Rare earths processor Great Western Minerals Group (CVE:GWG) (OTCQX:GWMGF) said Monday that it has received full approvals from the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for the work program at its Steenkampskraal rare earths project.
The approvals, under the site's existing nuclear license, allow the company to immediately begin refurbishment at the former-producing mine, as well as exploration work designed to bring the historic resource to NI 43-101 compliant standards.
"This is one of the most important milestones to date for the Steenkampskraal project," said president and CEO Jim Engdahl.
Last month, the company announced it was fast-tracking its development plans for Steenkampskraal, with the aim of starting underground mining operations in the first quarter of 2012.
Great Western also nearly doubled the planned level of production at the South African site to approximately 5,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides (REO) per year, up from the 2,700 tonnes originally anticipated.
The approvals received from the country's nuclear regulator cover programs that include radiation protection, integrated waste management such as the long-term storage of radioactive material, and the transportation of such material.
The company filed the application with the NNR last November, and officially received word on Friday.
Great Western's specialty alloys are used in the battery, magnet and aerospace industries. In addition to Steenkampskraal, the company also holds interests in seven rare earth exploration and development properties in North America.