North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release

The North Central Victorian Goldfields Ground Release was announced by the Minister for Resources in October 2019.

It covers an area of 1,565 km² within the Campaspe, Greater Bendigo and Mount Alexander municipalities, and extending across parts of the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung nations.

The ground release

The project initially focused on identifying prospective mineral opportunities to the east and north-east of Bendigo. This region is well-known for its historic and contemporary gold production and potential for other metals.

Prior to the release, work was undertaken to better understand local land use patterns, environmental values, water, infrastructure and heritage values. The outcomes of this work – summarised in this interactive overview – informed the final ground release.

The final release comprised four blocks – ranging in size between 327 km² and 512 km². These are shown on the map below.

Map of the four blocks

The tender process

The initiative was designed to attract explorers with demonstrated sound exploration practices, environmental management and community engagement to the region. Requiring them to compete in a merit-based tender process would enable the most appropriate companies with the best mineral exploration programs to be selected.

Tenders were evaluated by an independent assessment panel supported by two expert advisory panels including, for the first time in Victoria, one focused on Traditional Owner matters.

Each tenderer’s proposal was thoroughly assessed with key criteria comprising responsible minerals exploration, robust environmental management, good social values and a strong commitment to engaging and working with Traditional Owners and with local communities and landholders.

Outcomes and next steps

Following the completion of the tender process, the successful tenderers were announced in October 2021. Fosterville Gold Mine Pty Ltd (parent company Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd) was awarded three blocks and Southern Star Exploration Pty Ltd (parent company S2 Resources Ltd) one block.

Both companies then lodged applications for exploration licences with Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator. These were subject to a rigorous assessment process that included meeting Native Title requirements. The table below provides details for each application, including the date the exploration licence was granted by the regulator.

An exploration licence allows for low-impact activities, such as aerial surveying and soil and water sampling, testing, mapping, and analysis. It does not permit mining. Any exploration activities exceeding low-impact thresholds (e.g. drilling) must have a work plan approved by the regulator.

Page last updated: 24 Apr 2025