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JOHANNESBURG - Marula Mining PLC (AQSE:MARU, A2X: MAR) has satisfied two of three key conditions required for the issuance of a 10-year mining right at its Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine in South Africa, according to a company press release statement.
The South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has granted environmental authorization after receiving the required ZAR 11.86 million (approximately £510,000) rehabilitation guarantee. The company has also completed the required environmental authorization notification and appeals process.
Additionally, Marula has submitted an updated Social Labour Plan to the DMPR, which has been approved by the Nama Khoi Local Municipality and affected communities, and is currently under review by authorities.
The final outstanding condition is the finalization of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment structure for the company’s subsidiary, Southern African Lithium and Tantalum Mining. This process, which requires a minimum 30% BEE shareholding distribution, is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Once issued, the mining right will cover the full 1,051-hectare Blesberg license area, replacing a 2-year mining permit that covered only 5 hectares. This expansion will allow the company to develop a large-scale open pit mining operation beyond the current reprocessing of historical stockpiles.
The mining right approval will enable Marula to proceed with appointing a mining contractor and finalizing a previously announced joint venture with Asian-based battery manufacturers regarding a lithium acid leaching plant.
Marula Mining maintains interests in several battery metals projects across East, Central and Southern Africa, including operations in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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