Wait for an environmental permit
Crystallex remains optimistic
on Las Cristinas
The company has invested some $ 350 million at Las Cristinas. Special
The company emphasizes its social investment in Las Claritas
HUMBERTO ESCOBAR
Las Claritas
Crystallex International Corp, operator of the Las Cristinas gold mine located in the Municipality of Sifontes Bolivar state, is still awaiting approval from the Venezuelan government to allow them to begin their work of extracting.
Luis Felipe Cottin, president of Crystallex in Venezuela, said that until now no progress and thus depriving the start of operations is an environmental permit.
He added that until now have not been changes in his contract while maintaining contacts with the Ministry of Basic Industries and Mining (Mibam). He recalled that last year was denied an environmental permit and that is what keeps the project stalled.
Asked about the possibility that the project be awarded to another multinational company, said that do not handle this information. He further emphasized that they have not received notification of a change of direction by the Venezuelan government.
However, he reiterated that the company continues to work towards improving the living conditions in the area of Las Claritas, as stipulated by the contract signed with the Venezuelan state. Highlighted by the construction company building a treatment plant and at the same time a medical center. In this regard Cottin said the company has invested some $ 350 million since 2002 in the mine.
While waiting since 2002
Crystallex International is a Canadian mining company that won the contract in 2002 to operate Las Cristinas, which has proven and probable reserves of 14 million ounces of gold. However, the company is awaiting the approval of their operating licenses for gold by the Government.
