VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Atico”) (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition – MAATE (now Ministry of Environment and Energy) has granted a permit for water use in industrial activities, including extraction and processing, for the La Plata project. After an exhaustive review process by MAATE and other state agencies, it was confirmed that the water alloc ...

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation has signed an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with the Ecuadorian State for the La Plata mining project, involving a total investment of USD 157.9 million, marking a significant milestone for the company and the project [1][2]. Investment Agreement Details - The IPA provides legal and tax stability for the duration of the project, ensuring that essential regulations remain unchanged [2][5]. - A corporate income tax reduction of 5% is granted during the life of the contract [5]. - The agreement includes provisions for international arbitration in case of disputes, with arbitration to be conducted in New York under Ecuadorian law [2][5]. Project Development and Employment - The La Plata project is nearing the final stage of obtaining necessary environmental licenses and permits, with construction expected to begin once these are secured [3]. - The project is anticipated to create over 600 direct jobs and between 1,200 to 1,800 indirect jobs during the construction phase, and more than 300 direct jobs and between 600 to 900 indirect jobs once in commercial production [3]. Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation focuses on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America, generating significant cash flow from the El Roble mine and developing the La Plata VMS project [4].

Core Points - Atico Mining Corporation has successfully completed the Community Participation Process for Environmental Consultation, a crucial step before obtaining the Environmental License for the La Plata project [1][2] - The completion of the PPC is seen as a significant milestone towards the construction readiness of the La Plata project, emphasizing the company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility [2] - Over 90% of local residents supported the project during the Consultation Assembly, indicating strong community backing for the Environmental License [3] Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation is focused on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America, generating significant cash flow from the El Roble mine and developing the La Plata VMS project in Ecuador [4]

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation reported significant financial improvements for Q2 2025, driven by increased production, higher concentrate sales, and strong metal prices, with expectations for continued operational enhancements throughout the year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company posted a net income of $2.7 million for Q2 2025, a substantial increase from a net loss of $0.4 million in Q2 2024 [3][4]. - Sales surged by 94% to $21.1 million compared to $10.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [3][4]. - Cash flows from operations before changes in working capital reached $4.9 million, up from $2.5 million in Q2 2024 [3][4]. Production Metrics - Copper production totaled 2.2 million pounds and gold production was 2,385 ounces, reflecting a decrease of 42% and 16% respectively compared to Q2 2024 [5][6]. - The average realized price for copper was $4.47 per pound, while gold was $3,406 per ounce, showing increases from $4.34 and $2,303 respectively in Q2 2024 [3][4]. Cost Analysis - Cash costs per pound of payable copper produced were $1.73, an increase of 17% from $1.48 in Q2 2024 [6][7]. - All-in sustaining cash cost per payable pound of copper produced rose to $3.91 from $2.32 in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower copper output and higher sustaining capital expenditures [3][4]. Operational Developments - The company is conducting a 6,000 meter near-mine drill program at El Roble to replenish resources and extend the mine's life [2]. - A new 30-year mining agreement was executed with the National Mining Agency of Colombia for the El Roble mine [3][4]. Management Changes - Alain Bureau, the President of the company, stepped down effective August 15, 2025, but will continue as a government relations consultant [7].

Core Insights - Atico Mining Corporation reported its operating results for Q2 2025, highlighting production figures from the El Roble mine, which included 2.16 million pounds of copper and 2,385 ounces of gold in concentrates [1][2] Production Performance - The El Roble mine showed improvements in gold grades and output compared to Q1 2025, with expectations for gradual production improvements in the latter half of the year due to access to newly discovered high-grade ore zones [2] - Q2 2025 production figures indicated a decrease of 42% in copper production (2,155 thousand pounds) and a decrease of 17% in gold production (2,385 ounces) compared to Q2 2024 [5][8] - The average tonnes of ore mined decreased by 14% to 60,633 tonnes, while tonnes processed decreased by 13% to 62,007 tonnes [5][8] - The copper head grade was reported at 1.74%, a decrease of 33% from the previous year, while the gold head grade increased by 6% to 2.08 grams per tonne [5][8] Recovery Rates - Copper recovery remained stable at 91.2%, while gold recovery decreased by 11% to 57.6% compared to Q2 2024 [5][8] Management Changes - Jorge Ganoza transitioned from his full-time role as Vice President of Operations and Projects effective August 1, 2025, but will continue as a director and advisor to the company [3][4] Mine Overview - The El Roble mine is a high-grade underground copper and gold mine located in Colombia, with a nominal processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day [9] - As of March 12, 2024, the mine's reserves estimate includes 828 thousand tonnes averaging 2.49% copper and 2.20 grams per tonne gold, with a projected life of mine until Q1 2027 [10] Exploration Potential - The company is actively exploring the larger land package around El Roble, identifying prospective areas for VMS type mineralization, which is the focus of the current surface drill program [11]

