MMEC 2025 closes with bold commitments to local content, regional integration and sustainable ...
File photo: Mozambique Mining Post
Battery Minerals (BAT) has agreed to sell its Mozambique Graphite Projects to Tirupati Graphite for $12.5 million in cash and shares.
The acquisition agreement will see the London stock exchange listed company becoming the owner of the Montepuez and Balama Graphite Projects through the purchase of all shares in Suni Resources SA, which is a subsidiary of Battery Minerals and held by Rovuma.
Agreement announced today @BatteryMinerals swap our graphite project to become second biggest shareholder after founders in Tirupati Graphite https://t.co/cltgKAdcpT
— David Flanagan (@DavidFlanagan_) August 17, 2021
Our CEO @ShishirPoddar on Acquisition Agreement of the Strategic Mozambique Graphite Projects #TGR #Tirupati #Graphite #Graphene pic.twitter.com/u4WFVxex9F
— Tirupati Graphite (@Tirupatiuk) August 17, 2021
While BAT hasn’t given a reason to the sale, in its June quarterly report it noted disruptions at the projects due to COVID-19 restrictions, including key funding development activities being postponed and reduced staffing.
The company said it would continue to focus on its Australian mineral exploration properties in the WA Kimberley region and western Victoria, where it is currently implementing expanded exploration programmes.
In today’s announcement, the company said Tirupati was a “natural owner” of projects such as the two Mozambican graphite projects given its experience in Africa.
Specifically, Tirupati is a graphite producer and developer with projects in Madagascar, as well as advanced materials development businesses in India.
The sale will see BAT receive a cash payment of $1.5 million and Tirupati ordinary shares valued at $11 million.
Through its shareholding, Battery Minerals will maintain a free carried exposure to the two projects and add exposure to Tirupati Graphite’s other production and development assets.
Additionally, BAT said it would gain exposure to graphene and graphene based advanced materials being developed by Tirupati.
The sale is subject to Mozambican government approval and approval from Battery Minerals’ shareholders.
BAT shares are trading in the grey at 1.5 cents at 10:38 am AEST.
This deal is one of the biggest strategic success we @Tirupatiuk have achieved since admission. We have followed these projects of @BatteryMinerals for years and are convinced these are one of the best globally. We welcome @DavidFlanagan_ and all #BAT shareholders in #TGR family https://t.co/uSucBfAgA0
— Shishir Kumar Poddar (@ShishirPoddar) August 17, 2021
Leave a Reply
Be the First to Comment!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.