Murchison Metals gains environmental approval for Oakajee rail project

Murchison Metals has taken a significant step in the approvals process for the Oakajee infrastructure project in Western Australia. The Commonweagrinding machine for bentonitelth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) has granted approval for the Oakajee Port & Rail’s (OPR) proposed rail development.

SEWPaC’s approval was granted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Murchison expects Commonwealth approval for the project’s port terrestrial development later this year. The Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia has already recommended approval under Part IV of the State Environmental Protection Act for both the port and rail developments. The company anticipates formal approval by the State Environment Minister for the Oakajee infrastructure project in the September quarter 2011. Oakajee is a 50:50 joint venture between Murchison and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, to export ore from the Jack Hills project. Jack Hills is owned by Crosslands Resources, with Murchison and Mitsubishi each holding a respective 50% stake in Crosslands...