Aclara Signs MOU with the State of Goiás and the Municipality of NOVA Roma to Accelerate the Implementation of the Carina Module
ACLARA SIGNS MOU WITH THE STATE OF GOIÁS AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF NOVA
ROMA TO ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CARINA MODULE
TORONTO, ON, August 16, 2024 – Aclara Resources Inc. (“Aclara” or “Company”) (TSX: ARA) is pleased to
announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with the State of Goiás and the
Municipality of Nova Roma, recognizing the strategic nature of the Carina Module (“Project”), emphasizing
its alignment with the best interests of the State and Nova Roma . This strategic relationship aims to
accelerate the analysis and evaluation of the permitting process and supports the execution,
implementation, and operation of the Project, reinforcing its relevance to social and economic development
of Nova Roma and the State of Goiás, and further positioning Brazil as a key player in the sustainable supply
of critical minerals.
Aclara’s CEO, Ramon Barua, commented:
“We are excited to announce a strategic relationship with the State of Goiás and the Municipality of Nova Roma
aimed at accelerating the permitting process and overall development of the Carina Module project. By
harnessing our world-class Carina deposit, our unique technology to produce clean rare earths, and our strong
focus on socio -economic growth, we are dedicated to support ing Nova Roma and Goiás State through
significant job creation, local supplier development, employee training , among other s. This memorandum of
understanding highlights our shared responsibility to fostering the sustainable development of the local
communities in the surrounding areas of the Project. We extend our gratitude to the municipal authorities of
Nova Roma, state authorities, and the Governor of Goiás for their support and commitment. Together, we are
shaping a brighter future for Goiás and setting a benchmark for regional progress.”
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation among all parties to facilitate the implementation of the
Project.
Key Responsibilities:
• State of Goiás and Municipality of Nova Roma : work to efficiently evaluate the environmental and
other permits required for the Project, support critical infrastructure enhancements and partner with
Aclara to assist in the development of the local workforce.
• Aclara: Invest $582.3 million (expected CAPEX outlined on the preliminary economic assessment of
the Carina Module previously announced by the Company on January 22, 2024), creating 3,200 direct
jobs and prioritizing local work force and suppliers.
Picture during the MoU signing ceremony including Andrea Vulcanis (Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainable Develop ment),
Francisco Sérvulo (Secretary of State for Economy), Joel de Sant´anna (Secretary of State for Industry, Commerce and Services), Daniel
Vilela (Vice Governor), Ronaldo Caiado (Governor), Ramón Barúa (CEO of Aclara), Jose Augusto Palma (Executive VP of Aclara).
The following individuals attended the MoU signing ceremony:
Goiás Government
• RONALDO RAMOS CAIADO – Governor
• DANIEL CARVALHO VILELA – Vice Governor
• ANDRÉA VULCANIS – Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainable Development
• JOEL DE SANT’ANNA BRAGA –Secretary of State for Industry, Commerce and Services
• FRANCISCO SÉRVULO FREIRE NOGUEIRA – Secretary of State for Economy
• PEDRO HENRIQUE RAMOS SALES – Secretary of State for Infrastructure
• JOSÉ FREDERICO L YRA NETTO – Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation
• CORONEL RENATO BRUM DOS SANTOS – Secretary of State for Public Safety
• PEDRO LEONARDO DE PAULA REZENDE – Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply
• LEONARDO LOPES SAAD – Deputy Secretary of State of Government
• ANA PAULA BRITO DUTRA – representing the Secretary of State for Recovery
Aclara
• RAMÓN BARÚA COSTA – Chief Executive Officer
• JOSE AUGUSTO PALMA – Executive Vice-President
About Acara
Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral
resources hosted in Ion-Adsorption Clay deposits. The Company’s rare earth mineral resource development
projects include the Penco Module in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile and the Carina Module in the State of Goiás,
Brazil.
Aclara's rare earth extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. Circular mineral
harvesting does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling, and therefore does not generate tailings and
eliminates the need for a tailing’s storage facility. The extraction process developed by Aclara minimizes
water consumption through high levels of water recirculation made possible by the inclusion of a water
treatment facility within its patented process design. The ionic clay feedstock is amenab le to leaching with
a common fertilizer main reagent, ammonium sulfate. In addition to the development of the Penco Module
and the Carina Module, the Company will continue to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase future
production of heavy rare earths through greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional
projects within the Company's current concessions in Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
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 streamlining the permitting process of the Carina Module, socio-economic improvement in Brazil,
enhancement of infrastructure, job creation, the continued support of state and municipal authorities, the
Company’s expectations as to the partnerships and transactions described herein, a nd other statements that
are not material facts. 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 may be different than those anticipated; the Company may be not able to successfully complete
the development, construction and start-up of mines and new development projects; risks related to fluctuation
in commodity pric es; risks related to mining operations; and dependence on the Penco Module and/or the
Carina Module. 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 “Risk Factors” in the
Company’s annual information form dated as of March 22, 2024, filed on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile. Actual
results and timing could differ materially from those projected herein. Unless otherwise noted o r the context
otherwise indicates, the forward -looking information contained in this press release is provided as of the date
of this press release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward -looking
information, whether as a r esult of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required
under applicable securities laws.
For further information, please contact:
Ramón Barúa Costa
Chief Executive Officer