New World Resources (ASX:NWC) has submitted all necessary applications needed to develop and mine the Antler Copper Project in Nevada, US.
In parallel with a mine plan of operations permit and air quality permit, the company has submitted a comprehensive application to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for a sitewide Aquifer Protection Permit (APP), which supports Antler’s development.
The APP is considered a key environmental permit needed to ensure Antler’s facilities are designed and operated to meet state and federal laws and regulations related to groundwater management and protection.
CEO Nick Woolrych says the $59.64 million market capitalisation company has now submitted all applications needed to allow development and mining to proceed at Antler.
“The design standards and water management infrastructure are truly industry best practice, and we very much look forward to the ADEQ reviewing the application as prepared,” Woolrych says.
“Given that the APP is the state permit that is expected to have the longest approval timeframe, the development team has ensured that any determination timelines are minimised to the extent possible by ensuring that the majority of the infrastructure as designed complies to BADCT standards.”
The company has de-risked Antler by designing the majority of the mine processing and waste disposal facilities to meet the ADEQ’s control technology design guidance. This is expected to accelerate the application review process.
Prescriptive design features include industry best practice environmental and public safety practices.
New World says constructing and operating Antler’s mining and processing facilities in accordance with these pre-approved designs ensures compliance with water quality standards throughout the mine life.
Over the life of mine, the Antler water management and processing circuit is designed and optimised to be non-discharging so as to conserve and recycle water to the best extent possible.
The Antler deposit remains open at depth and along strike. The company is seeking ongoing local and regional exploration and is currently drilling to test numerous priority targets. Additional discovery could potentially extend the life of the mining operation at Antler and/or result in a larger production profile, both of which would likely further enhance the already very robust economics of developing the project, the company says.
Antler lies 200km south-east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The project has a resource estimate of 11.4 million tonnes at 2.1% copper, 5% zinc, 0.9% lead, 32.9 grams per tonne silver, and 0.36g/t gold.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: New World
