24 June 2025

Aterian Plc
("Aterian" or the "Company")

Appointment of Strategic Advisor - M&A and Asset Transactions

Aterian plc (LSE: ATN), the critical metals exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of African-focused assets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arron Smyth as Strategic Advisor for Asset Transactions, with immediate effect.

Arron brings over 20 years of business experience and is a seasoned investor, strategic advisor, and corporate development specialist with a strong focus on the natural resources and energy sectors. He works with both public and private companies to originate and structure transactions and guide corporate and commercial strategy with an emphasis on long-term value creation.

Most recently, Arron led two significant energy infrastructure ventures in Europe from startup to successful exit, with both projects ultimately acquired by major investors and operators in the energy sector. His consultancy work spans joint ventures, commodity supply and off-take arrangements, M&A and commercial development across the EMEA region and other strategic energy and resource markets. He has significant experience in managing, developing and executing international cross-border business operations and transactions.

Arron has previously consulted to Aterian in Rwanda.  In this newly created role, he will support Aterian's management team in identifying and executing strategic opportunities, including joint venture partnerships and asset acquisitions and disposals, as the Company continues to advance its exploration portfolio and unlock value from its diverse copper and lithium-focused asset base across Morocco, Botswana and Rwanda.

Charles Bray, Chairman of Aterian, commented:

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Arron as our Strategic Advisor. He brings extensive sector expertise and transactional experience, which has already proven invaluable in helping us secure the recently announced trade finance facility for our mineral trading operation in Rwanda. His knowledge will be essential as we continue to explore our portfolio and evaluate various strategic options to unlock value from our projects. This appointment aligns with our ongoing strategy to generate the necessary revenues to self-fund our exploration activities and maximise shareholder returns through partnerships, targeted asset acquisition and development, and realisations that retain residual upside potential."

Arron Smyth, added:

"I am delighted to be working with Aterian at this exciting stage in its growth. The Company holds a compelling portfolio of critical metal projects, and I look forward to contributing to its strategic initiatives and unlocking commercial opportunities."

- ENDS -

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).

Engage with the Aterian PLC management team directly by asking questions, watching video
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For further information, please visit the Company's website: www.aterianplc.com or contact:

Aterian Plc:

Charles Bray, Executive Chairman - [email protected]

Simon Rollason, Director - [email protected]

Financial Adviser and Joint Broker:

Novum Securities Limited

David Coffman

Colin Rowbury

Tel: +44 (0)207 399 9400

Joint Broker:

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl 

Tel: +44 20 3470 0470

Financial PR:

Bald Voodoo - [email protected]

Ben Kilbey
Tel: +44 (0)7811 209 344

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Notes to Editors:

About Aterian plc

www.aterianplc.com

Aterian plc is an LSE-listed exploration and development company with a diversified African portfolio of critical metals projects.

Aterian plc is actively seeking to acquire and develop new critical metal resources to strengthen its existing asset base while supporting ethical and sustainable supply chains as the world transitions to a sustainable, renewable future. The supply of these metals is vital for developing the renewable energy, automotive, and electronic manufacturing sectors, which are increasingly important in reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate ambitions.

The Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited. Rio Tinto will earn into the HCK project in southern Rwanda, exploring and developing a lithium-tantalum-niobium-tin mining operation. The Company also holds an exploration licence in Rwanda. Aterian has a portfolio of multiple copper-silver (+ gold) and base metal projects in Morocco. Aterian holds a 90% interest in Atlantis Metals, a private Botswana-registered company holding seven mineral prospecting licences for copper-silver in the world-renowned Kalahari Copperbelt and three for lithium brine exploration in the Makgadikgadi Pans region.

The Company's strategy is to seek new exploration and production opportunities across the African continent and to develop new sources of critical mineral assets for exploration, development, and trading.