As the world shifts aggressively toward clean energy, electric mobility, and robust digital infrastructure, strategic minerals like lithium, copper, manganese, and uranium are becoming essential to future economic development. Africa, long underutilized yet richly endowed, is emerging as a key supplier of these vital resources. At the forefront of this transformation are three companies: Marula Mining, Shuka Minerals, and Neo Energy Metals, all helmed by mining veteran Jason Brewer.
With Brewer’s deep experience in African mineral development and a coordinated strategy across jurisdictions, these firms are leveraging Africa’s resource potential to play pivotal roles in the global supply chain.
Marula Mining: From Exploration to Multi-Mineral Revenue Generation
Marula Mining PLC (AQSE: MARU) is making headlines as it shifts from exploration to early-stage production, driving revenues from multiple high-demand commodities including copper, manganese, and lithium.
Kinusi Copper Project (Tanzania): Kicking Off Cash Flow
Marula has commenced copper concentrate sales from its Kinusi Copper Project, following an offtake agreement with a major European commodity trader. The deal, covering 1,000 tonnes with scope for monthly deliveries, highlights rising demand for high-grade African copper. Infrastructure is now in place for seamless exports via Dar es Salaam, with steady revenue anticipated as global electrification fuels copper consumption.
Kilifi Manganese Plant (Kenya): Major Milestones and First Exports
In Kenya, Marula’s Kilifi Manganese Processing Plant is poised to deliver over 1 million tonnes of manganese over five years. A detailed budget projects US$182.5 million in revenues and US$63.5 million in pre-tax operating cash flows, following key logistics and sales agreements, including a 5-year contract with Baosteel Resources South Africa. The first shipment of high-grade manganese ore has already left Mombasa, underscoring Kilifi’s robust commercial outlook.
Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Project (South Africa): Securing Long-Term Growth
In South Africa, the Blesberg Project is nearing receipt of a 10-year Mining Right, enabling expansion from stockpile processing to open-pit mining. The project targets high-grade spodumene, tantalum, and feldspar, critical for battery and tech applications. Marula plans to co-develop a lithium processing plant with a Chinese partner, adding downstream value. Environmental guarantees and regulatory clearances are underway, while a JORC resource update is expected by Q2 2025.
Shuka Minerals: Diversifying Into Zinc, Enhancing Coal Efficiency
Shuka Minerals PLC (AQSE: SKA) is pursuing a two-pronged strategy, expanding into base metals via the Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia while improving operations at the Rukwa Coal Project in Tanzania.
Kabwe Zinc Mine: A Strategic Acquisition in Progress
Once one of Africa’s largest zinc producers, the Kabwe Mine represents a transformational opportunity. Shuka is currently finalizing acquisition terms, supported by geological due diligence from GeoQuest Limited. A 90-day extension has been granted for approvals. If completed, the deal would transition Shuka into a diversified base metal player and strengthen its long-term growth outlook.
Rukwa Coal Project: Enhancing Efficiency and Output
Operational tweaks at Rukwa have improved coal quality and processing yields, lifting calorific values above 6,000 kcal/kg. While infrastructure gaps remain, the project is becoming more stable and commercially viable. Coal remains a key industrial input in many African and Asian markets, giving Rukwa near-term relevance despite global decarbonization trends.
New Leadership and Financial Strategy
With Richard Lloyd stepping in as CEO in late 2024, Shuka is prioritizing governance and capital markets strategy. Interim results showed a pre-tax loss of £476,000, with recent £500,000 funding helping bridge working capital needs. The company’s future now rests on Kabwe’s finalization and further operational improvement at Rukwa.
Neo Energy Metals: Developing a Uranium-Gold Platform in Southern Africa
Neo Energy Metals PLC (AQSE: NEO) is taking aim at two of the most strategic and speculative resources of the coming decade: uranium and gold.
Neo’s flagship uranium project is located in South Africa’s Karoo Basin, home to substantial historical exploration data. The company aims to consolidate known deposits under a single development umbrella, targeting a market buoyed by the resurgence of nuclear power and growing global energy security concerns.
Alongside its uranium ventures, Neo is exploring advanced-stage gold assets to hedge against commodity volatility. With rising geopolitical tensions and monetary uncertainties, gold remains a reliable store of value, making it a natural complement to the energy transition theme.
Jason Brewer: Orchestrating Africa’s Critical Minerals Renaissance
Jason Brewer’s leadership across Marula, Shuka, and Neo is not coincidental. His experience navigating Africa’s regulatory, logistical, and community landscapes provides a unique advantage. By focusing on early-stage production, offtake partnerships, and clear revenue pathways, his companies are turning exploration into execution—something that many junior miners fail to do.
A New Era for African Mining
As global industries search for reliable, ethical, and scalable sources of strategic minerals, Africa is becoming a core solution. Companies like Marula Mining, Shuka Minerals, and Neo Energy Metals are not just riding the wave—they are building the foundations. For investors and policymakers alike, these developments mark a pivotal moment in Africa’s resource story and its contribution to the world’s clean energy future.
