General News
8 April, 2025
Avonbank Mineral Sands project receives federal government approval
WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM) has received approval from the federal government to move forward with the Avonbank Mineral Sands project.
WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM) has received approval from the federal government to move forward with the Avonbank Mineral Sands project.
However, the mining licence application is still pending, with public submissions still open until April 9.
The approval was granted on Tuesday, April 8, by a Minister for Environment and Water delegate under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
WIM Resource Board Director John Bradley welcomed the announcement.
"This is an important milestone for the Avonbank Project and confirms that we can move forward with confidence, knowing the project meets Australia's highest environmental standards while delivering lasting economic and social benefits for the Wimmera region," Mr Bradley said.
The approval authorises WIM Resource to develop and operate the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project subject to conditions designed to protect the environment and ensure the project is carried out responsibly.
The approved action involves open-cut mining of heavy mineral sands and secondary processing activities within the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal Precinct.
In a joint statement, the WIM Executive Team, Eddy Wu and Michael Winternitz said WIM remained committed to working with the community in the future.
"This Federal Government approval marks yet another significant milestone for our company in our journey to bring the world-class Avonbank Mine into production," they said.
"WIM remains committed to driving the Avonbank Mine forward and working with stakeholders, including the local community, to ensure the significant local and regional economic benefits are realised."
The approval of the Federal Government EPBC Act and the State Government's positive EES assessment means that WIM can move forward to secure the remaining secondary approvals.
WIM will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders as this process progresses, with the construction of the mine possibly commencing in 2026, subject to the completion of final approvals and a financial investment decision.
A copy of the approval decision and conditions is available on the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website: https://epbcpublicportal.environment.gov.au/all-notices/.