Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 6, VRX Silica has obtained works approval from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for its Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project in Western Australia. The site, located 270 km north of Perth, hosts a high-quality silica sand deposit and is being developed to supply the foundry, container glass and flat-glass industries in Asia.

The project aims to serve the foundry, container glass and flat-glass markets in Asia.

The approval follows the environmental and mining proposal consents granted last month, allowing construction of the processing plant and associated infrastructure to begin. It also authorises operations under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, which requires permits before construction of prescribed premises to ensure emissions and discharges are managed lawfully.

The approval includes conditions intended to reduce environmental impacts, all of which were agreed upon earlier by VRX. The company aims to commence production at Arrowsmith North in the second half of 2026.

VRX managing director Bruce Maluish commented: “We are pleased to have received works approval for Arrowsmith North so soon after receiving State environmental approval. This is yet another significant milestone for VRX and the development of Arrowsmith North as we move towards production.”

According to the updated bankable feasibility study released in March 2024, Arrowsmith North contains a proved and probable ore reserve of 221 million tonnes grading 99.5% silicon dioxide. The project is designed to scale production from about one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to over two million tonnes per annum (mtpa), reflecting growing demand for high-purity silica sand in regional markets.

With works approval now secured, VRX will focus on completing the remaining steps to move the project forward. These include obtaining the final permits, concluding binding offtake agreements, and arranging project infrastructure and services. Plans also cover power supply arrangements, construction contracts, and securing project financing.

The approvals achieved so far confirm the project’s regulatory progress and position Arrowsmith North closer to becoming a long-term supplier of silica sand. By meeting environmental and operational requirements and advancing towards financing and offtake partnerships, VRX is aligning the project with international market needs.

Once production begins, Arrowsmith North is expected to contribute to silica supply for glass manufacturing and related industries, strengthening Australia’s role in supplying key raw materials for industrial applications. The combination of regulatory clearance, resource quality and market demand places the project on track for development, with construction and operational preparations underway.

This milestone underscores VRX Silica’s continued progress at Arrowsmith North, reflecting its broader strategy of developing sustainable silica sand projects to serve global industrial markets.