Bowdens Silver

A valuable contribution to local community

Please refer to my pdf attachment

The Bowdens Silver project is an exciting development in the Australian Mining Sector. Silver is a strategic asset as it is used in thousands of applications and our modern world and economy could not exist without it. Quite a lot of the world's silver production comes out of jurisdictions which are politically unstable and these assets are exposed to problems such as cartels and nationalization. Silver demand will continue to rise and so will the price. This world class deposit will provide much needed foreign revenue and jobs for the Australian economy. It would be a big waste not to develop it.
Regards
Robert Toumbos.

Bowdens Silver
Appliction Number: SSD-5765
I wish to express my support for this development for its economic benefits both locally and nationally.

I am deeply concerned about the impacts from the potential Bowdens Silver and Lead Mine.
As a land owner who owns a farming property on the Cudgegong River, and I am deeply concerned about the significant amount of water required to operate the mine, and the way any pollutants entering the water catchment could have on my cropping and cattle enterprise. I am extremely concerned about impacts from dust and associated metals on drinking water supplies, livestock and aquatic environments.
The large amount of toxic material being processed at the mine – including lead, cyanide, cadmium and arsenic would be extremely detrimental to fragile ecosystems and the water catchment if this mine is allowed to go ahead.
We have just battled many years of drought, and the huge water requirement by the mine would undoubtably put further pressure on the area’s water table.
I am also deeply concerned that this important ecological and historic region will be threatened by the open-cut mine. Just last week I visited the region of Havilah and Dunns Swamp, and was blown away by its beauty, its rich agricultural lands and historical significance.
Other points of concern include the following:

• The proximity of tailings storage dam to Lawsons Creek, and the real potential for dangerous chemicals to leach into the creek and on to Cudgegong River.

• The fact the mine is to operate in close proximity to a public school, included as a sensitive receiver of mine pollutants (from its rooftop water supply) and traffic fumes, in addition to noise pollutants.

• My son, who has the chronic health condition of cystic fibrosis, is particularly vulnerable to increased dust particles in the air. He often visits nearby property Havilah, which will be negatively affected by increased dust in the airways. This mine would put him, and many others, in a critical danger.

• The destruction of local wetlands and waterholes caused by the proponent’s annual water use, which their own surveys estimate will reduce groundwater levels by 25 metres at the site.

• The destruction of known habitat for endangered species, including the Regent Honeyeater, Koala, Box-Gum Woodland, Ausfeld’s Wattle and Squirrel Glider.

• The social impact on local residents in Lue, Rylstone and Mudgee, and the regions dependence on tourism, which would be directly affected by the toxic, polluting mine, increased traffic and pollutants in a major tourism destination.

• The insufficient consideration of and consultation with traditional owners of the land, including Wiradjuri and Gallanggabang peoples. Part 13 of the proponent’s specialist consultant study details claims from several Aboriginal Land Councils that Bowdens Silver has not provided adequate planning documents, reports, or opportunities for real consultation about the mine proposal.

Given these specific concerns, I urge the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to refuse Bowdens Silver Pty Ltd’s application SSD-5765 on the basis of its clear unsuitability due to ecological and cultural concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Sally Killoran

To whom it may concern;

Whilst I am not a Lue resident I love visiting the region as a tourist and don't think a toxic lead mine should be allowed to proceed.
The environmental and social ramifications of a lead mine will be devastating to the Lue Region and its residents.
The picturesque nature of this region and it's wildlife need to be preserved for generations to come. In a period of environmental awareness, it would reckless of NSW major projects to consider this as mine as benefit to the community.

Enough is enough.

Kind Regards,
William Laing
(A concerned visitor to the Lue Region)

My name is Kate McKittrick and I live nearby to the proposed Bowdens Silver Mine in Lue, New South Wales. I objected to this proposal for a number of personal reasons.

1. Health – I recently suffered a significant life threatening illness. I have respiratory issues and severe eye damage and it has been recommended that I live and work in a relatively dust free environment. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems. I am scared at the possibilities of what the lead and dust will do to my ongoing health issues.

