BCI Minerals has received approval from the Western Australia Minister for Environment to proceed with its Mardie salt and potash project in WA under certain conditions.
The government requirements are no different to those outlined in the appeals determination earlier in November and relate to the preservation of flora, fauna and water systems in the area.
BCI will incur no material impact from the conditions, which will be factored into the company’s Mardie management plans.
BCI managing director Alwyn Vorster said he respects the process set out by the WA Government and Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
“Environmental approval for the Mardie Project implementation is the culmination of four years of BCI studies, surveys and consultation with multiple stakeholders,” he said.
“BCI acknowledges the significant resources allocated by the EPA and Western Australian Government over a long period leading up to this decision.”
Vorster said his company will be extra diligent to ensure Mardie operates above board.
“BCI is committed to rigorously managing the environmental conditions set by the minister to ensure a sustainable multi-generational project,” he said.
“Mardie has greener credentials than most other resources projects – it will not create mining pits or waste dumps; there will be no large-scale dewatering; it will utilise an inexhaustible seawater resource and it will harness the natural energy of the sun and wind to drive production over many decades.”
Before it looks to commence Mardie construction in early 2022, BCI still has to pass secondary statutory approvals and gain shareholder approval for its recent $360 million capital raising.
The $360 million capital raise complements a $740 million debt funding package BCI had announced in October, amounting to $1.2 billion which BCI has at its disposal for the construction and ramp up of Mardie.
The Mardie salt and potash project has the potential to produce 5.35 million tonnes per annum of salt and 140,000 tonnes per annum of sulphate of potash (SOP).