Last checked at 28 Mar 2019 07:00
28 March 2019
Europa Metals Ltd
("Europa Metals", the "Company" or the "Group") (AIM/AltX: EUZ)
Change in Spanish Legislation re Land Use for Mining
Europa Metals, the European lead-zinc explorer, is pleased to announce that on 26 March 2019 the legislation regulating land use in the Castilla y León region, Northwest Spain, was changed (Ley 5/2019 modification to law Ley 5/1999) in order to establish clear rules and guidelines for the development of mining activities within the region.
Within the official bulletin released by the Junta of Castilla y León, signed by regional President, Mr Juan Vicente Herrera Campo. the following was stated; "….the change in the law is completed in order to promote a better compatibility between rural land uses and the development of mining activities." A copy of the full bulletin is available to view at:
http://bocyl.jcyl.es/boletines/2019/03/26/pdf/BOCYL-D-26032019-2.pdf
As announced on 13 September 2018, the Company entered into a municipal consultation process in order to apply for a change in local land use to support the future development of the Company's wholly owned Toral lead-zinc-silver project. Whilst the abovementioned official bulletin is a positive step and has outlined new land use regulations and a clear application route for mine development, Europa Metals will continue to engage with all local, municipal stakeholders.
A key point of note within the outlined legislative changes is a distinction between mining activities. All projects are now divided into two groups; the 'Minería energética' group, governing all energy-based projects, and a further group covering all other mining activities which are categorised together such as base, precious and industrial metals (the Toral Project belonging to the latter category). Each mining project will now be considered on a case by case basis as to the appropriateness of development. Individual projects will each be assessed upon Environmental (via Environmental Impact Studies) and other stakeholder factors. Previously, applications were required at a municipal level in certain rural areas for a change in land use status in order to develop mining projects.
The legislative changes are expected to be implemented into the region's regulatory framework over the course of the next three months.
Commenting today, Laurence Read, Executive Director of Europa Metals, said:
"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 León, 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."
For further information on the Company, please visit www.europametals.com or contact:
Europa Metals Ltd
Dan Smith, Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary (Australia)
T: +61 417 978 955
Laurence Read, Executive Director (UK)
T: +44 (0)20 3289 9923
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser)
Rory Murphy / Matthew Chandler
T: +44 (0)20 7409 3494
Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited (Broker)
Andy Thacker
T: +44 (0)20 3621 4120
Sasfin Capital Proprietary Limited (a member of the Sasfin group)
Sharon OwensT (direct): +27 11 809 7762