Trigon Metals Inc has announced that it has received the environmental approvals required to commence with open pit mining and dewatering for underground exploration activities at the company’s Kombat copper project located in northern Namibia.

The company has received notification from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia that it has been awarded an Environmental Clearance Certificate for open pit mining operations proposed for the Kombat East and Central areas. The notification also includes clearance for dewatering for underground exploration activities, which the company intends to undertake, initially at the Asis Far West shaft.  The clearance is valid for a period of three years from July 2, 2018.

The environmental approvals are the last outstanding regulatory approval required for the proposed open pit mining operations, and the company now intends to progress onsite preparations for refurbishment of the mill and concentrator and selection and appointment of the mining contractor.

Stephan Theron, President and CEO of Trigon, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have received this environmental approval, which brings us one step closer to achieving our short term strategy of open pit mining at Kombat, as well re-accessing the former underground operations areas which are the long-term future for mining at Kombat.  We are excited to receive this key approval and look forward to commencing with restart activities on site.”