Whale Head Minerals (WHM), a unit of Kazera Global, has received environmental authorisation for the Perdevlei concession from South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

The approval, secured before the expected January 2025 timeline, is a crucial step towards obtaining a mining right for the nearly 3,095ha area.

This concession holds around 170ha of high-grade heavy mineral sands deposits, ready for immediate mining.

Kazera Global CEO Dennis Edmonds stated: "This swift approval marks a significant step forward for the company as we progress towards obtaining a Mining Right for Perdevlei. Obtaining the EA approval over two months earlier than expected has considerably advanced our timetable. While there is always the potential for delays, receiving Environmental Authorisation [EA] early puts us in an even stronger position to secure the mining right early in Q1 2025.

"With Walviskop nearing revenue generation, Perdevlei offers an incredible opportunity to scale up HMS operations and accelerate growth in this mineral-rich area of South Africa."

The EA is a result of WHM's compliance with South Africa's National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), which included providing an environmental guarantee.

The next step for the company is to inform all registered interested and affected parties of the EA's issuance.

These parties have a 21-day period to lodge any appeals. The DMRE is expected to issue the Mining Right, provided no objections are raised.

At present, Kazera has a 70% direct beneficial interest in WHM, as well as a loan facility entitling it to nearly £38m ($48.04m) in dividends from the other shareholders.