Community Notification

Operations

NOVEMBER 2024

Commencement of Robbins Hill underground production blasting

This is a notification about the commencement of Robbins Hill underground production blasting within the northern area of MIN5404.This area is located approximately 550 m below the surface is shown in Figure 1.

Since January 2020, FGM has progressed underground development drives (tunnels) from existing underground workings to establish access to the Robbins Hill orebody. FGM will continue to develop the Robbins Hill underground mine and plan to commence production blasting (also known as stope firing) and ore recovery in mid-November 2024. All ore from the Robbin Hill’s area will be trucked to surface via the existing underground workings and portals.

As part of FGM’s ongoing underground development and exploration program in Robbins Hill, we have also commenced development of an underground exploration drive to the east of the Robbins Hill decline, as show in Figure 1. This drive will provide a platform for underground exploration drilling throughout 2025 and beyond.

Blasting is an essential part of mining and involves the controlled use of explosives to break/fracture rock to access the orebody and extract the gold bearing ore. Production blasting has the potential to generate both ground vibration and noise on the surface. FGM monitors ground vibration using a network of geophones installed on the surface, which measure ground movement at properties surrounding the active mining areas. FGM has prescribed ground vibration limits that apply to blasting activity, which are regulated by Earth Resources Regulator.

At FGM production and development blasting can occur 7 days a week. Production blasting is typically carried out during the nominated firing times, which are, between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning and evening.

As part of our services for neighbouring landholders, FGM offers a range of community initiatives to manage the effects of blasting, including:

  • SMS blast notifications issued prior to all scheduled production firings.
  • Multiple avenues for residents to provide immediate feedback on blast events.

Feedback on our blasting activities is critical in understanding our neighbours experience of ground vibration events and assists in our planning to manage impacts on the community. If you wish to subscribe to the SMS blast notification service, please scan the QR code below, or contact any member of the FGM Community Team.


Additional information regarding ground vibration can be found in our Blasting and Vibration fact sheet or by visiting our Ground Vibration page.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided, please contact the FGM Community Team.

  • PHONE: 03 5439 9000 (Option 2)
  • EMAIL: fgm.community@agnicoeagle.com

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