PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Tin hopeful Kasbah Resources was a step closer to production at its Achmmach project, in Morocco, after receiving final acceptance for the environmental- and social-impact assessment, as well as completing collective farmland rental agreements and signing in-principal community development agreements.

The company’s proposed Achmmach water management strategy was also accepted by the Sebou Basin Agency.

These agreements and approvals were key requirements for the full development of the Achmmach tin project.

“Receiving final environmental clearance from the Moroccan Ministry of Environment represents one of the most important approvals required for full project development,” said Kasbah MD Wayne Bramwell.

“This project milestone, in addition to the equally important establishment of community-based agreements for the project, further advances the Achmmach tin project to being development ready.”

The $181-million Achmmach mine was expected to deliver about one-million tonnes a year of ore, to produce about 5 300 t/y of tin concentrate, over a life-of-mine of nine years.

First tin from Achmmach was expected this year.

Bramwell pointed out that Kasbah was now required to enter into a land rental agreement with the Forestry Department, as the last mandatory approval. This agreement was expected to be completed by the second quarter of this year.

Once the decision to mine has been taken, final construction approval would be issued by the Ait ouikhalfen commune, and would be based on the acceptance of final engineering design by the Department of Equipment, the Sebou Basin Agency and the National Office of Electricity and Potable Water.

In addition to these agreements, Kasbah was also hoping for an investment convention with the government of Morocco, setting out the fiscal terms under which the project would operate.

The company was hoping to finalise the convention during the first half of the year.