General News
8 June, 2024
Miners to be housed in new single units
Lack of patronage has led to Minyip's two pubs shutting their doors, but with news this week that the east Wimmera town will host a large 60-plus-unit mine-accommodation complex, a rethink might be on the cards.
Astron Corporation, which is establishing Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project between Minyip and Donald, has announced plans for 62 single-person ensuite units on land which was once the site of Minyip Hospital.
The complex, to cover more than a hectare, is in Church Street near Minyip Community Health Centre and about 15 kilometres from the mine site.
Paul Atherton, mine environment and community officer, said tenders were yet to be finalised but he expected the units to be in place by December.
"We probably don't have contractors in this area who can supply or build the units," he said.
"But we will certainly have many jobs for local contractors. A mess is included in the plans, but a 'dry' one which means food can be served but not alcohol."
He said Minyip residents had not raised objections to the unit complex and mining staff would be encouraging people to stay in the area when not on duty, and join community organisations such as football, cricket and other sporting groups.
"We've heard nothing but positive comments on the accommodation plans from Minyip people," Mr Atherton said.
"And the units will be removed from the site when no longer required by the mining company. We just don't know how long that will be."
It was hoped to have permanent or semi-permanent residents over fly-in, fly-out workers.
Most jobs weren't for heavy-machinery drivers but in management, plant operators for mineral separation and engineers or geologists.
Astron Corporation expects the mine to function 24 hours a week, seven days a week, support about 150 full-time-equivalent jobs and add about $205 million annually to the economy for up to 40 years.
Mr Atherton said a mineral separations plant was also a first priority and plans were to start mining operations start towards the end of 2026. The company was also working towards upgrading power lines between the mine and Horsham sub-station on Williams Road.
The company plans to freight rare earth minerals by truck to Wimmera Intermodal Dooen Freight Terminal, and from there move them by rail to export ports and possibly to a new extracting plant in Western Australia.
Mr Atherton said Astron would initially work in a "moving hole concept" in a 2000-hectare area in cells measuring 500 metres by 250 metres.
He said the ore contained three or four of 17 prized elements called "rare earths" which were used extensively in technology. These represented 10 per cent of the mine's ore volume but 50 per cent of the income.
"Five years ago these rare earths were considered waste," he said. "But now, they're considered very valuable and used extensively in the production of technology products."
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said the mine had the backing of the council and would have positive effect on the area's workforce. It would also prove a great boost to the area's economy.