TriStar Gold Inc. (TSXV: TSG) has confirmed the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the application for the Prior License (LP) for the Castelo de Sonhos gold project in Brazil.
The Prior License (Licença Prévia in Portuguese) represents the first of a three-stage environmental licencing process required for mining projects in Brazil. The LP is generally considered the most critical stage as it involves input and approval from several government agencies as well as local stakeholders, communities and details the environmental, social, and economic impacts and benefits of the project.
The EIA incorporates project details from the Castelo de Sonhos Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q4 2021. It provides an analysis of potential project impacts across the physical, biotic and socio- economic mediums while detailing mitigation, management and compensation strategies to be implemented by the company.
The EIA highlights that the majority of the Directly Affected Area (ADA) of the project is already significantly impacted by human activity. It states that “the formalization of mining, and the installation of a mineral extractive industry, makes the project an opportunity for the local government to leverage investment, empowering it to face the challenges of population expansion, as well as in promoting local political and economic prominence”.
CEO, Nick Appleyard, said this is very significant milestone in the development of Castelo de Sonhos which, when in full production, will generate significant and lasting economic benefits for the region.
“We have already initiated most of the preparatory work that we know will be required for the submission of the Installation License application, so we are in a good position to make this application promptly upon approval of the LP.”
Over the coming months, TriStar will work with SEMAS (the Environment and Sustainability Secretariat of Pará State) to engage key stakeholders about the project and the findings of the EIA and prepare detailed information in advance of a Public Hearing, which we anticipate holding by Q2 of 2023 depending on the decision of SEMAS.
After receipt of the LP, the second stage of permitting is the Installation License (LI) which will allow the processing plant and other infrastructure to be constructed. Work on several programs and studies to support the LI application have already been initiated, including detailed studies on cave relevance, archeology and land regularisation. The final stage is the Operations License, which allows you to commence operations once construction is complete.
Drilling Update
Drilling is advancing at Esperança South, with two core rigs as part of a 2,500m reserve expansion and exploration programme. The initial holes are targeting shallow up-dip extensions in the central portion of the deposit, as well as gaps in the mineral reserves in the extreme south.
For further information please visit: https://www.tristargold.com/
