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Highlights:
Tesoro Gold begins environmental impact study at the El Zorro Gold Project in Chile.
Chilean engineering firm Pares & Alvarez appointed to conduct a 12-month baseline study.
Company advances pre-development activities, including metallurgical testing and infrastructure discussions.
Tesoro Gold (ASX:TSO), a mining developer with a market capitalisation of approximately $48 million, has launched the permitting process for the El Zorro Gold Project located in the Atacama region of Chile. This step is part of the regulatory and environmental procedures required for constructing and operating a gold mine in the region.
The company has engaged Pares & Alvarez, a respected Chilean engineering firm with over three decades of experience in the mining and infrastructure sectors, to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact study. The study will span twelve months and focus on gathering baseline data related to the environmental and social impacts of the proposed project. The results of this study will be used to prepare all necessary documentation for submission to the Chilean Environmental Impact Assessment process.
Environmental and Social Considerations
The environmental impact study is a critical aspect of the permitting process for the El Zorro Gold Project. Pares & Alvarez’s expertise will be pivotal in assessing how the project could affect the surrounding environment and local communities. As part of the study, the firm will evaluate various environmental factors, such as water management, biodiversity, and land use, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met for the safe and sustainable operation of the mine.
The completion of this study will be a significant milestone in Tesoro Gold’s efforts to progress the project towards development. The study’s findings will help shape the company’s approach to mitigating any environmental or social impacts, which is a key component in gaining approval from Chilean authorities.
Pre-Development Activities
Tesoro Gold is also undertaking various other pre-development activities in parallel with the environmental impact study. These efforts include advanced metallurgical testing, which will provide important insights into the processing methods that will be used at the El Zorro site. This testing is crucial for confirming the viability of the extraction processes that will be employed to maximise resource recovery.
Additionally, the company has been engaging with infrastructure providers to secure essential utilities for the project, including water and power supplies. These discussions are an integral part of ensuring that the project can be operated efficiently and cost-effectively once construction is completed.
Ongoing exploration drilling is also a key focus for Tesoro Gold as the company seeks to expand the existing Ternera mineral resource. This drilling aims to enhance the understanding of the deposit and improve the confidence level of resource classification. By continuing exploration, the company aims to increase the overall value of the project as it moves closer to development.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Access
The El Zorro Gold Project covers a large land area in Chile and is strategically positioned in the Atacama region, a region known for its mineral wealth and robust infrastructure. The site benefits from its proximity to established infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and water sources, which are essential for the successful operation of a mining project. This accessibility is a major advantage as it reduces the logistical challenges typically associated with greenfield mining projects.
