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LONDON (Alliance News) - Lead-zinc explorer Europa Metals Ltd on Wednesday noted that the legislation which regulates land use in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain has been changed, which is expected to provide a clearer application process for mine developments.
The legislative change, which is a modification to law Ley 5/1999 includes a distinction between mining activities.
All projects will be divided into two groups. One is the Mineria Energetica group, which governs all energy-based projects. The other covers all other mining activities, categorised as base, precious and industrial metals.
Individual projects will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account environmental and other stakeholder factors.
Before, applications were required at a municipal level in certain rural areas for a change in land use status for mining project developments.
Europa Metals said in September it had entered a municipal consultation process to apply for a change in land use to support the development of its Toral lead-zinc-silver project.
The law change has been regarded by the company as "a positive step", providing a "clear application route for mine development".
"This change to the relevant land use legislation establishes a responsible framework for assessing appropriate mine developments compatible with urban planning in the region of Castilla y Leon, Northwest Spain, based upon detailed environmental assessment work and stakeholder engagement. The new law provides Europa Metals with a clear path to progress Toral into potential future mine development working, within the requisite new regulations," said Executive Director Laurence Read.
Shares in Europa Metals were up 6.7% at 0.0208 pence in London, while Johannesburg shares were untraded at ZAR0.01 on Thursday.
