Regis Resources has received conditional approval for its McPhillamy's Gold Mine in Blayney, near Bathurst, from an independent planning panel in NSW's Central West. 

The approval was granted after the panel concluded that the benefits of the mine would outweigh any negative social and environmental implications.

The mine plan involves an open-cut pit and tailings storage at the head of the Belubula River, as well as a pipeline to transfer water from Lithgow's Mount Piper Power Station. Regis Resources intends to extract up to 60 million tonnes of ore and produce up to 2 million ounces of gold during the mine's estimated 11-year lifespan. The plans also include the construction of a 90-kilometre pipeline to supply excess water to the site from a coal mine near Lithgow.

The Department of Planning and Environment recommended the mine for approval, but due to the number of submissions opposing the plan, it was up to the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to make the final determination.

The IPC acknowledged various concerns about the mine, including its impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage, but said they could be “effectively avoided, minimised or offset through strict conditions”. 

The panel found that “on balance”, the project was in the public interest, citing benefits such as “producing a significant mineral resource to meet the growing demand for raw materials” and creating employment, training, and investment opportunities for the community, which would “outweigh the negative impacts”.

In February, community members opposed the mine due to environmental concerns, particularly water contamination and dust. 

The IPC received approximately 80 submissions, with at least 85 people living within 2 kilometres of the proposed mine. 

The Belubula Headwaters Protection Group expressed disappointment with the decision but was not surprised, with president Daniel Sutton stating; “We're working in a system that's skewed to approve projects like this”. 

The group welcomed the conditions placed on the mine to minimise impacts such as noise, dust, and water but stressed the importance of enforcement.

Regis Resources says it is “pleased” with the outcome, with managing director Jim Beyer stating; “McPhillamys is one of Australia's largest undeveloped open-pittable gold resources and underpins significant value potential for Regis. We look forward to working with local communities, stakeholders, and companies to mitigate the risks and concerns surrounding the project”. 

The decision is not final, as the Belubula Headwaters Protection Group is considering an appeal to the Land and Environment Court.