MADRID, Dec 22 (Reuters) - A Spanish village has denied Berkeley Energia BKY.AX a permit to build Europe's only open-cast uranium mine near Salamanca in western Spain, casting renewed doubt over the Australia-based company's sole project.
According to a document obtained by Reuters on Saturday, the municipality of Retortillo ruled on Dec. 19 against the mine, saying Berkeley did not own the land needed for the project and the company had failed to present the relevant documentation.
A spokesman for Berkeley Energia, whose shares slid to a near-record low of 0.14 euros last week on concerns over prospects for the mine, said the company had received no notification on the matter.
While Berkeley has obtained most of the permits needed to build and operate the mine, it still lacks key authorisations from the Spanish government and the country's nuclear watchdog.
Reuters reported in October that the government was opposed to the mine, though it has yet to publish its decision. nuclear watchdog is due to rule on the project next year.