Horizonte Minerals Plc (LON:HZM, TSE:HZM) told investors that it has completed and filed a mine construction licence for the Araguaia nickel project.
It noted that the licence was submitted to the relevant authority responsible for environmental licensing for the construction of the project including mine, associated infrastructure and pyro-metallurgical processing plant.
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The mine developer said in a statement that extensive programmes have been completed to support the documentation, including full environmental monitoring across all principal disciplines.
Horizonte developed social and environmental mitigation and monitoring plans for Araguaia.
"The submission of the mine construction licence marks a major milestone for the Araguaia nickel project, as it moves towards the construction decision,” said Jeremy Martin, Horizonte chief executive.
“The work required to collect the data and develop the suite of documents that make up the LI has been finalised as part of Araguaia's ongoing feasibility study, which is on track for completion in Q1 2018.
“This has been a major piece of work, involving a number of consulting groups across a variety of disciplines led by our in-house team.”
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Martin added: "The Araguaia project has the potential to create approximately 500 new jobs in the operational phase in a rural area where the average family income ranges between US$2 - US$4 per day.
“As a result, the Pará Government considers Araguaia to be a key economic driver for the southern part of the State. Additionally, we continue to receive positive community support for the project as evidenced through our ongoing community engagement programmes."