Vysarn Limited and the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation have advanced their Kariyarra Water Scheme with a key groundwater licence application and a bid to supply bulk water to Port Hedland.
- Submission of detailed hydrogeological assessment for 10 GL/year groundwater licence
- Joint venture between Vysarn subsidiary and Kariyarra RNTBC to manage Pilbara water resources
- Registration of Interest lodged with Water Corporation for Port Hedland bulk water supply
- Progress on environmental, land tenure, and local government approvals underway
- Water Corporation’s bulk water supply tender process recently closed
Groundwater Licence Application Advances
Vysarn Limited (ASX, VYS) has announced a significant milestone in its Kariyarra Water Scheme (KWS) project, with the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body Corporate (KAC RNTBC) submitting a detailed hydrogeological assessment to Western Australia's Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. This assessment underpins an application for a Section 5C groundwater licence, seeking access to up to 10 gigalitres per annum over 30 years. The licence is a critical regulatory step, enabling the joint venture partners to legally extract and manage groundwater resources on Kariyarra country in the Pilbara region.
Joint Venture Strengthens Indigenous Partnership
The licence application is part of a binding joint venture between Vysarn's wholly owned subsidiary, Vysarn Asset Management (VAM), and the KAC RNTBC. This partnership reflects a growing trend of collaboration between resource companies and Indigenous groups, aiming to balance economic development with cultural and environmental stewardship. Together, they will oversee the investigation, management, and supply of water resources, positioning themselves as key players in the Pilbara's water infrastructure landscape.
Commercial Opportunities in Bulk Water Supply
In parallel with regulatory progress, VAM and KAC RNTBC have lodged a Registration of Interest (RoI) with the Water Corporation to become prospective suppliers of bulk water to the Port Hedland Water Supply Scheme. This follows the Water Corporation’s recent tender process aimed at securing new water sources to meet growing demand and enhance supply resilience amid climate variability. The closure of the RoI process on 12 February 2026 marks a pivotal moment, with Vysarn and its partners now awaiting the next stages of evaluation.
Navigating Regulatory and Environmental Approvals
Beyond the groundwater licence and commercial bids, VAM is actively progressing other necessary regulatory approvals. These include environmental clearances at both state and federal levels, local government permits, and land tenure arrangements essential for constructing water infrastructure. The complexity of these approvals underscores the challenges inherent in developing large-scale water projects, especially in environmentally sensitive and culturally significant regions like the Pilbara.
Strategic Implications for Pilbara Water Security
The Kariyarra Water Scheme represents a strategic initiative to bolster water security in one of Western Australia’s most resource-intensive regions. With mining and population growth driving demand, new water sources are critical. Vysarn’s progress signals potential for a new commercial water supply that could support regional development while respecting Indigenous rights and environmental considerations.
Bottom Line?
Vysarn’s next steps in securing licences and winning supply contracts will be crucial for the Kariyarra Water Scheme’s future impact.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation approve the 10 GL per annum groundwater licence?
- How competitive is Vysarn’s joint venture bid in the Water Corporation’s bulk water supply tender?
- What environmental and community concerns might affect the project’s regulatory approvals?