ROBALINO Architects Landmark 40,000-Hectare Expansion for Solaris Resources
Introduction In a transaction that redefines the scale of copper exploration in the Andean region, ROBALINO successfully guided Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS; NYSE: SLSR) through a strategic agreement with Ecuador’s state mining company, ENAMI EP. This deal grants Solaris an exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the "Solaris 2" concessions, adding approximately 40,000 hectares to the world-class Warintza district.
The Legal Challenge: Navigating Public-Private Synergy The transaction required a sophisticated blend of administrative, mining, and corporate law. Because the counterparty is a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), the legal framework demanded rigorous adherence to public procurement principles and sovereign mineral rights management.
The team, led by Partner Andrés Donoso and Senior Associate Cristina Coello, provided the following critical services:
- Negotiation of the Option Agreement: Structuring a multi-phase investment of US$25 million tied to specific exploration milestones and success bonuses.
- Regulatory Due Diligence: Ensuring the 40,000 hectares were clear of prior mining titles and fully compliant with the National System of Protected Areas to guarantee long-term tenure security.
- Strategic Risk Mitigation: Drafting protections for international capital while aligning with the social and environmental mandates of the Ecuadorian State.
Market Significance This expansion consolidates the Warintza Project as one of the most significant copper porphyry systems globally. By securing these adjoined concessions, Solaris Resources can now implement a district-wide development strategy, optimizing infrastructure and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact.