Switch Metals Plc (AIM:SWT) CEO Karl Akueson talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s listing on London’s AIM market and its focus on developing tantalum projects in Côte d'Ivoire.
Akueson explained that Switch Metals, a private company he founded, was acquired through a reverse takeover by Oneiro Energy. The company's flagship Issia project hosts tantalum mineralisation, including occurrences of coltan at surface. According to Akueson, this provides an opportunity for near-term production from shallow deposits, with the company aiming to reach output within the next two years.
He described tantalum as “a very strategic technology metal… in our mobile phones, laptops, plasma TV, everything we use daily,” highlighting its importance and rarity. Akueson emphasised that 60% of the global supply currently comes from the DRC and Rwanda, and Switch Metals aims to become a significant alternative source.
Discussing the decision to list in the UK, Akueson pointed to his personal background and the UK’s long-standing understanding of African production. The £2 million fundraise will support resource definition work at Issia, with plans to quickly define a resource and develop economic parameters to demonstrate value.
“Tantalum is probably one of the most critical [metals], and a metal that is unique,” Akueson noted.
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