Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:IXR, OTC:IXRRF) has made further progress in securing land access agreements for the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda, while the verification process has been completed for the Mining Licence Application (MLA) for stage one of the project’s development.
The Makuutu heavy rare earths project has the government’s full support and is set to become Uganda’s flagship mine. The project contains 71% magnet and heavy rare earths, and is one of the most advanced heavy rare earth projects globally available as a source for new supply chains emerging across Europe, the US and Asia.
MLA verification completed
Ionic confirms that Ugandan Government representatives from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) have completed the on-site verification processes noting strong local support from stakeholders providing positive social licence to operate.
Ionic’s local Ugandan operating entity Rwenzori Rare Metals (RRM) last week hosted a delegation from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) to conduct physical verification and stakeholder engagement activities.
The delegation undertook a three-day process to verify the process undertaken and results achieved by RRM in securing land access agreements as part of the mining licence application process.
Land access agreements secured
Additionally, land access agreements are now secured for over 95% of the full 44 square kilometre MLA for the stage one development of Makuutu. Land access agreements have now been secured for 95% of the MLA.
The company confirms that the final administrative stages of the mining licence approval process are underway.