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Mawson Resources says positive decision made on permitting at Rajapalot

Published: 05:15 03 Jul 2014 AEST

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Mawson Resources (TSE:MAW) said Wednesday that a decision has finally been made by Finish authorities to grant the company modified exploration claims covering an area of 1,462 hectares at its Rajapalot gold project in northern Finland. The renewed claims give the junior explorer drill access during the winter within Natura 2000 biodiversity areas. 

"Gaining the ability to drill our best targets in Natura 2000 biodiversity areas has been a key milestone we have been awaiting since the permits were applied for in October 2009," said chief executive Michael Hudson. 

The company has had to undergo a slow permitting process since its first major discovery in Finland more than three years ago, as roughly 20% of the 10,000 hectares claimed at its Finland project are defined as biodiversity Natura 2000 areas, meaning that there are limitations on certain exploration methods that can be completed. 

The Natura 2000 areas at the company's project includes its Palokas prospect, where drill results last year returned 19.5 metres at 7.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.

Mawson told investors earlier this afternoon that the decision by the Finnish safety and chemical agency, known as TUKES, will  take legal effect after a standard public appeal process, the outcome of which will be known in early August. 

The decision outlines the renewal of mineral rights to Mawson, as well as details of allowable exploration methods, including deep drilling when the soil is frozen and covered by sufficient snow. The new claims will be valid for a period of three years, the maximum time permitted under the mining act, with an application to extend possible for up to a maximum of 15 years. 

"Over the last 2 years we have completed a comprehensive environmental study (a Natura 2000 assessment) to assess the impact that Mawson's exploration work will have on the biodiversity values," Hudson continued.

"We understand the responsibility granted to us by this decision and look forward to working with the mining and environmental authorities to ensure our work is conducted according to global best practice methods. 

"In the meantime, we await the finalization of the remaining legal process."                    

Mawson also said that a decision was also made to leave handling of the Kairamaat area, which includes the company's Rompas vein-style prospects, to a later date to allow for additional background data to be collected, as well as for further discussions with stakeholders. 

Meanwhile, the company's summer 2014 exploration program is underway, with 12 geologists now at the site. Main activities will include diamond drilling, surface geophysics, geological mapping and further prospecting work. It has a budget of C$1.8 million approved for June to December of this year. 

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