Meridian Provides Corporate and Cabaçal Update

Meridian Provides Corporate and Cabaçal Update

Meridian Mining UK S (TSX: MNO,OTC:MRRDF) (OTCQX: MRRDF) (FSE: N2E) ("Meridian" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Mr. David Halkyard as Interim Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), following the resignation of Ms. Soraia Morais as CFO. The Company is also pleased to announce the transition of Mr. Vitor Hugo de Sousa Belo to the position of Chief Development Officer ("CDO") of the Company to oversee the development and construction of the Cabaçal project.

As part of the progression of the Cabaçal project to decision to mine in 2027, the Company also announces the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") drill program, and the completion of the title transfer by the Agência Nacional de Mineração ("ANM") for the Cabaçal and Santa Helena projects to Rio Cabaçal Mineração Ltda ("RCM"), the Company's Brazilian subsidiary managing the programs.

Highlights of the news release:

  • Mr. David Halkyard appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer;

  • Mr. Vitor Hugo de Sousa Belo as Chief Development Officer;

  • Cabaçal DFS drill program completed;

    • 591 holes completed for 66,487m of diamond drilling; and

  • Cabaçal Purchase Agreement advanced with Cabaçal and Santa Helena titles transferred.

Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, commented: "I have been working closely with David since he joined the Company, and his contribution has been exceptional, and I am very confident he will grow quickly into the CFO role. David has been working with Soraia to ensure a smooth CFO transition, as we continue to execute on our growth strategy. On behalf of the Board and management of the Company, I would like to thank Soraia for her dedication and many contributions to the Company. We wish Soraia all the best in her future endeavors.

"I am also very pleased to announce Vitor's increased role as the Company's Chief Development Officer. Vitor has been with the Company since 2019 and has led the Brazilian engineering team's successful completion of Cabaçal's PEA and PFS. Having him now joining Meridian's Executive team is a tremendous boost for the Cabaçal DFS1 roll out and beyond.

"The completion of the Cabaçal DFS drill program and the title transfer of the Cabaçal and Santa Helena projects, are key milestones and de-risking events for Meridian as we progress to a decision to mine in 2027."

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

The appointment of Mr. David Halkyard as Interim Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), following the resignation of Ms. Soraia Morais as CFO. Mr Halkyard brings over 20 years' experience in mining-focussed banking and investment management, including senior roles at Resource Capital Funds, Bank of Montreal and Société Générale. David has served as the Company's Senior Vice President – Finance2. Both changes are effective September 1, 2025. Ms. Morais served as the Company's CFO since the reorganization of the Company in 2020 and resigned from her position with the Company to pursue other business opportunities.

Appointment of Chief Development Officer

In his role as CDO, Mr. Belo will be responsible for leading the Company's Cabaçal Mine development strategy, including overseeing the completion of the definitive feasibility study of the Cabaçal VMS gold-copper project and being the principal liaison with the respective Brazilian mining and environmental authorities.

Mr. Belo, who has served as the Company's Principal Mining Consultant in Brazil since 2019, brings over 30 years' experience in the Brazilian mining industry, managing extensive mining operations and leading the engineering and construction of multiple beneficiation plants. Mr. Belo has worked for companies such as Rio Tinto, Kinross and Yamana, Rio Novo, Carpathian Gold and Brio Gold and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, a postgraduate degree in business management from Fundação Dom Cabral, and project management courses from Ibmec.

Cabaçal Definitive Feasibility Drill Program

The Company reports that it has concluded the DFS drilling at Cabaçal. In Cabaçal and near mine areas, the Company has drilled 591 holes (66,487m), supplementing an already large database from the prior work of BP Minerals / RTZ. Various samples have been sent to SGS Lakefield in Canada for the final phase of metallurgical testwork which includes variability testwork from the initial phase of planned production, with floatation tests having commenced, and a mini pilot plant test being scheduled. The Company is liaising with its resource and mining consultancy, GE21, in preparation for DFS modelling and mine planning. With the Cabaçal drilling campaign now finished, the rigs that had been allocated to the program will shift their focus to evaluation of regional targets in the extension of the belt to the northwest and southeast. Company staff are also active in expanding access agreements to the newly granted exploration licences where past reconnaissance work highlighted gold and base metal stream anomalies requiring ground follow-up. Geophysical programs remain in vigour to test new frontiers in an expanding campaign of exploration.

