GHAC Advances Winchelsea Mining Project with Environmental Impact Assessment

The objectives, as summarised in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), reflect GHAC’s holistic approach to the Winchelsea Mining Project:

Economic: Establishment of a culturally rich and sustainable economy controlled by the Anindilyakwa people, fostering economic prosperity and diversity.

Environmental: Safeguarding the biophysical environment by relevant environmental factors outlined by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA).

Social, Cultural, and Community: Key stakeholders should be involved in the project to seek consultative feedback, ensuring the consideration of relevant issues and protection of cultural values.

The Winchelsea Mining Project’s environmental assessment journey began in December 2020 when GHAC submitted a referral to the NT EPA. Following the determination of a standard assessment through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the project was concurrently referred to the Commonwealth Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) in April 2021.

In August 2021, the delegate for the Minister for the Environment made the Assessment Approach Decision, opting for accredited assessment under the EP Act at the level of an EIS.

The Draft EIS chapters have been meticulously prepared to address the EIS Terms of Reference, meeting the requirements of both NT and Commonwealth government jurisdictions. The NT EPA will assess and provide recommendations to both Environment Ministers on whether to approve the proposal and under what conditions.