Emerita Announces Positive IBW Pre-Feasibility Study Results Highlighting US$776 Million After-Tax NPV (8%), 23.51% IRR and 21-Year Mine Life
The study models a 21-year operation, with approximately 66% of net smelter return coming from pyrite concentrate.
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
Rhea-AI Summary
Emerita Resources (EMOTF) completed a pre-feasibility study for Iberian Belt West showing an estimated US$776 million after-tax net present value. The valuation uses an 8% discount rate; the study estimates a 23.51% after-tax internal rate of return, both in real terms. The wholly owned, royalty-free Spanish project has an initial probable reserve of 23.4 million tonnes, supporting a planned 21-year mine life.
Initial capital is estimated at US$567 million including contingency, with after-tax payback of 1.9 years from production commencement. Planned average annual run-of-mine production is 1.2 million tonnes. Indicated resource tonnage increased 37% and inferred tonnage 46% versus the 2025 estimate. Pyrite concentrate accounts for approximately 66% of projected net smelter return, the value after selling-related deductions. Its pricing is negotiated rather than exchange-traded; the base case assumes US$274 per tonne.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Major point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Base-case study estimates US$776 million after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate, in real terms. 12× market cap
- Moderate pointIndicated resources reached 26.1 million tonnes, with tonnage up 37% versus the 2025 estimate.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned average annual run-of-mine production is 1.2 million tonnes.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Base-case study estimates a 23.51% after-tax internal rate of return in real terms.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated after-tax payback is 1.9 years from production commencement.
13 minor points
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Initial probable reserve of 23.4 million tonnes supports a planned 21-year mine life.
- Minor pointReserve grades include 2.30% zinc, 1.13% lead, 0.45% copper, 53 g/t silver and 1.07 g/t gold.
- Minor pointInferred resources reached 9.9 million tonnes, with tonnage up 46% versus the 2025 estimate.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned zinc concentrate output averages 43,489 dry metric tonnes annually in Years 2–19.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned lead concentrate output averages 26,120 dry metric tonnes annually in Years 2–19.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned copper concentrate output averages 10,633 dry metric tonnes annually in Years 2–19.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned pyrite concentrate output averages 694,620 dry metric tonnes annually in Years 2–19.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated life-of-mine post-tax free cash flow is US$2,664 million.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated life-of-mine earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation are US$4,559 million.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.September 2026 average spot-metal-price scenario estimates US$1,019 million after-tax net present value at 8%.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Higher-price scenario estimates 27.13% after-tax return and payback 1 year and 6 months after production starts.
- Minor pointConventional processing uses lower capital and operating cost inputs and a reduced tailings footprint versus alternatives considered.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Study identifies potential development, sequencing, resource and metallurgical improvements, each requiring further study.
Negative
- Major point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated initial capital requires US$567 million including contingency. 8.9× market cap
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated sustaining capital adds US$279.5 million over the mine life. 4.4× market cap
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated operating costs total US$86.49 per tonne of ore processed during Years 1–21.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated life-of-mine off-site costs add US$886 million. 14× market cap
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Pyrite concentrate supplies approximately 66% of projected net smelter return, with prices negotiated through sales or offtake contracts.
- Moderate pointDevelopment remains dependent on environmental approvals, financing and regulatory review, among other execution requirements.
4 minor points
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Estimated post-mine closure costs are US$12.0 million.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Base-case economics assume US$274 per tonne of pyrite concentrate, rather than an exchange-traded price.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Mine development occupies Years -5 to -1 before production begins in Year 1.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Alternative processing routes require additional metallurgical testing to support pre-feasibility-level study.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Iberian Belt West Project Pre-Feasibility Study Highlights
- Initial Probable Mineral Reserve of 23.4 million tonnes at
2.30% zinc,1.13% lead,0.45% copper, 53 g/t silver, 1.07 g/t gold - Updated Mineral Resource Estimate reflects a
37% increase in Indicated tonnage and a46% increase in Inferred tonnage compared to the 2025 MRE - After-tax NPV (
8% ) of US$776 million and IRR of23.51% in real terms - After-tax payback period of 1.9 years from the start of production
- Initial capital cost of US
$567 million including contingency - Life-of-mine of 21 years with an average annual run of mine production of 1.2 million tonnes per year
- Conventional flowsheet producing four saleable concentrates of precious metals-bearing pyrite, zinc, lead and copper
- At achieved capacity, IBW is expected to produce average annual concentrate production of 43,489 tonnes of zinc concentrate, 26,120 tonnes of lead concentrate, 10,633 tonnes of copper concentrate, and 694,620 tonnes of pyrite concentrate on a dry metric tonne basis
- Precious metals-bearing (Au, Ag) pyrite concentrate with a high sulphur grade, the value of which is significantly influenced by contained gold and silver and the sulphur content
- Opportunities to further optimize IBW identified in the PFS, including development and sequence optimization, potential resource and reserve additions, exploration of satellite or new deposits, and metallurgical optimization, each of which requires further study
- The PFS was prepared by SLR Consulting, including qualified persons with experience in the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2026) - Emerita Resources Corp. (TSXV: EMO) (OTCQX: EMOTF) (FSE: LLJA) (the "Company" or "Emerita") is pleased to announce the positive results of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") for its
Joaquin Merino, Emerita's President and CEO, comments "The completion of IBW's PFS is the culmination of 2 years of studies involving various technical disciplines including mining and process engineering, metallurgy, geology, environmental science and commodity marketing. The PFS demonstrates the technical and economic viability of developing IBW into a high-grade polymetallic underground mine in the Iberian Pyrite Belt at a pre-feasibility level of study and identifies opportunities to further optimize IBW. The Company remains committed to the sustainable social and economic development of the region where it operates for the benefit of all stakeholders and local communities."
