Aclara Receives Favourable Consolidated Evaluation Report to the Penco Module Environmental Assessment Process
Aclara Receives Favourable Consolidated Evaluation Report to the Penco Module Environmental
Assessment Process
TORONTO, ON, June 1, 2026 – Aclara Resources (“Aclara” or the “Company”) (TSX: ARA) is pleased
to announce that the Penco Modul e ionic clay project (the “Penco Module” or the “Project”) , being
developed in partnership with Grupo CAP in Chile, has received a Consolidated Evaluation Report
from Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (“SEA”) of the Biobío Region, recommending
approval of the Project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”).
Favourable ICE Report
The Consolidated Evaluation Report represents one of the final stages of the environmental licensing
assessment process for projects in Chile. The document summarizes the technical and regulatory
review conducted by the competent authorities throughout the environmental evaluation process,
including input received during the citizen participation process and the indigenous consultation
process, and sets out the SEA’s recommendation regarding the project’s environmental qualification.
In this case, the SEA has issued a favourable recommendation for approval of the Penco Module EIA,
confirming that the initiative satisfies the technical and environmental requirements necessary for
consideration by the Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío Region.
José Augusto Palma, Aclara’s Executive Vice -president, commented: “Receiving this favourable
recommendation from the SEA represents a key milestone for the Penco Module and is the result of
years of dedicated work to develop a project designed based on high environmental and social
standards to coexist responsibly with its surrounding environment and local communities. Following the
submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment in June 2024, all the comments and observations
received from the public participation process and the 22 agencies that participate in the evaluation
process were addressed through detailed technical analysis and a strong commitment to sustainability
and responsible development. We now look forward to the review and final decision by the
Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío Region”.
Nicolás Burr, CEO at Grupo CAP, commented: “The favourable recommendation issued by the SEA is
the result of the rigorous work carried out to ensure that the Penco Module meets high environmental
and social standards. We are confident that the Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío
Region will approve the project’s Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), successfully concluding
this stage of the environmental assessment process”.
Next Steps
The Environmental Evaluation Commission will now consider and vote on the Project’s EIA in their
next meeting, which has been scheduled on June 8, 2026. If approved, the environmental licensing
process concludes with the issuance of the Environmental Qualification Resolution, the
administrative act that formally grants the environmental authorization required for the Project’s
development.
About Aclara
Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA), a Toronto Stock Exchange listed company, is focused on building
a vertically integrated supply chain for rare earths alloys used in permanent magnets. This strategy
is supported by Aclara’s development of rare earth minera l resources hosted in ionic clay deposits,
which contain high concentrations of the scarce heavy rare earths, providing the Company with a
long-term, reliable source of these critical materials. The Company’s rare earth mineral resource
development projects include the Carina Project in the State of Goiás, Brazil as its flagship project
and the Penco Module in the Biobío Region of Chile. Both projects feature Aclara’s patented
technology named Circular Mineral Harvesting, which offers a sustainable and ener gy-efficient
extraction process for rare earths from ionic clay deposits. The Circular Mineral Harvesting process
has been designed to minimize water consumption and overall environmental impact through
recycling and circular economy principles. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aclara Technologies
Inc., the Company is further enhancing its product value by developing a rare earths separation plant
in the United States. This facility will process mixed rare earth carbonates sourced from Aclara’s
mineral resource projects, separating them into pure individual rare earth oxides. Additionally, Aclara,
through a joint venture with CAP, is advancing its alloy -making capabilities to convert these refined
oxides into the alloys needed for fabricating permanent magnets. This joint venture leverages CAP’s
extensive expertise in metal refining and special ferro-alloyed steels.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities
legislation, which reflects the Company’s current expectations regarding future events, including
statements with regard to the permitting process of the Penco Module. Forward-looking information
is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond the Company’s control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to
risks related to operating in a foreign jurisdiction, including political and economic problems in Chile
and Brazil; risks related to changes to mining laws and regulations and the termination or non-renewal
of mining rights by governmental authorities; risks related to failure to comply with the law or obtain
necessary permits and licenses or renew them; compliance with environmental regulations can be
costly; dependence on relations and agreements with local communities; actual production, capital
and operating costs m ay be different than those anticipated; the Company may not be able to
successfully complete the development, construction and start -up of mines and new development
projects; risks related to fluctuation in commodity prices; risks related to mining operati ons; and
dependence on the Penco Module and/or the Carina Project. Aclara cautions that the foregoing list
of factors is not exhaustive. For a detailed discussion of the foregoing factors, among others, please
refer to the risk factors discussed under “Ris k Factors” in the Company’s annual information form
dated as of March 18, 2026, filed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile. Actual results and timing could
differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise
indicates, the forward-looking information contained in this press release is provided a s of the date
of this press release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward -
looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
expressly required under applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact:
Ramon Barúa
Chief Executive Officer
Media Inquiries
Nancy Thompson