Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) has submitted a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Penco Module Rare Earths project to the Environmental Service Assessment (SEA) in Concepción, Chile.
The New EIA includes significant improvements compared to the previously withdrawn Environmental Impact Assessment in respect of both the technical aspects and social impacts of the Project on the local community. This event represents a major milestone for the company’s overall strategy and objectives including targeting to put the Project into production in early 2026.
“A bit more than year ago we decided to withdraw the Original EIA to resolve certain technical aspects in relation to surrounding flora and fauna,” CEO, Ramón Barúa, said.
“Today we feel proud, not only because we have addressed these technical aspects through a rigorous scientific investigation, but because the New EIA now includes world class environmental attributes that enhance the value proposition of the new Project.
“In doing so, we have strengthened our relationship with the host community by demonstrating that we want to co-develop the Project, that we have listened to their concerns and that we are now presenting a new Project that is stronger and better in all aspects.
“Notably, we have changed our water source – we will now solely use a recycled water source – thus ensuring the protection of all natural creeks present in the area. In addition, we have committed to revegetate more than 200 hectares with native species and to donate them to a foundation that we have created for the future use and benefit of our neighbouring communities.
“This in an area which has been already environmentally impacted by the local garbage dump and the operations of the local forestry industry, and with the proposed changes will result in a net positive contribution to the local ecology.
“We also plan to build a reproduction centre of Pudus, a local deer, for its protection and conservation. We have also committed to build a recreational park for Penco, thus providing a space highly requested by the local community. Most importantly, the Project is expected to generate more than two thousand direct and indirect jobs in connection with or as a result of the Project. We are committing to prioritize workers from Penco and the Biobio region to fill these new jobs“.
All these commitments are additions to a Project that is already characterized by its unique environmental features: it will not use explosives, nor crushing or milling in the extraction process; it will recycle water with 95% efficiency; it will use a fertilizer as its main reagent and will recycle it with 99% efficiency.
“The Project won´t produce solid or liquid residues and will thus not require a tailings storage facility; and it will not generate radioactive waste.
“At Aclara, we are committed to ensuring that we can produce rare earths while emphasizing a minimal environmental footprint and, as we move forward, we will seek to reassure relevant authorities in Chile of our sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to designing and operating a modern mining facility.”
Building on the technical studies carried out and community feedback received by the Company, the New EIA includes the following highlights:
- New environmental baseline studies including evidence confirming the absence of an adverse impact on the preservation of the native Queule and Pitao species and their habitat
- Details of a fulsome pre-feasibility engineering study of the Project developed for the New EIA
- The use of recycled water for 100% of the estimated water requirements of the Project
- The commitment to revegetate over 200 hectares of land with native species that will be donated to a local Chilean foundation for the benefit of the local communities
- The commitment to build a Pudu (Pudu Puda) reproduction center
- The commitment to create a recreational park for the Penco community
- Over two thousand direct and indirect jobs are expected to result from the construction and operation of the Project
The company expects that the New EIA will be subject to an evaluation period of approximately 18 months and is committed to supporting the regulatory authorities throughout the course of their assessment and review.
About Aclara
Aclara Resources Inc. (TSX:ARA) is a development-stage rare earth mineral resources company with its principal project located in Chile.
For further information please visit: https://www.aclara-re.com/
