RE: Potash15 Jul 2024 15:09
EML followed the correct procedures, for a foreign enterprise working on distant shores. Necessary meetings were held with both officials, and locals on the objectives and benefits of the operation. What is abundantly clear however, is the lack of any foresight on water supply to the mine, both during construction, and in operation.
EML proposed this operation with the reverse T/O of a Moroccan Salt producer in 2017. In 2018 it appointed a 'giant' in international mining operations, as Chairman. The following was RNS in 2019 re; EISA,
18 March 2019
Completion of Environmental Baseline Study moves world class Khemisset project
closer towards production
Highlights
· Completed Environmental Baseline Study for Khemisset Potash Project showed no areas of concern that could impact the scale, location, cost, or profitability of the Project
· Study undertaken by experienced Moroccan environmental consultants, Phénixa S.A.R.L. ("Phénixa") and overseen by international consultants OTEBA Pty. Ltd. ("OTEBA")'
In his notes on this RNS, Hayden commented that 'no Red Flags' had been identified.
In Feb '20 the Company undertook a comprehensive study of the 'socio-economic impact' of the mine in the region. Again, this did not identify water as an 'problem' area.
18 Nov '20, Graham announces the completion of the EISA.
The following is an extract from a RNS on June '21. It is the first time I have found 'water supply' mentioned,
'Permitting & Licensing
Having completed the baseline and all the workstreams required for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ('ESIA') for the Project, the study was submitted in Q4 2020 for review by the Environmental Evaluation Committee. The ESIA package comprises a full Project baseline study built over two years, the ESIA report, and the Environmental and Social Monitoring Program ("ESMP"). The package covers the Project underground works and surface installation, external infrastructure such as powerlines, highway access, and raw water intake.'
The review meeting with the EEC was held in December 2020 where valuable advice and guidance was given by the committee members to better prepare for the evaluation meeting. The EEC comprises the relevant Government stakeholders in the Project including the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Regional Department of the Environment, and the water agency (l'Agence du Bassin Hydraulique de Sebou).'
Sept '22, gave us the first inkling 'all is not well', a 'throwaway line inserted'
'Enhancements made to the Project to reduce further its environmental impact, including sourcing of waste water for processing, and the selection of dry tailings storage
The rest is history.
It is worth looking at the recent drought problems in The Kingdom. From the preceding, one would assume the 'water' problem is at max, a 2 year problem. Not so. It is a fact physical that Morocco lies on the Sothern edge of the North Atlantic Storm Systems.
Cont...