Emerita's Executive Chairman, Joseph Belan, adds, "Before announcing the PFS results, Emerita implemented a thorough review process, which included a rigorous technical and financial review of the underlying assumptions, methodology and conclusions. A technical committee, consisting of two (2) independent members of the Board, was also established to provide additional oversight of the PFS results and optimization recommendations."
IBW is royalty-free,
IBW benefits from existing regional infrastructure, including proximity to the Port of Huelva, established transportation routes and renewable energy infrastructure. Emerita believes these factors may help reduce permitting and development timelines, as well as capital requirements; however, permitting, development timelines and capital requirements remain subject to material risks, including environmental approvals, engineering, water management, community engagement, regulatory review, financing, procurement, construction execution and commodity-market conditions.
Source: Emerita Resources
Figure 1. IBW Location in the Iberian Pyrite Belt
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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2026 Pre-Feasibility Study Results
The PFS supports an underground mining operation processing material from the La Romanera, El Cura and La Infanta deposits through a conventional flotation plant producing four saleable concentrates of precious metals (gold, silver) bearing pyrite, zinc, lead and copper. The PFS indicates positive project economics with significant leverage to sulphur, silver, gold, zinc, copper, and lead prices, a 21-year life-of-mine, and potential opportunities for further optimization. Table 1 shows the IBW PFS's economic and operational summary.
Table 1. Economic and Operational Summary of IBW Pre-Feasibility Study
| Table 1. Economic and Operational Summary of IBW Pre-Feasibility Study | Units | PFS (Base Case) |
| Long-Term Metal Price Assumptions | ||
| Copper Price | US$/t | 11,470 |
| US$/lb | 5.20 | |
| Lead Price | US$/t | 2,050 |
| US$/lb | 0.93 | |
| Zinc Price | US$/t | 2,980 |
| US$/lb | 1.35 | |
| Gold Price | US$/oz | 3,750 |
| Silver Price | US$/oz | 52 |
| Pyrite Concentrate Price | US$/t concentrate | 274 |
| Life-of-Mine Capital Cost Summary | ||
| Total Initial Capital Costs | US$ million | 566.7 |
| Sustaining Capital | US$ million | 279.5 |
| Closure Costs (Post-mine activities) | US$ million | 12.0 |
| Total Project Capital | US$ million | 858.2 |
| Life-of-Mine Unit Operating Costs (Year 1 to Year 21) | ||
| Mining Operating Costs | US$/t ore processed | 37.61 |
| Processing Costs | US$/t ore processed | 30.20 |
| Contact Water Treatment | US$/t ore processed | 3.52 |
| Capital Recovery Charge for Water Treatment Plant | US$/t ore processed | 6.06 |
| Mine waste / ATEM | US$/t ore processed | 0.15 |
| Tailings / IPS | US$/t ore processed | 0.53 |
| Paste Backfill | US$/t ore processed | 5.24 |
| G&A | US$/t ore processed | 2.97 |
| Progressive Rehabilitation | US$/t ore processed | 0.22 |
| Total Operating Costs | US$/t ore processed | 86.49 |
| Total On-Site Operating Costs, LOM | US$ million | 2,028 |
| Total Off-Site Costs, LOM | US$ million | 886 |
| Production Summary | ||
| Commencement of production | Year 1, following mine development in Years -5 to -1 | |
| Probable Mineral Reserve (Total ore feed to flotation) | Mt | 23.4 |
| Average Grade, Zn | % | 2.30 |
| Average Grade, Pb | % | 1.13 |
| Average Grade, Cu | % | 0.45 |
| Average Grade, Ag | g/t | 53.21 |
| Average Grade, Au | g/t | 1.07 |
| Average Grade, S | % | 33.85 |
| Plant Throughput (Nominal design) | ktpa | 1,200 |
| Life-of-Mine, Ore Processed | years | 21 (Years 1 to 21) |
| Recovery of Primary Commodity to Concentrate, Zinc concentrate | % | 78.65 |
| Recovery of Primary Commodity to Concentrate, Lead concentrate | % | 52.19 |
| Recovery of Primary Commodity to Concentrate, Copper concentrate | % | 41.48 |
| Recovery of Sulphur to Pyrite Concentrate | % | 93.62 |
| Recovery of Silver to Pyrite Concentrate | % | 87.63 |
| Recovery of Gold to Pyrite Concentrate | % | 88.42 |
| Concentrate Grade | ||
| Concentrates Produced, LOM: zinc / lead / copper / pyrite concentrate | dmt | 845,652 / 514,778 / 213,080 / 13,573,653 |
| Average Annual Tonnage, Yr 2 to Yr 19: zinc / lead / copper / pyrite concentrate | dmt | 43,489 / 26,120 / 10,633 / 694,620 |
| Total Payable for Concentrates, LOM: zinc / lead / copper / pyrite concentrate | US$ million | 1,145 / 739 / 852 / 4,737 |
