Aclara Receives Favourable Consolidated Evaluation Report to the Penco Module Environmental Assessment Process

Executive Summary

• Aclara Resources announced that Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) has issued a favorable Consolidated Evaluation Report recommending approval of the Penco Module project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• This recommendation marks a critical advancement in the environmental licensing process, confirming the project meets all technical and regulatory requirements for final regional review.
• The Environmental Evaluation Commission will vote on the EIA on June 8, 2026, with successful approval leading directly to the issuance of the Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA).

Key Details

• Project & Partnership: The Penco Module ionic clay project is located in the Biobío Region of Chile and is being developed in partnership with Grupo CAP.
• Regulatory Milestone: The SEA’s Consolidated Evaluation Report represents one of the final stages in Chile’s environmental licensing process, synthesizing technical reviews, citizen participation feedback, and indigenous consultation inputs.
• Compliance & Public Process: Since the initial EIA submission in June 2024, Aclara systematically addressed all comments and observations from the public participation process and 22 reviewing agencies through detailed technical analyses.
• Voting Schedule: The Environmental Evaluation Commission is scheduled to review and vote on the EIA at its next meeting on June 8, 2026.
• Final Authorization: Upon approval, the environmental licensing process will conclude with the issuance of the Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), the administrative act that formally grants environmental authorization for project development.
• Strategic Context: The Penco Module is a cornerstone of Aclara’s vertically integrated rare earths supply chain strategy, utilizing patented Circular Mineral Harvesting technology to extract heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits with minimized water consumption and environmental impact.

Notable Quotes

• José Augusto Palma, Executive Vice-president: "Receiving this favourable recommendation from the SEA represents a key milestone for the Penco Module and is the result of years of dedicated work to develop a project designed based on high environmental and social standards to coexist responsibly with its surrounding environment and local communities."
• Nicolás Burr, CEO at Grupo CAP: "The favourable recommendation issued by the SEA is the result of the rigorous work carried out to ensure the Penco Module meets high environmental and social standards. We are confident that the Environmental Assessment Commission of the Biobío Region will approve the project's Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA), successfully concluding this stage of the environmental assessment process."