West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI, OTCQB:WMWWF) has received formal acceptance of its new prospecting right application, PR10839, adjoining the company's existing mining right at the Witwatersrand Basin Project, south of the Qala Shallows operation in South Africa
In addition, the company is also pursuing another PR application, PR10730, which is under consideration by the DMRE.
While an endorsement for the environmental authority has been granted for PR10730, an appeal process is underway, and West Wits has diligently initiated efforts to present its case to the DMRE, awaiting the outcome.
The approval of both PRs would have the potential to considerably extend the WBP’s overall life of mine and may provide essential support for the company's pursuit of establishing an independent treatment facility at Qala Shallows in the future.
Primary objectives
The primary objectives behind the two PR applications are twofold:
- to augment the mineral resources complementing the Mining Right footprint awarded in July 2021,
- to significantly extend the operational lifespan of West Wits' Kimberly Reef activities at its Qala Shallows operations.
Presently, the definitive feasibility study for Qala Shallows supports an ore reserve of 351,400 ounces of gold, with a total production estimate of 924,000 ounces over a life-of-mine spanning 17.7 years, including inferred mineral resources.
Forward plan
The next steps for PR10839 include:
- pursue environmental authorisation in alignment with South Africa’s National Environmental Management Act.
- engage in a prescribed stakeholder engagement process involving landowners, lawful occupiers, and interested/affected parties; and
- submit a basic assessment report to the DMRE within 90 days from the date of acceptance.