| Project NSR Contribution by Concentrate Type: pyrite / zinc / lead / copper concentrate | % | 66 / 14 / 10 / 10 |
| Summary of Base Case Economic Results | ||
| NPV (Real, After-tax) @ | US$ million | 776 |
| IRR (Real, After-tax) | % | 23.51 |
| Payback Period from Production Commencement | 1 year, 11 months | |
| Payback Period from Initial Investment | 6 years, 11 months | |
| Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA), LOM | US$ million | 4,559 |
| Post-Tax-Free Cash Flow, LOM | US$ million | 2,664 |
| Profitability Index (PI) | x | 2.37 |
| NPV/Initial Capex Ratio | x | 1.37 |
Source: SLR
At higher exchange-traded metal prices consistent with September 2026 average spot prices for gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead (see Table 8), with the pyrite concentrate price held at the Base Case assumption, IBW's after-tax NPV (
While several processing routes were considered for the PFS, trade-off analysis indicated that additional metallurgical testing would be required for these routes to support a pre-feasibility level of study. As a result, the PFS adopts a conventional metallurgical flowsheet producing a saleable pyrite concentrate, with lower capital and operating cost inputs and a reduced tailings management footprint. Emerita has previously reported positive metallurgical results using alternative technologies. These and other available technologies may provide future optionality for IBW.
Unlike copper, zinc, lead, gold or silver, pyrite concentrate is not traded on a metals exchange. Pricing is negotiated under offtake or sales contracts and is typically based on the contained gold and silver (subject to payability) together with the sulphur content. The latter has value as a feedstock for sulphuric acid production, fuel in copper smelting and as a native sulphur source used in fertilizers and other industrial applications. The pricing adopted in the PFS for pyrite concentrate material is based on a market analysis that formulated long-term average pricing assumptions. These assumptions considered metallurgical specifications of IBW's pyrite concentrate in terms of quality and grade. Primary value drivers for pyrite concentrate are precious metals content and sulphur grade. Approximately
Mineral Reserves and Resources
An updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") prepared by SLR, effective July 17, 2026, reports a Mineral Resource of 26.1 Million Indicated Tonnes grading
Table 2. Mineral Resource Estimate for IBW as of July 17, 2026
| Deposit | Class | Tonnage Mt | Average Grade | NSR $/t | Contained Metal | ||||||||||
| Zn (%) | Pb (%) | Cu (%) | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | S (%) | Zn (kt) | Pb (kt) | Cu (kt) | Ag (koz) | Au (koz) | S (kt) | ||||
| La Romanera | Indicated | 22.4 | 2.15 | 1.03 | 0.38 | 53 | 1.10 | 35.9 | 236 | 481 | 230 | 84 | 38,199 | 792 | 8,018 |
| Inferred | 6.6 | 2.02 | 0.84 | 0.49 | 33 | 0.57 | 29.6 | 192 | 133 | 55 | 32 | 7,090 | 120 | 1,952 | |
| El Cura | Indicated | 2.1 | 1.20 | 0.57 | 0.96 | 30 | 0.98 | 25.8 | 223 | 25 | 12 | 20 | 2,010 | 65 | 535 |
| Inferred | 0.9 | 0.98 | 0.42 | 0.74 | 19 | 0.62 | 18.7 | 165 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 556 | 18 | 168 | |
| La Infanta | Indicated | 1.7 | 5.25 | 3.00 | 0.73 | 63 | 0.25 | 6.7 | 228 | 87 | 50 | 12 | 3,316 | 13 | 111 |
| Inferred | 2.4 | 2.87 | 1.67 | 0.45 | 50 | 0.28 | 5.6 | 147 | 70 | 41 | 11 | 3,901 | 22 | 135 | |
| IBW | Indicated | 26.1 | 2.27 | 1.12 | 0.45 | 52 | 1.04 | 33.2 | 235 | 593 | 292 | 116 | 43,525 | 871 | 8,663 |
| Inferred | 9.9 | 2.13 | 1.00 | 0.50 | 36 | 0.50 | 22.7 | 178 | 212 | 100 | 50 | 11,547 | 161 | 2,256 | |
Notes:
| |||||||||||||||
Source: SLR
Underlying the MRE are calculated Mineral Reserves for the La Romanera, El Cura, and La Infanta deposits. These were calculated assuming underground long-hole open stoping (LHOS) mining methods, with cemented paste backfill or dry rockfill. Reporting is based on NSR cut-off values of US
The PFS mine plan and economic analysis exclude Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them, and there is no certainty that any Inferred Mineral Resources will be upgraded to Mineral Reserves or included in any future mine plan. Emerita may evaluate additional drilling to assess whether portions of the Inferred Mineral Resources can be upgraded in future studies, but no production schedule, mine-life extension, capital-cost reclassification or NPV impact should be inferred from these Inferred Mineral Resources.
Table 3. Summary of Mineral Reserves for IBW, Effective July 17, 2026
| Deposit | Class | Tonnage Mt | Average Grade | NSR $/t | Contained Metal | ||||||||||
| Zn (%) | Pb (%) | Cu (%) | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | S (%) | Zn (kt) | Pb (kt) | Cu (kt) | Ag (koz) | Au (koz) | S (kt) | ||||
| La Romanera | Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Probable | 20.4 | 2.19 | 1.05 | 0.38 | 54 | 1.13 | 36.2 | 189 | 447 | 214 | 77 | 35,702 | 738 | 7,377 | |
| El Cura | Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Probable | 1.8 | 1.23 | 0.58 | 1.01 | 31 | 1.01 | 26.3 | 187 | 22 | 11 | 18 | 1,794 | 59 | 474 | |
| La Infanta | Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Probable | 1.2 | 5.57 | 3.15 | 0.77 | 65 | 0.25 | 6.9 | 195 | 70 | 39 | 10 | 2,614 | 10 | 87 | |
| IBW | Proven | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Probable | 23.4 | 2.30 | 1.13 | 0.45 | 53 | 1.07 | 33.85 | 189 | 539 | 264 | 105 | 40,109 | 807 | 7,938 | |
Notes:
| |||||||||||||||
Source: SLR
The updated MRE represents a
Source: Emerita Resources
Figure 2. Graph Indicating the Percentage Increase in Tonnage to the Mineral Resource Estimate for IBW when Compared to the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate
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Initial and Sustaining Capital Estimates
Capital expenditures following a production decision are estimated at
Initial capital costs also include over 23 kilometers of underground development, including an approximately 7-kilometer-long access decline to the La Romanera and El Cura deposits to safeguard a protected area. An additional
Source: SLR
Figure 3. Overall Site Layout of IBW Surface Facilities
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Source: SLR
Figure 4. Plan View of Underground Mine and Surface Development for IBW
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The IBW surface layout is shown in Figure 3, and Figure 4 illustrates the mine and surface facilities layout in relation to the La Romanera, El Cura and La Infanta deposits.
Sustaining capital is estimated at
Table 4. Life-of-Mine Capital Costs for IBW
| Year | Initial Capital Costs (US$ million) | Sustaining Capital (US$ million) | Closure (US$ million) | Total LOM Capex (US$ million) |
| -5 | 61.9 | 0.0 | - | 61.9 |
| -4 | 33.9 | 0.0 | - | 33.9 |
| -3 | 90.5 | 0.0 | - | 90.5 |
| -2 | 184.0 | 0.1 | - | 184.1 |
| -1 | 172.8 | 0.1 | - | 172.9 |
| 1 | 23.6 | 27.7 | - | 51.3 |
| 2 | - | 20.8 | - | 20.8 |
| 3 | - | 20.9 | - | 20.9 |
| 4 | - | 23.1 | - | 23.1 |
| 5 | - | 29.2 | - | 29.2 |
| 6 | - | 19.5 | - | 19.5 |
| 7 | - | 13.9 | - | 13.9 |
| 8 | - | 8.2 | - | 8.2 |
| 9 | - | 14.6 | - | 14.6 |
| 10 | - | 25.8 | - | 25.8 |
| 11 | - | 8.7 | - | 8.7 |
| 12 | - | 6.9 | - | 6.9 |
| 13 | - | 8.9 | - | 8.9 |
| 14 | - | 12.9 | - | 12.9 |
| 15 | - | 18.5 | - | 18.5 |
| 16 | - | 6.6 | - | 6.6 |
| 17 | - | 7.0 | - | 7.0 |
| 18 | - | 2.4 | - | 2.4 |
| 19 | - | 1.2 | - | 1.2 |
| 20 | - | 1.2 | - | 1.2 |
| 21 | - | 0.9 | 1.2 | 2.1 |
| 22 | - | - | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 23 | - | - | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 24 | - | - | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Total LOM | 566.7 | 279.5 | 12.0 | 858.2 |
Source: SLR. Note: Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Operating Cost Estimates
Total LOM on-site operating costs are estimated at US
Table 5. IBW Life-of-Mine Operating Costs
| Cost Category | Cost (US$ million) | Cost (US$/t Ore Processed) |
| Mining | 882 | 37.61 |
| Processing | 708 | 30.20 |
| General and Administrative | 70 | 2.97 |
| Water Treatment, Waste Management and Backfill | 363 | |
| Contact Water Treatment | 3.52 | |
| Capital Recovery Charge for Water Treatment Plant | 6.06 | |
| Mine Waste / ATEM | 0.15 | |
| Tailings / IPS | 0.53 | |
| Paste Backfill | 5.24 | |
| Progressive Rehabilitation | 5 | 0.22 |
| Total On-Site Operating Costs | 2,028 | 86.49 |
| Treatment and Refining Charges (TC/RC) | 92 | - |
| Concentrate Penalties | 506 | - |
| Transportation and Sales | 287 | - |
| Total Off-Site Costs | 886 | - |
| Total Operating Costs (On-site and Off-site) | 2,914 | - |
Source: SLR
Mining costs represent approximately
Table 6. Unit Operating Costs for IBW Years 1-21
| Cost Category | Cost (US$/t Ore Processed) |
| Mining Operating Costs | 37.61 |
| Processing Costs | 30.20 |
| Contact Water Treatment | 3.52 |
| Capital Recovery Charge for Water Treatment Plant | 6.06 |
| Mine Waste / ATEM | 0.15 |
| Tailings / IPS | 0.53 |
| Paste Backfill | 5.24 |
| G&A | 2.97 |
| Progressive Rehabilitation | 0.22 |
| Total Operating Costs | 86.49 |
Source: SLR
Processing Design and Production
All three orebodies will be treated using the same process plant. La Romanera will be the main ore source, with ore from El Cura and La Infanta blended with it to even out the head grades and process requirements. The process design criteria are based on La Romanera average head grades and test work, as La Romanera ore constitutes approximately
There will be four flotation concentrates produced: copper, lead, zinc, and precious metals-bearing pyrite.
