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23rd December 2021 - Fosterville Gold Mine issues community notification for exploration activities within MIN5404.

We write to you today on behalf of Fosterville Gold Mine (FGM), to update you on the current and proposed exploration activities in the vicinity of your property. In the coming weeks the exploration drill rig located just north of Fosterville North Road will move to a site north of Huntly-Fosterville Road. Please find over this page a map which outlines the current exploration drill site and the new exploration drill site. It is expected this exploration program will continue for a period of 4 to 5 months at this location.

Diamond drilling utilises a hollow drill bit impregnated by diamonds to produce a ‘stick’ of core that preserves details of geology, ground conditions and mineralogy. The diamond drill rig will be operated by two to three personnel, with occasional visitors, as required. Access to all drill sites will be via internal site roads, with access via public roads only if required. Expected time frames for the exploration drilling are outlined below, however this will be subject to minor variations depending on ground conditions and operational requirements. 

Drilling at the new site will commence during daytime (7:00am-6:00pm) operating hours, with the intent to extend to continuous drilling (24/7) subject to noise monitoring results and community feedback. Day shift operating hours are 7:00am to 6:30pm and nightshift extends from 7:00pm to 6:30am. 

During start up and throughout the drilling program, Fosterville Gold Mine personnel will conduct periodic noise monitoring at the site and at the closest receptors to ensure compliance with regulatory noise limits. Noise monitoring will be conducted during daytime (7:00am-6:00pm), evening (6:00pm-10:00pm) and night-time (10:00pm-7:00am) periods. Noise monitoring will involve an appropriately trained Fosterville Gold Mine representative (or contractor) accessing nearby receptors for a period (15-30 minutes) to record noise levels using a calibrated sound meter. Monitoring will assess noise levels from both individual drill rigs and the cumulative contribution of the various rigs operating throughout the program. If you would like noise monitoring to be undertaken at your property, please contact a member of the Fosterville Gold Mine Community Team to have this arranged (see contact details below).

Upon completion, the drill holes will be grouted to 1 m below surface and then backfilled with native soil/material from the site. The drill pad area and any vehicle access tracks will be rehabilitated to return the site to its initial condition. Additional information regarding the abandonment of mineral drillholes can be found on the Earth Resources website earthresources.vic.gov.au

The attached notification letter is to ensure nearby landholders remain informed of Fosterville Gold Mine’s exploration activities. Fosterville Gold Mine aims to minimise any adverse impacts from our operations and exploration activities on nearby residents. 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided in this letter, please contact FGM’s Community Team on 03 5439 9000 or email fgm.community@kl.gold