Altech Chemicals (ASX:ATC) has had its mining proposal and the associated mine closure plan approved for its Meckering kaolin deposit located in Western Australia.
The mining approval marks an important stage in the development of the Meckering kaolin mine, which will provide feedstock for Altech’s proposed Malaysian high purity alumina (HPA) plant.
The approval specifically allows for mining activities to commence within Altech’s 100%-owned Meckering mining lease M70/1334, which is located 140 kilometres east of Perth.
The next step is the works approval application for the proposed loading facility at Meckering, which is assessed by the Department of Environment Regulation.
Iggy Tan, managing director, commented: “The company is delighted to have received mining approval for the Meckering kaolin deposit.
“Whilst the company will not need to commence mining kaolin until 2018, the approval of the mine is an important developmental milestone that has now been ticked off.”
Other recent developments
Altech recently reached an agreement with its appointed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor on a framework for a fixed price contract for the construction of the proposed high purity alumina (HPA) plant in Malaysia.
A fixed price EPC contract will be a positive outcome for shareholders, project financiers and the HPA project as it de-risks the construction phase of the project.
Altech is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% HPA through construction and operation of the proposed HPA plant in Malaysia.
The plan is for the HPA plant to process raw kaolin mined and shipped from the company’s 100% owned Meckering kaolin deposit located in Western Australia.