Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd (ASX:INF) welcomes a positive ruling by the Contentious-Administrative Court (CAC) in Cáceres, Spain, following an administrative appeal lodged by joint venture partner Technologia Extremeña Del Lito S.L. (TEL) relating to the JV’s rehabilitation and restoration plan.
The appeal related to the rehabilitation and restoration plan of the San Jose Lithium Project.
INF is looking to develop its 75%-owned San José Lithium Project in Spain, which is focused on the production of battery-grade lithium chemicals from a mica feedstock that represents the EU’s second-largest JORC-compliant hard rock lithium deposit.
Despite its legal issues, INF has prioritised continued community engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders to progress what it sees as a critically important project through to development for the benefit of the local community, Spain and the EU.
Favourable ruling
In September 2019, the City Council proposed a modified restoration plan and placed a halt on fieldwork at San José.
The City Council claimed Infinity (through TEL) had acted outside the restoration plan which had been provided by TEL prior to works and was approved under the relevant authority at the Regional Government.
In a positive ruling for INF, CAC concluded that the City Council resolution was "contrary to law" and declared it null and void.
Under the ruling, TEL has been found to have operated under the law, regulations and permits in submitting the restoration plan to the required authority.
Further battles ahead
INF is also contesting the cancellation of its Investigation Permit Valdeflorez (PIV) through a contentious administrative appeal.
The research permit was granted by the Junta de Extremadura, but was unexpectedly cancelled and reverted to application status in April 2021.
INF sees this as a direct breach of the law and in contradiction of previous rulings by the Junta on the environmental and urban legality and viability of the PIV.
It has strongly disputed the basis of the decision of the cancellation of PIV and retains all legal rights against the Junta of Extremadura.
The submission of documentation relating to the appeal has been received by the CAC.
Despite this, and as previously reported, Infinity has retained the larger Investigation Permit Ampliación Valdeflórez (PIAV) which encompasses the area around the PIV grant.