The Victorian government has green lit environmental plans for two mineral sands mines in western Victoria, which will cover a combined 5,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Two planned mineral sands mines in western Victoria have received approvals for environmental plans.two mineral sands mines in western Victoria, despite opposition from farmers.
The WIM Resource Avonbank mine covers 3,426 hectares near Dooen, about 10km north-east of Horsham, where the Chinese-backed company is proposing to dig up 12.75 million tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate that includes critical minerals.Both mines plan to produce rare earth elements, zirconium and titanium-rich minerals — elements used to produce batteries, medical devices and electric vehicles.Lalbert farmer Craige Kennedy said he was concerned about the effect of the mine on his community.
The ABC understands the Victorian government's decision to approve the mine was sent as an online link to one landholder near the Goschen project 24 hours before the official announcement, only for the document to be taken down.Dooen landholder Dean Johns said many farmers were "blindsided" by the news.“I’ve literally had phone calls today with people crying over the phone to me.
WIM Resource director John Bradley said in a statement the Avonbank project would deliver economic benefits to the Wimmera region and Victoria, supporting 967 full-time jobs over the 30 year life of the mine.
Western Victoria Swan Hill Horsham Goeschen Mine VHM Limited WIM Resource Avonbank Mine Farmers Environmental Effects Statement
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