Hi dbd25,I expect the timeframes will be consistent with those...

Hi dbd25,

I expect the timeframes will be consistent with those in the EPA procedures manual, perhaps saving some time on the review of the scoping document (as it is not a public review) and saving some time on VRX preparing the ESD and ERD.

VRX prepares scoping document = ??? (Up to VRX)
EPA Review ESD = ~ 5 weeks
EPA seeks advice on ESD = ??? (Up to authorities, only once)
VRX makes changes based on advice = ??? (Up to VRX)
EPA approves ESD after receiving advice = 4 weeks

EPA notifies VRX of approval = 1 week

VRX prepares draft Enviro Review Document = ??? (Up to VRX)
EPA reviews draft ERD = 6 weeks

EPA authorises public release of ERD = 2 weeks

Public review of ERD = 4 weeks

EPA provides summary of submissions = 3 weeks

VRX provides response to submissions = ??? (Up to VRX)
EPA reviews response to submissions = 4 weeks

EPA prepares draft assessment report = 6 weeks

EPA seek comment on conditions = 1 week (optional)

EPA finalise report and issue to minister = max 6 weeks

Minister publishes assessment report = 3 days

Minister makes decision = ??? (Poorly explained in the manual)
Appeals period = 2 weeks

So say 2 months to prepare the ESD, 2 weeks for EPA to get feedback from authorities, 2 weeks to make revisions, 2 months to prepare the ERD, plus 2 weeks for responding to public comments...

Adds up to 66 weeks total (reduces to 46 weeks excluding VRX inputs) i.e. 18 May + 15.5 months which is Sep 2022...

If the EPA work at double speed, then it becomes 43 weeks i.e 18 May + 11 months = June 2022

Maybe there is a way of shortcutting the process by pre-referrals, constant meetings, preparing a Supplementary Report, and having a dedicated EPA officer, however the timelines don't add up to what was stated in the Company announcements. VRX is preparing everything on the basis of production in 2021 (plant design, water bore, offtakes, production samples, etc), so maybe Bruce has something tucked up his sleeve, similar to the out-of-left field native title agreement last year? I think from Minedex we are already performing a clearing trial at Arrowsmith North (the water bore announcement shows that we have already started some level of clearing, in any case?)

Love the discussion on HC though.
DYOR GLTAH