Triton Minerals announced that it has secured the Mining Concession from the Mozambique government for its Ancuabe Graphite Project.

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Image: A graphite bar, 1 x 3 cm. Photo courtesy of Jurii/Wikimedia Commons.

The company reported that Mozambique’s Minister of  Energy and Natural Resources, His Excellency Ernesto Max Elias Tonela, has granted the Mining Concession for the company’s Ancuabe Graphite Project (Ancuabe or the Project) in the Cabo Delgado province in Northern Mozambique.

Ministerial  approval  was  the  final  step  in  the  Mining Concession  application  process,  with  Triton  now  having  secured the necessary regulatory approvals to progress the development of Ancuabe.

The grant of the Mining Concession is also a critical milestone in terms of finalising funding negotiations for the Project. It will allow Triton to accelerate discussions with sponsor banks of the Company’s nominated engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.

Triton Managing Director Peter Canterbury said:

“The Board is extremely pleased to receive final government approval for Ancuabe. Mozambique has a long and proud history of mining and both regional and national government bodies have been extremely supportive  during  the  permitting  process,  further  reinforcing  that  the  country  is  a  premier  location  for  mining investment in East Africa.

“Triton  has  now  signed  binding  off-take  agreements  for  approximately  53%  of  annual  production  from Ancuabe, has executed an EPC contract with MCC International , has been granted its Mining Concession which  is  the  final  approval  required  to  commence  production  at  Ancuabe,  as  well  as  having  signed  a  project  investment,  financing  and  offtake  MoU  with  Qingdao  Jinhui  Graphite  Co.  Ltd  and  various  other  MOU’s for off-take, graphite product marketing and off-take.

“Importantly, the granting of the Mining Concession is a critical element of the financing process, that is progressing well.  An announcement in relation to financing is expected in the near future.”

Upon completion of the funding package for Ancuabe, Triton anticipates commencing design work, mobilisation to site and construction immediately.

Source: Company Press Release