The following is how the Parkes Champion-Post reported Northparkes Mines' opening 25 years ago. The photo shows an aerial view of the Northparkes Mines site at Goonumbla, with the caption at the time stating the mine would have a lifespan of 'at least 16 years'.
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Long and winding road at last paved with gold
"The media spotlight will hit Goonumbla today as Northparkes Mines declares open its $255 million copper-gold project north west of Parkes.
Campaigners no doubt will breathe a collective sigh of relief at the opening of a mine which has been in the regional economic and development pipeline for more than two decades. The initial proposal proved a contentious issue. It sparked public debate - the crux of which became embroiled in the Australian judicial system. Underground and open cut mining near Goonumbla first was mooted about 23 years ago by Geopeko (North Exploration).
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While the proposal received overwhelming support from the Parkes business and residential community, landowners in the vicinity of the mine were against the plan. Concerned citizens formed the Adavale Association in a bid to curb mining in the area. The group was unsuccessful in its appeal to the land and environment court against the conditions of the mine application approved by the Parkes Shire Council.
In August, 1991, Justice Stein approved the conditions as listed, and in doing so, effectively gave the "green light" for the project. The multi-million-dollar development comprises two open cut mines producing oxide gold ore, oxide copper-gold ore and sulphide copper-gold ore.
An underground mine produces sulphide copper-gold ore. The project will employ 200 mine workers and up to 150 contractors."
