Australian uranium miner Toro Energy is set to commence work on Wiluna uranium mine project in Western Australia after final appeal period expired without any protests challenging the federal approval for the mine.
Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Tony Burke had given his nod for the project. However, this approval was subject to 28-day appeal period starting 17 May 2013.
Commenting on the developments, Toro managing director Vanessa Guthrie noted that the Wiluna is the first new Australian project to secure federal nod and first uranium mine to have been given clearance after lifting the ban on uranium mining in 2008.
"Toro can now focus its full attention on completing all technical and commercial studies required to support an investment decision for the Project whilst continuing to seek strategic partner support for the development capital needed," added Guthrie.
The company having completed infill drilling to convert inferred resources to the indicated resources at the project is expecting to conclude revised estimate by the September quarter of 2013.
In addition, the company has outlaid an investment of A$269m ($257.3m) to finance phase 1 engineering work for the definitive feasibility study (DFS) of Wiluna project, which will be completed in 2014.
Toro expects the first production from the Wiluna mine to commence from 2016.