Rome Resources (RMR), the DRC-focused tin and base metals explorer, provides an operations update following the temporary shutdown of drilling operations at its Bisie North Project due to the security situation, announced on 14 March 2025. The Company is pleased to announce that it is now preparing to mobilise and commence drilling operations within the coming 10 days.
Comment: As is typical of the London market at the moment, shares of RMR have been marked down harshly on DRC security concerns, and one no awaits and proper re-rate as drilling recommences. The stock really should be back near its original trading point around 0.3p given the latest news.
Metals One (MET1), which is advancing critical minerals projects, is pleased to announce it has signed a binding term sheet for the conditional acquisition of uranium and vanadium exploration projects in the United States. The Squaw Creek Uranium Project in Wyoming and the Uravan Belt Uranium-Vanadium Project in Colorado will represent the Company’s first North American assets, securing a foothold in commodities which are essential to U.S. clean energy generation, grid storage, and energy security.
Comment: Once MET1 raised a proper pot of cash in January, it was clear it would not hang around in terms of getting its hands on decent new projects, and this has proved to be the case. Given the lay of the land regarding tariffs, being in the USA is the way to go.
Gem Resources (GEMR) announced the successful completion of its first test sales of emeralds produced from its Gravelotte Emerald Mine, located in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. These initial sales represent a significant operational milestone for the Company and provide encouraging indications regarding the geological model, recovery process, and the potential for future commercial viability. Importantly, the sales have also provided valuable price point information across different product categories, which will assist in shaping future marketing and operational strategies.
Comment: The market made a meal over the sales issue at GEMD, as if unless it sold some quickly it might never do so. This was clearly not the case. But now the first test sales have been done it may be that the company gets the rating it deserves, rather than the hitherto worst case scenario one.
Aptamer Group (APTA), the leading developer of next generation synthetic binders delivering innovation to the life science industry, is pleased to announce that it has published a new corporate presentation and investor factsheet. These materials are now available on the investor relations section of the Group’s website (https://aptamergroup.com/investors/reports-and-presentations/).
Comment: The most important aspect for any company involved in a novel, obscure or technical area is that the market understands what it does. Hopefully, one or two more people will do so in the case of APTA from now on.
Harena Resources (HREE) revealed that RAB Capital are in on the shareholder register at 5%.
Comment: HREE has been a lucky company to day, both in terms of the macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop for its sought after being London’s only listed ionic clay rare earths company a couple of months ago. RAB Capital entering the fray is certainly a badge of honour.
Afentra (AET), the upstream oil and gas company focused on acquiring production and development assets in Africa, announced its unaudited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2024.AET said “Further expanding our footprint, we secured new onshore opportunities through the award of KON15 and KON19 in an under-exploited yet proven hydrocarbon basin. Importantly, we’ve also transformed our balance sheet-generating strong cash flow and ending the year with a net cash position-laying the foundation for disciplined growth ahead.”
Comment: AET is certainly a grown up company, one that has got its ducks in a row over the past year. It is therefore disappointing that the share price has come off the boil since the summer given the cash position.
Filtronic (FTC), the designer and manufacturer of products for the aerospace, defence, space and telecoms infrastructure markets, announces a new contract to develop cutting edge-feeder link technology as part of the European Space Agency and Viasat’s Direct-to-Device initiative.
Comment: It is amazing that despite the strength of the newsflow, such as today’s, the market continues to take a surprisingly low key perspective on FTC. This is a point witnesses by the 30% rug pull for the share price earlier this month.
AJ Bell plc (AJB), one of the UK’s largest investment platforms, issued a trading update in respect of the three months ended 31 March 2025. Strong growth in customer numbers increasing by 32,000 in the quarter to close at 593,000, up 18% in the last year and 6% in the quarter. Record assets under administration (“AUA”) of £90.4 billion, up 13% over the last year and 1% in the quarter.
Comment: While the FTSE 100 pre the tariffs debacle was at record highs, it is still the case that most people looking at AJB will be wondering how the company achieves its growth in the present environment. Then again, the same could have been said of Hargreaves Lansdown some years ago.
Asiamet Resources (ARS) advised shareholders that the supplementary power supply study for BKM Stage 1, the initial development phase of the Company’s flagship BKM Copper Project, located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, has now been completed. This represents the last major technical input required for the Optimised Feasibility Study, which is now undergoing internal review ahead of publication.
Comment: ARS seems to be gaining momentum, and finally on its way regarding the key BKM project. It is also gratifying that the share price is finally starting to stir off the back of this and the firming copper price.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG), an emerging quicklime production and critical mineral exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has increased its interest in Limeco Resources Limited to 20.5% following the acquisition of an additional 3.8% stake for cash consideration of US$1,033,333. This is in line with the Share Purchase Agreement announced on 28 May 2024. Firering also retains an option to acquire a further 24.5% interest in Limeco for a total cash consideration of US$4.65 million.
Comment: We are reminded today again that the only thing keeping a lid on FRG shares is the ongoing land grab the company is delivering at Limeco. Presumably once this is complete we should start to move to the top of the range.
East Star Resources (EST), which is exploring for copper and gold in Kazakhstan, is pleased to announce the re-start of an induced polarisation geophysical survey in the Rudny Altai belt in the East Region of Kazakhstan. The survey is concentrating on the Rulikha and Talovskoye anomalies and is designed to delineate these high impact 2025 drill targets. Rulikha and Talovskoye are two volcanogenic massive sulphide (“VMS”) deposits in a similar geological setting to, and around 33 km from, East Star’s Verkhuba Copper Deposit.
Comment: As the company has said today, the best place to find new deposits is to search around where the old ones were. EST needs to have a decent drilling season under its belt to firm up the latest rebound in the stock.
Cykel AI (CYK) is pleased to report early commencement of paid subscriptions for Lucy, the Company’s autonomous AI recruitment agent. In line with the anticipated commercialisation timeline, Cykel AI has begun converting early adopters into paying subscribers across Starter ($59/seat/month) and Pro ($249/seat/month) subscription tiers.
Comment: Although Lucy remains an irritating name for an AI product, converting early adopters into paying clients does merit a hat tip.
MicroSalt (SALT), a leader manufacturer of full-flavor natural salt with approximately 50% less sodium, announced noteworthy advancement in its B2B bulk business during Q1 2025. Total bulk sales in Q1 2025 reached 98mT (216,190 lbs.) setting a new Company record and establishing three consecutive quarters of sales growth. Importantly, bulk revenue in Q1 2025 represents 142% of the total bulk revenue for all of 2024. This includes shipments to existing markets of Canada, Mexico, United States and newly opened markets in Great Britain and Belgium.
Comment: It has been a rather rocky ride for the share price of SALT, as the market clearly wonders whether there is enough here in terms of growth / demand, or even if 50% less sodium is enough of a USP.
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest:
The information, investment views, and recommendations in this Zaks Traders Cafe interview are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this interview should be construed as a promotion or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or referred to or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engage in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.
