Hastings granted key approval for Yangibana project

Hastings Technology Metals has achieved a significant milestone, having been granted environmental approval for its Yangibana rare earths project.

The approval from Environment Minister Stephen Dawson paves the way for Hastings to seek the remaining permits needed to begin construction and development of the project.

In a statement, executive chairman Charles Lew said he was excited the company had received the permit.

"This environmental permit demonstrates that the Yangibana project will not have a significant impact on the environment by implementing commitments in the environmental review document and the conditions of the ministerial statement," he said.

"Hastings is on track to construct and operate a rare earths mining operation that will contribute to a more sustainable use of energy worldwide and be part of the e-mobility revolution."

The Yangibana project, located in the upper Gascoyne region, includes the development of five pit mines, groundwater abstraction, an on-site processing plant for ore, tailings storage facilities, access and haul roads and other supporting infrastructure.

As a requirement of the permit, Hastings will be need to comply with flora and vegetation surveys, monitoring, groundwater abstraction monitoring and water level monitoring of the nearby stygofauna habitat.