Cabaçal Purchase Agreement Update

The Company signed the Cabaçal Purchase Agreement in November 20203 (the "Agreement"). As part of the Agreement's Second Instalment, it included the transfer of certain mining titles to RCM, the Company's Brazilian subsidiary managing the programs. Licences 866.292/2004 (hosting the Cabaçal mine) and 861.956/1980 (hosting the Santa Helena mine), as shown in Figure 1, have now been registered to RCM by the ANM, concluding the transfer of the key titles. Transfers for three exploration licences remain in progress. We look forward to the ongoing engagement with mining and environmental agencies in advancement of the project.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/264684_e5b858d7c4f66961_001.jpg

Figure 1. Licence status map, including the recently transferred Cabaçal (866292/2004) and Santa Helena (861956/1980) licence areas.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/264684_e5b858d7c4f66961_001full.jpg

ABOUT MERIDIAN

Meridian Mining is focused on:

  • The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabaçal VMS gold-copper project;

  • The initial resource definition at the second higher-grade VMS asset at Santa Helena as the first stage of the Cabaçal Hub development strategy;

  • Regional scale exploration of the Cabaçal VMS belt to expand the Cabaçal Hub strategy; and

  • Exploration in the Jaurú & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil).

The Pre-feasibility Study technical report (the "PFS Technical Report") dated March 31, 2025, entitled: "Cabaçal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Pre-feasibility Study" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 984 million and 61.2% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 248 million, leading to capital repayment in 17 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 2,119 per ounces of gold, USD 4.16 per pound of copper, and USD 26.89 per ounce of silver). Cabaçal has a low All-in Sustaining-Cost of USD 742 per ounce gold equivalent & production profile of 141,000 ounce gold equivalent life of mine, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.3:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil.

The Cabaçal Mineral Reserve estimate consists of Proven and Probable reserves of 41.7 million tonnes at 0.63g/t gold, 0.44% copper and 1.64g/t silver (at a 0.25 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade).

Readers are encouraged to read the PFS Technical Report in its entirety. The PFS Technical Report may be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co.

The PFS Technical Report was prepared for the Company by Tommaso Roberto Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; John Anthony McCartney, C.Geol., Ausenco Chile Ltda.; Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodriguez (Engineer Geologist FAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Leonardo Soares (PGeo, MAIG), Senior Geological Consultant of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Norman Lotter (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.Eng.), of Flowsheets Metallurgical Consulting Inc.; and, Juliano Felix de Lima (Engineer Geologist MAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.

Qualified Person

Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., FAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified, and approved the technical information in this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S,

Mr. Gilbert Clark - CEO and Director

Meridian Mining UK S
8th Floor, 4 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AU
United Kingdom
Email: info@meridianmining.co
Ph: +1 778 715-6410 (BST)

Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/. Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining

Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.


1 See Meridian news release dated May 8, 2025
2 See Meridian news release dated March 10, 2025
3 See Meridian news release dated November 9, 2020

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Meridian Mining UK Societas

Meridian Mining UK Societas

Meridian Mining UK Societas along with its subsidiaries engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and mining activities in Brazil. It focuses on exploring and developing the Espigao manganese project, the Ariquemes tin JV area, and adjacent areas in the state of Rondonia. It also undertakes the Cabacal Project, Mato Grosso.

Gavel on a judge's block atop an Australian flag background.

Australia to Tighten Anti-Dumping Rules to Protect Domestic Industries

In the wake of tariff turmoil caused by the Trump administration's recent actions, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed reforms to the country's anti-dumping system.

In an April 3 statement, he emphasised the importance of safeguarding key sectors like steel, aluminium and manufacturing in the face of unfair competition. The government claims an overhaul would level the playing field for local manufacturers, while critics are warning of potential trade disputes with key partners like China.

The Albanese government has said it will provide AU$5 million to boost the Anti-Dumping Commission's ability to track claims of dumped imports. Ed Husic, minister for industry and science and a member of Albanese's Labor Party, called on the anti-dumping commissioner to take strong action in an April 1 statement of expectations.

