The Independent Planning Commission is holding a public meeting this month to hear community comment on the CleanTeQ Sunrise project at Fifield.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The nickel and cobalt mine was approved in 2001, but mining has not begun, and the company has asked for modifications to the consent.
While the mine itself is in the Lachlan Shire, the approved water supply was from a bore field within the Forbes Shire.
The modification includes a proposal to draw water from the Lachlan River, as well as a water treatment plant that would reduce the demand for water.
The application has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission, and they’re inviting community members to have their say on the changes at a forum at the Parkes Leagues Club from 10am on October 16.
You do need to register to speak by October 12, at http://ipcn.nsw.gov.au/resources/pac/media/files/pac/projects/2018/09/sunrise-nickel-mod-4/registration-form/registration-form.pdf
Written submissions are also accepted online at http://ipcn.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say?project=d394d5ff-0f5e-4201-8fe4-5148878856bb
CleanTeQ has signed a voluntary planning agreement with Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan shire councils that would see it contribute a combined total of $400,000 per year.
The department notes that “it has been almost 20 years since the project was approved and the lack of progress…has created a sense of uncertainty and concern in the community.
Since CleanTeQ acquired the mine in 2014, it has undertaken a full feasibility study and confirmed its economic viability.
READ ALSO: