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24th September 2021 - 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. These activities are the continuation of the Robbins Hill exploration program, with the most recent correspondence sent on 8 September 2021. Please find the attached .pdf displaying a map which outlines both current exploration drill sites and future exploration drill sites.

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.

Current Exploration Drilling

Site A – Exploration diamond drilling with sound attenuation panels until early December 2021.

Site C – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed until late January 2022.

Site D – Exploration diamond drilling with installation of sound attenuation panels until late November 2021 and will then move to Site F with custom built acoustic shed.

Site E – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed until early January 2022.

Site H – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed until early January 2022.

Future Exploration Drilling

Site F – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed. Commencing late November until May 2022.

Site G – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed. Commencing early January 2022 until early February 2022.

Site I – Exploration diamond drilling within custom built acoustic shed. Commencing late November until early January.

Site J & K – Exploration Diamond drilling with custom built acoustic shed at either site at the conclusion of drilling at Site I. Completion May 2022.

For all future exploration drill sites, drilling 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 closest receptors to ensure compliance with regulatory noise limits is maintained. Noise monitoring will be conducted during daytime (7:00am-6:00pm), evening (6:00pm10:00pm) and nighttime (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

This letter is to ensure nearby landholders remain informed of FGM’s exploration activities. FGM 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