2. Roads - we travel the Lue Road to get to town most days. The road is in extremely poor condition and dangerous at the best of times. We have three teenage children all learning to drive on this road and we do not want to see a massive increase in traffic, let alone the addition of large trucks and the risks associated with the movement of explosives and oxidising agents being transported along the same route. There is no way of avoiding the traffic flow into the mine.

3. Water – we rely very heavily on water from the Lawson Creek for our home and garden. The water level in Lawson Creek will drop by one metre rendering much of the Creek dry for users. Bowdens Mine will use more water from the Lawson Creek catchment than all current users combined. Ground water levels on the mine site will drop by 25 metres and the open cut pit will continue to draw on ground water for up to 100 years after the mine has been abandoned.

4. Planning - Bowdens does not offer a suitable plan for rehabilitation of the mine. When the mine closes the tailings dam and all the PAF will remain forever. As residents of the area we will feel the impacts long after the mine has closed.

To whom it may concern,

Thank you for taking the time to read the submissions. I grew up in the local area of Rylstone and strongly object to the proposed mine by Bowden near Lue.

The local area has a unique environment and one that is not found anywhere else in the world. Farmers locally depend on the water to be as clean and healthy as possible, as do all flora and fauna in the region.

We are in a time of ecological crisis and supporting and funding another mine is strongly unadvised and will not be remembered as a sensible decision in years to come. Furthermore, the damage caused can never be fully reversed.

Please carefully consider these issues. Local communities have the right to live in a clean and safe environment.

Thank you for your time.

I believe this project is another grasp at destroying a beautiful area in order to make money. Our world cannot sustain this constant selfishness. You are looking to mine a mere 2km from a school. This cannot proceed. You have also stated that the whole won’t even be filled in when works are completed. There is no benefit to the surrounding area, economically, as I am sure workers would commute as they do now from Mudgee or Gulgong areas. You are destroying another piece of the world for money, and this cannot happen again.

After buying in the area i had no idea of a mine to go ahead so close to my house im not keen on the afect on my houses value nor the physical affects on me or my family let alone the native animals or am i keen on the idea that my now peaceful drive to and from work will be congested like ulan rd is at the coal mine change overs means more time getting to and from work less value of my house and health risks and enviromental impacts please explain to me how i or anyone else will benifit from this mine ?

Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Locked Bag 5200
Parramatta NSW
2142

18/07/2020
Re :- Bowdens Silver Project.

I submit this correspondence in objection to the proposed Bowden Silver Mine. Application Number – SSD-5765. Open cut mine, with the intention of mining and blasting Zinc. Lead and a small percentage of Silver.
Approximately 26 Kilometres (KM) east of Mudgee and 2 – 3 Km North – East (NE) of the village of Lue.
I take the opportunity to state that I am not adverse to development, employment or mining.
My major concerns are for public health, biotic effects of water ways, the increase of heavy traffic on existing roads, which are not currently user friendly to heavy trucks, which the business is proposing an increase to up to 18 B-Double trucks per week.

