Resources Victoria has charged the operators of the Costerfield gold and antimony mine for incorrectly storing mining waste material, known as tailings.
The charges against Mandalay Resources relate to two tailings storage facilities at their Costerfield mine, creating unnecessary and unmanaged risks. Resources Victoria allege that two tailings storage facilities were incorrectly operated, including being filled beyond their permitted levels.
Over-filling a tailings storage facility can put additional pressure on the walls of the structure, increasing the risk of an embankment failure, which could cause a tailings spill.
To properly manage site risks, operations at Victorian mines must comply with a work plan approved by Resources Victoria. In approving a work plan, potential risks are identified and mitigation strategies incorporated to ensure operations remain safe.
The tailings issues at the Costerfield mine were identified in December 2024 and a series of notices were immediately issued by the regulator to manage the immediate risk.
The matter is expected to be heard at the Bendigo Magistrates Court in 2026.
