Victoria green lights Goschen & Avonbank critical minerals projects

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has signed off the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for both projects. There have been major milestones for VHM’s Goschen rare earth and mineral sands project (ASX: VHM) and WIM Resources’ Avonbank mineral sands project with the Victorian Government giving the green light, subject to conditions.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has signed off the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for both projects, with further approval still required for a mining licence and a mine work plan which will involve consultation with the community.

The projects also require Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 approval from the Federal Government.

“It’s crucial that we balance development with the environment and these approvals put in place safeguards to protect the environment, including vulnerable species and habitats,” Minister Kilkenny said.

With strict environmental controls on both projects – they must minimise the clearance of native vegetation, consider local biodiversity and undertake rehabilitation as they mine, limiting the size of the pit and returning it to farmland sooner.

These projects are the first mineral sands mine projects to get the green light since 2008.

The Avonbank mineral sands project in the Wimmera region will produce about 311mt of minerals including zircon, titanium and rare earth minerals, giving the local region a $3.5b boost and the NSW economy another $15b.

The Goschen rare earth and mineral sands project, 35km southwest of Swan Hill, focuses on the extraction of rare earths, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium – and will inject $2b into the region’s economy.

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio says the State Government is “developing a new critical minerals industry for Victoria”, providing the essential minerals needed for the renewable energy transition, along with new opportunities and benefits for the State.

This week the Victorian Government released its Critical Minerals Roadmap, positioning the State as a global leader in the renewable energy supply chain and create 7,000 additional jobs.

Victorian Economic Growth Minister Tim Pallas comments on this.

“These projects are another step closer to becoming a reality and once secured will deliver more jobs and great economic benefits for regional Victoria,” he said.