Calibre Mining has received federal environmental assessment approval for the addition of a third open pit, known as the Berry Pit, at its Valentine Gold Mine in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

This development follows a comprehensive review process by the IAAC.

The announcement was made by the Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault.

In August last year, Calibre Mining submitted an environmental assessment update to the IAAC. The update outlined proposed changes to the Valentine Gold Mine to incorporate the Berry Pit and modifications to the associated infrastructure.

The IAAC conducted a detailed analysis of the environmental assessment update, which included the outcomes of consultations with indigenous groups, local communities, as well as stakeholder organisations.

Additionally, the IAAC reviewed feedback from its public comment process before reaching a decision.

After considering the information gathered during the review process, Minister Guilbeault signed an Amended Decision Statement.

This statement officially approves the addition of the Berry Pit to the Valentine Gold Mine, allowing Calibre Mining to proceed with its expansion plans.

Calibre president and CEO Darren Hall said: “I am pleased to announce that we have obtained Federal Environmental approval for the development of the Berry Pit at Valentine.

“With this approval and the recent issuance of Provincial mining and surface leases for Berry and associated infrastructure, we now have the major approvals required for the three-pit mine plan included in the 2022 Feasibility Study.

“Since acquiring Valentine in January, we have progressed engineering to 98%, advanced construction from 50% to 77%, and employed an experienced operations team, positioning us to deliver first gold in Q2 2025.”

In January this year, Calibre purchased  all the issued and outstanding common shares of Marathon Gold.

The move offered Calibre a 100% interest in the Valentine Gold Project.