How Loyal Metals Plans to Revive a World-Class Copper-Gold Mine and Boost Lithium Growth
Loyal Metals has secured an option to acquire the world-class Highway Reward Copper-Gold Mine and is progressing its North American lithium assets, supported by $3.77 million in funding.
- Option secured for Highway Reward Copper-Gold Mine in Queensland
- Company rebrands to Loyal Metals, embracing a 'Ground to Grid' strategy
- Significant lithium drilling results at Trieste and Hidden Lake projects
- Plans for high-resolution geophysical surveys and AI-driven exploration
- Scotty Lithium Project spin-out planned to unlock shareholder value
Strategic Acquisition of a High-Grade Copper-Gold Asset
Loyal Metals Ltd (ASX, LLM) has taken a decisive step to broaden its critical minerals portfolio by securing a binding option agreement to acquire the Highway Reward Copper-Gold Mine in Queensland, Australia. This mine is renowned for its exceptionally high-grade copper and gold mineralisation, with historic production of 3.65 million tonnes at 5.7% copper and 260,000 tonnes at 4.5 grams per tonne gold. Notably, the mine has been dormant since 2005, with no exploration conducted on granted leases despite dramatic increases in copper and gold prices since the last feasibility study in 1997.
Embracing the 'Ground to Grid' Vision
Reflecting its evolving focus, the company recently rebranded from Loyal Lithium Ltd to Loyal Metals Ltd, signalling a strategic pivot towards a broader critical minerals and technology portfolio. The 'Ground to Grid' strategy underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the transition to a sustainable electric future, with a particular emphasis on copper’s vital role in energy grids. This shift complements ongoing evaluations of its North American lithium assets, aiming to maximise returns while minimising shareholder dilution.
Advancing Lithium Projects Across North America
Loyal Metals continues to make headway in its lithium exploration programs. At the Trieste Lithium Project in Quebec, Canada, drilling campaigns have confirmed world-class lithium grades over thick intervals near surface, with spodumene-bearing pegmatite dykes showing promising mineralisation. The company has also completed innovative geophysical surveys using Mobile Magnetotellurics technology, revealing significant extensions of lithium-bearing trends to depths exceeding 300 metres.
Meanwhile, the Hidden Lake Lithium Project in the Northwest Territories has expanded its mineralised strike length by 44%, with drill testing confirming high-grade spodumene pegmatite intervals. Metallurgical testwork indicates the potential for producing high-grade lithium concentrates with minimal impurities, a promising sign for future development.
Innovative Exploration Techniques and Partnerships
To unlock the full potential of the Highway Reward Mine, Loyal Metals has partnered with Dr. Simon Beams of Terra Search, a geologist with deep expertise in the region. Together, they are digitising and consolidating decades of exploration and mining data to apply AI-powered mining software for 3D geological modelling and target identification. Additionally, the company plans to deploy the world’s highest-resolution geophysical drone survey over the site, aiming to detect remnant mineralisation up to 1,000 metres deep.
Financial Position and Future Plans
As of 30 June 2025, Loyal Metals reported available funding of $3.77 million, including cash and expected tax credits. Exploration and evaluation expenditures during the quarter were modest, focusing primarily on the Trieste and Hidden Lake projects. The company also announced plans to spin out 51% of the Scotty Lithium Project in Nevada, along with certain Western Australian assets, through an ASX listing designed to unlock value for shareholders without dilution.
Bottom Line?
Loyal Metals’ strategic acquisition and innovative exploration efforts position it at the forefront of critical minerals development, but upcoming drilling and project spin-outs will be key to validating its growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Loyal Metals complete the acquisition of the Highway Reward Mine and commence production?
- How will AI-driven exploration impact the discovery of new mineralisation at Highway Reward?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for the Scotty Lithium Project spin-out?
