Proposed Mine Overview
The original Bird in Hand Gold Mine, located in Woodside, South Australia was mined in 1881 and was the largest of 17 mines in the Woodside Goldfield in the 1800’s. The property named “Goldwyn” in recent years has been used as a dairy before being acquired by Terramin in 2015.
It is proposed to reopen the goldmine to extract the remaining gold using underground mining.
The Bird in Hand Gold Mine has been designed using a minimal impact design philosophy to ensure minimum disruption to the surrounding properties.
Only extraction of ore-bearing rock will take place at Bird in Hand. The rock will be taken by truck to Strathalbyn for processing.
Keyhole extraction
The surface penetration will be limited to a relatively small (60 x 25 metres) keyhole shaped cut-in to provide access to a tunnel large enough to drive a road going vehicle into. All other operations are below ground or at Strathalbyn.
Hidden behind trees
The surface operation equipment and the mine entrance will be hidden from view behind large stands of trees and shrubs. The only visible structures from adjoining properties and roads will be…
A silo, similar to structure on neighbouring properties.
A dam, similar to hundreds of dams on rural properties in the area.
An entrance road.
The exisiting dairy buildings
During the initial three-months of surface mine construction, noise levels will be similar to current noise levels from adjacent properties (tractor, trucks, mowing). However, once work moves largely below the surface, noise levels will be minimal.
The Mining Lease Application specifies an expected mine life of 5 Years.
Water removed will be filtered and returned to the water table.
Water removed will be filtered and returned to the water table.
The mine tunnels will penetrate below the water table. Water seepage into the mine will be pumped out while water proofing is installed.
Any water usage on site (stored for CFS firefighting and used for truck washing) will be supplied by mains water (SA Water).
Water usage will have negligible impact on the water table.
Included in the Mining Lease Proposal (MLP) is a comprehensive environmental management plan. The mine will be operated to conform with stringent legislation and execution of, and conformance to this plan, which will be monitored by government agencies.
Irrespective of requirements or legislation, Terramin aims to exceed requirements with the aim of restoring the property to better than its original condition.
From an environmental and community engagement perspective, this will be a model project.
