VHM Limited has announced that the detailed design for Phase 1 of the Goschen Project in Victoria is underway following the appointment of Mineral Technologies as the project’s design engineer.
As part of the effort, Mineral Technologies will support progress on the engineering design to deliver a target cost estimate for the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) supply for the processing plant, pending the final investment decision.
According to VHM, the detailed design stage will include competitive tender evaluations to select plant vendors and fabricators and has been structured to expedite critical path activities.
Following the design phase, the company will appoint an EPC contractor to develop Phase 1 of the Goschen Project and commence the procurement of long-lead items.
Commenting on the announcement, VHM Managing Director Graham Howard said the appointment of Mineral Technologies for the detailed design serves as an essential step for the project as the company moves toward development and construction.
“It also highlights the project’s status as one of Australia’s most advanced rare earth and mineral sands projects,” he added.
Howard noted that the agreement supports the company’s estimates to start production at the site by 2025.
Securing the agreement indicates confidence in the project and its progression toward becoming a tier 1 rare earths and zircon-titania producer due to reach construction in 2024 and commence production by 2025.
