Image Resources has received the last of the required approvals needed to kick off construction at its Western Australian mineral sands project.
On 6 August, Image received final approval for the Atlas project development from the Commonwealth as required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) as well as approval of the Offset Environmental Management Plan from the EPA. Additionally, Image received approval of the Banksia Woodlands Rehabilitation Environmental Management Plan from the EPA on 8 August.
The groundwater operating strategy (GOS), required for DWER’s approval of a 5C water abstraction licence and mine dewatering licence, is the only outstanding approval required for Atlas to proceed to full mine development. Approval of the GOS does not prevent commencement of on-ground construction of the processing plant and related infrastructure, nor the removal of mine topsoil and overburden above the water table. Image anticipates approval of the GOS in the coming weeks.
Image’s Managing Director and CEO, Patrick Mutz, said, “Receipt of these penultimate approvals for Atlas from the Commonwealth and EPA serve as the trigger for mobilisation of contractors and equipment to Atlas starting the week of 12 August 2024.
“Early construction works on the Atlas mining camp is more than 50 per cent complete and deconstruction of the relevant sections of the Boonanarring wet concentration plant for relocation to Atlas is well underway.”
Mr Mutz thanked the various regulatory agency representatives and Image’s permitting and development teams for continuing to push to mitigate further adverse impacts from permitting delays.
“We look forward to the delivery of another rapid, streamlined, and efficient construction and commissioning effort.”
Featured image: chase4concept/shutterstock.com
