Star Metro - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Approves Early Works Development Plan for the Great Atlantic Salt Project

Nolan Peterson, CEO of Atlas Salt, stated: "The approval of the Early Works Development Plan marks a pivotal step for the Great Atlantic Salt Project, officially transitioning it to shovel ready. This milestone is a further reflection of our ability to effectively collaborate with local stakeholders to move our objectives forward. With a clearly permitted route, we are positioned for expedited procurement and mobilization. Our structured approach minimizes execution risk, accelerates economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador, and strategically prepares Atlas Salt for the construction phase."

Approval of the Early Works Development Plan authorizes Atlas Salt to proceed with site preparation and surface infrastructure activities. This will enable the Project to advance toward full mine construction, further reduce associated risks, and keep the Project on schedule.

Early Works Scope

The approved Early Works Development Plan includes:

• Site preparation and earthworks - clearing, grubbing and grading across the 47 ha Project site.

• Access infrastructure - construction of a 1.3 km primary access road from Steel Mountain Road and a 300 m secondary road along the planned conveyor corridor.

• Surface support areas - two lay-down yards, temporary offices, lunchroom and wash trailers to service construction.

• Water management and environmental controls - catchment ditches, a temporary settling basin, diversion berms, erosion-sediment measures and a comprehensive Environmental Protection Plan.

• Foundations and terraces for life-of-mine stockpile pads and equipment staging.

• Workforce and economic benefits - an estimated 150 full-time-equivalent positions over the 16-month early-works program, prioritizing Newfoundland and Labrador residents, once the program begins.

Next Pre-Construction Steps

• Complete the Updated Feasibility Study ("UFS") and release its results in Q3 2025, updating the technical basis for project financing.

• Finalize project financing subsequent to UFS completion, unlocking procurement of subcontractors, long-lead materials and mobile equipment.

• Begin procurement upon project financing close, with contractor mobilization to commence within three months for clearing, grubbing and initial earthworks.

• Expand the Development, Rehabilitation and Closure Plan to cover post-early-works construction of the boxcut, declines, and supporting underground infrastructure.

For further information and ongoing updates, please visit https://atlassalt.com.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Andrew Smith, P.Eng., ICD.D, Project Director and General Manager, who is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of NI 43-101.

About Atlas Salt Inc.

Atlas Salt is developing Canada's next salt mine and is committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, the company is poised to make significant contributions to the North American salt market while upholding its values of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

For information, please contact:

Jeff Kilborn, CFO & VP Corporate Development
[email protected]
(709) 275-2099

We seek safe harbor.

Cautionary Statement

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: obtaining financing, completion, delivery and timing of project components and requirements, and analysis and assumptions related thereto. Actual future results may differ materially. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of required permits, supply arrangements and financing. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Atlas Salt Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

D.Cameron--SMC