I'm very concerned about the proposed Bowden's Silver Project at Lue. While I'm not against the project itself and I welcome the jobs and income this project will bring to the region, there are a few things about which I'm very concerned. The first is the amount of water that will be utilised by this project. As we have been in drought in the Central West for a considerable time, I'm not sure our region can spare this amount of water. Will this effect the amount of potable water available for our region's residents and farmers? Secondly, I'm concerned about potential leaks or worse from the tailings dam. How will this risk be minimised and what undertakings have the project made if the unimaginable happens? Can they just declare bankruptcy or similar and have no further responsibility? Do they have to pay a bond to guarantee they will have the necessary funds available if a catastrophic leak or worse happens? Next is the unbelievable announcement that they will not be remediating the area after they have completed their work. Surely the cost of doing this business MUST include returning the site to its original condition. And also, the admission that they will be lowering the water table by 25 metres. I am very concerned about the adverse effect of this. I don't know the answers and I have been unable to find them. Bowden's have not answered these questions in a way that I have been able to find. It's possible that they have publicly answered these questions but I can't find them. This project concerns me greatly. I have no problems with this type of enterprise in principal but concerns such as mine surely need to be addressed. These questions need to be answered. If my concerns are founded, why is there no apparent accountability? Why can Bowden's risk our local area with apparent immunity? I hope I'm wrong but I can't find out. Until these questions are answered satisfactorily, I must object strongly to this project.

Good Morning,

I am deeply concerned about the environmental impacts this mine is going to have on the Lue and surrounding areas. Due to the fact that this mine will be open cut, I worry for the residents of the area coming into contact with lead dust. Lead dust has been scientifically proven to cause issues to the kidneys, nervous system and brain development which can be irreversible. High levels of lead can cause seizures, unconsciousness and death. How can Silver Mines Ltd be considering a mine so close to an existing village which benefits the community in such a positive way (tourism, sustainable farming)?

I worry that there has been little to no consultation with the local community in the concept and planning stages of this mine. Historically, we know that when a mine establishes itself so close to a community that it will have a brief positive economic impact however, looking at the the long term, there will be little to no chance of the generational farming families to reestablish themselves there ever again.

I believe the overbearing negative environment impacts of this proposal are sufficient evidence in order for rejection of the proposal.

Regards,

Jack Green

To the Honorable Minister and relevant authorities
I write in regards to and in support of the Bowdens silver project outside of Lue NSW.
Probably more so at this time than in any other Australia needs to return to significantly greater manufacturing and self sufficiency.
Silver is a major base metal required for virtually every complex machine, due to its use in electronics.
Further, it is essential in sustainable green power such as solar panels.
At present the silver mined p/annum in Australia is approximately 1,400 tonnes, yet our annual use or consumption is well the order of double that.
With the effects of Covid 19, the massive rise in our public debts federal and state, and the inevitable correction and rise in world silver demand and prices, Australia will either produce its own needs, or pay a massive price and sink lower towards third world status if we do not produce our own needs.
It is expected that silver will double in price over the next three years, it has risen 20% this week and this isnt a blip, its a price correction that was inevitable as silver worldwide was undervalued.
As each country scrambles to preserve its interest, please consider the importance of this project not only to NSW, but to the nation as a whole.
its about the best silver deposit we have. The cheapest to mine.
We need it.
Many Thanks
Bradley Wade

I object to the project as it fails to adequately address the issues relating to human health with respect to Lead, noise and disturbance to the residents of Lue and landowners who surround the project. Although I now live with my family in the town of Mudgee, we lived on a farm at Lue for 35 years at 1011 Pyangle Road Lue just down from the proposed minesite. I was involved with my wife and family with the Lue Action Group in trying to address the health concerns of a massive lead/silver mine on the doorstop of the Lue village. At no time in the years involved with the Lue action Group did the mining company take seriously any health, noise or disturbance issues that were raised. They were only concerned with getting an EIS approved so they could make a profit and flog the project onto another developer mining company. In my opinion that is all they are interested in and they want Planning to play along with this. If I am wrong then look at the aminosity they have caused local residents with their arrogant attitude towards anything approaching critical analysis of the project.
The EIS does not address how water will be legally piped to the site and should be rejected on that alone. In addition, the EIS does not address how power will be provided to the site. As a local solicitor in Mudgee I have many clients who are landholders who will never grant access for either water or power over their properties so how can a company lodge an EIS without resolving these issues before lodging their EIS?
The impact of lead dust on the village and surrounding landholders will be devastating. Professor Noller an australian leading heavy metal expert in extractive industry has provided expert evidence for several years now to state that lead will travel to the village of Lue and local landholders. Everyone relies on tankwater and once this is contaminated then rainwater will become useless.
The Lue Action Group has engaged numerous experts who will no doubt provide scientific reasons why this project should be rejected. I support their efforts and urge Planning to take their concerns seriously. They have had to raise money to pay for these expert reports whilst the state govt offers no assistance to local communities to rebute consultants paid for by mining companies who merely deliver what is expected from their employers. A very unfair and unjust system to have to work within.
How on earth in today's enlightened world can government approve lead contamination to humans particularly children when society is doing quite the opposite ie removing lead paint, petrol etc.
Planning needs to resist pressure by govt to fast track development approval and resist this type of money grabbing mining project when the health inpacts are effectively going to destroy a village for the sake of profit for a publically listed company whose motive is only $$. Failure to do so will mean NSW has no moral compass for regional communities. I would expect the local council also to lodge objection having considered the grave impacts on the Lue residents. If they didn't then it would be like sacrificing Lue for the greed of other parts of the region. I can't imagine australia in the current health and economic climate stooping that low.
If this mine site was in the middle of nowhere then maybe the downsides could be accomodated but where it is situated no amount of accomodation can remove the dramatic long term effects of lead contaminationto the local polulation.
When considering this project please place yourselves in the shoes of local residents and ask yourselves this quesrtion - " would I live there with my family and children if this project was approved." Not to view this project through this prism will be an abject failure of responsibility.
Thank you,
John Loneragan