Public health issue which are of immense concern to me as a health worker are:-
• Lead poisioning from dust and potential water contamination to Lue village and surronding water catchment.
• Crystalline Silica (which is found in rock) dust which can travel up to 10Km away, creating potential water contamination to Lue village and surronding water catchments.
Potential exposure is created from dust which occurs from increased activity due to mining, rain events casusing the dust to settle in water catchment areas, and wind events.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded key facts re health issues associated with exposure to both Lead and Crystalline Silica.
Residents of Lue, both drinking and bathing in rain water contaminated with lead and silica dust collecting on home catchment areas exposes then to the WHO documented health issues as set below
Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children. At lower levels of exposure that cause no obvious symptoms lead is know to produce a spectrum of injury across multiple body systems. In particular lead can affect children’s brain development. Resulting in reduced Intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioural changes i.e. attention span. Lead exposure also causes anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioural effects of lead are believed to be irreversible
Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidneys and bones. It is stored in the bones and teeth and accumulates over time.
Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy then becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus. There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.
Crystalline Silica causes Silicosis, lung cancer, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, airway disease, autoimmune disease and renal disease.
• Arsnic effects, no measurements of Arsenic have been used in the Environmental Impact Study (ESI). Potential contamination to water, crops and animals/farm stock.
• Cyanide effects, prevents the cells of the body from using oxygen. When this happens the cells die. Cyanide is more harmful to the heart and the brain than other organs due to the brain and hearts high oxygen use.
Collectively the potential effects of chemical pollutants from the mine, pose a major risk to the residents of the Mid-Western Region.
An Industrial Hygienist should be considered for consultation for the protection of the current and future population of the area.
The transportation of materials from the Bowden mine on B-Double trucks may cause contamination to a much greater area than the Mid-Western Region due to dust from loads, if not sealed.
Has there been consultation with the local Health and Emergency Services re potential Work Health and Safety (WHS) issues, which may occur at the open cut mine?
There are a number of precautions which health workers and emergency workers must be aware of, for there own protections when dealing with possible contaminates on injured workers. i.e. specialised chemical resistant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Biotic effects on waterways –
Bowen Mine indicates that they will use 1,857 mega litres (ML) of water per year for processing and dust suppression.
Concerns are: -
Lawson Creek is a rain feed creek.
Any bores, which the mine creates, will more than likely disturb the water table reducing the water flow to Lawson Creek.
Any contamination to the creek and water table will create potential devastation to crops, which are irrigated, and stock, which drink from the creek. Stock and crops will not be saleable creating economic downturn for the farmers who depend upon the water for just that stock/crop hydration.
Contamination of the creek and water tables from Arsenic, Lead Crystalline Silica and Cyanide will create Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).
AMD causes stress on stream organisms such as the platypus, which is already on the endangered list, other creatures of importance to maintain water viability are yabbies, native fish, dragon flies, and a multitude of vegetation, especially in the riparian zone.
Tailings Dam –
Tailings dams have proven in the past to be cost effective for mining operations (cheapest option) to dispose of their mining waste. In the last decade alone, there have been 35 tailings dam failures globally. With environmental sustainability at the forefront of the mining industry, alternatives to tailings management and tailings dams are now being drawn into the spotlight
Bowden Mining has proposed a tailings dam of 107Ha.
18 test pits only, have been done over such a vast area, which may not be a qualifying indicator to build such a dam with a 1.5mm - 1.75mm Geofabric to assist with retention of the tailings.
Possibly 2 x membranes of 4.5mm thick HDPE (sandwiched between 2 layers of bentonite impregnated geo fabric layers.
Independently assessed as being installed and compliant with design premise.
Membranes separated by >1m of compacted clay or stabilised sand (sand and ~8% cement)

Inclusion of pH sensors at multiple locations across the 107ha tailings dam bottom ‘cap’- in the stabilised sand/clay -(“inter spatial zone (between inner/outer HDPE & bentonite: geofab sandwiches) to act as warning signals to flag possible breach of inner membranes by Acid Mine Drainage. (AMD) these types of pH sensors are available in most pool shops and would be a relatively inexpensive but extremely innovative and accurate early warning system not dissimilar to a weaker (ambit claim) Bowden’s representatives have proposed (1.5mm HDPE + w 500mm of crushed rock before they dump tailings juice into the dam! - Extremely weak.
Will the mine be providing regular water test result to the Lue Action Group and general public within the greater Mudgee basin who will potentially be affected by water quality?
In turn AMD events will create biotic destruction and loss of livelihood along Lawson creek. Who will compensate?
AMD events are difficult to correct and do not occur without creating other issues.
Has the mine considered the employment of an environmental hygienist for the ongoing care of the community and environment?
Water pipe 58km from Ulan mine: - Has there been a flora and fauna study done along this line?
Increased traffic on Lue road: -
Lue road is a difficult narrow road to negotiate at the best of times.
There are a number of driveways onto the road; the users of these driveways will be placed at risk with the increase of 18 B-Double of trucks each week.
Some users come out onto the Lue Road over double which lines, the vision is poor and distances are short if/when vehicles are travelling quickly towards those driveways of concern.
There have been a number of serious accidents on this road over the past few years for such a road.
Some of these accidents have occurred at the bottom of our property. We have been required to assist injured persons, which is both distressing and sombre. With the increase of large vehicles the state of the road and bridges (no sides/barriers on bridges) is even more highlighted.
We have had boundary fences destroyed when some accidents have occurred, the culprits not informing us, leaving stock to wander onto the road creating further potential fatal incidents to road users.
Again I will express concern, if the loads are not adequately covered with well secured covers the potential for dust from those loads will further place the community at risk of contamination by dust.
Has Bowden Mine representatives made contact with the Roads and Martine Services re the condition/use of the road and will they be assisting with potential upgrades to the roads?

