Mr. Michael Smith reports
ELEMENT79 GOLD ANNOUNCES BINDING MOU FOR SALE OF LUCERO PROJECT
Element79 Gold Corp. has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) dated June 10, 2026, for the sale of 100 per cent of the shares of Minas Lucero del Sur SAC (MLDS), including all associated mining concessions, mineral rights, permits and related assets comprising the Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru.
Under the terms of the MOU, the purchasers, a private arm's-length purchaser who has closely followed the Lucero project and its development history, and will acquire MLDS for aggregate consideration of $2-million (U.S.), with closing scheduled on or before July 31, 2026.
As a condition of the company's obligation to proceed with the transaction, the purchasers will immediately pay a non-refundable deposit of $300,000 (U.S.), which amount shall be credited against and form part of the purchase price payable at closing. The deposit is strictly non-refundable to the purchasers in all circumstances. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
The company states that the transaction follows an extensive strategic review by the board of directors regarding the long-term financial and operational exposure associated with maintaining the Lucero project under continuing force majeure conditions declared in June, 2025. The board determined that divestiture of the asset represents the most prudent course of action to reduce current and future contractual liabilities, concession maintenance costs, community relations expenditures, and contingent obligations associated with the project.
As previously disclosed, Element79 Gold had declared force majeure over the Lucero project due to prolonged social and community-related impasses impacting the company's ability to reasonably advance operations and contractual milestones. The board believes that a private ownership structure, with a focused investor group dedicated solely to Peru-based negotiations and community engagement, will be better positioned to continue advancing discussions with the Comunidad Campesina de Chachas and other regional stakeholders.
James C. Tworek, director of Element79 Gold, commented: "This decision was not made lightly. Lucero had once been the cornerstone asset of Element79 Gold for several years, and we remain highly confident in the geological merit and long-term value of the project. However, after extensive debate and review, the board determined that carrying the project forward under ongoing force majeure conditions would expose the company and shareholders to increasing financial and contractual risk without a predictable timeline toward resolution. We believe transitioning Lucero into the hands of a private group capable of dedicating substantial localized resources toward community and social negotiations represents the best path forward for all stakeholders. The company
announced its pivot towards advancing its Battle Mountain, Nevada projects -- Gold Mountain and Elephant -- last June, and this asset sale helps increase focus on developing out those assets."
Pursuant to the transaction terms, approximately $1.1-million (U.S.) from the sale proceeds will be directed toward outstanding progress payments and contractual obligations owing to Condor Resources Ltd. relating to the original acquisition agreements for the Lucero project. In addition, approximately $280,000 (U.S.) plus related
fees
will be allocated toward maintaining the Lucero concessions and mineral rights in good standing prior to June 30, 2026.
After giving effect to these payments, the company expects to retain net proceeds of approximately $600,000 (U.S.).
Following closing, the buyers will assume all continuing rights, obligations, liabilities, community negotiations, permitting matters, formalization processes and future contractual responsibilities relating to the Lucero project, including future negotiations with Condor Resources Ltd. pursuant to the original acquisition agreements.
The MOU further provides that, should the purchasers complete a subsequent sale or monetization transaction involving the Lucero project within 18 months of closing, Element79 Gold will retain a contingent participation right equal to 25 per cent of gross profit realized above $10-million, subject to the terms outlined in the MOU.
About the Lucero project
The Lucero project is a past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mining asset located in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. The property consists of approximately 10,813 hectares and hosts a large number of historically identified epithermal veins, with only a limited number having seen historical commercial production. Historic operators reportedly produced gold grades averaging approximately 19 grams per tonne Au during prior operations; however, these figures are based on historical data that has not been independently verified by the company in accordance with NI 43-101 and should not be relied upon. The project includes extensive underground workings, existing mine infrastructure and a significant tailings reprocessing opportunity.
About Element79 Gold Corp.
Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on the exploration and development of high-grade gold and silver assets. The company continues to advance its Nevada-focused exploration portfolio, including the Gold Mountain and Elephant projects along the Battle Mountain trend, while also evaluating strategic opportunities to maximize shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and asset optimization initiatives.
We seek Safe Harbor.
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