Vancouver-based Ascendant Copper (TSX: ACX) plans to submit the EIS for its Junán copper-molybdenum project in Ecuador to the government and local communities in mid-January, the company reported in a statement.
The study outlines Ascendant's proposed exploration program and how the company plans to adhere to environmental regulations. The EIS will be subject to a 30-day public comment period, after which it will go to Ecuador's mining ministry for consideration.
In addition, Ascendant has hired community relations services firms to assist in obtaining a social license in support of Junán exploration, the statement said. The companies are Ecuador's Daimi Services and Canada's Wayne Dunne & Associates.
"We intend to perform an exploration program at the Junán project to the highest international environmental standards," said Ascendant president Gary Davis. The company aims to create local employment and assist the communities with obtaining potable water, medical care and schooling, he added.
Junán has been the subject of strong local opposition, most recently manifested when a group of 70 people invaded the company's medical center and demonstration farm and set the facilities on fire on December 10.
Ascendant has said it does not expect the disturbances to impact its development of Junán and that it would rebuild the medical center.
The project has an inferred mineral resource of 982Mt grading 0.89% copper, 0.04% molybdenum, and 1.9g/t silver at a 0.4% copper cutoff, the statement said.
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 15:49 (GMT -0400)
