A proposal by Shree Minerals to develop a magnetite and hematite mine adjacent to the Nelson Bay River in north-western Tasmania will go through a high level of assessment under national environmental law.

 

Environment Minister Tony Burke has announced his decision that the Nelson Bay proposal should be assessed as a controlled action and would go through assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act, which will include a period of public consultation.

 

"I have made this decision due to particular sensitivities around matters protected by national environmental law, including the endangered Tasmanian devil," Mr Burke said.

 

"Given these sensitivities, it is appropriate that this proposal goes through a high level of assessment under national environmental law.

 

"This level of assessment will include public consultation in which the community will have an opportunity to make submissions. This means the company will be given a list of detailed guidelines by my department and will have to prepare an assessment in accordance with those guidelines, taking into account issues raised in public submissions.

 

"When the company has finalised that assessment, my department will provide advice to me to inform my decision."