ASX-listed Ionic Rare Earths advises on its progress at the Makuutu Rare Earths Project, which is operated by Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited (RRM), a Ugandan company which is 51% owned by IonicRE presently, with the company moving to 60% ownership on the completion of the Feasibility Study expected to be submitted to the Ugandan government at the end of October 2022.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Progress
The detailed ESIA report was submitted to NEMA (National Environmental Management Authority) in December 2021. After a review by government stakeholders and respective authority, a public disclosure process was initiated in May 2022 with stakeholders providing feedback on the ESIA to NEMA.
Two public hearings were completed in early August 2022 in Bugweri and Mayuge Districts with significant turnout from NEMA, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), government representatives, district leadership, local communities and stakeholders providing strong support for the Project. The total registered attendees at the hearings over the two days amounted to 3 800 persons which indicates a keen interest in the Project by the Ugandan community.
NEMA and MEMD are now working to complete final statutory requirements to evaluate the ESIA and provide a formal decision.
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Progress
The process of developing the RAP commenced in January 2022 and has progressed with final studies due to be completed by the end of October 2022. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will present the strategy to acquire land for the entire RL1693 over the life of the Project while ensuring that Project Affected Persons (PAPs), including vulnerable people, are not financially or socially disadvantaged.
