Following acceptance of a Mining Licence application from WIM Resource for the Avonbank project, a 21-day feedback period began on 19 March.
The Earth Resources Regulator, which is part of Resources Victoria, has received over 100 formal submissions so far with a range of feedback about the project.
Based on this community input and strong local media coverage, Resources Victoria would like to clarify some matters ahead of the formal closing of the feedback period on 9 April.
The public advertising of WIM Resource's Mining Licence application was completed correctly and complied with Victoria's minerals legislation – no changes will be made to the length of the statutory objection period and there is no requirement to re-advertise any aspects.
The 21-day period is an opportunity for the community to provide feedback and have input into an upcoming assessment by the Earth Resources Regulator of WIM Resource's Mining Licence application and whether the company can deliver the project to the standards required.
The strong community response to date demonstrates that the advertising and promotion of the feedback process has been effective.
While the statutory feedback period will not be extended, the Earth Resources Regulator will consider submissions made after 9 April prior to the assessment being completed. However, we encourage early submissions because it allows us to seek additional information, if it's needed.
The assessment by the Earth Resources Regulator will consider the project's viability, whether WIM Resource has the capacity to deliver the proposed project and whether they are 'fit and proper' to hold a Mining Licence.
