Photo by: Bloomberg
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Toronto-listed Avanti Mining said on Monday that approval of its environmental assessment application, in respect of the Kitsault molybdenum mine, in British Columbia, had been granted by Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
This followed the receipt of an environmental assessment certificate for the mine project in 2013 and an amended Mines Act permit on June 16.
Avanti said in a statement that the decision, reached after a comprehensive, science-based review led by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA), concluded that the project “was not expected to result in any significant adverse effects based on the mitigation measures and conditions of the environmental assessment approval”.
The CEAA and federal Ministers also concluded that the Crown's legal obligation to consult with First Nations and the Nisga'a Nation under Chapter 10 of the Nisga'a Final Agreement had been met.
“We are delighted with the government’s decision to approve our environmental application,” said Avanti CEO Gordon Bogden.
“With this significant milestone having been achieved, we can now concentrate on the construction phase of the mine, our efforts on our project debt negotiations with our banking syndicate and the exploration of other financial options, including a sale of silver stream or investment by a strategic partner.”