Source: SLR
Figure 5. Process Flowsheet Diagram for IBW
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The processing flowsheet is considered conventional, with the process plant design based on a flowsheet comprising a single-stage crushing circuit followed by semi-autogenous grinding ("SAG") milling with pebble crushing in closed circuit, ball milling with classification cyclones in closed circuit, tower milling fine grinding with classification cyclones in closed circuit, four flotation circuits in the sequence of copper -> lead -> zinc -> pyrite, concentrate thickening and tails thickening. The final tailings are dewatered to a filter cake for paste backfill requirements and dry stacking.
The key design features or criteria for the plant were:
- Nominal throughput of 1.2 Mtpa
- A primary crusher and coarse ore stockpile with a
75% availability - Milling and flotation circuits with all downstream processing units with an availability of
92%
Table 7 provides a LOM production summary for IBW.
Table 7. Production Summary for IBW
| Year | Total Ore Mined (kt) | Total Ore Feed to Flotation (kt) | Grades Processed | Contained Metal Processed | ||||||||||
| Zn (%) | Pb (%) | Cu (%) | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | S (%) | Zn (kt) | Pb (kt) | Cu (kt) | Ag (kg) | Au (kg) | S (kt) | |||
| -1 | 155 | - | 1.22 | 0.88 | 0.71 | 55.45 | 1.07 | 31.91 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 8,617 | 166 | 50 |
| 1 | 641 | 797 | 1.97 | 1.26 | 0.56 | 63.10 | 1.27 | 34.66 | 12.7 | 8.1 | 3.6 | 40,479 | 812 | 222 |
| 2 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.83 | 1.39 | 0.50 | 65.06 | 1.19 | 35.05 | 34.0 | 16.7 | 6.0 | 78,073 | 1,432 | 421 |
| 3 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.99 | 1.22 | 0.46 | 59.95 | 1.22 | 37.10 | 35.9 | 14.6 | 5.5 | 71,938 | 1,467 | 445 |
| 4 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 3.34 | 1.34 | 0.53 | 59.89 | 1.46 | 37.26 | 40.1 | 16.1 | 6.4 | 71,862 | 1,751 | 447 |
| 5 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.33 | 1.12 | 0.45 | 53.11 | 1.48 | 36.72 | 27.9 | 13.5 | 5.3 | 63,726 | 1,779 | 441 |
| 6 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.68 | 1.22 | 0.33 | 54.34 | 1.83 | 38.28 | 32.2 | 14.6 | 4.0 | 65,202 | 2,192 | 459 |
| 7 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.90 | 1.27 | 0.33 | 58.39 | 1.51 | 35.88 | 34.8 | 15.2 | 4.0 | 70,058 | 1,812 | 431 |
| 8 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.39 | 1.07 | 0.39 | 69.80 | 1.17 | 33.88 | 28.7 | 12.9 | 4.7 | 83,751 | 1,402 | 407 |
| 9 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.90 | 0.97 | 0.40 | 61.75 | 0.98 | 33.84 | 22.7 | 11.7 | 4.8 | 74,091 | 1,172 | 406 |
| 10 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.82 | 0.90 | 0.42 | 53.44 | 0.94 | 33.94 | 21.8 | 10.8 | 5.0 | 64,122 | 1,124 | 407 |
| 11 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.71 | 0.86 | 0.40 | 49.06 | 0.85 | 31.80 | 20.5 | 10.3 | 4.8 | 58,861 | 1,020 | 382 |
| 12 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.96 | 1.09 | 0.41 | 58.46 | 1.04 | 32.12 | 23.5 | 13.1 | 4.9 | 70,147 | 1,249 | 385 |
| 13 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.70 | 0.97 | 0.40 | 45.29 | 0.79 | 31.16 | 20.4 | 11.6 | 4.8 | 54,345 | 945 | 374 |
| 14 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.53 | 0.89 | 0.45 | 42.23 | 0.71 | 30.24 | 18.4 | 10.7 | 5.4 | 50,678 | 854 | 363 |
| 15 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.77 | 1.01 | 0.53 | 43.82 | 0.76 | 30.20 | 21.2 | 12.1 | 6.4 | 52,573 | 912 | 362 |
| 16 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.55 | 1.25 | 0.46 | 44.75 | 0.68 | 30.98 | 30.6 | 15.1 | 5.6 | 53,699 | 818 | 372 |
| 17 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.86 | 1.35 | 0.47 | 49.85 | 0.74 | 32.97 | 34.3 | 16.2 | 5.6 | 59,826 | 889 | 396 |
| 18 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2.60 | 1.28 | 0.51 | 43.93 | 0.87 | 34.45 | 31.2 | 15.3 | 6.1 | 52,721 | 1,045 | 413 |
| 19 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.70 | 0.88 | 0.42 | 40.92 | 1.02 | 34.29 | 20.4 | 10.5 | 5.0 | 49,100 | 1,221 | 412 |
| 20 | 837 | 837 | 2.33 | 1.19 | 0.49 | 52.96 | 1.09 | 35.01 | 19.5 | 9.9 | 4.1 | 44,350 | 909 | 293 |
| 21 | 215 | 215 | 2.78 | 1.61 | 0.89 | 43.41 | 0.56 | 23.65 | 6.0 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 9,333 | 120 | 51 |
| Total LOM | 23,448 | 23,448 | 2.30 | 1.13 | 0.45 | 53 | 1.07 | 33.85 | 538.7 | 263.9 | 104.9 | 1,247,552 | 25,092 | 7,938 |
