Aura Energy Limited Environmental approval for Tiris uranium project

 
TIDMAURA 
 
5 October 2017 
 
                              AURA ENERGY LIMITED 
                           ("Aura" or the "Company") 
 
                       TIRIS URANIUM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 
 
 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) APPROVED BY KEY GOVERNMENT 
                                  MINISTRIES 
 
                      STRONG GOVERNMENT SUPPORT CONTINUES 
 
Aura Energy Limited (AEE; ASX, AURA; AIM) is pleased to advise that the 
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") for the Tiris Uranium 
Project in Mauritania has been approved by the Mauritanian Government. 
 
The approval of this key element of the Tiris Project approvals process follows 
the submission of the Mining Lease application for the project in May this year 
and the subsequent comprehensive process of Ministerial and Public 
consultations regarding the impact of the development of Tiris project. This 
approval has been finalised in line with the target schedule for the project. 
 
Commenting on the approval of the ESIA, Peter Reeve, Aura Energy's Executive 
Chairman said: 
 
"For a uranium project one of the most important steps in its path to 
development is the environmental approval step. Achieving this milestone for 
Aura's Tiris Uranium Project on schedule and with the strong support of the 
Mauritanian Government is another solid step forward for Aura to production and 
cashflow. This step is pivotal as the main project precursor to pursuing 
production offtake and project financing arrangements." 
 
The ESIA, an exhaustive 1000-page document, and Mining Lease application papers 
were subjected to extensive review by all relevant authorities and key 
stakeholders, including a stipulated Public Consultation Process before the 
grant of the Environmental Approval. The Environmental Approval covers all 
mining and processing activities, including the establishment of all the 
required management plans for radiation management. 
 
Key activities undertaken during the ESIA process, which was managed by a 
multi-disciplinary group of specialist consultants, included environmental 
baseline monitoring studies, flora and fauna within and around the tenement 
area, ecosystem and habitat sensitivity surveys, noise and air quality studies, 
water studies, and extensive community engagement. 
 
Additionally, the study focused on archaeological and cultural heritage, 
population and migration patterns of Nomadic tribes in the region. Consultation 
between the Mauritanian Environment Ministry and International Radiation 
agencies also formed part of this process. 
 
Aura will be required to set up a radiation monitoring system under the 
supervision and control of the National Radiation Protection, Nuclear Safety 
and Security Authority (ARSN). It was also recommended that a quarterly report 
be submitted on the state of implementation of the environmental and social 
management plan. 
 
For further information please contact: 
 
Aura Energy Limited                   Telephone: [phone] 
Peter Reeve (Executive Chairman and   Email: [e-mail] 
CEO) 
 
WH Ireland Limited                    Telephone: [phone] 
Adrian Hadden 
James Bavister 
 
Yellow Jersey PR Limited              Telephone: 
Felicity Winkles                      [phone] 
Joe Burgess 
 
 
 
END 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 05, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)