VRX Clears Crucial Environmental Hurdle at Arrowsmith North

VRX Silica (ASX: VRX) has taken a significant step toward production at its Arrowsmith North Silica Sand Project, following a key determination by the Western Australian Minister for the Environment. The Minister, Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, has ruled that the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) assessment of the project was adequate, allowing the proposal to proceed without further environmental assessment.

The ruling clears a major procedural bottleneck for the development, which has faced scrutiny following an appeal lodged earlier this year. While the appeal was partially upheld, the Minister accepted a minor amendment to the project's conditions—specifically relating to the management of dieback disease—an issue VRX had already agreed to address.

The company now awaits formal Ministerial approval, a prerequisite for project commencement, but this latest determination significantly de-risks the pathway forward. VRX Managing Director Bruce Maluish described the announcement as “an important step” in the approvals process.

Located 270km north of Perth, Arrowsmith North is the most advanced of VRX’s silica sand assets and forms the foundation of its export-oriented strategy. The project hosts a JORC-compliant Proved and Probable Ore Reserve of 221 million tonnes grading 99.5% SiO₂, and is expected to produce more than 2 million tonnes of high-purity sand annually over a mine life exceeding 25 years.

The project targets the growing demand from Asia for high-quality silica sand used in foundry, container glass, and flat-glass manufacturing. With the Asia-Pacific region facing a severe and growing sand shortfall, VRX aims to fill the gap with sustainably mined, high-grade product.

Alongside Arrowsmith North, VRX is advancing development at its Muchea and Boyatup projects, with the former boasting ultra-high-grade silica sand suited to solar panel and tech-glass applications. The company also holds geothermal rights over the Dandaragan region, although its current focus remains firmly on silica sand.

The Minister’s appeal determination is final and cannot be challenged, adding a degree of certainty rarely afforded in the approvals landscape. With permitting now entering its final stages, Arrowsmith North is poised to transition from development to delivery in the near term. Investors and regional stakeholders alike will be watching closely as VRX positions itself to supply one of the world’s most in-demand—and increasingly scarce—industrial resources.