Kingsrose Mining Receives Approval to Drill at Karenhaugen Prospect in Norway
Kingsrose Mining has received approvals to begin drilling at the Karenhaugen prospect, located within the Porsanger Project in Norway. The Porsanger Project is positioned at the northern end of two converging greenstone belts, which are considered highly prospective for ultramafic-hosted massive sulphide nickel, copper, and platinum group element mineralisation.
Kingsrose initially applied for the drilling permit in April 2022. However, the process faced delays as appeals were lodged by the local reindeer herding district and the Sámi Parliament, leading to the application being forwarded to the Ministry for processing in August 2022. Further appeals were raised in January 2024, but Kingsrose recently confirmed that these appeals were not upheld by the King in Council.
The latest permit approval, which is not subject to further appeals, allows Kingsrose to proceed with drilling at up to seven designated drill pad locations. As per the permit, drilling operations can only be conducted between December 1 and February 15. The company is also required to conduct ongoing assessments of the risks and environmental impacts associated with the drilling activity.
In line with local community engagement requirements, Kingsrose will have two representatives from Spierttagáisá present during the drilling operations. Graham Farrer, Head of Sustainability at Kingsrose, stated, "We have been working diligently to design a drilling program that protects local values. We consider this a major step in unlocking other prospects across the Finnmark area of interest."
Farrer also expressed Kingsrose's commitment to responsible exploration, saying, "We look forward to demonstrating our responsible approach to exploration through our actions and collaborating with local communities to explore the mineral potential of the Finnmark region."
The Karenhaugen prospect is part of an alliance agreement between Kingsrose and BHP, with BHP currently providing sole funding of up to $20 million in exploration costs over a four-year period. Kingsrose remains focused on maintaining dialogue and cooperation with Spierttagáisá and local communities to ensure that best practices are adhered to throughout the exploration process.
Kingsrose Mining is a mineral exploration company primarily focused on nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group element projects in Finland and Norway.
