Aguia Targets March Start at Três Estradas as Key Approvals Near

Highlights

• Três Estradas site works and logistics planning are progressing toward a start

• Environmental monitoring and licensing steps remain central to the pathway

• Project sequencing focuses on stock build and production launch readiness

Aguia outlined progress at Três Estradas with site works and environmental monitoring advancing toward a planned mining start. Upcoming regulatory steps and licence timing remain central as the project moves toward commissioning and product availability.

Project timelines in fertiliser minerals are closely watched because they depend on a tight sequence of site works, logistics readiness and environmental approvals. Aguia Resources (ASX:AGR), a resources company advancing the Três Estradas phosphate project in Brazil, has outlined a pathway that targets the start of mining in March next year, followed by processing and initial product availability later in the development schedule. The update highlights progress across civil works, environmental monitoring and licensing steps that are designed to keep the project moving in an orderly, compliant way.

What is Três Estradas and what is being developed?

Três Estradas is a phosphate project in Brazil. Phosphate is an essential input into fertiliser value chains, which means project development is often judged on how reliably it can bring consistent product volumes to domestic and regional agricultural markets.

Aguia’s stated goal is to move from site preparation into mining operations, then establish initial stock to support the ramp-up of its production facility.

What timeline has the company outlined?

Aguia’s update points to a staged plan:

• commence mining operations around March next year, subject to the required approvals and sequencing,

• progress to processing at the DB plant after mining begins,

• build initial stock to support production facility commissioning,

• move toward first product availability around mid-2026.

The key practical feature here is sequencing: mine readiness, approvals and stock build are being positioned as the bridge between site works and sustained production.

What site works are progressing?

The update points to multiple on-ground activities that typically sit on the critical path for a new operation.

What has been completed?

Key site preparation elements referenced include:

• drainage systems for a sump area being finalised, and

• municipal road access upgrades over a defined route being completed.

Road access upgrades are often important because they can influence safety, reliability of hauling and overall logistics efficiency once site activity increases.

What is still being refined?

A change to the drainage design at a waste pile area was identified as a way to improve site layout and reduce impact on surrounding areas. This kind of refinement matters because it can:

• reduce clearing needs,

• preserve environmental features such as drainage channels,

• support smoother approval outcomes if aligned with licence conditions.

How do environmental approvals fit into the schedule?

For projects like this, the operating licence is a major gating step. Aguia’s pathway places environmental monitoring and reporting at the centre of progressing to that approval stage.

What is being monitored?

Environmental monitoring services mentioned include:

• air quality data collection,

• surface and groundwater assessments,

• oversight of vegetation suppression,

• monitoring and health evaluation of local fauna.

This monitoring is designed to meet environmental licence requirements and support the reporting needed for the next approval stage.

What is the key regulatory milestone?

The sequence described in the update indicates that:

• initial monitoring data is being compiled for reporting,

• reporting submission is scheduled for early 2026,

• a regulator review window follows,

• the operating licence is anticipated around March 2026.

This matters because it frames when mining operations can move from preparation into sustained activity under the operating framework.

Why are logistics and contractors emphasised?

A mine is only as functional as its implementation plan and the systems that support it. The update notes progress on the mine implementation plan and related logistics readiness, which can reduce execution risk by clarifying:

• site layout and traffic flows,

• drainage strategy and waste management planning,

• the sequencing of pit and pile works,

• access routes and civil works coordination.

This kind of detail can be important for keeping timelines stable once activity intensifies.

What is the significance of offtake interest?

Offtake interest, including indications of demand held under preliminary agreements, can be relevant because it supports the case that:

• local demand exists for the output, and

• ramp-up planning can align with customer requirements.

While preliminary arrangements are not the same as final contracts, they are often treated as an early indicator of market engagement.

What should readers watch next?

For a project moving through preparation into operational readiness, the next useful watchpoints are often:

• outcomes of regulatory site inspections and approval steps,

• completion and acceptance of environmental reporting,

• confirmation that civil works and site layout changes remain on schedule,

• readiness of processing and commissioning plans,

• progress on customer engagement and logistics execution