Element79 Gold Deepens Community Engagement in Chachas to Advance Minas Lucero Project – Arequipa-PERU

Element79 Gold Corp. has been steadily advancing its community engagement strategy in support of the Minas Lucero Project, located in the Chachas district of Arequipa, Peru. Recognizing the importance of building lasting and respectful relationships with local stakeholders, the company has undertaken a series of initiatives designed to promote transparent dialogue, responsible mining practices, and shared development outcomes.

In March 2025, Element79 took a formal step by submitting seven letters to the authorities of Chachas and its surrounding annexes. These communications aimed to initiate structured meetings with the goal of negotiating land-use agreements—an essential prerequisite for advancing the project. These discussions are expected to be formalized in the upcoming Communal Assembly, where representatives from the local population will be invited to deliberate collectively on the terms of collaboration.

Parallel to this, Element79 has been working closely with the Regional Energy and Mines Management of Arequipa (GREM). Together, they are arranging an official technical briefing in Chachas, with the intention of forming an institutional working group. This proposed group would include representatives from the Chachas Community, the Lomas Doradas Association, and Minas Lucero del Sur. The aim is to create a platform where all parties can table their requirements, define mutual commitments, and oversee the implementation of agreements throughout the project’s life cycle. Beyond administrative coordination, the company is also investing in local development through technology deployment. As part of its social responsibility efforts, Element79 plans to deliver three GAE Multipurpose System Kits to communal facilities in Chachas, Nahuira, and Tolconi. These kits, which integrate Starlink satellite connectivity and smart panel systems, are intended to showcase how digital technology can enhance local communications and infrastructure. Importantly, the official delivery of the equipment will depend on the successful conclusion of land-use agreements, reinforcing the company’s commitment to negotiated cooperation.

The company’s engagement efforts also include direct participation in community decision-making forums. On April 12, 2025, Element79’s local partner, GAE Peru, presented its upcoming exploration activities, as well as its mill and tailings reprocessing plant development plan, during the Spring General Assembly Meeting. These plans are expected to proceed following the formalization of surface agreements and the regularization of small-scale mining permits under the REINFO framework. While the company’s presentation was generally well received, discussions were temporarily disrupted by a faction of the local artisanal miner group, Lomas Doradas, and no formal agreement was reached at that time.

Element79 Gold Corp. has reiterated its commitment to transparent engagement, sustainable development, and the cultivation of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people of Chachas. The company has pledged to continue updating the public as these community initiatives progress and evolve in line with local expectations and regulatory milestones.