PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Primary Industry and Resources Minister Ken Vowles has officially opened the Edna Beryl gold mine, in the Northern Territory, bringing the government’s plans to create a resources hub at Tennant Creek one step closer.

Edna Beryl is one of many small mines in the Tennant Creek area and will potentially be the first of many new projects that go into development and production in the region.

“This is fantastic for local employment and economic development, as the Edna Beryl mine will employ six operators with additional personnel such as surveyors, engineers, geologists and truck drivers also required at various stages throughout the mine’s operation,” Vowles said.

Project developer Emmerson Resources noted that the opening of the Edna Beryl mine marked a transformational event for the company and transitioned Emmerson from an explorer to developer.

Mining at Edna Beryl is being undertaken by an operator specialising in small mines under a tribute agreement.

“The Northern Territory has a long and continuous history of gold mining, from three main goldfields – Pine Creek, Tennant Creek and the Tanami. In particular, mining at Edna Beryl and surrounding areas dates back to 1940, with the most recent activity ceasing in 2004,” Vowels said.

“Gold continues to be one of the leading commodities for both exploration and mining in the Northern Territory, with total gold production to June 2016 estimated at 540 t, or 19-million ounces.”

As part of the 2017 Budget, the territory government announced a feasibility study into building a common user mine and processing facility in Tennant Creek.

“If viable, the project would allow small mining operations to get under way without the cost of a major investment in their processing costs and this facility could be a game-changer for smaller mines,” Vowels said.