The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has approved Australian Vanadium Limited’s development application for a proposed vanadium processing facility at Tenindewa, a move seen as a key milestone in the company’s push to establish a fully integrated vanadium manufacturing operation in Australia.
Located approximately 65 kilometres east of Geraldton, the Tenindewa facility is claimed as a critical element of the Australian Vanadium Project, which spans mining, processing, and vanadium electrolyte manufacturing across Western Australia, according to an ASX announcement.
The project includes a mine and concentrator at Gabanintha, near Meekatharra, and a vanadium electrolyte production plant already in operation in Perth.
AVL Chief Executive Officer Graham Arvidson said the development approval was a “landmark moment” for the company and represented a significant advancement in Australia’s capacity to produce and process critical minerals locally.
“This is a landmark moment for AVL and a significant step forward in realising our vision of a homegrown, fully integrated vanadium value chain,” Arvidson said.
“The Tenindewa processing facility will bring long-term economic and social benefits to the Mid West, including job creation, regional investment and new opportunities across the critical minerals and renewable energy sectors.”
The approval followed a comprehensive review by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s Significant Development Assessment Unit (SDAU), which recommended approval with conditions.
The SDAU’s assessment acknowledged the strategic importance of vanadium in strengthening Australia’s energy security and industrial resilience, noting the project’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and the Future Made in Australia initiative.
With development approval secured, AVL said it plans to move ahead with secondary approvals and detailed engineering work as part of its broader planning for future investment and construction.
“We sincerely thank the WAPC, SDAU and all stakeholders who contributed thoughtful feedback during the application process,” Arvidson added. “Our team is committed to working constructively with the community, Traditional Owners and regulators as we progress toward construction.”
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL). For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from AVL. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
