Solaris Resources (TSX:SLS) has received the technical approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment for its Warintza copper project in southeastern Ecuador, marking a key step in the permitting process after 18 months of review by government authorities.

The approval follows a detailed assessment by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, which examined environmental baseline studies, water management, biodiversity protection, infrastructure design, geological understanding, and community engagement frameworks.

With the technical approval now in place, the project meets the required environmental and engineering standards set by regulators. The decision removes a significant layer of permitting risk and allows Solaris to move ahead with the next stages of development.

Additional Funding Access Tied to Approval

The milestone also enables Solaris to draw the second US$50 million tranche under its US$200 million financing agreement with Royal Gold, which was completed in May 2025.

Access to the additional funding follows the release of a pre-feasibility study in November 2025 and the receipt of EIA technical approval, both of which were conditions tied to the financing package. The funds are expected to support continued work across the project, including the next phase of permitting, infrastructure planning, and district-scale exploration.

A third US$50 million tranche is expected to become available on the agreement’s first anniversary.

Next Steps in Ecuador’s Approval Process

Following the technical approval, the Warintza project will advance through the remaining stages of Ecuador’s environmental licensing and development approval process, with a key component being the government-led Free, Prior and Informed Consultation process with local communities.

Government officials conducted an initial site visit in 2025 to assess the project’s readiness to enter the consultation phase. The formal process is expected to begin in the near term.

Solaris is targeting a fully permitted project by the end of 2026. Completion of these steps would place Warintza among a limited number of large-scale copper projects nearing development readiness within that timeframe.

A Globally Significant Copper Asset

Warintza is regarded as one of the more significant undeveloped copper assets worldwide. Ongoing technical work continues to support its scale and long-term development potential, while engagement with local communities remains an important part of project advancement.

The EIA technical approval represents a major step forward for Solaris Resources as it continues to advance permitting, infrastructure planning, and exploration activities while unlocking additional funding.