The Papua New Guinea Conservation and Environment Protection Authority has approved an amended environment permit for the Woodlark Gold Project.
The regulatory milestone, announced by Geopacific Resources (ASX:GPR), signals robust government support for the venture as it moves toward becoming a primary gold development in the region.
The approval specifically pertains to environment permit EP-L3 (388), which has been updated to align with the project's latest configuration ahead of the highly anticipated definitive feasibility study.
A key component of the amendment includes a strategic increase in the project’s throughput rate to 3.5 million tonnes per annum.
Following a thorough assessment, CEPA determined that the proposed infrastructure enhancements and operational scaling constitute a "minor amendment" under Section 71 of the Environment Act 2000.
The classification streamlines the path forward, providing the company with the project certainty required to finalise its DFS and progress toward full-scale production.
Geopacific CEO James Fox expressed his gratitude to the CEPA Managing Director and the broader PNG government, noting that the decision reflects a high level of confidence in Woodlark as a "responsible, long-term gold development."
With this environmental clearance secured, the company is now preparing a formal application to the PNG Mineral Resources Authority to amend its existing leases for mining purposes.
At the time of reporting, Geopacific Resources' share price was $0.050.