First Development Resources (LSE:FDR) shares climbed 8% to 2.6p, after receiving a formal Notice to Commence Mining for the Lander West gold target.
It follows the grant of an Environmental (Mining) Licence (EL32755) and the lodgement and acceptance in full of the required security bond, the company said.
First Development is a UK-based, Australia-focused exploration company with eight granted tenements covering a total area of 2,314.4km2, including five tenements in Western Australia (three copper‑gold projects) and three tenements in the Northern Territory (a rare‑earth, uranium, lithium and gold project).
"Receiving the formal Notice to Commence Mining at Lander West marks a significant step forward for the company as we transition from target generation into drilling operations," said Tristan Pottas, Chief Executive Officer.
Preparations for the Phase I reverse-circulation drilling programme are underway, and the company said it will provide further updates as pre-mobilisation and operational activities progress.
