Victoria is set to see two new rare earths and mineral sands mines break ground after the state’s Minister for Planning gave the projects the go-ahead.
VHM Limited’s Goschen and WIM Resource’s Avonbank projects were on the docket for approval, with Minister Sonya Kilkenny approving their respective Environmental Effects Statements (ESS).
The ESS process is considered to be the most stringent level of environmental assessment in Victoria, with the Goschen project alone having been under scrutiny since April.
Goschen will supply the ‘big four’ rare earths the Australian Government has outlined as being key to an electrified future in its Critical Minerals Strategy: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium.
“VHM’s achievement in obtaining Ministerial endorsement of Goschen’s EES is a major step forward in the initiation of a new rare earth and minerals sands project in Victoria,” VHM chief executive officer Ron Douglas said.
“This recommendation is the result of extensive technical, environmental, and social studies conducted over several years and follows a rigorous evaluation process.
“It is a momentous outcome for all parties involved.”
The Goschen mining licence application will now be assessed by Resources Victoria for approval, which if successful, will see first production begin next year.
In her review of Avonbank, Minister Kilkenny agreed that such projects have great significance for Victoria, though will need to ensure effective environmental processes are followed.
“It is my assessment that, on balance, the project has obvious merit and potential for significant economic benefits for the Wimmera Southern Mallee region and the state of Victoria,” Kilkenny said.
“However, the project comes with environmental effects that need to be mitigated.
“I consider that none of the environmental effects could or should result in the project not proceeding, provided the project modifications and environmental management measures (EMMs) recommended in this assessment are implemented.”
The Avonbank mine has been in development for over a decade and is anticipated to be one of the world’s largest zircon reserves, with a 36-year mine life producing critical minerals essential for everyday living and green technologies.
“Our project will support 967 FTE (full time equivalent) jobs per annum for the state of Victoria, for over 30 years and will inject $15 billion in gross revenue across a range of industries, and $3.5 billion in gross state product within the Wimmera Southern Mallee region,” WIM director John Bradley said.
“The WIM Resource board looks forward to working with all stakeholders as we bring Avonbank into production.”
WIM anticipates that the mine will commence construction from 2026, subject to secondary approvals and financing.
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