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Highlights:
- Key environmental certification secured for the Bankan Gold Project.
- Pivotal step toward obtaining the mining licence.
- Commitments to conservation and sustainable development reaffirmed.
Predictive Discovery (ASX:PDI) has achieved a major milestone in the development of its Bankan Gold Project in Guinea, securing a critical environmental certificate. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) has granted the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) approval and issued the Certificate of Environmental Compliance (ECC). These approvals mark significant progress toward obtaining the required permits to transform Bankan into a Tier-1 gold mine.
Clearing the Path for the Mining Licence
The ECC approval is a vital step in applying for the Bankan exploitation licence, demonstrating the MEDD’s support for project development in the Peripheral Zone of the Upper Niger National Park. Acknowledging the sensitive environmental context, Predictive Discovery has pledged to relinquish its permits within the Buffer Zone of the park, ensuring that no mining activity encroaches on protected areas near the Core Conservation Area.
Encouragingly, the main Bankan deposits and the proposed development zone lie outside the Buffer Zone. This ensures that the commitments made by the company do not impact the positive outcomes of its April 2024 pre-feasibility study. Additionally, to support conservation efforts, Predictive Discovery plans to launch a reforestation program near the Buffer Zone boundary.
Collaboration and Commitment
The ESIA process spanned more than two years, involving extensive studies and engagement with various stakeholders. This included local communities, governmental bodies, and independent agencies. The assessment adhered to internationally recognised standards, including those of the International Finance Corporation and the Equator Principles.
Predictive Discovery managing director Andrew Pardey emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone, expressing gratitude for the coordinated efforts of colleagues, government authorities, and other stakeholders.
The company plans to submit the application for the exploitation permit by the end of this month, advancing the development timeline. Concurrently, resource definition drilling at the Fouwagbe, Sounsoun, and 800W targets is progressing, with maiden resource estimates expected soon. Exploration in the Argo and Bokoro South areas continues alongside the ongoing definitive feasibility study, which remains on track for completion in late 2025.
The Bankan Gold Project represents a promising opportunity for Predictive Discovery, as the company solidifies its position in the global gold sector while adhering to sustainable development principles.
