Chalice Mining has gained strategic project status from the state government over its flagship Gonneville project being developed near Toodyay.
The Tim Goyder-chaired developer was awarded strategic project status through the state government’s lead agency framework, designed to guide select projects through regulatory approvals and assist with infrastructure requirements.
Chalice's nickel-copper-platinum elements project is being developed on greenfields land bound by the Julimar State Forest to the north, and the Moondyne Nature Reserve to its south, about 70-kilometres northeast of Perth.
Gonneville will be assessed through the state government’s Green Energy Assessment Unit, designed to streamline environmental approvals for critical minerals, hydrogen and renewable energy projects.
Chalice is currently progressing a pre-feasibility study and is planning to make a final investment decision in later 2026, with an eye to start production in 2029. The project is with the Environmental Protection Authority.
In recent months the Alex Dorsch-led developer has moved to tighten its spending by deferring non-core studies and permitting amid cyclical lows in the palladium and nickel markets.
Despite depressed prices for palladium and nickel, Chalice has remained confident on the medium-term outlook in recent market updates.
“Chalice is pleased to receive this formal recognition and support from the Western Australian government, demonstrating the strategic importance of Gonneville as the first major platinum group element discovery in Australia, and one of the largest critical and strategic minerals projects in the state,” Mr Dorsch said.
“We are grateful for the recognition and Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s ongoing case management support.
“Approval as a strategic project under the lead agency framework recognises the greater engagement with all parts of the WA Government as we progress regulatory approvals.”
Chalice has a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation to collaborate on the technical, financing and offtake components of during PFS.
The pair then intend to explore a potential binding partnership for the project’s development but are not guaranteed to reach a binding deal.
