Metals Exploration (LSE:MTL) - Self-Funded Nicaragua Gold Mine Targets 140K Oz Start in Q4 2026

Interview with Darren Bowden, CEO, Metals Exploration

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/metals-exploration-lsemtl-gold-producer-targets-500m-annual-cash-flow-by-2028-6846

Recording date: 18th June, 2025

Metals Exploration is executing a strategic transformation from a single-asset gold producer to a diversified mining company operating across the Philippines and Nicaragua. The company's Runruno mine in the Philippines currently generates $96 million in annual free cash flow while producing 70,000-80,000 ounces of gold, providing the financial foundation for aggressive expansion plans.

The centerpiece of this growth strategy is the January 2025 acquisition of Condor Gold in Nicaragua, where Metals Exploration is rapidly constructing a new gold mine targeting 140,000 ounces annually by Q4 2026. Unlike previous development attempts constrained by external financing requirements, the company is using internal cash flows to optimize mine design, targeting 1.4 million tons annually compared to Condor's original 880,000-ton plan.

CEO Darren Bowden brings 17 years of South American mining experience, positioning the company to navigate challenging jurisdictions where political risk perception creates entry barriers for competitors. The team has quickly established credibility in Nicaragua, securing contracts with the country's four largest companies and demonstrating operational progress that previous management failed to achieve over 12 years.

In the Philippines, Metals Exploration is advancing multiple opportunities to extend operations beyond Runruno's 2026 closure. The most immediate prospect involves a VMS deposit 20 kilometers away containing zinc, copper, and gold mineralization. The company plans to repurpose existing plant infrastructure with a $20 million investment, targeting $1 billion in annual revenue by 2028.

The investment thesis centers on exceptional cash flow generation, production growth from 70,000 to 140,000+ ounces annually, and significant cost advantages in both jurisdictions. Operating debt-free with drilling costs approximately 75% below US levels, Metals Exploration maintains financial flexibility while advancing multiple development pathways.

With gold prices above $3,500 providing substantial margins and the company's self-funded approach eliminating dilution risk, Metals Exploration represents a compelling growth story in underexplored, politically complex markets where operational expertise creates competitive advantages.

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

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