Environment Agency reviews Hemerdon Mine permits

The Environment Agency has today received two applications for environmental permits at Hemerdon Mine, Devon.

Wolf Minerals Ltd have applied to carry out a mining waste operation at their site near Plympton, which is one of the largest tungsten and tin reserves in the world. The Agency has also received an associated application for a water quality permit.

The Environment Agency is reviewing whether the applicant has provided all the information required and, once satisfied that the permit applications are valid, will launch a consultation.

This consultation will provide an opportunity for anyone to comment on the permit applications. People’s comments will help determine whether Wolf’s mining activities at Hemerdon can be managed to successfully protect the environment and human health.

"Our consultation will last for at least 20 working days. We will be actively seeking responses from the local community and relevant health and environment professionals so that we have the necessary information to determine whether to grant these environmental permits," said Judy Proctor for the Environment Agency.

"We have already granted other environmental permissions to Wolf to cover water abstractions, impoundments and discharges at Hemerdon Mine."

The Environment Agency will keep anyone interested in these new permit applications updated via the website. They can also follow @EnvAgencySW on Twitter and use #hemerdon to join in the conversation.