The Stockman Mine project has been proposed for an area about 60km by road north east of Omeo. The project contains two copper-zinc-lead-silver-gold rich deposits, called Wilga and Currawong. Wilga was discovered in 1978 and Currawong in 1979. Denehurst mined the copper rich core of Wilga deposit from 1992 to 1996. In 2006, following rehabilitation of the plant site and tailings dam by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the project was put out for public tender as part of an exploration incentive program. Jabiru Metals Limited (Jabiru) was awarded the project in March 2007.

The Independence Group then bought up Jabiru, and has been proposing to recommission the Wilga mine and establish a new mine four kilometres to the north (the Currawong deposit).

We have just received the welcome news that the project has been suspended by the mining company.

The Bairnsdale Advertiser reported on May 20, 2016 that in a recent report given to East Gippsland Shire, a representative of the company said that “the current economic climate does not make it feasible for further investment in securing all approvals for the mine operations … at this time.”

The Council has a memorandum of understanding with the mine proponent. At the May 2016 meeting Council decided to extend the MOU in case a new proposal comes from the company to move forward with the approvals process.