Greenland Minerals on track to submit updated EIA in early April for Kvanefjeld Project
source：Proactive Investors Australia
Internationally reputed specialist consultancies have conducted the additional studies and updated the overarching EIA (environmental impact assessment) document.
Greenland Minerals Ltd (ASX:GGG) is continuing to make solid progress on permitting activities for its 100% owned Kvanefjeld Project in Greenland.
Kvanefjeld is one of the most advanced rare earth projects globally and is positioned to be a low-cost, long-life producer of key rare earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium.
Additional environmental studies completed successfully
The company’s main point of focus through early 2020 has been the completion of additional EIA related studies.
Following a series of meetings with Greenland’s EAMRA (Environment Agency for Mineral Resources Activities) and their advisors through Q4 2019, independent consultants were engaged to conduct several additional studies.
These studies have now been completed.
Importantly, the studies identified no new environmental issues and support outcomes consistent with those from prior work.
Government support
Greenland’s Minister of Finance and Mineral Resources Vittus Qujaukitsoq recently outlined the importance of the development of a rare earth mining industry in southern Greenland for job creation and economic growth, and his anticipation of imminent permitting progress in order to see projects developed.
Managing director Dr John Mair said: “As the impacts of the current pandemic become more far-reaching, we have been working to ensure that we as a company can continue to progress key areas of focus effectively.
“We have been in communication with relevant government departments in Greenland, and they are set up to operate remotely to review our EIA material and plan the next steps of the permitting process.
“Greenland-based employees will be maintaining a steady dialogue with stakeholders via appropriate channels.
“The company is fully equipped to operate remotely during the COVID19 response period, and all current work is proceeding.
“As always the safety and welfare of our staff and their communities is of utmost importance to us.”
Next steps
Specialist consultancy Shared Resources is updating the main EIA document to incorporate outcomes of the additional studies, a process that will be finalised prior to the end of March.
Lead consultant Ms Liz Wall has a strong working knowledge of the Kvanefjeld Project, having played a key role in developing the SIA (social impact assessment) which has been accepted for public consultation.
Once Type 1 issues have been satisfactorily addressed and translated versions of the updated EIA are complete, the Kvanefjeld Project will be ready for public consultation.
GML is confident that following clear guidance that stemmed from meetings with Greenland’s EARMA through late 2019, and the high quality of independent specialist consultants that are addressing these points, the Kvanefjeld EIA will address all issues.