TSX-V-listed Canadian junior exploration company Giyani Metals Corporation (Giyani) has submitted the initial scoping and terms of reference (SToR) for its K.Hill manganese project in the Kanye basin, in Botswana, to the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
The SToR submission represents a major milestone within the wider scope of a comprehensive environmental- and social-impact assessment (ESIA) that is currently under way for the K.Hill project.
The approval of the SToR by the DEA is expected to be granted during the fourth quarter of this year, after the customary review process, during which the DEA may request additional information.
ESIA approval by the DEA is a two-stage process, with the initial submission of the SToR marking the completion of the first stage.
The SToR contains a series of preliminary field and desktop assessments and consultations with the local community leadership in Kanye, government departments, nongovernmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
The completed ESIA report, prepared by consultants Loci Environmental, is expected to be submitted to the DEA by the end of the year.
The last outstanding workstream of the first stage was the public consultation meeting with the Paramount Chief of Bangwaketse, tribal administration officials and community representatives.
The public consultation took place at the main Kgotla in Kanye, southern Botswana on August 19. This consultation informed the representatives of the local Kanye community of the potential environmental and social impacts from the K.Hill operations and how these will be managed and mitigated during the various stages of the project.
Giyani notes that the feedback from the public consultation was positive.
Giyani CEO Robin Birchall says the company acknowledges the cooperation of the local tribal leadership and the professionalism of the council of Kanye.
“Their commitment to representing their constituents made it possible for us to conduct this critical part of the ESIA despite the logistical challenges imposed on everyone by the global Covid-19 pandemic.”
He adds that, despite the Covid-19-related restrictions, the team has been able to complete a substantial amount of work, enabling Giyani to move the project forward with fewer delays.