Constitutional Court Ruling Allows Continuation of The Environmental Consultation Process for Atico’s La Plata Copper-Gold Project in Ecuador
VANCOUVER, Nov. 20, 2023 - Atico Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "Atico") (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) reports a significant development in Ecuadorian environmental regulation, positively impacting our operations and those of other productive projects nationwide.
On November 17 2023, the Ecuadorian Constitutional Court (CC) ruled on the unconstitutionality of Executive Decree 754, regarding the Environmental Consultation Process (ECP) for national projects. However, the CC has decided to maintain the decree in force until the Ecuadorian National Assembly enacts this procedure into Organic Law. This decision comes as a crucial step before the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE) can issue environmental licenses.
This ruling is pivotal for the La Plata project and the broader community, impacting 178 important national projects in the process of obtaining environmental licenses. The decision enables the resumption of the ECP, previously obstructed by anti-mining groups. This obstruction paralyzed the construction of hospitals, water treatment plants, clean energy projects and not only hampered the project's progress but also violated the rights of residents in the Direct Influence Area (DIA) to be informed and consulted about potential environmental and social impacts.
The Environmental Consultation process is a fundamental dialogue and public debate mechanism. It ensures an open and informed interaction between the State, through MAATE, and local communities where projects are planned. This process aims to extensively and timely inform about potential environmental impacts and the measures for mitigation, control, and monitoring.
Atico Mining is committed to transparent and responsible mining practices, respecting both environmental standards and community rights. We are optimistic that this resolution by the CC will enable us to rapidly progress with the La Plata mining project, following a favourable technical endorsement of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) last May for the upcoming construction phases.
We thank our stakeholders for their continued support and look forward to advancing the La Plata project in compliance with the highest environmental and social standards.
About Atico Mining Corporation
Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Fernando E. Ganoza
CEO
Atico Mining Corp.
Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF
Investor Relations
Igor Dutina
Tel: +1.604.633.9022
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No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ''U.S. Securities Act''), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company's mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company's mineral projects; the world-wide economic and social impact of COVID-19 is managed and the duration and extent of the coronavirus pandemic is minimized or not long-term; disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other health and safety issues, or the responses of governments, communities, the Company and others to such pandemic or other issues; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the prospectus of the Company dated March 2, 2012 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com