Diatreme Resources Limited (ASX: DRX) has advanced the permitting and approvals pathway for its Northern Silica Project (NSP) in Far North Queensland, with the lodgement of a Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) referral with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Diatreme’s CEO, Neil McIntyre commented, “We welcome this process and expect a decision on the EPBC referral documentation to be formalized in late June as we move through this lodgment and validation process. The referral identifies and reflects that the NSP is proposed in areas of environmental sensitivity and we intend to meet all environmental requirements stipulated by federal and State regulatory agencies.”
The lodgment is a key milestone in the regulatory approval process, with a decision expected in late June on a “controlled action” designation by the DCCEEW, prior to the final determination.
The Queensland Government notified Diatreme of its acceptance of an application to commence an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on 23 January 2023, and agreed that an EIS is appropriate for the project. The approval enables Diatreme to prepare an initial advice statement (IAS) about the project and obtain fraft terms of reference (ToR) for an EIS study.
Associated with this EIS process, a referral application under the federal EPBC Act was made in March 2023 to the federal government. The NSP referral and associated preliminary assessment documentation has now been validated by DCCEEW for 10 days prior to the final assessment process by DCCEEW.
“We aim to ensure our project is planned, developed and operated in a manner consistent with the highest possible environmental standards, reflecting our commitment to sustainable development that delivers genuine benefits to all stakeholders, including local communities.” Added Neil.
Additionally, the Northern Silica project is advancing rapidly, with detailed scoping study due for release in Q2 2023, amid the continuing demand for high- grade silica products to power the solar energy boom.
To find out more, please visit www.diatreme.com.au
