EQ Resources Limited has announced that its fully owned Spanish subsidiary, Saloro S.L.U., has successfully repaid a €5 million debt facility previously held with Banco Santander S.A. This payment, which represents a 25% reduction in Saloro’s outstanding debt facilities with Santander, comes as part of an ongoing strategic effort to extend and roll over key credit facilities. In addition to this repayment, the remaining €15 million in debt with Santander has been extended until 10 December 2025. Saloro has also received confirmation from CaixaBank S.A. that its €5 million facility will similarly be extended, with final documentation expected before the end of June 2025. The repayment and extension measures are taking place against a backdrop of strong operational performance at Saloro’s Barruecopardo mine. Improved mining operations led to record production levels towards the end of 2024, contributing to a positive unaudited EBITDA of EUR4.4 million (approximately A$7.84 million) for the period spanning Q4 2024 to Q1 2025 on a Saloro stand-alone basis. This operational success is further supported by a recent notable increase in tungsten prices of over 30% since the beginning of the year, driven by China’s export restrictions and a tightening global supply in the critical materials sector. The company’s proactive management of its debt exposure coupled with favorable market conditions strengthens its financial standing and positions it well within the growing market for European mined critical raw materials. EQ Resources Limited continues to foster positive relations with its banking partners, signaling confidence in further extending its credit facilities beyond 2025. This strategic debt management underscores the importance of Saloro’s role in supplying tungsten, a critical component in the new economy and an essential raw material amid global supply challenges. Bullish sentiment is bolstered by the successful debt repayment and extension initiatives, effective operational improvements leading to record production and earnings, and the significant rise in tungsten prices reflecting robust market demand. These factors signal improved financial stability and an enhanced ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in the critical minerals sector. Conversely, a bearish perspective might note that the company still maintains substantial debt levels, and its future performance will depend on successfully managing market volatility and ongoing debt restructuring amidst a competitive global minerals landscape.