Giyani Metals Corp., a Canadian company developing the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Kanye, has achieved a significant milestone.
The Environmental Authorisation (EA) for K.Hill has been granted, allowing the company to advance its Mining Licence application, submitted to the Department of Mines by the end of 2023.
Undergoing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, Giyani followed the regulations outlined in the Environmental Assessment Act of 2011 and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability of 2012.
Their detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submission to the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in March 2023 resulted in the DEA approving the EIA and issuing a 25-year EA, subject to renewal.
This milestone, achieved efficiently, complements the required Land Board surface rights approvals and technical studies.
The company aims to obtain the Mining Licence by mid-2024, aligning with the extensive Mining Licence area designed to support K. Hill’s projected 57-year lifespan as outlined in the Preliminary Economic Assessment from July 2023.
President and CEO Danny Keating emphasized the diligent approach of Giyani’s Environmental and Social (E&S) team and praised the efficient review process conducted by the DEA.
Giyani’s commitment to the IFC Performance Standards and Botswana’s stringent legislation reflects its alignment with international lenders’ requirements for construction financing.
Keating expressed continued collaboration with the Department of Mines, aiming for the Mining Licence’s approval in the first half of 2024, marking another step forward in Giyani Metals’ commitment to the K.Hill project’s successful development.
