Talga Group Ltd (ASX:TLG) has welcomed the awarding of the environmental permit for its Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine, part of its vertically integrated Vittangi Anode Project in northern Sweden.
The positive decision handed down by the Swedish Land and Environment Court included the grant to Talga of a Natura 2000 permit. The decision is subject to a three- week period when appeals can be lodged. The environmental permit was granted with conditions in line with Talga’s Detailed Feasibility Study and permit application.
This key approval is a significant achievement, and a major step in Talga establishing its Swedish natural graphite anode production,” Managing Director, Mark Thompson, said.
“The approval is the culmination of extensive technical, environmental and social studies over many years and has followed a highly rigorous permitting process. We look forward to continued engagement with all stakeholders as we progress towards mining this strategic resource for use in sustainable European battery production.”
Following this positive environmental permitting decision and Natura 2000 permit grant, the Swedish Mining Inspectorate is expected to make a decision on the company’s Nunasvaara South exploitation
Vittangi Anode Project
The Nunasvaara South graphite mine is designed to feed Talga’s planned 19,500tpa battery anode manufacturing plant which is progressing through a separate permitting process.
Luleå Municipality has granted the Refinery building permits, which entered into force on 24 March 2023, and the Court has scheduled a three-day environmental permit hearing for 3 May 2023. A positive decision, and approval of an execution order, would allow the Company to commence early works at the Refinery site in the Luleå Industrial Park, potentially at the start of H2 2023.
Talga is currently in advanced negotiations with a range of European battery makers, including previously announced ACC and Verkor, regarding supply agreements for its graphite anode products. Separately, the company is in discussions with multiple EU and commercial financial institutions regarding finance for the Vittangi Anode Project.