The Resources Victoria regulator has accepted a Mining Licence application from WIM Resource Pty Ltd for their Avonbank project, 8 kilometres north-east of Horsham.
The acceptance is one step in the statutory process. No decision has been made to grant a Mining Licence and mining is not permitted unless a license is granted.
The public feedback period has now begun ahead of a final assessment of the licence application. Community comments received during the feedback period will be considered as part of the decision on whether to grant a licence.
The Avonbank project has been assessed via the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, which has enabled WIM Resources to prepare and submit their Mining Licence application.
The Avonbank project plans to mine heavy minerals sands, which include proven quantities of zircon, titanium and rare earth elements. These materials are in high demand due to their use in a range of everyday products and increasingly for renewable energy infrastructure.
All the details of the Mining Licence feedback process, including the exact scope of the feedback being sought and the final deadline for objections, are available on our Have your say page.
Attribute quotes to Chris Webb, Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations
"This is the opportunity for us to hear from the community about the Avonbank project – this feedback is an important part of the Mining Licence assessment."
"Compared to the previous EES exhibition process, this feedback period is focussed on whether WIM Resource can deliver what's set out in their project proposal and whether they should be awarded the right to exclusively access minerals under the state's mining legislation."
"The personal details of those submitting feedback will not be made public."
