Bowdens Silver Project Appeal Decision 

Today’s outcome in the Court of Appeal regarding the Bowdens Silver Project is disappointing for the company and concerning for the mining industry in NSW more broadly.

After an extensive assessment process lasting nearly three years, and a positive recommendation from the NSW Department of Planning, the project received its approval from the Independent Planning Commission in April last year.

The Project has since been subjected to legal activism and appeals, and its consent has now been set aside on administrative grounds relating to the determination process of the Independent Planning Commission, putting this important project and 550 potential regional jobs at risk.

NSWMC is reviewing the details of the judgment and liaising with the proponents to understand if there are broader implications for the NSW mining industry.

Silver is listed on the NSW Government’s critical minerals list, and is needed for many applications, including for the manufacture of solar panels and other renewable energy components.

It is difficult to see how the NSW Government can deliver a credible Critical Minerals Strategy when critical minerals projects like this continue to face ongoing obstacles in NSW.

In light of this decision, real action is needed to demonstrate the NSW Government is committed to the future development of critical minerals and metals projects in NSW.