Atlantic Lithium Limited, the African-focused lithium exploration and development company, announced on Thursday (September 12) that Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted an environmental permit for its flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project.

The approval from the EPA marks a critical step forward for the Ewoyaa project, which is poised to become a major contributor to Ghana's mineral sector. The permit follows the submission of a detailed Mine and Process Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), incorporating feedback from both the EPA and the local communities impacted by the project.

“The grant of the EPA permit marks a major step towards the construction of Ghana's first lithium mine and follows a collaborative engagement process with the EPA and the residents of the project's catchment area,” said Neil Herbert, Atlantic Lithium’s Executive Chairman. 

“This approval is a testament to Atlantic Lithium's commitment to acting as a responsible custodian of the land on which we operate, which we consider to be imperative to the long-term success of the project,” Herbert added.

The permit approval is the result of a comprehensive review process that included two public hearings held earlier this year in the communities of Ewoyaa and Krofu. 

"We are delighted to have full backing from the EPA and our local stakeholders," Herbert said. "We would like to express our gratitude to the EPA for their direction throughout the permitting process, which has enabled the advancement of the project at pace. We look forward to updating the market on the completion of the remaining steps ahead of us, which will see Ewoyaa achieve shovel-readiness."

Ghana has approved a 15-year mining lease to Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, that aims to commence lithium mining at Ewoyaa in the Central Region. It includes provisions for increased royalties, state and Ghanaian participation, and value addition.