Silver Mines advances Bowdens Project after assessment

• The planning department finalises the assessment for the Bowdens Silver Project.
• The Independent Planning Commission will determine the project by Dec. 9.
• Management expects the construction phase to create over 300 direct full-time jobs.

Silver Mines (ASX:SVL) has received an updated assessment from the New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for its Bowdens Silver Project.

The department concluded that supplementary data submitted on July 2 does not alter its prior finding that the project remains in the public interest.

"DPHI’s supplementary advice to the IPC is a significant milestone for the Bowdens Silver Project and Silver Mines shareholders, more than two years since the Bowdens Development Consent was voided on a minor technical issue under NSW planning regulations," said Silver Mines Managing Director Jo Battershill.

The company stated that the project is expected to employ over 300 direct full-time staff during construction and more than 200 workers across the mine's operational lifespan.

Public hearings with the newly appointed Independent Planning Commission panel are scheduled for Oct. 14-15 ahead of the final Dec. 9 target date.

Following the announcement, the Silver Mines share price was unchanged at $0.15.

The development assessment follows a delay of more than two years after an earlier development consent was set aside due to a regulatory technicality.