Episode Details

Interview with Sean Whiteford, CEO, NexMetals Mining

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/nickel-enters-a-new-era-as-indonesia-tightens-supply-and-prices-surge-10057

Recording date: 8th May 2026

NexMetals Mining is advancing the redevelopment of its Selebi and Selkirk copper-nickel-PGM deposits in Botswana through a combination of metallurgical innovation and aggressive exploration. A key breakthrough has been the successful production of separate, saleable copper and nickel concentrates, eliminating the need for costly smelter construction. This shift significantly reduces capital requirements and execution risk, making the projects more feasible for a development-stage company.

The deposits currently host approximately 28 million tons grading over 3% copper equivalent, with ongoing drilling aimed at expanding the resource base. A newly identified “flexure zone” at Selebi Main, defined through modern geophysical techniques, represents a high-priority target with strong indications of extensive mineralisation. Wide-spaced drilling has already demonstrated the potential for rapid resource growth.

Metallurgical testing has delivered results well above previous assumptions, with copper recoveries improving to 88% from 70% and palladium to 78.5% from 59%. Additional payable metals, including cobalt, gold, and silver, further enhance project value. These improvements are expected to increase net smelter return values and lower cutoff grades in the upcoming resource update, strengthening overall project economics.

Backed by an $80 million financing, NexMetals is progressing toward a maiden preliminary economic assessment, which will outline capital costs, operating metrics, and returns under the new concentrate-based development plan. Analysts have set price targets ranging from $8.50 to over $12, suggesting potential upside from current levels.

Strategically, the company is evaluating options such as a joint venture or spin-out of the Selkirk asset to unlock value while focusing on Selebi. Botswana’s stable, mining-friendly environment, existing infrastructure, and streamlined permitting further support a potentially accelerated path to production compared to greenfield projects.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/nexmetals-mining-corp

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