WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby has granted environmental approval to Agrimin’s Mackay potash project under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA).
The proposal concerned “the development of a greenfields sulphate of potash (SOP) fertiliser operation”, which is estimated to have a 20-year mine life and currently contains a drainable mineral resource of 123 million tonnes.
“The proposal involves the on-lake development of trenches and solar evaporation ponds for brine extraction and sulphate of potash production,” the proposal said.
“The off-lake development includes a processing plant, associated site infrastructure and access roads for trucking sulphate of potash product to Wyndham Port.”
Following significant environmental and heritage surveys undertaken between 2014 and 2018 and an extensive environmental impact assessment being conducted by the WA Environmental Protection Authority, the WA Government has said development of Mackay “may be implemented”.
With approval under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) secured, Agrimin hopes to extract SOP rich brine from shallow infiltration trenches across the lake surface at Mackay. The project will comprise a mine, processing plant, integrated logistics chain and port facility.
“We thank the Kiwirrkurra, Ngururrpa and Tjurabalan Peoples for their enduring support and our strong partnership,” Agrimin managing director and chief executive officer Debbie Morrow said. “The world-class Mackay potash project has exceptional environmental and social credentials and the potential to support sustainable food security for future generations.
“Agrimin recognises the extensive accredited assessment completed by the WA EPA through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and other subject matter experts. We thank the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation as our designated lead agent under the WA Government’s lead agency framework for their support, and all involved in the assessment process for their disciplined approach and collaboration.
“We also appreciate the level of involvement that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water committed during the state accredited assessment process and we now look forward to concluding the decision stage for the Commonwealth environmental approval.”
In other Agrimin news, the Wyndham Port was granted first point of entry on January 9, allowing Agrimin to export future sulphate of potash products through the facility.
The Mackay potash project is forecast to be the world’s lowest-cost SOP producer.
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