The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) will meet with Sandyridge Holdings in the coming weeks to further discuss its mining lease application.
Sandyridge is seeking to expand its current operation in Compton, with an application pending to extend its mining capabilities.
In January the department received an application for a mining lease, for the recovery of limestone and sand.
As required by the Mining Act, the mining proposal was publicly advertised with an invitation for comment.
The department received nine public submissions, which were forwarded to the applicant in June with a request for response.
According to a department spokesperson, a formal response has not yet been received.
In accordance with the Act, the department requests that Sandyridge provide a formal written response within three months of the date of the June 24 letter.
DEM Director of Mines delegate Paul Thompson said the response would need to address the matters raised by SA Government and in public submissions.
“This response document will directly contribute to the assessment process and is required before DEM making final recommendations on whether to grant or refuse the lease application and if to grant, the terms, conditions and requirements of the lease,” he said.
“DEM reserves the right to request further information as required during the assessment period.”
Meanwhile, department officers recently met with landowners neighbouring the business, located on Cafpirco Road.
“Adjacent landowners met with department officers at their properties to discuss their concerns about the proposal, particularly in relation to land access and potential environmental impacts,” the spokesperson said.
“At this meeting, department officers provided an update on the status of the application, assessment process and agreed to keep all parties informed as the application progresses.”
Outrage has been expressed by several Compton residents claiming they were not consulted in regards to the proposed mining expansion near their homes.
Public submissions were received from eight landowners and Grant District Council.
