SolGold PLC Announces MOU for Sustainable Hydro-Solar Energy at Cascabel

Sustainable Hydro-Solar Energy at Cascabel Project

BISHOPSGATE, LONDON / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2024 / SolGold PLC (LSE:SOLG)(TSX:SOLG) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Grupo Empresarial Semaica (Semaica Business Group), a major construction company in Ecuador, and Enerhydra, an American company, whose partners have participated in large projects throughout Latin America, and have developed seven hydroelectric projects in Ecuador, and Constructora Nacional S.A., a prominent construction company with extensive experience in hydroelectric development in Ecuador. This collaboration aims to spearhead a significant hydro-solar initiative to power SolGold's flagship Cascabel Project ("Cascabel") in Northern Ecuador. The MOU delineates the shared objectives and responsibilities of each party towards the development of a sustainable Power Project ("Project") that will deliver approximately 200 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the Cascabel site.

The MOU encompasses key considerations such as a potential Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), financing arrangements, construction responsibilities, technical aspects, project operation, and the ultimate end-user of generated energy. This agreement sets the stage for further technical assessments, facilitating progress toward a more definitive agreement while concurrently advancing Cascabel. SolGold will not be directly responsible for financing, building, or operating the power project; instead, its role will focus on leveraging its position as an end-user to qualify for discounted power rates upon Project completion. Additionally, SolGold is committed to supporting its partners in fundraising efforts. Importantly, all terms of the agreement align with the shared commitment of both parties to environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development.

Scott Caldwell, CEO and President of SolGold Ecuador expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Cascabel is already a remarkable project, but the prospect of harnessing clean hydroelectric and solar energy elevates its potential even further. When we speak of world-class mines, it is about more than tonnes of ore; it is about the impact and legacy of the project locally and globally. This endeavour could position Cascabel as one of the world's largest copper-gold mines aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint. By embracing green energy to extract copper, we are actively contributing to the green revolution and leading the way for others to do the same. I am delighted to formalize this MOU with Semaica Business Group, Enerhydra, and Constructora Nacional, esteemed innovators and leaders in their fields."