Marimaca Copper Advances with RCA Approval, Targets 50Ktpa Copper Production
Marimaca Copper's Chilean subsidiary has obtained formal environmental approval for its Marimaca Oxide Project, clearing a critical hurdle toward construction readiness in the second half of 2026. This milestone follows years of environmental and social groundwork and sets the stage for the next permitting phase.
- Received Resolución de Calificación Ambiental (RCA) for Marimaca Oxide Project
- Approval follows extensive environmental, social, and archaeological studies
- Next step involves securing Sectorial Permits for construction and operation
- Targeting construction readiness in H2 2026
- Ongoing exploration at Pampa Medina supports long-term growth ambitions
Environmental Approval Marks Major Milestone
Marimaca Copper Corp., through its Chilean subsidiary Marimaca NewCo Limitada, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the receipt of the Resolución de Calificación Ambiental (RCA) for its Marimaca Oxide Project (MOD) in Chile's Antofagasta region. This formal environmental approval is the culmination of a rigorous multi-year process involving baseline environmental studies, social and archaeological assessments, and extensive stakeholder engagement.
The RCA approval not only validates the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices but also unlocks the pathway to the next critical phase of permitting. This next phase involves obtaining Sectorial Permits, which are essential for various stages of construction and operational readiness.
Strategic Progress Toward Construction
With the RCA secured, Marimaca Copper is advancing its master execution schedule, aiming to be construction-ready by the second half of 2026. The company has already laid substantial groundwork for the Sectorial Permits, signaling a well-orchestrated approach to project development. This timeline aligns with the company’s broader strategy to bring the MOD into production efficiently and sustainably.
Jose Antonio Merino, Managing Director for Chile and CFO, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental and social standards, highlighting the comprehensive mitigation strategies embedded in the project design. He also acknowledged the cooperative engagement with local and governmental stakeholders, which has been instrumental in navigating the permitting process.
Leadership and Future Growth Prospects
Hayden Locke, President and CEO, paid tribute to the team’s efforts and the late Colin Kinley, a key supporter of the permitting strategy. Locke underscored the company’s high standards for responsible development and its growing reputation as a credible custodian of mining assets.
Looking ahead, Marimaca Copper is focused on securing the Final Investment Decision and project sanctioning, with an ambitious target set for the latter half of 2026. Meanwhile, exploration activities at Pampa Medina continue to bolster confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential beyond the 50,000 tonnes per annum copper production outlined in the Definitive Feasibility Study. An exploration update for Pampa Medina is expected soon, adding further momentum to the company’s development narrative.
Balancing Opportunity and Uncertainty
While the RCA approval is a pivotal step forward, Marimaca Copper acknowledges the inherent uncertainties that remain. These include the timely receipt of subsequent permits, financing availability, and fluctuating market conditions. The company’s forward-looking statements caution investors to consider these risks as it progresses toward construction and production.
Bottom Line?
Marimaca Copper’s environmental approval sets a clear path to construction, but upcoming permits and market conditions will test its momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- How swiftly will Marimaca secure the remaining Sectorial Permits needed for construction?
- What impact will recent leadership changes have on project execution and timelines?
- How will exploration results from Pampa Medina influence the company’s growth strategy and production targets?
