Meridian Receives Approvals Key to Manganese Extraction

Brazil-focused Meridian Mining (TSXV:MNO) has obtained much-needed government approvals to advance its three key projects.

The Guia de Utilização permit provided by the Brazilian National Department of Mineral Production allows for the extraction of 6,000 tonnes of manganese oxide concentrate per year, from the company’s Califórnia, Eduardo Mendes and Calça Frouxa prospects.

The licenses are valid until May 19, 2020.

The manganese producer is currently engaged in the exploration and development of the Espigão manganese project, the Ariquemes tin area, as well as adjacent prospects in the state of Rondônia.

“The Espigão team has achieved a great result in opening up another key area for extraction,” Gilbert Clark, interim CEO, president and director, said in the announcement.

“Located in the northeast of the Espigão project, the Califórnia material once extracted will be first pre-screened on site. This results in a 75 percent reduction in the volume of material to be trucked to the plants and then processed; for the same volume of concentrate.”

These newly licensed prospects have been partially mined for colluvial material previously. The remaining colluvial and vein material will now be extracted after receiving the federal consent.

According to Clark, the company is now moving towards 100 percent pre-screening of all manganese material mined.

Meridian is currently producing high-grade manganese at Espigão do Oeste. The company has actively sought to upgrade its mining presence in Brazil, while simultaneously expanding operations.

Earlier this year, it announced a strategic land portfolio expansion process that appears to be following the company’s planned course.

“These new licenses add significant strategic value to our position in Rondônia,”Anthony Julien, president and CEO of Meridian at the time, said. “The new manganese tenure enhances our land position as we increase our production capacity, following the upgrades to our Jaburi plant.”

The company will continue to advance its various projects located in Brazil.

Shares of Meridian Mining remained flat on Tuesday (September 11), trading at C$0.14.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.