Mr. Richard LaBelle reports
STRATEGIC PROJECT EXECUTION PLAN IMPLEMENTED FOR THE GREAT
ATLANTIC SALT DEVELOPMENT
Following the recent completion
of its robust feasibility study and recruitment of the core execution team, Atlas Salt Inc. is
focusing on implementing its project execution plan.
The path forward: key strategies for derisking mine project execution
The project execution plan will mitigate the risks associated with key elements of the
capital construction project, including those which are schedule and cost sensitive as
follows:
- Completing the environmental assessment (EA) project registration;
- Securing all necessary permits for on-site construction;
- Further refining the feasibility study (FS) budget and schedule to establish a Level
III baseline schedule and budget for project execution;
- Assessing and managing hydrological and geotechnical risks with the main
decline development;
- Conducting trade-off studies and optimizing risk mitigation strategies for battery
electric vehicles and the oreflow system;
- Selecting equipment and optimization of mine design for enhanced efficiency and
throughput;
- Advancing electrical design prior to detailed engineering to secure long-lead
electrical equipment;
- Securing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for key underground
equipment and mining contractor partnerships.
Third party review: a closer look at project feasibility
BWB Consulting Services Inc. conducted a peer review of Atlas's feasibility study (FS) as
prepared by SLR Consulting. It underscores the meticulous planning and strategic
foresight embedded in the Great Atlantic salt project. The review affirms that the
project's feasibility study "[Ranks] quite high, especially among the peer group in the
junior mining sector," adding that key sections are "extremely advanced and mature for a
junior mining company," reflecting the project's straightforward scope and limited risks.
Key concerns like corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental permitting,
labour costs, and site footprint challenges are acknowledged.
The peer review highlighted opportunities for expansion and efficiency improvements,
including the potential for expanding reserves, "The reserves base is likely to be much
larger over the long term; this is a tremendous opportunity." It further suggests
contemplating the use of underground continuous processes from miners to crushers
and adopting an integrated project delivery model. The review commends the project's
conventional operations plan and healthy market and operating margins, reinforcing
the project's robust economic framework.
Brian Buss, president of BWB Consulting Services Inc., commented: "The Great Atlantic
salt project aims to develop a world-class salt deposit using low-cost, low-risk and proven
technologies. Building on the FS work completed previously, the experienced
management team have developed a well-thought-out and mature front-end
engineering and design (FEED) process and project execution plan that will allow for
significant derisking of the project before, during and after the construction phase. This
will provide a clear path towards a seamless transition into the production and
operations phase."
Ensuring project success
Atlas Salt remains committed to the successful execution of the Great Atlantic salt
project, leveraging the expertise of its core team and incorporating valuable insights
from the peer review process. The company's refined corporate management team and board of
directors' focus on sustainability, community engagement, operational excellence and
innovative mining practices position it as a leader in the industry.
About Atlas Salt Inc.
Atlas Salt is a leader in the salt mining industry, committed to responsible and
sustainable mining practices. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, the company is
poised to make significant contributions to the North American salt market while
upholding its values of environmental stewardship and community engagement.
We seek Safe Harbor.
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