Theta Gold Mines Ltd (ASX:TGM) continues to make permitting progress on the path toward production from the TGME Underground Gold Project in South Africa with more than 20 studies completed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The company has now submitted the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Environmental Management Program (EIA/EMPr) to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
As well, the final technical documents for the integrated water use licence application have been submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for final decision.
“Strong community support”
TGM is encouraged that the findings from the EIA/EMPr and specialist studies to date have not identified any fatal flaw, unaddressed objection, or significantly high impact ratings.
Chairman Bill Guy said: “We are now entering the final phase of the EA permitting process, with strong community support.
"All workstreams have been completed and final documentation delivered to DMRE so that a decision about the resumption of mining on MR83 can be made.”
The outcome of the decisions from the DMRE and DWS on the applications are expected in the December quarter of 2022 with an additional 90-day review and objection period.
A positive decision from the Competent Authorities will enable the company to commence with its MR83 underground project.
Stakeholder engagement
TGM undertook a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process before the submission of the applications.
A successful open day was held in Pilgrims Rest on May 28, 2022. The company said feedback was very positive and the community was very excited about the job opportunities and economic upliftment that would be created by the project.
With the good turnout at the open day and various other stakeholder meetings, it can be concluded that the procedural requirement to consult during the EIA phase is satisfied.
Letters of support
“Theta has received many letters of support from interested and affected parties (Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Local Ward Councilors). The local community and landowners have a direct project interest under the BEE structure,” Guy said.
An application for an Atmospheric Emissions Licence was also submitted to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment during June 2022.
The application is available for public comments for a 30-day period that will end on August 10. 2022.
A final decision on the application is expected by the end of the current quarter. This licence will allow the operation of the processing plant.
“Growing ESG program”
The chairman added: “We also confirm that a decision from the DFFE about continued mining under Forest Reserve is expected in Q3 of 2022.
"The company offered to include the ecological compensation into our growing ESG program, which will positively affect the local catchment area for years to come.
"Our decision to cornerstone this investment and work with stakeholders and the DFFE is set to benefit future generations in the region.”