Residents of the Orange region will have the opportunity to assess and discuss Cadia Valley Operations’ present and future environmental management programs at a public seminar at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Tuesday 7 November. ”The development of this mining site will ultimately affect the prosperity of entire region,” says Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Rural Management Adjunct Professor David Goldney, who will chair the CSU Orange Campus seminar. Cadia Valley Operations Environment and Community Relations Manager Greg Morris will address the seminar, exploring major issues facing the operation now and into the future. This includes the development of a new Cadia East Project, an extensive zone (830Mt) of gold and copper minerals. Mr Morris says the proposed Project “has the potential to extend the current operational life of the mine by 30 years”. Cadia Valley Operations, comprising the Cadia Hill Open Pit and the Ridgeway underground mine, is the largest gold and copper producer in New South Wales and the largest employer in the Orange district. With a current mine life predicted to end in 2013, a $100 million feasibility study is being conducted which will see an estimated 18 million ounces of gold and 2.9 million tonnes of copper extracted from the 1.9km deep open pit. “Cadia Valley Operations is working with CSU on several projects involving operations, environmental assessments, rehabilitation research and the positive impact our work has on the local economy,” Mr Morris says. “This seminar will give those who attend an insight into our collaborative research program.” The public seminar will be held at CSU Orange Campus on Tuesday 7 November from 1 to 2pm in Lecture Theatre One.