- VRX Silica (VRX) steps closer to kicking off the construction of its flagship Arrowsmith North project in WA after landing an important environmental approval for the project
- The Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) approves VRX’s Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for proposed mining activities at Arrowsmith
- Managing Director Bruce Maluish says the ESD approval gives the company a clearer timeline and pathway forward for key project development work
- With other regulatory approvals still needed before VRX gets the green light for Arrowsmith North, the company says it expects to begin project construction in January 2023
- Shares in VRX Silica last traded for 15 cents each on Wednesday, March 16
VRX Silica (VRX) is a step closer to kicking off the construction of its flagship Arrowsmith North project in Western Australia after landing an important environmental approval for the project.
The Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) today approved VRX’s Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for proposed mining activities at Arrowsmith, which lies north of Perth.
The ESD acts as a precursor for an Arrowsmith Environmental Review Document (ERD), which can now be finalised by VRX before being released for public review.
VRX Managing Director Bruce Maluish said today’s ESD approval gives the company a clearer timeline and pathway forward for the development of its silica sands project.
“EPA approval of our Environmental Scoping Document is the culmination of many months of hard work by both VRX and the EPA and we look forward to continued collaboration as we progress the development of the Arrowsmith North silica sand project,” Mr Maluish said.
“Arrowsmith North is the first of our three high-quality, world-scale projects and the most advanced pure silica sand development opportunity in Western Australia. I am confident the lessons from this approvals process will assist VRX as we progress approvals and development of the Arrowsmith Central and Muchea silica sand projects.”
He said if all goes according to plan, VRX could begin the construction of the Arrowsmith North project in January 2023.
Of course, there are still several regulatory hoops to jump through before the company can begin construction, including approvals from the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment (DAWE).
Nevertheless, VRX said today’s ESD approval was an important step in planning and scheduling future key development activities, including financing and capital investment for Arrowsmith North.
Shares in VRX Silica last traded for 15 cents each on Wednesday, March 16. The company has an $85 million market cap.