- Published:
- Thursday 27 November 2025 at 12:58 pm
The Allan Labor Government is backing jobs in Victoria’s developing critical minerals sector – with the approval of exploration works at one of the state’s most significant gold and antimony deposits.
Premier Jacinta Allan today announced the approval of a new exploration tunnel for Southern Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek Project near Kilmore.
The tunnel will enable underground drilling and exploration to begin on land the company owns while reducing community impacts, especially noise and light.
The planned exploration activity will help Southern Cross Gold better understand the area’s mineralization with strong measures in place to address community and environment impacts.
Research by the Geological Survey of Victoria suggests that central Victoria has a larger antimony resource than previously believed.
Mining is already a big part of central Victoria’s economy and could grow further thanks to the new exploration near Kilmore.
Launched as part of the Economic Growth Statement, the Government’s Critical Minerals Roadmap is helping drive development of the state’s mineral resources while ensuring the community is engaged throughout the life of the projects by companies awarded the rights to extract state-owned minerals.
It coincides with a large increase in development activity, particularly in north west Victoria, which could support up to 7,000 additional jobs in the coming decades.
Victoria has world-class mineral sand deposits containing demonstrated resources of titanium, zirconium and rare earth elements.
While critical minerals are in the spotlight, the state’s gold sector remains strong, underpinned by generations of strong local workforce and expertise plus record gold prices.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“Critical minerals are the future and we’re backing the industry in Victoria – while protecting the environment and our communities.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“Most drilling for the Sunday Creek project will now happen underground, reducing the impacts on those living near the work site, especially impacts relating to noise and light.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victorian Jaclyn Symes
“Victoria is home to globally significant deposits of critical minerals and we’re backing projects that could lead to jobs in central Victoria.”