Galantas Gold Secures Key Permitting Approvals for Andacollo Gold Project
Galantas received regulatory approval to restart the Andacollo mine, though the final production decision remains pending.
Galantas Gold Corporation has received regulatory approvals from Chile’s SERNAGEOMIN to restart operations at its Andacollo Gold Project under the previously authorized operating configuration. The Environmental Assessment Service confirmed the authorization in March 2026 for a four-year operating period beginning with mineral extraction. This period extends from the commencement of mineral extraction or until the applicable remaining authorized tonnage or capacity is reached.
The approvals cover key components including the Tres Perlas open pit, waste-rock facilities, and heap-leach facilities, with specific tonnage capacities identified for each:
- Tres Perlas Open Pit: Approximately 11.3 million tonnes (Mt) of remaining ore identified under the previously authorized mining plan.
- Waste-Rock Facilities: Retain approximately 17.7 Mt of capacity, representing approximately 53% of total authorized capacity.
- Heap-Leach Facilities: Covers the dynamic leach area authorized for leaching in cycles of approximately 2.0 Mt. Includes the Phase VI heap-leach expansion, retaining approximately 3.3 Mt of authorized capacity.
The project is permitted for crushing up to 15,000 tonnes per day (tpd). The company purchased a like-for-like replacement three-stage crushing circuit, as referenced in a July 13, 2026 release. The existing adsorption, desorption, and recovery (ADR) plant is also permitted. An approved mine closure plan is in place, supported by US$3.5 million of closure-related financial assurance.
A reactivation application for the leach waste dump (Resolution No. 1242/2015) is under review. Approval is expected in the coming weeks but is not expected to delay the commencement of mining, crushing, stacking, leaching, or gold recovery. The company expects to apply for extensions or modifications for continued operations beyond the current period and for a Phase II operational expansion to 40,000 tpd.
No production decision has been made; the restart is subject to the completion of installation, rehabilitation, commissioning, financing availability, remaining approvals, and formal Board approval. Additionally, Mr. Brendan Morris resigned as Chief Operating Officer to pursue other opportunities and will remain a consultant. A replacement will be appointed in due course.
Galantas Gold Corporation (GAL) has received approval from SERNAGEOMIN, a necessary regulatory step to restart the Andacollo project. This confirmation indicates that the principal mining, waste-disposal, and heap-leach components required for the restart are now permitted. The approval represents a positive operational milestone that reduces permitting risk and moves the company closer to its stated goal of restarting production in 2027.
However, the release explicitly states that no production decision has been made. The company still faces execution risks, including the pending leach waste dump approval, commissioning timelines, and the need for formal board approval and financing. Additionally, the resignation of the COO introduces a minor management transition risk, though the company plans to appoint a replacement. Overall, the news is incremental and expected given the prior announcements regarding the crushing plant acquisition and environmental confirmations. It does not immediately trigger revenue or cash flow, nor does it guarantee a production start date.
Galantas Gold Corporation (GAL) is a mining company focused on gold and copper projects in Chile. Its flagship asset is the Andacollo Gold Project, located in the Coquimbo region. This past-producing open-pit heap-leach gold operation has historical production of approximately 1.12 million ounces of gold. The project features existing infrastructure, including leach pads, processing plants, water rights, and permits.
The company also holds the Indiana Gold-Copper Project, a development-stage underground property located in the Atacama region. The project contains an inferred resource of 4.93 million tonnes at 2.24 grams per tonne of gold and 1.31% copper. Galantas is targeting production at this site by late 2027. The company is currently transitioning from exploration and acquisition to active project development and potential near-term production.