Arrowsmith Central Silica Sand Project

Overview

The proponent (VRX Silica Ltd) proposes to develop a high-grade silica sand mine in the Geraldton Sandplain bioregion of WA, approximately 260 km north of Perth and 20km North-West of Eneabba. 

The proposal would include a total disturbance of 334 hectares of native vegetation. Vegetation and topsoil would be relocated to rehabilitation areas using a Vegetation Direct Transfer method (VDT).    

Mining is proposed to occur in blocks (150m x 150m), with up to five blocks being mined each year. The life of the Proposal is estimated to be 30 years. 

The proponent amended the referral under section 38C of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This change was approved by the EPA on 30 May 2022. 

The referred proposal document is provided for transparency, however comments to inform the level of assessment decision should be based on the Amended Proposal Content Document and Amended Proposal Supporting Document and Appendices.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.