UPDATE: Regis Resources has officially confirmed that pursuing legal action is its sole path forward for the controversial McPhillamys Gold Project in Kings Plains, near Blayney. The company has launched a Federal Court challenge against an Indigenous-heritage protection order imposed last September by former Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
This legal battle is unfolding against a backdrop of significant economic implications, as the project is projected to create over 750 local jobs and generate more than $366 million in royalties. The urgency of this situation is heightened by the upcoming court hearing scheduled for December 10-12, 2025, where the future of the project will be further scrutinized.
The controversy began after the imposition of a Section 10 declaration on the headwaters of the Belubula River, which includes the site designated for the project’s tailings dam. This declaration effectively halted Regis’s plans and has led the company to assert that it was “denied procedural fairness in the decision-making process.” A spokesperson for Regis stated, “Outside of immediate Federal Government intervention, the most effective path is through a successful legal challenge to the Section 10 declaration.”
Regis is actively exploring alternative solutions to advance the project while remaining compliant with environmental regulations. This includes evaluating new options for tailings storage that would not impact the declared area, as the company remains committed to fostering dialogue with federal and regional authorities.
While it has not been confirmed whether Regis has engaged with new Environment Minister Murray Watts, local officials, including Blayney Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Calare MP Andrew Gee, have voiced their concerns in meetings with Watts. Discussions have centered on the implications of the Section 10 declaration, which affects Dungeon Road, but Reynolds noted that Watts is currently unwilling to review the declaration due to the ongoing judicial review.
The McPhillamys Gold Project represents not only a critical investment opportunity for the region but also a potential catalyst for economic growth. With the promise of substantial local employment and regional business support, the stakes are high for the community surrounding Blayney.
As the December hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the courts, with the future of the project hanging in the balance. The outcome could redefine the landscape of mining in New South Wales and impact local economies significantly.
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent legal challenge, as the implications extend beyond just Regis Resources, affecting many stakeholders in the region.
