Sarytogan Graphite Ltd (ASX:SGA) managing director Sean Gregory sits down with Proactive’s Jonathan Jackson after the company received notification from the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan that its mining licence application will be granted, allowing it to advance the Sarytogan Graphite Project. This licence is contingent upon obtaining an environmental permit within the next year, with potential extensions by the Competent Authority if necessary.
The environmental approval process is underway with the company having submitted a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This has been publicly advertised and a public hearing in the village of Akshi showed support for job creation. The company must now address public comments before the expert commission makes its determination.
Simultaneously, Sarytogan is finalising a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for a 50,000 tonnes per annum development of the project, scheduled for publication by September 30, 2024. Gregory highlighted the significance of the licence notification and the diligent efforts of the local team in progressing the Environmental Permit process.
Key steps undertaken by Sarytogan’s Kazakh subsidiary Ushtogan LLP include negotiating land access, preparing and getting approval for a closure plan, converting mineral resources to the Kazakh KAZRC code, submitting the mining licence application, and receiving approval for the licence boundaries.