PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has awarded the Mackay potash project Lead Agency status, developer Agrimin said on Thursday.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation will act as the lead agency for the Mackay potash project, where a final investment decision is targeted for mid-2022.
Lead Agency status highlights the strategic importance of the Mackay potash project and reinforces the Western Australian government’s conviction in supporting a new sulphate of potash (SoP) industry,” said Agrimin CEO Mark Savich.
“Development of the Mackay potash project will underpin significant investment in regional infrastructure extending from Lake Mackay to Wyndham Port, as well as create long-term job opportunities for several of Western Australia’s most remote communities.”
Agrimin plans to produce up to 426 000 t/y of premium SoP over its 20-year life, at an estimated capital cost of $409-million. This will make the project one of the largest global suppliers of SoP fertiliser, generating estimated annual sales revenue of A$315-million.
The majority of the final approvals required for the Mackay potash project are managed by the Western Australian government, emphasising the importance of Lead Agency status and the streamlining of the approvals process, Agrimin said on Thursday.
All environmental studies designed to support the EIA have been completed and the environmental review document has been recently submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its review. The EPA’s acceptance of the document and the public review period are the next key steps in the timeline.
The Mackay potash project remains on track for Ministerial Approval in mid-2022.