Mining and exploration firms with exposure to critical and rare minerals are enjoying a wave of investor interest, driven by soaring prices and an urgent global push to secure supply chains. From lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements and graphite, the strategic value of these materials—vital for green energy, defence, and advanced tech—has triggered a modern-day resource race.
As governments and corporations compete for access, mining specialists are positioning themselves at the heart of the supply boom, unlocking value in previously overlooked regions and assets.
China’s dominance over the global metals supply chain—and its readiness to restrict exports—continues to cast a long shadow over Western economies. Meanwhile, Russia remains a key commodities producer, but international sanctions have significantly reduced its output. The simmering conflict between Iran and Israel has only added to the uncertainty, sending shockwaves through global supply chains.
For shrewd investors, this volatile backdrop presents a compelling opportunity: buy into critical mineral mining companies poised to benefit from tightening supplies and surging demand.
In a world increasingly focused on energy security and supply chain resilience, these specialist miners are finding themselves in the right place at the right time.
Empire Metals: A Titanium Powerhouse in the Making
Titanium—lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant—is a critical metal for both defence and green energy. From tanks and submarines to wind turbines and solar panels, demand is rising. Its cousin, titanium dioxide, is also vital, forming the base for premium paints, plastics, and paper.
Empire Metals (AIM:EEE) is emerging as a standout in this space. The company is developing one of the largest and purest titanium deposits in the world, spanning 400 square miles in Western Australia, just north of Perth.
Today, shares trade at 23p, but with momentum building, many believe the upside potential remains substantial.
What sets Empire apart is purity. Most titanium is extracted from low-grade ore, requiring expensive processing—especially for high-spec uses in defence and pigments. But Empire’s resource is different: independent tests released this month show it can deliver titanium dioxide with over 99% purity, quickly and cost-effectively.
This breakthrough puts the project in a league of its own and has sparked serious interest from governments and global industry players. Backed by the Australian government, Empire is reportedly in talks with Japanese titanium processors and major pigment manufacturers, among others.
Several major milestones are on the horizon. CEO Shaun Bunn, a veteran geologist, plans to publish an independent resource estimate, a costing study, and launch a test facility to accelerate development. Financing options are also being explored to bring the project into production.
High-purity titanium dioxide can fetch thousands of dollars per tonne, and global supply is constrained. Empire’s unique deposit positions it to become a key supplier in a strategically vital market.
Early-stage mining is always a high-risk, high-reward proposition. But with a proven team, rising demand, and a world-class asset, Empire Metals remains one to watch. At 23p, the shares still offer significant upside for adventurous investors willing to ride the next wave of growth.
Sovereign Metals: Backed by a Giant, Aiming to Disrupt Global Titanium and Graphite Markets
When Rio Tinto, a £70 billion mining heavyweight, chooses to partner with a small AIM-listed junior, investors take notice. Last summer, Rio took a 15% stake in Sovereign Metals (AIM:SVML)—a bold endorsement of the company’s titanium and graphite project in Malawi. Since then, it has upped its holding to 18.5%, provided technical expertise, and funded a feasibility study into Sovereign’s flagship Kasiya mine.
The early results are promising.
Kasiya, roughly the size of Stoke-on-Trent (75 sq miles), holds two globally significant resources:
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The largest known deposit of rutile (a titanium dioxide mineral used in aerospace, paints, and pigments)
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The second-largest graphite deposit, a material critical for steelmaking and lithium-ion batteries
With China currently dominating graphite supply, geopolitical tension is heating up—highlighted by recent threats from the U.S. to impose tariffs over 700% on Chinese graphite producers. Sovereign aims to change the balance, positioning itself as the world’s lowest-cost graphite supplier, offering high-quality material with strong ESG credentials.
Backed by Rio Tinto’s financial and technical muscle, Sovereign is moving swiftly. Chairman Ben Stoikovich has already completed extensive groundwork, and a definitive feasibility study is expected by year-end. Once published, Rio has six months to make its move: deepen the partnership, make a full bid, or step aside.
Despite recent share price volatility—rising to 48p before a £20m capital raise in March at a 13% discount—the stock now trades at 32p. Many believe it’s poised to rebound as Kasiya nears a key turning point.
With both titanium and graphite designated as critical minerals globally, and a blue-chip partner already on board, Sovereign Metals offers investors high-impact exposure to a potentially game-changing resource.
Amaroq Minerals: Greenland’s Golden Gateway to Rare Earths
Greenland has long intrigued geopolitical powerhouses, and not just for its icy landscapes. As former U.S. President Donald Trump pointedly noted, the territory is rich in rare earth minerals—essential components in military technology, renewable energy systems, and modern electronics. Yet with China dominating global supply, Western economies are under pressure to secure alternative sources.
Enter Amaroq Minerals (AIM:AMRQ)—the largest private holder of mining rights in Greenland, with a footprint covering an area five times the size of Greater London.
Formed eight years ago, Amaroq has built a diversified portfolio spanning gold, copper, rare earths, and other critical minerals. Under the leadership of dynamic CEO Eldur Olafsson, the company has already brought a previously dormant gold mine back into production, with output set to ramp up to 20,000 ounces annually next year.
But Amaroq isn’t stopping at gold. Profits from production are being reinvested into exploration—targeting copper and rare earths—with two additional sites acquired this month on Greenland’s west coast. One of the acquisitions includes another disused mine, historically a source of lead, zinc, and silver.
To support its ambitions, Amaroq recently completed a £45 million oversubscribed fundraising, backed by major UK, US, and European investors—including Denmark’s state-supported export and investment fund. This capital injection provides the fuel to accelerate development and exploration across its expanding portfolio.
Today, the shares sit at 80p, and brokers are forecasting further upside as revenues grow and new projects come online.
With critical mineral security now a top geopolitical concern, and Greenland firmly in the international spotlight, Amaroq is strategically positioned to benefit. For investors seeking exposure to rare earths, gold, and geopolitical tailwinds, Amaroq offers both near-term momentum and long-term potential.
