As part of the proposal Australian Garnet wants to progressively develop above-groundwater mine pits and associated processing facilities and infrastructure for the greenfields mineral sands mine 35km south of the coastal town.
Development of the mine would require the clearing of 161 hectares of flora and vegetation, used by native fauna.
Mined sections will be progressively backfilled and rehabilitated, with up to 1.7 gigalitres per annum of groundwater needed.
After looking at the proposal's referral and conducting preliminary investigations, Environmental Protection Authority chairman professor Matthew Tonts decided not to assess the proposal as the clearing aspects, processing activities and water abstraction were regulated under existing approvals.
