07:08 AM EDT, 03/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- NGEx Minerals ( NGXXF ) on Monday said the Mining Authority of San Juan Province, Argentina, has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for the development of an exploration adit at the Lunahuasi copper-gold-silver project.

The approval represents a major milestone and enables underground evaluation and enhancement of the company's geological understanding of this deposit.

The company will now move forward with required preparatory work for the exploration adit, including detailed engineering, contractor selection, preparation of surface facilities, and other onsite readiness activities.

Additional sectoral permits will be progressed in coordination with provincial and national authorities.

NGEx expects to start underground development in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to timely receipt of the remaining permits.