Graphite mining firm gets environment certification

Dar es Salaam. An Australian graphite exploration company has been given an environmental certification for the project.

Volt Resources Ltd announced in a statement this week that it has received the environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificate for its Bunyu graphite project.

The certificate, awarded by the National Environment Management Council of Tanzania is described as a “significant milestone” in the company’s journey to receiving all the necessary mining licences and bringing Bunyu into operation.

“The EIA certificate signed by the minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment), January Makamba, represents the final pre-requisite for the granting of Volt’s mining licence and one of the final remaining major milestones in terms of government permitting for the Bunyu Graphite Project,” says a statement.

Volt says the environmental and social impact study submission was prepared in accordance with the requirements of relevant Tanzanian legislation, including the Environmental Management Act 2004; the Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations 2005 as well as the Mineral Sector Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 2014.

Volt chairman Asimwe Kabunga said in a statement: “This is a significant milestone in the development of our Bunyu project, as it transitions the company a step closer to receiving the all-important Bunyu mining licenses.

“Looking ahead we remain firmly focused on advancing the Bunyu Project towards Stage 1 of production, and we look forward to providing our shareholders with further updates on funding and development