South Australian Approvals

IronClad is currently seeking approval for a mining lease and adjoining miscellaneous purpose licences under Section 35 of the Mining Act 1971 to proceed with mine operations at Wilcherry Hill. The proposal will be assessed by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) with the term of a mining lease being for a period of up to a maximum of 21 years. Once a lease is granted, it is subject to any additional conditions imposed on the mine operator by the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, and its area/size cannot be expanded to cover other areas of land without additional approval.

IronClad have submitted a Mining Lease Proposal to PIRSA on 7 February 2011. This document identifies the current social, physical and ecological environment of the project area, details the project description, assesses the likely impact of the project and identifies management and mitigation measures that will be implemented to minimise impacts. This document will be assessed by the regulators and in granting a mining lease, the Minister for Mineral Resources Development will give proper consideration to social, environmental and economic factors, in making a decision on the proposed lease. To meet this assessment requirement, all proposals for mining leases in South Australia must demonstrate their overall lasting worth to the community (i.e., a net benefit that considers economic, social and environmental impacts).

The Mining Lease Proposal was placed on public exhibition for 25 business days, closing 14 April 2011. During this time, the community had the opportunity to make comment on the proposal. Ironclad’s response to the feedback on the proposal along with the original document will be assessed by the regulators. The Minister will make the ultimate decision on approval and will approve the final conditions of approval.

Commonwealth Approvals

Due to the potential impact on a threatened species, the malleefowl, the project is being assessed by the Commonwealth at the level of a Public Environmental Report and will require final approval from the Federal Minister of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Read More