$1 Billion Dollar Gold Mine in Limbo After Minister Intervenes on Indigenous Grounds

An eleventh hour move by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has rendered plans for an open cut goldmine ‘unviable,’ Regis Resources claims.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek addresses media in the Mural Hall at Parliament House on May 14, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. Today is final day of a special parliamentary sitting, after parliament was adjourned due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Parliament is set to resume in August 2020. Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images

A $1 billion (US$674 million) gold mining project is in doubt following last-minute intervention by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to protect the site on Indigenous grounds.

Mining company Regis Resources had planned to operate a gold mine at the McPhillamys Gold Project site near Blayney in New South Wales for about 11 years.