Australian Potash Ltd (ASX:APC) (ASX:APC) has received the final key environmental permit required for the development of Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash Project (LSOP) in Western Australia.
The state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the company’s Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).
EPA approval was required under the Ministerial Statement issued in February 2021 and provides a framework for understanding the cultural context within which the LSOP will be developed.
The company has made binding commitments in the CHMP focused on the preservation of Aboriginal heritage and cultural values along with a consultative framework including Aboriginal and other stakeholders.
Preserve cultural values
Australian Potash managing director and CEO Matt Shackleton said: “We take our responsibilities in respect to understanding Aboriginal relationships with the Lake Wells country very seriously, as we believe that it is only through this understanding that we can identify and preserve cultural values.
“We have had the privilege of working with many of the Western Desert’s most senior custodians and lore men over the past six years, with their information and assistance forming the basis of the CHMP we will work within.
“I look forward to continuing to develop these very important relationships over the next several years as the Lake Wells SOP project, the Laverton Training Centre, and the Laverton School STEM development and operations programs progress.”
Finalising pre-development plans
Australian Potash holds a 100% interest in the Lake Wells Sulphate of Potash (LSOP) about 500 kilometres northeast of Kalgoorlie, in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields.
The company is finalising pre-development plans for the start of construction with first production from the LSOP scheduled for mid-2023.
In addition, Australian Potash also holds a 100% interest in the Laverton Downs Project, which is 5 kilometres north of Laverton, in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields and has a 30% free-carried interest in the Lake Wells Gold Project.
- Ephrems Joseph