Minister backs Lynas' Kalgoorlie plans

2nd February 2022 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Rare earths developer Lynas has received Ministerial approval for the development of its Kalgoorlie rare earth processing centre, in Western Australia.

The company this week reported that it had received the Ministerial Statement under the Environmental Protection Act, approving the implementation of the Kalgoorlie rare earths processing facility and outlining the conditions for the construction and operation of the facility.

The conditions are consistent with initiatives proposed by Lynas, the company said.

The cracking and leaching plant forms part of the company’s 2025 growth plans and will see Lynas upgrade the rare earth concentrate from the Mt Weld operation, which is currently exported to Malaysia.

The A$500-million project will employ 290 staff during construction and up to 128 staff during operations.

“Lynas is very pleased to be progressing this important project to establish a critical minerals value added processing facility in Kalgoorlie which meets the strict environmental conditions of Western Australian regulators,” the company said this week.

“This is consistent with our environmental, social and governance approach, our commitment to operating in a way that is safe for our people, our communities and the environment and our objective to contribute positively to the communities in which we operate.”