Pantera Minerals has completed a $40 million divestment of its Smackover Lithium Project, pivoting strategically into U.S. critical minerals with a major land acquisition in Arkansas. The company’s strengthened balance sheet and expanded U.S. market presence set the stage for accelerated growth.
- Completed $40 million sale of Smackover Lithium Project to EnergyX
- Retained significant upside via EnergyX shares valued at ~$39.5 million
- Secured ~5,000 acres in Arkansas for antimony-silver exploration
- Established seven drill targets in historic Gillham mining district
- Expanded U.S. investor access through OTCQB listing and rebranded as Pantera Minerals
Strategic Divestment and Capital Strengthening
In a defining quarter, Pantera Minerals Limited (ASX, PFE) successfully completed the divestment of its Smackover Lithium Project to Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX) for A$40 million. This transaction not only delivered immediate cash but also included deferred payments and a substantial equity stake in EnergyX, a leading U.S. lithium technology company. The move crystallises value from Pantera’s lithium assets while preserving exposure to the lithium sector’s upside through EnergyX’s ongoing development projects.
Following EnergyX’s valuation uplift, Pantera’s shareholding is now valued at approximately A$39.5 million, reflecting growing market confidence driven by rising lithium prices, project advancements, and strong financial backing including a US$690 million letter of interest from the U.S. EXIM Bank.
Pivot to U.S. Critical Minerals with Arkansas Acquisition
With capital redeployed, Pantera has strategically pivoted into the critical minerals space, securing around 5,000 acres in the Gillham Antimony-Silver district of southwest Arkansas. This historic mining region, largely unexplored in modern times, aligns closely with U.S. government priorities to bolster domestic critical mineral supply chains. Antimony, designated a critical mineral by the U.S., is essential for various industrial applications, including battery technologies and flame retardants.
Pantera has established a dominant land position and developed the first modern exploration framework for the district, identifying seven priority drill targets. These targets span both the Gillham East and West project areas, with geological and structural interpretations underpinning the upcoming exploration activities.
Corporate Developments and Market Access
Reflecting its broadened focus, the company completed a corporate name change to Pantera Minerals Limited and expanded its investor base by listing on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker PTMLF. This move enhances access to North American investors, a critical step given the company’s U.S.-centric strategy.
Pantera closed the quarter with a strengthened balance sheet, holding A$1.4 million in cash, and outlined near-term catalysts including field programs, sampling, and advancement toward drilling at Gillham. The company also remains vigilant on EnergyX’s milestones, maintaining a dual exposure to lithium and critical minerals.
Outlook and Strategic Positioning
Executive Chairman and CEO Barnaby Egerton-Warburton emphasised the transformational nature of the quarter, highlighting Pantera’s enhanced strategic flexibility and financial position. The company is well positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for critical minerals in the U.S., supported by government policies and market dynamics.
As Pantera embarks on its next phase of growth, the focus will be on executing disciplined exploration at Gillham and monitoring the evolving lithium landscape through its EnergyX stake. This dual approach offers a balanced exposure to two critical mineral sectors at pivotal moments in their development.
Bottom Line?
Pantera’s bold repositioning signals a new chapter focused on U.S. critical minerals, with exploration and market developments to watch closely.
Questions in the middle?
- How will initial drilling results at the Gillham Antimony-Silver project influence Pantera’s valuation and strategy?
- What are the key milestones and timelines for EnergyX’s lithium projects that could impact Pantera’s shareholding value?
- Could Pantera pursue further acquisitions or partnerships to expand its U.S. critical minerals footprint?