London-listed Marula Mining PLC (AQSE: MARU, A2X: MAR) has agreed preliminary terms with Europa Metals Ltd (AIM/AltX: EUZ) for the sale of its subsidiary, Marula Africa Mining Holdings Limited, which holds the company’s suite of battery- and critical-metals assets across East and Southern Africa.
Under the proposed transaction, Europa will acquire 100 per cent of the issued share capital of Marula Africa through a share-for-share exchange, offering nine new Europa shares for every one Marula share in issue. The deal, announced on 6 November, is structured as a reverse takeover under AIM rules, meaning Europa will need to seek shareholder approval and re-admission of its enlarged share capital to the London market.
Marula Africa Mining Holdings is the vehicle through which Marula owns and operates several exploration and development interests in lithium, copper, manganese, graphite, and rare-earth metals. If completed, the transaction will consolidate these assets under Europa Metals, providing the enlarged group with immediate access to near-term producing projects across the continent.
Chief executive Jason Brewer said the agreement “represents a significant step forward for Marula Mining and signifies the value and growth potential of our battery and critical-metals portfolio across East and Southern Africa.” He added that it would create “a strong, diversified and cash-generative AIM and JSE-listed African mining group.”
Executive chairman Richard Lloyd said the transaction would also allow Marula to “explore opportunities within the precious-metals sector,” signalling a strategic shift for the London-listed parent towards gold and related commodities.
Europa Metals’ executive chairman Myles Campion said the acquisition would “bring together a portfolio of cash-flow-generative assets with scalability and strong resource growth potential,” adding that it aligned with Europa’s goal to build a diversified African mining platform.
The proposed sale remains subject to due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the completion of a concurrent fundraising by Europa. Should the deal proceed, Marula intends to distribute the Europa shares it receives to its own shareholders and focus on new exploration opportunities within the precious-metals space.
Sector analysts said the move reflects a wider pattern of consolidation among small and mid-cap mining companies seeking scale in the battery-metals segment. It also underscores the continuing role of London-listed vehicles as conduits for capital formation and asset restructuring in the African mining market.
For Marula shareholders, the deal offers exposure to an expanded critical-minerals portfolio through Europa, while retaining participation in the re-oriented Marula entity. For Europa, it represents a transformation from a single-asset explorer into a diversified operator with multiple development-stage projects.
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