Highlights
- Nevada State inspection completed; minor upgrades required before production.
- Environmental inspection of mill and remote site finalized with no issues.
- Ongoing environmental reporting obligations confirmed for compliance.
Great Western Mining Corporation PLC (LSE:GWMO, Euronext Growth:8GW), engaged in the exploration and development of gold, silver, and copper targets in Nevada's Walker Lane belt, has issued an update on its Western Milling joint venture. The project is moving closer to production following recent regulatory inspections.
State of Nevada Inspection
On January 16, a scheduled inspection was conducted by the Nevada State Inspector of Mines at the Western Milling project in Mineral County. The inspection aimed to ensure compliance with state mining regulations, which align closely with federal standards. A Great Western director was present during the inspection to oversee proceedings.
No major issues were identified during the inspection. However, some minor health and safety adjustments were flagged and must be addressed before the project enters its production phase. These upgrades will be implemented as soon as the operating partner's personnel are available on-site.
The inspection serves to preemptively mitigate any concerns that might arise during a subsequent post-start-up review by the federal Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). This proactive approach is designed to avoid penalties or delays in production.
Environmental Inspection
On January 22, representatives from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) visited the mill site as part of their verification process. The joint venture has already secured the necessary environmental permits for production using gravity separation to extract concentrates and precious metals.
The recent NDEP visit confirmed compliance with environmental regulations, and no issues were identified. Great Western emphasized its commitment to meeting ongoing environmental reporting requirements to maintain its permits during production.
Additionally, the NDEP team inspected the OMCO Mine site at Great Western's Olympic Gold Project. Their focus was on tailings heaps and coarse stockpiles of pre-mined material. This visit also concluded without any concerns.
Next Steps
With both inspections completed successfully, the Western Milling project is on track for its next phase. The minor adjustments noted during the state inspection will be resolved promptly, ensuring a seamless transition into production. Great Western remains committed to adhering to all regulatory and environmental standards, positioning the project for long-term operational success.