Aris Mining's Commitment to Environmental Protection in the Santurbán Region of Colombia

Aris Mining's Environmental Initiative in Santurbán

In a landmark announcement, Aris Mining Corporation revealed proactive steps taken in light of a recent resolution from Colombia's Ministry of Environment concerning the Santurbán region. Founded in September 2022, Aris Mining has quickly positioned itself as a leader in responsible gold mining in Latin America. The resolution establishes a Temporary Reserve Area (TRA) in the Santurbán region, where Aris's Soto Norte Project is located.

Effective March 4, 2025, the resolution follows a public consultation process that began in November 2024. This move will temporarily halt the issuance of environmental licenses for a period of two years, allowing the Ministry to evaluate the water resources in this ecologically sensitive region. Notably, this resolution does not restrict Aris Mining's existing operations, including its Segovia and Marmato mines, which have already secured their licenses and are situated outside the affected region.

Neil Woodyer, CEO of Aris Mining, remarked on the company's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. He expressed optimism regarding the company's initiatives in the area, emphasizing the importance of local community engagement and environmental stewardship. “Following the start of the consultation process, we have continued to advance detailed environmental and technical studies for a modified, smaller-scale version of the Soto Norte Project, expecting completion by mid-2025. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Environment under its new leadership,” Woodyer stated.

This redesigned development plan aims to align closely with the government's focus on protecting the environment. This entails scaled-back mining operations, new processing technologies, and an approach that aims to mitigate the negative impacts of unauthorized mining activities in the Santurbán area. By collaborating with small-scale miners, Aris aims to establish safer and more sustainable mining practices that benefit local communities while advancing the mining sector in Colombia.

The Soto Norte Project is still years from development, with plans dependent on the completion of current expansions at the Segovia and Marmato mines. However, Aris Mining remains committed to its vision of combining operational excellence with significant growth. The Company anticipates increasing its production capacity significantly with ongoing projects, targeting over 450,000 ounces of gold annually post-mill expansion and the new lower mine.

Colombia continues to present rich opportunities for mining endeavors, particularly with its high-grade gold resources. Aris Mining actively seeks to form partnerships with the country’s dynamic small-scale mining sector, enabling safe and environmentally responsible operations that benefit both the industry and local communities.

In the face of potential risks and uncertainties, Aris Mining continues to forge ahead with confidence. The firm believes that its innovative approach could bridge the gap between mining and environmental protection—an essential step toward building a sustainable future.

To learn more about Aris Mining and its initiatives, visit their official websites. As the Company continues its journey in gold mining, it remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, operational integrity, and sustainability across all its ventures.