Silver Mines Targets Mid-2026 for Updated Bowdens Biodiversity Assessment Submission

Background and Legal Setback

Silver Mines Limited has provided a significant update on the regulatory progress of its Bowdens Silver Project following a pivotal legal challenge. In August 2024, the NSW Court of Appeal voided the original Development Application (DA) approval for the project, creating a need for a comprehensive redetermination process. This ruling underscored the complexities of navigating environmental and planning regulations in New South Wales, particularly for large-scale mining developments.

Navigating a New Regulatory Landscape

Since the court decision, Silver Mines has been actively engaging with the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to chart a path forward. The company is working through a regulatory framework that has evolved significantly, especially with the introduction of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). This legislation replaced previous biodiversity assessment standards, requiring updated ecological surveys and reporting methodologies.

Originally, the Bowdens Project’s ecological assessments were conducted under the older Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. However, to ensure the redetermination process is legally sound and minimizes risk, Silver Mines has opted to refresh its ecological surveys and submit an updated biodiversity assessment aligned with the BC Act’s requirements. This decision reflects a strategic pivot to align with current environmental standards and regulatory expectations.

Timeline and Next Steps

The refreshed ecological surveys are expected to be completed in early 2026, with the updated biodiversity assessment submitted to the DPHI by mid-2026. Following this, the DPHI will prepare an updated assessment report for the Independent Planning Commission of NSW, which will consider the redetermination of the DA. While this extended timeline delays the project’s immediate progress, it aims to establish a more robust foundation for approval.

Company Outlook and Commitment

Silver Mines’ Managing Director, Jo Battershill, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing the Bowdens Project through a thorough and transparent approvals process. Despite the extended timeframe, the company remains confident in the project’s merits and its significance at both state and regional levels. Continuous engagement with regulators and stakeholders is planned to maintain momentum and transparency as the project moves through these critical stages.

Overall, Silver Mines is navigating a complex and unprecedented regulatory pathway with a focus on minimizing legal risks and aligning with contemporary environmental standards. This approach may serve as a model for other mining projects facing similar regulatory transitions.