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Fosterville Gold Mine is continuing the Robbins Hill exploration program, which has been ongoing for several years.

FGM will operate one surface diamond drill rig in the northern area of Mining Licence MIN5404 during 2025. Please find in the downloadable link below, a map which outlines the current exploration drill site planned to commence in April. 

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 timeframes 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

Drilling at site A will conclude in early-mid April with drilling to commence at site B in mid April. Drilling at site C is expected to commence in mid-June and continue through to August. Exploration diamond drilling will occur within a custom-built acoustic shed.

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, FGM personnel will conduct periodic noise monitoring at the site and closest properties to ensure compliance with regulatory noise limits is maintained. Noise monitoring will be conducted during daytime (7:00am-6:00pm), evening (6:00pm-10:00pm) and nighttime (10:00pm-7:00am) periods. Noise monitoring will involve an appropriately trained FGM representative accessing nearby receptors for a period (15-30 minutes) to record noise levels using a calibrated sound meter.

If you would like noise monitoring to be undertaken at your property, please contact a member of the FGM 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.

Our aim is to ensure that our community 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 9300 or email fgm.community@agnicoeagle.com