Predictive Discovery Secures Key Environmental Approval, Reducing Risk for the Bankan Gold Project

Predictive Discovery Ltd (PDI) has achieved an important milestone for the Bankan Gold Project in Guinea. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) has approved the Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and issued the Certificate of Environmental Compliance (ECC). This approval is crucial as it paves the way for PDI to apply for a mining license to develop Bankan into a top-tier gold mine.

The approval signifies the government’s backing for the project, which is located near the Upper Niger National Park. PDI engaged in extensive dialogue with various stakeholders and worked closely with the Technical Committee for Environmental Assessment to ensure that the ESIA met all required standards.

As part of its commitment to conservation, PDI will give up its mining permits in the Buffer Zone of the park, which is the closest protected area to the Core Conservation Area. This decision won’t affect the project’s development, as all key resources and zones earmarked for development are outside this Buffer Zone.

In line with its environmental goals, PDI will also begin a reforestation initiative at the border of the proposed exploitation area, enhancing the region’s ecology.

“Receiving the environmental certificate is a pivotal moment for the Bankan Gold Project as we move closer to securing the permits needed to develop a Tier-1 gold mine,” said PDI managing director Andrew Pardey. He emphasized that this achievement is the result of hard work from the team and collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The ESIA process took over two years and included:

• Comprehensive studies on the social, biophysical, and biodiversity aspects of the area.
• Engagement with local government bodies and other environmental organizations.
• Aligning with standards set by the International Finance Corporation and Equator Principles.

This important news follows a successful trip to Guinea by PDI’s board, which involved discussions with Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and other officials from the Environment and Mines ministries.

Looking ahead, PDI plans to submit its application for the exploitation permit by the end of this month. Meanwhile, drilling programs are ongoing at the Fouwagbe and Sounsoun exploration sites, with the goal of determining mineral resources. Work is also in progress in other areas like Argo and Bokoro South.

The definitive feasibility study is on track and is expected to wrap up in the latter half of 2025, keeping PDI on its path toward developing the Bankan Gold Project successfully.

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