The new development, Clarks Gully Mine, would operate at a depth of up to 300 metres and produce around 5000 tonnes of antimony and 700 kilograms of gold each year.

Armidale Action Against Coal Seam Gas member Michael Forrester was concerned about the proposal.

“For me personally, it’s unnecessary opening the mine,” he said.

“We’ve still got 15 to 20 year life spans in other (gold and antimony) mines.”

According to the mine’s environmental impact report, activity on the land would result in “short-term changes to the topography and land capability” but added the mining company “identifies a series of environmental controls and measures that would mitigate the impact”.

The report stated the mine would have the potential to impact threatened species, groundwater quality, air quality and sound levels.

The mine would also result in 13 hectares of woodland being cleared.

Hillgrove Mines environmental manager Daniel Calderwood said an early focus had been on minimising noise and air quality impact by shifting the mine to underground from open cut.

“We decided to dramatically change the design to completely underground and the result is a significant reduction in footprint and environmental impacts,” he said.

Mr Cadlerwood said two public meetings had been held in Hillgrove with concerns of nearby residents and the Indigenous community being heard.

If approved, the mine will commence construction in early 2016.

The environmental impact statement is available for viewing with submissions due to Armidale Dumaresq Council by Thursday.