Australian Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke had announced on 18 December 2012 that the government has postponed its decision on the project to 31 March 2013.
Toro managing director Greg Hall noted that the Minister has requested for more information on certain aspects of the project and postponed the decision pending the same.
"The Wiluna Project received the environmental approval of the Western Australian Government on 10 October 2012 after a three year assessment under a Federal-State bi-lateral agreement.
"On 6 November 2012, Toro was formally advised by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities that the timeframe for a final Federal Government decision was being extended by 30 business days," Hall revealed.
Hall expressed his surprise and disappointment at the recent delay saying that there will be a gap of up to six months between the decisions of the two jurisdictions.
"Toro has provided all of the information required by the Western Australian and Federal Governments throughout the assessment process since 2009 and the Federal Government did not question or appeal the Western Australian approval decision," Hall said.
The company plans to seek discussions with the Minister to determine the reasons for and the nature of the additional information sought.
