The decision by the Minister for Planning, the Honourable Pru Goward MP, following nearly four years of investigation has gone a long way to securing the company's future in the region.

 

The Atlas-Campaspe deposit contains more than 6.5 Mt of heavy mineral to be concentrated and processed into ilmenite, leucoxene, zircon and rutile end products. The mine has a potential mine life of 20 years. The Atlas-Campaspe project is expected to provide emplyment for 200 workers and contribute significantly to royalties, taxes, rates and increased economic activity in the region.

 

The NSW Government has made a substantial contribution to the project, committing $4.7 million to seal the Wool Track Road between Ivanhoe and Balranald to facilitate transport of mineral sands concentrate to the Ivanhoe rail siding for transfer to Cristal's processing facilities at Broken Hill.

 

We are appreciative of the support shown by the NSW Government and the Department of Planning and Environment in advancing this project. This decision means we can plan with confidence and now progress completion of the Federal Government and other approval processes for the mine.