VRX Silica (ASX: VRX) has provided an update on the environmental approval process for the Arrowsmith North silica sand project development proposal.
HIGHLIGHTS
- EPA recommended Arrowsmith North development proposal be implemented subject to conditions
- One appeal lodged Office of the Appeals Convenor has completed its investigation and provided its report to Minister for Environment
- Minister for Environment expected to make determination on State environmental approval in coming weeks
In January 2025 the company announced that the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) had published its assessment report for the Proposal and recommended to the Minister for Environment that the Proposal may be implemented, subject to conditions that had been accepted by VRX following consultation with the EPA.
Publication of the assessment report triggered commencement of a three-week review period during which appeals against the content and recommendations in the EPA report may be submitted to the Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC). In late January 2025 one appeal was lodged.
The appeal has since been investigated by the OAC on behalf of the Minister for Environment, which involves obtaining comments from the appellant, EPA, the Company and any other public authorities or individuals with an interest in the subject matter of the appeal.
The OAC has confirmed to VRX that its investigation into the appeal has completed and the OAC has provided its report to the Minister for Environment. The Minister will now make a determination on whether or not to approve the Proposal under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 in the light of the EPA’s assessment report recommending the Proposal may be implemented and the OAC’s report on the appeal.
There is no statutory timeframe for the Minister for Environment to make this determination, however the Company expects this to be undertaken in the coming weeks.
Arrowsmith North has the potential to support a new, long-term industry for Western Australia with substantial benefits to the State and Mid West region including long-term direct and indirect employment opportunities and royalties. The Proposal has considerable support from a range of stakeholders, including local indigenous groups, local shires, the Mid West Development Commission, the Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry and State and Federal Governments. It boasts robust economic metrics for the supply of multiple silica sand products for a growing Asian market.
