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High-Tech Metals Limited (ASX: HTM) (High-Tech, HTM or the Company), a critical battery minerals exploration Company, is pleased to provide the following report on its activities for the quarter ending 31 March 2024. The Company’s primary activities during the quarter were the planning of exploration of the Ketele LCTG Project in Ethiopia.
HIGHLIGHTS
- HTM continues to progress its exploration work program planning at Ketele LCT Project.
- Strong focus on identifying complimentary opportunities in the critical minerals sector to build out the portfolio of assets.
Ketele LCT Project
During the quarter, HTM announced that the Company was planning its initial exploration program at the Company’s Ketele Exploration License (MOM-EL-05096-2023) (“License”) in Ethiopia (Refer ASX Announcement - HTM to Progress Exploration Sampling at Ketele LCT Project – dated 10 January 2024). The License will be the foundation of our exciting new Ketele LCT Project (“Ketele” or the “Project”).
This initial program will comprise sampling of prospective geological units (inc. granites, pegmatites, etc) and regional structures which have previously been identified and mapped in this underexplored area of Ethiopia (Figure 1). This sampling will include rock chip sampling and channel samples, the latter yielding continuous samples across an entire outcrop. The planning process with regard to certain Project area access and exploration program approvals is ongoing.
Figure 1 – Example of previously identified outcrops for the planned rock and channel sampling at the Ketele LCT Project.
Figure 2 – Ketele LCT Project Location.
Werner Lake Project
Following on from HTM’s successful drill program at Werner Lake Project (“Werner Lake”) (Refer to ASX Announcement - Drilling Results at Werner Lake Project – 27 November 2023), the Company continues to evaluate the next steps to realise the value of the asset.
Business Development
During the quarter, HTM considered several project opportunities. HTM will continue to identify and review projects which complement the Company’s existing assets and support its strategy of building a portfolio of exploration, development, and operating mining assets.
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HTM:AU
Electric Royalties
Investor Insight
Electric Royalties is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the clean energy transition with a diversified, low-risk portfolio of high-value royalties that offer sustained growth and cash flow potential, making it a compelling investment opportunity.
Overview
Electric Royalties (TSXV:ELEC,OTCQB:ELECF) is an innovative royalty company offering investors exposure to the clean energy transition through its growing portfolio of clean energy metal royalties. The company stands out as the only fully diversified royalty firm in the space, holding 43 royalties across nine key clean energy metals, ensuring strategic access to the growing electrification and renewable energy industries.
The company’s strategy for shareholder value growth is centered on acquiring royalties in safe jurisdictions (primarily, the US and Canada) and focusing on properties with near-term production potential. This approach ensures steady cash flow generation while reducing operational risks. The company’s current royalty portfolio consists of assets that are either in production, advanced stage projects or exploration assets, ensuring cash flow generation and future growth potential.
The acquisition of the Punitaqui Copper Mine royalty provides immediate exposure to production, while assets like Authier Lithium and Battery Hill Manganese are expected to enter production in the near term.
This collective expertise within Electric Royalties' management and advisory teams ensures a strategic and well-governed approach to capitalizing on opportunities in the clean energy metals sector.
Company Highlights
- Electric Royalties is the only royalty company that is fully diversified in clean energy metals, with royalties on nine different metals, including copper, lithium, manganese, nickel and vanadium.
- Electric Royalties currently holds 43 total royalties across clean energy metals, with 17 additional optioned properties that could be converted into future royalties.
- The company’s portfolio includes assets that are in production or near-term production, ensuring cash flow generation and future growth potential. The acquisition of the Punitaqui copper mine royalty provides immediate exposure to production, while assets like Authier Lithium and Battery Hill Manganese are expected to enter production in the near term.
- The company prioritizes low-risk mining jurisdictions, with most of its assets located in Canada and the United States.
- Led by CEO Brendan Yurik, the leadership team brings extensive expertise in royalty acquisitions, mine financing and strategic growth.
Key Royalties
Punitaqui Copper Mine (Producing) – Chile
The Punitaqui Mining Complex includes the copper processing plant that is currently permitted for 100,000 tonnes per month. (Source: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.)
The Punitaqui copper mine is a producing asset operated by Battery Mineral Resources (TSXV:BMR; OTCQB:BTRMF), on which Electric Royalties holds a 0.75 percent gross revenue royalty (GRR). Located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, the mine benefits from four satellite copper deposits, strong infrastructure, and established processing facilities.
The mine is permitted for 100,000 tonnes per month of processing capacity, with regional exploration potential that could further extend its operational life and increase production.
In July 2025, Battery Mineral Resources reported that its Chilean subsidiary, Minera BMR SpA, had received unanimous approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Los Mantos Copper Plant in Punitaqui, Chile. This extends the facility’s operational life by up to ten years and supports hundreds of jobs in the Punitaqui and Ovalle communities.
