Diatreme Resources’ Cape York Northern Silica Project has become the only project in Queensland to currently hold Major Project Status designation by the Federal Government. Photo: Supplied.
Emerging silica miner Diatreme Resources has secured a Major Project Status designation from the Federal Government for its Cape Flattery Northern Silica Project (NSP).
Diatreme made the announcement to the market on 17 June following what it described as an “extensive engagement process” with the government and other key stakeholders.
The project, located near Hope Vale on south-eastern Cape York, is currently the only one in Queensland to hold a Major Project Status designation.
The government says the designation “enables strategically significant projects facing complex regulatory challenges to get extra support and co-ordinated approvals”, including those pertaining to environmental protection and conservation requirements.
Diatreme chief executive officer Neil McIntyre welcomed the designation for the NSP and said it put the project in a good position for the next stage of its development.
“The award of Major Project Status is an important recognition of the NSP’s strategic importance as both a world-class high purity silica resource, and its potential to directly contribute to the energy transition, specifically the globally important solar photovoltaic supply chain powering the clean energy revolution,” he said.
“The Major Project Status designation will assist us as we progress the NSP through the final permitting and development phases as we enter offtake negotiations and embark on assembling project financing together with our joint venture partner, global materials solutions provider Sibelco Asia Pacific.
“Creating a viable economic project that has clear community support and regional benefits whilst delivering strong returns for our shareholders has always been our goal, and we are delighted by this Federal Government support at this key stage in the NSP’s development.”
In January, Diatreme announced the NSP’s environmental impact statement (EIS) studies had progressed to the final stages of assessment and mitigation, following receipt of the final terms of reference for the project.
A draft EIS is now being prepared by the company.
The Federal Government recognition of the project comes on the back of the State Government deeming the NSP a co-ordinated project in January 2024 and a project of regional significance in August the previous year.
