A copper miner in the Girilambone area near Nyngan has got a tick of approval to develop the next major ore source on its Tritton tenement, with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure granting a development consent for the Constellation Project.

Constellation's open pit ore reserve has the potential to become a major new production centre for Tritton, with further exploration and technical studies underway.

Aeris Resources Limited Executive Chairman Adre Labuschange says this critical step will enable the project to move towards development.

“Receiving development consent represents a key milestone. Coupled with our recently declared open pit ore reserve, this places us in a strong position for Constellation to become the next major ore source for Tritton in the near term.”

The Tritton tenement package is prospective for base metals deposits, within 2,330sqkm of the Girilambone Basin.

More than 750,000 tonnes of copper have been discovered on the tenement since modern exploration commenced at the site in the 1980s.

Aeris Resources began operations at Tritton underground mine in 2005, and the mine now feeds 1.8 million tonne per annum through a conventional processing plant. Copper concentrate produced at the operation is railed to Newcastle for export to customers internationally.

Aeris is developing new ore sources to extend the mine life at Tritton and improve ore grades. Recent exploration activities have included a wide ranging geophysical survey, that led to the discovery of the Constellation deposit.

Mr Labuschange is keen for the company to be a good corporate citizen as the mine expands.

‘’Our intention is to be heavily involved in the community," he said.

"We have already sponsored Nyngan’s Rugby League senior and junior together with Little Athletics, golf and projects at Bogan Shire’s Library.’’