Eia Evaluation Process FOR the Penco Module Advances to NEXT Phase
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EIA EVALUATION PROCESS FOR THE PENCO MODULE ADVANCES TO NEXT PHASE
TORONTO, ON, May 16, 2025 – Aclara Resources Inc. (“Aclara” or “Company”) (TSX: ARA) is pleased to
announce that, as part of the environmental licensing evaluati on process, it has received the second round
of technical observations , known in Chile as the “Second ICSARA ”, from the Environmental Service
Assessment Authority (the “SEA”) and various other government agencies that review ed the Penco Module
Environmental Impact Assessment (the “EIA”).
Of the twenty reviewing agencies, 16 agencies formulated and submitted additional questions, while the
other four expressed their acceptance of the EIA with no additional comments. The Second ICSARA is
comprised of 205 questions regarding technical aspects of the EIA. Aclara has until December 30, 2025 to
deliver its response to the Second ICSARA. The Company plans to file its response to the Second ICSARA
during the third quarter of 2025 and remains committed to working closely with the SEA throughout the
environmental evaluation process.
Jose Augusto Palma, Aclara’s Executive Vice President, commented: "We are pleased with the progress
made in the EIA evaluation process and very optimistic that we can address all of the questions and comments
received in the Second ICSARA to complete the process as soon as possible. We are committed to our objective
of the Penco Module commencing operations in 2028 while achieving the highest environmental and social
standards and positioning Chile as a global player in critical minerals, which are required for the world’s energy
transition, robotics and other high -tech applications . We will continue to work with the authorities and local
stakeholders to achieve this objective."
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 Bio bío
Region of Chile. Both projects feature Aclara’s patented technology named Circular Mineral Harvesting,
which offers a sustainable and energy -efficient extraction process for rare earths from ionic clay deposits.
The Circular Mineral Harvesting process has been designed to minimize the 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 devel oping 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 S.A., is advancing its alloy -making capabilities to
convert these refined oxides into the alloys needed for fabricating permanent magnets. This joint venture
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leverages CAP’s extensive expertise in metal refining and special ferro -alloyed steels. Beyond the Carina
Project and the Penco Module, Aclara is committed to expanding its mineral resource portfolio by exploring
greenfield opportunities and further develo ping projects within its existing concessions in Brazil, Chile, and
Peru, aiming to increase future production of heavy rare earths.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-Looking Statements This news 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 and outcome of the environmental evaluation
process in relation to 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 risks 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; cost of compliance with applicable
environmental regulations; actual production, capital and operating costs may be dif ferent than those
anticipated; the Company may be not able to successfully complete the development, construction and startup
of mines and new development projects; risks related to fluctuation in commodity prices; risks related to mining
operations; 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 “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated as of March
20, 2025, 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 forwa rd-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 result 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