Licence granted for controversial mineral sands mine
Victoria's mining regulator has granted a 20-year licence for a mineral sands mine near Horsham in Victoria's west, despite local government and community concerns about the site's environmental impact.
A mining licence has been granted in Victoria for the controversial Avonbank Mineral Sands Project, operated by WIM Resource. The licence, issued by Resources Victoria, allows the company to mine heavy mineral sands including zircon, titanium, and rare earth elements over a 20-year period. Construction is expected to commence in late 2027, with the mine operational by 2029, subject to financial, construction, and environmental approvals.
The mine site spans approximately 3,400 hectares, with operations planned to occur around the clock. WIM Resource states it will operate the mine for 36 years, extracting 12.75 million tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate. The project has faced opposition from local residents and the Horsham Rural City Council, who have raised concerns over dust, the use of an intermodal freight hub, and the rehabilitation of the land.
The company has committed to creating 1,000 full-time local jobs and establishing a $40 million community benefit fund, with an initial $1 million contribution made over three years before operations begin. Despite the approval, local council leader Brian Klowss expressed disappointment in the lack of communication from the Victorian government and questioned the site's rehabilitation plans.
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