Victoria approves controversial Horsham mineral sands mine project
Victoria approved a 20-year licence for WIM Resource to extract zircon, titanium and rare earths from 3,400 hectares near Horsham.
Resources Victoria gave approval for the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project after checking the company's plan and its ability to pay. WIM Resource is Chinese-backed and plans to mine heavy mineral sands, which are used in electronics and renewable energy equipment.
Mining will run around the clock. Construction could start late next year.
Mining could start in 2029, pending other approvals. The project has faced fierce local opposition.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss said community members feel devastated. He remains doubtful about rehabilitation promises.
Resources Victoria rejected the company's request for a 38-year licence. They granted 20 years instead.
The mine will operate for about 36 years. It will extract around 12.75 million tonnes of mineral concentrate.
- Dooen, 15km northeast of Horsham
- Project location
- 20 years
- Licence term
- 3,400 hectares
- Site area
- 12.75 million tonnes
- Mineral output
Why it mattersThe approval allows a major regional mining project. Local councils and residents actively opposed it.
AustraliaVictoria will host one of ten planned mineral sands projects across the Wimmera-Mallee region and NSW, shaping the landscape and economy of rural western Victoria.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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