Authier Lithium Project (Pre-production) – Canada
The Authier lithium project is a key lithium asset in Quebec, Canada, operated by Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA). Electric Royalties holds a 0.5 percent gross metal royalty (GMR) on part of the deposit. This project is a major component of Sayona's integration plan with North American Lithium (NAL), which commenced production in early 2023. Authier is expected to provide a stable supply of lithium for North America's growing EV battery industry, aligning with the push for localized supply chains.
The Authier lithium royalty is expected to be integrated into the producing North American Lithium (NAL) mine operated by Sayona Mining, which is set to merge with Piedmont Lithium. According to NAL’s Feasibility Study, the integration of Authier has the potential to contribute to Electric Royalties’ cash flow in the near term.
Battery Hill Manganese Project (Prefeasibility Stage) – Canada
The Battery Hill manganese project, located in New Brunswick, Canada, is an advanced-stage project operated by Manganese X Energy. Electric Royalties holds a 2 percent GMR on the project, which is currently undergoing a prefeasibility study. The asset is well-positioned to support the growing demand for high-purity manganese, a critical component in EV batteries and energy storage technologies. Recent metallurgical testing has demonstrated strong recovery rates, further increasing its economic potential.
Mont Sorcier Vanadium Project – Canada
The Mont Sorcier vanadium project in Quebec, Canada, is operated by Cerrado Gold, with Electric Royalties holding a 1 percent vanadium GMR. Acquired when the project only had a resource estimate, Mont Sorcier has since advanced through additional metallurgical testing in partnership with Glencore and is now progressing through feasibility and permitting, with a Feasibility Study targeted for Q1 2026. As a large iron-vanadium deposit, the project has the potential to supply vanadium for both steel production and the growing vanadium redox flow battery sector, positioning it as a strategically important long-term asset.
Zonia Copper Project – USA
The Zonia copper project, located in Arizona, USA, is operated by World Copper (TSXV:WCU). Electric Royalties holds a 0.5 percent GRR on Zonia, with an option to add 1 percent GRR on Zonia North. Zonia is an oxide copper deposit with near-surface, leachable ore, making it a low-cost, open-pit mining opportunity. The project has undergone resource expansion, and a feasibility study is targeted for completion in 2025. Given the strong US push for domestic copper production, Zonia is well-positioned to benefit from critical minerals policies supporting infrastructure and electrification efforts.
The Zonia copper royalty, one of the leading copper oxide projects in North America, is being acquired by Plata Latina Minerals Corporation with plans to move toward construction in the near to medium term following closing of the transaction. World Copper reported last fall that the resource at Zonia nearly doubled.
Seymour Lake - Canada
The Seymour Lake lithium project in Ontario, Canada, is subject to a 1.5 percent NSR royalty held by the company. Acquired in an all-share transaction valued at C$1 million, the project has advanced significantly under operator Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1), which has raised more than C$70 million and secured a C$100 million LOI with the Canadian government. Since acquisition, Seymour Lake has progressed from a historical resource to a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and resource upgrade. In February 2025, Green Technology Metals released an updated PEA assessing Seymour Lake on a standalone basis, following earlier combined development studies with the Root Project. A pre-feasibility study is underway.
Management Team
Craig Lindsay - Chairman of the Board
Craig Lindsay has 30 years’ experience in corporate finance, venture capital and public company management and is the managing director of Arbutus Grove Capital. Lindsay was the founder, president, and CEO of Otis Gold until its merger with Excellon Resources in April 2020. He is a director of Revolve Renewable Power, Excellon Resources, VR Resources and Silver North Resources.
Brendan Yurik – Chief Executive Officer
Brendan Yurik is the founder and CEO of Evenor Investments, a financial advisory group to junior mining companies for alternative financing, debt, equity and M&A with experience in over $2 billion in mining financing transactions throughout his career. He has prior global experience as a research analyst as well as in business development and mining financial advisory roles with Endeavour Financial, Cambrian Mining Finance Ltd, Northern Vertex Mining Corp. and King & Bay West Management Corp.
Robert Scott – Chief Financial Officer
Robert Scott has more than 25 years’ experience in accounting, corporate finance, compliance and banking. Throughout his career, Scott has helped raise more than $200 million in equity financing and developed extensive experience in IPOs, reverse takeovers, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring.
Robert Schafer – Independent Director
Appointed in November 2020, Robert Schafer brings more than 30 years of international experience in mineral exploration and mining, enhancing the board's technical and strategic capabilities.
Stefan Gleason - Director
Stefan Gleason is the president, CEO, and majority shareholder of Money Metals Exchange LLC, a privately held company that is among the largest precious metals dealers and depositories in North America with over C$1 billion in annual revenues. Gleason is also the managing director of Gleason & Sons LLC, a Charlotte, N.C.-based family limited liability company which holds and manages debt, equity, and real estate investments. With past appearances on U.S. television networks such as CNN, FoxNews, Fox Business, and CNBC, Gleason is also a regular columnist for Seeking Alpha and Investing.com and has been published by the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Mining.com and TheStreet, among other publications.
