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July Update on Tropicana Gold Project approvals process
On Monday 19th July, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Western Australia released its report and recommendation on the Tropicana Gold Project (TGP), 330km east-northeast of Kalgoorlie.
The EPA report is available on the EPA website (www.epa.wa.gov.au) and will be subject to an appeals period. At the end of this period the State Minister for Environment will determine any appeals, consult with other State Government Decision Making Authorities and issue a statement on the Tropicana Gold Project.
The TGP is being assessed under the Federal EPBC Act’s bilateral agreement process between the WA and Federal Governments. Under the bilateral agreement, assessment of the TGP by the Federal Government at the level of the Public Environmental Review was delegated to the WA EPA. This process requires that the State provide the Federal Minister for the Environment with an assessment report on the Project. The Federal Minister remains responsible for approving the Project under the EPBC Act.
The TGP joint venture partners will complete a feasibility study during the second half of 2010 and the project will then be referred to the AngloGold Ashanti and Independence Group Boards for development approval.
Should a go ahead decision be made and the regulatory approvals received by year end, construction will start immediately and production will begin in the first half of 2013.
For further information on the Environmental Assessment Process contact:
Belinda Bastow
Manager – Environment / Approvals
Ph: 1800 068 705
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