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Solaris Secures EIA Technical Approval and Further Strengthens the Balance Sheet

MWN-AI** Summary

Solaris Resources Inc. has made significant strides in its Warintza Project with the recent receipt of technical approval for its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Ecuador, representing a crucial permitting milestone. This achievement comes after comprehensive multi-year evaluations by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, substantially de-risking the project. The approval validates Solaris' commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible development practices.

This EIA technical approval also triggers the second tranche of a US$200 million financing agreement with Royal Gold, allowing Solaris to access an additional US$50 million, further bolstering its financial resources. The funding is essential as the company aims to advance key workstreams, including permitting, infrastructure development, and exploration at Warintza. The project is positioned to become a significant copper development venture globally, with ambitions for full permitting by the end of 2026.

Looking ahead, Solaris is moving towards completing the remaining stages of Ecuador’s environmental licensing necessary for mining operations. This includes initiating the Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (FPIC) process—a prerequisite for granting the Mining Exploitation Agreements. A site visit by government officials in 2025 has set the stage for this consultation to begin soon, as Solaris aims to expedite the final permitting process.

With ongoing community support and technical advancements, the Warintza Project is set to play a vital role in the global copper landscape. Solaris is motivated to maintain a strategy focused on sustainable mining and delivering long-term benefits to local stakeholders while capitalizing on the project's growth potential.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Solaris Resources Inc. has achieved a critical milestone with the recent technical approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its Warintza copper project in Ecuador. The approval not only de-risks the project but also paves the way for upcoming financing opportunities and permits, establishing Solaris as a formidable player in the copper development space.

The EIA technical approval signals several strategic advantages. First, it enables the company to access the second tranche of a US$200 million financing agreement with Royal Gold, injecting an additional US$50 million into its balance sheet. This financial bolstering is vital as Solaris gears up for the next stages of development, ensuring sufficient capital for infrastructure and permitting needs while maintaining a robust financial position.

With a clear pathway to achieving full project permits by the end of 2026, Solaris is poised to distinguish itself in a competitive market. The Warintza Project, considered one of the largest undeveloped copper assets globally, is well-supported by local communities and reflects a commitment to responsible mining practices. Investors should note that the successful completion of the Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (FPIC) process and subsequent grant of Mining Exploitation Agreements are critical next steps in affirming project viability.

Given the ongoing global demand for copper—driven by green technologies and infrastructure investments—Solaris stands to benefit from a rising commodity price environment. As the market continues to recognize the strategic value of its assets, investors may find Solaris an attractive addition to their portfolios.

In summary, with a strengthened balance sheet, significant permitting progress, and a unique market position, Solaris Resources Inc. represents an appealing opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the copper sector amid growing demand and advancing sustainability efforts.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESS RELEASE:

  • EIA Technical Approval Received – Major permitting milestone achieved following a comprehensive multi-year government review, significantly de-risking the Warintza Project

  • US$50 million Financing – Receipt of the EIA technical approval triggers the second tranche under the existing US$200 million financing agreement with Royal Gold, further strengthening Solaris’ balance sheet

  • Advancing Toward Final Permits – Clear pathway toward a fully permitted project by the end of 2026, uniquely positioning Warintza as a near term globally significant copper development project

QUITO, Ecuador, April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solaris Resources Inc. (“Solaris” or the “Company”) (TSX: SLS; NYSE: SLSR) is pleased to announce it has received the technical approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for its Warintza Project (“Warintza” or “Warintza Project”) in southeastern Ecuador. The approval represents a major permitting milestone and a significant de-risking event for the project following an extensive technical review process conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

The EIA technical approval reflects a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s environmental, engineering, and social management plans, including detailed analysis covering environmental baseline studies, water management, biodiversity protection, infrastructure design, geological understanding and community engagement frameworks.

Matthew Rowlinson, President and CEO of Solaris Resources, commented: “This approval is a critical milestone for the Warintza Project and an important validation of the technical quality, environmental stewardship and responsible development approach undertaken by our team. The EIA review involved rigorous technical evaluation and close collaboration with regulators over an extended period. Achieving this milestone significantly de-risks the project and reflects the strength of our environmental planning and responsible development approach. Importantly, this milestone also enables the Company to access the second tranche of US$50 million under our financing agreement with RGLD Gold AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. (together, “Royal Gold”), further strengthening the balance sheet as we continue to advance key workstreams across permitting, infrastructure development and district scale exploration at Warintza.”

