Environmental Reports
Environmental Impact Statement
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a comprehensive document that provides information on the Project’s economic, environmental, and social impacts. It was submitted in May 2024 and is a key part of the Development Application to seek approval for the Project to proceed.
The EIS outlines how we will manage the Project throughout its life, from construction to rehabilitation, to help the community and government agencies make informed decisions and submissions. It includes sections on rehabilitation, transport, surface and groundwater, matters of cultural heritage, and local social and economic benefits.
Since 2017, we’ve been talking to the local community to understand and address potential issues as we developed the EIS. Our Response to Submissions, as part of the process, will seek to further refine aspects of the Project.
COPI MINE PROJECT
The Copi Mine Project, located in far southwestern NSW, is a unique, world-class resource that has the potential to create hundreds of local jobs and economic benefits for the Far West Region of NSW for more than twenty years.
It is one of the five largest critical minerals deposits in the world. It will reliably produce globally significant volumes of titanium (rutile, leucoxene, ilmenite), zircon, and rare earth (monazite and xenotime), all of which are listed on the Australian government’s critical minerals list. These minerals are vital for the renewable energy transition, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, defence, and advanced medical devices.
Locally, RZ is committed to working with and being part of the Wentworth and Broken Hill communities. We will deliver social and economic benefits to ensure the region continues to thrive by contributing a 480-strong workforce during construction and 240 positions once operational. This will boost local spending by up to $97 million yearly during operations.
Nationally, the Project will help secure Australia’s and our allies’ critical minerals supply chain. It aligns with Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 and is at the forefront of the NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
LOCAL ECONOMY
The Project represents a rare opportunity for the region, driving investment, innovation, local employment, upskilling, road upgrades and active engagement with local Traditional Owners.
We are creating jobs today and into the future. Synergies Economic Consultants have undertaken an independent social impact assessment (SIA) which has determined that the Project will deliver substantial benefits to Wentworth, Far West Region and NSW more broadly, including:
– Sustaining up to 480 direct full-time equivalent employment positions during construction and 240 positions during operations.
– Creating an additional 754 indirect jobs during construction and 580 indirect jobs during operations in the Wentworth LGA.
– Boosting spending in Wentworth by up to $97 million each year during the 17-year operational phase.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Since 2017, RZ Resources has been operating in the region and our community engagement programs have already delivered benefits to local communities.
An independent social impact assessment (SIA) determined the Project will result in substantial positive impacts in the wider community including increased employment, workforce and supplier expenditure, investment, and cohesion.
To date, RZ Resources has provided a total contribution to the local community of $140,000 including:
– Participation in and sponsorship of the annual Wentworth Show since 2017, including a donation to help construct a new pavilion.
– Financial contribution to help reconstruct the Junction Island pedestrian bridge.
– Employees provided clean up assistance following the recent flooding event.
A variety of formal and informal methods of engagement have been employed, including face-to-face meetings, telephone, mail and email, public displays, and roundtable discussions. We are committed to continuous local engagement to understand how we can better become a valued member of the community. To aid this, our dedicated shop front in Wentworth will continue to encourage meaningful communication with community members and stakeholders for the life of the Project.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION AND SUBMISSIONS
RZ Resources thanks the community for participating in the Copi Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) public exhibition, which closed on June 18, 2024. Your input is invaluable to this process.
Our team is evaluating all submissions and will discuss with each contributor. We’ll compile a Response to Submissions (RTS) report for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, addressing feedback and any resulting Project adjustments.
The completed RTS report will outline the Project’s next steps and be published on the NSW Planning Department. The Department will consider this report in assessing the Copi.