Greenland Minerals and Energy has had its Maritime Safety Study related to the 100% owned Kvanefjeld Project in Greenland approved for public consultation.
The aim of the study is to ensure that ship voyages to and from the Kvanefjeld Project site are safe and do not impact the environment.
It is one of three key documents which form part of the public consultation process documentation required for the issuance of a mining licence.
The environmental and social impact assessments are advanced with the majority of recommendations now addressed.
Kvanefjeld is underpinned by the largest code‐compliant resource of rare earth elements that are critical to the clean, green and smart revolution, which is rapidly gaining momentum.
Dr John Mair, managing director, commented
“Approval of the Maritime Safety Study marks another important step in progressing through the approvals process.
“This has been a key area of focus through 2017 along with technical work conducted with strategic partner Shenghe to optimise and align Kvanefjeld with downstream processing.
“Progress on both fronts has Kvanefjeld well‐positioned at a time when rare earth demand set for strong growth, prices are rising, and the supply outlook is constrained.”
Study update
As part of the process of obtaining a mining licence in Greenland, companies are required to prepare documents which undergo public consultation for 8 weeks.
Prior to public consultation, comprehensive reviews of the EIA, SIA and Maritime Safety Study are undertaken, recommendations addressed, and then approval sought.
Feedback has been fully incorporated into the Maritime Safety Study with a final version having now been accepted for public consultation.
Feedback has been progressively incorporated into the EIA and SIA for which additional data has been generated through 2017.
Both studies are now in an advanced state, with most recommendations having now been addressed.
Largest producer of key rare earths
Of emerging rare earth operations, the US$1.59 billion Kvanefjeld Project is forecast to be the largest producer of key rare earths including neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium.
These rare earth elements are essential to high powered permanent magnets, with the longest projected mine life.
Greenland Minerals continues to work closely with strategic partner and major shareholder Shenghe Resources Holding Co Ltd.
Through 2017, work with Shenghe has focused on ensuring it is aligned with downstream processing, as a precursor to project development.
Source: proactiveinvestors