Demand for critical minerals continues to accelerate across sectors due to the global energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency Stated Policy Scenarios (STEPS), demand for lithium is expected to increase fivefold by 2040, while demand for graphite and nickel will double. Cobalt and rare earth elements are also estimated to grow by 50-60 per cent, while copper – already the largest established market – is projected to see demand growth of around 30 per cent over the same period.
Aterion PLC (LSE:ATN) is positioning itself to take advantage of this structural development, focusing on critical minerals including lithium and copper. The company aims to align its strategy with the long-term supply-demand imbalance driven by electrification, battery technologies and infrastructure expansion.
Eterion is building a portfolio of copper, lithium and tantalum assets in key African jurisdictions. Its main operations are concentrated in Botswana and Morocco, where it has a growing portfolio of exploration licenses, complemented by a minerals trading business in Rwanda. This dual approach – combining exploration with revenue-generating trading activities – aims to reduce financing risk while growing its project pipeline.
Company Highlights
- Tier-1 investment destination: Main operations are concentrated in Morocco, where there is a stable constitutional monarchy, modern transport and electricity infrastructure
- diversified portfolio: Focused on copper, lithium and tantalum across African jurisdictions, KCB has 11 licenses in Botswana and four in Morocco, as well as 2 licenses and a minerals trading business in Rwanda.
- Active Revenue Support: Fully licensed minerals trading operation supported by US$4.5 million in trade finance
- Strategic Partnership: AI partnership with Lithosquare to accelerate target generation, reduce exploration risk and optimize capital allocation
