Halo Minerals (AIM:HALO) has contracted specialised environmental consultancy firm MSTECH to conduct a comprehensive bio-accessibility and human health risk assessment study at the Playa Verde Project in Chile.
The study will assess total and bio-accessible concentrations of certain heavy metals and metalloids present in the mineralised sands at Playa Verde beach and the adjacent urban airport sector in the commune of Chañaral.
Halo Minerals says the aim of the study is to support and confirm that the planned development and operation of the project will not generate exposure levels that pose a risk to the health of the local population in accordance with the environmental impact assessment approval.
Phase one of the study is being initiated, focusing on fieldwork. The fieldwork will include collecting soil samples, in-situ geochemical characterisation, and delivering granulometric curves and quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy.
Upon completion, the study will move into the second phase, which will include laboratory analysis of total and bio-accessible concentrations of the six target analytes using the unified bio-accessibility method.
An energy and infrastructure consultant has also been engaged to review, optimise and delineate power requirements and access for the project’s mining and processing operations.
CEO Andrew Dennan says the appointment along with the launch of the bio-accessibility study represents a milestone for the Playa Verde Project.
“This work is essential to satisfying the environmental conditions set by the Chilean authorities and demonstrates Halo’s commitment and strategy to the responsible development of its projects,” Dennan says.
Halo Minerals is focused on producing key strategic and battery minerals through the reprocessing of low-risk, metal-rich surface accumulated legacy mining waste projects, with a focus on copper.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Halo Minerals
