Following extensive in-country consultation with community and Mines Ministry representatives, Evion Group NL (ASX:EVG, OTC:EVIGF) has received support for and a formal endorsement of its Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar, clearing the path to formal permitting.
Meetings included local landholders as well as government officials responsible for development in the Maniry region, culminating in a signed agreement from the local community outlining their strong support, with a further meeting scheduled to conclude formal agreements.
Madagascar's Mines Minister has formally endorsed the conversion of EVG’s exploration licences to exploitation licences that will permit the development of the Maniry Project and mining of graphite.
The local government has advised Evion that the formal conversion of these licences is a short-term priority – once the conversion is complete, all project tenements will have been approved for mine development.
Mutually beneficial pathway to development
"Confirming community support for the development of our Maniry Project and the conversion of our remaining exploration licenses to mine licences are two of the most significant achievements for Evion and its team in Madagascar to date,” Evion Group managing director David Round said.
“We have had extensive and very positive support from the Mines Minister over the last few months, and his authorisation of our applications for mine development licences paves the way for development work on the ground to start.
“Additionally, our in-country team has worked tirelessly with the local community in planning a mutually beneficial pathway for the development of Maniry.
“Having now reached agreement on this we can look forward to formalise this agreement with the endorsement of government officials at scheduled meetings over the next month.”
Round has been invited to meet with the Madagascan Mines Minister alongside the President and a special advisory team from France on January 17, 2025.
EVG says its Maniry Graphite Project has been identified as a critically important project in Madagascar, and the company welcomes the opportunity to attend stakeholder meetings to formalise an agreement to fast-track development
The company is optimistic its development pathway will include funding from the European Union, as initial feedback for an application made in September indicated Evion meets requirements with further feedback to be provided within the next few months.