Bowdens Silver

I am concerned about the mining of lead which will be the major metal being mined here. I am concerned about the possible impacts to the environment and humanity from the effects of this lead mining, which could be catastrophic. It is a possible effect, but because it is lead, there in no undoing to the effects of any leaching of waste products, or effects to the quality of air from dust. If there is no problem with lead, why have we banned leaded fuel, lead paint etc. Why does Mt Isa have the Living With Lead Alliance if there is no problem with lead? Because there IS a problem living with lead. If lead leaches into the Lawson Creek, it will affect Lawson Creek, the Cudgegong River, Mudgee water supply, Burrandong Dam, and the Macquarrie River system. I do not believe the mine should have any access to the Lawson Creek. This Creek more often than not does not even flow. It is used for agriculture, and I believe the water downstream of the proposed mine would be non existent should they have any access.

PLEASE do not let this mine go ahead!

I oppose the Bowdens Silver Project, due to the environmental damage that is highly possible from the mine works. The proposed project will produce noise, dust, traffic, and toxic waste, and also de-value the properties all around the mine site, and district. The water table, the ground water and underground water in the Lue district is still in a natural state. There is no guarantee that the Lue area, farmlands, and waterways, would not be affected from a nearby mine that has major excavation works, new dirt roads, a tailings dam from mine waste with chemicals, and altered natural areas. The long term detrimental effects of this mining proposal, need to be seriously considered, so our beautiful Mudgee/Lue areas, and the farming lands which produce our food, will remain healthy, and for future generations.

I object to the project of Bowdens Silver Mine going ahead. The damage to Native Flora & Fauna may well be irreversible.
Lead,leaching into waterways (Cudgegong River) & all catchment/aquafer may well pollute for generations to come.
As an ex employee of Mount Isa Mines/Lead Smelter,in the Queensland Gulf country for almost four years,I have personally seen & experienced the ill effects of pollution 1st hand.
The Ore that is mined from either open cut or underground tunnelling,contains-Silver,lead & usually Zinc as well.
All local residents will undoubtedly inherit a much higher Blood lead count.
50 parts per million,used to be World Health Authority Maximum.
This Lead count may well affect Residents,Livestock & all Native Wildlife.
As a long time & regular Visitor & farm assist helper, I would urge the Government to not allow the project to proceed.
Thank You,Paul Kukula.

I am Lynette Purcell of 38 Irrubel 4d! Newport,2106.
I wish to make a submission concerning the Bowden Silver Project,Project 9641.
I oppose the Bowden Silver Project because of the serious risk to the community from lead pollution.
The mine is little more than 2 kms from the Lue school and township.
Airborne pollution, dust containing lead so close to community will not only be inhaled, handled, but in drinking water via the roofs that fill the water tanks.
We know there is no safe level of lead exposure. Reduced IQ in children , ADD and violent behaviour in adults are well documented results of exposure.
I am also concerned about lead entering the waterways and causing dangerous contamination downstream. I do not consider the the so called safeguards sufficient. A recent risk review into the frequent failure of tailings dams , with the potential serious consequences , noted this record would not be acceptable in any other area of geo technical engineering.
The risk to subterranean water table is likely to impact surrounding long-standing farming enterprises where irrigation and stock will suffer.It is expected water levels will drop significantly and there is the likelihood of aquifer contamination from sulphide exposure in the open cut that will slowly fill with water .
There is no provision for any restoration of the environment.
This mine is a danger to health and environment, to the sustainable farming of the area.
How can the State Government justify this ‘grab the money and run?
How can we sell our grandchildren’s future?

I object the Bowdens mine because of the dust fall out , which say wouldn,t travel more than 2km which is a joke . as last summer the region of Mudgee was covered in dust from Dubbo so you tell me???? And the road from Lue to Mudgee will not handle the regular use of B / Double trucks.... at all.... there will DEATHS... Also the NSW tax payer shouldn,t have to foot the bill for road repairs etc.... Also the containation from the taling dam to the Mudgee region will have a dramatic affect on the area. Mudgee has a huge cattle population and a huge winery industry ....Surely the N S W Goverment wouldn,t destory the above industry for a small mine...

