Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination

Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination (RVAC) was established in 2023 as part of Resources Victoria to reduce the uncertainty associated with complex earth resources development approvals in Victoria.

RVAC case manages development opportunities from the pre-application phase through to approval, working through barriers in the application process as they arise. This includes support for work plan approvals, licence renewals, and guidance in developing applications.

RVAC has been extended until 2027 to enable continued case management of approvals and reduce uncertainty for the earth resources industry.

RVAC workstreams:

• Quarrying
• Mining
• Declared Mines Rehabilitation
• Support to Comply

New buildings, transport links and renewable energy infrastructure are increasing demand for quarry materials.  More quarry resource approvals are needed to keep up with rising demand.

The RVAC quarry workstream will assist industry to increase the supply of construction materials in the immediate term by case-managing quarry expansions requiring work plan variations. The aim of the quarry workstream is to ensure approval of resources stays ahead of the forecasted demand year on year.

Criteria for case management of quarrying applications:

Resource type
The resource type is in short supply, such as sand suitable for concrete production and hard rock suitable for use as aggregates and road bases.

Quantity
The quantity of additional resource unlocked is significant.

Proximity to market
The location of the opportunity is close to major centres of demand such as metropolitan Melbourne and growth corridors in the North, West, Sunbury, Southeast regions, and key regional areas.

Complexity
The opportunity can be progressed in the short or medium term. Minor variations and work plan variations are in-scope.

Time to market
Sites with a shorter quarry life remaining where material will be brought to market sooner will be prioritised.

Proponent readiness
Projects with committed human/financial resources to deliver in the funded time for RVAC are a priority.

Reputation
The operator should have a demonstrated history of regulatory compliance.

A program of work is underway to support increasing demand for quarry materials. Helping Victoria Grow: Extractive Resources Strategy is implementing initiatives focussed on strategic planning for quarry resources.

The transition to net-zero emissions by 2045 will necessitate an increased supply of critical minerals and precious metals, many of which can be sourced from Victoria. The state boasts significant deposits of mineral sands that include titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements, all essential components in renewable energy supply chains for products such as wind turbines, solar cells, and rechargeable batteries.

Additionally, Victoria's renowned gold province contains substantial quantities of antimony, a critical mineral. The aim of the RVAC mining workstream is to ensure increased investment in Victoria's significant deposits of critical minerals and gold.