The ‘major project’ status recognises economically significant projects to Australia and enables strategically significant projects to obtain extra support and coordinated approvals.

As part of the ‘major project’ status, the major project facilitation agency will provide case management support to assist Chalice in navigating Federal Government approval processes.

“Chalice would like to thank Minister Husic and the Australian Federal Government for recognising the national significance of the Gonneville project as the first major platinum group element discovery in Australia, and an important part of Australia’s future critical minerals ambitions,” Chalice Mining managing director and chief executive officer Alex Dorsch said.

“It is particularly pleasing to receive this support from the Commonwealth in addition to the ‘strategic project’ status recently granted by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments, local communities, Traditional Owners, and Mitsubishi Corporation under our strategic MoU as we progress approvals and project studies to advance this important project towards development.”

Located 70km from Perth in Western Australia, Gonneville has potential to produce a rare mix of critical and strategic minerals required for the global energy transition.

The project is currently in the pre-feasibility stage, with regulatory approvals progressing in parallel.

http://www.miningnewspro.com/en/News/629246/Gonneville gets Federal backing