Agrimin targets environmental approval for Mackay in early 2023
Agrimin 预计它将在明年初获得 EPA 对 Mackay 的批准。
Agrimin (ASX: AMN) revealed the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its Mackay potash project is on track to secure Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approvals in early 2023.
Western Australia’s EPA released the environmental review document for the project for public comment in May.
As a result, Agrimin is preparing responses to the comments received.
Based on statutory guidelines, it is expected EPA approval will be secured in early 2023.
“The high-quality industry leading environmental work that has been completed by the Agrimin team and its consultants demonstrates our commitment to managing the Mackay potash project in a socially acceptable and environmentally responsible manner,” Agrimin chief executive officer Mark Savich said.
In parallel with the EIA, Agrimin is progressing other remaining key approvals, licences and agreements for Mackay.
These include securing the mining lease, along with approvals for the mining proposal and closure plans.
Agrimin is also firming up works approval and licences from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Additionally, negotiations are underway to lock in native title agreements to secure access licences over a proposed haul road for the project.
Mackay potash project
The Mackay project is located on Lake Mackay in WA’s north near the Northern Territory border. It comprises nine exploration licences covering 3,000sq km in WA and four exploration licence applications in the NT.
The project is 940km south of the Wyndham Port.
According to Agrimin, Lake Mackay is the largest undeveloped potash-bearing salt lake in the world.
It contains dissolved potassium and sulphur, which can be used to create a high-grade water-soluble sulphate of potash (SOP) fertiliser.
Agrimin has already locked in three binding offtake agreements that represent 70%, or 315,000 tonnes per annum, of the planned SOP production from the project.
“The Mackay potash project stands out globally as the premier SOP development asset and will underpin significant investment in regional infrastructure extending from Lake Mackay to Wyndham Port, as well as create long-term job opportunities for several of Australia’s remote communities,” Mr Savich said.