Meteoric Secures Buffer Zone Consent, Paving Way for Rare Earth Production
Meteoric Resources has obtained crucial environmental consent to operate within the sensitive buffer zone of the Serra da Pedra Branca sanctuary, clearing a major hurdle for its Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil.
- Consent received from CONGEAPA for operations within 3 km buffer zone
- Environmental Impact Statement and stakeholder consultations completed
- Preliminary Licence approval process progressing with Minas Gerais EPA
- Pilot plant construction nearing completion, production expected late November
- Project timeline remains on track with ongoing regulatory and feasibility work
Environmental Consent Milestone
Meteoric Resources NL (ASX – MEI) has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by securing consent from the Council of Management for the Environmental Protection Area of Pedra Branca (CONGEAPA) to conduct mining operations within the three-kilometre buffer zone surrounding the Serra da Pedra Branca ecological sanctuary. This approval is a critical step in the environmental licensing process for the Caldeira Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project, located in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The buffer zone consent follows an extensive environmental impact assessment, including studies on local flora, fauna, and ethnographic factors, alongside ongoing engagement with local stakeholders such as the Caldas House of Councillors and Indigenous communities. These efforts underscore Meteoric’s commitment to responsible development within a sensitive ecological context.
Progressing Through Regulatory Channels
With CONGEAPA’s consent now secured, Meteoric has also obtained all necessary municipal approvals required for the Preliminary Licence (LP) application. The Minas Gerais Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing the project’s environmental licensing, moving closer to final approval. Concurrently, Meteoric is advancing discussions with the National Mining Agency and progressing its Definitive Feasibility Study, reinforcing the project’s readiness for development.
Pilot Plant Nearing Production
On the operational front, construction of the pilot plant is nearing completion, with commissioning and initial production of a Mixed Rare Earth Concentrate expected by late November. This pilot phase will be pivotal in demonstrating the viability of extracting rare earth elements from the high-grade ionic absorption clay deposits that Caldeira is known for.
Managing Director Stuart Gale highlighted the importance of the project, noting its potential to contribute to alternative rare earth supply chains globally. He also expressed gratitude for the support from local communities and government bodies, emphasizing that all approvals have been pursued diligently and in accordance with environmental and social guidelines.
Looking Ahead
While the project remains on schedule, the final environmental licensing from the Minas Gerais EPA is still pending, representing the next critical regulatory hurdle. The company’s ability to maintain momentum through these final approvals will be closely watched by investors and stakeholders alike, given the strategic importance of rare earth elements in global technology supply chains.
Bottom Line?
Meteoric’s buffer zone consent marks a pivotal advance, but final environmental approvals will determine the project’s true trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the Minas Gerais Environmental Protection Agency issue the final Preliminary Licence?
- What specific mitigation measures will Meteoric implement to protect the buffer zone ecosystem?
- How will the pilot plant’s performance influence the timeline and scale of full production?
