The work plan is the main regulatory approval needed before Astron can start building phase one of the Donald project.

The project, located in Victoria's Wimmera region, has already received a positively assessed Victorian Environmental Effects Statement, a federal Environment, Biodiversity Protection and Conservation approval and has been granted a mining licence covering phase one of the project.

The work plan review process is expected to take six to nine months.

The company expects to make a final investment decision on Donald in mid-2024.

It has also started tendering for an engineering, procurement and construction manager and issued relevant documentation to four EPC contractors. The tender closes in November and early contractor engagement is due to start in the March quarter of 2024.

Off-site infrastructure negotiations are underway, including for the 66 kilovolt overhead powerline, the construction workforce accommodation village, and road and water supply upgrades.

The time provided for the work plan review process will be used to refine tenders as well as long lead-time items to try and shorten the construction period.

The revised timeline will have Astron starting to commission Donald and starting production in the first half of 2026.

Astron is also thinking of redomiciling from Hong Kong to Australia to simplify its corporate structure and reduce unnecessary overhead and administrative costs.