Perth-based Eclipse Metals (ASX: EPM) has engaged a European consultancy group to commence environmental and social studies for its multi-commodity Ivittuut project in southwest Greenland.
The group will assist in the preparation of environmental and social impact assessments needed for Eclipse’s mining licence application to be lodged with Greenland’s Mineral Licenses and Safety Authority (MLSA).
Work will include baseline data collection, stakeholder mapping and public consultation for environmental and social studies.
Guidance on development
Eclipse executive chairman Carl Popal said the results would provide guidance on how best to progress the development of Ivittuut.
“In Greenland, all projects need to complete an environmental and social impact assessment as part of any mining licence application and once this work is complete we will have a better understanding of what is needed to move forward at Ivittuut,” he said.
While the usual timeframe for the completion and submission of assessment reports is approximately three years, Mr Popal expects Ivittuut process will be reduced significantly due to existing documents and reports held by the company.
Eclipse also recently received approval from the MLSA to commence its 2022 field season at Ivittuut.
Work which will include drilling at the Grønnedal rare earth elements prospect, scheduled to commence next month.
Satellite imagery targets
In June, Eclipse confirmed it had identified new targets at Ivittuut through satellite imagery analysis which aimed to remotely-sense surface features relating to geology and mineralisation over the project area.
The analysis identified numerous spectral anomalies indicative of hydrothermal alteration associated with iron oxides, sulphides and clays.
Strong coincident jarosite-goethite-kaolinite index anomalies were also identified over dolerite and basalt dykes cutting the Grønnedal complex.
The magnetic bodies measure up to 2,700 metres in length and 1,000m width, and extend more than 900m below the surface.
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