Greenland Minerals progressing EIA update for Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Project

Greenland Minerals Ltd (ASX:GGG) is progressing an update of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its 100%-owned Kvanefjeld Rare Earth Project in Greenland and has recently commissioned an independent review. An independent third party is undertaking this work, which is expected to be finalised in the week beginning April 27, 2020. All documentation associated with the updated EIA will then be lodged with the Greenland Government.   Greenland’s Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA) has provided an indicative period of eight weeks to review the final EIA report. Once approved by EAMRA, the Ministry of Mineral Resources will manage the remainder of the licensing process, which includes formalising the public consultation process. Independent review The company has appointed Shared Resources to conduct the review of the final EIA prior to submission. Managing director Dr John Mair said: “Travel restrictions resulting from the COVID‐19 situation have resulted in key consultants having greater availability that we have looked to utilise. “The additional review undertaken by Shared Resources has delayed the submission of EIA material by approximately three weeks but will ensure a more thorough and robust EIA. “Given the extensive number of technical reports associated with the EIA and the numerous consultancies involved, this additional step has improved the consistency and overall quality of the Kvanefjeld EIA. “We anticipate that this will also facilitate Greenland’s review of the updated EIA report.”   With numerous independent consultancies contributing to different aspects of the EIA, the company believes the review will ensure consistency and cross-referencing, as well as ensuring feedback from the Greenland Government and advisors is appropriately addressed.   EIA preparation process Following EIA reviews in 2019, Greenland’s EAMRA produced a shortlist of ‘Type 1’ issues for further clarification and study. Meetings were then held with EAMRA to discuss these issues and determine what additional work should be done to address them.   Studies by independent consultants to address the Type 1 issues have since been completed and these studies have now been reviewed by Shared Resources lead consultant Liz Wall who has extensive experience in the preparation of impact assessments. Wall has had the opportunity to speak with key personnel of Greenland’s EAMRA to discuss aspects of the EIA as part of this process.   Next steps The Danish Centre for Environment (DCE), primary advisors to Greenland’s EAMRA, have reviewed the additional tailings storage and closure studies and respective consultancies are updating reports to address Shared Resources’ and DCE’s recommendations. This is expected to be completed in the coming days. These additional EIA technical studies and the updated EIA report will then be submitted to EAMRA.