StrataGold Guyana Inc has hired a company to complete environmental baseline studies and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report on its Tassawini Gold Project as it moves the project forward.
“We are undertaking this study in order to advance the Tassawini Gold Project into the development stage. At the same time, we believe that Tassawini has the geological potential for increased ounces, which will be evaluated simultaneously with preliminary engineering/environmental activities, all of which are expected to be carried out during 2011,” Jennifer Boyle, President and CEO of Takara Resources Inc, said in a press release.
StrataGold is the wholly owned subsidiary of Takara, aCanadian gold-mining company. The release said that Ground Structures Engineering Consultants Inc., a local Guyanese engineering and environmental consulting company, has been engaged to complete the studies on the project, which is located in north-western Guyana.
The ESIA Report will be instrumental in moving the Tassawini Gold Project through pre-feasibility and/or feasibility with a view to production, the release said. “More particularly, the studies are intended to assess the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed mine site and related facilities, as well as an examination of human health and environmental risks,” it added.
The company said that the first component of the environmental baselines studies has been initiated and covers the period from March 2011 to September 2011. It is expected to examine the health of the ecosystem by studying ground and surface water quality, sediment quality, fisheries, terrestrial resources and soil quality. Completion of these studies and the development of the environmental baseline, along with ongoing community consultation and socio-economic studies, are key requirements for future permitting, leading to advanced exploration status with the Guyana Geology and Mining Commission, the release noted. Takara is focused on the exploration and development of its Guyana gold assets held by StrataGold Guyana Inc., including two gold projects within the Guyana Shield, namely: the 100% owned Tassawini Gold Project; and a 29.90% interest in the Arakaka Joint Venture.
