Fortune Minerals (TSX:FT, Stock Forum) is steadily pushing toward its dream of vertical integration in the mineral resource sector, but not without its share of controversy as it still faces pressure from environmental groups in Saskatchewan over its proposed $200 million hydrometallurgical refinery.
However, attentions were turned north today as the company announced receiving final approvals from the Wek'èezhìi Land and Water Board in Canada's Northwest Territories for the Land Use Permit and Type A Water License necessary for its construction and operation of the NICO gold-cobalt-bismuth-copper mine and concentrator on the company's mining leases located 160 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife near the Tlicho community of Whati.
According to the news release, the company may now begin construction of the mine upon gathering the required financing and making initial closure bond payments to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
The company is ongoing with its efforts working with Deloitte Corporate Finance Canada to secure said financing along with financing talks involving a strategic partner and its banks.
Company Director of Regulatory and Environmental Affairs, Dr. Richard Schryer, commented on the milestone, “With these permits now in hand, Fortune can commence construction of NICO. The Company is continuing to work collaboratively with the Tlicho people, local communities and governments to make this a successful project that contributes positively to the economy and social fabric of the Northwest Territories.”
He then added, “We are particularly proud that NICO will be a catalyst for important legacy infrastructure development, including the proposed Tlicho Road and an expanded electrical grid that will also service nearby communities.”
Robin Goad, Fortune president and CEO, stated, “We are very pleased to be in a position to construct the NICO mine and concentrator upon receipt of financing. This positions the Company for organic growth after entering into an agreement to purchase the Revenue Silver Mine in Colorado.”
Goad went on to illustrate, “It is very gratifying to see NICO advance from an in-house exploration success to become a shovel-ready development asset after the expenditure of more than $110 million over many years to validate the project and reduce risks from its development.”
Then he summed up, “I want to congratulate all of our team members who contributed to achieving the critical milestones as we transition into the project execution and construction phase of the development.”
Despite various outside pressures, the company continues to move relentlessly toward its goal.
Fortune was in the news recently when the company was highlighted in a Global Newswire article as a junior miner poised for production.
Shares gained 7.58% on the news to $0.355 per share.
Currently there are 188.2m outstanding shares with a market cap of $66.8 million.