Piedmont Lithium (ASX:PLL, OTC:PLLTL) Inc and joint venture partner Atlantic Lithium Ltd (AIM:ALL, OTCQX:ALLIF, ASX:A11) have received a Mine Operating Permit from the Minerals Commission of Ghana in respect of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, which is on-track to be the country’s first lithium mine.
The Mine Operating Permit serves as the final regulatory approval required ahead of commencing construction of the project, which will comprise the Ewoyaa Lithium Mine and Processing Plant.
It represents an important milestone towards the JV partners reaching a Final Investment Decision.
“Very pleased”
“We are very pleased with the issuance of the Mine Operating Permit for the Ewoyaa project,” said Piedmont Lithium chief operating officer Patrick Brindle.
“We look forward to the future development of the Ewoyaa project in due course, subject to the outcome of the mining lease ratification by the Ghanaian Parliament, other ongoing design works and prevailing market conditions.”
Piedmont Lithium is a leading North American supplier of lithium products critical to the US electric vehicle supply chain while Atlantic Lithium is an Africa-focused lithium exploration and development company targeting the delivery of Ghana's first lithium mine.
Awaiting ratification
The partners are now awaiting ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease by Ghana’s parliament. It is believed that the parliament will resume sitting on October 15, 2024.
Atlantic Lithium executive chairman Neil Herbert said: “With our sights set on achieving first production of lithium in Ghana, we now eagerly await parliamentary ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease.
"We hope that ratification can occur in the coming sitting, expected to resume on the 15th of this month, which would set us on the path towards construction and operation of this globally significant lithium project.”