(Alliance News) - Potash developer Emmerson PLC has begun work on the environmental & social impact assessment for Morocco's Khemisset project, it said Monday.
The assessment is a "key" component of the project, Emmerson said, and will be completed alongside Morocco-based partner Phenixa SARL, which has worked on all previous environmental and social studies at the project.
London-based Emmerson said the report will assess land use and any potential impact on issues such as flora & fauna, air quality, water sources, and historical sites.
Chief Executive Hayden Locke commented: "The commencement of the full environmental & social impact assessment is a vital step in our preparation for submitting applications for permits. Once we have a report detailing all environmental and social impact risks, alongside our forthcoming feasibility study, we will have all information required to commence discussions in earnest with Moroccan authorities.
"The environmental & social impact assessment is also a vital component of discussions with financiers, many of whom have already expressed approval for our commitment to complying with international best practice."
Emmerson is currently conducting a feasibility study for the project, which it said is going well and is ahead of schedule. It hopes to release the feasibility study in the first half of 2020.
Shares were 3.8% higher on Monday morning in London at a price of 4.88 pence each.
By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com
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Emmerson (EML)