Capital Metals (LSE:CMET) - 17.2% Grade Mineral Sands Project Targets FID by year-end 2025

Sep 24, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Interview with Greg Martyr, Executive Chairman, Capital Metals

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/capital-metals-lsecmet-strategic-alliance-advances-worlds-highest-grade-mineral-sands-play-7308

Recording date: 22nd September 2025

Capital Metals stands poised to make a final investment decision by end-2025 on its Taprobane Minerals project in Sri Lanka, representing what executive chairman Greg Martyr calls "one of the highest grade undeveloped mineral sands projects in the world." The company's exceptional 17.2% grade deposit dramatically exceeds the global average of less than 5%, creating substantial competitive advantages in an otherwise challenging market environment.

The project's economics are compelling, requiring only $25 million in initial capital to generate projected annual revenues of $35-40 million against operating costs below $20 million. This translates to a base case net present value of $180 million, creating significant upside potential for a company trading at a market capitalization below £20 million.

Capital Metals has secured crucial local partnerships, including a $4 million investment from Ambeon Capital for a 20% stake. The partnership brings legendary cricketer-turned-investment banker Aravinda De Silva to the board, providing essential government relations access in navigating Sri Lanka's regulatory environment.

The regulatory landscape has improved markedly following the election of a new anti-corruption government that secured 75% of the vote. "The big picture is that the country is focusing on a mineral source of revenue for foreign direct investment which is what they need," Martyr explains, highlighting the administration's pro-business mining stance.

Two critical approvals remain pending: mining license expansion and export rights for heavy mineral concentrate. Management expresses confidence these will be secured by year-end, enabling construction to begin in Q1 2026. The straightforward surface mining operation involves no blasting or chemical processing, with immediate environmental remediation capabilities positioning the project favorably in an ESG-conscious investment climate.

With established markets for its four primary commodities—ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and garnet—the project offers investors exposure to a high-margin, environmentally responsible mining operation backed by exceptional resource quality and supportive regulatory momentum.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/capital-metals