Mineral exploration and development firm North River Resources has submitted its environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan (EMP) to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, for its Namib Lead and Zinc project.
Namibian environmental consultancy Colin Christian and Associates completed the EIA for the project, which is situated near Swakopmund.
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North River said the report is the culmination of almost two years of independent investigations into the environmental effects of re-opening the Namib Lead and Zinc mine, which was previously operational from 1965 to 1992.
Studies undertaken include air quality, hydrogeological assessment, surface water, flora, fauna, archaeology, legal and policy review.
North River aims to complete its definitive feasibility study during Q1 of 2014 when it will submit its mining licence application.
North River managing director Martin French said the EIA/EMP is a long lead-time item in the process.
"Its completion is therefore an important milestone for the project and we are pleased to have submitted this to the authorities in very good time, some months ahead of our application for a mining licence," French said.
"Additionally, we are pleased to report that the DFS remains on schedule and within budget."
The Namib project has a current JORC resource of 1.527 million tonnes, with resulting in-situ metal inventory of 23,700t of lead, 65,500t of zinc and 1.48 million ounces of silver.
North River has several other interests in Namibia and Mozambique, covering phosphate, iron ore, copper and gold.
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