Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (NYSE American: PLG) (T
Post# of 46
- Agreement focused on studying the development of smelting and refining capabilities to advance Saudi Arabia’s position in the global metals and mining landscape.
- The Vision 2030 initiative to support industries worldwide by strengthening critical supply chains for metals and minerals.
- The memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia aligns with initiatives already underway between Ajlan & Bros. Mining and Platinum Group.
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its efforts to diversify its economy, recently announcing more than $9 billion in new mining and metals agreements (https://nnw.fm/3pcIt ). Outlined during the 28th World Investment Conference in Riyadh, these deals are pivotal to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at reducing its dependence on oil and fostering growth in other industries.
The agreements highlight Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for mining, tapping into mineral wealth valued at more than $1.3 trillion. Saudi Arabia is believed to hold reserves of critical minerals such as gold, phosphates and rare earth elements. Developing these resources could position Saudi Arabia as a leader in supplying essential materials for the global transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced technology. The Vision 2030 initiative intends to support industries worldwide by strengthening critical supply chains.
One of the noteworthy agreements from the conference is a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) between Platinum Group Metals (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM), majority owner and operator of the Waterberg PGM Project in South Africa, Ajlan & Bros Mining, a prominent Saudi-based firm, and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (“MISA”) (https://nnw.fm/owfyM ). The agreement, signed under the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, envisions a state-of-the-art platinum group metals (“PGM”) smelter (“PGM Smelter”) and base metal refinery (“BMR”) to be located in Saudi Arabia. The MOU was formalized by Kris Begic, VP of corporate development at Platinum Group Metals Ltd., at a signing ceremony in Riyadh.
According to the terms of the MOU, MISA will offer strategic guidance and study potential financial support for the proposed PGM Smelter and BMR, as well as the Waterberg Project in South Africa. “The establishment of a PGM Smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia is being considered due to their potential to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to develop the mining and minerals industry to become the third pillar of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product,” the company noted.
“The MOU with MISA aligns with initiatives already underway between Ajlan and Platinum Group, who together entered a cooperation agreement in December 2023 to study the establishment of a PGM smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia,” Platinum Group’s announcement continued. “The cooperation agreement encompasses three phases: a global PGM concentrate market study, a definitive feasibility study for the construction and operation of a PGM smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia, and an option to form an incorporated 50:50 joint venture following the completion of a definitive feasibility study for the PGM Smelter and BMR (‘Smelter DFS’).” The Smelter DFS will assume the export of PGM concentrate from the Waterberg Project in South Africa to a port facility in Saudi Arabia, which will require an export approval from the government of South Africa.
The partnership between Platinum Group Metals and Ajlan & Bros Mining exemplifies the global trend toward collaborative ventures that address supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental challenges. The development of the PGM Smelter and BMR would not only benefit Saudi Arabia but also support investment in South Africa and contribute to the stability of global metal supplies, especially for industries reliant on platinum, palladium and rhodium.
As the world faces growing demand for critical materials, initiatives like this are important for ensuring supply chain resilience, fostering economic growth, and advancing sustainability goals. Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to mining and processing underscores its commitment to being a leader in shaping the future of the metals industry.
Platinum Group Metals operates the Waterberg Project in South Africa, which is a planned fully mechanized platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold mine, including byproduct copper and nickel production. A recent feasibility study projected the mine to be one of the largest and lowest-cost PGM mines globally. PGMs are critical for pollution control in the automotive sector, including traditional internal combustion engines (“ICE”) and the growing gasoline hybrid and plug-in hybrid (“PHEV”) segments. PGMs also play a critical role in fuel-cell technology and the production of hydrogen.
For more information, visit www.PlatinumGroupMetals.net.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PLG are available in the company’s newsroom at https://nnw.fm/PLG
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or republished: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer