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Namib Minerals Reaffirms and Expands Collaboration with WSP for Feasibility Studies to Advance Expansion Plans

NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Namib Minerals (“Namib Minerals” or “the Company”), (Nasdaq: NAMM), an established African Gold producer with a portfolio of mining and exploration assets in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is pleased to announce that it has re–engaged WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies for the Company’s Redwing and Mazowe Gold mining assets in Zimbabwe.

Namib Minerals has renewed and expanded its engagement with WSP, recognizing the firm’s in–depth knowledge of the Company’s portfolio and operational context. Leveraging its prior experience with these assets, WSP will provide strategic insights to guide Namib Minerals in achieving its expansion objectives.

“This engagement builds on our strong relationship with WSP and reflects our commitment to unlocking the full potential of our mines,” said Ibrahima Sory Tall, CEO of Namib Minerals. “Their expertise and familiarity with our assets will help us accelerate our development plans and deliver long–term value to our stakeholders.”

The studies will serve as a critical step towards bringing Namib Minerals’ operations to full capacity and supporting the Company’s strategy of sustainable growth in Gold and Critical Minerals production.

About Namib Minerals
Namib Minerals (NASDAQ: NAMM) is a Gold producer, developer and explorer with operations focused in Zimbabwe. Namib Minerals is a significant player in Africa’s mining industry, driving sustainable growth and innovation across the sector. Currently Namib Minerals operates the How Mine, an underground Gold mine in Zimbabwe, and aims to restart two assets in Zimbabwe, with additional exploration assets in the DRC.

For additional information, please visit namibminerals.com.

Contacts:

Namib Minerals:
Lamiaa Maniar
VP of Communications
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Alliance Advisors IR
[email protected]

No Offer or Solicitation
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, or a solicitation of any vote, consent or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9543180)

Senator Ted Cruz Officiates USTDA Grant Signing with Terra Metals Inc. and Metalex Commodities for Zambia’s Kazozo Copper–Cobalt Project

WASHINGTON and LUSAKA, Zambia, Sept. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terra Metals Inc. (Delaware, USA) and its joint venture partner Metalex Commodities (Texas, USA) today announced that their JV company, Lunda Resources, has secured a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) grant to finance the feasibility study for the Kazozo Mine (formerly Kalaba Mine) and adjacent large–scale exploration licenses in Northwestern Zambia.

The signing ceremony, held at the Russell Senate Office Building, was officiated by Senator Ted Cruz on behalf of the U.S. Government, alongside USTDA Director Thomas Hardy and representatives of the Zambian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

This milestone aligns with the Trump Administration’s “Trade, not Aid” policy and the United States’ Critical Minerals Strategy, ensuring that Zambia’s copper and cobalt will not only contribute to job creation and GDP growth in both nations but also revive U.S. refineries with the much–needed supply of critical minerals for the global energy transition.

“This achievement is the result of years of endurance, resilience, and unwavering belief in the potential of Northwestern Zambia’s copper and cobalt resources,” said Mumena Mushinge, Chairman of Terra Metals Inc. “We are deeply grateful to Senior Chief Sailunga and Chief Ntambu, whose steadfast support and partnership have been instrumental in guiding Terra Metals’ journey. Today, with the support of USTDA, we are transforming vision into reality — building a project that will benefit both Zambia and the United States for generations to come.”

“Through Lunda Resources, we are combining U.S. and Zambian expertise to unlock world–class copper and cobalt resources that will power industries, create jobs, and strengthen long– term economic cooperation between our two countries,” added Ayo Sopitan, Chief Executive of Metalex Commodities.

Senator Ted Cruz underscored the importance of U.S. engagement in Africa’s mining sector, stating: “Critical minerals are the foundation of the future economy. The United States cannot afford to fall behind China in Africa. By working with partners like Zambia, we are ensuring secure supply chains, stronger alliances, and shared prosperity.”

About Terra Metals Inc.

Terra Metals Inc., a Delaware–based mining and energy development company, leads critical mineral development initiatives in Zambia through its subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Focused on copper, cobalt, and nickel assets, TMI integrates sustainable mining, energy transition, and community equity into all projects.

About Metalex Commodities

Metalex Commodities, headquartered in Texas, is a diversified commodities and energy firm with a strategic focus on critical minerals. Through Lunda Resources, Metalex is co– developing Zambia’s Kazozo copper–cobalt project in partnership with Terra Metals Inc.

Photos from the signing ceremony featuring Senator Ted Cruz, USTDA Director Thomas Hardy, and representatives of Terra Metals Inc., Metalex, and the Zambian Embassy are available for publication.

**Media Contact:**
Hailey Fase
Investor Relations
[email protected]
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eecd7355–ecf8–4fc8–afe0–a0d8ecf1db82


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9532648)

Terra Metals Inc. and Tonawanda Group Inc. Launch Strategic Exploration Alliance Across Zambia’s Copper-Gold Belt – Drilling Campaign to Commence at Mumbwa as Terra Metals Inc. Prepares New Disclosure on Mwinilunga Geological Corridor

WILMINGTON, Del. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. and LUSAKA, Zambia, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terra Metals Inc., a Delaware–registered mineral development company, has entered a strategic technical collaboration with Tonawanda Group Inc. (TGI), a North Carolina– registered exploration and investment company, to jointly advance large–scale copper and gold assets in Zambia. The collaboration begins with activity in the Mumbwa District and is expected to expand into the geologically significant Mwinilunga corridor.

Through its wholly owned Zambian subsidiary, Tonawanda Procurement Ltd. (TPL), TGI currently holds a 6,688–hectare exploration license (35384–HQ–LEL) in the Mumbwa region, adjacent to Luiri Gold’s Dunrobin–Matala deposit, which hosts over 1 million ounces of gold.

Mumbwa: Drill–Ready IOCG–Gold Corridor

Exploration work conducted by TPL and its technical partners has outlined a series of highly prospective features:

Magnetics:

  • Analytical signal highs, RTP anomalies, and vertical/horizontal derivatives aligned with the Hook Granite–Mwembeshi shear system

Geochemistry:

  • Gold values up to 1.99 g/t Au, with over 50% of samples exceeding 0.5 g/t
  • Copper values peaking at 311 ppm, with pit assays returning 2.8% Cu

Structural observations:

  • Brecciated shale–sandstone contacts, quartz vein mineralization, and widespread copper oxide minerals (malachite, azurite, chrysocolla)

“These aren’t random anomalies—they’re classic IOCG signatures nested in the right structural corridor,” said Katangwa Mushinge, Commercial & Business Development Manager of TGI. “Our drill rig is being commissioned in the coming days, and we will follow up with a detailed announcement as soon as it’s on site.”

Operational Readiness: Drill Commissioning Underway

Tonawanda Procurement Ltd. and Terra Metals Inc. are preparing to launch a fully independent exploration campaign utilizing a newly acquired diamond drill rig rated to over 1,200 meters depth.

“We are now not just compliant—we are competitive,” said Garth Chibangu, Procurement Manager at Tonawanda Procurement Ltd. “Owning and deploying this rig is a game changer. It gives us full control over exploration logistics, costs, and timelines. We drill where the data leads us.”

Mwinilunga: Geological Frontier Under Terra Metals Inc.

Terra Metals’ recently granted Large–Scale License in Mwinilunga, Northwestern Zambia, lies within a structurally complex belt characterized by folded basement domes, fluid conduits, and granite–hosted mineral systems.

“The geological potential at Mwinilunga is quietly extraordinary,” said Mumena Mushinge, Chairman of Terra Metals Inc. “We’re finalizing our interpretation maps now and will release a full technical overview shortly. This partnership gives both companies momentum on two fronts.”

Strategic Partnership: Collaboration Across Licenses

Under the partnership agreement, TGI and Terra Metals Inc. will:

  • Share geophysical and drilling resources
  • Exchange geological and geochemical data
  • Coordinate trenching, logging, and exploration modeling
  • Release joint updates and co–develop exploration milestones

About the Companies

Tonawanda Group Inc. (TGI) is a North Carolina–registered mineral exploration company focused on building high–value copper and gold assets in Africa. TGI operates in Zambia through its subsidiary Tonawanda Procurement Ltd. (TPL).