Source: SLR
Product Marketing
IBW is expected to produce four streams of revenue through the sale of copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals-bearing pyrite concentrates. The zinc concentrate from IBW is projected to contain approximately
Pyrite concentrate is primarily marketed as a source of sulphur and is predominantly used in the manufacturing of sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid is one of the world's highest volume industrial chemicals and is a critical reagent in fertiliser production, metal processing, chemical manufacturing, and battery material supply chains. Consequently, demand for pyrite concentrate is closely linked to global sulphuric acid consumption. Unlike conventional base metal concentrates, the pyrite concentrate value is derived from sulphur content as well as gold and silver precious metals content.
The IBW pyrite concentrate contains notable concentrations of both gold and silver in addition to a high sulphur content (>
Zinc concentrates are noted to be of normal-to-high-quality commercial zinc grade, with recoverable precious metals enhancing its attractiveness to smelters. Lead concentrate is considered commercially attractive due to its precious metal content, and market studies concluded that the concentrate should be acceptable to the market under normal commercial arrangements. For copper concentrates it was concluded that the concentrate's profitability and market attractiveness are largely driven by its precious metal content, and that the concentrate should be commercially saleable, subject to appropriate offtake agreements. Penalty elements such as mercury and antimony have been noted as present in several of the base metal concentrates with appropriate deductions incorporated into the pricing.
Table 8 indicates the Base Case metal prices adopted in the PFS. Table 9 provides indicative assumptions for payabilities, treatment and refining charges and transportation costs as reported in the PFS.
Table 8. Long-Term (Base Case) Metal Price Assumptions and September 2026 Pricing
| Long-Term Metal Prices | Units | Consensus (Base Case) | September 2026 Average Spot |
| Pyrite Concentrate | US$/t concentrate | 274 | 274* |
| Copper Price | US$/t | 11,470 | 14,483 |
| Lead Price | US$/t | 2,050 | 1,871 |
| Zinc Price | US$/t | 2,980 | 4,020 |
| Gold Price | US$/oz | 3,750 | 4,322 |
| Silver Price | US$/oz | 52 | 65 |
*Pyrite concentrate specific to IBW's specification. Pyrite concentrate is not traded on a metal exchange. Real-term price based on Claight Market Research report long-term average.
Source: SLR
Table 9. Base Case Commercial Assumptions Adopted in IBW PFS
| Commercial Assumption | Zinc Concentrate | Lead Concentrate | Copper Concentrate | Pyrite Concentrate |
| Long-Term Price Assumption | Zinc Price US | Lead Price US | Copper Price US | Pyrite Concentrate Price US |
| Payable Metal, Deduction, and Payability: Zn / Pb / Cu | Lesser of (Pb less 3 units) or | Lesser of (Cu less 1 unit) or | Not applicable; priced per tonne of concentrate | |
| Payable Metal, Deduction, and Payability: Ag | Deduct 25 g/t Ag and pay | |||
| Payable Metal, Deduction, and Payability: Au | Deduct 1 g/t Au and pay | |||
| Treatment Charge (US$/dmt) | 85.0 | 5.0 | 40.0 | Nil |
| Refining Charge | Nil | Au US | Cu US | Au US |
| Concentrate Transportation and Handling | Road to the Port of Huelva, approximately 80 km: transport €7.89/t of concentrate and port handling €7.97/t of concentrate. Using an assumed foreign exchange rate of 1.10 US$/€, these costs equate to US | |||
| Total Payable for Concentrates, LOM (US$ million) | 1,145 | 739 | 852 | 4,737 |
| Total NSR, LOM (US$ million) | 895 | 670 | 654 | 4,368 |
Source: SLR
Economic Analysis
The economic analysis of IBW was developed using an annual, unlevered cash flow model based on the mine production schedule, process design criteria, capital and operating cost estimates, and commercial assumptions developed for the PFS. The financial model is based on the LOM production schedule comprising ore feed from the La Romanera, El Cura, and La Infanta deposits. La Romanera is the principal source of plant feed, with production from El Cura and La Infanta supplementing the feed over the LOM. Stockpiled ore is reclaimed where required to balance mine production and maintain the scheduled plant throughput. The production schedule is shown in Figure 6.
