Themac Resources Group Announces New Mexico State Engineer’s Decision on Santa Teresa Water Transfer

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC) announced that the New Mexico State Engineer has denied their application to transfer 2,400 acre-feet of Santa Teresa water rights for use at the Copper Flat Mine. The application, filed in August 2019, sought to change the point of diversion to Copper Flat production wells and modify the place and purpose of use.
The company is exploring alternative water management solutions, including dry stack tailings technology, which could eliminate the need for Santa Teresa water rights. This more sustainable waste management approach is currently under advanced evaluation for both implementation and permitting requirements.

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC) ha comunicato che l’Ufficio dell’Ingegnere dello Stato del Nuovo Messico ha respinto la loro richiesta di trasferimento di 2.400 acre-foot di diritti idrici di Santa Teresa per l’utilizzo presso la miniera Copper Flat. La domanda, presentata nell’agosto 2019, mirava a spostare il punto di captazione verso i pozzi produttivi di Copper Flat e a modificare luogo e scopo d’uso.
L’azienda sta valutando soluzioni alternative per la gestione dell’acqua, tra cui la tecnologia delle scorie a secco (dry stack tailings), che potrebbe rendere superflui i diritti idrici di Santa Teresa. Questo approccio più sostenibile alla gestione dei residui è attualmente in fase avanzata di valutazione sia per l’implementazione sia per gli aspetti autorizzativi.

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC) anunció que el Ingeniero Estatal de Nuevo México denegó su solicitud para transferir 2.400 acre-pies de derechos de agua de Santa Teresa para su uso en la mina Copper Flat. La solicitud, presentada en agosto de 2019, buscaba cambiar el punto de captación a los pozos de producción de Copper Flat y modificar el lugar y el propósito de uso.
La compañía está explorando soluciones alternativas de gestión del agua, incluida la tecnología de relaves apilados en seco (dry stack tailings), que podría eliminar la necesidad de los derechos de agua de Santa Teresa. Este enfoque más sostenible para el manejo de residuos se encuentra actualmente en una fase avanzada de evaluación tanto para su implementación como para los requisitos de permisos.

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC)는 뉴멕시코 주 기술관이 Copper Flat 광산에서 사용하기 위한 Santa Teresa 물 권리 2,400 에이커피트의 이전 신청을 거부했다고 발표했습니다. 이 신청서는 2019년 8월 제출되었으며, 취수 지점을 Copper Flat 생산정으로 변경하고 사용 장소 및 용도를 수정하는 내용을 담고 있었습니다.
회사는 건식 스택 테일링(dry stack tailings) 기술을 포함한 대체 수자원 관리 방안을 검토하고 있으며, 이 기술은 Santa Teresa 물 권리의 필요성을 없앨 수 있습니다. 보다 지속 가능한 폐기물 관리 방식인 이 방안은 현재 구현 및 허가 요건에 대해 고급 평가 단계에 있습니다.

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC) a annoncé que l’ingénieur d’État du Nouveau-Mexique a refusé leur demande de transfert de 2 400 acre-feet de droits d’eau de Santa Teresa pour une utilisation à la mine Copper Flat. La demande, déposée en août 2019, visait à changer le point de prélèvement vers les puits de production de Copper Flat et à modifier le lieu et l’objet de l’utilisation.
La société étudie des solutions alternatives de gestion de l’eau, notamment la technologie des rejets empilés à sec (dry stack tailings), qui pourrait supprimer le besoin des droits d’eau de Santa Teresa. Cette approche de gestion des déchets plus durable est actuellement en phase avancée d’évaluation pour sa mise en œuvre et les exigences d’autorisation.

THEMAC Resources Group (TSXV: MAC) gab bekannt, dass der Staatsingenieur von New Mexico ihren Antrag auf Übertragung von 2.400 Acre-Foot Santa Teresa-Wasserrechten für die Nutzung in der Copper Flat Mine abgelehnt hat. Der im August 2019 gestellte Antrag zielte darauf ab, den Entnahmeort zu den Förderbrunnen von Copper Flat zu verlegen und den Nutzungsort sowie den Verwendungszweck zu ändern.
Das Unternehmen prüft alternative Wassermanagementlösungen, darunter die Technologie der trocken gestapelten Tailings (dry stack tailings), die den Bedarf an Santa Teresa-Wasserrechten eliminieren könnte. Dieser nachhaltigere Ansatz zur Abfallbewirtschaftung befindet sich derzeit in einer fortgeschrittenen Bewertungsphase hinsichtlich Umsetzung und Genehmigungsanforderungen.

Positive

Company is evaluating more sustainable dry stack tailings technology as an alternative solution

Alternative water management systems could be more economically favorable

Negative

New Mexico State Engineer denied the water rights transfer application

Project development faces potential delays due to water rights issues

09/05/2025 – 06:00 PM

Vancouver, British Columbia – September 5, 2025 – THEMAC Resources Group Limited (TSXV: MAC) is grappling with a regulatory setback as the New Mexico State Engineer denied its application to transfer 2,400 acre-feet of Santa Teresa water rights for the Copper Flat Mine. The application, initially filed in August 2019, intended to reroute the water supply to Copper Flat production wells, altering both the location and purpose of its utilization.

The denial casts a shadow over the Copper Flat project, a development slated to potentially boost the regional economy through copper production. Access to adequate water resources is paramount for mining operations, and this decision could introduce significant delays and increased operational costs.

However, THEMAC is proactively exploring alternative water management strategies. A promising solution lies in the adoption of dry stack tailings technology. This innovative approach to waste management involves dewatering mine tailings and stacking them in a compacted, stable form. While environmentally sound disposal of mine waste is expected to see increases in demand in the future. By implementing this technology, THEMAC could significantly reduce its reliance on traditional water sources, potentially eliminating the need for the Santa Teresa water rights altogether.

The feasibility of implementing dry stack tailings is currently under advanced evaluation, with ongoing detailed analysis focusing on both the technological deployment and the necessary permitting processes. The company projects that although the initial capital investment may be higher, the long-term cost savings associated with reduced water consumption and improved environmental stewardship could prove economically advantageous.

Investors should note the inherent risks associated with mining projects, including fluctuating commodity prices, permitting delays, and operational challenges. While THEMAC’s pursuit of alternative water management solutions demonstrates a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the impact of this setback on the overall project timeline and financial projections remains to be seen. The company’s ability to successfully navigate these challenges will be crucial to unlocking the potential of the Copper Flat mine.

From a technical standpoint, dry stacking tailings involves complex engineering considerations. Geotechnical stability, dust control, and water runoff management are critical aspects that require careful planning and execution. As dry stack tailings technology is continuously developing, it’s important for THEMAC to balance the benefits with the limitations and potential impacts of such technology.

The news highlights the growing importance of responsible water management in the mining industry. Companies are increasingly facing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and minimize their environmental footprint. THEMAC Resources’ commitment to exploring alternative solutions positions them favorably in a landscape where environmental stewardship is becoming a key differentiator.

Looking ahead, THEMAC’s management will need to engage in constructive dialogue with regulatory agencies to address their concerns and secure the necessary permits for its chosen water management strategy. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of the Copper Flat project.