Celsius Resources Secures Long-Term Mining Tenure for MCB Copper-Gold Project in the Philippines

Highlights:

• Celsius Resources has obtained a multi-decade Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) for its MCB copper-gold project through its Philippine subsidiary.

• The project contains significant copper and gold resources and aligns with environmental sustainability goals by not requiring a tailings dam.

• Initial financing has been arranged through the Maharlika Investment Corporation, positioning the project for near-term development.

Celsius Resources Ltd (ASX:CLA, AIM:CLA), through its subsidiary Makilala Mining Company Inc (MMCI), has secured an extended-term Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) for its flagship Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project. Located in northern Luzon, the project adds to the Philippines' evolving mining sector with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local engagement.

The MPSA grants MMCI the legal authority to conduct exploration and commercial-scale mining operations. Issued by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this agreement includes provisions for renewal and recognizes MMCI's financial and technical capacity to execute the project as planned.

Robust Resource Base and Operational Framework

The MCB project is supported by a substantial JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate. The resource includes copper and gold with delineated tonnage across Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. The ore body presents a high-grade copper concentration and a strong gold presence, particularly during the first operational decade, enabling cost-efficient mining operations.

A technical study indicates a long mine life and sound economic fundamentals, including favorable payback timing and projected profitability. The project is classified as shovel-ready and holds all necessary permits, facilitating the immediate commencement of development activities.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Commitments

A key design feature of the MCB project is the exclusion of a tailings dam, in alignment with global sustainable mining standards. This approach reduces environmental impact while addressing long-standing concerns about mine waste management.

The project maintains strong backing from regional stakeholders, including governmental agencies and host communities. Continuous engagement with local populations has been integral to the project’s planning phase, with commitments to deliver long-term benefits to surrounding areas in Balatoc, the Municipality of Pasil, and the Province of Kalinga.

Financial Strength and Institutional Backing

Celsius Resources has established a solid financial foundation for the project. A term sheet was finalized with Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund, outlining a structured loan agreement. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) formally reviewed and endorsed this arrangement, highlighting its ability to enhance MMCI’s financial credibility.

The agreement covers structured loan mechanisms that support the full funding pathway. The participation of MIC significantly enhances financial assurance, making the project more viable under existing economic conditions. As a result, Celsius has secured a firm financial path forward as it proceeds with construction and mine development.

Project Location and Resource History

The MCB project lies approximately several hundred kilometers north of Manila, within the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is the principal asset in the broader Makilala portfolio, which also includes additional tenements currently undergoing permit renewal.

An initial Mineral Resource Estimate was published in early periods and later updated, showing incremental growth in both copper and gold content. Resource classifications include Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories, affirming the project’s substantial scale and long-term extraction viability.

Path Forward

Following the DENR’s acceptance of the term sheet and compliance with all MPSA conditions, MMCI is set to finalize the Omnibus Loan and Security Agreements with MIC. Engineering work is expected to begin imminently. Celsius plans to update its Three-Year Development and Utilisation Work Program in line with regulatory frameworks.

This development positions Celsius Resources within the realm of Mining Stocks, ASX 200, as it advances one of the largest copper-gold assets in the Philippine archipelago under a sustainability-focused model.