Terra Metals Inc. is a Delaware–based mineral and energy company advancing copper, gold, and cobalt projects across Zambia.
Terra Metals is a proud affiliate of the Africa America Resources Group, dedicated to bridging U.S. investment and African resource development.

**Media Contact:**
Savena Donohue Investor Relations
[email protected]
+1 (443) 362–9102

**Zambia Office:**
[email protected]
+260 973 104 044


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9530752)

Terra Metals Inc. Announces Strategic Equity Investment Partnership with Investment Bank of Africa and Nalolo Solar Power Energy Company (NASPEC)

LUSAKA, Zambia, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terra Metals Inc. is proud to announce a landmark strategic equity investment partnership between the Investment Bank of Africa (IBA) and the Nalolo Solar Power Energy Company (NASPEC). This collaboration represents a pivotal step in advancing the Nalolo Solar Project, a major initiative driving Zambia’s renewable energy transition.

Terra Metals Inc. holds vested interests in the Nalolo Solar Project through its principal shareholders, who are also shareholders in NASPEC, underscoring the company’s long–term commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and supporting Zambia’s clean energy agenda.

“We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership, which represents a major step forward for the Nalolo and Lukulu Solar Projects,” said Brian Chisala, Executive Director of Terra Metals Inc.

“This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering clean energy solutions while advancing Zambia’s sustainable development goals,” added Mushinge Mumena, Chairman of Terra Metals Inc.

Robert Solomon, Chief Financial Officer of the Investment Bank of Africa (IBA), stated: “This investment reflects IBA’s strategy of channeling capital into high–value, sustainable infrastructure projects that generate strong financial returns while mitigating long–term risks. The Nalolo Solar Project is underpinned by solid fundamentals, rising energy demand, and government support, ensuring both profitability for stakeholders and measurable socio–economic impact for Zambia.”

“This partnership is a defining moment for NASPEC and Zambia’s renewable energy journey. With IBA’s strategic investment and Terra Metals’ vested interests, the Nalolo Solar Project is positioned to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power while creating employment, driving industrial growth, and enhancing climate resilience,” said Dr. Victor Ryan, Chairman of NASPEC.

The Nalolo Solar Project is expected to play a transformative role in Zambia’s energy transition, driving economic growth, expanding employment opportunities, strengthening energy security, and supporting the country’s climate and sustainability commitments.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Terra Metals Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (980) 349–3883
Website: www.terrametalsinc.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9528664)

Stonecoal SA Submits Bid for Mozambique’s Major Revuboè Coal Concession Following Government Revocation — Stonecoal SA

MAPUTO, Mozambique, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stonecoal SA, represented by SVS CONSULTANTS FZCO, today announces the formal submission of its operational plan to develop the Revuboè basin’s multi–billion–dollar coal concession (4064C). This timely move follows the Mozambican government’s June 2024 decision to revoke the concession, previously held by Australian company Minas de Revuboè (MdR) for over a decade, due to inactivity and regulatory non–compliance.

Photo Courtesy of SVS Consultants

MdR, which first obtained the concession in 2013, remained inactive for more than ten years. In May 2024, MdR attempted to sell a 92% stake in the asset to India’s JSW Steel for $74 million—an action that reportedly breached Mozambique’s Mining Law, which prohibits transferring licenses without prior government approval. As a result, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy formally withdrew MdR’s rights, underscoring Mozambique’s commitment to transparent governance and lawful management of major resources.

Responding to this opportunity, Stonecoal SA—a Mozambican mining firm—submitted its new operational plan in August 2024, aiming to re–activate the Revuboè site in line with government priorities for economic revitalization. The company emphasizes its commitment to responsible mining, best practice standards, and full regulatory compliance. Additionally, Stonecoal SA clarifies that none of its directors are affiliated with Vulcan (Jindal), in response to recent media reports.