Jane Roberts
17 Robert Hoddle Grove Mudgee NSW 2850

Bowdens Silver Mine
DA Application No SSD- 5765
Location Approximately 2km north east of Lue
Applicant Bowdens Silver Pty Ltd
Council area - Mid-Western Regional

As a Mudgee resident since 1987, parent, grandmother and allied health professional, I strongly oppose the development of the Bowdens Silver Mine.The detrimental effect of this proposed Silver mine is far reaching in every aspect of our lives. I appreciate the opportunity to make a submission against the development of this Bowden Silver Mine.

An individual’s health and wellbeing would be compromised on many levels. However of utmost concern is the preposterously high level of toxic chemical and in particular lead dust fallout from this proposed silver operation. From studies undertaken it appears that the lead byproduct from this Silver mine has a high level of bioaccessibility.

As an experienced allied health professional I am well aware of the adverse effects of lead toxicity on the wellbeing of all ages. In particular as a paediatric physiotherapist working with children with disability for over 30 years the well documented evidence linking lead poisoning with irreversible neurocognitive and behavioural disturbance in children is devastating to me. Such adverse effects are lifelong for not only the child but also for their families impacting all their life dimensions.

WHO states…“Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health effects, particularly affecting the development of the brain and nervous system. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight.In particular lead can affect children’s brain development resulting in reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioural changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behaviour, and reduced educational attainment. Lead exposure also causes anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioural effects of lead are believed to be irreversible.” World Health Organisation - Lead Poisoning and Health August 2019


Not to be ignored is the pollution of the surrounding locality by the mine site’s continuous operational sound, night light, blasting vibration and excessive traffic flow. These factors are not acceptable and would result in mass evacuation and devaluation of the locality.

Community wellbeing and socioeconomic viability.
Local small villages within our region are prized gems preserving our district’s historical past, providing a valued alternative and affordable lifestyle for many and also adding significant tourism wealth to our local economy. At the heart of these villages are our small bush schools such as Lue Public School- so integral to a town’s survival. The risk of Lue Public School closure due to its close proximity to the proposed mine site with inevitable contamination of the byproducts of this silver mine is to be guarded against.The school’s closure would destroy the social fabric of this quaint bush village and should be guarded against at all costs.

The environmental health of Lue and surrounding regions would be sabotaged by this silver mine. Our country and community has just lived through the most severe year of drought and has been ravaged by fire. It is time to protect and restore our environment not to further destroy it. This Silver mine would contaminate and deplete our Mudgee river systems, Lawson Creek valley and watertables with disastrous consequence for residents, agricultural operations and tourism. If the proposed silver mine’s tailing dam is compromised toxins leaked into Lawson creek would be devastating. Just this school holidays my grandchildren and I have marvelled at the opportunity to observe the incredible birdlife on Lawson Creek’s Putta Bucca Wetlands. We have been spotting black swans nesting on the creek’s islands. Koala and Regent Honeyeater habitats are located in this proposed Silver mine’s location. It is imperative that we protect our region’s flora, fauna and natural ecology and not allow Bowdens Silver Mine to destroy it.
Jane Roberts

