Australian junior salt and sulfate of potash (SOP) producer BCI Minerals Ltd., West Perth, announced on April 8 that it has received two leases for its Optimized Mardie Salt and Potash Project (OMP) in Western Australia. The leases were approved by the Western Australia Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety and the company said the approval aligns with state environmental approval obtained in October 2023.
BCI said it has also received approval for its groundwater monitoring and management plan from the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Protection. BCI’s goal is to obtain all outstanding Commonwealth environmental approvals in first-half 2024. Thereafter, it hopes to commence operations and begin filling evaporation ponds.
“It is positive to see the approvals progressing through the regulatory process, and we are appreciative of the support of the State government thus far, bringing us one step closer to receiving final approval,” said BCI Managing Director David Boshoff.
BCI reported in August 2023 that the project would produce an estimated 5.35 million mt/y of salt, with the first shipment expected in 2026. BCI is targeting an estimated SOP production at Mardie of some 140,000 mt/y, with the first shipment in mid-2027.