Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX:CHN, OTCQB:CGMLF) has received a key State Government approval allowing for initial low-impact drilling at the Hartog and Baudin targets of its 100%-owned Julimar Nickel-Copper-PGE Project about 70 kilometres northeast of Perth in Western Australia.
This follows approval by the Government of Western for the Stage 2 Conservation Management Plan (CMP) covering the Hartog-Baudin targets within the Julimar State Forest.
Strict environmental requirements
The CMP sets out strict environmental requirements governing initial low-impact drilling activity at the priority targets and is based on a comprehensive and detailed environmental assessment process designed to minimise disturbance and environmental impact.
These requirements include no mechanised clearing of vegetation and a maximum operational footprint of 4.4 hectares across the Hartog-Baudin target area that covers around 2,000 hectares.
No mechanised clearing of vegetation is permitted to access drill sites and vegetation disturbance is to be avoided where possible by using existing recreational tracks.
Extensive flora and fauna surveys
Chalice has conducted extensive flora and fauna surveys covering an area of about 5,700 hectares to inform the proposed drilling program.
A key condition of the CMP includes monitoring by qualified fauna observers throughout the program to ensure there is no direct impact to wildlife.
Cultural heritage surveys and advice received from Yued and Whadjuk Traditional Owner groups have confirmed that no cultural heritage sites are affected by the intended drilling program.
This drilling program is expected to have no impact on the ongoing recreational use of the forest.
The company is hoping that the drilling will enable it to enhance the Julimar nickel-copper-platinum group elements (PGE) project which is the largest nickel sulphide discovery worldwide since 2000 and the largest PGE discovery in Australian history.
Shares higher
Shares have been as much as 6.76% higher to A$9.32 intraday while the company’s market cap is approximately A$3.3 billion.