Lion Rock taps Sierra Rutile veterans to drive Minta Project expansion

Leadership Overhaul Targets Rapid Growth

Lion Rock Minerals (ASX:LRM) has initiated a new chapter with the appointment of Theuns de Bruyn as CEO and Grant Scott as COO, both veterans of Sierra Rutile, the world’s largest natural rutile producer. This leadership refresh, complemented by the addition of uranium and African commodity experts Duncan Craib and David Brophy to the board, signals a strategic pivot towards unlocking the full potential of the Minta Monazite & Rutile Project in Cameroon.

De Bruyn and Scott bring over 30 years of African mineral sector experience, focusing on project development, feasibility, and operations. Their in-country presence in Cameroon underscores Lion Rock’s commitment to advancing exploration and forging strong local partnerships.

Expanding a Globally Significant Rutile Province

Exploration results from the June quarter confirm the emergence of a rutile-rich province spanning three adjoining tenements; Mboma, Loum, and Minta 1; covering a 44km strike. The Mboma-Loum corridor alone defines a 130km² high-grade rutile zone, with peak heavy mineral (HM) grades reaching 72.7% and in-situ rutile up to 3.32%. Minta 1 adds a third high-grade discovery, with rutile assemblages up to 66.3% in HM and in-situ rutile grades nearing 1.74%.

Notably, Lion Rock reported natural rutile nuggets exceeding 98% TiO2 purity, ranking among the highest concentrations globally, a key quality metric for titanium pigment feedstock. These results solidify Minta’s status as a globally significant rutile source with strong potential for a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.

Monazite-REE Drilling Campaign Gains Momentum

Parallel to rutile exploration, Lion Rock has mobilised drilling crews to Minta Est, targeting a 300km² monazite-rich tenement interpreted to host a substantial shallow monazite-rare earth element (REE) system. Historical samples show monazite assemblages up to 74%, with neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) concentrations reaching 22.5% and dysprosium-terbium (DyTb) up to 2.7% of total rare earth oxides (TREO).

The company plans to announce monazite assay results starting August 2026, which will be critical to validating the project's rare earth potential amid surging global demand driven by electric vehicles, wind power, and defence applications. Lion Rock’s dual focus on rutile and monazite positions it uniquely within critical mineral supply chains.

Strategic Capital Raise and International Recognition

Supporting these exploration advances, Lion Rock completed a $2 million strategic placement at $0.02 per share, cornerstoned by the incoming directors and executives. This capital injection strengthens the company’s balance sheet, which held approximately $6.87 million at quarter end, enabling an extensive and cost-efficient exploration program.

The project’s international profile was further elevated by a site visit from the U.S. Embassy, including a U.S. Government Critical Minerals Specialist. This aligns with the broader Cameroon–United States–Australia partnership aimed at diversifying critical minerals supply chains. Minta offers potential exposure to at least 12 of the 60 minerals on the 2025 U.S. critical minerals list, including rutile, titanium, zirconium, and multiple rare earth elements.

Broader Exploration and Project Pipeline

Beyond Minta, Lion Rock continues to develop its Kitongo and Lolo uranium projects in Cameroon, with exploration programs designed and permits pending. In Australia, the Yendon Kaolin Project near Ballarat remains under desktop review to determine next steps.

With a large 8,800km² land package and a systematic drilling approach, Lion Rock aims to deliver a steady stream of exploration results and feasibility studies, targeting a clear pathway to production. The new leadership’s experience at Sierra Rutile is expected to accelerate this trajectory, leveraging technical, operational, and capital markets expertise.