An exploration tunnel is an underground tunnel that will enable vehicles to travel into and drill under the ground. The tunnel willbe approximately 150m deep and 600m long. There will be infrastructure near the tunnel’s entrance that will include sheds, offices, dams and rock stockpiles.

We will continue to operate our surface rigs as normal.

Drilling underground will allow SXGC to operate more rigs and help us understand the Sunday Creek resource more quickly than our surface drilling program. Developing an understanding of the geology will allow us to determine the economic viability of a mine.

A decision to proceed with a mine would be made following a review of an underground drilling program. At this stage SXGC does not know whether a mining license application will be made.

We are only permitted to construct a tunnel to continue exploration drilling from underground. An exploration license does not permit us to mine for minerals nor does it guarantee that a mining license will be approved. No processing or tailings infrastructure will be constructed as apart of the exploration tunnel.

The tunnel will be located on the eastern side of Sunday Creek on SXGC-owned land. The location is indicative and the final position has not yet been confirmed. The environmental surveys that are currently underway will determine the final position.

We plan to submit an application for the exploration tunnel by mid-2025. Pending government approval, we anticipate construction will commence in 2026.

The project is primarily assessed by Resources Victoria. Other government departments including water agencies and the EPA will also be involved in the project’s approval.  

Construction of thetunnel will take 6-12 months.

As part of the tunnel approval, a rehabilitation plan will be developed and an environmental bond lodged with the Earth Resources Regulator.

Impacts on flora and fauna

SXG has undertaken an extensive amount of survey work to understand the ecology of our environment. We are using this information to refine our designs to ensure we minimise impact as much as possible. Any vegetation that is removed will be formally offset as part of the project’s approval.

Will the tunnel have an impact on ground and surface water?

All surface infrastructure will be constructed more than 200m from Sunday Creek and meet Australian standards to protect water quality. We have engaged technical experts to guide us in our project design to minimise impact on surface and groundwater.

Will the tunnel construction affect cultural and historic heritage?

The Taungurung Land and Waters Council and heritage advisors have surveyed the project areas and their feedback has been incorporated into the project’s design.

What will I experience?

Near the entrance will be soil stockpiles, a workshop, an office and dams. A vent shaft ensuring fresh air is circulated in the tunnel will also be built. This cluster of infrastructure will be constructed during daylight hours. Construction of the tunnel will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week with minimal impact on our neighbours. Once completed, under ground drilling activity will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will traffic on Clonbinane Road increase?

Traffic will be limited by bussing site contractors in and out of the project in the mornings and evening. We will avoid school bus times. Some heavy vehicles will periodically access the site. Material that is excavated to construct the tunnel will be stockpiled onsite for use in rehabilitation and will not be trucked offsite.

Noise and vibration

Residents may hear earth moving equipment during the construction of surface infrastructure and as material is brought out of the tunnel and stockpiled on the surface. Blasting will occur when constructing the underground tunnel. The effects are unlikely to be audible but there may be a feeling of slight vibration. Blasting will only occur during the construction phase which we expect to take 6-12 months.

How will dust and emissions be managed?

We do not expect air quality to be impacted by the construction or operation of the tunnel. Modern dust suppression techniques will be employed to minimise any impact during surface construction. Fresh air will be drawn into the tunnel for the safety of underground workers and on cold mornings condensation may emit from the ventilation shaft.

Visual amenity

SXG has worked to minimise the visual impact of this project. This includes positioning infrastructure behind hills and trees where possible. Some residents can expect to see some surface infrastructure including buildings, vehicle movements, dams, and rock stockpiles. Work will be done on building and lighting design and visual screening to ensure infrastructure blends into the natural environment.

Bushfire risk

Our fire preparedness and response plan has been updated to reflect this change in operations and additional measures will be implemented. Exploration license conditions restrict activity on total fire ban days.

There are many ways our community can provide feedback. Please contact us the details below or visit us at one of our community drop ins held at Clonbinane, Kilmore, Wallan, Wandon or Broadford. Dates can be found here.