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on this project.
I object to Bowdens Silver Project for the following reasons:
- It is too close to the town of Lue, a small, historically significant town of approximately 1000 residents. A huge open-cut mine operating 24 hours a day just 2 km from the town and 30 km upstream from Mudgee is unacceptable for many reasons. It would be hugely environmentally destructive and would damage the lives and livelihoods of the residents of Lue, as well as residents of Mudgee and Rylstone/Kandos.
- As well as silver, the mine would produce approximately 95,000 tonnes of lead during the life of the mine. There is no safe level of exposure to lead and children are particularly vulnerable. Lue school is only 2 km from the mine.
- A cyanide processing plant would operate at the mine. Cyanide is acutely toxic to humans, other mammals and aquatic species even at relatively low dosages. Having a plant like this only 2 km from the town would be extremely risky and dangerous.
- The planned single-wall tailings dam for the mine is less than 1 km from Lawsons Creek. It will contain large quantities of chemicals like arsenic, cyanide, cadmium and lead. There is no second safety wall for the dam so if it leaked, it would flow to Lawsons Creek and then to Mudgee and the Cudgegong River.
- The mine would use around 2000 megalitres of water each year. Most of this water is proposed to be taken from the Lawson Creek Valley. The mine would also use the groundwater from the mine pit and this would reduce the water table by 25 metres on site. It would destroy the local waterholes and springs.
- The mine proposes to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Noise models indicate that both daytime and night-time noise at Lue would increase to a quite unbearable level.
For all of the reasons listed above, I urge you not to approve this mine.

Thankyou for allowing me to make this submission- my name is Rowan Mills.
I am the owner of the property "Glendos" who's nearest boundary is approximately 2 kms from the proposed Bowdens silver project. I had a meeting with the previous owners of the Bowdens silver project to voice my concerns regarding the mine, the mine representative stood on my front veranda and looked straight down the valley to where the open cut mine would be , he said quite simply I wouldn't be able to live here because of the noise and dust. I relayed this story to the new owners and their response was "I dont Know why they said that" I said perhaps they were being honest, their reply a deafening silence. I am greatly concerned about my future.

Although I live in Sydney, I often visit Mudgee to stay with good friends who have a large farm on the Lawson Creek just west of the village of Lue. My friends alerted me to the proposal for Bowdens Mine and this is my response to the Environmental Impact Statement.

The mine will produce two dumps of 56 million tonnes of acid forming waste rock and tailings. 26 million tonnes of this rock is Potential Acid Forming. This dump sits in the catchment of Lawson Creek and above the water table.

Acid Mine Drainage AMD is a serious world- wide environmental issue. It occurs when a sulphide metal deposit is exposed to air during mining, a bacteria breaks down the sulphide metals to sulphuric acid which then liberates heavy metals such as zinc, copper and cadmium. These heavy metals are highly toxic and can leach into ground water and creeks. Iron sulphide ore is widespread at Bowdens.

Bowdens does not present AMD as an issue that applies to them. Bowdens maintains that if leaching occurs it will only make waterways dirty.

Water to operate the mine will come from the open cut pit (ground water), surface water (from Lawson Creek catchment) and Moolarben and Ulan mine via a 58km pipeline. Moolarben is a water deficit mine and can only operate using a water sharing agreement with Ulan. Water they buy from Ulan is highly saline and can only be used for roads. I question whether Bowdens has an agreement with these mines. Water will only be available during times of high rainfall. What may be available is highly saline.

Lue will be a dangerous and unpleasant place to live after the mining commences. Lead mining will render tank water unsafe to drink and make the town dangerous for its children. There is no safe level of exposure to lead. The village and its surrounding rural residents will require reticulated water as their ground water will be depleted and contaminated.

I strongly object to Bowdens Mine going ahead.

Bowdens Silver Project
I am the owner of Wilgowrah, 499 Lue Road, Milroy, 2850 NSW. I oppose Bowdens Silver Project as it will have a detrimental impact on my current business.
Firstly, my farming, haymaking and cattle operation relies on reliable ground water supplied by Lawsons Creek and wells below the proposed mine. The business has a 60 megalitre water licence attached to Lawsons Creek to provide water for haymaking, cropping and cattle production. Due to the resent drier seasons water from these sources has been unreliable and will be even more so when Bowdens commence using the proposed 2050 Megalitres of water each year including 780 Megalitres of water from Lawsons Creek. It is imperative Lawsons Creek and the entire water table remains pristine without any pollution from the proposed mine. The proposed tailings dam will be built less than 1km from Lawsons Creek providing no guarantee that leakage will not occur in the future. Thus, rendering any farming or livestock production on Wilgowrah impossible without a reliable supply of water and a guarantee future generations will not be subjected to polluted water.
Secondly, our property offers tourist accommodation attracting visitors wishing to experience a quiet, tranquil and pristine environment. Increased noise and traffic from mining equipment and trucks transporting ore from Bowdens Silver Mine along Lue Road will have a negative impact on our tourist business.
Finally, our home is situated 15 metres from Lue Road and any increase of heavy vehicle traffic will have a significant impact on our lifestyle. We will no longer be able to enjoy a quiet country existence with the constant rumbling of trucks, heavy equipment and the increased traffic flow from mine workers.