Savannah Resources Plc (LON:SAV) said the environmental operating permits for the Mahab 4 and Maqail South mining licence applications in Oman have been granted by the country's Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.
Savannah is a 65% shareholder in Omani company Al Fairuz Mining, the holder of the Block 5 licence, which includes the two high-grade copper deposits.
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"The award of environmental operating permits marks a major breakthrough for our 2018 development plans for the mining of the high-grade copper deposits at Mahab 4 and Maqail South. MECA's environmental clearance is expected to be factored positively into the approval process of the remaining Ministries,” said chief executive David Archer.
Six out of eight ministries for Maqail South and Mahab 4 mining licence applications have now given regulatory approval or ‘no objection’.
READ: Savannah Resources makes progress towards permit for Oman copper mines
Savannah said "positive discussions" are continuing for the remaining ministries for the two projects, with final approvals expected to all be received in the fourth quarter.