VHM (ASX:VHM) is set to advance towards a final investment decision (FID) for the Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project in Victoria, after receiving approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.
The approval allows VHM to proceed with final design, construction planning, and operational readiness activities, which is expected to begin in 2026.
In parallel with a FID, VHM will also focus on finalising a work plan and finalise strategic offtake agreements and financing. The company will also begin front-end engineering and design design.
CEO Ron Douglas says securing EPBC approval is a critical step in de-risking the project.
“With Federal environmental approvals now in place, we are expecting the last of the State and Local Council approvals processes to be concluded in the upcoming months,” Douglas says.
The approval follows the completion of an environmental effects statement, released in December 2024, as well as the granting of a mining licence secured in April, as previously reported.
The Goschen Project will produce rare earths and heavy minerals – boasting a resource of 413,107 tonnes of total rare earth oxide.
VHM is a rare earths and mineral sands developer focused on powering the technologies that drive the energy transition.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: VHM
