LONDON: Kodal Minerals, the mineral exploration and development company focused on its Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali has announced the completion and lodging of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed open pit mining and processing operation at Bougouni.

Bernard Aylward, CEO of Kodal Minerals, remarked: “The submission of the ESIA signals the achievement of another significant milestone for Kodal as we continue to focus on the development of the Bougouni Lithium Project.  The formal ESIA submission to the Mali Government authorities represents the first critical step in the process of obtaining a Mining Licence.

“The ESIA comprises of an overarching Project review and assessment as well as specialist environmental baseline studies, which have already commenced, and is combined with the community consultation process, which has been successfully completed.  The ongoing support we have received from the Mali Government and local community has been very encouraging and demonstrates the significant interest in our Project’s development.

“Our focus continues to be on completion of a Feasibility Study that will be key for our application to obtain a Mining Licence at Bougouni.  We continue to strengthen our relationship with the Malian administrations, communicating regularly with local communities and authorities, from whom we are receiving excellent support.  I look forward to updating shareholders with further developments in due course.”

The Company expects to provide an update on the Engineering and Processing Study next week and will also include an update on the expected shipping of the Bulk Sample material currently in Dakar.  The Bulk Sample has been fully prepared for shipping and the Company has negotiated with a shipping firm for transport to China, however, the Company is awaiting the arrival of the ship.