Summary
- Aguia has been actively engaged in advancing the Três Estradas Phosphate Project (TEPP) into production.
- Brazilian Mining Agency approved the Final Exploration Report (RFP) for mineral properties, which is the last requirement for submitting Economic Assessment Plan.
- The Company is undertaking environmental programs which are necessary for the granting of the Installation License (LI).
- Agronomic tests on corn have reaffirmed the high quality of the Três Estradas natural phosphate fertiliser.
ASX-listed explorer and developer of mineral resource projects, Aguia Resources Limited (ASX: AGR) is committed to progressing its Brazil-based projects into production. The Company holds pre-production phosphate and copper sulphate projects in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul.
Aguia has been actively pursuing its business plan to advance the Três Estradas Phosphate Project (TEPP) into production. Meanwhile, the scoping study on the Andrade Copper Sulphate Project progressed, and the Company is also exploring other opportunities within the agricultural sector.
ALSO READ: A Year in Review for Aguia Resources, Major Developments at Phosphate and Copper Assets
Let us explore some of the key developments that are driving the advancement of Três Estradas Phosphate Project.
Advancing for the Issue of Installation Licence
Recent Approval from Mining Agency
The Final Exploration Report (RFP) for mineral properties was approved by the Brazilian Mining Agency (ANM) in August 2020. RFP is for the two tenements that cover all the phosphate mineralisation of the TEPP. Notably, it is a significant step forward as the RFP approval was the last requirement before the submission of the Economic Assessment Plan (PAE).
Aguia is progressing with the preparation of the PAE, expected to be filed with ANM during the December 2020 Quarter. The approval of PAE is mandatory for the issue of the Installation License (LI).
ALSO READ: Aguia Resources Advancing Well for Installation License; COVID-19 under control in RS State
Environmental Program
The Company also has engaged a world-renowned environmental services company, Golder Associates to satisfy the requirements for LI granting. Golder Associates is an internationally recognised environmental services company which would undertake the significant work on the mandatory environmental programs and would elaborate on the Basic Environmental Plan (PBA).
The mainline of activities in the environmental programs include:
- General environmental management and environmental risk management
- Safety
- Environment and health
- Environmental monitoring
Pursuing Energy Saving Initiatives
The Company recently engaged Grupar Soluções Integradas em Gestão de Utilidade e Energia Sustentável Ltda (Grupar) to design viable solutions for the TEPP production unit and facilities. Significantly, Grupar specialises in sustainable construction, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Kalkine Image, (Data Source: AGR ASX Update, 30 October 2020)
The environmentally friendly initiatives, apart from reducing project impact on the natural environment, would also ensure significant cost savings and risk mitigation.
ALSO READ: Aguia Resources Looks Forward to Project Advancement, Announces Rights Issue to Raise $2.5 Million
Validation of Efficiency through Agronomic Tests
Aguia has engaged Integrar Gestão e Inovação Agropecuária (Integrar), a distinguished independent agronomic consulting firm in southern Brazil. Integrar would conduct a series of agronomic efficiency tests on the Três Estradas natural phosphate fertiliser as a source of phosphorous (P) for crops.
The agronomic performance tests determine the efficiency of the delivery of the P-nutrient to the soil and then to the crop. Significantly, the high quality of the Três Estradas natural phosphate fertiliser has been reaffirmed by Agronomic tests on corn.
Facilitating Bulk Sampling
Aguia has purchased a hammer mill from Mecmining do Brasil LTDA., which will be used to produce bulk-size test-samples of the Três Estradas natural phosphate fertiliser. The sample would be employed in field trials on selected farms lying within a 300km radius of the TEPP site.
Several well-known farming properties surrounding the project have come to an agreement to perform field tests on the Três Estradas natural phosphate fertiliser. The field test will be conducted in areas ranging from 1-5 hectares and will be funded by Aguia. These tests will be performed upon varying agricultural commodities such as corn, soybean, rice, ryegrass, and native pasture.
Following permitting, TEPP will continue to use the crusher in the processing plant facilities.
Marketing and Community Relations
A study on the product brand was conducted by Nano Biztools, leading to the definition of two product brands. The Company is currently advancing the models regarding the marketing material to officially register with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).
Aguia Resources is conducting community relations work with communications support from Nano Biztools. Social media channels, as well as through formal presentations, were used to initially present the conceptual changes to the project to the community.
Plans for the December 2020 Quarter
Kalkine Image, (Data Source: AGR ASX Update, 30 October 2020)
Following the completion of the metallurgical copper tests in Perth, Aguia Resources expects the release of the Scoping Study on the Andrade Copper Sulphate Project.
AGR shares traded at $0.054 on 12 November 2020. The stock has exhibited a price momentum of 1.28x in the past three months.
[All currency is in AUD unless stated otherwise]
