REG - Panther Metals PLC - Winston High-Grade Brownfield Critical Minerals
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RNS Number : 0817N Panther Metals PLC 17 June 2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PANTHER METALS PLC
("Panther" or the "Company")
(Incorporated in the Isle of Man with company number 009753V)
17 June 2025
Winston High-Grade Brownfield Critical Minerals Project
Panther Metals Secures Feasibility Study Stage Multi Element VMS Opportunity
Panther Metals Plc (LSE: PALM), the exploration company focused on mineral
projects in Canada, is very pleased to announce the signing of two option and
purchase agreements (the "Agreements") to create the Winston Project, a
polymetallic high-grade zinc, copper and precious metal volcanogenic massive
sulphide ("VMS") property comprising a critical mineral mine redevelopment and
resource building exploration opportunity (the "Project"), located 50 km east
of Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada.
The Agreements signed with First Quantum Minerals Ltd ("First Quantum"), the
Canada based global top-10 copper mining company and Frontier Energy Ltd
("Frontier"), the Australia listed renewable energy company, consolidate a
project area comprising both freehold patented, leased and crown land mining
claims. These cover two high-grade VMS deposits, Pick Lake and Winston Lake,
the Winston Lake Mine site infrastructure and highly prospective exploration
targets.
The 2021 Feasibility Study for the mine redevelopment expected to generate
average life of mine ("LOM") annual EBITDA of C$67.64 million (M) and have a
pre-tax NPV(8%) of C$ 175.8 M and IRR of 26%, with further strong exploration
potential for defining additional Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from
the two main deposits as well as additional near-mine VMS exploration targets.
Highlights
· Feasibility Study Stage Project (2021)
o NPV(8%): C$175.8M pre-tax, assuming zinc priced at US$2,700/t, copper
at US$7,300/t, gold at US$1,635/oz & silver at US$21/oz. At a derisked 6%
discount Pre-tax NPV = C$213.2M.
o IRR: 26% pre-tax
o EBITDA: C$574.9M (gross), C$67.64M (annual). Gross revenue: C$983.3M
o CAPEX: C$145.1 M
o OPEX: C$65.17/t
o LOM: Initial 8.5 year life of mine, with 3.5 year pay-back
period. Strong potential to increase LOM.
o Producing an average 33.40ktpa contained zinc,1.3ktpa contained copper,
698oz recovered gold and 90.8koz recovered silver (after ramp-up), from an
onsite processing facility with an annualised 326ktpa capacity.
o The unit pricing for copper, gold and silver, concentrate payable
percentages and exchange rates, are positively different from 2021 in today's
dollars, providing scope for additional value uplift.
· High-Grade Mineral Resource
o Indicated Resource of 2.07 Million Tonnes @ 18% Zinc
o Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide mineralisation well understood by Panther.
· Positive Upside
o Panther plans to build value through extending the mine life utilising the
Company's strong local exploration network and leveraging institutional,
governmental and critical mineral programme support.
o No name discussions in Canada have indicated strong support for this deal
on an asset base previously supported by industry heavyweights, including
Sprott.
o Strong prospects to increase Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves
through exploration down-dip and along strike of the current Resources.
o Zinc and Copper deemed Critical Minerals in Canada, eligible for enhanced
tax-efficient flow-through funding.
o Positive First Nation engagement.
o Strong Institutional and Governmental support for future financing
options.
o Existing historical tailings storage facility offers potential for
near-term cash-flow subject to further studies.
Darren Hazelwood, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Securing this asset is transformational. By uniting First Quantum's Winston
Mine with Frontier's high-grade Pick Lake deposit, we have a de-risked
brownfield project-complete with grid power, road access, and the crucial
tailings facility. The combined infrastructure, recently updated Resources,
Reserves, and strong exploration potential sets the project apart.
The underlying economics are compelling, reflective of a mid-tier asset with
strong margin potential. Our initial focus will be on extending mine life, and
with fresh eyes on the asset, we believe there is a genuine opportunity to
achieve this even prior to deploying new drilling. Unlocking additional mine
life will not only enhance the asset's intrinsic value but also further
position it as a cornerstone for long-term growth.
