In January 2022, construction will begin on the headquarters of South Star Battery Metals, a Canadian company setting up shop in the municipality of Itabela. The announcement was made last week, by the company's president and CEO, Richard Pearce, in a meeting with Mayor Luciano Francisqueto and the City's Environment Secretary, Ednardo Morais.

JOB AND INCOME EARNINGS – The implementation of the mining company will represent an investment of more than 130 million in the municipality. In the first phase alone, 30 million will be invested and, according to the Minister of Environment, implementation of the second phase is already underway. “This implementation will represent a new frontier for Itabela in job creation and taxes. Opportunities will multiply,” emphasized the Minister of the Environment.

The president and CEO of the mining company informed that the company must directly create 55 jobs and this number is multiplied by 13, if we take into account the recruitment that will be carried out by companies that provide services and suppliers.

Pearce informed that the mining company is completing the necessary bureaucratic processes and has obtained municipal and national environmental permits. “We are resolving the financing issue and, soon after, we will mobilize contractors. Construction must be completed within 12 months. “The estimate is that in December 2022 the company will start its commercial activities,” emphasized Pearce.

The President and CEO of the mining company informed that the fact that the municipality of Itabela, as well as other cities in the region, owns the company's raw material, graphite, guarantees the implementation of the mining company and thanked him for all the support he has received. from city hall in expediting the licensing process. “City Hall through the Department of the Environment has provided support to all of us through permits, so that everything is carried out in accordance with environmental laws and regulations,” thanked Pearce.

Mayor Luciano Francisqueto, who from the beginning of the company's implementation process in the municipal government gave his full support to the mining company, emphasized the importance of this great achievement for Itabela. “We continue to experience social and economic growth. This confirmation of investment in Itabela is proof of that. This is another important achievement for the entire local community,” concluded the Mayor.

MINING PROJECTS – In January 2022, the foundation stone will be laid which will begin construction of the company's headquarters and commercial activities will begin within 12 months.

South Star Battery Metals will explore graphite flake mineralization. The project has 13 approved exploration permits.