Aura Announces Credit Rating Upgrade on Global Scale to ‘BB-’ From ‘B+’ and on Brazilian National Scale to ‘brAA+’ From ‘brAA’, Both With Outlook Revised to Stable

Rhea-AI Summary

Aura Minerals (Nasdaq: AUGO) announced S&P Global Ratings upgraded its issuer credit rating to BB- from B+, and its Brazilian national scale rating to brAA+ from brAA, with outlooks revised to stable. Aura Almas debentures were also upgraded to brAA+.

S&P cited record-high gold prices, rising production and expected low adjusted gross debt/EBITDA as drivers. Management reiterated 2026 guidance of 340k–390k GEO and a longer-term target to exceed 600k GEO, and highlighted continued project development, capacity expansions, and a solid liquidity position.

Positive

• Issuer rating upgraded to BB- from B+
• Brazil national rating raised to brAA+ from brAA
• Debentures upgraded for Aura Almas to brAA+
• 2026 production guidance of 340k–390k GEO

Negative

• Outlook revised on national scale from positive to stable
• Reliance on gold prices cited as key support for ratings

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Aura Minerals Inc. (Nasdaq: AUGO) (B3: AURA33) (“Aura” or the “Company”) announced today that its issuer credit rating was upgraded by S&P Global Ratings from ‘B+’ to ‘BB-’, with stable outlook and, on national scale, S&P upgraded Aura’s Brazilian National Scale rating from ‘brAA’ to ‘brAA+’ and revised the outlook from positive to stable. The rating on the debentures issued by Aura Almas Mineração S.A. (“Aura Almas”) were also raised from ‘brAA’ to ‘brAA+’.

The upgrade reflects expectations that record-high gold prices, combined with the Company’s consistently increasing production volumes, will contribute to maintaining robust EBITDA and cash flow, supporting Aura’s ongoing growth strategy. According to S&P, the stable outlook is based on expectations of continued production growth over the next two years, driven by project development and capacity expansions at existing operations, alongside a gradual improvement in cash costs. The agency also anticipates that adjusted gross debt to EBITDA will remain in low levels, supported by favorable gold prices and higher output, even amid increased capital investments and dividend distributions. In addition, the outlook incorporates the expectation that the Company will preserve a solid liquidity position.

Rodrigo Barbosa, President and CEO of Aura, comments, “These rating upgrades on global and national scales reflect our consistent growth strategy and strong operating platform. In recent years, we've boosted production and advanced new projects, enabling sustainable growth while maintaining dividends and a solid balance sheet. With rising gold prices and contributions from Borborema and MSG, we project 340k-390k GEO in 2026 and aim to exceed 600k GEO in the years ahead. The stable outlook boosts our confidence in balancing scale, profitability, and smart capital use, while advancing projects responsibly, generating cash flow, and delivering long-term value for shareholders and communities”

The full report is available on www.spglobal.com/ratings and Aura’s IR website.

About Aura 360° Mining

Aura is focused on mining in complete terms – thinking holistically about how its business impacts and benefits every one of our stakeholders: our company, our shareholders, our employees, and the countries and communities we serve. We call this 360° Mining.

Aura is a company focused on the development and operation of gold and base metal projects in the Americas. The Company's six operating assets include Minosa gold mine in Honduras; Almas, Apoena, Borborema and MSG gold mines in Brazil; and Aranzazu, a copper, gold, and silver mine in Mexico. Additionally, the Company owns Era Dorada, a gold project in Guatemala; Tolda Fria, a gold project in Colombia; and three projects in Brazil: Matupá, which is under development; São Francisco, which is in care and maintenance; and the Carajás copper project in the Carajás region, in the exploration phase.

For further information, please visit Aura’s website at www.auraminerals.com or contact:

Investor Relations
ri@auraminerals.com

FAQ

What credit rating change did Aura (AUGO) announce on March 4, 2026?

Aura announced its issuer rating was upgraded to BB- and its Brazilian national rating to brAA+. According to Aura, S&P also raised Aura Almas debentures to brAA+ and set stable outlooks.

How does the S&P upgrade affect Aura (AUGO) debt perceptions?

The upgrade generally signals improved creditworthiness and lower perceived default risk. According to Aura, S&P expects low adjusted gross debt/EBITDA supported by higher output and favorable gold prices.

What production guidance did Aura (AUGO) provide for 2026?

Aura provided guidance of 340k–390k GEO for 2026. According to Aura, growth will be driven by project development and capacity expansions at existing operations.

Did S&P change Aura's outlook alongside the rating upgrade for AUGO?

Yes; S&P set the outlook to stable on both global and national scales. According to Aura, stable outlook reflects expectations of continued production growth and solid liquidity.

Were Aura Almas debentures affected by the March 4, 2026 announcement?

Yes; the debentures issued by Aura Almas were upgraded to brAA+. According to Aura, S&P raised those debenture ratings consistent with the company national-scale upgrade.