Perpetual Resources Ltd (ASX:PEC) continues to progress the environmental approvals process for the Beharra Silica Sand Project in Western Australia.
Back in May, Perpetual updated the market on the company’s efforts to secure environmental approval at the project, which was being progressed for submission under the Western Australian Part IV approvals process.
Exhaustive environmental studies
In support of the approvals, the company conducted environmental studies across a range of aspects including flora and vegetation, noise, terrestrial fauna, air quality, invertebrate fauna, soil, social surroundings, inland waters and greenhouse gas emissions among others.
The exhaustive third-party study program demonstrated that the Beharra Project has a “low risk” environmental impact.
Perpetual then engaged comprehensively with the various relevant WA-based regulatory offices, with feedback indicating that a faster and more efficient Part V (native vegetation clearing permit) approvals process should also be considered by the company.
Low-complexity project
Part V permits are regularly issued for environmentally low-risk projects in WA, with low annual disturbance footprints and good rehabilitation programs.
Accordingly, in June 2022, the company submitted a formal application to DIMRS under Part V for a native vegetation clearing permit.
This application has already progressed through the public comment period, with no public comments received. Perpetual believes that the low complexity of the Beharra Project means it can be adequately managed under Part V and is working with the relevant agencies to expedite approval.
Multiple environmental pathways pursued
Should the application not prove successful, Perpetual has pre-prepared the full Part IV submission documentation, ready to be submitted for Part IV approval.
There is currently a lengthy assessment period for applications under the Part IV process, due to the volume of applications.
Federal approvals
In addition to the state-based approvals process, the project will need to comply with the federal approvals processes under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC), administered by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Perpetual has opted to progress the federal approvals process – which is anticipated to take around six months – in parallel to the state-based approvals.
The company has received formal notification under the EBPC Act that the Beharra Project has been deemed a Controlled Action, requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act prior to final approval.
Fortunately, the areas of focus raised under the EPBC Act determination have been exhaustively addressed by Perpetual in its various environmental study programs, with numerous field surveys providing compelling support for approval of the Beharra project.
The company welcomes the decision by the Federal Government, which now provides a clear pathway and known deliverables that will allow Perpetual to work towards a full permitting of the Beharra high-grade silica sand project.