A once-abandoned gold mine near Proserpine is drawing renewed attention after modern testing revealed the presence of a large, mineralised system, with only a small area explored to date.
The historic Dittmer Mine, discovered in 1934 and closed in 1951 after producing more than 54,000 ounces of gold, is being revived by Ballymore Resources. The company rekindled interest in the site last year after mapping and sampling unearthed several high-grade gold zones. Underground explorations have since reopened, alongside the launch of a 3,000-metre diamond drilling program.
Spanning 513 square kilometres, the broader exploration project has also received a $300,000 grant from the Queensland Government to support an 8,051 line kilometre aerial survey. The area includes multiple historic gold and copper prospects.
If mining proceeds, potential extraction methods would include cyanide leaching and flotation, with metallurgical tests confirming the ore is suitable for such processing. However, the prospect of renewed mining has raised environmental concerns among some local residents, particularly around water quality, road access, and impacts on native wildlife.
To address these concerns, Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm visited the Dittmer community recently to engage with residents and provide updates on the project's status. Approximately 60 locals attended the meeting, where Ms Camm emphasised her commitment to transparent communication and due process.
“The current application for development is sitting with the land court to make an independent decision. The hearing was held on the 6th of May and the court has six months to make a decision.”
Ms Camm reassured residents that their concerns would remain central to any decisions moving forward.
“I am committed to representing the priorities and concerns of the Dittmer community, while ensuring any potential development adheres to strict regulation and controls,” she said.
Once a decision is handed down, Ms Camm said she would consult with the relevant Minister to determine the next steps for the project.
The visit provided a platform for open dialogue between community members and government, with residents raising a range of concerns from environmental protections to infrastructure and local wildlife preservation.
As the process unfolds, both residents and project stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the Land Court’s decision will pave the way for Dittmer Mine’s next chapter or bring its revival to a halt.
Amanda Camm, speaks with Dittmer residents about the mine
Around 60 locals attended the meet
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