Graphite specialist Talga Group (ASX:TLG) is looking set to retain a long-awaited environmental permit for its Nunasvaara natural graphite mine in Sweden following a recent court decision.
The Swedish Land and Environment Court on Thursday evening rejected appeals from lobby groups opposed to the environmental and Natura 2000 permit.
Talga says the court determined there were no grounds to grant leave to appeal to any of the opposing parties and stakeholders, and the decision to grant the permit therefore stands.
Talga was first granted the permit approval back in early April 2023, but several parties took to the court to appeal the decision — appeals which have now been rejected.
Talga Managing Director Mark Thompson says the company is pleased with the Court of Appeal’s decision.
“Talga is dedicated to mitigating environmental impacts associated with its projects, having diligently adhered to the regulatory procedures. This commitment is evident via the comprehensive and transparent nature of the permitting process.
We are excited to continue working on this critical project for European green battery production alongside the local community and stakeholders.”
“Talga is dedicated to mitigating environmental impacts associated with its projects, having diligently adhered to the regulatory procedures“
While it’s another step forward for Talga and its approvals process, the battle is not yet over; the rejected parties now have until 28 September 2023 to appeal the rejection to the Supreme Court. However, Talga says the Supreme Court may only hear an appeal if there is a ‘need to develop case law’ or on ‘special grounds such as a miscarriage of justice or gross error of law’.
If no appeals are filed, the environmental and Natura 2000 law will come into force.
Talga Group is working to build a vertically integrated European battery metals supply chain. The Nunasvaara mine is set to be the source of natural graphite for Talga’s Vittangi green lithium-ion battery anode production project.
Talga has a $438.3 million market capitalisation and held $38.6 million cash at hand as of 30 June, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Joshua Smith at Mining.com.au
Images: Talga Group
