Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND | OTCQB: ASDRF | FRA: 2D9) through its subsidiary, Redcorp – Empreendimentos Mineiros, has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for its Lagoa Salgada Project to the Portuguese Environmental Authority, APA on 21 December 2023.
Mark Brennan, executive chairman of Ascendant commented, “We are very pleased to have submitted our EIA assessment which has been the culmination of an extensive and detailed period of study and analysis by our team and consultants. This submission reflects the next step in bringing the Lagao Salgada project into full development and eventual production. Additionally, the engagement with the local communities has enabled the project to be welcomed in the Grândola and Alcácer do Sal municipalities and we are confident that we can expect positive outcomes from the EIA review process.”
The submission of the EIA is the culmination of more than 18 months of data collection, aggregation, and analysis prepared by management and internationally renowned consulting experts. The EIA document includes complete environmental baseline studies, hydrological and hydrogeological modelling, human, archaeological, fauna and flora characterization and impact evaluation, along with the mitigation, controls and benefits that will be present over the life of mine of the project, from construction to final closure.
It also represents extensive collaboration and relationship development with National and regional authorities and local organizations. In particular, the company has undertaken complex and detailed hydrological and hydrogeological modelling more than statutory requirements which has provided positive outcomes and provides confidence the Lagoa Salgada Project has been carefully planned to avoid and mitigate any potential impacts on surface and underground aquifers.
Approval of the EIA is expected to be obtained by the end of June 2024 for REM, followed by the RECAPE phase – Environmental Compliance Report of the execution project. The RECAPE phase aims to verify that the execution of the project complies with the criteria established in the Environmental Impact Statement; complying with the terms and conditions set forth therein would position the project to be ready for the execution of a formal construction decision once all criteria are determined.
The company is also submitting as a complementary project, plans to construct a 30MW PV plant as part of the environmental licencing process demonstrating our commitment to sustainability reduce carbon emissions. Integrating renewable energy sources like solar power into our Lagoa Salgada project mine operations to meet future mine requirements will have multiple benefits, both in terms of environmental impact and long-term cost savings. In addition to the environmental benefits, incorporating solar energy aligns with best practices for environmental, social, and governance standards and at the same time will make significant strides towards reducing Lagoa Salgada’s carbon emissions, operating costs and promote sustainable practices.
João Barros, Ascendant president commented: “The extensiveness of our EIA submission and project development work demonstrates our commitment to the advancement and value of the Lagoa Salgada Project and represents a key step forward for the Lagoa Salgada Project on its development path to become the next operating mine in Portugal, contributing significantly to the country and local communities in which we operate”.
To read more about this, please visit www.ascendantresources.com
To read more news like this, please visit www.theassay.com/news
