Theta Gold Mines Ltd (ASX:TGM) has taken the next step toward production from the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates (TGME) Underground Gold Project in South Africa with the receipt of two key regulatory approvals.
The company has now secured the Atmospheric Emissions Licence from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), and a State Forest Licence for the Frankfort Mine.
The Atmospheric Emissions Licence clears the way for Theta to operate a planned gold processing plant while a State Forest Licence was required for the Frankfort Mine as the landowner is a forestry company.
TGM says this approval success is a result of extensive engagement with domestic regulators and the satisfaction of a broad range of criteria to meet federal governmental standards.
Nearing completion of approvals
“The Atmospheric Emissions Licence from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is great progress,” Theta Gold Mines chair Bill Guy said.
“We thank the DFFE for their support and for delivering the licence early, which was initially expected in Q1 2023.
“The company now keenly awaits the DFFE minister’s decision on the continuation of mining within the Forestry Reserve at MR83.
“The company also thanks the landowner (forestry company) for their support, in connection with the approval of a State Forest Licence for the Frankfort Mine.
“Frankfort Mine – which sits outside the Forestry Reserve – now only requires a Water Use Licence (WUL) to be fully permitted for mining.
“A final WUL decision is expected in Q4 2022. The Frankfort Mine is already predeveloped with good access to gold ore and the company will examine options for Frankfort Mine once all the permits are in place.”
There are only two approval types still pending for the TGME Project: Environmental Impact Assessment and Water Use approvals.
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Theta Gold has already submitted the necessary studies and documentation and expects to receive its final regulatory licences by the end of this year.