RE: Timeline27 Nov 2023 18:23
Also
PERMITTING
EXPLOITATION AGREEMENT
On 19 July 2023, the Company completed contractual negotiations with the Government of Ecuador and agreed upon a
term sheet (“Term Sheet”) in preparation for the execution of the Exploitation Agreement for the Cascabel Project. The
Exploitation Agreement, coupled with existing legislations and regulations, establishes the legal and financial terms and
conditions (including taxes, royalties, and advance royalties) required for the Cascabel Project’s development. The Term
Sheet has been approved by the Ecuadorian Government and provides for the production of copper, gold, and silver from
the contract area for a period of 33 years, which may be renewed. The Group and the Government of Ecuador agreed to an
advanced royalty payment totalling $75 million, with $25 million due upon the concentrator construction start date. The
remaining two payments, each of $25 million, will be made on the first and second anniversary, respectively, from the date
of the first payment. The actual royalty on net smelter revenues ranges from 3% to 8%. Revenue from the royalties collected
by the government will be allocated to productive and sustainable projects through the municipal governments and parish
councils of the communities of the Cascabel Project. The Company has applied to change the Cascabel Project’s official
status from exploration phase to exploitation phase (“Phase Change Application”). The Company has up to six months after
the approval of the Phase Change Applications to execute the Exploitation Agreement. Once executed, the Exploitation
Agreement is required to be registered with the Mines Registry. The Exploitation Agreement will govern the legal, economic,
technical, social and environmental commitments by the Company and the Government of Ecuador.
Management expects the Exploitation Contract to be finalized and announced prior to end of the current financial year.