Perpetual Resources Ltd (ASX:PEC) is nearing completion of the various independent technical, field and desktop reports required to accompany the Beharra environmental approvals submissions in coming months.
PEC is a focused explorer of silica sands, aiming to produce high purity silica for export to the high-growth Asian markets. Its flagship asset, the Beharra Project, is 300 kilometres north of Perth and is 96 kilometres south of the port town of Geraldton in Western Australia.
The company has deliberately pursued a high standard of study and reporting to accompany the various planned submissions, as it looks to ensure a seamless approvals process in line with State and Federal (EPBC Act) statutory approval processes.
Results so far show no significant impact to environmental and heritage values, with interim and final independent reports confirming an environmental approvals submission in line with expectations.
An overview of various Beharra environmental approval-related workstreams can be seen below:
Finalisation in June
PEC is aiming to have its submission and referral documentation finalised in the June quarter 2022.
The above reports and studies are currently being incorporated into the Beharra Environmental Review and Impact Assessment Document (ERD).
Perpetual has also confirmed receipt of the following permits to further advance the Beharra Project:
- 26D Licence – allowing construction of wells for hydrogeological investigations; and
- Program of Work – allowing clearing and exploration for hydrogeological investigations.
“As we approach completion of an exhaustive list of studies and analysis related to the environmental approvals process at Beharra, we are extremely encouraged by the conclusions the various reports have so far provided,” Perpetual managing director Robert Benussi said.
“At the outset, we chose to meet the highest standards with regard to the level of environmental study at Beharra, which we believe affords the highest likelihood of a seamless approvals process by the State and Federal authorities. It is our firm belief that the Beharra permitting process will be successfully navigated.”
A staged process
While PEC does have timeframes in place to complete its studies, it does note the timeframes are indicative.
However, it is aiming to align the State and Federal efforts under a bilateral arrangement so as to streamline the approvals process.
The stages of approval can be seen below:
Beharra Environmental Approval Schematic.
The company notes that timelines stated for Stages 3-5 in the schematic are indicative only, with State and Federal activities dictating the ultimate timelines to approval.
Perpetual has allowed for approximately 12 months to complete Stages 3-5, which it notes could either be shorter or longer, with exact timing to be confirmed once Perpetual has commenced the formal approvals process with the relevant State and Federal departments.