxic and based on data 23 tailings dams have failed in 5 years including nearby by Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Gold Mine near Orange.
4. The ground water levels will be directly impacted by mine and drop by 25metres. The open cut mine will draw on water for up to 100 years.
5. The economics of this mine are based on an assumed silver price in the EIS is US$20.91/oz, a price that hasn’t been reached over the last 5 years. If this price is not achieved, the viability and cost-savings in place would be questionable.
I strongly object to this mine and ask the Department to consider my objection.

I live in Sydney now but for many years I owned and operated a sheep and cropping farm at Narromine and I travelled often around the Central West of NSW. More recently I have spent considerable time on a cattle property on the Lawson Creek just west of Lue. I lived here for three months during the corona virus pandemic and was made aware of the issues relating to the proposed Bowdens Silver Mine
The reasons why I object to this proposal are
1. The mine’s proximity to the village of Lue and its infants and primary school is far too close is only two kms from Lue School, it will operate 24 hrs /7 days per week.
2. The open cut mine will produce Lead and I’m worried about the dust affecting children as Lead is particularly dangerous for children. The mine will produce 95000 tonnes of lead - a highly toxic mineral. There is no safe level to exposure of lead especially for children and this mine is just 2kms from Lue School. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems.
3. The tailings dams is in the catchment of Lawson Creek and tailings dams do fail. If they do they will pollute the waterway permanently.
4. The economics of this mine are based on an assumed silver price in the EIS is US$20.91/oz, a price that hasn’t been reached over the last 5 years. A financially unviable mine represents an even greater threat as they may look for ways to cut corners which could affect safety.
5. Lue is a peaceful village with 200 residents who enjoy the quiet village life it offers. This will be destroyed by the mine. Also Lue Road is narrow and winding and will not handle safely the large increase in traffic, many of which will be trucks.

I strongly object to this mine and ask the Department to consider my objection.

This project will bring jobs to the local community with long mine life, there will be long term employment.
One of the only silver focused mines in Australia this will be a big bonus in the next 5 years. Good management team can be trusted to look after the environment.