Winsome Resources: A Key Permitting Milestone for the Adina Lithium Mining Project

Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1), a lithium-focused exploration and development company, has reached a significant milestone in the permitting process for its Adina Lithium Mining Project. The company submitted the Preliminary Information Statement (PIS) for the project to the Quebec authorities, marking the beginning of a well-defined provincial regulatory review process. This filing is a crucial step towards obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for the proposed mine at Adina, as well as the proposed modifications to the Renard Operation.

The submission of the PIS triggers a review by the Quebec authorities over the upcoming months, during which they will provide guidelines on the nature and scope for the future filing of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). This review process is expected to take several months, as stated in the announcement: "Following review of the Preliminary Information Statement over upcoming months, the Quebec authorities will provide guidelines on the nature and scope for the future filing of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)..."

The permitting process for the Adina Lithium Mining Project involves several key milestones, including:

1. Review of the Preliminary Information Statement: The Quebec authorities will review the PIS over the upcoming months to provide guidelines for the ESIA.
2. Preparation and submission of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): Based on the guidelines received from the Quebec authorities, Winsome will prepare and submit the ESIA, which will include required studies to support the assessment.
3. Review of the ESIA: The ESIA will be reviewed by the Environmental and Social Impact Evaluating Committee (COMEV), an advisory body composed of members appointed by Quebec, Canada, and Cree Nation governments.
4. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals: Upon successful completion of the ESIA review process, Winsome will work towards obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to proceed with the mining project at Adina, as well as the proposed modifications to the Renard Operation.

These milestones are part of the provincial ESIA procedures established under the provincial Environmental Quality Act (EQA) and the Section 22 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). The timeline for each milestone may vary depending on the specific requirements and feedback from the regulatory authorities.

The long operating history of Renard and the early commencement of baseline environmental studies at Adina provide Winsome Resources with a substantial dataset to inform the studies typically prescribed by the Québec authorities. This dataset is crucial for understanding the potential environmental and social impacts of the project, as it allows the company to identify and assess potential impacts on hydrology, surface and ground water quality, geochemistry, soil quality, local climate, fish and fish habitat, wetlands, vegetation, fauna, and socio-economic factors such as landscape, archaeology, and traditional land use. This information is essential for developing mitigation strategies and minimizing the project's environmental footprint.



The comprehensive dataset and early engagement with stakeholders can help streamline the permitting process by providing clear and accurate information to regulatory authorities, reducing the need for additional data requests or clarifications. This proactive approach aligns with Winsome's commitment to responsible development and environmental stewardship, which can positively influence the permitting process.

In conclusion, the submission of the Preliminary Information Statement for the Adina Lithium Mining Project marks a significant milestone in the permitting process for Winsome Resources. The company's proactive approach to environmental assessment and stakeholder engagement positions it well to navigate the permitting process and bring the project to fruition. As the permitting process progresses, investors should monitor the company's developments and the potential impacts on the project's timeline and financial outlook.