Central Australia hits gold
A TERRITORY company with 51 per cent indigenous ownership is proposing to build the $50 million, 500,000 ton a year Toll Gold Processing plant in Tennant Creek to process third-party gold.
The proposal, by Indigenous Cement Australia Pty Ltd, would create 40 jobs in Tennant Creek and a further 15 in Alice Springs, where a gold refinery would be set up.
The refinery in its first stage would be capable of handling 200,000 ounces of gold a year.
Territory Resources Minister Ken Vowles has welcomed the proposal and said the Territory Government was keen to work with Indigenous Cement Australia to facilitate the plant’s progress
“If this project proceeds, it will facilitate the opening up of resources in the area by enabling small miners to develop their resources without the need to invest large amounts of capital,” he said.
“I am particularly pleased that Indigenous Cement Australia’s foundation is built on strong indigenous engagement and involvement, which will boost the local economy and create jobs in the long term.
“The plant facility, once completed, will go a long way to positioning Tennant Creek and the surrounds as the strong gold-producing region RESOURCES MINISTER KEN VOWLES it once was.” A spokesman for the company said ICA had access to four million ton of tailings that could underwrite the commercial viability of the gold-processing plant for eight years.
“It is on this basis that ICA has the confidence to move to develop the central milling facility,” the spokesman said.
“The aim is for the facility to be available to be used by all explorers, small miners and prospectors.
“We believe we can attract and support new gold exploration efforts in the Tennant Creek and Barkly regions by providing a state-of-the-art fee-for-service gold-processing facility.” He said the company’s goal was to start construction this year.
“We want to facilitate indigenous businesses and indigenous jobs. There is an opportunity now for consolidation and kickstarting the gold industry in Tennant Creek again.”