Alkane Resource’s Tomignley Gold mine will provide bore water to the local community of Tomingley, after it was revealed its dam is at risk of running out of water.
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The town located 57 kilometres west of Dubbo relies on dams filled by Gundong Creek, however due to the drought conditions has remained dry since the 2016 floods.
When Tomingley Gold mine was being established, Alkane and Narromine Shire Council negotiated a Voluntary Planning Agreement which included the provision of water by the mines pipeline from Narromine and Tomingley.
Currently the gold mine relies on its water from a 46 kilometre underground pipeline from the Narromine bore field and as a result the $4 million bore pipeline was constructed by the mine and partly funded by the NSW government backed Local Infrastructure Support Fund.
According to Tomingley Gold’s Environment and Community Manager Mark Williams, providing water from their bore source is an easy operation to manage and is essential to help out the local township.
“The pipeline was completed in late 2013 and we haven’t had the need to provide them with water yet because they have been able to get it from the Gundong Creek every now and then when that flows,” Mr Williams said.
“But since its been so dry we are now providing them with water.
“It’s a simple process and where our pipelines are is very close to where the dams are so its not a big job to manage.
“Without the bore water pipeline the council would be forced to truck water to the village at great expense.
“We’re putting water in the dams at the moment ... the arrangement’s working well.” he said.
Mr Williams said the mine has inserted a ‘T’ piece in their line with a valve arrangement, which is monitored by the mine and the Narromine Shire Council and will be an ongoing arrangement for the life of the mine.
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“If the dry conditions, heaven forbid, keep going then we will have water available for the community,” Mr Williams said.
Narromine Shire Council General Manager Jane Redden thanked the Tomingley Gold mine for working with the shire to ensure the sustainable water supply for Tomingley during the drought.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
