Resources Victoria's regulator has issued an infringement notice to Victory Minerals, the operator of Ballarat Gold Mine, for a breach of its blast limit.
In July 2024, an underground blast exceeded the permitted level of ground vibration between 10pm and 7am.
Victory Minerals notified the Earth Resources Regulator of the breach and cooperated with the subsequent investigation.
Mining licence holders are required to operate in accordance with their approved work plan. Victory Minerals have been fined $11,855 for the breach of its blasting conditions.
Blasting is a key part of the gold mining process. Strict conditions are in place to reduce impacts on the community.
Attribute quotes to Chris Webb, Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations
"We've taken action because it's essential communities have confidence in the operators of mines in Victoria.
"Victory Minerals has fallen short of their responsibilities; fines can be imposed, or prosecution initiated for breaching a work plan or licence conditions."
"Resources Victoria's regulator will continue holding mine operators accountable and will step in to limit impacts on the community."
