Image Resources, Atlas Project

Image Resources’ Atlas Project (Project) is a high-grade mineral sands deposit located 180km north of Perth.  The Project consists of conventional mineral sands ‘dry mining’ up to 16 m depth, predominately below the water table.  On-site processing produces Heavy Mineral Concentrate, which is then transported to port for export.

Preston Consulting was engaged by Image Resources in 2019 to provide strategic advice and environmental support to secure approvals for construction and operation of the Project.  We provided project management, environmental and strategic advice, and prepared approval documentation, including environmental impact assessment documents for a comprehensive public environmental review. We also developed various environmental management plans, such as a Banksia Woodlands Rehabilitation Plan and Offset Strategy, to fulfill rehabilitation and offset obligations.  Throughout the approvals process, we facilitated consultations with key stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and Traditional Owner groups.

The Project area holds significant ecological value, recognised by community and Traditional Owners, including State and Commonwealth-listed Banksia Woodlands Threatened Ecological Communities and foraging habitat for the Threatened Carnaby’s Cockatoo.  Significant challenges relating to mitigating impacts on these environmental values resulting from dewatering and the subsequent groundwater drawdown were encountered early in Project planning.

Full environmental approvals including Part IV and Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and the Mining Act 1978 (WA) were secured by mid 2024, allowing construction of the Project to commence in September 2024.  Preston Consulting has continued to support Image Resources through the early development of the Project developing compliance management systems and providing similar support and services across several of Image Resources’ projects at various stages of implementation and development.