The company says it has lodged its final public response document to the state government and the regulatory process is on track.

“Subject to timely project approvals and crystallising its well-advanced finance discussions, Rex was on track for construction activities in 2014-15 and first production to commence in 2016,” managing director Mark Parry said.

“Rex has undertaken almost three years of community consultation, public forums, community input and regulatory review.

“The Hillside mine design takes into account the agricultural environment and tourism amenity of the Yorke Peninsula and outlines very specific and strict limits that the mine will operate under.”

In other updates, the company said it had secured a water supply for the project, with a new pipeline to connect into the SA water network at Ardrossan.

The company partnered with SA Water and the Regional Development Authority in 2013 to upsize the pipeline from Auburn to Port Wakefield.

The company said it was in the process of finalising a contract with SA Water to construct and fund a further extension from Port Wakefield to Ardrossan and Pine Point.

The pipeline will make up to two gigalitres per annum available to Rex and the infrastructure will last beyond the life of the mine.

“It is extremely rewarding to work towards establishing a new mine and build infrastructure where the community can receive substantial long-term benefits,” Parry said.

“Improvements to the water supply, power supply, roads and ports are all meaningful benefits that the local community will see as a direct result of the Hillside project.”

Shares in Rex Minerals were up 5.7% to A46c today.