Australian Potash receives EPA authorisation to begin preliminary work at Lake Wells

The decision to consent is in advance of the EPA’s pending report on the project's development proposal, as detailed in the Environmental Review Document (ERD), and the decision by the Minister for Environment, once he has considered the recommendation made in that report. Ministerial approval is required by all of the SOP projects being proposed or developed in Western Australia, and the Lake Wells proposal is currently the most advanced in the EPA assessment process.

The minor and preliminary works the subject of this consent include:

• Upgrading the camp access track to more durable/all-weather access condition;
• Constructing and maintaining the western borefield track, the pond perimeter track and the eastern borefield track, in preparation for the civil and construction works associated with developing the entire borefield and pre-concentration ponds;
• Building a construction village including accommodation camp, fuel storage and wastewater treatment plant; and
• Developing several borrow areas to source material for the above.

Managing Director and CEO, Matt Shackleton, commented: “As flagged in recent announcements, we are very pleased to advise further progress in the approvals pathway for the Lake Wells SOP project.

“Our team has been working closely with the EPA to ensure all aspects of the proposed LSOP development meet or exceed required standards for the protection of the broader environment at Lake Wells. The LSOP’s Environmental Review Document (ERD) is now at Stage 3 of the four stage EPA assessment process.

“Concurrently, the company applied to proceed with what are referred to as Minor and Preliminary Works. The EPA is willing to grant this approval ahead of its recommendations to the Minister for Environment on the full development, when a company can demonstrate responsible, recoverable and minimal impact on the environment, of these works.

“APC is the second SOP project developer to receive M&PW approval. We very much look forward to providing further updates on the approvals pathway, offtake agreements and project financing in coming weeks.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/potash/12052020/australian-potash-receives-epa-authorisation-to-begin-preliminary-work-at-lake-wells/