Mawson Announces Significant Planning and Regulatory Decisions for the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project, Finland
1305 – 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7
Phone: +1 604 685 9316 / Fax: +1 604 683 1585
NEWS RELEASE January 10, 2022
Mawson Announces Significant Planning and Regulatory Decisions for the Rajapalot
Gold-Cobalt Project, Finland
Vancouver, Canada — Mawson Gold Limited (“Mawson”) or (the “Com pany”) (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR)
(PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) is pleased t o announce important planning and regulatory decisions that relat e to the
development path of its 100%-owned Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in the Lapland region of Finland. Lapland is the largest
and northernmost region of Finland, comprised of 21 municipalit ies collectively represented by the Regional Council of
Lapland (“Lapin Liitto”). Lapin Liitto is the highest decision- making body in Lapland, respo nsible for the planning and
development of the region.
Highlights:
Development of mineral deposits in Natura 2000 areas voted 42-6 in favour by the Regional Council
of Lapland (“Lapin Liitto”).
Regional level re-zoning process for Rajapalot initiated by the Lapin Liitto Board, who also
approved the Participation and Evaluation Plan which sets out regional stakeholder engagement process,
formalizing Mawson’s Rajapalot gold-cobalt project status as a future mining project for Finland.
Lapin Liitto is the highest decision-making body in Lapland , responsible for the planning and
development of the region.
Mr. Fairhall, CEO, states, “This is a watershed moment in Rajapalot’s journey from discovery to potential mine development.
The overwhelming support for development of mineral deposits in Natura 2000, by the highest decision-making authority
in Lapland, makes it crystal clear that Natura 2000 designation is not to be misconstrued as a constraint in the sustainable
development of these strategica lly important assets. Equally, i n initiating the regional land use planning process and
approving our land use Participation and Evaluation Plan, the L apin Liittto Board has acted consistently with their policy
directive to recognize Rajapalot as a future mining project. On the ground Mawson continues the important project definition
work to support this transparent process to rezone the project area for mining.”
Lapin Liitto Natura Decision
On November 12, 2021 the Regional Council of Lapland (“Lapin Li itto”) approved the Lapland Agreement, which sets out
the regional development program for 2022–2025. A vote was take n on several points to clarify the Council’s views on
important clauses. One such clause (translated from Finnish) was: “In the coming decades, it is possible that significant ore
deposits will be found in Natura 2000 sites or these sites need to be exploited for some other reasons. According to the
agreement Natura 2000 areas can be utilized in the future throu gh ecological compensation and offset measures”. The
Council voted overwhelmingly (42 For versus 6 Against) in favor of this statement (link).
The Lapland Agreement is a strategic development document that presents an overall picture of development and financial
orientation in the region, as well as long-term vision for the future.
Lapin Liitto, the Regional Council of Lapland, is the highest d ecision-making body in Lapland responsible for the planning
and development of the region in compliance with the Regional Development Act and the Land Use and Building Act. The
60-member Assembly of the Council comprises municipal councilor s representing each of the 21 municipalities in Lapland
and with representatives across the political spectrum of Finland.
Land-Use Planning
On December 10 2021 the Board of Lapin Liitto initiated the reg ional level rezoning process for Rajapalot, and approved
the Rajapalot gold-cobalt project’s ‘Participation and Evaluation Plan’. This plan formalizes the extent and nature of public
participation and describes how the impacts of land use plans will be evaluated. The start of this formal statutory process
facilitates the planning of the future mining project, and further strengthens cooperation and relationships between Mawson
and the various authorities. It also mitigates regulatory risk, as Rajapalot is now recognized as a future mine development
upon which the impact of any future regulatory changes must be taken into consideration.
The Board of Lapin Liitto are elected by the Council of Assembl y which comprises 15 municipal decision-makers from
different parts of the region, as well as an expert member appointed by the Sámi Parliament. The Board is responsible for
implementing the decisions of the Lapin Liitto Assembly of Council.
Project Context
Mawson carries out its exploration activities across more than 18,000 Ha of exploration tenements in Finland. Sixteen
percent of its permit or permit application areas are within EU -defined ‘Natura 2000’ biodiversity conservation areas
(Kairamaat 2/3 exploration permit, Uusi Rumavuoma and Rompas pe rmit application areas). Natura 2000 is not a system
of strict nature reserves where all human activities are excluded and forms 18% of the EU landmass. The aim of the Natura
2000 network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe’s mo st valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Development in Natura is defined by clear rules and the emphasi s is on ensuring that future management is sustainable,
both ecologically and economically. Mawson is permitted to complete all exploration at Rajapalot inside and outside Natura
zones. Many mining projects have been permitted and are in production in Natura 2000 areas within Europe, including Ada
Tepe (gold mine, Bulgaria), Pros per Haniel (coal mine, Germany) and Mechelse Heide Zuid (sand mine, Belgium). Anglo
American is currently permitting the Sakatti Ni-Cu-PGE project for mining in Finland.
Given Rajapalot’s partial location in and adjacent to Natura 2000 areas, Mawson aims to minimize the negative impacts of
our activities and drive positive outcomes in terms of land management and biodiversity. These fundamental planning and
regulatory decisions demonstrate Mawson is working constructive ly with the regional and national authorities to develop
Rajapalot in a responsible way.
Cobalt has been identified by the EU as a “critical raw material”, and Rajapalot is already Europe’s 7th largest cobalt resource.
Finland refines >50% of the global ex-China cobalt supply but m ines <1%, and this imbalance provides Rajapalot and
Finland a strategic competitive advantage to capitalize on the global energy transition.
About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF)
Mawson Gold Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration
company with a focus on the flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt proj ect in Finland. Mawson also owns or is joint venturing into thr ee high-
grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 square kilometres in Victoria, Australia and is well placed to add to its already significant
gold-cobalt resource in Finland.
On behalf of the Board,
"Ivan Fairhall”
Ivan Fairhall, Director and CEO
Further Information
www.mawsongold.com
1305 – 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7
Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316,
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements or forwar d-looking information within the meaning of applicable securiti es laws
(collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements he rein, other than statements of h istorical fact, are forward-loo king
statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove
to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate,
and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in fo rward-
looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates;
changes in world metal markets; changes in equity markets; ability to achieve goals; that the political environment in which the Company
operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and
infectious diseases, including the novel COVID-19 virus; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or th e mining
industry in general; reliance on a single asset; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations; unexpected geol ogical
conditions; local community relations; dealings with non-govern mental organizations; delays in operations due to permit grants ;
environmental and safety risks; and other risks and uncertainti es disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent
Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. While these fac tors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light
of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such
expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may
be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether
as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.