WA potash project wins key approval

The state’s environmental authority has recommended approval of a potash project in Western Australia’s Mid West.

The Lake Way project is owned by Salt Lake Potash and sits 25 kilometres south of Wiluna. 

It will be developed by Salt Lake’s private subsidiary, Piper Preston, which intends to produce 260,000 tonnes of potassium sulphate each year for a 20-year period.

The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended approval for Lake Way’s development but with limits to groundwater drawdown and land clearing of vegetation. That includes that no more than 2,750 hectares of land be cleared (from the wider 24,499ha development) and a 138ha limit on vegetation clearing.

The EPA concluded environmental impacts of the proposed development were manageable.

“The EPA is supportive of the proponent’s proposed design to avoid the clearing of native vegetation where possible,” recently appointed chair Matthew Tonts said.

“This will result in a low level impact to the unique salt-tolerant succulents which may have high value as a habitat.”

The EPA also recommended ongoing consultation with Wiluna native title holders. Its report to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson is now open for a two-week public appeal.