text: Environmental, regulatory and NSW Govern- 
  ment approvals remain the key determinants to 
  the timing of project development at Bowdens. 
  Of particular note were two recent NSW Land 
  and Environment Court decisions relating to the 
  overturning of existing mining approvals that will 
  require extra diligence and consideration as the 
  Bowdens Project moves forward. Community 
  relations was undertaken throughout the year 
  utilising a variety of techniques including: 
  letters, telephone calls, attendance at trade 
  shows, industry presentations, site tours, 
  Community Liaison Group meetings, govern- 
  mental meetings and two open days. 
  
  Testing of the long term geochemical stability 
  of the ore and waste for potentially acid forming 
  properties is ongoing, with initial weathering 
  columns nearing completion. The geochemical 
  characterisation results will form an important 
  input to the Environmental Impact Statement 
  (EIS). 
  Feasibility Study 
  
  During 2013, the process design and engi- 
  neering work for the Definitive Feasibility Study 
  (DFS) progressed to a point where the draft 
  study was close to completion as at 30 June 
  2013. The study encompassed detailed process 
  design based on using the most recent metal- 
  lurgical test results, capital and operating cost 
  estimates, project water and power supply, 
  infrastructure requirements and mine 
  optimisation. 
  
  EIS, Community and Project 
  Approval Process 