Elverdton

Elverdton is located on Southern Noogar and Wagl Kaip Indigenous Land Use Agreement area 11 km south-east of Ravensthorpe within the Fitzgerald Biosphere.

Copper, silver and gold mining began in the area in 1899, with major periods of copper ore production between 1901-1918 and 1957-1971. The historic site is loosely defined by a number of abandoned mine features comprising the tailings stockpiles, underground mine shafts and mine infrastructure. Approximately 700,000 tonnes of uncontained tailings from mining activities remain on site. Community concerns relating to the downstream movement of tailings material within the Steere River have been noted since the tenement forfeiture in 1992. This led to Elverdton being selected as one of the Abandoned Mines Program’s initial projects when the program was established. The project is focused on mitigating the impact of tailings material to the surrounding environment.

The Elverdton project was placed on hold in 2020 following the sample plan for the detailed site investigation. The decision to place the project on hold was endorsed by the Contaminated Sites Auditor due to insufficient Mining Rehabilitation Fund interest earnings to enable further work.

Increases in interest earnings on the fund enabled the recommencement of the project in 2023. The AMP is working closely with project stakeholders, engaging directly with tenement holders, neighbouring landholders, and the local community.

Strategic objectives

1. To minimise significant environmental and safety risks associated with early mining activities in the Elverdton project area.
2. To enhance the potential future value of the site through rehabilitation.