I would like to acknowledge the valuable support, guidance, and discretion
provided in 2025 by Pays Plat First Nation, First Quantum, Frontier, the UK
Government, and our partners at a leading London-based commodity trading
house. Their collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this outcome.
We now look ahead with confidence, backed by a significantly enhanced asset
base and a clear pathway for near-term growth."
Nick O'Reilly, Chairman of Panther Metals Plc commented:
"The consolidation of the high-grade Pick Lake and Winston Lake deposits into
the Winston High Grade Multi Element VMS Project provides a compelling
opportunity for Panther to deliver significant value up-lift through
manageable exploration steps, targeting a familiar mineralisation style, in a
supportive first-world jurisdiction and leveraging strong relationships the
Company has already forged in the Thunder Bay area.
The prior work completed as part of the 2021 Feasibility Study and the 2021
Mineral Resource estimate update, and associated sunk costs, significantly
de-risk the exploration opportunity for Panther, with clear exploration
targets and recommendations upon which Panther can build.
The entire Board are highly encouraged as we embark on what will be a
transformational step-change in Panther's evolution, and we commend Darren in
getting the deals over the line."
Winston Project
The Panther Metals Winston High Grade Multi Element VMS Project (the "Winston
Project" or the "Project"), located 50 km east of Thunder Bay, is an advanced
stage polymetallic zinc, copper and precious metal property comprising a
high-grade critical mineral mine redevelopment and resource building
opportunity (Figure 1). The Project option agreements consolidate the
high-grade deposits, Mineral Resources and mining claim portfolios comprising
the former producing Winston Lake Mine owned by First Quantum, with the Pick
Lake property held by Frontier Energy (Figure 1). Based on an underground
mining Feasibility Study published in 2021 the Project is expected to generate
average life of mine ("LOM") annual EBITDA of C$67.64 million (M) and have a
pre-tax NPV(8%) of C$ 175.8 M and IRR of 26%, with further strong exploration
potential for defining additional Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from
the two main deposits (Figure 2) as well as additional near-mine VMS
exploration targets.
Highly prospective near mine exploration targets include the Pick Lake Deposit
which is not fully constrained and is considered to be open down-plunge; the
Winston Lake Deposit where there are strong electromagnetic ("EM") geophysics
conductive bodies adjacent to the current Resource; and in the vicinity of the
historical Zenith deposit. The wider project area is relatively underexplored
and there are several prospective surface zinc targets, including Anderson,
Trial and Ciglen, and the VMS hosting horizons along strike strongly warrant
geophysical investigation.
The 2021 Feasibility Study(1) for the Winston Project detailed a strong
economic case for mine redevelopment for a 1,000 tonnes per day underground
operation with a net present value (NPV(8%)) of C$171.5M and pre-tax internal
rate of return (IRR) of 26% based on an Ore Reserve of 1.96Mt @ 13.9% Zn, 0.6%
Cu with significant gold and silver credits (Table 1) producing an expected
69.8 thousand tonnes per year (ktpa) of zinc concentrate and 5.3 ktpa of
copper concentrate over an initial 8.5 year mine life. The Project boasts a
high-grade CIM compliant Indicated Mineral Resource(2) of 2.07Mt averaging
17.9% zinc, 0.8% copper, 0.4 g/t gold, and 34 g/t silver plus Inferred 0.27Mt
@ 16.2% Zn, 1.0% Cu, 0.3g/t Au & 37.2g/t Ag (Table 2).
The Project is located only 20km from the trans-Canada highway and rail
transport links. Onsite infrastructure includes a 115kv power line, plant
site, tailings and freshwater facilities, transport links and underground
development already in place (Figure 3). The previous mining operation closed
in February 1999 due to very low zinc prices at the time. In total, 3.4
million tonnes grading 1.0% copper and 16% zinc was mined and processed. The
total project area covers approximately 60.41km(2) and comprises both patented
and leased mining claims and crown land mining claims.
The Feasibility Study positions the project in the lowest quartile of
operating costs globally, with a projected initial mine life of 8.5 years.
