General News
1 August, 2025
Horsham man charged over alleged fraud linked to mining project
On Wednesday, July 30, Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives said they had charged a Horsham man following allegations that documents had been fraudulently prepared and submitted as part of a proposed mining project.
Detectives executed a warrant at a residential home in Horsham on Wednesday, February 12, as part of the investigation, and a 55-year-old man was arrested," they said.
The 55-year-old has since been charged with falsification of documents.
The man was summoned to appear at the Horsham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 25, 2025.
In response to the announcement by police, Michael Winternitz, Director of Projects for mining company WIM Resource PL confirmed charges had been made against an employee of the company.
“WIM Resource has been informed that a Horsham-based employee has been the subject of criminal charges relating to a public submission process," he said.
"Pending the outcome of the charges, the WIM employee has been suspended by WIM Resource, with immediate effect.
"The alleged conduct does not reflect the values and standards upheld by our organisation.
"WIM remains committed to the highest standards of compliance and transparency and will continue to engage with stakeholders.
"As a Company, we have a proud and demonstrated track record of compliant and transparent community engagement for over a decade.
"Given the nature of the ongoing court proceedings, WIM will not be making any further public statements regarding this matter.”
The Environmental Effects Statement for the proposed Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen, near Horsham, was approved in December 2024 by the Victorian Planning Minister, the Honourable Sonya Kilkenny after submissions from the public were assessed.
Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator accepted WIM’s 38-year mining licence application (MIN008642) in March 2025 and invited submissions from the public across 21 days.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Senior Communications Advisor, Resources Mark Farrugia declined to comment on the mining licence application.
He said on hearing about the charges, "as the matter is before the courts it would be inappropriate to comment."
A Mine Free Wimmera Farms Inc spokesperson said the organisation was aware there is a criminal charge for the alleged submission of fraudulent documents by a person for a mining project.
"As this matter is now before the courts, and is an investigation by the Victorian Crime Investigation Unit, we are unable to go into details at this time but believe the community deserves clarity," the spokesperson said.
The group reiterated its broader concerns about the impact of mining in the region.
"Almost 390,000 acres (15,7827.4 hectares) of agricultural land is currently under a government approved retention licence for mining rare earths in the Wimmera Mallee so the falsification of any information for a mining project seeking approvals is deeply concerning," the spokesperson said.
"Mining projects surrounding Horsham will put at risk many farming families futures and residents will possibly also be impacted with hundreds of additional trucks on roads, additional water use, potential toxic dust and potential health issues, housing shortages and access to medical services and more.
"MFWF seeks to support impacted families as this is a stressful and uncertain time for so many."
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross said due to sub judice it would not be appropriate for him to comment on the recent charges of the Horsham man other than to say he was pleased to see due process being followed on the matter.
At the March 2025, the council meeting, the HRCC moved a majority motion to suspend the Memorandum of Understanding HRCC had signed with WIM Resource PL in 2022.