Hawkeswood mine in Millers Flat will be opened to the public this weekend, for the first time since gold dredging started onsite exactly a year ago.

The company began operations on October 18, 2024 after being issued with a 10-year land use consent, and is currently processing up to 250 cubic metres of gravel an hour.

Operations manager Simon Johnstone said the company employs between 20 and 25 people onsite, with a further 6-7 at its workshop in Alexandra, along with a specialised drilling crew.

The open day will give people an insight into what is actually happening behind the scenes, he said.

Both the earthworks and dredging operation crews will be operational on Saturday morning, specifically for the open day.

Simon said it is also a great opportunity for school leavers interested in trades to come and have a look at the range of different jobs available. The company has been liaising with high schools about opportunities for school leavers.

Hosted by the Roxburgh District Lions Club, proceeds from the Millers Flat Alluvial Project Open Day will go towards the Teviot Valley Educare re-roofing project.

The Hawkeswood Mining dredge in action. Photo: Supplied

Despite initial opposition to the mine, the company has been proactive in the community with various sponsorships, and also amended its quarry consent operational hours as a result of a public meeting last month.

The company is currently waiting to hear whether its quarry application will be publicly notified. It has listened to the community and cut out operational hours over weekends and public holidays, and reduced the number of truck movements from 100 to 20 a day.

A post on the company’s Facebook page said: “We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the community meeting…it was refreshing to hear your thoughts and suggestions, and we remain committed to working alongside our community.”

The alluvial gold mining operation attracted 475 submissions last year - many in support. However there are residents close by who continue to have concerns about the large-scale operation on their doorstep.

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