VBX secures environmental approvals to expand Wuudagu bauxite project

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VBX Limited has obtained approval from the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Australian Government's environment department to modify the development plan for its Wuudagu bauxite project in northern Western Australia.

The revised proposal reduces the project's indicative footprint by almost 10 per cent to about 1,775 hectares while increasing planned mining and beneficiation rates to up to 9 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).

One of the major changes involves shifting the beneficiation plant inland from Guy Point. VBX said the move is intended to lower potential impacts on coastal and marine environments. Other proposed changes include narrower sealed haul roads, a distributed bore field with an optional desalination plant for water supply, and the co-location of port infrastructure to limit disturbance across the project area.

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The company has been working with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners since 2019 on environmental assessments and field studies. The information gathered through this work will form part of the final Environmental Review Document for the project.

VBX said the updated project design is expected to improve both environmental performance and operating efficiency. The company also expects the development to create employment, training and business opportunities for the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, the Kalumburu community and the wider Kimberley region.

The approvals mark an important step in advancing the Wuudagu project, which VBX is positioning as a large-scale bauxite operation in the Kimberley region.