Elementos Ltd (ASX:ELT, OTC:ELTLF) has moved to advance the Oropesa Tin Project in Spain to the next stage with the submission of mining and environmental regulatory documents to the Junta de Andalucía.
Approval of these documents is key to attaining a mining licence and environmental authorisation for Oropesa, which include an Exploitation (mining) Project, Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Study.
Elementos’ Environmental Impact Study was prepared with the support of ERM Environmental Consultants, said to have “significant” experience and expertise in Spanish mining projects.
The submission and approval process may be expeditated by Oropesa’s recent entry to the Andalucian Government’s Project Accelerator Unit, which was formed to centralise and streamline regulatory assessments and provide government support.
“Material and major step forward”
Elementos managing director Joe David said the submission was a key milestone in Oropesa’s development and followed more than two years’ work with the company’s Spanish team, ERM consultants and regular interactions with the Junta De Andalucía.
“Since acquiring Oropesa, attaining a Mining Licence has been a significant goal for Elementos. This regulatory submission is a material and major step forward in delivering on this,” David said.
“We believe we have submitted a project for approval which is not only sensitive and responsible with the approach it takes to mining, processing and rehabilitation but will leave environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife in the region that surrounds the project in a healthy position.
“We are also committed to improving the economic situation of the local towns and greater region through direct and indirect employment, whilst also managing a global best practice operation for our shareholders.”
David said he looked forward to working closely with the Junta de Andalucia, the local communities and other project stakeholders during the assessment period.
“The recent assignment of the project into the Government’s Project Accelerator Unit is very encouraging and reflects what we believe is the continuance of a strong relationship between the parties.”
About Elementos
Elementos is committed to the safe and environmentally conscious exploration and production of high-grade tin resources, regardless of the location.
The company is focusing primarily on the Oropesa Tin Project in Spain, which was acquired in January 2020 and is regarded as one of the world’s largest undeveloped, open-cut mineable tin deposits, with access to world-class infrastructure.
It also owns the Cleveland Tin Project, which is around 80 kilometres southwest of Burnie in the mineral-rich northwest region of Tasmania, Australia.