Predictive Discovery Limited (ASX: PDI) has received approval for its Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the Certificate of Environmental Compliance (ECC) for the Bankan Gold Project in Guinea. The approval, granted by the Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable (MEDD), marks a major step forward in the development of what is poised to become a Tier 1 gold mine.
Highlights
- Key Regulatory Milestone: Approval of the ESIA enables PDI to proceed with filing for the Exploitation Licence.
- De-risking Achievement: MEDD’s support confirms the project’s compliance with environmental regulations and paves the way for sustainable development in the Peripheral Zone of the Upper Niger National Park.
- Commitment to Conservation: PDI has committed to:
- Relinquishing all permit areas within the Buffer Zone of the Park.
- Launching a reforestation program near the Exploitation Permit boundary to support conservation efforts.
Environmental & Social Efforts
The ESIA, completed over two years, reflects Predictive Discovery’s commitment to meeting rigorous environmental and social standards, including those set by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Equator Principles.
Key actions included:
- Comprehensive baseline studies covering social, biophysical, and biodiversity factors.
- Engagement with stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and independent agencies.
- Collaboration with the Comité Technique d’Approbation Environnementale (CTAE) for ESIA validation.
Strategic Importance
The Bankan Gold Project holds significant promise, with the NEB and BC deposits and associated development areas lying entirely outside the Buffer Zone of the Upper Niger National Park. This ensures the ESIA approval has no material impact on the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) completed in April 2024.
Managing Director Andrew Pardey commented:
“The awarding of the environmental certificate for the Bankan Gold Project is a critical step in the granting of all the necessary permits required to build Bankan into a Tier 1 gold mine.”
Next Steps
- Exploitation Permit Application:
- PDI plans to submit the application, including the PFS, ESIA, and ECC, by 31 January 2025.
- Drilling Programs:
- Resource definition drilling is ongoing at the Fouwagbe, Sounsoun, and 800W targets, with maiden Mineral Resource estimates expected in Q1 2025.
- Exploration drilling continues in the Argo and Bokoro South areas.
- Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS):
- The DFS remains on schedule for completion in H2 2025.
Broader Context
PDI’s recent Board visit to Guinea, which included meetings with government officials such as Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and Minister of Environment Djami Diallo, underscores the project’s importance to Guinea’s mining sector and broader economic development.
The Bankan Gold Project continues to progress as a flagship development, balancing environmental stewardship with robust economic potential.
