VRX Silica has announced that the Environmental Review Document (ERD) for its Arrowsmith North silica sand project near Geraldton in WA has been accepted by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for publication along with a four-week Public Environmental Review (PER).

The PER process, which will commence on 19 June 2023, includes a requirement for VRX to respond to all comments received.

This process is the final step before the Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) prepares an assessment report including recommendations to the Western Australian Environment Minister on whether the proposal should be approved.

Environmental approval for Arrowsmith North is crucial and linked to VRX’s ability to secure other necessary approvals for mining. The PER milestone therefore is a significant step in Arrowsmith North’s approvals process.

VRX Managing Director Bruce Maluish said: “We are delighted that the environmental approvals process has moved to this next important stage. This is a significant milestone for the process.

“VRX has proposed a unique method for rehabilitation of the mined area that provides for the best possible outcome for regeneration of native vegetation.

“The ERD seeks approval for 30 years of mining. The development area has the potential to underpin a project lasting up to 60 years (subject to further approvals), underscoring the enormous economic contribution that could flow to the Irwin Shire in particular and Western Australia more broadly.

“VRX has engaged fully and openly with regulators at every stage of the approvals process and appreciates the thoroughness of the process. We also thank shareholders for their patience as we have worked on securing the key approvals for Arrowsmith North.”