TORONTO , Jan. 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Adventus Mining Corporation (" Adventus ") (TSXV: ADZN) (OTCQX: ADVZF) and Salazar Resources Limited (" Salazar ") (TSXV: SRL) (OTCQB: SRLZF) (collectively the " Participants ") are pleased to announce that the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Energy Transition of the Government of Ecuador (" MAATE ") has granted the Environmental License for the construction and operation of the El Domo-Curipamba project (" Environmental License ").
Christian Kargl-Simard , President and CEO of Adventus, commented: "The granting of the Environmental License is the culmination of 17 years of diligent effort starting with exploration in 2007 that led to the discovery of the El Domo deposit in 2008 and included the publication of the NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study in October 2021 . This Environmental License is a tremendous achievement for our team and stakeholders, who worked tirelessly to transparently advance the El Domo-Curipamba project. We look forward to building on this significant milestone."
Fredy Salazar , President and CEO of Salazar, commented: "On behalf of the Salazar team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have been involved each step of the way from initial discovery to today's Environmental License. This approval will allow the construction and operation of El Domo, which will provide a new generation of opportunities for the people of central Ecuador ."
The environmental licensing process began on November 4, 2021 , with the submittal of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (" ESIA ") and the Environmental Management Plan (" EMP "). The 7,000-page ESIA and EMP comply with Ecuadorian legislation and international best practices which include physical, biotic, socioeconomic, and cultural baselines, determination of areas of influence, analyses of environmental risks and social and environmental impacts as well as a plan that comprises the prevention and mitigation of impacts, contingencies, training, waste management, community relations, rehabilitation of affected areas, wildlife rescue, environmental monitoring, and mine closure.
MAATE issued the technical approval of the ESIA and EMP in May 2022 . The final phase of the permitting process, the Environmental Consultation (" Consultation "), was carried out by MAATE between July and December 2023 pursuant to the Regulation of the Environmental Organic Code as modified by Presidential Decree 754 and in accordance with guidelines issued by the Constitutional Court of Ecuador , which incorporate Escaz principles and other international standards related to community participation in development projects. The Consultation was overwhelmingly supported by the communities in the direct area of influence of the project, with 98% voting in favour of issuing the Environmental License – see December 27, 2023 , news release.
With this important news, the Participants confirm previous guidance on start of construction, and reaffirm their commitment to responsible, sustainable development in Ecuador through strict compliance with local legislation and adoption of international best practices. The Participants strive for excellence in all aspects of their operations by putting responsible environmental stewardship, community participation and development, and technical excellence at the forefront of all endeavours.