The revival of the Dittmer gold mine in Queensland’s Whitsunday region has sparked a flurry of activity and debate, as Ballymore Resources’ recent discoveries promise a significant lode of gold just metres from the original mine. The company’s modern exploration techniques have uncovered a substantial gold and copper target, raising hopes for a large-scale operation that could employ hundreds of workers. However, the prospect of renewed mining activity has also ignited environmental concerns and community divisions.
The Dittmer mine, once the third-largest gold mine in Queensland, closed in 1953 and was revived briefly in the 1980s. Ballymore Resources, which has held an exploration lease for the site since 2020, has identified a 1.2-kilometre-by-800-metre-wide “pipe-like magnetic body,” indicating a significant gold and copper target. Operations director Andrew Gilbert attributes the discovery to advancements in geophysical techniques and processing methods. “Lots of geophysical techniques have improved over the years,” he said. “But also the big budgets and the different styles of processing and mining have changed.”
The company’s application to extend its mining leases to about 272 hectares has met with resistance, with 12 objections leading to a referral to the Land Court. A four-day hearing is scheduled for May 6, where objections to the resource project and its environmental impact will be heard. Chris McGrath, a barrister and adjunct associate professor at the University of Queensland’s School of the Environment, described the process as a “public hearing where people can air grievances,” though he noted that projects are rarely halted outright. Instead, conditions are often imposed to mitigate environmental impacts.
Environmental concerns are at the forefront of the debate. The mine’s proximity to the Dittmer township and the Peter Faust Dam, which supplies water to Proserpine, has raised alarms. The Whitsunday Conservation Council has expressed concerns about the water studies conducted by Ballymore Resources, citing the potential impact on local water sources. Additionally, residents like Viki Lauder have voiced worries about the impact on critically endangered Proserpine rock wallabies, which inhabit the nearby state forest.
The processing of mined material is another contentious issue. In the 1930s, processing occurred near Kelsey Creek using toxic materials that leaked into the waterway. Neighbour Trevor Jones has expressed concerns about how and where the mined material will be processed. Gilbert, however, assured that alternatives to cyanide, such as a ‘flotation concentrator’ and non-cyanide leaching processes, are being considered. “One of the opportunities nearby is a ‘flotation concentrator’ [using water and gravity to separate particles within the ore body], and that’s a completely different processing methodology,” he said. “We’re dealing with a company in Canada that are utilising a non-cyanide leaching process and that’s actually proving to be quite successful.”
The Dittmer mine revival could significantly shape the future of the mining sector in Queensland. The discovery of a substantial gold and copper target underscores the potential for modern exploration techniques to uncover valuable resources in historically mined areas. However, the environmental concerns and community divisions highlight the need for rigorous environmental assessments and transparent communication with stakeholders. The outcome of the Land Court hearing in May will be crucial in determining the future of the Dittmer mine and setting a precedent for how similar projects are managed in the region.
The debate surrounding the Dittmer mine revival is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the mining industry. As companies seek to exploit new resources, they must navigate complex environmental regulations and community expectations. The Dittmer mine’s story is one of potential economic growth and environmental stewardship, and how the industry balances these competing priorities will shape its future. The Land Court hearing in May will be a critical juncture, not just for the Dittmer mine, but for the mining sector as a whole. The decisions made will influence how future projects are approached, setting a precedent for balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.
