Fast-tracking baseline surveys early positions Sun Silver for streamlined permitting at Maverick Springs. Pic: Getty Images
Sun Silver begins surveys and accelerates permitting at Maverick Springs on road to development
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- Several baseline environmental surveys are underway at Maverick Springs
- The surveys will run until August with a final biological report delivered in November
- Sun Silver is also focused on progressing resource expansion programs and feasibility studies
Special report: A smooth development pathway is being implemented at Sun Silver’s Maverick Springs asset in Nevada with the start of key environmental surveys to support regulatory approvals.
The surveys, which will run from February to August 2025, will provide critical data for environmental assessments and regulatory compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Sun Silver (ASX:SS1) is set to reap several advantages by initiating these surveys early such as accelerating the permitting process, minimising project risks, demonstrating commitment to stakeholders, improving operational efficiency and avoiding costly redesigns or project modifications later in the development timeline.
At this stage, the surveys currently in process include vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, special-specific habitat assessments and wetland and habitat confirmation.
Next phase of development
SS1 managing director Andrew Dornan said the company is taking a proactive approach to enhance its ability to meet regulatory requirements and remain dynamic for future project designs.
“This ultimately positions us for a more streamlined, flexible and efficient development timeline,” he said.
The explorer has recently transitioned into a new phase of development and has nominated experienced executive Andrew Dornan to lead the way in the role of managing director.
Dornan played a key role in shaping Sun Silver’s strategy after identifying silver as a critical mineral of the future, driven by rapidly growing demand from industrial applications.
In light of that market opportunity, he embarked on a strategy of targeting high-quality primary silver assets in Tier-1 jurisdictions, ultimately leading to the identification and acquisition of Maverick Springs.
The Maverick Springs project is 85km from the fully serviced mining town of Elko in Nevada and is surrounded by several world-class gold and silver mining operations including Barrick’s Carlin mine.
What else is happening?
The final report and deliverables will include a biological baseline report integrating survey findings for regulatory submissions along with habitat maps, GIS shapefiles and detailed species observations – all of which are expected to be received by November 2025.
As part of its accelerated development strategy at Maverick Springs, Sun Silver is also focused on progressing mineral resource expansion programs and feasibility studies in addition to project permitting.
The largest pre-development silver resource on the ASX, the project currently contains a JORC 2012 inferred mineral resource of 195.7Mt at a silver equivalent grade of 67.25g/t for 423.2Moz AgEq.
This article was developed in collaboration with Sun Silver, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
