UPDATE: Regis Resources has officially launched a legal challenge to save its controversial McPhillamys Gold Project located in Kings Plains, near Blayney. The company argues that this legal action is the only viable path forward after facing significant hurdles from environmental protections.
In March 2023, Regis received conditional approval for the project, which promises to deliver over 750 local jobs and inject more than $366 million in royalties into the region. However, the project hit a major roadblock in September 2024 when then Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek imposed a Section 10 Indigenous-heritage protection on the site, impacting the proposed tailings dam area.
Regis filed a challenge in the Federal Court last November, claiming it was “denied procedural fairness” in the decision-making process. A spokesperson for the company stated, “Outside of immediate Federal Government intervention, Regis maintains that the most effective path to delivering the McPhillamys Gold Project is through a successful legal challenge to the Section 10 declaration.”
The urgency of the situation is palpable as Regis prepares for a court hearing scheduled for December 10-12, 2025. The company is exploring alternative approaches to develop the project without impacting the protected area, including new options for tailings storage.
With the potential to significantly boost regional businesses, Regis emphasizes the immense economic opportunity this project represents. “We remain committed to constructive dialogue with all levels of government to realize the project’s potential,” the spokesperson added.
While Regis has not confirmed if it has met with the new Environment Minister Murray Watts, local leaders have already engaged in discussions. Blayney Mayor Bruce Reynolds, along with Mark Dicker, the Blayney Shire Council general manager, met with Watts in September. However, Reynolds indicated that Watts was not willing to review the Section 10 declaration due to ongoing judicial proceedings.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of the McPhillamys Gold Project hangs in the balance. The community and stakeholders are watching closely, as this case could set a precedent for future mining projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Regis Resources fights to secure its ambitious project and the economic benefits it promises.
