Marula Mining PLC (AQSE: MARU | A2X: MAR) has provided an operational update across its African mining portfolio, with first copper and manganese sales now expected to commence during June following short delays caused by logistical and preparation requirements.
While initial sales had been targeted for May, management said significant progress has been made across its key projects and remains confident the company is approaching a period of sustained production growth and commercial scaling.
At the Kinusi Copper Mine in Tanzania, first copper shipments to global commodities trader Traxys are now expected in late June or early July. The delay reflects ongoing infrastructure upgrades, equipment deployment, licence renewals and work on a new Environmental Impact Assessment. Traxys recently completed a site visit and discussions are underway to finalise delivery schedules under the exclusive offtake agreement that runs through to 2029, with an option to extend for a further two years.
The company has also outlined plans for a Phase 2 resource drilling programme alongside expanded mining operations and the future development of heap leach and SXEW facilities aimed at producing higher-value copper cathode.
In Kenya, Marula expects to begin manganese sales later this month through its existing agreement with Baosteel Resources South Africa. Independent assays from stockpiled material at the Kilifi processing plant returned grades exceeding 47% manganese, comfortably above the 36.5% minimum required under the contract and potentially supporting stronger economics.
The company postponed an earlier trial shipment to the Middle East due to regional conflict and shipping disruptions but continues to advance sales opportunities through alternative channels.
Meanwhile, Marula is preparing to restart mining and processing operations at the Tonto Tshipi and Derdepoort Manganese Mines in South Africa. The company has completed legal, technical and financial due diligence and is finalising mine planning and funding arrangements ahead of recommencing production.
Management also confirmed that negotiations are underway with a major global commodities group regarding a long-term manganese offtake agreement following independent inspections and sampling of the projects.
The company believes the South African assets could become significant contributors to future shareholder value, benefiting from established resources, mining rights, operational permits and existing processing infrastructure.
With copper production at Kinusi, manganese exports from Kilifi and the planned restart of operations in South Africa all approaching key milestones, Marula appears to be entering a potentially transformative phase as it transitions from development towards sustained commercial production across multiple commodities.
