Atlantic Lithium has secured a mine operating permit for its Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana, marking the final regulatory step before construction can commence.

Issued by the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the permit is crucial for the company as it targets the establishment of Ghana's first lithium mine.

The permit is a significant achievement towards making the Ewoyaa Lithium Mine and processing plant operational and positions the company closer to a final investment decision.

With the Ewoyaa Lithium Project set to advance, Atlantic Lithium now awaits the ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease by Ghana's parliament.

The ratification is the next step for the company to move forward with the construction of the Ewoyaa Lithium Mine and processing plant.

Atlantic Lithium executive chairman Neil Herbert said: "Representing the final regulatory approval required by the company before we can commence construction, the issuance of the Mine Operating Permit marks a critical milestone in the permitting process for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project.

"With our sights set on achieving first production of lithium in Ghana, we now eagerly await parliamentary ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease. We hope that ratification can occur in the coming sitting, expected to resume on the 15th of this month, which would set us on the path towards construction and operation of this globally significant lithium project."

The project will produce a spodumene concentrate product suitable for conversion to be used in electric vehicle batteries.

In November 2023, Atlantic Lithium secured an exploration licence for Ghana’s Cape Coast project.

The licence area is in the proximity of its Mankessim exploration asset that hosts the Ewoyaa lithium project and is adjacent to the Saltpond licence.

As per the estimates, the Ewoyaa project holds 14.5 million tonnes at 1.31% lithium oxide.