Aura Minerals' Strategic Advancement in the Era Dorada Gold Project: A Blueprint for ESG-Driven Growth

The global mining sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, with investors increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria as core components of long-term value creation. In this evolving landscape, Aura Minerals' Era Dorada Gold Project in Guatemala stands out as a model of responsible mining and strategic infrastructure development. By aligning its operations with rigorous ESG frameworks, securing critical permits, and leveraging regional logistics, Aura is positioning Era Dorada not just as a gold project but as a transformative asset with scalable returns and enduring sustainability.

A Responsible Mining Framework Rooted in the Aura 360° Initiative

Aura Minerals' commitment to responsible mining is encapsulated in its Aura 360° Mining initiative, a holistic approach that integrates four pillars: Employees, Environment, Social, and Governance. This framework ensures transparency, inclusion, and distributed positive impacts across all stakeholders. The company's adherence to the Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMPs) and the Conflict-Free Gold Standard (CFGS) of the World Gold Council underscores its alignment with global best practices.

A critical differentiator for Era Dorada is its exclusive focus on underground mining, which minimizes surface disturbance and preserves ecosystems. This approach aligns with Aura's environmental pillar, which emphasizes water sustainability and reduced carbon footprints. Furthermore, the company has invested over 853 hours in dialogue roundtables with local communities, ensuring that social license to operate is not just a checkbox but a sustained partnership. Such engagement mitigates risks of operational delays and reputational harm, which are increasingly material in ESG-focused portfolios.

Infrastructure Readiness and Regional Logistics: Enablers of Scalability

Aura's infrastructure readiness for Era Dorada is a testament to its strategic foresight. The project, located in southeast Guatemala near the Pan-American Highway (CA1), benefits from year-round accessibility and proximity to the town of Asunción Mita. Early works, including environmental programs, mine dewatering, and internal road access, have already commenced following the receipt of the construction license in early 2026. These activities reflect a disciplined approach to project execution, reducing time-to-production risks.

Energy infrastructure further strengthens the project's viability. The site is connected to the La Baranca power substation, providing access to a 20 MW power supply. This reliability is critical for maintaining operational continuity, especially in a sector where energy costs can significantly impact margins. Additionally, Aura's emphasis on renewable energy integration and water conservation practices aligns with broader ESG trends, such as decarbonization and resource efficiency.

Financial Viability and ESG-Linked Returns

The feasibility study for Era Dorada reveals compelling financial metrics. The project is projected to produce 1.75 million gold-equivalent ounces (GEO) over a 16.8-year mine life, with an average of 111,000 GEO annually in the first four years according to the feasibility study. Initial capital expenditure is estimated at $382 million, with a payback period of 2.82 years and an after-tax net present value (NPV) of $1.34 billion under a gold price of $3,177 per ounce as reported. These figures highlight the project's economic robustness, supported by Aura's ability to maintain first-quartile all-in sustaining costs of $1,178 per ounce according to financial analysis.

Importantly, Aura's ESG practices are not merely compliance-driven but are embedded in its value proposition. For instance, the inclusion of local labor training programs in the project budget ensures that community development is a shared value creation mechanism. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also fosters long-term social stability, a critical factor in regions with a history of mining-related conflicts.

ESG Alignment as a Catalyst for Long-Term Value

Aura's strategic alignment with ESG criteria positions Era Dorada as a transformative asset in the gold sector. The company's emphasis on zero high-consequence accidents and supplier development programs reflects a governance framework that prioritizes safety and ethical supply chains. Moreover, the project's proximity to the closed Marlin Mine-a site with a controversial legacy- demonstrates Aura's ability to rehabilitate reputational risks through responsible practices.

In a market where gold prices surged past $4,000 per ounce in 2025, Aura's focus on reinvesting profits into cleaner production methods ensures that profitability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. This dual focus is particularly relevant as investors increasingly demand proof that ESG commitments translate into tangible outcomes, such as reduced emissions and enhanced community well-being.

Conclusion: A Model for the Future of Mining

Aura Minerals' Era Dorada Gold Project exemplifies how responsible mining and infrastructure readiness can catalyze long-term value creation. By embedding ESG principles into its operational DNA, securing strategic permits, and leveraging regional logistics, Aura is not only mitigating risks but also enhancing returns. For investors, Era Dorada represents a rare opportunity to align capital with a project that balances profitability with planetary and social stewardship-a combination that will define the next era of mining.