Chalice Mining has been granted final approvals needed to undertake exploration drilling within its famed Julimar project despite concerns from the community over a surrounding forest.
Chalice released a statement after market close advising it was clear to start an exploration drilling campaign over a 10 kilometre strike length at the site, located in the Julimar State Forest north-east of Perth.
Environmental groups have opposed the planned campaign over concerns it could harm nearby flora and fauna in the area.
Chalice will need to adhere to strict environmental requirements governing the area, which will limit the junior to low-impact drilling.
The company says it plans to start drilling at the Hartog and Dampier prospects which are located to the north of the Gonneville deposit, shortly.
“Importantly, Chalice’s drilling will not involve any mechanised clearing of vegetation and strict environmental management measures will be used to minimise impact to the environment, including the use of low-impact, small footprint diamond rigs and comprehensive flora, fauna and cultural heritage monitoring,” the company said in a statement.
“These small drill rigs will navigate around trees and maximise the use of existing cleared areas in order to keep disturbance to a minimum.”
Chalice unveiled an inaugural resource for the neighbouring Gonneville deposit in November last year in a discovery hailed as one of the of the largest nickel discoveries in decades, and a substantial platinum group elements find.
Chalice shares closed the day 1.38 per cent lower to trade at $5.72.
