Image Resources' (ASX: IMA) has welcomed confirmation that the WWA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has released its assessment report on the development proposal for its 100%-owned Atlas mineral sands project located 170km north of Perth in the North Perth Basin.
In this report, the EPA recommends that the Atlas development proposal may be implemented subject to conditions.
The publication of EPA’s assessment report triggers a three-week review period. Following the review period and resolution of any appeals by an independent appeals convenor (if any), the Minister for Environment will consider approval of the Atlas Project under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act.
“It has been a much longer journey than originally planned to get to this step in the environmental approvals process for our Atlas project. And, while a commencement date for on-ground activities at Atlas is still not certain, what is certain is that it is no longer a question of ‘if’ Atlas will be approved, but 'when'," Managing Director and CEO Mr Patrick Mutz, said.
"Our development team and consultants have worked tirelessly to satisfy the requirements of the permitting process and I want to thank them and the EPA for their diligent efforts. Image stands ready to implement the Atlas development proposal as soon as practicable to the benefit of all stakeholders.”
Atlas Development Plan
The operating plan is to mine and process all Ore Reserves at Boonanarring and then self-fund the relocation of mining and processing equipment from Boonanarring to Atlas and continue mining.
Atlas is a high-grade mineral sands deposit containing 5.5 million tonnes of Ore Reserves at 9.2% total heavy minerals (HM) and with 96% of contained HM in the Proved Ore Reserves category.