VHM Ltd. has received approval from the Victorian government for its cultural heritage management plan for its flagship Goschen rare earth and mineral sands project in Victoria.
The approved plan covers resource extraction activities and affirms that the plan meets the requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act of 2006 and associated regulations.
The approval now allows VHM to formally lodge and finalise its work plan to advance the Goschen project towards development.
“VHM acknowledges the importance of cultural heritage protection and remains committed to working respectfully with Traditional Owners and stakeholders throughout the life of the Goschen project,” said a company statement.
The Goschen project is a Tier 1 integrated rare earth and mineral sands project with globally significant mineral assemblage.
The approval follows a non-binding and conditional letter of support from Export Finance Australia for up to AU$75 million and an updated letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for up to US$200 million for financing for the project.
The company secured federal approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in September for the project.