Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination

A new division within Resources Victoria is playing an important role in supporting the state to grow and transition to net-zero by 2045.

Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination (RVAC) helps to drive investment by removing uncertainty around resource approvals.

RVAC will achieve this by helping the resources industry to navigate complex approvals processes quicker and overcome roadblocks.

RVAC quarrying workstream: Supporting Victoria’s Big Build

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.

Prioritising criteria for quarry opportunities

These criteria will determine which quarry projects are in-scope for case-management:

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.

RVAC mining workstream: Supporting the transition to net-zero 2045

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.

Prioritising criteria for mining opportunities

These criteria will determine which mining projects are in-scope for case-management:

Resource Type

The opportunity will provide critical minerals (defined by Geoscience Australia) or gold resources.

Proponent Readiness

Planned stages of the project can be delivered on scheduled by 2027.

Timeliness

Opportunities with committed human/financial resources.

Reputation

The operation associated with the opportunity should have a demonstrated history of success and regulatory compliance.

Page last updated: 16 Dec 2024