"I expect you to use all the powers available to you to ensure that Australian manufacturers are not injured by unfair trade through dumping and subsidisation," Husic said, asking the recently reappointed commissioner to "consider the strategic environment" and act on "effective, timely and accessible remedies to unfair trade."

He further stated, "I expect you to lead a world-class trade remedies authority. I expect your advice, recommendations and decisions to be developed and discharged in line with relevant legislation; Australia’s international obligations; and to be robust, evidence‑based and provide certainty for all users of the anti-dumping system."

The commissioner has yet to respond; the government has said a statement will be published once available.

What is dumping?

Dumping occurs when a country or company exports goods to another market at prices below their normal value, often due to government subsidies or predatory pricing strategies.


This practice can distort competition, undercut domestic producers and harm local industries.

Anti-dumping measures, such as tariffs or import restrictions, can be imposed to counteract these unfair trade practices and protect homegrown businesses. Australia’s latest anti-dumping reforms aim to strengthen its ability to detect and penalise dumping, ensuring a fairer market for local manufacturers.

Australia's current anti-dumping system allows Australian manufacturers to apply for anti-dumping or countervailing duties when they believe dumped or subsidised goods being imported into Australia are harming their business.

The government notes that dumping is not prohibited or illegal under World Trade Organisation (WTO) international agreements, but also states that it is defined as anti-competitive behaviour.

In the context of the recent trade tensions and tariffs, Australia's anti-dumping measures are seen counteracting the influx of cheap imports while maintaining obligations under free trade agreements and WTO rules.

How do anti-dumping measures help Australia?

Given the imposition of tariffs, various countries, including Australia, could struggle to sell their products in the US and choose instead to dump them at lower costs in other markets.

This means potentially depriving local manufacturers of their full profits. The Guardian notes that in the worst-case scenario, these manufacturers could be forced out of business.

Strengthening anti-dumping capabilities means protecting the chances of these local manufacturers.

It's important to note that dumping is not always bad, especially if local producers aren't being disadvantaged.

According to TheGlobalEconomy.com, manufacturing makes up 5.36 percent of Australia’s economy. This is half of the world average of 12.33 percent, based on data from 153 countries.

Despite the smaller number, Australia sees manufacturing as a critical component of its economic landscape given that it's responsible for 45 percent of the nation's merchandise exports.

Manufacturing also contributes to 25 percent of total research and development spending in the country.

How does anti-dumping relate to mining?

Anti-dumping is relevant to the mining industry as protecting manufacturers equates to safeguarding domestic industries that supply essential materials and services to mining operations.

Steel is a major element in the manufacturing industry, with Australia currently having 44 anti-dumping measures in place on 12 steel products from 14 countries. Anti-dumping also protects downstream industries, given that mining supplies raw materials such as iron ore and bauxite used for steel and aluminum.

The Australian Steel Institute has said that robust anti-dumping provisions serve as a national defense against unfair trade practices. These policies prevent market distortions caused by dumped imports, helping maintain the viability of both manufacturing and mining sectors.

Anti-dumping and other Australian initiatives

Australia recently established a critical minerals strategic reserve to enhance the mining sector.

A report from Discovery Alert describes the reserve as a "strategic stockpile that emerges as a dual-purpose mechanism," saying that it will simultaneously incentivise domestic exploration and production, while establishing a national buffer against supply chain disruptions. This will assist in anti-dumping efforts by ensuring stable domestic supply of lithium, rare earths and the like, all of which are used in advancing manufacturing sectors.

The critical minerals strategy is also a show of national resilience, which complements the anti-dumping strategy. Foreign countries often use export restrictions or price wars to manipulate the global market raw materials scene.

By establishing a critical minerals reserve, Australia is protecting domestic industries, such as mining and high-tech manufacturing, from the risks of artificially low-priced imports and potential geopolitical leverage by foreign suppliers.

On February 11, the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2024 passed through parliament. This means two additional tax incentives, namely:

  • A Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive worth AU$2 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced.
  • A Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive worth 10 percent of eligible processing and refining costs for Australia’s 31 critical minerals.

At the time of this writing, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission has identified 24 imported products or commodities that it believes are being sold in Australia at unfairly low prices. The list includes zinc-coated steel, aluminum extrusions and precision pipe and tube steel, all usable for mining.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.


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