I object to the Bowdens mine for a lot or reasons but firstly why are they allowed to call it a silver mine when only 1% of production is going to be silver but 42% is lead - could it be that they know if they called it a lead mine everybody would object to that because we all know how deadly it is to people, animals and the environment??
Apart from that my main objection is the tailings dam full of toxic waste which will be around forever - long after the owners of Bowdens have grown fat on their profits and retired - what happens when it breaks down or even springs a leak or we have major flooding and it spills out over the top - who will be responsible then? We have all seen on the news how a big company just dissolves or goes into bankruptcy to avoid facing responsibility or the cost or cleaning up after themselves.
Apart from the monetary cost of clean up what about the cost to the environment - this toxic mess will get into Lawson Creek then flow on to Mudgee and into the Cudgegong River devastating the water supply to countless families, livestock, wildlife and vegetation right through the area - not to mention ruining the wine industry too! - its just not worth the risk.
It's not fair to leave this mess as an inheritance to our children and their children for the sake of a few jobs in the area - surely the government could find something not so dangerous for the area to create jobs for the locals.
Thank you for listening to my objections - I hope they reach the right ears.
Kind regards, Nicole

We object to the Bowden Silver Mine for the reasons outlined in our attached submission.

I support the project because I think it will boost the economy in Lue and the surrounding area by creating local jobs they have always sponsored local events and sporting teams and I would like to see more of this in the area as well as supporting local businesses.

Dear Planning Submissions Team,

As a small share holder in Silver Mines Limited, and previously a regular visitor to the Mudgee area, I would like to add my support to the proposed Bowdens Silver project located near Lue in NSW.

The broader Mudgee area is a unique and beautiful regional area within NSW with a number of the towns and villages emanating the quintessential Australian ‘small town’ country charm. In my opinion these areas are being transformed, and some of the uniqueness lost, in the name of progress in our fast changing world. Having said that, it is imperative that regional Australian towns remain economically and socially viable. To this end, I believe the Bowdens Silver project will strike the necessary balance between preserving the amenity and uniqueness of the area while ensuring the survival of the region and, more broadly, secure Australia’s access to a high quality source of silver.

While there already exists a number of mines in the area, I believe the significance of the Bowdens Silver project is that it is primarily centred around the extraction of silver. Silver is essential in the development of new industrial and technological applications, not least of which is in the environmental sphere, but also significant in regards to the long history of silver as a precious metal and store of wealth. In the current uncertain economic climate, and with political tension increasing with China, I believe it is imperative that Australia has access to a high quality long term supply of silver. This is not just from the standpoint of it’s industrial application and its use in emerging technologies, but also undeniably in terms of its position as a precious metal. I appreciate that this last point may not resonate with parties depending upon their view of the mechanics of the the world economy, however I feel the strategic potential of silver to re-emerge as an economic store of wealth should not be dismissed.

I believe the successful development of the Bowdens Silver project is a matter not just of local and State importance, but more broadly a matter of significant national security. It is my opinion that Silver Mines Limited has been very thorough in developing this project to date and I remain confident that should approval be granted for construction of the proposed mine, it will be operated with appropriate sensitivity to the local community and the surrounding environment. The project has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to the region specifically, and Australia more broadly, and to this end I believe the Bowdens project should be endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment.

Kind Regards

I am lucky enough to be employed by Bowdens Silver, I can say Bowdens Silver have been an exceptional company to work for with strong ethical values that really promote a great working environment. I believe the company understands the significance that all its activities need to contribute as positively as possible to both the regional environment and local communities.
The silver mine will create jobs for generations to come in an area where job opportunities are quite limited. Thus in turn promotes spending within and growth of the local communities.
The silver produced from the mine isn't just a valuable metal it is also used in many industries and I believe with the rate of current technological advancement and the properties silver holds, it could be the key in the discovery of new inventions towards a cleaner more sustainable world we live in.

Please consider the concerns raised in the attached submission.

The proposed project has been factually misrepresented in the EIS and that shows the deceit and contempt that the proponents show for the local and adjacent localities, their environments and their established amenity.

I totally object to this project at this location.

This projects isre essential for our post Covid recovery and will provide much needed employment in our local area.

I hereby confirm support of the project as this will be good for the economy and create local jobs.

This project will bring great value to the community in both the local economy and population growth. The benefits of this project outweigh the negatives and I hope it will be supported as it provides great potential for the future of our small regional community’s.

I definetely support the project to proceed to construction and operational phases as this project will certainly assist to boost the Australian economy and provide local jobs during the construction and operational stages.

Lue is a beautiful town that I have visited my entire life! We can't let the culture of the town be completely changed so that a private company can profit. Country towns are already struggling enough as is in every aspect, let alone when these sort of projects come in and decimate the community.

The silver mine is important for resources for modern technology. The correct assessments have been undertaken and the government should be showing how the biodiversity offsets are being bought and sold on the market. The government should be transparent in where these offsets are going, the development application has followed due process. The mine will be positive for the local and wider community economies and good job creating project after Covid-19 pandemic.
This mine is owned by an Australian company which during these tough times should be supported.

This project is a much needed investment in the local community and will create many jobs during construction and then continuing through to operations. Being an Australian company will help our local economy grow which is much needed after the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Silver is a much needed commodity with many practical applications, as are the the lead and zinc by-products. I support this application.