Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed Talga Group has secured an exploitation concession for its Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine, part of its Vittangi Anode Project in northern Sweden.

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden issued the positive decision on 17 October 2024, allowing Talga to engage in graphite mining for a period of 25 years, with options to extend.

The concession follows the approval of the Environmental and Natura 2000 permit for the mine in April 2023.

However, appeals related to the mine's environmental permit are currently under review by the Swedish Supreme Court.

The case has advanced and has been assigned to a judge referee for preparation and presentation.

There is a five-week period for appeals against the exploitation concession decision, during which submissions can be made to the Swedish Government’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise.

The Talga board of directors awaits the finalisation of key mine permit approvals and the progression of customer offtake agreements before it can approve a final investment decision (FID) on the project.

Once the FID is approved, Talga anticipates an 18–24 month construction timeline for the Vittangi Anode Project, leading to the start of production.

Talga Group CEO Martin Phillips said: “We are delighted at the Mining Inspectorate’s decision.

“The approved exploitation concession for graphite mining at Nunasvaara South is another step towards establishing the integrated Vittangi Anode Project, and a key step in EU production of this critical and strategic mineral.

“We look forward to the remainder of the project’s permitting process being finalised.”

In June this year, Talga Group collaborted with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) to advance the Aero Lithium Project in northern Sweden.

The collaboration is organised via an earn-in agreement, which stipulates that SQM will exclusively fund up to $19m (17.99bn pesos) in exploration expenses over seven years to secure a maximum 70% ownership in the project.