Declaration of Intent – Aralar Permits 

Also available in Basque  and English

Grenoble, France – August 25, 2026 

On June 5, 2026, Mantle8 obtained the Aralar I and Aralar II exploration permits from the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through its Directorate General for Energy Policy and Mines, authorizing a one-year renewable scientific research program across 1,680 km² of the southern Pyrenees. In line with our core corporate values, Mantle8 is fully committed to providing clear, objective, and proactive information about the project’s scope to the communities, municipalities, and institutional partners in Navarre and the Basque Country. Our goal is to maintain complete transparency, ensuring that all local stakeholders understand that these permits cover only non-invasive geological mapping, sampling, and passive monitoring, completely separate from any future industrial activity. 

About Us 

Mantle8 is a French geosciences company specializing in the exploration of natural (white) hydrogen and helium. We operate in Spain through our local entity, Mantle8 Iberia. We are a scientific exploration company. 

What the Permits Authorize 

The permits we have obtained authorize a one-year renewable scientific research program covering approximately 1,680 km² in Navarre and the Basque Country. 

The authorization is limited exclusively to non-invasive surface-level work: geological mapping, sampling of soil gases, water, and rocks, and passive seismic monitoring. These permits do not authorize drilling, industrial extraction, the construction of new access roads, or any permanent infrastructure. 

Exploration and extraction are entirely separate legal processes, and any future extraction phase would require separate authorizations and compliance with applicable local environmental, sectoral, and permitting requirements. None of these authorizations have been applied for or granted. 

Water, Karst and Environmental Protection 

Mantle8 recognizes the ecological sensitivity and unique karst nature of the Aralar massif, including its groundwater and local aquifers, which are critical regional resources. Our scientific research is conducted exclusively on the surface and does not involve hydraulic fracturing, chemical injections, or freshwater consumption. Field teams will use portable, lightweight, and passive equipment on existing tracks. We will not disturb the terrain or interfere with local aquifers in any way. We will operate within the limits established by the permit and protected area regulations. 

Respect for the Cultural Identity of Aralar 

We recognize that Aralar, including landmarks such as the Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar, holds profound cultural and symbolic significance for Basque and Navarrese identity. Our presence will be respectful, consisting of small teams of geologists who will move across the terrain with minimal impact, respecting the area’s natural and cultural heritage. 

Commitment to Municipalities and Transparency 

Following the official administrative publication of the permits, Mantle8 will now begin contacting local councils and relevant communal land management bodies in the areas where fieldwork is planned to schedule in-person meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to explain what the permits authorize, how the scientific fieldwork will be conducted, and who to contact at Mantle8. 

We consider local authorities to be essential partners. We intend to engage with municipalities, explaining the scope and nature of our scientific work, the location and timing of our activities, and how we will ensure the protection of the local environment. Where specific local permits are required, we will obtain them before undertaking the relevant activity. 

Next Steps 

Over the next few months, Mantle8: 

• It will continue desk studies, collecting and analyzing existing geological and geophysical data to guide where field investigations are required. 
• Face-to-face engagement will begin with municipalities and relevant communal land management bodies in areas where fieldwork is planned, prior to the relevant activities. 
• Non-invasive scientific fieldwork will begin, consisting of geological mapping, soil gas sampling, and passive seismic monitoring carried out by small teams on foot using existing tracks. 
• It will discuss the precise locations of any fixed sensors directly with relevant local authorities and landowners, and obtain the required permits prior to installation. 
• We will launch a dedicated contact channel and a Q&A section on our website so that residents, ranchers, hikers, and local institutions can access up-to-date information about the project and ask questions directly. 
• It will report the findings to the competent authorities as required by the permit conditions, regardless of whether the results are positive or negative. 

Under Spanish mining law, exploration, research, and exploitation are distinct stages, subject to separate authorizations and requirements. A positive exploration result does not authorize Mantle8 to proceed directly to drilling or extraction. Should the results justify progressing beyond the activities authorized under the current exploration permits, Mantle8 would first need to obtain the relevant additional authorizations before undertaking such activities. No such application has been submitted. 

Residents can expect to see a small number of geologists and geophysicists with backpacks walking around the area, observing rocks and collecting samples. They should not expect drilling, new roads, or any extraction activity. 

For inquiries, technical documentation, or media requests, please contact