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation successfully closed its LIFE Offering and Rights Offering, raising a total of approximately $6.49 million to strengthen its financial position and advance strategic goals at its El Roble mine and La Plata project [1][2]. Group 1: Offerings Details - The LIFE Offering involved the sale of 29,090,910 units at a subscription price of $0.11 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $3.2 million [1]. - The aggregate gross proceeds from both the LIFE Offering and the Rights Offering amounted to $6,487,572.42 [1]. - Each LIFE Unit consisted of one common share and one transferable warrant, with the warrant exercisable at $0.18 for two years [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the Offerings will be allocated to the development of the La Plata project in Ecuador, additional drilling at the El Roble mine in Colombia, and general corporate purposes [5]. Group 3: Related Party Transactions - Certain officers of the Company acquired a total of 590,001 LIFE Units, classifying the LIFE Offering as a related party transaction [6]. - The LIFE Offering is exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 due to specific conditions met [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation is focused on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America, generating significant cash flow from the El Roble mine and developing the La Plata project [9].

Core Points - Atico Mining Corporation successfully closed its rights offering, raising gross proceeds of $3,287,572.42 by issuing 29,887,022 units at a subscription price of $0.11 per unit [1][3] - Each unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, which can be exercised at $0.18 per share for two years [2] - Approximately 41% of the total rights units were issued to insiders, with the remaining rights expiring unexercised [3] Financial Details - The rights offering resulted in the issuance of 11,219,319 units through the basic subscription privilege and 18,667,703 units through the additional subscription privilege [3] - Following the offering, the total number of common shares outstanding is 151,173,207 [3] Future Plans - The company plans to utilize the net proceeds from the rights offering and an upcoming LIFE offering for the development of the La Plata project in Ecuador, additional drilling at the El Roble mine in Colombia, and general corporate purposes [5][4]

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation has successfully executed a loan amendment and restructuring with Trafigura, extending its existing secured credit agreement and outlining repayment terms for the outstanding principal amount of US$8.7 million [1][2]. Group 1: Loan Amendment and Restructuring - The outstanding principal amount of US$8.7 million will be repaid in two installments: US$2.7 million on July 25, 2025, and US$6 million on December 30, 2026 [2]. - The outstanding principal amount will accrue interest at a rate of SOFR plus 7.5% [2]. - The existing commercial concentrate purchase contract with Trafigura has been extended for two more years, covering 100% of the concentrate produced from the El Roble mine, with a minimum annual tonnage of 32,000 dry metric tons [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation is focused on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America [3]. - The company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing the high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador [3]. - Atico is also pursuing additional acquisition opportunities in advanced stages [3].

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation is conducting a Rights Offering and a LIFE Offering to raise a total of approximately $8,536,592 to support its operations and financial commitments [3][4]. Group 1: Offerings Details - The Rights Offering aims to raise gross proceeds of up to approximately $5,336,592, while the LIFE Offering is expected to generate up to approximately $3,200,000 [3]. - The amended Offering Documents include a term sheet with Trafigura PTE. Ltd. regarding an amendment and extension of the existing secured credit agreement [2][3]. - The Offering Documents will be available on SEDAR+ and the company's website for prospective investors [4]. Group 2: Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation focuses on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America, generating significant cash flow from the El Roble mine and developing the La Plata VMS project in Ecuador [6].

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation has entered into a term sheet with Trafigura PTE. LTD. to amend and extend its existing secured credit agreement, with an outstanding principal amount of US$8.7 million [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Terms - The principal amount will be repaid in two installments: US$2.7 million on July 25, 2025, and US$6 million on December 30, 2026 [2]. - The outstanding principal amount will incur interest at a rate of SOFR plus 7.5% [2]. Group 2: Contractual Agreements - The existing commercial concentrate purchase contract with Trafigura has been extended for an additional two years, covering 100% of the concentrate produced from the El Roble mine, with a minimum tonnage of 32,000 dmt per year [2]. - Closing of the transactions is contingent upon finalizing definitive documentation and obtaining approval from the TSX Venture Exchange, expected by June 30, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Atico Mining Corporation is focused on exploring, developing, and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America, generating significant cash flow from the El Roble mine and developing the La Plata VMS project in Ecuador [4].