Government Recognition

WA EPA has released the Sandy Ridge Report and Recommendation to the WA Minister for Environment

• The WA EPA supports the concept of Australia’s first dual open-cut kaolin mine and near-surface geological waste repository
• The WA EPA recognises site selection as the most critical consideration for a near-surface geological waste repository. The Sandy Ridge site-specific characteristics are suitable
• The WA EPA concludes the proposal is environmentally acceptable and therefore recommends that the proposal may be implemented subject to conditions
• The project involves mining up to 290,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of kaolin clay and receiving up to a maximum of 100,000 tpa of Class IV and V waste for approximately 25 years
• The next step is for the WA Minister for Environment to consider the EPA’s report and make his/her determination.
• The WA EPA Report 1611 also:
  • Recognised that site selection is the most critical consideration for a near-surface geological waste repository
  • Agreed that the proposed site’s characteristics of geological stability, deep impermeable clay soils, low rainfall, low land erosion potential and remoteness make it conditionally-suitable for a near-surface geological waste repository
  • The Sandy Ridge site is adjacent (7 km) to the WA Government owned IWDF which has a safe 27-year operating history and that Tellus has been involved in through ClayVault WA (project manager of IWDF)

WA Minister for Environment approves Sandy Ridge Facility, subject to conditions

• Sandy Ridge Facility is Australia’s first dual open-cut kaolin mine and arid near-surface geological waste repository with a 25-year operating licence
• The project involves mining up to 290,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of kaolin clay and receiving up to a maximum of 100,000 tpa of Class IV and V waste at the gate
• The project creates approximately 100 construction jobs and 80 operational jobs at peak
• The Facility provides much needed sustainable infrastructure that can assist in “cleaning up country”, support the circular economy, create jobs and generate business opportunities
• Tellus’ Waste Service Contract order book with waste producers and managers continues to grow on achievement of each milestone

Australian Government approval secured with 15 conditions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act)

• Australian Government approval signifies confidence that Tellus can manage matters listed under the EPBC Act at Australia’s first dual near-surface kaolin clay mine and arid near-surface geological waste repository
• The next steps involve obtaining the Facility’s Works Approval and Operating Licenses

Sandy Ridge and Chandler Projects awarded Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status service by the Australian Government (Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development).

• MPF awarded to projects of strategic significance to Australia and/or regional Australia
• The MPF program provides approvals support for Tellus’ proposed developments

Tellus has now received approval from the Western Australia (WA) Mid -West / Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) for its Sandy Ridge Facility

• The Approval is subject to nine (9) Conditions and five (5) Advice Notes
• Tellus submitted the Development Approval Application (DAP) in late 2017
• The DAP and accompanying plans were submitted in accordance with Clause 68 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 and the provisions of the Shire of Coolgardie Local Planning Scheme No.5