Bannerman receives environmental go-ahead
THE BOURSE WHISPERER: Perth-based Bannerman Resources has received an Environmental Clearance from the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for the linear infrastructure proposed to service the company’s Etango uranium project.
The Environmental Clearance gives the company approval to develop a linear infrastructure corridor from the existing nearby public road to the project site, including road, rail, power lines, telecommunications and a water pipeline.
The environmental approval follows Bannerman’s submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment on these infrastructure aspects.
Under Namibian law and environmental regulations, the Environmental Clearance for linear infrastructure requires that all stakeholders be properly consulted and their consent be taken into account prior to the commencement of construction activities.
“The grant of the Environmental Clearance for the linear infrastructure associated with the Etango uranium project, following an extensive documentation and public consultation program, demonstrates the ongoing support of the Namibian Government for the Etango project,” Bannerman Resources chief executive officer Len Jubber said in the company’s announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
“We thank the Namibian Government for this latest endorsement of our impact studies, community consultation and environmental practices.”
In 2010 Bannerman received an Environmental Clearance for development of the Etango project based on the configuration set out in a 2009 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
An updated ESIA and accompanying Environmental and Social Management Plan, incorporating the now-expanded resource area and site layout refinements, is scheduled to be lodged for public comment next quarter.
The next stage will see it submitted to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for approval.
Once it has received an updated environmental clearance for development of the Etango project, Bannerman will lodge supplementary information with the Ministry of Mines and Energy providing further support of the existing Etango mining licence application.