Business · Energy & Commodities · 8 hrs ago
Health concerns divide community over proposed Bowdens silver and lead mine
Silver Mines Limited wants to extract 30 million tonnes of silver, lead and zinc over 23 years near Lue, in New South Wales.
The proposal has divided the local community, with supporters pointing to jobs and investment while opponents warn of environmental and health risks.
At a three-day hearing in Mudgee, almost 100 people spoke, and most opposed the mine.
Some experts warned that lead dust could put children at risk, with one recommending that Lue Public School, about two kilometres from the site, be moved.
The company said predicted health risks were very low and that monitoring and management would be in place; it also plans to use about 2,000 megalitres of water a year.
The planning commission is reassessing the proposal, but no decision is given.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission heard opposing views on a proposed silver and lead mine near Lue as it reassessed the project.
Health and environmental concerns, especially the risk of lead exposure to children, have divided the community.
A University of Queensland professor recommended moving Lue Public School, about two kilometres from the mine site.
The mine’s owner says predicted health risks are very low and that monitoring and management would apply throughout the project.
The proposal would extract 30 million tonnes of silver, lead and zinc over 23 years, while supporters say it would bring investment and economic diversification.
- Who
- Silver Mines Limited and people supporting the project, alongside residents and experts who raised concerns. The NSW Independent Planning Commission is reassessing the proposal.
- What
- A proposed silver, lead and zinc mine is under review amid debate over its economic benefits and potential health and environmental impacts.
- When
- The IPC heard three days of evidence this week. The article was published on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Near Lue in New South Wales; the hearing was held in Mudgee.
- Why
- Supporters point to investment and economic diversification. Opponents raised concerns about lead exposure, water and other environmental and health impacts.
Silver Mines Limited and mine supporters
Mine opponents and concerned residents
Health risks
Silver Mines Limited and mine supporters
The company says predicted health risks, including from lead, are very low and are not expected to cause adverse human health impacts.
Mine opponents and concerned residents
Barry Noller said lead exposure posed an unacceptable risk to children and recommended moving Lue Public School.
Economic impact
Silver Mines Limited and mine supporters
Managing director Jo Battershill said the project would provide investment and economic diversification for the region.
Mine opponents and concerned residents
Almost 100 people spoke at the hearing, with most opposed to the mine.
Water and environmental assessment
Silver Mines Limited and mine supporters
Battershill said water supply reliability was about 99.4 per cent and sufficient water would be available except during extreme drought.
Mine opponents and concerned residents
Former NSW government scientist Martin Krogh said the environmental impact statement’s surface water assessment had significant shortcomings.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission heard three days of evidence in Mudgee as it reassessed the mine proposal.
Farmers rode tractors and utes from Lue to Mudgee to protest against the proposed mine.
- Proposed output
- 30 million tonnes of silver, lead and zinc
- Project duration
- 23 years
- School distance
- Lue Public School is two kilometres from the mine site
- Water use
- Approximately 2,000 megalitres a year for processing and dust suppression
- Water supply reliability
- Approximately 99.4 per cent, according to the company’s assessment
What people are saying
Predicted health risks from the project, including from lead, are very low and are not expected to result in adverse human health impacts
The project would provide investment and economic diversification for the mid-western region
I recommend that the Lue school, being at the boundary of dust deposition of [the] Bowdens mining project, be moved
There are no levels of lead exposure which are known to be without risk of harm