Source: Emerita Resources
Figure 6. IBW Life-of-Mine Ore Feed Production by Deposit and Sulphur Grade
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The financial model forecasts production of four saleable concentrates: copper, lead, zinc, and pyrite concentrates. The Base Case metal price assumptions for copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver are based on consensus forecast pricing published by leading financial institutions providing regular commodity price forecasts. Pyrite concentrate pricing is based on the project-specific market study produced by Claight Market Research. IBW is expected to produce a precious metals-bearing pyrite concentrate containing more than
IBW benefits from multiple revenue streams from the production of zinc, lead, copper, and pyrite concentrates, including payable gold and silver contained within the base-metal concentrates. On a LOM basis, pyrite concentrate represents
Source: SLR
Figure 7. IBW NSR Contribution by Concentrate Type and Schematic Pricing Buildup
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At the Base Case commodity price assumptions, IBW generates an after-tax NPV of approximately US
Economic Base Case results are provided in Table 1.
Sensitivity Analysis
Cash flow sensitivities were run on the following key drivers on IBW: commodity prices, on-site and off-site operating costs, and initial capital costs. IBW sensitivities were evaluated by varying selected parameters from -
Table 10. After-Tax Sensitivity Analysis Effect on NPV for IBW (US$ million)
| Sensitivity Analysis - NPV @ | |||
| Change in Parameter | - | + | |
| On-site operating costs | 829 | 776 | 724 |
| Off-site operating costs | 799 | 776 | 753 |
| Initial Capital Cost | 813 | 776 | 740 |
| Pyrite Concentrate Price | 681 | 776 | 872 |
| Copper Price | 763 | 776 | 790 |
| Lead Price | 770 | 776 | 783 |
| Zinc Price | 748 | 776 | 805 |
| Gold Price | 750 | 776 | 803 |
| Silver Price | 747 | 776 | 806 |
Source: SLR
Table 11. After-Tax Sensitivity Analysis Effect on IRR of IBW
| Sensitivity Analysis - IBW IRR | |||
| Change in Parameter | - | + | |
| On-site operating costs | |||
| Off-site operating costs | |||
| Initial Capital Cost | |||
| Pyrite Concentrate Price | |||
| Copper Price | |||
| Lead Price | |||
| Zinc Price | |||
| Gold Price | |||
| Silver Price | |||
Source: SLR
Considerations and Opportunities
The current Pre-Feasibility Study identifies key opportunities that would enhance and de-risk IBW:
- The PFS mine plan and economic analysis exclude Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them, and there is no certainty that any Inferred Mineral Resources will be upgraded to Mineral Reserves or included in any future mine plan. Emerita may evaluate additional drilling to assess whether portions of the Inferred Mineral Resources can be upgraded in future studies, but no production schedule, mine-life extension, capital-cost reclassification or NPV impact should be inferred from these Inferred Mineral Resources.
- As reported in Emerita's public disclosure, all of the deposits at IBW remain open to expansion. Emerita reported drilling results at its El Cura deposit until the Company's announced cessation of drilling on June 2, 2026 (see press release dated July 9, 2026, for last reported results). All of the IBW deposits start at or near surface and remain open at depth. There is no certainty that additional drilling will result in additional Mineral Resources.
- A better geotechnical and hydrogeological understanding of IBW can provide more confidence in the lateral development rates for the twin decline designed in the PFS. The PFS adopts conservative development rates due to the lack of informative data in these disciplines. The acquisition of this data, already in progress, will help inform whether the IBW's development rates would align with other benchmarks measured at other projects in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, which are as much as
20% greater than those considered in the PFS and which could lead to a shorter preproduction timeline. - High-pressure-grinding-roll-based comminution may lower power consumption and emissions and reduce operating costs for IBW; however, this has not been assessed in the PFS and further study is required.
- Emerita has initiated the environmental permitting process for IBW, including the application for the Unified Environmental Authorization (AAU, its Spanish acronym). The timing and outcome of permitting remain subject to regulatory review, environmental assessment, public consultation, satisfaction of conditions, financing, engineering and other risks, and there can be no assurance that permits will be obtained on the expected timeline or at all.
IBW has been granted strategic project status by the Regional Government of Andalusia. As such, IBW benefits from the valuable support of the Government's Project Acceleration Unit (UAP), which helps coordinate and streamline the permitting process for investment projects considered important to the economic and social development of the region.
