Historical outback town strikes gold with new mine

Almost 150 years after the Gulf town of Forsayth saw its first gold rush, an Australian company will develop a new gold mine and 20 local jobs.

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the 20-year lease was for Laneway Resources to develop its Agate Creek project, 40km south of Forsayth. 

“Laneway Resources plans to hit the ground running on the Agate Creek Project, teaming up with Maroon Gold Pty Ltd to allow work to start immediately,” he said.

“Agate Creek Mine will be powered by 20 local jobs in the first phase of the project.

“This is projected to increase to 80 jobs in Phase Two of the project, when an onsite processing plant is added to increase the mining output from 100,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes per annum.”

“As part of their mining lease application and Native Title agreement, mine owners Laneway Limited, have committed to employing local residents, and will offer training and business opportunities for Traditional Owners the Ewamian People.

The Palaszczuk Government has facilitated more than $9 billion of mining investment in Queensland over the past four years, supporting 5,500 jobs.

“A pipeline of almost $25 billion more resources projects will provide resources jobs well into the future,” Dr Lynham said.

Agate Creek Project follows a strong 12 months for local gold exploration and continuing high gold prices. Gold exploration expenditure increased to $61.7 million in 2017-18 – up 21 per cent on the previous year.

Forsayth is in the Gulf-Savannah region, 300 km south-west of Cairns. In its gold rush heyday, it was known as the “poor man’s goldfield” because prospectors didn’t need expensive equipment to search for gold.

A small part of the Etheridge Goldfields, local legend has it that gold was discovered by a Tom McEvoy, who struck a reef while sinking a post hole. 

Dr Lynham said the companies have met land access agreements and fulfil all existing environmental and Native Title requirements.

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