British Emmerson Starts ESIA Study for its Khemisset Potash Project; Finalized Feasibility Study for Connection to Road Networks

British mining company Emmerson Plc has started its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study for its Khemisset potash project in Northern Morocco.

Khemisset is a potentially world class potash development, with industry leading, low, capital cost to production and, as a result of its location, among the highest margins in the potash industry.

Potash is a fertilizer used to increase crop yields and improve the quality of plants – it plays a central role in helping feed the world’s growing population.

The ESIA is a key component of all future permitting work streams, as outlined in the Emmerson’s permitting roadmap. The ESIA will be completed in partnership with Moroccan headquartered firm Phénixa.

The ESIA will include multiple studies on the existing area, and the final report will conclude any forecast impacts from the project, and proposed mitigation measures.

Hayden Locke, CEO of Emmerson, said:“ the start of the full ESIA is a vital step in our preparation for submitting applications for permits. Once we have a report detailing all environmental and social impact risks, alongside our forthcoming Feasibility Study, we will have all information required to commence discussions in earnest with Moroccan authorities.”

“The ESIA is also a vital component of discussions with financiers, many of whom have already expressed approval for our commitment to complying with international best practice”, he added.

Earlier this month, Emmerson PLC said it has finalized the feasibility study components for the connection to road networks for the Khemisset potash project.

The potash development company said it has completed a detailed options study to determine the optimal site location for the project installations, and associated connections to existing highways.

The options study is a “crucial” part of the feasibility study to assess all potential solutions available for the various components of the project, Emmerson said.

As a result, the company said it has considered proximity to existing infrastructure as a factor in site selection and will pave about 3.2 km of the main connection to the highway, along with the slip lanes at the connection point. Meanwhile, the design of the unpaved roads will allow “significant heavy” vehicle traffic, Emmerson noted.

The company said the total budgeted capital cost required to connect the Khemisset site to existing highway infrastructure is $2.0 million. This is slightly higher than the $1.3 million previously expected, Emmerson said.

“We identified the location of the Khemisset project as one of its major strengths from the outset; the proximity to world class existing infrastructure is a key tangible benefit,” Chief Executive Hayden Locke had then said.

“The ability to have such a simple and cost-effective end-to-end logistics solution will benefit the Project not only through financing and construction, but throughout its lifecycle,” he added.