In a press release issued on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the lithium exploration firm highlighted that apart from the pending parliamentary ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease—which has faced delays in Ghana’s Parliament—the permit represents the final regulatory milestone before commencing the development of the lithium mine and processing facility in the Central Region.

Commenting on this development, Neil Herbert, executive chairman of Atlantic Lithium, described the permit as “a critical milestone in the permitting process.”

He noted that the company is now awaiting parliamentary ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease, which is expected to be reviewed when Ghana’s Parliament reconvenes on October 15.

The mine operating permit, granted by Ghana’s Minerals Commission, is the final regulatory hurdle ahead of breaking ground on the lithium mine and processing plant in the country’s Central Region.

This ratification is a prerequisite for finalizing the investment decision and proceeding with construction.

The Africa-focused lithium exploration firm is positioning the Ewoyaa Project as a cornerstone of Ghana’s nascent lithium industry, which could see the country emerge as a key supplier in the global electric vehicle and renewable energy supply chains.

“We hope that ratification can occur in the coming sitting,” Mr Herbert added, underscoring the company’s eagerness to begin construction.

The Ewoyaa Lithium Project is poised to become Ghana’s first lithium mine, at a time when global demand for lithium is surging due to its critical role in battery technology.

With the first production on the horizon, the project’s development will be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders.