Australian Vanadium Ltd receives environmental approval for Mid West mine

An Australian mining company has received environmental approval to implement mining infrastructure in the Mid West, bringing it a step closer to reality.

On Monday, Australian Vanadium Ltd (AVL) announced to stakeholders its proposal for the Gabanintha Vanadium Project, located about 40km south-east of Meekatharra, had received approval from WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby.

The proposal, originally put forward by AVL subsidiary Technology Metals Australia Ltd, was to develop mining infrastructure in the area, including a concentrator and processing plant.

AVL chief executive Graham Arvidson said it was a milestone which would go a long way to moving the project forward.

“This approval marks a major milestone for the company, advancing the project towards construction and production while strengthening our confidence in securing the remaining approvals needed to move forward with the consolidated Australian Vanadium Project,” he said.

“We are grateful to the Government of WA and Minister Whitby for their support in this critical approval for the project.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to building positive long-term relationships with all of our community stakeholders.”

According to AVL, the approval allows the company to work on parts of the land in Gabanintha, west of Meekatharra-Sandstone Road.

The Gabanintha Vanadium Project involves mining in the area to produce vanadium concentrate, before producing vanadium oxides and an iron concentrate at a processing plant near Tenindewa, between Geraldton and Mullewa.

AVL said it would continue to seek approval for the southern part of the area, identifying it as an area with higher vanadium grades and favourable attributes for initial mining.

AVL said its strategy would support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy.

Last year, AVL received a $14.7m contribution from the Federal Government to help establish an Australian vanadium battery industry.

It was on top of a $49m grant in 2023 to help set up the facility and accelerate the project.

Vanadium can be used to create batteries, steel alloys for construction, and has been used in the medical sphere in defibrillators.