Metallica Minerals (ASX:MLM) is hosting a site visit with a potential offtake partner later in May 2023 at its Cape Flattery Silica (CFS) Sand Project in Queensland, Australia.
The company says this is the next step in its evaluation of the project, following recent meetings held during a March 2023 international roadshow.
Representatives of the Traditional Landowner clans, Dingaal and Nguurruumungu, will also accompany the visitors on the site visit, as Metallica says the presence of clan members is a ‘constant’ and ‘greatly appreciated’ aspect of all visits by potential offtake partners.
However, Metallica reports the site visit follows news of expected delays in project approval processes and construction timing due to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The company says a meeting was recently held in Canberra with representatives of the DCCEEW to discuss the draft guidelines for the EIS. The meeting also allowed the DCCEEW to gain a greater understanding of Cape Flattery.
Metallica reports it is waiting on the next version of the draft guidelines and notes applications will be underway with relevant Queensland government departments once the guidelines are finalised with the DCCEEW.
Commenting on the EIS requirement, Metallica Minerals Executive Chairman Theo Psaros says: “We are currently advancing the DFS for the CFS project. The decision by the DCCEEW to seek an EIS for the project will result in delays to the project’s approvals and timing on construction.
“The decision by the DCCEEW to seek an EIS for the project will result in delays to the project’s approvals and timing on construction”
We also advise that we expect the DFS results will be released in Q3 2023, primarily as there have been delayed in receiving key inputs to the DFS from external consultants.”
Metallica Minerals’ wholly owned Cape Flattery Silica Sand Project is located in the Cape Flattery area of Queensland.
Metallica Minerals is an ASX-listed development company focused on delivering high-purity silica sand to a diversified global customer base.
Images: Metallica Minerals Ltd
