Aspire Mining Ltd (ASX:AKM) continues to make progress with regulatory approvals for the world-class, wholly-owned Ovoot Coking Coal Project (OCCP) in northwest Mongolia.
During December 2022 the company received final, written approvals for some significant milestones on the permitting path, setting the stage for further progress during 2023.
Development of the OCCP requires the completion and regulatory approval of numerous assessments and studies to obtain licences and permissions necessary to facilitate construction of the planned mining, processing and transport infrastructure.
Progress in December
Permitting progress in December 2022 included:
- Approval from the Professional Committee of the Ministry of Nature, Environmental and Tourism for the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) prepared in relation to the planned Ovoot coking coal mine.
- Approval from the Minerals Resource Council (MRC) of the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM) for the feasibility study prepared on construction and operation of a Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP), which was based upon the previously completed Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study developed by Sedgman Pty Ltd.
- Approval from the Science and Technology Council (STC) of the Road and Transport Development Centre (RTDC), a division within the Ministry of Road and Transport Development (MTRD), for the feasibility study prepared on paved road proposed to be built to support product coal haulage.
Further work continues in relation to other regulatory approvals required, including to engage with residents of host communities and their government representatives to explain project plans and ensure proper understanding.
About Aspire
Aspire Mining is 100%-owner of the OCCP and 90% owner of the Nuurstei Coking Coal Project, both in Khuvsgul aimag (province) of northwest Mongolia.
The company is focused upon permitting, engineering and financing the Ovoot Project with intention to mine by open pit coking coal, truck this to a company-owned terminal facility in Erdenet and then deliver to customers in China and Russia via the existing Mongolian rail network.