Viridis Secures Certificate and Submits EIA, Paving Way for 2026 Construction

Environmental Milestones Achieved

Viridis Mining & Minerals has marked a significant step forward in the development of its Colossus Rare Earth Project by submitting a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Report (RIMA) to the Environmental Agency of Minas Gerais (FEAM). This submission initiates the Preliminary License (PL) phase of the three-step environmental approval process required for project advancement.

Complementing this, Viridis secured the crucial Certificate of Regularity for Land Use and Occupation from the Municipality of Poços De Caldas. This certificate is a legislative prerequisite under State Decree No. 47,383/2018 and confirms the project's compliance with municipal land use regulations, effectively de-risking the pathway to production.

Strategic Location and Regulatory Alignment

The company’s strategic decision to concentrate initial mining and processing activities within the Northern Concessions of Poços De Caldas has been validated by early municipal endorsement. This approach not only aligns with local government priorities but also simplifies the regulatory process by focusing on a jurisdiction with strong institutional support.

Viridis’ comprehensive environmental studies, including extensive fieldwork assessing flora, fauna, water, air quality, noise, and vibration, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and responsible mining. The project’s environmental management plans incorporate advanced dynamic modelling and engineering studies to mitigate potential impacts.

Sustainable Mining and Processing Practices

The Colossus Project employs a selective extraction method that confines mining to mineralised zones, minimizing disturbance to surrounding ecosystems. The beneficiation process uses ammonium-based reagents known for their low environmental footprint, and inert waste materials are systematically backfilled into depleted pits to promote ecological restoration.

Water management is another cornerstone of the project’s sustainability strategy, with advanced treatment and recirculation systems designed to drastically reduce water consumption and eliminate effluent discharge into natural waterways.

Forward-Looking Development Timeline

Viridis remains on track to secure the Installation License (IL) by mid-2026, enabling construction to commence in the third quarter of that year. The company’s CEO, Rafael Moreno, highlighted the milestone as a testament to the team’s dedication to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.

Looking ahead, Viridis is progressing its Scoping and Pre-Feasibility Studies, with a focus on refining economic and technical parameters. Concurrently, discussions with potential strategic off-takers and financiers are advancing, supported by the project’s robust resource base and environmentally conscious processing flowsheet.

Local and State Government Support

Endorsements from both the Municipality of Poços De Caldas and the State Government of Minas Gerais underscore the project’s socio-economic importance. Officials have expressed strong institutional backing, emphasizing the alignment of the Colossus Project with regional development goals and sustainable practices.

This collaborative approach between Viridis and government entities enhances the project’s credibility and reduces regulatory risk, positioning Colossus as a potential leader in responsible rare earth element production.