Atico Mining Provides an Update on the Royalty Dispute with the Colombian Government

Rhea-AI Summary

Atico Mining has received an unfavorable ruling in its royalty dispute with Colombia's National Mining Agency (NMA) regarding the El Roble property. The tribunal ordered the company to pay approximately US$29 million in back copper royalties dating from 1994, adjusted for Colombian inflation and interest.

The company has already paid approximately US$12 million (estimated at US$15 million when adjusted) through an ongoing Payment Plan with the NMA. Atico currently holds about 6,500 wet metric tonnes of unsold concentrate as security, valued at approximately US$2000 per dry metric tonne at recent metal prices.

The ruling could significantly impact Atico's financial position, affecting its working capital and ability to meet existing and future financial obligations. The company is reviewing the decision with legal counsel and seeking clarification on several points with the Tribunal and NMA.

Positive

• Company has already paid US$12 million of the total royalty obligation
• Holds valuable concentrate inventory worth US$2000 per dry metric tonne as payment security

Negative

• Required to pay approximately US$29 million in back royalties, interest, and inflation adjustments
• Unfavorable arbitration ruling affecting working capital and financial position
• Uncertainty about ability to pay existing and future financial obligations
• Significant impact on company's liquidity due to large royalty payment requirement

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the “Company” or “Atico”) (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) announces that, further to the news release issued on December 29, 2021, regarding the royalty dispute concerning the El Roble property, the Center for Arbitration and Conciliation of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce has reached a decision. The tribunal has ruled in favor of the National Mining Agency (“NMA”) ordering the Company’s subsidiary Minera El Roble to back pay copper royalties since 1994.

The ruling requires the Company to pay in Colombian pesos the equivalent of approximately US$29 million dollars, adjusted for Colombian inflation and accrued interest, for past due royalties.  As part of the ongoing Payment Plan with the NMA, the Company has already paid in Colombian pesos the equivalent of approximately US$12 million dollars (historical amount, not adjusted for Colombian inflation and interest).  Our preliminary estimate is that the amount paid to the NMA is approximate US$15 million when adjusted for inflation and related interest, but this amount may change as we seek more clarification on the indexation process applied by the Tribunal. The amount paid to the NMA would be offset against the amount due to the NMA pursuant to the arbitration ruling.  This ruling was announced on Friday, March 7th, and it is still under review by our legal counsel. As of today, we have identified several points that will require clarification with the Tribunal and NMA in the coming days.

As of the date of this ruling, Atico still holds approximately 6,500 wet metric tonnes of unsold concentrate in inventory as a security and guarantee to the Payment Plan with the NMA. At recent mental prices, the approximate value of this concentrate is US$2000 per dry metric tonne. When feasible, the Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of these tonnes to substantially reduce the remaining balance owed to the NMA.

The negative outcome of this ruling could be materially adverse to the Company as it affects its working capital and overall financial position while creating uncertainty on the Company’s ability to pay its existing and future financial obligations as they become due. The Company will continue to firmly pursue all possible solutions and will advise the market of any developments as they occur.

About Atico Mining Corporation

Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fernando E. Ganoza
CEO
Atico Mining Corporation

Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF

Investor Relations
Igor Dutina
Tel: +1.604.633.9022

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘‘U.S. Securities Act’’), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This announcement includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company’s mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company’s mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the AIF of the Company dated September 4, 2024 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com

FAQ

How much does Atico Mining (ATCMF) owe in royalty payments to Colombia's National Mining Agency?

Atico Mining owes approximately US$29 million in back copper royalties since 1994, adjusted for Colombian inflation and interest, with US$12 million already paid through the Payment Plan.

What collateral does ATCMF have to secure the royalty payment to Colombia?

Atico holds approximately 6,500 wet metric tonnes of unsold concentrate as security, valued at US$2000 per dry metric tonne at recent metal prices.

When was the royalty dispute ruling announced for Atico Mining's El Roble property?

The ruling was announced on Friday, March 7th, 2025.

What are the financial implications of the royalty ruling for ATCMF shareholders?

The ruling could materially affect Atico's working capital, overall financial position, and ability to meet existing and future financial obligations.