George Frangeskides of Alba Mineral Resources provides an update on the Mine Water Discharge Permit at their Clogau-St David's Gold Mine

George Frangeskides, Executive Chairman of Alba Mineral Resources #ALBA provides an update on the Water Discharge Permit at their Clogau-St David's Gold Mine, North Wales.

Details
Natural Resources Wales ("NRW") has given notice of its refusal of the Company's application requesting the grant of an environmental permit for a water discharge activity to allow treated mine water from the Llechfraith Shaft to discharge to the Afon Cwm-llechen (River Cwm-Llechen).

The decision to refuse the permit application is stated to be based on NRW's assessment of the potential environmental impact on the European Protected Species ("EPS")/Special Area of Conservation ("SAC") features of lesser horseshoe bat and otter as, in the opinion of NRW, it has not been demonstrated that the proposed discharge would not have an 'Adverse Effect' on lesser horseshoe bats and otter using the former Clogau adit/mine workings.

Importantly, the NRW's decision notice did, however, include confirmation that the information provided by the Company was sufficient to show that the water discharge itself would 'not have an adverse effect' on the estuary and integrity of Pen Llyn A'r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and The Sarnau marine SAC, Cardigan Bay and Cardigan Bay/ Bae Ceredigion SAC and West Wales Marine / Gorllewin Cymru Forol SAC.

A related application for an EPS Licence has also been refused. The Company has not been notified yet of the outcome of its application for an abstraction licence in connection with the dewatering scheme, however, given the refusal of the discharge permit, it is expected that the abstraction licence will also not be granted.

The Company is disappointed by this outcome and considers that the scheme it has presented presents no adverse impact upon the environment including protected species. The Company and its environmental and ecological consultants will be considering the reasons given by NRW in greater detail in the coming days and considering the grounds to appeal the decision. Further information will be provided as and when it becomes available.

About Alba Mineral Resources
The Alba Group’s mineral exploration portfolio is comprised of gold and graphite, ilmenite, base metal and iron ore projects in a cluster of countries in northern Europe (the United Kingdom, Greenland and Ireland). Our focus is on unearthing hidden value from previously drilled or mined projects.