Donald Mineral Sands (DMS), The Buloke Times

The Victorian Government has approved the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project work plan.

The work plan approval is the final major regulatory milestone permitting Donald Project Pty Ltd, trading as Donald Mineral Sands (DMS), a joint venture between Astron Corporation Ltd and US critical minerals company Energy Fuels Inc, to develop the resource.

Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator, part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), issued the approval on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

DMS will build the Donald Project site on the mining licence area (MIN5532), about 15 kms east of Minyip, off Minyip-Rich Avon Road.

Concentrate

The Donald Project will produce Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC), and Rare Earth Element Concentrate (REEC). These concentrates contain essential critical minerals, listed on Australia’s Critical Minerals List and Strategic Materials List, and used in everyday products and emerging technologies.

With a Phase One lifespan of 42 years, the long-term investment the Donald Project generates will create jobs, boost the regional economy, and help meet growing global demand for critical minerals. Economic analysis predicts the project will contribute about $205 million annually to the regional economy.

Commitment

DMS is committed to responsible mining practices and progressive rehabilitation, according to an approved and comprehensive Mine Rehabilitation Plan. We will maintain ongoing open engagement with the community.

We will establish a Donald Project Environmental Review Committee (ERC). The ERC will meet periodically to review the project’s environmental performance and give the community confidence we are fulfilling our commitments. We will invite the following to nominate representatives to the ERC: Barengi Gadjin Land Council, community, local and state government.

Partnership initiative

DMS will also develop a Donald Project community partnerships initiative, working with local government, business, and community groups to deliver targeted support. We have already committed almost $200,000 to local not-for-profit initiatives.

Planning

“We are pleased to receive the Victorian Government’s approval for our work plan,” said Tiger Brown, DMS Managing Director. “It is the result of years of planning, environmental assessment, and community engagement. We are committed to responsible environmental practice in the development and operation of the Donald Project – and excited for the regional growth, benefits, and opportunities it will generate over the decades.”

About DMS and the Donald Project

The Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project is near Minyip and Donald, 300 km north-west of Melbourne. Discovered in the 1980s, the site is a world-class source of minerals essential for everyday industries. These include critical minerals like zirconium and titanium, along with rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.

A joint venture between Astron Corporation Limited and US-based resources producer Energy Fuels will develop the Donald Project. The joint venture is Donald Project Pty Ltd, trading as Donald Mineral Sands (DMS). Through responsible resource development, DMS will create long-term regional benefits including economic growth, jobs, and infrastructure improvements.

About the Donald Project Work Plan Approval

The Donald Project work plan details:

• Mining methods and sequencing across the 1,143-hectare work plan, within the overall 2,778-hectare Mining Licence area (MIN5532).
• Processing operations and facilities layout.
• Environmental management strategies, including for dust, noise, water, and rehabilitation.
• Detailed soil and landform management protocols.
• Surface and groundwater management approaches.
• Community engagement commitments.
• Progressive rehabilitation method.

Review

The approval follows extensive technical review by the Earth Resources Regulator, and input from multiple other state government agencies. The approval confirms the project meets Victoria’s strict regulatory requirements, including under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.

DMS will now progress to its financial investment decision.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 1 July 2025.