The Victoria state government has approved the work plan for VHM Ltd.’s Goschen Rare Earths and Minerals Sands project, another step in the government’s plan to unlock the state’s critical minerals potential.
The Goschen project is one of Victoria’s most significant mineral sands and rare earths projects with proven deposits of zircon, rutile, leucoxene, ilmenite and monazite.
VHM said the project is underpinned by 199 million tonnes proved and probable ore reserve and a scalable 629 million tonne mineral resources with ongoing growth potential.
The work plan covers recommendations from the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, and means that VHM must monitor air quality, publish real-time dust level data online and provide quarterly updates on their community response.
The work plan also ensures that VHM’s activities are consistent with obligations and conditions imposed by Resources Victoria.
Victoria Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the critical minerals development could support up to 7,000 new jobs in the coming decades.
“This approval is helping ensure that Victoria’s critical minerals can meet the demand created by the renewable energy transition and provide a massive boost to the economy in the Mallee and beyond.”
The Victoria government is set to develop the state’s critical mineral resources potential as there are demonstrated resources of titanium, zirconium and rare earth elements in the state.
Developing these is crucial to the energy transition as it helps provide the materials needed for solar panels, wind turbines and batteries.
Member for Northern Victorian Jaclyn Symes said: “We are making sure critical minerals are developed in a responsible way so that local communities benefit from new mining projects now and into the future*.”*