Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator has granted Southern Star Exploration a Minerals Exploration Licence (EL007795), allowing the company to search for gold over a 468 square kilometre area in northern Victoria.
In October 2021 Southern Star Exploration were granted the exclusive right to apply for the licence after evaluating their tender submission through the North Central Victorian Goldfield Ground Release.
The competitive, merit-based tender included assessment criteria focusing on responsible minerals exploration and, for the first time, input from Traditional Owners.
The Earth Resources Regulator approved Southern Star Exploration’s Minerals Exploration Licence application following the company establishing Native Title Agreements with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council.
If a commercially viable deposit is identified, a separate process toward mining would involve detailed applications, environmental assessment and extensive local engagement.