Resources Victoria's Earth Resources Regulator has approved a Minerals Exploration Licence for Falcon Gold Resources Pty Ltd.
The licence (EL008505) allows the company to look for evidence of gold and metallic minerals over an area starting about 10 kilometres east of Bendigo, extending south to include Long Lea, Emu Creek, Axe Creek and Sedwick.
A Minerals Exploration Licence does not allow mining.
The public submission period for the licence application held in March, generated 147 submissions. Some of matters raised included concerns about impacts on flora and fauna, waterways, traffic and lifestyles.
Searching for minerals typically disturbs very little ground. It usually involves mapping, water and soil sample testing, ground surveying and targeted drilling. If a commercially viable deposit is found, a separate process toward mining involves further assessment, engagement and approvals.
Victoria's minerals legislation sets out the reasons to grant or refuse an exploration licence. These include whether the applicant is fit and proper to hold a licence, they have a suitable program of work and are likely to be able to fund their activities.
In Victoria, before an explorer can access privately-owned land and commence exploration activities, the explorer requires landholder consent. Land access consent tools are available to aid negotiations.
