VRX Silica (ASX: VRX) today announced the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) has published its assessment report and conditions for approval for the Arrowsmith North silica sand project in WA.
HIGHLIGHTS
- EPA publishes and releases Assessment Report for Arrowsmith North
- Report recommends Arrowsmith North development proposal be implemented subject to conditions
- Conditions have been accepted by VRX
- Significant step in the environmental approvals process for Arrowsmith North
- Publication triggers three week review period before consideration by the Minister for Environment
In the report the EPA recommends that the Arrowsmith North development proposal may be implemented subject to the conditions. The conditions have been accepted by VRX following consultation with the EPA.
This is another significant step for Arrowsmith North as it completes the asessment of the project by the EPA and finalises the EPA’s recommendation to the Minister for Environment. It follows the Company’s announcement to ASX on 18 November 2024 that the EPA had accepted and published VRX’s Response to Submissions for Arrowsmith North (RtS).
Publication of the report triggers a three-week review period. Following this period and resolution of any appeals by an independent appeals convenor, the Minister for Environment will consider approval of the Arrowsmith North development proposal under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act.
VRX Managing Director Bruce Maluish said:
“Publication by the EPA of its Assessment Report for VRX’s Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project finalises the assessment process with the EPA.
“This is a signficant milestone for the company, with the EPA recommending that the Arrowsmith North development proposal be implemented subject to conditions accepted by VRX following consultation with the EPA.
“It is the culmination of determined persistence by VRX and its consultants for the Arrowsmith North permitting process over a long period of time. The company is now on the cusp of opening up a new industry in the Midwest region of Western Australia, with employment and other long-term benefits flowing to the State.
“Following a statutory three-week review period and resolution of any appeals, the proposal will be considered for approval by the Minister of Environment.”