A Council of Ministers resolution from July 2024 sets out the government’s reasons for withdrawing the former license: “lack of exploration works” and an unauthorized attempted transfer. In place of a transfer, a new concession was opened to Mozambican firms via a compliance–driven proposal process—a step reflecting the government’s proactive approach to reactivating dormant concessions and boosting national development.

Currently, Mining Concession 4064C remains unassigned in Mozambique’s official database, with Stonecoal SA’s proposal under review by authorities. While Stonecoal confirms the timely submission of its application, it will not provide details of any ongoing legal matters concerning the concession, in line with international media and newswire standards.

The mining sector news unfolds as Mozambique also manages a high–profile $120 million arbitration claim in France from ETG Group, linked to seized agricultural exports involving GMO compliance. This and the coal concession bid underscore Mozambique’s current efforts to balance investor confidence, regulatory modernization, and economic growth.

SVS CONSULTANTS FZCO is the official communications partner for Stonecoal SA, ensuring full transparency and accurate disclosure to stakeholders.

About Stonecoal SA
Stonecoal SA is a Mozambican mining company dedicated to responsible development of the country’s natural resources, focusing on sustainable mining, community engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Contact Information: SVS CONSULTANTS FZCO
Contact Person's Name: Mr. Haroon Rashid
Organization: SVS CONSULTANTS
Phone Number: +97154 541 3354

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c64f123b–61ec–459a–a227–e02405d65c99


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9528210)

Namib Minerals Provides Corporate Update

NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Namib Minerals (“Namib Minerals” or “the Company”), (Nasdaq: NAMM), an established African gold producer with a portfolio of mining and exploration assets in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is pleased to provide a corporate update after closing the business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VI and listing on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NAMM. The Company also recently rang the Closing Bell at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange on July 25, 2025.

Namib Minerals Rings the Nasdaq Closing Bell
Photo Courtesy of Nasdaq, Inc.

Ibrahima Sory Tall, Chief Executive Officer, stated “This achievement marks more than a change in our corporate structure – it is a validation of our vision. The transaction facilitates access to strategic partnerships necessary to advance our mission of becoming a leading, multi–asset producer of gold and green minerals. We believe Namib Minerals is ready to become a leader of Africa’s next generation of globally significant mineral producers.”

Strategic Growth and Asset Development

Namib Minerals’ foundation is built on a portfolio of cash–generating assets. Its anchor operation, How Mine in Zimbabwe, is a fully producing underground gold mine that generated 36.6 koz of gold and approximately US$86 million in revenue in 2024. With a strong operational track record and existing infrastructure, and assuming sufficient funding is obtained, Namib Minerals believes How Mine is well positioned for expansion. The Company is actively planning to increase the current production capacity to unlock additional value.

Alongside How Mine, the Company is advancing restart plans for the Mazowe and Redwing mines in Zimbabwe. These assets are undergoing enabling works, with the expectation of returning both to production in the near term. Dewatering at Redwing is expected to begin this fiscal year, with parallel infrastructure upgrades continuing at Mazowe.

As of December 31, 2023, Namib Minerals’ three gold assets have a substantial mineral endowment of 1.6Moz of gold in measured and indicated reserves at an average grade of 3.92 g/t Au, and an additional 2.4Moz in inferred resources at 3.57 g/t Au.

In addition to optimizing and restarting existing operations, Namib Minerals expects to organize a series of feasibility studies to facilitate discovery of increased reserves and resources across all three projects. These studies are expected to form the technical foundation for future expansion and help underpin the Company’s long–term production profile.

The Company’s exploration portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo comprises an interest in 13 exploration permits targeting copper and cobalt – two critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. This marks an important part of diversifying Namib Minerals’ commodity base while maintaining exposure to structurally robust markets.

Commitment to Operational Excellence, and Shared Prosperity

Namib Minerals operates according to leading international standards, with ISO 14001, 9001, and 45001 certifications for environmental responsibility, quality, and occupational health and safety. The Company is committed to maintaining these standards as it expands, helping to ensure that all new sites operate under its established Operational Excellence framework aligned with these ISO certifications.

Such framework also includes Sustainability, with environmental best practices, and Shared Prosperity, through continuous partnerships with our local communities and governments.