Is that information available to the general public? If so where may it be obtained?

Thank you for you considering the points of concern in this submission to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.


Yours Sincerely

I declare I have not made a reportable political donation in the previous 2 years.

To Whom it May Concern,
As a long standing tourist to the area, I object to the Bowdens Silver project. The high risk of polluting the environment with lead poisoning and the impact this will have on the surrounding landscape of Lue plus the community and it's people are a grave concern. At a time when we are struggling with climate change and global pandemics, to increase risk to our people and our land, seems incredibly negligent. It overwhelms me this project has got to this stage and flaws have been completely overlooked. There are no considerations around dam leakage into surrounding water tables and the effect this will have on our agricultural industry and our precious indigenous wildlife - wildlife that is already at risk. I strongly and openly object to this project and hope the NSW government can play a role in protecting our incredibly precious environment and wildlife. In the future, I hope to bring my children on annual holidays to the area to educate them on our country - however this will not be possible if the Bowdens Silver Project goes ahead!
Many thanks,
Angie

Likely impact of this development to me and my family. Site is less than 1.5 kilometers from my house, affecting our health and lifestyle.
*- contamination of air with Lead dust fallout with potential serve health issues especially to my young grand children, will make it impossible drink our tank water.
*- loss of water table and contamination of Lawson creek which we rely on to water our stock and vegetable garden.
*- Noise as stated in EIS our locality background noise is only 25 decibels but will increase dramatically to over 130 decibels 24hours 7 days week.
*- Loss of income from my Air B&B cabins on my property, no one will want to holiday next to a lead mine.
*- Increase in traffic on Lue road with an excessive number of B-double trucks on a secondary rd with an already poor safety record.
*- Devaluation of my property and inability to sell, who would want buy it.
*- Size, location and construction design of Tailing dam and Acid rock storage dump are not to best practice. Who's going maintain there integrity after the life of mine.
* Environmental impact on local native animals including Koala population, endangered Swift Parrot and Red gum eucalyptus trees. this project will be an environmental disaster.
Suitability Of Site.
Given they propose to build an as yet unproven design of Tailings dam and acid forming rock dump on top of two significant fault lines appears inconceivable.
There is not enough substantiated factual information in EIS as is substantially based on computer modelling rather than actual testing and research. The project cannot survive without contaminated water from Ulan coal mines piped across private property with potential contamination if the pipe line is compromised in any way. There is no guarantee that Ulan mines will provide this water anyway again desk top modeling.
This beautiful peaceful valley has diverse agricultural and tourist industries that will be destroyed for eternity.

As a regular visitor and potential resident of the Lue area i will be devastated if this Bowdens Silver project goes ahead. We spend alot of time in the area as my husband travels there regularly for work. The health implications could be dire, especially for my young children. The impacts of the toxic outputs from the project could last a lifetime and the costs of these financially and emotionally would be immeasurable (both personally and for those responsible should this poorly considered project go ahead). The health implications are my greatest concern but i am also deeply worried about the ecological impacts this mine could have, especially on our endangered species. PLEASE for the sake of my and many other families, and our incredibly special flora and fauna, do not let the Bowdens Silver project ahead.

The feasibility study for the Bowdens Silver project provides a compelling argument to progress what is the largest undeveloped silver deposit in Australia. Silver is currently experiencing substantial gains in value. This increases the prospects for this project to provide substantial economic stimulus to both NSW and Australia. The construction and ongoing running of the project will provide many local jobs, and as a direct consequence, provide a boost to the local community.

Ground water needs to be protected at all costs. On the back of the worse drought in history and a horrific bushfire season, this project should not go a head. The environment is to precarious and precious to be compromised for short term gain.