Panther plans to build on the resources, to increase reserves and extend the
mine life utilising the Company's strong local exploration network and
leveraging institutional, governmental and critical mineral programme support.
Table 1: Winston Project Mineral Reserve
Winston Ore Reserve Million Zinc Copper Gold Silver
Project Tonnes Grade Grade Grade Grade
Classification (Mt) (Zn %) (Cu %) (Au g/t) (Ag g/t)
Proven - - - - -
Probable 1.96 13.9 0.6 0.2 26.2
Total 1.96 13.9 0.6 0.2 26.2
Notes: JORC (2012) compliant Mineral Reserve effective date 5 July 2019. Ore
Reserves are based solely on Indicated Mineral Resources and are reported
above an average net smelter return (NSR) cut-off grade of US$98 /t equivalent
to 5.2% Zn. (1)
Table 2: Winston Project Mineral Resource Estimate at 3% Zn cut-off grade
Resource Areas Mineral Resource Classification Million Zinc Copper Gold Silver
Tonnes Grade Grade Grade Grade
(Mt) (Zn %) (Cu %) (Au g/t) (Ag g/t)
Pick Indicated 1.78 19.20 0.90 0.3 36.1
Lake
Inferred 0.27 16.40 1.00 0.3 38
Winston Indicated 0.29 10.40 0.70 0.9 18.4
Lake
Inferred 0.01 8.90 0.60 0.5 11.9
Winston Project Total 2.07 17.90 0.80 0.4 33.6
Indicated
Total 0.27 16.20 1.00 0.3 37.2
Inferred
Notes: Effective date 15 October 2020. Stated at 3% zinc cut-off grade.
Mineral Resource estimate is compliant with the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM"), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and
Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on
Reserve Definitions. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not
have demonstrated economic viability. There has been insufficient exploration
to define the inferred resources tabulated above as an indicated or measured
mineral resource, however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the
Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources
with continued exploration.
Figure 1: Location of the Winston High Grade Multi Element VMS Project
Map Note: Map Shows Mining Claims Comprising the Pick Lake and Winston Lake
Properties(1)
Figure 2: Three Dimentional Respesentation of the Pick Lake and Winston Lake
Mineral Resource Models, Drill String Traces and Underground Development
(Metallum Resources, 2021)
Figure 3: Winston Lake Minesite Infrastructure including Plant Site, Tailings
and Water Storage Facilities (1)
Strategic Positioning Ahead of Winston Project Acquisition
In advance of progressing the option agreements Panther engaged in high-level
discussions across Canada and London, to confirm that funding the purchase
for the Winston Project would not present a barrier to execution. However, due
to the material significance of this asset to the Company's future trajectory,
the Board believes completing the transaction prior to a formal market
announcement would not be in the best interest of existing shareholders.
The Company is confident that, once incorporated, the Winston Project will
elevate Panther Metals to a substantially enhanced corporate and operational
level.
In parallel, Panther has held positive and constructive meetings with UK
Export Finance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and with a
leading global commodities trading house. Outcomes from these discussions
strongly support the Board's view that the Winston Project could, in
principle, attract favourable debt finance terms, if and when, the Project is
advanced to development, and subject to all the necessary technical and
financial due diligence.
The Company is now advancing towards the execution of a Letter of Intent with
a globally recognised banking institution to underpin a future funding
strategy. Panther remains focused on delivering long-term shareholder value
through disciplined capital management and strategic asset development.
Agreement Terms
Panther's Winston Project is underpinned by two separate purchase option
agreements which will upon exercise consolidate the mining claims, leases and
mineral assets into a single 100% owned property. The deal terms are as
follows.
First Quantum Minerals Option to Purchase Winston Lake Property
The First Quantum option to purchase agreement affords Panther the Option to
purchase, all right, title and interest in, the Winston Lake Property and
patented land leases. The agreement includes an initial due diligence period
in which Panther has the right to conduct agreed exploration work.
In the initial 12-month due diligence period Panther has the right to all
project data and to conduct an agreed exploration programme on the First
Quantum property, in return for a C$100,000 payment. Prior to the expiration
of the due diligence period, Panther may extend the period for a further 12
months up to three times (for a total maximum due diligence period of 48
months) by making payments of C$50,000 per extension.