About Namib Minerals

Namib Minerals (NASDAQ:NAMM) is a gold producer, developer and explorer with operations focused in Zimbabwe. Namib Minerals is a significant player in Africa’s mining industry, driving sustainable growth and innovation across the sector. Currently Namib Minerals operates the How Mine, an underground gold mine in Zimbabwe, and aims to restart two assets in Zimbabwe, with additional exploration assets in the DRC. For additional information, please visit namibminerals.com.

Contacts:

Namib Minerals:
Ibrahima Sory Tall
CEO & Director
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Kaitlin Taylor & Chris Santa Cruz
[email protected] 

Forward–Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Namib Minerals’ future financial position, results of operations, business strategy, and plans and objectives of its management team for future operations, are forward–looking statements. Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are also forward–looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward–looking statements by words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “target,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “preliminary,” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward–looking. Forward–looking statements include, without limitation, Namib Minerals’ or its respective management team’s expectations concerning the outlook for Namib Minerals’ business, productivity, plans, and goals for future operational improvements, growth and capital investments, operational and cost performance, future market conditions, economic performance and developments in the capital and credit markets, expected future financial performance, the restart of the Mazowe mine and Redwing mine and related expansion plans, capital expenditure plans and timeline, the development and goals of the prospective exploration licenses in the DRC, mineral reserve and resource estimates, production and other operating results, productivity improvements, expected additional funding, growth prospects and outlook of Namib Minerals’ operations, individually or in the aggregate, including the achievement of project milestones, commencement and completion of commercial operations of certain of Namib Minerals’ exploration and production projects, as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Namib Minerals. Forward–looking statements also include statements regarding the expected benefits of the Business Combination. The forward–looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management team of Namib Minerals, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstance and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward–looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward–looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) market risks, including the price of gold; (ii) the effect of the announcement or consummation of the Business Combination on Namib Minerals’ business relationships, performance, and business generally; (iii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Namib Minerals or its subsidiaries related to the Business Combination; (iv) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; (v) the inability to maintain the listing of Namib Minerals’ securities on Nasdaq; (vi) the inability to remediate the identified material weaknesses in Namib Minerals’ subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting, which, if not corrected, could adversely affect the reliability of Namib Minerals’ or its subsidiaries’ financial reporting; (vii) the risk that the price of Namib Minerals’ securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the highly competitive industries in which Namib Minerals plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws, regulations, technologies, natural disasters or health epidemics/pandemics, national security tensions, and macro–economic and social environments affecting its business, and changes in the combined capital structure; (viii) the inability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, identify and realize additional opportunities, and manage growth and expanding operations; (ix) the risk that Namib Minerals may not be able to successfully develop its assets, including expanding the How mine, restarting and expanding its other mines in Zimbabwe or developing its interests in exploration permits in the DRC; (x) the risk that Namib Minerals will be unable to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (xi) political and social risks of operating in Zimbabwe and the DRC; (xii) the operational hazards and risks that Namib Minerals and its subsidiaries face; and (xiii) potential volatile and sporadic trading of Namib’s securities. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Namib Minerals presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, any other factors discussed in this press release and the other risks and uncertainties described in the registration statement on Form F–4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) initially filed on December 6, 2024, and the definitive proxy statement / prospectus contained therein, in each case, under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents of Namib Minerals’ subsidiaries filed, or to be filed, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Namib Minerals cautions you against placing undue reliance on forward–looking statements, which reflect current beliefs and are based on information currently available as of the date a forward–looking statement is made. Forward–looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither Namib Minerals nor its subsidiaries undertakes any obligation to revise forward–looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs. In the event that any forward–looking statement is updated, no inference should be made that Namib Minerals or its subsidiaries will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward–looking statements. Any corrections or revisions and other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward–looking statements, including discussions of significant risk factors, may appear, from subsequent events and developments, in Namib Minerals’ public filings with the SEC, which are or will be (as appropriate) accessible at www.sec.gov, and which you are advised to review carefully.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resources

