DY6 Metals Secures Historic Rutile Site, Expands Cameroon Project to 8,782km²

Historic Rutile Mining Site Joins DY6 Portfolio

DY6 Metals Ltd (ASX – DY6) has taken a decisive step in expanding its footprint in the critical minerals sector by acquiring 100% of seven contiguous exploration licence applications comprising the Yaoundé West Project in central Cameroon. This acquisition notably increases DY6’s Central Rutile Project landholding from 5,901 square kilometres to a commanding 8,782 square kilometres, cementing its position as the dominant player in a region rapidly emerging as a globally significant rutile province.

The Yaoundé West area holds a unique place in Cameroon’s mining history, having been a major rutile producer between 1935 and 1955. At that time, Cameroon ranked as the world’s third-largest rutile producer, with Yaoundé West contributing significantly to this output. The site is the only recorded location of historical residual rutile mining in the country, underscoring its geological and strategic importance.

Geological Promise and Strategic Infrastructure

Geological surveys by the French Geological Survey (BRGM) have delineated a substantial high-grade rutile mineralisation zone spanning approximately 70 kilometres in strike length and 15 kilometres in width. The mineralisation occurs within kyanite-bearing mica schist and garnet paragneiss bedrock, which is highly prospective for residual rutile deposits. Adjacent DY6 licences have already demonstrated coarse rutile with titanium dioxide content as high as 97.5%, indicating premium quality mineralisation.

Beyond geology, the project’s location offers exceptional logistical advantages. The Yaoundé West licences lie within 20 kilometres of Cameroon’s capital city, Yaoundé, with sealed road access including a multi-carriageway highway. A railway line runs through one of the licences, and the area is within 200 kilometres of the deep-water port of Douala. Access to power infrastructure further enhances the site’s development potential, providing DY6 with a rare combination of high-grade mineralisation and superior infrastructure connectivity.

Transaction Details and Strategic Outlook

The acquisition agreement, subject to shareholder approval, involves an upfront cash payment of $750,000 and the issue of 10 million fully paid ordinary shares, escrowed for three months. Deferred consideration includes 10 million performance rights convertible into shares over 6 to 12 months post-completion, and an additional $750,000 cash payment 12 months after completion. This structure reflects DY6’s confidence in the project’s value and its commitment to advancing exploration.

CEO Cliff Fitzhenry expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the project’s world-class status and strategic significance. He noted the competitive nature of the acquisition process and framed the expanded landholding as a district-scale opportunity in a globally emerging rutile province. The company plans to expand its ongoing systematic soil-sampling programme across the new licences, progressing towards maiden auger drilling to further define the mineral potential.

Positioning in a Critical Minerals Landscape

Rutile, a titanium dioxide mineral, is critical in various industrial applications including pigments, aerospace, and titanium metal production. With global demand rising, securing high-quality rutile resources in politically stable and infrastructure-rich locations is increasingly strategic. DY6’s expanded Central Rutile Project places it at the forefront of this emerging supply landscape, with a substantial landholding and proven historical production underpinning its growth prospects.

As exploration advances, the market will be watching closely to see how DY6 leverages this acquisition to unlock value and potentially establish a new tier-one rutile resource in Cameroon.