Aquila Resources has received the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permit, the third of four necessary approvals, for its zinc-rich and gold-rich Back Forty Project in Michigan, US.

The NPDES permit was awarded by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) after a comprehensive review by the US Environmental Protection Agency on 24 February.

Aquila Resources CEO Barry Hildred said: “We will continue our efforts with the State of Michigan and local communities to demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable resource development that benefits all stakeholders.”

The NPDES permit regulates the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements of water discharged from the mine to the Menominee River.

Aquila Resources noted that the review process and permit decisions complies with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Part 41, Sewerage Systems provisions.

The company received the Mining Permit and Air Use permit last December.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

It is currently working with MDEQ to receive the final Wetlands Protection Permit, which is expected later this year.

“We will continue our efforts with the State of Michigan and local communities to demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable resource development that benefits all stakeholders.”

The Back Forty Project is a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit situated adjacent to the mineral-rich Penokean Volcanic Belt in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

In an updated preliminary economic assessment filed in September 2014, Back Forty indicated strong economics with a pre-tax NPV of $282m ($210.8m after-tax) and a pre-tax IRR of 38.8% (32% after-tax) based on mining 16.1 million tonnes of measured, indicated, and inferred resources over the 16-year life of mine.