Foran Mining Corporation announced it has received initial permits from the Environmental Protection Branch of the Ministry of Environment of Saskatchewan for a proposed exploration decline as part of its pre-development program at its 100%-owned McIlvenna Bay Project in Saskatchewan. McIlvenna Bay's exploration decline is expected to be 1,475m in length down to a depth of 90m below surface. Approximately 850m of ramp development is required to access the deposit where a single 100m cross-cut will be developed into the hanging wall to facilitate bulk sample collection.

The remaining development metres are attributable to a planned exploration drift. The Company expects to mine a 4,400 tonne bulk sample that will be used to confirm metallurgical test-work and further optimize processing design. The sample will also provide the opportunity to complete ore sorting test-work, and verify characterizations of mill tailings product to accurately define long-term dry-stack tailings management requirements.

Underground mapping and drilling will also be conducted to improve the Company's knowledge of the deposit. Surface work has already commenced, with blasting and clearing of the boxcut ongoing. Foran has been working collaboratively with the Ministry of Environment of Saskatchewan and received approvals to begin construction of certain items including the development of the boxcut, jet grouting the sandstone layer of the planned decline, building the ore and waste pad, and the containment pond system.

Following the receipt of the remaining approvals required to complete construction, Foran will work on securing the Approval to Operate. The Company is in the process of preparing the required documentation, and approvals are expected in due course. The Company is advancing the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment ("EA") process required for subsequent mine construction concurrent with the exploration decline construction and operation.

The McIlvenna Bay Project is considered a development and must obtain Ministerial approval pursuant to The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan) before construction can proceed. Foran has already commenced work required for EA approval, and as part of the process the Company must conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment and submit an Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for review to the Ministry of Environment.