Iluka external relations manager Rod Jones said as the company finished its mining activity at Ouyen, it would be required to apply to continue disposing of tailings.

Mr Jones said the company was expecting a resolution on the application by August or September.

‘‘We’ll submit the planning permit documentation, the planning minister will make a decision to call the planning application in and they will set the process from there in terms of where we go with the public exhibition process,’’ he said.

Mr Jones said under the proposal, mining by-products from the company’s operations in New South Wales and South Australia would be stored at Douglas.

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Opposition planning spokesman David Davis said the government must ensure transparency in the  process.

‘‘It’s got to be a public process, a process to enable the community to assess important technical and safety matters,’’ he said.

Mr Davis said it needed to be a robust process, which included the environmental effects and works approvals.

‘‘What I would want to see is a proper process, a process that is acted upon swiftly so the mine is able to put its case and have it assessed,’’ he said.

Victorian Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said she would meet with Iluka in the next few weeks.

‘‘Unlike the former coalition government, the Andrews Labor Government is committed to working with stakeholders and communities on resource development,’’ she said.

‘‘Iluka is currently preparing to seek regulatory approval under the Planning Act to continue using Douglas Pit 23 for disposal of by-products from Hamilton.’’

Iluka rehabilitation operations manager Hamish Little said there would be opportunities for the community to have its say on the proposal.

‘‘I would urge people if they do have grievances, go through the detail, go through the data and make sure you’re part of the process,’’ he said.