In a step forward for Western Australia’s critical minerals sector, Australian Vanadium Limited (ASX:AVL) has announced a significant milestone in the development of its Gabanintha Vanadium Project.
Western Australia’s Minister for Environment, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, has granted Environmental Protection Act approval for the northern section of the project.
This green light underscores the project’s role in contributing to Australia’s growing energy storage and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Key Milestone for Critical Minerals
The Gabanintha Vanadium Project, part of AVL’s larger Australian Vanadium Project, encompasses an open-cut mine and processing infrastructure near Meekatharra and a downstream processing plant at Tenindewa, inland from Geraldton.
These facilities aim to produce high-purity vanadium oxides and iron concentrate for export, supporting AVL’s vertically integrated strategy.
Australian Vandium Limited’s CEO, Graham Arvidson, celebrated the development, noting:
“This approval marks a major milestone for the Company, advancing the project towards construction and production while strengthening our confidence in securing the remaining approvals needed to move forward with the consolidated Australian Vanadium Project.”
Strengthening the Australian Supply Chain
As a key player in the vanadium market, AVL aims to unlock the potential of vanadium for applications in renewable energy storage, specifically vanadium flow batteries, as well as its traditional use in steel manufacturing.
Through its subsidiary, VSUN Energy, AVL continues to champion vanadium’s role in Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy.
The Australian Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative aligns well with AVL’s ambitions, positioning the project as a cornerstone of domestic critical mineral processing.
By developing this full vanadium value chain domestically, AVL seeks to mitigate global supply chain risks and establish Australia as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
High-Grade Resources and Optimised Development
AVL has reported a resource base of 395.4 million tonnes at 0.77% vanadium pentoxide, including a high-grade zone of 173.2 million tonnes at 1.09% V₂O₅.
The ongoing Optimised Feasibility Study aims to integrate the high-grade southern part of the orebody, which offers favourable weathering attributes and superior concentrate grades.
The approval applies to Mining Lease M51/883, covering the northern extent of the orebody.
However, the southern zone—encompassing Mining Leases M51/878 and M51/884—remains a strategic priority for initial development.
With this approach, AVL looks to maximise economic returns while contributing to sustainable resource development.
A Step Closer to Realisation
This milestone paves the way for AVL to transition from project development to operational readiness.
As global demand for vanadium surges, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure, AVL is positioned to deliver long-term value.
“We are grateful to the Government of Western Australia and Minister Whitby for their support in this critical approval for the project,” added Arvidson.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to building positive long-term relationships with all of our community stakeholders.”
With regulatory hurdles gradually being cleared, the Australian Vanadium Project stands poised to play a pivotal role in securing a resilient and sustainable critical minerals supply chain.