Aclara Resources has announced the submission of a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its Penco Module rare earths project to the Environmental Service Assessment (SEA) in Chile. According to Chief Financial Officer Francois Motte, this new EIA features an improved technical design aimed at addressing environmental and social concerns raised by public services and local communities. The revised EIA also benefits from an optimization review conducted by CAP S.A.
The company engaged with over 1,000 residents, leaders, and opinion leaders in Penco, gathering 303 recommendations and comments to refine the project. The updated EIA proposes a smaller yet more robust project, retaining key elements from the previous assessment such as a fully recycled water source, revegetation with native species, and the creation of over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Environmental stewardship is a central focus for Aclara. The company has initiated a program to protect native species, distributing "naranjillos" and other vulnerable plants to social and regional organizations in the Biobio region and other parts of Chile for conservation purposes.
Next steps include awaiting a positive admissibility decision within five days of submission, followed by a 40-day observation period by authorities. The evaluation process will involve both technical assessments and public consultations, during which Aclara will present the project's improvements.
For more information, visit the source version on newsdirect.com.
