Far North Queenslanders are encouraged to have their say on two proposed mines that promise to create hundreds of jobs and produce millions of tonnes of silica sand for export, cementing Queensland’s position in the global critical minerals market.

The Coordinator-General has released the draft terms of reference (TOR) as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIS) process for the projects planned for Cape Flattery near Hope Vale, about 200km north of Cairns. The draft TORs set out the matters Northern Silica and Cape Flattery Silica must address when preparing the EIS.

What are the silica sand projects all about?

The Cape Flattery Silica Sand and Northern Silica projects align with opportunities outlined in the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and will help our state meet growing global demand for silica sand. Silica sand is essential to manufacturing clean energy technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) glass, a key component in solar panels. 

Diatreme Resources-owned Northern Silica proposes to build a greenfield silica sand mine and processing plant producing up to five million tonnes per year of silica sand product for export, with construction to begin in 2025. The project will create 120 jobs during the construction period, and at least 90 operational jobs over the mine’s 25-year lifespan.

Nearby, Cape Flattery Silica, a subsidiary of Metallica Minerals, proposes to build a greenfield silica sand mine and processing plants producing approximately three million tonnes per year of silica sand product for export. The project will create 80 jobs during the three-year construction period and at least 80 operational jobs over the mine’s 15-year lifespan. Construction is also slated to start in 2025.

What are terms of reference and why are they important?

Both silica sand projects have been declared coordinated projects, which means they are likely to have significant economic and community benefits and require rigorous environmental and social impact assessment.

The TORs set out the social, economic and natural environment matters the companies must address when preparing their EIS. This will include considering strategies to avoid, minimise, mitigate and/or offset potential impacts.

How can I have my say?

The community was invited to have their say on the draft TORs. which were open for public consultation until 8 July 2024.  All comments received during this period are being considered by the Coordinator-General.

For more information, visit the department's have your say page or visit your local venue during opening hours to view an electronic copy of the TORs:

• Cairns City Library, 151 Abbott Street, Cairns
• Cooktown Library, 33 Helen Street, Cooktown
• Hope Vale Indigenous Knowledge Centre, 1 Muni Street, Hope Vale
• Laura Library, Laura Town Hall
• State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane.