14 August 2024

Kazera Global plc

('Kazera' or 'the Company)

Board Appointment

Kazera Global plc, the AIM-quoted investment company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr John Wardle as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company with immediate effect.

Dr. Wardle is an experienced drilling engineer with extensive leadership experience in the international oil exploration industry. He has served in multiple directorship roles and is currently the Executive Chairman of AIM-listed Ironveld plc. Previously, Dr. Wardle was the CEO of Amerisur Resources plc, an AIM-listed oil and gas company, from 2007 until its acquisition in 2020 for approximately £242 million. His career also includes senior management positions at BP in the UK, USA, and Colombia, as well as at Emerald Energy in Colombia, where he played a key role in discovering the Campo Rico and Vigia oilfields. Additionally, he oversaw Pebercan's operations in Cuba. Dr. Wardle holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering and a Ph.D. in Microseismic Geotechnics.

Commenting on the appointment, Dennis Edmonds, Kazera CEO said: "I am delighted to announce John's appointment to the Board and his new role as Non-Executive Chairman of Kazera. With his extensive experience and proven track record of success, we are confident that his leadership will be instrumental as we strive to deliver value for our shareholders. We look forward to working closely with him in this new chapter for the Company."

Dr. Wardle continued: "I'm thrilled to accept this position as Kazera moves into the exciting production phase at its two key projects and look forward to leveraging my operational experience to help drive the Company forward."

In accordance with Rule 17 and Schedule 2, Paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies, Dr John Wardle, aged 65 years, holds a 100 per cent. beneficial interest in Tracarta Limited, a company which holds a total of 43,181,095 ordinary shares in Kazera, representing 4.61 per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company. Dr Wardle holds, or has held in the past five years, the following directorships, and partnerships:

There is no further information to be disclosed in relation to the director appointment pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule 2, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules.

ENDS

For further information visit www.kazeraglobal.com or contact: 

About Kazera Global plc

Kazera is a global investment company focused on leveraging the skills and expertise of its Board of Directors to develop early-stage mineral exploration and development assets towards meaningful cashflow and production. Its three principal investments, prior to completion of the acquisition of shares from Tectonic Gold Plc as announced on 7 August 2024, are as follows:

Alluvial diamond mining through Deep Blue Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South Africa

Kazera currently has a 100% direct interest in Deep Blue Minerals, of which 64% is held beneficially by Kazera and 26% is held on behalf of Black Economic Empowerment partners.

Heavy Mineral Sands mining (including ilmenite, monazite, rutile, and zircon) through Whale Head Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South Africa.

Kazera currently has a 60% direct beneficial interest in Whale Head Minerals together with the benefit of a loan facility entitling it to receive approximately £38m out of dividends from the other shareholders.

Tantalite mining in South-East Namibia (divestment in progress)

As announced on 20 December 2022, Kazera has agreed to dispose of African Tantalum (Pty) Ltd ("Aftan") for a cash consideration of US$13 million plus a debenture payment of 2.5% of the gross sales of produced lithium and tantalum for life-of-mine. Completion of the sale is subject to receipt of full consideration proceeds. Aftan has been deconsolidated from the Company's financial statements with effect from 4 January 2023 because in accordance with the terms of the sale agreement, it has relinquished control of the Aftan in favour of the purchaser, Hebei Xinjian Construction Close Corp ("Hebei Xinjian") with effect from that date. Kazera retains the right to cancel the transaction and retain all amounts paid to date in the event of default by Hebei Xinjian.

The Company will consider additional investment opportunities as appropriate, having regard to the Group's future cash flow requirements.