By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
A MINING company has lodged an application to search for gold and antimony in Steels Creek.
Australasian Antimony Mines is seeking to explore about 16km2 of private land around the area.
A spokesman from the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation said the application for an exploration licence to search for gold, silver, platinum and antimony was lodged with the department on 5 February this year.
“The application is for an exploration licence only and, if granted, permits the applicant to undertake low impact exploration activities only,” he said.
“It is not a licence that permits the applicant to undertake mining activities at the site.”
He said members of the public have a three-week window in which to comment on or object to the exploration licence being granted for Steels Creek, from the last time the notice was published – 30 April.
The department will then asses the application and decide whether to grant it later this year, he said.
n Antimony is mixed into alloys and used in lead storage batteries, solder, sheet and pipe metal, motor bearings, castings, semiconductors, and pewter. Antimony oxide is added to textiles, plastics, rubber, adhesives, pigments and paper to prevent them from catching fire.
It is also used in paints, ceramics, ammunition and fireworks, and as enamels for plastics, metal, and glass. Antimony compounds also find medical uses.