Permitting Next Steps

Following receipt of the EIA technical approval, the Warintza Project will advance through the remaining stages of Ecuador’s environmental licensing and development approval process including the Government-led Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (“FPIC”) process. Government officials conducted an initial site visit during 2025 to assess project readiness, and the formal consultation process is expected to commence shortly. Completion of these steps will support the granting of Warintza’s Mining Exploitation Agreements, with Solaris targeting a fully permitted project by the end of 2026.

Second Tranche of Royal Gold Financing Secured

Following the publication of the Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) in November 2025 and the receipt of EIA technical approval, Solaris has satisfied the conditions required to draw down the second tranche under its US$200 million financing agreement with Royal Gold, which closed in May 2025 (the “funding package”).

This milestone enables the Company to access US$50 million in additional funding that further strengthens the Company’s balance sheet and provides additional financial flexibility to advance key development activities at Warintza. The third tranche of US$50 million will become available on the first anniversary of the closing date, subject to completion of all filings necessary to fully perfect Royal Gold’s security.

The Warintza Project remains one of the most significant undeveloped copper assets globally, with strong support from local communities and a growing body of technical work demonstrating its scale and development potential.

The receipt of EIA technical approval marks a major step towards project development and underscores the continued progress Solaris is making across permitting, exploration, infrastructure planning, and strategic partnerships.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, Vice President Exploration of Solaris who is a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Jorge Fierro is a Registered Professional Geologist through the SME (registered member #4279075).

On behalf of the Board of Solaris Resources Inc.

“Matthew Rowlinson”
President & CEO, Director

For Further Information

Patrick Chambers, VP Business Development & Investor Relations
Email: pchambers@solarisresources.com

About Solaris Resources Inc.

Solaris Resources is a copper-gold exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of high-quality assets across the Americas. Its flagship asset is the 100%-owned Warintza copper porphyry Project in southeast Ecuador. Solaris is committed to responsible mining practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, shared value creation, and long-term benefits for local communities and stakeholders.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively “forward-looking statements”). The use of the words “will” and “expected” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the Company’s future exploration plans, growth and value; planned activities and potential future opportunities at Warintza; the timing and ability to obtain the requisite permits, if at all, including, but not limited to, the granting of Warintza’s Exploitation Agreements; the expected benefits of the EIA technical approval; the timing and outcome of the FPIC and other permitting processes; the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders; the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent to the advancement of the remaining amount under the Funding Package; and the timing, benefits, impact, structure and completion of the transactions contemplated under or in connection with the Funding Package, including whether each tranche will be advanced. Although Solaris believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events including assumptions regarding the exploration and regional programmes. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Solaris Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2025 available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Solaris does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws.


FAQ**

What impact does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) technical approval received by Solaris Resources Inc SLSSF have on the timeline and progress of the Warinza Project towards final permitting?
The technical approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Solaris Resources Inc's Warinza Project significantly accelerates its timeline and progress toward final permitting by fulfilling a crucial regulatory requirement.
How does the recent US$50 million financing agreement with Royal Gold enhance the financial stability of Solaris Resources Inc SLSSF, particularly in advancing the Warintza Project?
The US$50 million financing agreement with Royal Gold bolsters Solaris Resources Inc's financial stability by providing essential capital for the Warintza Project's development, thereby facilitating exploration and production efforts, and potentially increasing shareholder value.
Can you elaborate on the anticipated steps and timeline for the Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (FPIC) process that Solaris Resources Inc SLSSF must navigate following the EIA approval for the Warintza Project?
Solaris Resources Inc. SLSSF will engage in the FPIC process by first informing local communities, conducting consultations to assess concerns, collaboratively defining terms, and then finalizing agreements, typically within a timeline of several months to over a year post-EIA approval.
What are the risks and uncertainties that Solaris Resources Inc SLSSF faces as it progresses towards obtaining the Mining Exploitation Agreements for the Warintza Project, according to the latest press release?
Solaris Resources Inc. (SLSSF) faces risks and uncertainties related to regulatory approvals, potential delays in securing Mining Exploitation Agreements for the Warintza Project, fluctuations in commodity prices, and challenges in meeting environmental and social compliance requirements.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Solaris Resources Inc. (TSXC: SLS:CC).

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