The Victorian Government has approved a new work plan for VHM Limited’s Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project, a move expected to create jobs and expand the state’s critical minerals sector.
The project, located in north-west Victoria, contains proven deposits of zircon, rutile, leucoxene, ilmenite, and monazite, the government said in a news release.
The work plan incorporates recommendations from the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process. Under the approval, VHM must monitor air quality, publish real-time dust level data online, provide quarterly updates on responses to community feedback, and rehabilitate the site.
It noted that the plan also ensures that all activities comply with VHM’s legal obligations and conditions imposed by Resources Victoria.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the approval would support Victoria’s renewable energy transition and strengthen the local economy.
“This approval is helping ensure that Victoria’s critical minerals can meet the demand created by the renewable energy transition and provide a massive boost to the economy in the Mallee and beyond,” D’Ambrosio said.
She added that developing critical minerals in the Wimmera and Mallee could generate up to 7,000 new jobs in the coming decades.
“Critical minerals development in the Wimmera and Mallee could support up to 7,000 new jobs in the coming decades, and we are backing local communities with these well-paying jobs,” D’Ambrosio said.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes emphasised the importance of responsible development.
“We are making sure critical minerals are developed in a responsible way so that local communities benefit from new mining projects now and into the future,” Symes said.
According to the government, the Goschen Project is considered one of Victoria’s most significant mineral sands and rare earths developments and represents a key step in supporting both economic growth and the energy transition.
