General News
4 April, 2025
Update on Avonbank Mining Licence Application
Resource Victoria announced in March the Regulator had accepted an application from WIM Resource PL for a mining licence for the proposed open cut rare earth Avonbank mine at Dooen, near Horsham in the Wimmera.
With that announcement came a 21-day feedback period where the public could make confidential submissions.
However, in an update to that announcement on April 1, while not extending the 21-day feedback period, Resource Victoria has advised it will accept submissions from the public after the original date of April 9.
The statement also said that as part of the application process, the Earth Resources Regulator would consider the project's viability, whether WIM Resource could deliver the proposed project, and whether they were 'fit and proper' to hold a mining licence.
The Earth Resources Regulator would also seek further information from WIM Resource about media reports about allegations of unethical practices during the Environmental Effects Statement process.
If the applicant is not found to be fit and proper, then a mining licence would not be awarded.
The proposed open-cut Avonbank Mine at Dooen, near Horsham, has received strong opposition from landowners in the region.
The Earth Resources Regulator, part of Resources Victoria, has received more than 100 formal submissions with a range of feedback about the project.
Based on this community input and strong local media coverage, a Resources Victoria spokesperson said it would like to clarify some matters before the formal closing of the feedback period on April 9.
"The strong community response to date demonstrates that there is good awareness of the project, the proponent and how to provide feedback ahead of the Mining Licence assessment for the Avonbank project," Resources Victoria's Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Chris Webb said.
"Part of assessing WIM Resource's Mining Licence application is determining if they are fit and proper based on the facts available to the Earth Resources Regulator.
"This can be reassessed at any time during the life of a Mining Licence."
The public advertising material of the WIM Resource Mining licence application met with criticism from some sectors of the public who requested Resource Victoria extend the feedback period and provide updated maps and information about infrastructure near or inside the proposed mine footprint for clarity.
Dooen landowners Maryla Johns and Donna Johns publicly detailed food manufacturing operations, both current and planned, the interstate rail line, key roads, and other infrastructure they believed should have been included in the maps and dates used in public advertising.
However, Resource Victoria stated that public advertising complied with Victoria's minerals legislation.
"The public advertising of WIM Resource's Mining Licence application was completed correctly and complied with Victoria's minerals legislation – no changes will be made to the length of the statutory objection period, and there is no requirement to re-advertise any aspects," the statement said.
"The 21-day period is an opportunity for the community to provide feedback and have input into an upcoming assessment by the Earth Resources Regulator of WIM Resource's Mining Licence application and whether the company can deliver the project to the standards required.
"The strong community response to date demonstrates that the advertising and promotion of the feedback process has been effective.
"While the statutory feedback period will not be extended, the Earth Resources Regulator will consider submissions made after April 9 before the assessment is completed," it said.
However, Resource Victoria encouraged early submissions because it would allow them time to seek additional information if needed.
Horsham Rural City Council moved a motion to request an extension to the feedback period at the February council meeting and Cr Cam McDonald successfully moved a motion to suspend the Memorandum of Understanding between WIM Resource and HRCC, pending a review.
Details of the Mining Licence application process, including the scope of community feedback being sought, are available on the Resource Victoria 'Have your say' page.
The Mail-Times has contacted Resource Victoria for details about the extended date.