Permitting delays impact British Columbia projects valued at C$38 billion, AME says
British Columbia's exploration sector has over 60 critical mineral projects waiting for permits.
Liberty Gold (TSX: LGD ) plans to release a pre-feasibility study for its Black Pine gold project in southern Idaho in weeks, president and chief operating officer Jon Gilligan said in an interview.
The project holds 3 million oz. contained metal, according to a February resource update, and could hold as much as 5 million oz. gold, Gilligan said during the Gold Forum Americas in Colorado Springs, Col. The company skipped a preliminary economic assessment after a major discovery at the Rangefront deposit two years ago added a million ounces.
“We’re an explorer rapidly becoming a developer,” Gilligan said. “Our goal now is to take this forward, build the mine, and become a producer. It’s an exciting time for Liberty Gold as we move up the value curve.”
Meanwhile, 20,000 metres of exploration drilling continues with results expected by year-end. Liberty also made waves at its Gold Strike project in Utah, where a recent antimony discovery could open new opportunities. With the United States classifying antimony as a critical mineral, Gilligan says Liberty may benefit from government support and growing demand.
Watch the full interview below with The Northern Miner’s western editor, Henry Lazenby.
