TORONTO — Avanti Mining Inc.’s Kitsault molybdenum mine has been referred to British Columbia government leaders for consideration to approve an environmental assessment (EA) certificate.

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company described the referral as a "milestone" in the project’s development.

"We have been working for over 16 months since we submitted our EA application with (the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Natural Gas) to get to the point where it can be decided by the ministers," Avanti president and chief executive officer Craig J. Nelsen said. "We are confident that we have provided sufficient mitigation and accommodation during the EA process that the project should receive approval at this time."

The Kitsault Mine is expected to produce 374 million pounds of molybdenum over 16 years. Construction is scheduled to take 25 months once approval is received (amm.com, Feb. 6).