Australian development company Metallica Minerals (ASX:MLM) has received a decision from the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for a referral submitted for the Cape Flattery Silica (CFS) Project in Queensland.
The DCCEEW has assessed the referral and has determined that the CFS project is a Controlled Action under Section 75 of the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), requiring assessment and approval under the EPBS Act prior to final approval.
The company says the timeline for EPBC Act approval will be known following the delivery of additional information, however, the DCCEEW has not yet made a decision on the process for assessment of the project.
Metallica Minerals will therefore provide further information to assist in the determination of the assessment approach.
In addition, a site-specific environmental authority application and a Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP), which was shared with the Dingaal and Nguurruumungu clans, are planned to be lodged with the Queensland Department of Environment and Science towards the end of Q1 this year.
Speaking on the decision by the DCCEEW, Metallica Minerals Executive Chairman Theo Psaros says: “We accept this decision by the Federal Government. Our environmental studies delivered results that indicated the CFS project has sought to minimise and avoid environmental impacts where possible and that any residual impacts would be managed in accordance with Federal and State approvals.
The controls that we will have in place will ensure our operation respects the land on which we are located and will rehabilitate to the highest standards required.
“Our environmental studies delivered results that indicated the CFS project has sought to minimise and avoid environmental impacts where possible and that any residual impacts would be managed in accordance with Federal and State approvals”
We have shared our Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) with the Dingaal and Nguurruumungu clans on whose country the CFS project is located. Our ongoing consultation with the Traditional Landowners will also ensure they are kept informed of our activities and any impact on their land.
We continue to develop the CFS project and to unlock the value of this world-class critical mineral and to position it as a long-life supplier of high-quality silica sand for the manufacturer of solar panels for many decades to come.”
Metallica is an ASX-listed Australian development company focused on delivering high-purity silica sand to a diversified global customer-base. The company’s CFS project is located in the Cape Flattery area on the eastern coastline of the Cape York Peninsula about 55km from Cooktown in north Queensland.
The project is being developed adjacent to the Cape Flattery Silica Sand mining and shipping operation owned by the Mitsubishi Corporation (TYO:8058).
Images: Metallica Minerals Ltd
