Junior WA vanadium miner Australian Vanadium’s proposed Mid West mine has been anointed lead agency status by the state government, paving the way for easy passage through both state and federal approvals processes.
The Australian Vanadium project is one of the highest-grade deposits in the world. The metal is used to strengthen steel and is increasingly being looked at for use in renewable battery systems.
The mine was expected to create 500 jobs during construction and 240 ongoing jobs and the new state government status follows on from its award of ‘major project status’ from the federal government in September last year.
Lead agency status means the company will have a single point of contact within the state government to provide help during approvals processes.
Australian Vanadium managing director Vincent Algar formal recognition of the project from the state government provided greater certainty to those considering an investment in the project.
“AVL has defined a vanadium project of significant size and economic potential,” he said.
“Assistance with the approval process will be most welcome.”
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said vanadium was proving to be a key component in battery technology and renewable energy storage and had been influential in forming the WA Future Battery Industry Strategy.
“Australian Vanadium’s Project demonstrates that Western Australia continues to be the leading
jurisdiction for the ethical and sustainable production of battery and critical minerals,” he said.
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