Exploration, Work Programmes and the Environment
Hillgrove holds a mining lease over the old Kanmantoo Mine and exploration licences over surrounding areas. The original mine closed in 1976 due to low prices, a high exchange rate and increasing costs, but remained copper rich. Since 2004 a small team lead by our Executive Director – Exploration & Operations, Dale Ferguson, has been studying the area once more. Using extensive geological mapping, geophysics, rockchip sampling and first pass drilling, and with the application of new technology, such as I.P. geophysical surveys, Hillgrove has been able to prove deposits left around the mine and increase the size of the available resource to the north and south.
Committed to exploring in an environmentally sensitive manner, Hillgrove has implemented a strict Environmental Policy, developed in consultation with the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) and Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC). To ensure work conducted in the vicinity of the old mine and other regions of exploration have a minimal impact on the native vegetation; several flora and fauna studies have been completed. Additionally, Hillgrove has arranged seed collection to establish a seed bank of indigenous flora as well as seed propagation trials. Hillgrove implemented additional management procedures to minimise damage to the native vegetation identified.
Hillgrove is now several steps closer to re-opening the mine with the Pre-Feasibility and Definitive Feasibility Studies completed. Hillgrove has submitted a Mining Lease Proposal to PIRSA and other required licensing is underway. A plant construction/EPCM contractor has been appointed and finance is being sought with a view to start construction in May if all approvals are granted.
For news on where we are working and current programmes please view our Newsletter. Press releases made to the Australian Securities Exhange (ASX) regarding activities and results are located under 'investor information'.
Consulting With Relevant Parties
Hillgrove is mindful of landowner and stakeholder concerns, and every effort is made to consult and liaise with all relevant parties. Following completion of a drilling programme the most prospective areas for further evaluation are determined. Hillgrove then notifies landholders and interest groups that will be affected before commencing work.
All our exploration activities are conducted in accordance with PIRSA guidelines (the government body who regulates mining and exploration in South Australia), and we endeavour to ensure the small areas where we currently work are rehabilitated very rapidly.
The Kanmantoo – Callington Focus Group was initiated in July 2005 to discuss and resolve any issues which become apparent.
This committee was superseded by the formalised Kanmantoo-Callington Community Consultative Committee which first met on the 22 March 2007 (please see Kanmantoo Project/Community Committee for the members list).
Open meetings are held on a regular basis and are advertised via poster, our newsletter and in the Mount Barker Courier. All interested parties are encouraged to attend to observe proceedings and ask questions. Minutes from the meetings are published on the web site in the Community Committee section.
Employment Opportunities
Hillgrove is mindful that we are operating in and around local landowners and communities and it is our greatest wish to see all benefit from our presence. During the current exploration stage we have employed a liaison officer and field hands, contracted drilling services, used suppliers and supported local businesses wherever possible.
Should results continue to be encouraging, the requirement for staff and local supplies is only set to increase over the next year or two. If the mine goes ahead we will widely publish positions to ensure as many local people as possible have the opportunity to gain employment at the site. Our newsletter will provide regular updates on progress in the meantime, but a significant change in the current employment programme is not expected until late 2008.
Out and About with Hillgrove
Hillgrove is a proud sponsor of the Callington United Eagles Football Club and congratulate them on their efforts in the 2007 season and look forward to our association next year. We are also supporters of the Callington Show and The Bremer Callington Cricket Club and value being approached regarding local events and any support we may provide.
We are pleased to host tours of the old Kanmnatoo mine and exploration activities around it, having welcomed Callington Primary, Mannum Minerals Club, Resource Industry Alliance, YouthJet, the University of S.A. and Adelaide University during the past year. Tours can be arranged with notice and provide an excellent understanding of our current activities.
How To Contact Us
John Popow is our Landholder Liaison Office and can be contacted on 0427 131 018 or johnp@hillgroveresources.com.au. Please call should you have queries regarding exploration work, property access, Notices of Entry, or any local matters.
If you would like further information on our work programme you can contact the Executive Director - Exploration & Operations, Dale Ferguson on (08) 9322 6377 or email to: dalef@hillgroveresources.com.au.
For all details regarding the Mining Act and Regulations please visit the PIRSA website, www.pir.sa.gov.au.
You are also able to contact Hillgrove’s head office on 02 8221 0404 or via info@hillgroveresources.com.au.