The Hon. David Michael, Minister for Mines and Petroleum (WA), Media Release, 13 March 2024
The Cook Government has congratulated Bellevue Gold for officially opening its $252 million Bellevue Gold Project, which sees the mine reopen after sitting dormant for more than 20 years.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael attended today’s formal opening of the mine in the Eastern Goldfields.
Located 35 kilometres north-west of Leinster, Bellevue Gold will employ about 230 workers, who will be housed in rooms 20 per cent larger than the industry standard.
The company expects to produce more than 1.8 million ounces of gold over an initial 10-year mine life. With a mineral resource of 3.1 million ounces at 9.9 grams per tonne, the mine will be one of Australia’s highest-grade gold mines.
Bellevue Gold aims to be a net-zero emission site by 2026, with the lowest greenhouse gas intensity of any major Australian gold project. This will allow the company to market ‘green gold’, a product which has the potential to attract a price premium.
Wind and solar are expected to provide up to 80 per cent of the facility’s overall power needs.
The earliest production at the mine site dates back to the early 1900s. Operations restarted in 1986 before closing in 1996, at a time of historically low gold prices. The project lay dormant until Bellevue Gold recommenced exploration activities in 2017.
The Cook Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) co-funded Bellevue Gold’s drilling activities in 2017 and 2019, and these results underpinned the mine’s reopening.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
“Congratulations to Bellevue Gold on the opening of its remarkable gold mining project, which will deliver economic benefits to the Eastern Goldfields and jobs for local communities.
“I commend Bellevue Gold for working closely with the Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes, and for committing to ongoing engagement.
“It is also encouraging to see the Bellevue Gold Project aim for net zero emissions as Western Australia’s resources sector will play a key role in the State’s transition to a low carbon economy.
“The Cook Government remains supportive of mining and resources companies that are leading by example and embracing renewable energy solutions.
“The Exploration Incentive Scheme continues to encourage exploration in remote regions of WA, and it’s always pleasing to see the scheme deliver such outstanding outcomes.
“With record sales of $18.6 billion in 2022-23, gold will continue to play a significant role in WA’s economic future.”
