Salave Gold Project Faces Political Hurdles Despite Local Support

Strategic Pause in Asturias

Black Dragon Gold (ASX, BDG) has taken a deliberate step back by withdrawing its application to have the Salave Gold Project declared a Project of Strategic Interest (PIER) under Asturias’ new regional legislation. This move, announced in early November 2025, signals the company’s intent to strengthen its case rather than abandon its ambitions in northern Spain.

The PIER designation, introduced in December 2024, aims to accelerate permitting for projects deemed vital to the region’s economic and social fabric. Black Dragon’s withdrawal preserves the right to reapply with a more robust submission that will include additional documentation and independent legal reports. These reports are designed to counteract recent politically motivated misinterpretations that have clouded the project’s legal standing.

Community Support and Environmental Commitment

Crucially, Black Dragon highlights that local surveys reveal a majority of residents, 63.5%, support the Salave Project, contingent on the company meeting its environmental and social commitments. The community’s priority is clear, creating sustainable, quality jobs that help stem the outmigration of younger generations. This local backing is further reinforced by a growing number of local shareholders, underscoring a shared interest in long-term regional prosperity.

Dominic Roberts, Executive Chairman, emphasized the company’s commitment to modern, sustainable mining practices. The project design avoids harmful chemical processes and employs underground mining techniques to minimise surface and visual impacts. Positive technical assessments from regional authorities bolster the company’s confidence in its approach.

Navigating Political and Regulatory Challenges

Despite technical endorsements, the project faces political opposition that has manifested in local press misinterpretations. Black Dragon’s strategy to include independent legal validation in its next PIER application aims to clarify these issues and demonstrate the project’s compliance and viability unequivocally.

Looking ahead, the company plans to deepen its engagement with local stakeholders through open dialogue and proactive presence in the region. This approach seeks to build trust and address concerns transparently, a critical factor in navigating the complex regulatory environment.

The Salave Project’s Potential

The Salave Gold Project remains one of Europe’s largest undeveloped gold assets, boasting a measured and indicated resource exceeding 1.2 million ounces of gold. Historical exploration suggests further mineralisation potential within Black Dragon’s landholdings, adding to the project’s long-term value proposition.

While the timing of the resubmission remains uncertain, Black Dragon’s withdrawal and planned enhancements reflect a strategic recalibration aimed at securing stronger regulatory and community endorsement for this significant mining venture.