Lydian International Ltd. (TSE:LYD) shares advanced more than 4% on Tuesday after the company said it had received approval from the Republic of Armenia for amendments requested by the company to the mining right for its 100%-owned Amulsar gold project.
This is a milestone event reaffirming the Armenian government's support for Lydian to begin development at Amulsar this summer. The duration of the mining right was also extended to align with the current project schedule.
The amended mining right was granted to Geoteam CJSC, Lydian's wholly owned subsidiary, by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia.
The approval covers: (i) all project infrastructure, including the location for crushers, the conveyor and heap leach facility, (ii) a mining permit applicable to all three pits, (iii) definition of the area within which operating activities may take place, and (iv) a mining agreement that outlines the nature and duration of mining operations.
"With the mining right in hand, we can move forward with confidence as we complete other preconstruction work and prepare for full-scale construction this summer. Receiving approval of the amended mining right was a rigorous process that necessitated engagement with a multitude of stakeholders," said Howard Stevenson, president and chief executive officer of Lydian.
"We are pleased with the outcome and grateful to the many individuals who contributed throughout the consultation and approval process. All of us at Lydian look forward to seeing Amulsar advance as planned for the benefit of our shareholders and the host country. Lydian is committed to implementing best international practices at Amulsar by complying with IFC (International Finance Corp.) and the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) environmental and social standards throughout the project's duration."
Lydian shares were last up 4.35% at C$0.36.