HRCC and WIM Resource sign MoU

Published on 12 July 2022

Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) has adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM) that formally maps out how a proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project (Avonbank Project) mine at Dooen would be mutually beneficial for stakeholders and the region.

Located about 15 kilometres northeast of Horsham, WIM anticipates mining the mineral sands ore body over a period of approximately thirty years. It will supply heavy mineral concentrate containing zircon, ilmenite, and minor rare earth by-products to offshore markets.

HRCC Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said while the Victorian Government was exclusively responsible for approving the mine, the MoU would ensure a collaborative relationship between the mining sector and Council for the benefit of the community.

“The MoU maps out ways and opportunities to engage with the mining industry and help secure better outcomes for the community and for WIM,” Mr Bhalla said. “With four of the world’s largest sand-mining projects within a 70-kilometre radius of Horsham, this is an opportunity to develop closer working relationships and underline the specific roles and obligations of each of the parties.”

“WIM is very pleased to enter this MoU with Horsham Rural City Council,” said WIM Director of Projects, Mr Michael Winternitz. “The MoU will assist to ensure that both parties collaborate to ensure the best economic and social outcomes for the City of Horsham. The Avonbank Project will be major employer for over thirty years, and contribute very significantly to the local, regional, and state economy. WIM looks forward to working closely with HRCC to bring the Avonbank Project online and to ensure the City of Horsham will realise the full potential of economic benefits of the mine.”

Project leaders have marked 2024 for mining operations to start, subject to approvals and funding. Predictions are that the Avonbank mine will generate millions of dollars for the Horsham district economy and about 650 direct and indirect jobs per annum for the city of Horsham. WIM will seek public review of the Avonbank Project Environment Effects Statement (EES) in late 2022, once the EES is placed on public exhibition.