Amazonite UpdateJuly 09
NMG has been working with the local NGO to declassify an environmentally protected area for the last 8 months.
NMG is preparing to submit their sustainability proposal. The land in
question is near rare endemic plants. NMG explorer’s maintain their
proposed mining project is part of a greater buffer area, outside the
area of protection. NMG lead explorer, Meme Rakotombi points out that
NMG focus is on sustainability and includes local people in the greater
picture, and as part of the “environment”. Mr. Rakotombi explains “we
need to think about the local people equally as we do the
environment. Too many international NGO’s come here to protect, protect
and protect whatever they can. How can we develop, if everything is
protected?” After the proposal is submitted, it will be voted on by
various vested interests and government groups. NMG’s long term plans
for the area include amazonite block (5-14 ton per block)
excavation. However the land and no road access might limit the
potential of this green gemstone feldspar to small block production
(1-200kg per pc).
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