Agriculture
15 September, 2024
Farmers lock out sand miners
FALCON Metals have been refused access to Mysia farms for testing of minerals sands. Landowners last week told the exploration company it would be locked out of their farms. The decision came just days after Falcon told the Australian Stock Exchange...
FALCON Metals have been refused access to Mysia farms for testing of minerals sands.
Landowners last week told the exploration company it would be locked out of their farms.
The decision came just days after Falcon told the Australian Stock Exchange the earlier test analysis showed high-grade sands in the district.
Farmers met early last week before talks with Falcon broke down.
They have not made a statement but Falcon updated the ASX last Thursday.
Managing director Tim Markwell said the expected date of recommencing drilling to test the extent of the high-grade Farrelly Mineral Sands Deposit, initially targeted for the final three months of 2024 was at risk of being delayed.
“Falcon has been in communication with several of the landowners at the Farrelly deposit regarding consent for the upcoming drilling, and despite constructive initial discussions, they have decided against providing consent to access their respective properties at this time,” Mr Markwell said in the ASX statement.
“Falcon will continue to engage in good faith with these landowners to understand and address their concerns with the aim of resolving this matter amicably.
“Since Falcon listed on the ASX in December 2021, it has undertaken in excess of 120,000 metres of low impact exploration drilling throughout central Victoria, working in a respectful and responsible manner in all aspects of its activities, including the previous drilling at Farrelly.”
Mr Markwell had told the ASX a week earlier: “It is still early days for the high-grade Farrelly discovery, however it is highly encouraging to see the sighter test confirming the deposit is amenable to conventional processing methods without any notable issues.
“It is also pleasing that the slimes are easily separated from the heavy minerals and settle well using conventional methods, and that the grain size is considered coarser than is often the case with other Victorian deposits, which should translate to a streamlined flow sheet,” Mr Markwell said.
“With no major material processing issues identified in the scope of the test work to date, Falcon’s focus will return to continuing exploration to determine just how large this deposit is.”
Mr Markwell told the Loddon Herald on Monday that Falcon Metals wanted to resume good relationships with landowners.
Future talks would aim to know their concerns, he said.