Canyon Resources Limited Accelerates Minim Martap Bauxite Project With $124M Underwriting Loan, DFS Milestones, and Strategic Rail Investment

Thursday, April 17, 2025
at
10:27 pm
Article header image

Canyon Resources Limited is advancing its Minim Martap Bauxite Project with a two-stage development strategy for first shipments in 2026. The company secured a major loan for rolling stock, gained rail facility approval, and announced key leadership transitions, reinforcing its commitment to rapid growth and operational efficiency.

Canyon Resources Limited has advanced its flagship Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon through several major operational and corporate milestones during the March 2025 quarter. The company’s Definitive Feasibility Study remains on target for completion in Q3 2025 and is focused on optimizing operational efficiency and sustainable economics. An evaluation of a two-stage development strategy aims to ramp up production in phases so that the first bauxite shipment can be made in 2026. In parallel, Canyon has secured a USD 123,956,539 underwriting loan for purchasing 22 locomotives and 550 wagons to underpin its logistical framework. In addition, the Government of Cameroon has approved the location for an Inland Rail Facility, with 105 hectares allocated for rail expansion and infrastructure developments. On the corporate front, Canyon Resources Limited is undergoing significant leadership and board changes to support its development strategy. Peter Secker is set to take over as Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2025, as the current CEO, Jean Sebastien Boutet, transitions to the role of Chief Commercial & Corporate Development Officer. The board also welcomed Dean Horton as a Non-Executive Director after the resignation of Peter Su, and a new Chief Financial Officer, Kudzai Mtsambiwa, has been appointed to steer the financing and investor relations functions. Furthermore, the company’s inclusion in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index underscores its growing prominence in the market. The project is progressing on multiple fronts with several key milestones lined up. Acquisition of existing port facilities and finalization of port and rail access agreements are expected in Q2 2025, while an updated JORC compliant Mineral Resource Estimate is scheduled for Q3 2025. In the second half of 2025, mining permits for Makan and Ngaoundal will be obtained and offtake contracts finalised, all paving the way for the DFS completion and subsequent financing discussions by year’s end. From a financial perspective, Canyon reported a cash balance of AUD 8.6 million as at 31 March 2025. The company also executed a strategic 9.1% investment in CAMRAIL S.A., which not only gives it a stake in critical rail infrastructure but also a seat on the Camrail Board. This investment, alongside ongoing negotiations with potential debt providers and equipment vendors, supports the company’s vision for near-term production and further reinforces its commitment to cost efficiency and long-term operational growth. The news presents a mix of bullish and bearish sentiments. On the bullish side, the accelerated production ramp-up, secured rolling stock financing, government backing through rail facility approval, and strong strategic partnerships highlight the company’s robust project execution. The comprehensive approach to de-risking the project—along with favorable technical indicators such as a world-class bauxite deposit and phased production targets—builds significant confidence in early revenue generation. Conversely, the bearish perspective points to the inherent risks of transitioning from feasibility to production, the pressure to meet multiple tight milestones, and the potential challenges in securing additional financing amidst market volatility. This blend of optimism and caution underscores the typical balance of potential rewards and execution risks for emerging projects in the mining sector.

Document

Recent Articles