ABx Group (ASX:ABX) has engaged the Australian arm of Onterris (NYSE:ONT) to advance key environmental approvals for the Sunrise Bauxite Project in Queensland, with the approvals targeted for completion in 2027.
Onterris Australia will prepare the site-specific environmental authority and progressive rehabilitation and closure plan for the proposed Binjour mine, following a five-month competitive procurement process.
Managing Director and CEO Dr Mark Cooksey says the appointment moves Sunrise towards development.
“The appointment of Onterris as the environmental approvals consultant represents another important step in advancing the Sunrise Project,” Cooksey says.
Sunrise comprises a 37-million-tonne (Mt) mineral resource of gibbsite-type metallurgical bauxite at Binjour, including 23Mt indicated and 14Mt inferred, alongside proposed port operations at Bundaberg.
Good Importing International (GII) has invested $2.7 million for a 70% interest in ABx3, the entity holding the Sunrise assets. ABx says funding is being used to finalise mine planning, environmental approvals, and port approvals for an initial direct shipping ore program.
Cooksey says GII’s decision to prioritise Sunrise will increase the capital and management resources allocated to the project.
“The Taralga and Penrose projects remain attractive bauxite opportunities with rapid development options via the nearby Port Kembla. With ABx retaining 100% ownership, we have the flexibility to consider the best pathway to realise value from these assets.”
The shift in GII’s focus follows the expiry of its option to invest $4.8 million for a 75% interest in ABx2, which owns the Taralga and Penrose bauxite projects in New South Wales. The option expired on 11 August without being exercised.
ABx remains the sole owner of both projects and the $300,000 non-refundable option fee. A portion of the fee funded external due diligence covering environmental approvals, transport, and port logistics at Taralga, which ABx says identified no critical issues.
Taralga hosts a mineral resource of approximately 38Mt and lies about 200km from Port Kembla. Penrose contains refractory-grade bauxite within Penrose State Forest, around 100km from the port.
ABx says it continues to assess development, funding, and partnership opportunities for its NSW assets while progressing Sunrise through the approvals process.
ABx Group is a mining and technology company developing bauxite, heavy rare earths, and hydrogen fluoride projects across Australia.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: ABx Group
