Aura Minerals Strengthens its Social Impact with the Launch of a Vineyard at the Minosa Mine, Honduras

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX: ORA, B3: AURA33 and OTCQX: ORAAF) (“Aura” or the “Company”) proudly announces that the Foundation San Andres, the social foundation of Minosa, has launched an innovative venture called Seeds of Hope (the “Seeds of Hope” or “Venture”) aimed at fostering social and economic progress through the cultivation of grapes and wine production at the Minosa Mine (the “Mine” or “Minosa”) (San Andres Mine), in Honduras. The Venture is designed to provide economic diversification and new employment opportunities in the surrounding local communities, with the potential to revitalize the regional economy for at least the next 50 years. Located within a one-hectare section of the Mine, the Seeds of Hope, will encompass the cultivation of eight distinct grape varieties, and is part of Aura's ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainable development and responsible mining.

The Seeds of Hope has already yielded positive outcomes, providing employment to 30 individuals and is projected to create up to 250 direct jobs once the vineyard is fully operational, which it is expected to be fully compromised of residents in line with Minosa workforce of 90% residents. With an initial investment of approximately US$1 million planned for the first five years, the Venture consists of two key phases, starting with research and will transition to industrial-scale production.

Rodrigo Barbosa, CEO of Aura Minerals, commented, "We are proud to announce this important movement of the Foundation San Andres, dedicated to creating environments of prosperity in the communities where we operate, aiming to leave a lasting and positive legacy. This commitment extends to our approach to responsible mining and our latest venture in Honduras. Just like mining, developing a vineyard requires patience, investment, and research. This venture is not just an agricultural venture; it's a step towards transforming the Copán region into a renowned wine-producing area, bringing prosperity to its people. This focus on generating positive impacts for our communities highlights Aura's commitment and is a core aspect of our culture. The Aura 360 culture guides our actions and decisions, ensuring we think about our impact, considering all stakeholders, including our employees, the communities we are part of, the environment, and our Company. This integrated approach defines our way of working and being, reinforcing our journey towards significant change in the Aura Minosa region and Honduras as a whole."