South Harz Potash’s Ohmgebirge potash development remains on track

The hearing represents the closure of the initial public consultation period following submission of the Scoping Paper to lead regulatory authority, Thüringer Landesverwaltungsamt (TLVwA), in June 2023. Public institutions and interest groups that had received the Scoping Paper through the TLVwA process were invited to submit comments and to attend the hearing.

Approximately 15 groups submitted comments in advance of the hearing. South Harz is pleased to confirm that there were no significant concerns or objections to the proposed development of Ohmgebirge raised through either these submitted comments or during the hearing itself. The company, in conjunction with TLVwA, was also able to confirm to participants that all focus areas raised would be specifically addressed within the pending full Spatial Planning Application submission (and in further detail within the General Operations Plan Application, which is to be submitted following scheduled completion of the Ohmgebirge Definitive Feasibility Study).

South Harz continues to compile the full Spatial Planning Application for Ohmgebirge, which remains on track for submission to TLVwA in early Q4 CY2023. Under the regulatory framework, the TLVwA decision on spatial permitting is required within six months of submission of the Spatial Planning Application. Following Spatial Planning approval, and post completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment in Q1 2024, the company may then proceed to submitting a General Operating Permit for build approval.

The permitting process for Ohmgebirge is being led by experienced South Harz Regional Director, Dr Babette Winter, in combination with leading environmental consultant, ERM.

South Harz Managing Director and CEO, Luis da Silva, commented: “We are very pleased with the positive outcomes from the initial phase of permitting consultation on Ohmgebirge. We believe they are a strong indication of how our well documented and publicised commitment to world-class environmental practices in the development and operation of Ohmgebirge has provided significant preliminary comfort to a broad range of stakeholders. It is also noteworthy that this commitment extensively covers key areas of historic environmental focus in the region, including non-discharge water handling/balance and zero permanent surface stockpiles.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/potash/26092023/south-harz-potashs-ohmgebirge-potash-development-remains-on-track/