Challenger Gold (ASX:CEL) has secured environmental approval for its Hualilán Gold Project in the San Juan Province of Argentina – the first gold project in the region to receive approval in 17 years.
Challenger, which has a market capitalisation of $94.25 million, can now proceed with mine construction and development activities.
Executive Director Sonia Delgado says the approval establishes a new standard in mining, combining economic development with environmental protection and social benefit for San Juan.
“Challenger chose San Juan not by chance, but by conviction — a province that offers not only legal security and institutional support but possesses exceptional human capital and over a century of mining tradition,” Delgado says.
“The approval process was led by local professionals, demonstrating that San Juan’s talent meets the highest international standards.
“We will be an example of modern mining, with 71 specific environmental commitments that we view as our promise to the people of San Juan who have seen us grow.”
The Environmental Impact Assessment covers 19 mining rights, including the Hualilán Groups number one and two.
Challenger Gold says the Hualilán Project is considered to be one of the “largest undeveloped high-grade” gold projects in Argentina — hosting a resource estimate of 2.8 million ounces of gold-equivalent that extends over 2.2km of strike.
More than 75% of the resource estimate is in the higher confidence indicated category and is based on 220,000m of drilling conducted by Challenger.
The project has a social licence to operate in San Juan, which has been driven by community engagement. Challenger says it is also the only mining company in Argentina to be certified carbon neutral over the past two years.
Challenger Gold is currently developing two gold-copper projects in South America.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Challenger Gold
