Solidcore Resources plc (“Solidcore” or the “Company”) is undertaking an independent environmental and social impact assessment for the Ertis Hydrometallurgical Plant (“EHMP” or “Ertis POX”) construction in accordance with its own corporate ESG policies and high international standards.

SLR Consulting has been selected as the independent consultant for the preparation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the project. Biodiversity surveys are being supported by an international company – SGS.

Given the high significance of the Ertis POX project for Kazakhstan and the Pavlodar Region, a special focus during the ESIA will be placed on social aspects and engagement with local communities. The Ertis POX team, with the support of SLR, are conducting a comprehensive analysis of the project’s social impacts and the opportunities it will bring to the region. In H1 2025, SLR experts have already carried out preliminary studies, reviewed the available project documentation and stakeholder engagement program, as well as the plans for managing key ESG aspects. The ESIA report, taking into account the results of public consultations, will be prepared at the beginning of 2026. Conducting an independent, internationally recognized ESIA will also provide Solidcore with additional opportunities to attract financing for the project from leading international banks and development institutions.

“We highly value the unique experience of SLR and SGS teams and are confident that in collaboration with them we will be able to develop approaches and ESG-standards ensuring that the new facility meets good international industry practice,” said Michael Vasilev, Head of Non-Financial Reporting at Solidcore Resources.

“SLR is delighted to be supporting Solidcore on the provision of an ESIA on the regionally significant Ertis POX plant project in Kazakhstan. Given our extensive experience working on projects in the region and providing environmental and social expertise to the mining sector globally, SLR is incredibly well-positioned to support and advise on E&S best practice”, said Allie Ommer, Technical Director International E&S, SLR Consulting.

As part of the ESIA preparation, SGS is conducting baseline biodiversity studies in the project area. The Ertis POX project will sit within Pavlodar’s industrial zone where the habitat is of a modified nature as it has been subject to anthropogenic disturbance in the past. Nevertheless, Solidcore is committed to managing any potential project impacts on biodiversity and ensuring maximum environmental safety of the new operation. SGS experts have already completed two rounds of field surveys, with a third round of observations planned. This will ensure full coverage of the vegetation season, and all seasonal environmental features will be reflected in the final deliverables.

“We are pleased to be part of this project and would like to thank Solidcore and SLR for placing their trust in SGS. Conducting representative field studies on biodiversity status is one of the requirements set by international lenders. Such studies are also essential for implementing the international principles of nature-related financial disclosures (TNFD), which have now been adopted by the majority of the world’s largest mining and metallurgical companies. The importance of this work is further underscored by the planned adoption of Kazakhstan’s National Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for 2025–2035. We are confident that the results of these studies will serve as a reliable foundation for the ESIA process and for management decision-making in line with leading international standards”, said Ilia Korlyakov, Business Manager for the Ecology division in Kazakhstan and the Caspian subregion at SGS.