In parallel, Emerita has established the "Fundación Emerita Compromiso Sostenible" to support the social, economic and sustainable development of local communities, particularly in the Andévalo region of Huelva, where IBW is located. Through the Foundation, the company aims to strengthen its ties with local communities and contribute to their long-term well-being and prosperity.
At the effective date of this press release, no concentrate offtake agreements, agency agreements, hedging arrangements or forward sales contracts have been executed for the IBW project. The treatment charges, refining charges, payabilities, penalties and concentrate transportation costs adopted in the PFS are based on benchmark market terms and independent market studies commissioned by the Company. Definitive concentrate sale agreements are expected to occur under industry-standard concentrate purchase agreements negotiated at the time of production.
Technical Report
Further information about the PFS and the Mineral Reserve Statement referenced in this news release will be provided in a technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which will be filed on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca within 45 days of this news release. Known risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves include permitting and environmental approval risks, metallurgical and concentrate-marketing risks, pyrite concentrate pricing and offtake risks, concentrate penalties, geotechnical and hydrogeological risks, capital and operating cost escalation, commodity-price and exchange-rate variability, infrastructure and water-management requirements, and community and regulatory approvals.
Qualified Persons
The Pre-Feasibility Study was prepared by SLR Consulting ("SLR") in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards, under the supervision of Frank Browning, MSc, FGS, CGeol , James W.G. Turner, MCSM, MIMMM, CEng, Christopher Penna, CEng, Liam Johnson, RPEQ, MAusIMM CP (Geotech), Christopher Paul Stinton, CEng IMMM , Arturo Gutierrez del Olmo, PhD. (Mining), Eur Ing, MIMMM , Alison Brianna Allen, BSc, MSc, CEnv, FIMMM, MISEP, Veronika Luneva, MAussIMM, MSc, IMC (CFA UK Level 4) each of whom is a Qualified Person independent of Emerita for the purposes of NI 43-101.
Scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Danniel Oosterman, PGeo, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and Project Director of Emerita Resources Corp., and is therefore not independent of Emerita. Mr. Oosterman has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information. The verification procedures included procedures creating the drill-hole database, sampling and QA/QC data, review of those data prior to delivery to the independent consultant, and review of the relevant sections of the PFS. There were no material limitations on the verification process.
About Emerita Resources Corp.
Emerita is a natural resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Europe, with a primary focus on exploring in Spain. The Company's corporate office and technical team are based in Sevilla, Spain, with an administrative office in Toronto, Canada.
For further information, contact:
Joaquin Merino-Marquez, CEO, President and Director
jmerino@emeritaresources.com
Joseph Belan, Executive Chairman
jbelan@emeritaresources.com
Ian Fodie, Chief Financial Officer
ifodie@emeritaresources.com
NEITHER 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.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes statements and information regarding the PFS, projected NPV, IRR, payback, mine life, production rates, throughput, recoveries, capital and operating costs, commodity and concentrate price assumptions, permitting timelines, development timelines, optimization opportunities, potential future resource conversion, potential concentrate marketing, and Emerita's plans for the IBW project. Such information is based on material assumptions, including the metal, sulphur and concentrate prices and exchange rates used in the PFS, the accuracy of the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, metallurgical recoveries, capital and operating cost estimates, the discount rate applied, the receipt of permits on the expected timeline and the availability of financing. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Emerita, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; commodity price and exchange rate volatility; permitting and environmental approval risks; metallurgical, concentrate marketing, offtake and penalty risks; capital and operating cost escalation; financing, construction and execution risks; the actual results of current exploration activities; risks associated with operation in foreign jurisdictions; foreign operations risks; and other risks inherent in the mining industry. Although Emerita has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Emerita does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What economics does Emerita's Iberian Belt West pre-feasibility study estimate?
The base case estimates US$776 million after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate and a 23.51% after-tax internal rate of return, both in real terms. Initial capital is US$567 million including contingency, and estimated after-tax payback is 1.9 years from production commencement.
How is Emerita's Iberian Belt West pyrite concentrate priced?
Pyrite concentrate prices are negotiated under offtake or sales contracts, typically reflecting payable gold and silver together with sulphur content. The study's long-term pricing assumptions draw on market analysis and the concentrate's metallurgical specifications. Sulphur has uses in sulphuric acid production, copper smelting and fertilizers.
Does Emerita's Iberian Belt West mine plan include inferred resources?
Inferred resources are excluded from the pre-feasibility mine plan and economic analysis and were treated as waste in the reserve estimate. Emerita may evaluate further drilling to assess potential upgrades, but no production schedule, mine-life extension or valuation impact should be inferred from those resources.
What metal prices underpin Emerita's Iberian Belt West base-case economics?
The base case assumes US$3,750 per ounce gold, US$52 per ounce silver, US$11,470 per tonne copper, US$2,980 per tonne zinc and US$2,050 per tonne lead. The separate higher-price scenario uses September 2026 average spot prices for those metals while holding pyrite concentrate pricing at the base-case assumption.






