Mawson Announces Significant Planning and Regulatory Decisions for the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project, Finland - Seite 2

The Lapland Agreement is a strategic development document that presents an overall picture of development and financial orientation in the region, as well as long-term vision for the future.

Lapin Liitto, the Regional Council of Lapland, is the highest decision-making body in Lapland responsible for the planning and development of the region in compliance with the Regional Development Act and the Land Use and Building Act. The 60-member Assembly of the Council comprises municipal councilors representing each of the 21 municipalities in Lapland and with representatives across the political spectrum of Finland.

Land-Use Planning

On December 10 2021 the Board of Lapin Liitto initiated the regional level rezoning process for Rajapalot, and approved the Rajapalot gold-cobalt project's ‘Participation and Evaluation Plan'. This plan formalizes the extent and nature of public participation and describes how the impacts of land use plans will be evaluated. The start of this formal statutory process facilitates the planning of the future mining project, and further strengthens cooperation and relationships between Mawson and the various authorities. It also mitigates regulatory risk, as Rajapalot is now recognized as a future mine development upon which the impact of any future regulatory changes must be taken into consideration.

The Board of Lapin Liitto are elected by the Council of Assembly which comprises 15 municipal decision-makers from different parts of the region, as well as an expert member appointed by the Sámi Parliament. The Board is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Lapin Liitto Assembly of Council.

Project Context

Mawson carries out its exploration activities across more than 18,000 Ha of exploration tenements in Finland. Sixteen percent of its permit or permit application areas are within EU-defined ‘Natura 2000' biodiversity conservation areas (Kairamaat 2/3 exploration permit, Uusi Rumavuoma and Rompas permit application areas). Natura 2000 is not a system of strict nature reserves where all human activities are excluded and forms 18% of the EU landmass. The aim of the Natura 2000 network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Development in Natura is defined by clear rules and the emphasis is on ensuring that future management is sustainable, both ecologically and economically. Mawson is permitted to complete all exploration at Rajapalot inside and outside Natura zones. Many mining projects have been permitted and are in production in Natura 2000 areas within Europe, including Ada Tepe (gold mine, Bulgaria), Prosper Haniel (coal mine, Germany) and Mechelse Heide Zuid (sand mine, Belgium). Anglo American is currently permitting the Sakatti Ni-Cu-PGE project for mining in Finland.