A Melbourne-based resource company
has applied for a mineral exploration
licence covering a significant portion of land north of Orbost, potentially signalling a new wave of geological interest in the East
Gippsland region.
Dragonfly Resources Pty Ltd lodged the application on January 22, seeking a five-year term to explore a 323.3-square-kilometre area.
The proposed site begins approximately seven kilometres north of Orbost and encompasses the localities of Nurran and Goongerah.
According to the application, the company intends to focus on “low-impact field exploration” during the first year of the licence.
This initial phase is expected to include historical research, field mapping, aerial surveys and soil and rock sampling.
The company stated that these activities, which include hand auguring, are designed to have minimal impact on the environment.
However, the application acknowledges that higher-impact activities, such as exploration drilling, could be on the horizon.
If Dragonfly Resources chooses to move toward drilling in the future, it must submit a formal work plan to the Resources Victoria Regulator, which would include detailed rehabilitation strategies, monitoring, and auditing.
In a move to address potential local concerns, Dragonfly Resources has committed to a consultation process.
“Throughout the exploration planning process, Dragonfly Resources will consult with individual landholders and the broader community,” the company stated in
its application.
They noted that feedback from these
consultations would be incorporated into
their planning.
Under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990, the granting of an exploration licence allows a company to search for minerals but does not automatically entitle them to undertake mining. Further statutory requirements, including specific consent from landowners and occupiers, must be met before any significant work can begin.
The public now has a 21-day window to lodge objections or comments regarding the application. Submissions must be made in writing, stating the grounds on which they are made, and sent to the Minister for Energy and Resources.
Residents looking for more information can visit the company’s website at www.dragonflyresources.com.au or contact the applicant’s representative, John Shippick.
Objections can be lodged online through the Resources Victoria portal.
