Canadian miner Belo Sun Mining has received another setback to its Volta Grande gold project in the Pará state of Brazil: the interim suspension of its construction and environmental licenses.
A judge with the Agrarian Court of Altamira has suspended the licenses until a socio-environmental study of the riverside peoples, at a minimum distance of 10 kilometers from the project, on both banks of the Xingu River, is carried out. Additionally, a free and informed consultation and the consent of the riverside peoples is needed.
“We are disappointed by this additional interruption to our construction plans. However, these hurdles are expected and we will work through them,” said Peter Tagliamonte, Belo Sun president and CEO.
“We are working with our local Brazilian counsel to have the decision of the court overturned on appeal. We are working diligently on the appropriate steps to reverse these decisions.”
Belo Sun said that it believes all local communities, including those living along the Xingu River, have been properly heard during the licensing process conducted by the Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainability.
The Volta Grande project covers over 2,400 hectares within the “Tres Palmeiras” greenstone belt. A 2015 feasibility study suggests an average annual gold production of 205,000 ounces.
Source: Belo Sun Mining