Australian Vanadium has announced a significant milestone with the approval of its Gabanintha Vanadium Project by the Western Australian Minister for Environment, Reece Whitby.
The decision, granted under section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), allows AVL’s wholly owned subsidiary, Technology Metals Australia Pty Ltd (TMT), to implement the proposal detailed in EPA Report 1755.
The approved proposal, now integrated into the broader Australian Vanadium Project, includes conditions outlined in Ministerial Approval Statement Number 1242, which are deemed customary and consistent with AVL’s proposed initiatives.
The approval encompasses key infrastructure for the Gabanintha Vanadium Project, including a mine, concentrator, processing plant, bore field, and camp facilities.
AVL continues to advance its Optimised Feasibility Study (OFS) to consolidate the Gabanintha Vanadium Project with the Australian Vanadium Project, aiming to enhance the project’s overall economic viability.
AVL’s Chief Executive Officer, Graham Arvidson, highlighted the importance of the approval, stating, “This approval marks a major milestone for the Company, advancing the project towards construction and production while strengthening our confidence in securing the remaining approvals needed to move forward with the consolidated Australian Vanadium Project.”
He added, “We are grateful to the Government of Western Australia and Minister Whitby for their support in this critical approval for the project. We also reaffirm our commitment to building positive long-term relationships with all of our community stakeholders.”
The Australian Vanadium Project envisions an open-cut mine and concentrator at Gabanintha, near Meekatharra, Western Australia, with a vanadium oxide processing plant located at Tenindewa, inland from Geraldton.
The project aims to produce vanadium concentrate at the mine site and high-purity vanadium oxides, along with an iron concentrate coproduct, for export through Geraldton port.
The EPA approval specifically covers development at the northern end of the orebody, situated on Mining Lease M51/883.
AVL is pursuing further approvals for the southern end of the orebody, including Mining Leases M51/878 and M51/884 and Mining Lease Application M51/897.
The southern orebody, characterised by higher vanadium and iron concentrate grades and favorable weathering conditions, is identified as the preferred location for initial mining activities.
The project aligns with the Australian Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan, which supports the nation’s transition to a net-zero economy and promotes domestic manufacturing.
