Galalar Silica sand project (withdrawn)

Project overview

Current stage

• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process withdrawn

Description

• Construction and operation of a greenfield, open-cut silica mine and associated infrastructure.
• Extraction of up to 950,000 tonnes per year of run of mine silica sand.
• Construction and operation of a barge loading facility, either at Nob Point (with construction of an associated haul road) or at Cooktown on the Endeavour River.
• Screening and wet processing of silica sand on site.
• Product stockpiling on site and at the barge loading facility.
• Trucking of product to the barge loading facility.
• Transhipment of product from barges to ships for export.

Proponent

• Diatreme Resources Limited.

Location

• Cape Bedford, approximately 20km north of Cooktown and 20km east of Hope Vale in North Queensland.

Local governments

• Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council and Cook Shire Council.

Lifespan

• Approximately 15 years.

Jobs

• Approximately 40 (construction).
• Approximately 45 to 61 (operational) depending on the barge facility location.

Commonwealth approval needed

• Yes (controlled action EPBC 2020/8626), single EIS assessment process for Queensland and the Commonwealth.

Environmental impact statement (EIS)

The terms of reference for the Galalar Silica sand project was finalised on 23 November 2020. Diatreme Resources Limited had until 31 July 2023 to prepare the EIS and submit it to the department for assessment. However, on 31 July 2023 the proponent formally withdrew its application to voluntarily prepare an EIS for the Galalar Silica sand project.

Notice and documents

Publicly available documents can be obtained by accessing the links below, by contacting the proponent’s project hotline on 1800 512 189 or emailing manager@diatreme.com.au.

• Final terms of reference (PDF, 1 MB)
• s42 public notice (PDF, 138.4 KB)
• Initial advice statement—Executive Summary (PDF, 1.6 MB)
• Initial advice statement (PDF, 10 MB)
• Draft terms of reference (PDF, 1000.5 KB)

For further information about the EIS process for this proposal, contact the EIS Coordinator (Galalar Silica Sand Project) on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@des.qld.gov.au.