Arafura Resources Limited (ASX:ARU) has started developing a comprehensive Mining Management Plan (MMP) for its Nolans Neodymium‐Praseodymium (NdPr) Project in the Northern Territory.
The MMP is being prepared to include the recommended environmental approval conditions of the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Government.
Additionally, it will incorporate the commitments made by Arafura in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The MMP follows confirmation of design from the definitive feasibility study (DFS) progression.
Arafura anticipates submitting the MMP to the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) in early‐2019.
The document will be important in demonstrating to DPIR that Nolans can be built, operated and managed in compliance with the environmental approval conditions and Northern Territory regulations.
Final project construction and operating approvals on granted mining licences are obtained when DPIR approves the activities in an MMP and issues a mining authorisation.
Arafura anticipates the near-contemporaneous grant of the Nolans project mining licences and issuing of the mining authorisation during the first half of 2019.
Plan to include integrated management system
The MMP will include an integrated management system that encompasses the key areas of safety, environment and quality management.
Detailed management plans are also being prepared, replacing conceptual preliminary plans which were accepted and approved in the EIS.
The key management plans include:
Consultants appointed
New and existing consultants contracted to Arafura for the DFS have been appointed to assist with the development of the integrated management system and detailed management plans.
These parties will draw on experience gained in developing the Nolans EIS and through involvement with other mining and mineral processing operations.