VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Atico”) (TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF) announces that it intends to amend and restate the Company’s existing debenture agreement (the “Debenture Agreement”) issued on December 16, 2020 to Dundee Corporation (the “Dundee”), of which US$6,612,192 in principal amount remains outstanding (the “Principal Amount”). Pursuant to the amendment and restatement, the maturity date will be extended to December 16, 2027 ...

Core Insights - Atico Mining Corporation announced positive results from 19 drill holes at the El Roble mine, indicating potential for expanding tonnage and discovering new mineralization [1][2] - The ongoing drilling campaign aims to enhance confidence in the presence of high-grade copper and gold mineralization within and beyond historically defined bodies [2] Exploration Drilling Results - Significant assay results include: - Hole ATDM-061: 8.70m of 11.44% Cu and 14.65 g/t Au - Hole ATDM-037: 6.16m of 13.32% Cu and 2.79 g/t Au - Other notable intercepts range from 1.2m to 16.7m with varying copper and gold grades [1][3] Drilling Program Objectives - The 2025 underground drilling program focuses on defining mineralization zones within the main historic massive sulphide body and exploring for new bodies [4] - The program has completed 885.6 meters of drilling in 2025, continuing from the initial phase that began in early 2023 [4] El Roble Mine Overview - The El Roble mine is a high-grade underground copper and gold mine with a processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day, located in Colombia [7] - Proven and Probable reserves are estimated at 1.00 million tonnes with a grade of 3.02% copper and 1.76 g/t gold, with mineralization open at depth and along strike [8] Geological Context - Atico has identified a significant stratigraphic contact over ten kilometers, which is crucial for VMS mineralization, and is currently the focus of surface drilling [9]

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation reported a net loss of $4.1 million for Q3-2025, primarily due to a shipping delay that left all concentrate in inventory, impacting sales and revenue recognition [1][2][3] Financial Performance - The company produced 2.3 million pounds of copper and 1,847 ounces of gold in Q3-2025, with cash costs of $2.74 per payable pound of copper, reflecting a 12% increase from Q3-2024 [1][3][7] - There were no metals concentrate sold during Q3-2025, leading to a loss from operations of $2.6 million, compared to a $4.2 million income in Q3-2024 [3][5] - The working capital deficit was $13.5 million as of September 30, 2025, an increase from $11.3 million at the end of 2024, influenced by $10.5 million in advance payments recorded as deferred revenue [3][5] Operational Highlights - Copper production decreased by 23% and gold production decreased by 11% compared to Q3-2024, attributed to lower ore throughput and lower copper head-grades [7][10] - Cash costs per tonne of processed ore rose to $179.23, a 23% increase from Q3-2024, due to reduced ore extraction and increased costs from inflation and foreign exchange [3][10] - The all-in sustaining cash cost per payable pound of copper produced was $4.87, up from $3.60 in Q3-2024, driven by higher sustaining capital expenditures [3][10] Future Outlook - The company anticipates gradual improvement in production in the next quarter due to higher copper grades as mining operations shift to upper zones of the El Roble mine [2][3] - The company has reduced its credit facilities and loans by $5.4 million during the quarter, indicating a focus on improving financial stability [2][3]

Core Insights - Atico Mining Corporation reported a decrease in production for Q3 2025, with copper production at 2.24 million pounds and gold production at 1,906 ounces, representing declines of 23% and 8% respectively compared to Q3 2024 [1][6][7] Production and Operational Review - The El Roble mine's production was impacted by a transition to lower-grade ore zones, which were previously excluded from reserves, while higher metal prices allowed for profitable mining of these areas [2][4] - The mine plan was revised to incorporate out-of-reserve material, leading to results below budget, particularly in copper head grade, which increased but not as much as forecasted [2][4] - The company anticipates improved production in the following quarter due to higher copper head grades, while continuing to maximize ore recovery from lower zones [2][4] Financial Guidance - Revised production guidance for 2025 includes copper production between 9,000 to 9,500 thousand pounds and gold production between 7,500 to 8,500 ounces, with C1 cash costs projected at $1.70 to $1.80 per pound [4] Concentrate Shipment and Inventory - A planned concentrate shipment was postponed from September to October due to vessel availability, resulting in expected revenue from Q3 being recorded in Q4 [5] - The concentrate inventory at the end of Q3 2025 was 6,619 dry metric tonnes, with no sales recorded during the quarter [10] Operational Metrics - Key operational metrics for Q3 2025 included a decrease in tonnes of ore mined by 10% to 61,005 tonnes and a decrease in average processed tonnes per day by 3% to 741 [6][8] - The copper head grade was reported at 1.82%, a decrease of 14% from Q3 2024, while gold head grade remained stable at 1.53 grams per tonne [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Atico Mining Corporation has received a water use permit from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition for its La Plata project, allowing for various industrial activities including extraction and processing [1][2]. Group 1: Permit Details - The permit confirms that water allocation adheres to priority guidelines, ensuring no negative impact on local communities' water access or agricultural use [2]. - The Unified Water Authority has verified compliance with ecological flow requirements to protect aquatic habitats [2]. - The permit allows water use for staff consumption, underground mineral extraction, processing plant operations, dust suppression, and environmental mitigation measures [3]. Group 2: Water Management Obligations - The company is required to design all water management systems in accordance with national and international standards, including a recirculation system and ongoing water quality monitoring [4]. - Detailed engineering plans for water management are in progress and expected to be completed by October 2025 for review and approval [4]. Group 3: Project Employment Impact - The La Plata project is nearing the final stages of obtaining necessary environmental licenses and permits, making it construction-ready [5]. - During construction, the project is expected to create over 600 direct jobs and between 1,200 to 1,800 indirect jobs, with more than 300 direct jobs and 600 to 900 indirect jobs during commercial production [5]. Group 4: 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 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].