BCI Minerals (ASX:BCI) secured all primary approvals from the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments to proceed with the offshore placement of material generated from its dredging program at the Cape Preston West Port, in line with its optimised dredging methodology for the Mardie Salt Operation.
The approvals cover dredging of the berth pocket and navigation channel, enabling the loading of deep-sea vessels with industrial salt.
On Dec. 22, Western Australia's Minister for the Environment, Hon. Matthew Swinbourn MLC, granted approval under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), complementing earlier Commonwealth approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981.
With these approvals in place, BCI can finalise negotiations with its dredging contractor and update three management plans for State regulator approval ahead of dredging activities.
Subject to these remaining approvals and final contractual arrangements, dredging is expected to commence in April 2026.
The company continues to target first salt on ship during the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2026.
BCI Managing Director David Boshoff said securing the approvals was a key milestone that de-risks the project while keeping delivery on schedule and budget, bringing the company closer to supplying industrial salt globally.
At the time of reporting, BCI Minerals' share price was $0.40.