ZincOx Resources plc has received the final permit to install from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. This permit is the sixth to be granted to the company.
The permit is the last major hurdle to be overcome before site-work can commence, which is expected to be in May 2008. Progress is also continuing on design, with the completion of all basic engineering and the identification of long-lead items, the procurement of which has begun.
Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Woollett, ZincOx’s Chairman said: "ZincOx and its supporting partners have made excellent progress on the project, and the award of this permit is a major milestone towards successful completion."
ZincOx is planning to treat EAF dust in Ohio using a rotary hearth furnace to produce impure zinc concentrate and pig iron. The HZO will be treated at ZincOx's Big River zinc smelter for the production of zinc metal and the pig iron will be used for steel production in Ohio.
The operation is expected to produce more than 45,000 tons per year of zinc from the process.