Predictive Discovery has secured environmental compliance for its Bankan Gold project in Guinea, which is expected to yield 3.05 million ounces of gold. The project necessitated relinquishing exploration permits in the Upper Niger National Park buffer zone and shifting focus to a peripheral area. Environmental concerns remain regarding local wildlife, particularly the endangered Western chimpanzee. PDI is pursuing a mining license with potential production starting in 2026, highlighting the challenges of mineral development versus biodiversity conservation.
Predictive Discovery (PDI) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving an environmental compliance certificate from Guinea’s Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development for its Bankan Gold project, estimated to hold 3.05 million ounces of gold. This discovery is regarded as one of the most substantial in West Africa over the past decade.
The approval came after PDI submitted a detailed 1,767-page environmental and social impact assessment. In response to environmental concerns, the company agreed to abandon exploration permits in areas overlapping with the buffer zone of the Upper Niger National Park (PNHN), opting instead to focus on a “peripheral zone” to mitigate environmental impacts on protected areas.
Nonetheless, environmental assessments raised alarms regarding the ramifications for local wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), dependent on habitats near the Mafou Forest conservation area, which lies approximately 18 kilometers away from the mining site. Since 2020, exploration activities have already resulted in the displacement of seven to fifteen chimpanzees.
Long-term mining operations may further negatively affect groundwater levels and exacerbate habitat degradation. Aboubacar Samoura, a senior official at the Ministry of the Environment, discussed the challenges of approving mining initiatives close to a designated conservation area, highlighting the ministry’s careful consideration to balance economic development with environmental protection.
On January 31, following its environmental approval, PDI proceeded with a formal application for a mining license. If granted, production could commence as early as 2026, potentially spurring economic growth while necessitating ongoing environmental monitoring. This project represents the broader challenge of mineral resource development in Africa without jeopardizing vital biodiversity.
In summary, Predictive Discovery’s Bankan Gold project signifies a noteworthy advancement amid significant environmental concerns. The company’s compliance with governmental directives and its strategic planning to focus on a less sensitive area demonstrate a commitment to addressing conservation issues while progressing with mineral extraction. The potential commencement of production by 2026 will require vigilant ecological oversight to ensure that the balance between economic development and wildlife preservation is maintained.
Original Source: environmentenergyleader.com
