Environmental approval granted for Toro

• Environment Minister reaches agreement with decision making authorities
• Toro Energy Limited's proposed uranium mine given strict conditions

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today announced the granting of final environmental approval, subject to a number of strict conditions, for Toro Energy Limited's proposed uranium mine near Wiluna.

 
Mr Marmion said his decision followed three weeks' consultation with other decision-making authorities, including the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

"In reaching this agreement I took into account comments made by agencies, including the Department of Environment and Conservation, resulting in even tighter conditions," he said.

"The new conditions will strengthen protection of stygofauna and groundwater-dependent vegetation, including Tecticornia samphires, and better address surface water flows, dust management and rehabilitation.

"Toro will also be required to research the water requirements of groundwater-dependent vegetation and more closely monitor stygofauna in the three calcrete ecosystems to be partially impacted by the proposal.

"Importantly, I have toughened up the environmental conditions, so if this project does go ahead, the environment will be adequately monitored and protected.

"The Liberal-National Government is committed to ensuring that uranium mining in WA will be subject to strict security provisions and world's best practice safety and environmental standards."

Fact File

• Toro Energy Limited proposed to produce up to 1,200 tonnes per year of uranium oxide concentrate over an anticipated mine life of 10 years, from the Centipede and Lake Way deposits, approximately 30km south and 15km south-east of Wiluna

Minister's office - 6552 6800