Fosterville Gold Mine
The Fosterville Gold Mine, located 20 km east of Bendigo, commenced operation in 2005. The underground and open cut mine is owned by Agnico Eagle.
Matters of community interest
Earth Resources Regulation has received enquiries from local community members about noise, seismic events, extension and zoning related to the Fosterville Gold Mine.
We are meeting regularly with co-regulators, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) and City of Greater Bendigo, to discuss and address community concerns. We are also in regular communication with the mine.
Low Frequency Noise
EPA is the lead agency for low frequency noise. Earth Resources Regulation works closely with EPA to ensure that low frequency noise is managed appropriately onsite. Visit the EPA website for more information.
Induced seismicity activity
An induced seismicity event related to mining is often described as an earth vibration or movement caused by underground mining activities, which can occur either during blasting or after the removal of rock. Vibration and movement felt by residents beyond a mine’s boundaries is a key focus for Earth Resources Regulation.
Fosterville Gold Mine has been conducting its underground mining activities within the legislative requirements.
Earth Resources Regulation is working with the mine operator to investigate seismicity and ways to further minimise this around the mine.
Extension
Fosterville Gold Mine is proposing to extend underground mining operations within its current mining licence area. This is anticipated to extend the life of the mine by a minimum of 10 years.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) determined that an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was required before an application for extension could be considered. An EES is an assessment of the potential impacts or effects of a proposed project or development. Community consultation forms part of the EES process.
DELWP manages the EES process. Visit Planning Victoria's website for more information about the Environment Effects Statement process in Victoria.
For information specific to the Fosterville Gold Mine EES visit the Fosterville Gold Mine Sustained Operations Project page on Planning Victoria's website.
Before any extension can take place, Fosterville Gold Mine must also seek appropriate approvals via Earth Resources Regulation. These include a work plan under the Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.
Residential zoning and local property purchases
Earth Resource Regulation regulates activities on earth resources sites in accordance with an approved work plan.
The City of Greater Bendigo manages zoning matters relevant to different types of land use, including mining.
Any public inquiries about property management and purchase of houses by a mine operator should be discussed with the operator directly.
Enquiries
For more information, visit the the Fosterville Gold Mine website.
If you have any concerns about mining activities at any mine site, Earth Resources Regulation urges you to raise them with the relevant operator. The Fosterville Gold Mine receives calls directly on 03 5439 9000 or via email at FGM.Community@agnicoeagle.com
Earth Resources Regulation is the principal regulator of mining activity in Victoria. We work with other co-regulators, such as the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and City of Greater Bendigo, to address matters relating to mining activities.
If you have an enquiry about mining activities, please use our online form to lodge your question. This ensures your enquiry is logged, delegated to the right person for response and tracked appropriately. Alternatively, you can phone 1300 366 356 or email ERRFeedback@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Enquiries submitted to Earth Resources Regulations outside these contact channels may not receive a response.
To lodge a report with EPA, contact EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 or online via the EPA's reporting pollution page.
Enquiries to City of Greater Bendigo may be lodged via phone 1300 002 642 or email requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: 10 May 2023