- Black Mountain Energy (BME) receives approval from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety regarding a 2D seismic survey at its Valhalla Project
- An environmental plan was lodged in late December after multiple floral, fauna and heritage surveys were completed across the area
- The heritage surveys were conducted in conjunction with the Traditional Owners of the area to ensure there was no impact to areas of cultural significance
- The approval allows the company to begin plans to complete its surveys on the proposed seismic and future well site areas
- BME shares are steady, trading at 13.5 cents
Black Mountain Energy (BME) has received approval from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety (DMIRS) regarding a 2D seismic survey at its Valhalla Project.
The plan was lodged with DMIRS in late December last year after completing multiple floral, fauna and heritage surveys across the proposed seismic survey area and the surrounding acreage.
The surveys focused on the proposed seismic and future well site areas and the targeted flora and vegetation survey, which was conducted in accordance with EPA Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (2016).
Black Mountain confirmed that the surveys indicated no threatened flora and ecological communities were present and vegetation communities were all well represented.
A target fauna survey also found no direct observations of the Greater Bilby during the survey.
Although Bilbies have not been directly observed, the company will implement a precautionary approach to its activities, to ensure it conserves the environment in which it operates.
The company confirmed that the heritage survey was undertaken by independent archaeologists and anthropologists together with two of the Traditional Owner groups who reside within the area of the project.
Community elders were able to contribute to the heritage surveys and provided an opportunity to undertake an aerial overview and walk the proposed seismic lines.
The elders ensured that there is no impact to areas of cultural significance from the seismic survey.
The approval allows the company to begin plans to complete its surveys on the proposed seismic and future well site areas and said that it “is committed to undertaking a precautionary approach to ensure conservation while undertaking the survey”.
BME shares were steady, trading at 13.5 cents at market close.