General News
26 June, 2025
Donald Mine gets the green light
The Victorian government has approved the Work Plan for the construction and operation of the Donald Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project between Minyip and Donald.
A joint venture between Hong Kong-based Astron Corporation Limited and US-based resource producer Energy Fuels will develop the Donald Project, which will mine 1143-hectares within the overall 2778ha Mining Licence area.
Resources Victoria's Earth Resources Regulator, part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, issued the approval on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
DMS will build the Donald Project site on the mining licence area about 15km east of Minyip, off Minyip-Rich Avon Road.
Tiger Brown, DMS Managing Director, said the approval is a vital milestone.
"We are pleased to receive the Victorian Government's approval for our Work Plan," he said.
"It is the result of years of planning, environmental assessment, and community engagement.
"We are committed to responsible environmental practice in the development and operation of the Donald Project - and excited for the regional growth, benefits, and opportunities it will generate over the decades.”
The progression to a Final Investment Decision is expected this calendar year.
The key prerequisite for the FID is securing appropriate project financing arrangements that are satisfactory to the Joint Ventures.
The spokesperson for the project said the company is committed to responsible mining practices and a progressive rehabilitation plan.
The company will establish a Donald Project Environmental Review Committee and invite representatives from the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, the community, and local and state government to join.
DMS will also develop a Donald Project community partnerships initiative, working with local government, business, and community groups to deliver targeted support.
"We have already committed almost $200,000 to local not-for-profit initiatives," the spokesperson said.
Mark Chalmers, Energy Fuels' President and CEO, said the work plan approval was significant.
“[The plan approval] moves us one step closer to creating an important link between the United States and Australia on rare earths and critical minerals,” he said.
"We believe the Donald Project is exceptional, as it contains large quantities of the ‘light’, ‘mid’ and ‘heavy’ rare earth oxides needed for a variety of commercial, clean energy, and defence technologies.”
A statement from Energy Fuels said it plans to import the rare earth minerals from the Donald Project into the USA, where they will be processed into separated oxides at the Mill in Utah for domestic and other customers.
Small amounts of uranium will be extracted at this facility.
The company operates a mineral separation plant, as well as a zircon and titanium chemicals and metals research facility, in Yingkou, China.
The Work Plan approval marked the final major regulatory approval required to allow the construction and operation of Phase 1 of the Donald Project to proceed.
The Donald Project will produce Heavy Mineral Concentrate and Rare Earth Element Concentrate.
These concentrates contain essential critical minerals, listed on Australia’s Critical Minerals List and Strategic Materials List, and are used in everyday products and emerging technologies.
With a Phase One lifespan of 42 years, the long-term investment the Donald Project generates will create jobs, boost the regional economy, and help meet the growing global demand for critical minerals.
Economic analysis predicts the project will contribute about $205 million annually to the regional economy.