Estimates of “measured”, “indicated” and “inferred” mineral resources as well as “proven” and “probable” mineral reserves shown in this communication are defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S–K promulgated by the SEC (“S–K 1300”). The estimation of measured resources and indicated resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable mineral reserves. The estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any or all of the mineral resources are economically or legally mineable or that these mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. You are cautioned that mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic viability.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation to purchase, any securities, or a solicitation of any vote, consent or approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/209aa0b1–f756–4d9c–ba4a–085af921ebc5


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9503757)

Anglo American’s Mogalakwena PGM mine completes IRMA audit

SEATTLE, March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) released the audit report of Anglo American’s Mogalakwena PGM complex against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Independent audit firm ERM–CVS assessed Mogalakwena at IRMA 50 when measuring its performance against the Standard’s best practice social and environmental criteria.

IRMA 50 means that ERM–CVS verified that the operations at least substantially met all 40 critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 50% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four principle areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit reports are available on the Mogalakwena audit page on the IRMA website.

The information stakeholders need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention.

“This report demonstrates that mines can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need, to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention — at specific mines.”

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. Because the process is still evolving, the results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“An increasing number of community members and workers are engaging in IRMA audits, and they’re using the audit reports to communicate directly with the mining company about their priorities for improvement,” Ms. Boulanger said. “If readers find results inconsistent with their experience, we encourage them to share their perspectives with IRMA and the company so that we can improve the audit review process and support continuing improvement at the site—as community members and NGOs have already done in this case.”

“We are always looking to improve not only mining practices, but also IRMA's system. IRMA's improvements, and being transparent about how we need to improve, is built into our system and a measure of its success,” said Ms. Boulanger.

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum said, “This milestone at Mogalakwena is significant in our overall adoption of IRMA. It enables us to promote transparency and best practice in sustainability, while adding value to our global customers by helping them meet the increasing expectations for responsibly mined materials in an efficient and credible way. With IRMA 50, we have accomplished our sustainable mining plan target of having all our mining operations assured against a recognised responsible mining standard by 2025.”

Including Mogalakwena, 23 industrial–scale mines worldwide are within the IRMA independent assessment system. After an initial self–assessment, a participating mine engages a third–party audit firm — trained and approved by IRMA — to conduct a detailed independent evaluation, including on–site visits to the mine and nearby communities. Following the release of the initial audit, a shorter surveillance audit checks on the mine’s performance. Three years after the initial audit, the operation is fully audited again (Note: The first mines audited in the IRMA system have had extensions to this timeline due to Covid delays and launch–phase learning; updated full reviews will be required to maintain or increase achievement scores.)

The independent IRMA system is the only global mining standard that provides equal power to the public sector (communities and Indigenous rights holders, mine workers, and environmental and human rights advocates) alongside the private sector (mining companies, mined materials purchasers and investors).

For More Information:


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9393841)

Australian Gold Reagents to expand sodium cyanide plant

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Gold Reagents’ (AGR) Board has made a final investment decision to proceed with the expansion of its sodium cyanide production facility in Kwinana, Western Australia, positioning AGR as one of the world’s largest sodium cyanide producers for the gold mining industry.

AGR General Manager Barney Jones said the expansion would enable the business to meet the growing global demand for sodium cyanide for gold mining operations, while delivering on its sustainability goals.

“The expansion will increase AGR’s annual sodium cyanide production capacity by over 30 per cent, bringing total sodium cyanide solution capacity to approximately 130,000 tonnes per annum. It also includes an increase in our solids production capacity to facilitate increased exports to our international customers,” Mr Jones said.

“Sodium cyanide plays a critical role in the extraction of gold from ore, and the expansion will allow us to meet rising demand from gold producers across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.

“The expanded plant will connect into established infrastructure at AGR’s existing site, improving our operational efficiencies and providing safety benefits for our team.

“It will ensure we can continue to deliver a reliable and efficient supply chain for our customers, supporting the growth we are expecting to see both in Western Australian gold mining and in our export markets.”

The expansion will also deliver significant environmental benefits, enhancing the plants’ overall sustainability performance.

“One of the key components of the expansion is a new low–emissions incinerator, designed to safely and sustainably destroy waste product generated in the manufacturing process, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Jones said.

