Diatreme Submits Draft EIS, Paving Way for Major Silica Sands Project

A Major Regulatory Milestone

Diatreme Resources Limited (ASX – DRX) has reached a pivotal point in the development of its Northern Silica Project (NSP) with the submission of its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to Queensland's Office of the Coordinator-General. This submission is a critical step in the project's regulatory approval process, reflecting extensive environmental, social, and economic studies conducted since the Final Terms of Reference were issued in September 2024.

Balancing Economic Opportunity and Environmental Stewardship

The DEIS outlines how the NSP intends to deliver substantial regional economic benefits, including new employment and investment opportunities for the Hope Vale and Cooktown regions of Far North Queensland. At the same time, it emphasizes the project's commitment to protecting cultural heritage and minimizing environmental impacts through robust management and mitigation strategies. Diatreme’s CEO Neil McIntyre highlighted the collaborative efforts with Traditional Owners and local communities, underscoring the project's social license to operate.

Strategic Importance and Government Recognition

The NSP has been recognized as a 'Coordinated Project' by the Queensland Government and awarded Major Project Status by the Federal Government, the only project in Queensland to hold this distinction. This status acknowledges the NSP's strategic role in Australia's critical minerals sector and its alignment with the national Critical Minerals Strategy. The project's high-purity, low-iron silica sands are essential inputs for the solar photovoltaic industry, positioning the NSP as a key contributor to the global clean energy transition.

Next Steps in the Approval Process

Following the DEIS submission, the Office of the Coordinator-General will assess whether the document adequately addresses the Terms of Reference. Upon approval, the DEIS will be released for public consultation and review, anticipated in the first half of 2026. This phase will allow stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and the public, to provide formal feedback. Subsequent to this consultation, Diatreme will revise the EIS as necessary and submit a Final EIS for government assessment, moving closer to securing a Mining Lease and commencing construction.

Partnerships and Broader Portfolio

Diatreme’s silica sands projects benefit from a strategic partnership with global materials group Sibelco, which has invested approximately $49 million into the silica sands portfolio and the company. Beyond the NSP, Diatreme holds other significant projects, including the Galalar Silica Sand Project and the Cyclone Zircon Project in Western Australia, underscoring its growing footprint in critical minerals essential for decarbonisation technologies.