Cobalt Market Update: Q2 2025 in Review
Prices for cobalt sulfate jumped even more steeply, climbing 74 percent month-on-month.
“If the DRC government wanted to flex its muscles and show miners and refiners who really controlled global cobalt reserves, it would appear they’ve succeeded for now,” wrote Fastmarkets’ Rob Searle in an April market update. “Standard grade cobalt metal prices soared to highs not seen since November 2023 in the space of two weeks."
While prices initially stabilized in mid-April, sentiment remained fragile heading into May. With the DRC ban still in place and little progress reported in negotiations, cobalt prices held steady between US$15 and US$16.
“For now, the cobalt market appears to have stabilized, with prices high enough to encourage sellers to offer material out. Refiners in China appear to have ample stocks of feed to continue to supply contract volumes,” Searle notes in a separate overview of the cobalt sector, published in May.
“This month, we expect to see a reduction in import volumes of cobalt hydroxide into China. This is expected to tighten refinery feed out to August, should the export ban end towards the later stages of June, as initially planned.”
DRC extends cobalt export controls
After plunging to a nine year low in late January and then rebounding to multi-year highs by the end of Q1, cobalt prices began to ease in early June as supply uncertainty weighed on the market.
Despite the export ban in the DRC, trade data from China showed a significant influx of cobalt in April.
The country's imports of cobalt metal rose 60 percent month-on-month, driven largely by Indonesian supply, while its exports of cobalt metal surged 202 percent year-on-year.
"We are still seeing cobalt units arriving in China — or at least we were in May, which is the last month for which trade data were available,” said Olivier Masson, principal analyst at Fastmarkets, during a June presentation at his company's Lithium Supply & Battery Raw Materials event, held in Las Vegas.
According to Masson, China imported 75,000 metric tons of cobalt from the DRC in the first five months of 2025, along with another 22,000 metric tons of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP).
Of the MHP amount, 17,000 metric tons came from Indonesia, a region that is becoming increasingly important to the cobalt sector, especially now that the DRC has extended its export controls into September.
Although Indonesia is projected to increase its output, “the supply of cobalt from Indonesia is not going to be large enough to offset the loss of supply from the DRC,” said Masson.
Cobalt supply expected to slow in H2
Cobalt supply has surged over the past five years, with global mine production more than doubling from 140,000 metric tons in 2020 to 290,000 metric tons in 2024. This rapid growth has far outpaced demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector and other end-use industries, resulting in a significant market oversupply.
However, with the DRC — which accounts for roughly 70 percent of global cobalt production — extending its export limitations into the second half of the year, mine supply is expected to register more muted gains in 2025.
“We expect mine supply growth to slow this year,” said Masson. “Prices are at multi-year lows, and yet, despite that, we still saw relatively strong growth numbers from major producers in the country.”
With exports stalled, inventories are building up in the DRC, a dynamic that may force operational adjustments.
“We might see miners who principally produce copper — and get cobalt as a by-product — start mining lower-grade cobalt ores in order to manage the inventories that are piling up,” Masson explained.
He added that cobalt sulfate demand slowed in 2024 due to a weaker-than-expected EV market in the west.
In response, Chinese refiners pivoted to producing cobalt metal, significantly impacting global trade dynamics.
“Just like they did for nickel, Chinese refiners switched to cobalt metal production,” Masson said. “As a result, we’ve seen cobalt metal exports out of China jump by over 230 percent from January to May.”
Masson went on to explain: “This level of export growth is likely unsustainable. There’s limited feedstock coming from the DRC due to the export ban, and that will inevitably constrain Chinese production going forward.”
Strategically diversifying supply
As the global market looks ahead, geopolitical dynamics are taking on greater significance.
The US, which is seeking to secure non-Chinese sources of critical minerals, is engaged in negotiations with the DRC. At the same time, it’s backing infrastructure development, including support for the Lobito Corridor, a rail and port route that would allow DRC-sourced cobalt to be exported via the west coast of Africa, bypassing China entirely.
“Currently, about 83 percent of the DRC’s cobalt exports go to China,” Masson said.
“But both the DRC and the US are motivated to diversify those flows.”
However, the US still lacks sufficient domestic precursor cathode active material capacity, a key step in the battery supply chain, which could limit its ability to process cobalt independently in the short term.
Looking at the cobalt market more broadly, Masson said Fastmarkets expects supply to remain “adequate” in the near term. But with inventories outside the DRC being steadily drawn down, tighter conditions could emerge later this year.
“By August or September, we could start to see the market tightening,” he said. “Our price forecast before the export ban was extended … but now, there’s potential for prices to remain elevated longer than previously expected.”
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Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