“The new incinerator will enable us to significantly increase sodium cyanide production while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions intensity by approximately 28 per cent. It is partially funded by the Australian Government, thanks to a $7.5 million (AUD) Powering the Regions Fund grant, which supports industrial decarbonisation.

“Our expansion plans will also enable us to recycle over 70 per cent of wastewater onsite, conserving valuable resources and reducing reliance on external water sources.

“In addition, we’re exploring technology that would use waste heat from the plants’ manufacturing process to generate zero–emissions electricity.

“With this technology, the plant could export clean power to nearby facilities or support the local grid,” he said.

First production from the expanded plant is scheduled for FY2026, with full capacity expected to come online in the second half of FY2027. Detailed engineering design is well advanced, and all long lead items for the operating plants have been ordered.

About AGR
AGR is the management company of CSBP’s sodium cyanide manufacturing joint venture with Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd. CSBP is part of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF). As a 75 percent shareholder, CSBP acts as the operating and sales agent for the company.

www.agrcyanide.com

Images and videos

https://vimeo.com/1053216114?share=copy
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https://wescef.com.au/wp–content/uploads/2025/02/Attachment_Image–2_AGR–expansion–plans.jpg
https://wescef.com.au/wp–content/uploads/2025/02/Attachment_Image–3_GM–AGR–Barney–Jones.jpg
https://wescef.com.au/wp–content/uploads/2025/02/Attachment_Image–4_AGR.jpg


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9355285)

Syrah’s Balama is the first graphite operation to complete independent audit against the IRMA Standard, achieves IRMA 50

SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the results of an independent audit of Syrah’s Balama graphite operation (“Balama”) against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Balama achieved IRMA 50 after the independent audit firm SCS Global Services measured its performance versus the Standard’s 400+ criteria.

Balama is one of 22 industrial–scale mining operations worldwide engaged in independent audits with the IRMA system. After an initial self–assessment, a participating mine engages a third–party audit firm — trained and approved by IRMA — to conduct a detailed independent evaluation, including on–site visits to the mine and nearby communities.

IRMA 50 means SCS Global Services verified Balama met all critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 50% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit report is available on the Balama audit page at responsiblemining.net.

“The information stakeholders need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention.”

“This report demonstrates that mines supplying materials essential to the renewable energy transition can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention — at specific mines.”

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are just the first steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. And because the process is still evolving, IRMA cautions that the initial results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“If the results don't fully reflect the experience of communities or other affected groups, we want to hear from them,” Ms. Boulanger said. “We’ll help them communicate with the company to better understand its performance, and with the auditors on any issues they feel were overlooked in the review. This is a cornerstone of our own commitment to transparency. We invite anyone who has criticisms of our work to join us in making it better. Finding ways to improve is built into our system — and a measure of its success.”

“This accomplishment is a first in the global graphite industry and highlights nearly a decade of strengthening our differentiated ESG performance.”

“Achieving IRMA 50 is a significant milestone for Syrah in our commitment to operate in line with international best practice for responsible mining. This accomplishment is a first in the global graphite industry and highlights nearly a decade of strengthening our differentiated ESG performance, particularly Balama’s strong safety record, investment in training and developing a highly skilled workforce, ongoing community development, human rights due diligence, legal governance and compliance, stakeholder engagement and demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Syrah Managing Director and CEO, Shaun Verner.

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard describing best practices to protect people and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization equally governed by representatives of six affected stakeholder sectors – communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, purchasers and mining companies — that oversees the standard and the assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance provides communities equal power to mining companies, and the non–commercial interests the same power as commercial interests.

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A operação da Syrah em Balama é a primeira mina de grafite a concluir uma auditoria independente de acordo com o padrão IRMA, tendo atingido o nível IRMA 50

SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hoje, a Iniciativa para a Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) divulgou os resultados de uma auditoria independente da operação de grafite da Syrah em Balama (“Balama”) em função do Padrão para a Mineração Responsável da IRMA. Balama atingiu o nível IRMA 50 depois de a firma de auditoria independente SCS Global Services ter medido o seu desempenho em relação aos mais de quatrocentos critérios do Padrão.

