SYDNEY, Jan. 28 -- CBH Resources Ltd. (CBH.AU) said Thursday it has received approvals to start operating its zinc-lead Rasp mine in New South Wales state, Australia.

The miner expects to start production from the underground operation in mid-2010, producing about 6,000 metric tons of lead as well as 6,000 tons of zinc annually.

Rasp will initially employ up to 40 new staff.

Total mill throughput will be 120,000 tons of ore per year for two years, and CBH will seek approvals to raise this to 750,000 tons annually for about 15 years.