Base-metals developer, Orion Minerals, has announced that the Integrated Water Use Licence application has been granted by the Department of Water and Sanitation to New Okiep Mining Company at its Okiep Copper Project (OCP), in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The integrated water use licence approval (IWULA) is for the Flat Mines Project, for which Orion is currently finalising a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) encompassing Flat Mine North, Flat Mine East and Flat Mine South deposits.
The granting of the IWULA is a crucial component of the BFS as this is a critical path permitting requirement for the commencement of construction and mining. This follows the receipt of approval by the Nama Khoi Local Municipality for the rezoning for mining activities of the relevant area of the Mining Right, in accordance with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA). With the grant of the IWULA and the SPLUMA approval in place, the Flat Mines Project is now fully permitted to proceed to construction following completion of the BFS and the subsequent securing of project funding.
Key points:
- The grant of the Integrated Water Use Licence (IWUL) marks the final major permitting milestone in progressing Orion’s Okiep Copper Project to construction and production.
- The granted IWUL includes approval of the Tailings Storage Facility design on a site located in close proximity to the proposed new processing plant.
- The IWUL is authorised in terms of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, and is valid for 20 years.
- Approval for rezoning under Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act also received.
Orion’s Managing Director and CEO, Errol Smart, commented: “The granting of this Integrated Water Use Licence is a fantastic milestone for Orion, as it marks the culmination of almost four years of intensive environmental studies and innovative engineering and water management planning for the Okiep Copper Project. The Okiep Project is located in the Nama-Khoi District, one of the most arid and water sensitive regions in South Africa. The local population is completely reliant on water supply from the Orange River that is pumped for more than 70km via an aged infrastructure that was originally developed for the mines. Orion’s adherence to high Environmental, Social and Governance standards has been showcased with this process, which will result in a benefit to the entire community. Not only will we assist in upgrading the town sewage works to prevent continued contaminated discharge, the redevelopment of key mines in the district will not place any additional burden on the already severely constrained municipal water supply but will create important jobs and economic opportunities in an impoverished region.”