Midnight Sun confirms Kazhiba licence status in September 2024

Midnight Sun Mining Corporation, based in Vancouver, announced on September 16, 2024, that its renewal application for Large Scale Exploration Licence 21509-HQ-LEL, which encompasses the Kazhiba target, remains in good standing. This clarification came after an incorrect public notice on June 17, 2024, suggested that the application had been rejected. The Zambian Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has since communicated that the decision regarding the renewal application was deferred to a future meeting of the Mineral Licensing Committee. The company had initially filed for the renewal of the licence on December 1, 2023. Under Zambian mining law, such licences are typically issued for four years and can be renewed for additional periods. The misinformation regarding the licence status was compounded by an erroneous entry on the Mining Cadastre Portal, which incorrectly indicated a new mineral exploration licence overlapping Midnight Sun's area. Following the correction, Midnight Sun is now positioned to advance its exploration initiatives, particularly in collaboration with First Quantum Minerals. The company has been given a 14-day window from September 12, 2024, to prepare and submit a Verification Report, which is crucial for the renewal process. While the company is optimistic about meeting the deadline, there is no guarantee that the report will be accepted or that the licence will be renewed. The situation underscores the importance of accurate information in the mining sector and the potential impact of regulatory processes on exploration activities.