A operação da Syrah em Balama é uma das 22 operações mineiras de escala industrial em todo o mundo envolvidas em auditorias independentes com o sistema IRMA. Após uma auto–avaliação inicial, uma mina participante contrata uma empresa de auditoria externa, com formação e aprovação da IRMA, para efectuar uma avaliação independente pormenorizada, incluindo visitas presencias a operação mineira e às comunidades próximas.

O IRMA 50 significa que a SCS Global Services verificou que Balama cumpria todos os requisitos críticos do Padrão IRMA, bem como pelo menos 50% dos critérios do Padrão em cada uma das quatro áreas: responsabilidade social, responsabilidade ambiental, integridade empresarial e planeamento para legados positivos. O relatório de auditoria completo está disponível na página da auditoria de Balama em responsiblemining.net.

“As informações necessárias para decidir o que está a correr bem e o que pode exigir mais atenção.”

“Este relatório demonstra que as minas que fornecem materiais essenciais com vista à transição para as energias renováveis podem apontar para avaliações transparentes e independentes do seu desempenho ambiental e social”, afirmou Aimee Boulanger, Directora Executiva da IRMA. “Através de relatórios de auditoria da IRMA pormenorizados, as empresas de mineração, as comunidades e as empresas que adquirem os materiais extraídos podem obter as informações necessárias para decidir o que está a correr bem e o que pode exigir mais atenção em minas específicas.”

Dado que o Padrão da IRMA é reconhecido e adoptado em todo o mundo, estas auditorias são apenas os primeiros passos no aprofundamento do diálogo entre as empresas mineiras e as pessoas afectadas pela respectiva actividade. E porque o processo ainda está em evolução, a IRMA adverte que os resultados iniciais devem ser revistos e interpretados em conformidade.

“Se os resultados não reflectem plenamente a experiência das comunidades, dos titulares de direitos indígenas ou de outros grupos afectados, queremos ouvir as respectivas opiniões”, afirmou a Sra. Boulanger. “Ajudá–los–emos a comunicar com a empresa para compreender melhor o seu desempenho e com os auditores sobre quaisquer questões que achem que tenham sido negligenciadas na análise. Esta é uma pedra basilar do nosso compromisso para com a transparência. Convidamos qualquer pessoa que tenha críticas acerca do nosso trabalho a juntar se a nós para o tornarmos melhor. A procura de maneiras de melhorar está incorporada no nosso sistema e é uma medida do seu sucesso.”

“Esta conquista é a primeira na indústria global de grafite e destaca quase uma década de fortalecimento do nosso desempenho diferenciado em ESG.”

“Alcançar o IRMA 50 é um marco significativo para a Syrah no seu compromisso de operar em linha com as melhores práticas internacionais de mineração responsável. Esta conquista é a primeira na indústria global de grafite e destaca quase uma década de fortalecimento do nosso desempenho diferenciado em ESG. O sólido registo de segurança de Balama, o investimento em formação e no desenvolvimento de uma força de trabalho altamente qualificada, o contínuo desenvolvimento na comunidade, a devida diligência em matéria de direitos humanos, a governação e conformidade legal, o envolvimento com as partes interessadas e o compromisso demonstrado com a sustentabilidade ambiental foram elementos cruciais no processo com o IRMA”, destacou o Diretor–Executivo e CEO da Syrah, Shaun Verner.

A Iniciativa para a Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) é: (1) um padrão de mineração voluntário que descreve as melhores práticas para proteger as pessoas e o ambiente, (2) um processo de garantia para mensurar as minas em função desse padrão, e (3) uma organização dirigida em pé de igualdade por representantes de seis sectores de partes interessadas afectadas (comunidades, trabalhadores organizados, ONG, sector financeiro, compradores e empresas mineiras) que supervisiona a norma e o processo de garantia. A IRMA é mundialmente única no sentido em que a sua governação proporciona às comunidades um poder equivalente ao das empresas mineiras e aos interesses não comerciais um poder igual ao dos interesses comerciais.

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