Shree Minerals Limited received correspondence from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water ("DCCEEW" and or "The Department") in response to correspondence dated 13 April 2022. EPA Tasmania previously advised on 25th March 2022 to refer the current development proposal for the Direct Shipping Ore ("DSO") project at Nelson Bay River Iron Project ("NBR") to the Commonwealth Government's Department for determination under the EPBC Act, particularly in relation to the Giant Freshwater Crayfish (A. Gouldi). The Department has advised that it has reviewed the Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan ("Proposal") dated August 2021 submitted by Shree to the EPA.

After careful consideration, The Department has determined that the changes in the Proposal are not consistent with the EPBC approval previously granted in 2013. The Department considers that the changes are not within the scope of EPBC Act approval 2011/5846 and holds the view that the proposed varied action should be referred for assessment under the EPBC Act. While expressing regret at the extended delay in responding to the Company's correspondence, The Department advised that the matter is complex and required careful evaluation to ensure this advice is legally and technically robust.