Upon Panther exercising the purchase option, First Quantum will be granted a
2% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty (the "Royalty") over the Winston Lake
Property, with Panther having the right to purchase back half (50%) of the
Royalty for a payment of C$3,000,000. Upon exercise Panther will be required
to replace First Quantum's outstanding letter of credit for C$4,000,000 (or
such greater amount as may be in place as of the completion date), currently
issued in favour of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Frontier Energy Option and Sale and Purchase Agreement for the Pick Lake
Mining Ltd Property
The terms of the Frontier Energy Option and Sale and Purchase Agreement
comprise an Option Period running to 15 October 2025. An Option payment of
100,000 Australian dollars (A$), with additional A$30,000 per month, payable
on the first business day in each month thereafter and ending on 15th October
2025, the payments in each case offset against the total purchase price of
A$2,750,000, when the Option is exercised. Panther is entitled to exercise the
Option at any time during the Option Period. The Pick Lake property is
subject to a 2% NSR royalty with a previous owner, 50% of which may be bought
back for C$1M.
Technical References
1 NI 43-101 Technical Report Feasibility Study for
the Superior Zinc and Copper Project, dated 13 October 2021, prepared for
Metallum Resources Inc by DRA Global ("DRA").
2 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource
Estimation of the Pick Lake and Winston Lake Properties, Ontario, Canada,
dated 15 October 2020, prepared for CROPS Inc. (renamed Metallum Resources
Inc) by MASSA Geoservices.
Glossary
CAPEX: Capital expenditure, investments in equipment, infrastructure, and
long-term assets.
CIM: The CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and
Petroleum) Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves provide a
framework for reporting Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in Canada and
globally. These standards are used by Canadian public reporting mining
companies, regardless of where the mineral deposit is located. They are also
aligned with the principles and definitions of CRIRSCO (Committee for Mineral
Reserves International Reporting Standards).
Discount rate: In Net Present Value (NPV) calculations, the
discount rate is the annual rate used to convert future cash flows into their
present-day value. It represents the minimum rate of return an investment
needs to achieve to be considered worthwhile. This rate considers factors like
interest rates, inflation, and the opportunity cost of capital.
EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation.
IRR: Internal rate of return. The Internal Rate of Return
(IRR) is a financial metric that determines the discount rate at which the net
present value (NPV) of all cash flows from a project or investment equals
zero. Essentially, it's the interest rate that makes the investment break
even. A higher IRR generally indicates a more profitable investment, as it
represents a greater potential return.
Ktpa: thousand tonnes per annum
Mineral Reserves: Mineral Reserves are the portions of Mineral Resources
that are currently economically viable to extract, considering factors like
market prices, extraction costs, and technology. They represent a smaller
subset of resources that can be realistically mined based on factors such as
location, quantity, and quality. Mineral Reserves can be categorised as Proven
and Probable, with Proven reserves representing the most certain portion of an
economically mineable resource
Mineral Resources: These are concentrations of mineral deposits that have the
potential for future economic extraction. They are identified and estimated
through exploration and sampling. Mineral Resources are categorised as
Inferred, Indicated, and Measured, with Measured resources having the highest
level of confidence.
NPV: Net-Present Value. Net present value (NPV) is a financial
tool used to evaluate the profitability of an investment or project. It
calculates the difference between the present value of cash inflows and cash
outflows over a specified period, considering the time value of money.
NSR: Net smelter return. Net Smelter Return (NSR) is a crucial
metric in the mining industry, representing the net revenue a mine operator
receives from the sale of its extracted metals, after deducting all costs
associated with transporting and processing the ore to the smelter. It's
essentially the mine's "free cash flow" from its mineral production,
reflecting the profitability of the mined material.
OPEX: Operational expenditure, the recurring costs involved in the daily
operation of a mine, encompassing expenses like mining, processing, labour,
utilities, maintenance, and contracted services.