• This proposed mine should be named for what it is - a LEAD mine
• The EIS clearly underestimates the threat of acid mine drainage impacting on water courses in the area. The acid mine drainage from heavy metal mines has been proven to have caused continuing pollution for hundreds of years after mining activity has ceased (Overseas examples: The Rio Tinto in Spain, lead mines in Wales. More recent Australian examples: The Sunny Corner mine near Portland; Captains Flat near Canberra; Woodlawn mine near Tarago)
• It is concerning that the Bowden Silver EIS makes little mention of the ALARMING consequences of water levels of zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel on surrounding waterways, and of the fact that these levels will exceed the Australian and New Zealand guideline values for the water.
• Into the future, following closure of mining activity, Bowden Silver will cease to be responsible for the SERIOUS ongoing pollution it has caused to surrounding waterways, and this pollution is likely to be evident for hundreds of years.
• Ref: Submission made by Dr Haydn Washington on 16th July 2020
• Also, I object to this mine going ahead owing to the significant amount of water that will be needed for its operation. In the last few years, we have been experiencing the most severe drought conditions ever recorded and climate predictions indicate that our continent is highly likely to become drier into the future. It is unacceptable to be using vast quantities of water for a mine and that level of usage is highly likely have an adverse impact on the surrounding area.

This project will bring jobs to the local community with long mine life, there will be long term employment.
One of the only silver focused mines in Australia this will be a big bonus in the next 5 years. Good management team can be trusted to look after the environment.

I live in Sydney now but for many years I owned and operated a sheep and cropping farm at Narromine and I travelled often around the Central West of NSW. More recently I have spent considerable time on a cattle property on the Lawson Creek just west of Lue. I lived here for three months during the corona virus pandemic and was made aware of the issues relating to the proposed Bowdens Silver Mine
The reasons why I object to this proposal are
1. The mine’s proximity to the village of Lue and its infants and primary school is far too close is only two kms from Lue School, it will operate 24 hrs /7 days per week.
2. The open cut mine will produce Lead and I’m worried about the dust affecting children as Lead is particularly dangerous for children. The mine will produce 95000 tonnes of lead - a highly toxic mineral. There is no safe level to exposure of lead especially for children and this mine is just 2kms from Lue School. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems.
3. The tailings dams is in the catchment of Lawson Creek and tailings dams do fail. If they do they will pollute the waterway permanently.
4. The economics of this mine are based on an assumed silver price in the EIS is US$20.91/oz, a price that hasn’t been reached over the last 5 years. A financially unviable mine represents an even greater threat as they may look for ways to cut corners which could affect safety.
5. Lue is a peaceful village with 200 residents who enjoy the quiet village life it offers. This will be destroyed by the mine. Also Lue Road is narrow and winding and will not handle safely the large increase in traffic, many of which will be trucks.

I strongly object to this mine and ask the Department to consider my objection.

My extended family have farmed the country surrounding Bowdens Silver Mine for 5 generations. I have spent my entire life visiting the area every couple of months. I am highly aware of the issues relating to the proposed Bowdens Silver Mine and how it would affect the surrounding country.
The reasons why I object to this proposal are
1. The mine will operate 24 hours/7 days per week and is only 2km from Lue Village and the primary school, it is expected that mine will produce massive increase in noise levels and directly impact those in the village.
2. There is no suitable plan for rehabilitation of the mine. When the mine closes the tailings dam and all the PAF will remain forever. This is likely to directly impact the community and generations to come.
3. The tailing dams are likely to have an impact on the surrounding catchment of Lawson Creek. If the tailing dams fail, there will be permanent damage to the water catchment. Further to this, the tailing dam will be highly toxic and based on data 23 tailings dams have failed in 5 years including nearby by Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Gold Mine near Orange.
4. The ground water levels will be directly impacted by mine and drop by 25metres. The open cut mine will draw on water for up to 100 years.
5. The economics of this mine are based on an assumed silver price in the EIS is US$20.91/oz, a price that hasn’t been reached over the last 5 years. If this price is not achieved, the viability and cost-savings in place would be questionable.
I strongly object to this mine and ask the Department to consider my objection.