Canyon Resources secures 'Certificate of Environmental Compliance' for its Minim-Martap bauxite project

The African-focused mineral exploration company Canyon Resources has been granted a 'Certificate of Environmental Compliance' (CEC) for its world-class Minim-Martap Bauxite Project by the Ministry of Environment.

A detailed Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was conducted by Canyon Resources (Canyon) through its 100% owned subsidiary Camalco S.A. The ESIA included extensive public consultation of multiple stakeholders and related communities.

Jean-Sebastien Boutet, the Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is gratifying to see the steady progress occurring because of our rigorous and systematic approach. Signing the Certificate of Environmental Compliance is another demonstration of the momentum the company is building through our positive interaction with all stakeholders in Cameroon.”

“We appreciate that many of our loyal shareholders have been waiting for this approval and the outstanding Mining Convention for some time now. We re-iterate that all steps are being taken to secure all necessary approvals for the Minim-Martap Project to proceed. We remain confident in the process we are following, and the approval of this Certificate of Environmental Compliance demonstrates that the process is working.”

An extensive ESIA was conducted, and interested parties and the Company were able to dialogue during the process. Canyon's relationship with the community in the Adamawa region has been strengthened through this process. The final submission of the completed report was made to the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) for approval.

After public hearings, MINEPDED submitted the report to the Inter-Ministerial Committee of the Environment (ICE) for assessment.

Canyon, through its 100% owned subsidiary Camalco S.A., is seeking the development of the Minim-Martap Bauxite Project (the Project) located in the Adamawa region in the Republic of Cameroon. As outlined in the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS), the Project contains a Proved Ore Reserve of 108.91Mt at 51.1% Al2O3 and 2.0% total SiO2 from the Minim-Martap, Makan and Ngaoundal deposits.

As a result of the high-grade, low-contaminant nature of these deposits, direct shipping ore (DSO) can be readily processed. The project will produce up to 6.4Mt of high-grade bauxite per annum over 20 years, initially utilizing Cameroon's existing infrastructure, including railway corridors and ports.

Currently, the ESIA covers the 20-year mine life outlined in the BFS and rail and port upgrades for bauxite ore transport and shipment. Mining will commence at Raymonde, Beatrice and Danielle's plateaux contained within the Minim-Martap exploration permit as part of the project's first phase.