Competent Person Statement
Technical information in this announcement has been reviewed by Nicholas
O'Reilly BSc (Hons) MSc DIC MIMMM QMR MAusIMM FGS, a director of the
Company. Mr O'Reilly is principal geologist and a director of Mining
Analyst Consulting Ltd. He has over 20 years' experience in mining,
exploration and development across all major commodities. As a qualified
geologist, he can act as Competent Person for JORC Code and UK Listing rules
purposes.
The person who arranged for the release of this information is Darren
Hazelwood, the Company's Chief Executive Officer.
For further information, please contact:
Panther Metals PLC:
Darren Hazelwood, Chief Executive Officer: +44(0) 1462
429 743
+44(0) 7971 957 685
Brokers:
SI Capital Limited
Nick Emerson
+44(0) 1438 416 500
Obonga Project - Expanding Canada's Next VMS and Critical Minerals District
Panther Metals' Obonga Project in Ontario continues to demonstrate significant
potential as a leading exploration initiative targeting both base and critical
minerals. Since acquiring the Obonga Greenstone Belt in July 2021, the Company
has rapidly advanced five high-priority targets: Wishbone, Awkward, Survey,
Ottertooth, and Silver Rim.
In June 2024, Panther secured a key Exploration Permit for the Wishbone
Prospect, valid through 2027, authorizing extensive drilling and geophysical
surveys. Previous campaigns confirmed compelling volcanogenic massive sulphide
(VMS)-style mineralisation, highlighted by intercepts such as 27.3m of massive
sulphide and 51m of sulphide-dominated mineralisation with multiple
mineralised lenses. High-grade copper anomalies in lake sediment further
enhance the prospectivity of this landmark target.
July 2024 saw Panther awarded an Exploration Permit for Awkward West,
supporting an aggressive exploration program including up to 31 drill holes.
Historic drilling here revealed notable graphite mineralisation-27.2m at 2.25%
Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) with zones exceeding 5% TGC-alongside promising
signs of nickel, copper, and platinum group elements, aligning with Panther's
strategic focus on critical minerals.
Additional exploration efforts include high-resolution magnetic geophysical
surveys across key prospects, optimizing drill targeting and advancing the
geological model. Survey and Ottertooth remain highly prospective, with
multiple magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies and historic intercepts of
massive sulphides, many targets still largely untested.
Obonga's combination of VMS-style base metals and critical mineral potential,
situated in a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction with strong
infrastructure, positions Panther Metals to unlock a district-scale mineral
system with significant commercial upside.
Dotted Lake Project - Hemlo-Adjacent Gold Opportunity with Growing Momentum
Panther Metals' Dotted Lake Project, acquired in July 2020, lies just 16km
from Barrick Gold's renowned Hemlo Mine, in one of Canada's premier
gold-producing regions. The project offers a strategically located and
scalable gold exploration play.
Initial soil sampling in 2021 identified numerous gold and base metal targets,
and subsequent access improvements facilitated an initial drilling program
that confirmed gold mineralisation with anomalous values extending along
strike.
In early 2025, Panther completed a follow-up campaign featuring detailed
geological mapping, trenching, and targeted diamond drilling. These efforts
extended mineralisation both laterally and at depth, identified new structural
controls, and reinforced the potential for a broader, high-grade gold system.
Multiple zones have been prioritised for expanded drilling, underscoring
Dotted Lake's significant upside.
The project's proximity to established infrastructure and Hemlo's extensive
mining operations, combined with robust recent results, makes Dotted Lake a
key asset in Panther's growth portfolio.
Commercial Strategy - Discovery-Driven Value Creation
Panther Metals is committed to creating substantial shareholder value through
focused exploration and disciplined capital management. The Company combines
deep geological expertise with an understanding of market and financing
dynamics to advance high-potential projects efficiently.
With access to a global network of industry leaders and a rigorous operational
focus on drilling, Panther prioritises activities that directly contribute to
discovery and resource growth. The drill hole remains the ultimate validation
in mineral exploration, and Panther's strategy is to fast-track world-class
targets into drill-ready assets - delivering tangible results that underpin
long-term value creation for shareholders.
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