A significant step forward in building a globally competitive and secure supply of rare earths and mineral sands has been achieved, with Victoria approving a major critical minerals project that will help drive clean energy innovation and unlock regional investment.
Resources Victoria has approved Astron Corporation’s Donald Mineral Sands Project, enabling construction work to start at one of the state’s most significant critical mineral sites. This milestone enhances Victoria’s position as a strategic global supplier of essential materials and opens up new long-term opportunities for investment, innovation, and supply chain growth.
The work plan approval enables the mining of 7.5 million tonnes of mineral sands per year over 19 years. Operations will target ilmenite, monazite, rare earth elements, rutile and zircon - all vital materials used in the manufacturing of a range of products including batteries and magnets in wind turbines.
Launched as part of the Economic Growth Statement, the Critical Minerals Roadmap is helping drive development of the state’s mineral resources while ensuring the community is engaged throughout the life of the projects by companies awarded the rights to extract state-owned minerals.
"We’re kickstarting Victoria’s critical minerals boom with the approval of the first works plan for one of the state’s most significant mine sites in decades—providing the essential minerals we need for our renewable energy transition." said Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio.
Victoria has many of the minerals used to make alloys that can withstand extreme conditions to generate and store renewable energy. Developing these is crucial to energy transition as it helps provide the materials needed for solar panels, wind turbines and batteries and opening up new supply chain opportunities for Victoria.
As global demand intensifies, Victoria’s critical minerals sector represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for investors, while delivering economic growth across regional areas.
Learn how Victoria’s Critical Minerals Roadmap is supporting investment, innovation, and regional growth.
