Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX:EV1) will fast-track a maiden drilling program at the Chikundo copper project in southern Tanzania after receiving approval from Tanzania’s Mining Commission for its expression of interest (EOI).

The company said the approval allows it to move ahead with finalising a drilling contract with one of three approved drilling contractors, all of which are 100% Tanzanian-owned.

Managing Director Craig Moulton said the decision was an important step for the company’s plans at Chikundo.

“Approval of our expression of interest by the Mining Commission is an important step that clears us to finalise the Chikundo drilling contract,” Mr Moulton said.

“It also reflects how we intend to operate in Tanzania — working through the proper process and with 100% Tanzanian-owned contractors. Each of the three approved contractors has been assessed on safety, experience, equipment and their ability to support the programme, so we can move ahead with confidence.

“We look forward to finalising the contract and mobilising a rig to site to begin testing our copper targets at Chikundo.”

EV1 said the Mining Commission’s validation of Tanzanian ownership was part of the EOI process, with each contractor also scored against key criteria to help ensure the program is delivered safely and to standard.

Mr Moulton said moving forward with a 100% Tanzanian-owned contractor supports EV1’s local content commitments and its ongoing engagement with host communities and Tanzanian authorities, while helping to ensure the economic benefits of the drilling program are retained within Tanzania.

“With Mining Commission approval received, EV1 can now finalise the drilling contract and confirm mobilisation and drilling timing,” he said.

The maiden drilling program is designed to test four copper targets defined at Chikundo, making this the next operational step in a project area where the company has already progressed target definition and now needs drilling to assess them.

EV1 was steady at 0.9c, with a market capitalisation of $7.349 million.

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