Seven-Member Expert Panel to Decide Bendigo-Ophir Fate by Late 2026

A Clear Path Forward for Bendigo-Ophir

Santana Minerals Ltd has reached a pivotal milestone in the regulatory approval process for its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. The Fast-Track Approvals Act (FTA) process has now been formalised with the appointment of an Expert Panel and a statutory timeframe for the project's consent decision. This development provides much-needed clarity for investors and stakeholders eager to see progress on this nationally significant gold mining venture.

Expert Panel and Timeline Details

The Panel Convener confirmed a seven-member Expert Panel, bringing together expertise across economic, environmental, and extractive industry disciplines. This diverse composition is designed to ensure a thorough yet efficient assessment of the project’s environmental and economic impacts. The panel will commence its work on 25 February 2026, setting in motion a structured and transparent process.

Key procedural milestones include a deadline for participant comments by 10 April 2026, followed by the applicant’s response on 17 April. The statutory timeframe for the final decision is set at 140 working days, culminating on 29 October 2026. This timeline, while longer than Santana Minerals initially hoped, reflects a balanced approach aimed at delivering a fair and well-tested outcome without unnecessary delays.

Implications for Project Development

CEO Damian Spring acknowledged the extended timeframe but emphasised the value of the diligence and expertise being applied. He described the process as providing “important process certainty” that will underpin the commencement of development for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. The project’s approval is a critical step toward unlocking its potential economic benefits for the region and the broader Australian mining sector.

While the announcement does not provide financial or production forecasts, the clarity on the consenting process reduces regulatory uncertainty; a key factor for investors assessing project viability. The structured, front-loaded approach to the assessment is intended to streamline issue resolution and narrow points of contention early, which could help avoid protracted delays down the line.

Looking Ahead

With the Expert Panel now in place and a clear statutory deadline established, all eyes will be on the forthcoming procedural milestones. The efficient navigation of this approval process will be crucial for Santana Minerals as it seeks to transition the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project from planning to production. The next few months will reveal how effectively the panel manages the balance between thorough scrutiny and timely decision-making.