URU Metals Secures Long-Term Mining Right for Zeb Nickel Project as Ground Surveys Begin in Limpopo
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has granted and executed a mining right in favour of Lesego Platinum Uitloop, the project company for London-listed URU Metals’ Zeb nickel project on the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex.
The mining right, valid for 30 years until 2055, covers 4 703.7 hectares across sections of the Bloemhof 4KS, Uitloop 3KS, Amatava 41KS, and Piet Potgietersrust Town and Townlands 44KS farms, located within the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo.
URU Metals confirmed that post-execution formalities are under way, with the mining right now being submitted for registration at the Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office in Pretoria.
“The granting and execution of the mining right materially de-risks the Zeb nickel project by securing tenure for the next 30 years and strengthens our position as we engage with potential partners,” said CEO John Zorbas.
He added that the company’s immediate priority is completing ground electromagnetic and gravity surveys, along with the supporting geological modelling, to produce a targeted and efficient drill plan focused on the highest-potential zones.
Ground gravity and frequency-domain electromagnetic surveys are scheduled to begin shortly over two priority targets at the Zeb project.
These surveys aim to refine the geometry of previously identified conductors and generate decision-ready drilling targets.
Meanwhile, URU Metals has raised £1.1 million, before expenses, through the placement of 15.71 million new shares. The funding will enable critical early-stage fieldwork at Zeb, including ground geophysics, while the company prepares to launch a tender process to secure a drilling contractor. Drilling operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
“Following the long-awaited granting of the mining licence, we are pleased to have secured funding for immediate on-the-ground activities at our flagship Zeb project,” Zorbas said. “The amount raised is significantly higher than in previous rounds, reflecting increased investor confidence at this pivotal stage in URU’s development.”
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