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The Australian government has granted major project status to Astron Corporation's Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands project in regional western Victoria, recognising its national significance. Once operational, the site is expected to become the fourth-largest rare earth mine in the world outside China. The mine is a joint venture between Hong Kong-based Astron Corporation and United States uranium giant Energy Fuels, which is providing $183 million in funding. The mine will be located near the small Wimmera town of Minyip, which has a population of about 500 people. The Victorian government has already given its final approval of the mine. Under the new status, Astron will receive government-backed facilitation when dealing with agencies such as the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Mine yields to be exported Rare earth minerals extracted from the site will be used in modern technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. Zirconium and titanium are used in medical equipment and household products such as paint. Trace amounts of uranium will also be mined on site and exported to the United States. It will be the first time Victoria will source saleable uranium, despite the state's ban on uranium mining. About 7,000 tonnes of heavy mineral and rare earths will be shipped to Energy Fuels' Utah facility each year. What the project status means The major project status is a federal endorsement managed by the federal government's Major Projects Facilitation Agency (MPFA). It is not a funding grant. It gives the major project a federal contact point to make regulatory processes easier and faster. It could speed up processes regarding environmental, biosecurity and foreign investment approvals. According to the MPFA, the major project status title is reserved for projects investing $50 million or more which are strategically significant to Australia, face complex regulatory approvals and demonstrate commercial value. Community division Astron managing director Tiger Brown said the recognition would streamline engagement with federal agencies. Astron Corporation plans to secure full financing to begin early site works in 2026. "With major approvals in place, we are progressing toward a final investment decision, expected later this year," Mr Brown said. Locally, the mine has been a contentious topic for years. Farmers facing the loss of their land have tirelessly fought against the project. Earlier this year, land holders opposing the mine told the ABC they were concerned about losing their prime agricultural land. Supportive residents told the ABC the project was a chance to revitalise local industry. The federal government has been contacted for comment.
