Update on Mining Leases for Arrowsmith Silica Sands Projects
23 October 2020
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Update on Mining Leases for
Arrowsmith Silica Sand Projects
Highlights:
•
Conclusive registration of Yamatji Nation ILUA
expected today
•
Grant of Mining Leases for Arrowsmith projects
expected imminently under the terms of the ILUA
VRX Silica Limited (VRX or Company) (ASX: VRX) announces
it has received notice from the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal
Corporation (YMAC) that conclusive registration of the Yamatji
Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) is expected
today, in accordance with the terms of the ILUA.
The ILUA is an alternative settlement by the West Australian
Government of native title claims covering a significant portion of
land in the Mid West, including the Southern Yamatji People
claim covering the Company’s Arrowsmith North and Arrowsmith
Central Silica Sand Projects (Arrowsmith Projects).
The effect of conclusive registration is that VRX’s Mining Lease
and Miscellaneous Licence applications for its Arrowsmith
Projects will be dealt with under the terms of the ILUA.
VRX has been in consultation with the Department of Mines,
Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) about the grant of the
Mining Leases and Miscellaneous Licences under the ILUA. This
process includes a requirement that the Department of Premier
and Cabinet formally notifies the Yamatji representative regional
entity and DMIRS of the ILUA’s conclusive registration within five
business days of it occurring. The Company expects the Mining
Leases and Miscellaneous Licences to be granted shortly after
such notification.
The ILUA will supersede the negotiations that were underway
between VRX, YMAC and the Southern Yamatji Working Group
over the terms of a native title project agreement for the
Arrowsmith Projects. These negotiations had been progressing
in good faith, though they are now overtaken by the Governmentled ILUA, which settles all native title claims over the Arrowsmith
Projects area.
ASX: VRX
Capital Structure
Shares on Issue:
445.1 million
Listed Options:
23.9 million
Unlisted Options:
69.5 million
Corporate Directory
Paul Boyatzis
Non-Executive Chairman
Bruce Maluish
Managing Director
Peter Pawlowitsch
Non-Executive Director
John Geary
Company Secretary
Silica Sand Projects
Arrowsmith Silica Sand
Project, 270km north of Perth,
WA.
Muchea Silica Sand Project,
50km north of Perth, WA.
Boyatup Silica Sand Project,
100km east of Esperance, WA.
The Company is actively
assessing other silica sand
projects in Australia.
VRX’s Managing Director Bruce Maluish said: “The conclusive registration of the Yamatji Nation
ILUA gives us a clear line of sight on the grant of Mining Leases for VRX’s Arrowsmith North
and Central Silica Sands Projects and we are anticipating the imminent grant of these and
related Miscellaneous Licences.
“The ILUA draws a necessary end to our efforts and those by the Southern Yamatji Working
Group and YMAC to establish and execute a native title project agreement. However, we are
confident the strong and supportive relationships VRX has established with the Southern
Yamatji People, in particular, will benefit all parties as we advance development of the
Arrowsmith Projects.”
Even though VRX now has to comply with the terms of the ILUA, the Company intends to
continue to consult with the Southern Yamatji People as the Arrowsmith Projects are developed
to build on the positive relationships in place.
Further information:
Bruce Maluish
Managing Director
brucem@vrxsilica.com.au
Peter Klinger
Cannings Purple
pklinger@canningspurple.com.au
0418 940 417
0411 251 540
Figure 1. Plan of Arrowsmith project areas
About VRX Silica
VRX Silica Ltd (VRX Silica) (ASX: VRX) has significant silica sand projects in Western Australia.
The Arrowsmith North and Arrowsmith Central Silica Sand Projects, located 270km north of Perth, comprise five
granted exploration licences and two mining lease applications pending. Bankable feasibility studies for both projects
have been released, each demonstrating exceptional financial metrics.
The Muchea Silica Sand Project, located 50km north of Perth, comprises one granted exploration licence, with one
mining lease application pending. Muchea is a world-class project with high purity silica sand in situ. A bankable
feasibility study for the project has been released demonstrating outstanding financial metrics.
The Boyatup Silica Sand Project, located 100km east of Esperance, comprises two adjacent granted exploration
licences. Initial indications are that this project will complement the Arrowsmith and Muchea projects while adding to
the range of silica products capable of production.
Proven Management
The VRX Silica Board and management team have extensive experience in mineral exploration and mine
development into production and in the management of publicly listed mining and exploration companies.
Project Locations
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