General News
25 April, 2023
Feedback sought on sand mining project
Public feedback is now being sought on plans for one of the largest and most lucrative mineral sands projects in the region. An Environmental Effects Statement and draft planning scheme for the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project are available...
Public feedback is now being sought on plans for one of the largest and most lucrative mineral sands projects in the region.
An Environmental Effects Statement and draft planning scheme for the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project are available for viewing, with written submissions accepted until May 26.
The zircon and rare-earth mine is planned for land north of Dooen, 15km north-east of Horsham.
The project, planned to start in 2024, is expected to create up to 650 jobs and add millions of dollars annually to the region over a 30-year lifespan.
Minerals will be exported through the Port of Portland with an anticipated 12.75 million tonnes of mineral sands removed during the mine's lifespan.
WIM Resources has stated that rehabilitation will be carried out to agricultural-land standards with less than 400 hectares disturbed at any time. Power and water supply will be available through a "minor utilities corridor" extending from existing services.
The EES statement includes details of the proposed development, an outline of public and stakeholder consultation and issues raised, possible environmental effects, and a program to monitor and manage environmental effects during project implementation.
Development of the Avonbank Project will mean Horsham can boast four of the world's largest sand-mining projects within a 70km radius of the city.
The latest move followed community information sessions at the Speed and Longerenong field days as well as at Murtoa, Jung, Horsham and Dooen.
Australia has an abundance of titanium mineral sands.
Rutile and ilmenite are used in the production of paint, titanium metal and medical implants. Zircon is used in ceramics, digital printing, dentistry and electrical components.
Smaller quantities of rare earth elements are also produced through mineral sands and used in wind turbine magnets and in medical, manufactured and electronic products such as fibre optics, rechargeable batteries and hybrid cars.
Stakeholder liaison officer Murray Wilson said it was important to note that the EES demonstrated no significant negative environmental or socio-economic impact from the proposed mining operation.
Horsham Rural City Council has adopted a Memorandum of Understanding with WIM Resource Pty Ltd that formally maps "mutual benefit" for stakeholders and the region.