JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Coal developer Prairie Mining has submitted the environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) for its Poland-based Jan Karski mine to the Lublin Regional Environment Directorate for environmental consent, making way for the public consultation process and environmental permitting process to begin.

The ASX- and Aim-listed miner is now awaiting approval of the Esia in the form of an environmental consent decision, which is the last component needed to meet all the formal requirements for Prairie to apply for the mining concession to construct its 100%-owned Jan Karski mine.

Independent environmental consultants have confirmed that Prairie has met all prerequisites and can expect an environmental permit in due course.

“With the submission of the Esia and initiation of the pubic consultation process, Prairie continues towards applying for a mining concession to commence construction of the Jan Karski mine, together with our strategic partner China Coal. We now look forward to submitting our mining concession application in the upcoming months,” said Prairie CEO Ben Stoikovich.

He added that, according to an independent poll of residents, there is strong support for the construction of the mine from local communities, as it will boost investment and job creation in the Lublin region.

“It is extremely positive to see that 74% of the residents of Cyców support the construction of a new coal mine. Jan Karski is one of the most advanced coking coal projects of significant scale in the northern hemisphere and its development will provide substantial economic and social benefits for Eastern Poland,” said Stoikovich.

He noted that Prairie Mining had, earlier in the month, hosted partner China Coal to finalise capital cost estimates for the project and to meet with Polish subcontractors. Following this meeting, China Coal’s technical and economic studies are nearing completion; these will underpin a Chinese bank debt financing package for the construction of Jan Karski.