DUBBO can have its say from today on a project the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure reports has the potential to make the city a "major world supplier of the rare earth minerals zirconium, niobium, hafnium and tantalum".
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The development application and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Alkane Resources' Dubbo Zirconia Project can be inspected at four locations until November 18, including Dubbo's Civic Administration Building.
The department has reported of advice from Alkane Resources that the Toongi-based project would cost $700 million to build, generate estimated gross earnings of $5.4 billion, and employ up to 400 people in the construction phase and 250 full-time workers when operational.
It has required the company to address a range of issues in the project's EIS, including potential air, noise, water quality and transport impacts along with details of how the site will be rehabilitated.
If the project is approved, Alkane Resources will order the construction of a water and gas pipeline, rail loading facility and various rail and road upgrades.
Rare minerals are used in the aerospace industry and the development of "green technology" and high technology applications such as aerospace super alloys and superconductor materials used in electronics, mobile phones and computers.
The project documents are also available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au; the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure's Information Centre, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney; and the Nature Conservation Council, Level 2, 5 Wilson Street, Newtown.
