The company, which held its annual meeting in Albury late last week, is at present exploring a site near Corryong.

Dart is assessing the suitability of the site, known as Unicorn, and a pre-feasibility study is expected to be completed mid next year.

The mine has raised come concerns over its environmental impact.

Chairman Bruce Paterson told shareholders the company had been heading in a positive direction with the company’s fortunes turned around “comprehensively” in the past nine months.

He said there was strong support for the project in Corryong.

“Our activities will continue to minimise any impact on the environment during exploration, feasibility studies, development, operations and post closure,” he said.

“We will also continue to provide local jobs, education and training, which is already happening with our exploration team at Corryong, as well as re-invigoration of local economies and communities should our efforts ultimately succeed.”

Mr Paterson said drilling would be conducted at four sites in the coming year and spoke of the need to expand the company’s operations.

“It is my duty as chairman to warn against over-expectation,” he said.

“I have seen many successful mining projects

But never has there been onewhere the road from discovery to development had been a highway of synchronised green lights.

“Mineral projects are hugely complex and there will be challenges ahead — geological, engineering, metallurgical, regulatory and financial.”

Dart Mining has about $4 million in cash and recently received a $1 million investment from a new shareholder.