First Class Metals

Default features description for sign up page.

Join our free monthly email newsletter - First Class Focus - to get the latest insight into work across our portfolio, access to all of our special reports, and much, much more…

Contact Us

Useful Resources

Shareholder Information

Company Presentation

Why Invest in UK-Listed Junior Mining & Exploration Companies

Investors

Media

News Announcements

First Class Focus

Esa Project | (Au) Gold Exploration in Ontario Canada

Sunbeam (Au) Gold Exploration & Mining Project

North Hemlo (Au, Ni, Mo, Cu) Gold & Metal Exploration & Mining

Mining & Metal Exploration Projects Overview |

Kerrs Gold Project | Ontario (Au) Gold Exploration Asset

Zigzag (Li, Ta, Rb) Lithium & Critical Metal Exploration Project

Pipeline Projects

Naming our new projects

Projects

Corporate Strategy | First Class Metals Exploration Plan

ESG Policies | Responsible Metal Mining & Exploration

Board & Management | First Class Metals Leadership Team

Corporate

Overview page 2

First Class Focus German September

Why Invest German page

German investors

UK Listed Junior Mining Company | Gold & Metal Exploration

Poppins

Find it on Total Market Solutions article here

The TMS Team catch up with First Class Metals and discuss the new strategic investment, what the funds will be used for, what is next for the Company and what is the overall strategy.

A Conversation Q & A  Between David Burton (TMS) and James Knowles (First Class Metals PLC) on the Latest Strategic Investment Event with The Seventy Ninth Group

David Burton: What is the nature of this strategic investment by the Seventy Ninth Group?
James Knowles: This investment is a transformational step for both companies. The Seventy Ninth Group is joining us as a strategic investor with a wealth of expertise in asset development and management. Their track record in identifying high-growth opportunities and creating value in the natural resource sector makes it an ideal collaboration. This relationship brings not only capital but also the experience, network and strategic guidance needed to unlock the full potential of our projects.

David Burton: What brought the two companies together?
James Knowles: The Seventy Ninth Group stood out because of their ability to provide far more than financial support. They have a proven history of accelerating growth in their investments. They’re committed to working closely with us to develop our portfolio. Their long-term vision aligns with our own goals, making them more than just an investor – they’re a strategic ally.

David Burton: How was this strategic investment structured?
James Knowles: The investment was structured to ensure immediate and long-term benefits for the company. The £2.18m investment, completed in two tranches, is priced at 1.7p per share. This structure not only enables us to clear existing debts – including the £700,000 loan from The Seventy Ninth Group – but also provides us with the resources to advance our projects. Additionally, the inclusion of 5p and 10p warrants reflects the confidence in our future growth. The involvement of The Seventy Ninth Group as a majority shareholder underscores their commitment to the company’s success.

David Burton: What will the funds be used for?
James Knowles: We’re putting the money to work where it counts: advancing our exploration programs, enhancing resource definition, and fast-tracking key projects. Of course, we’ll also cover working capital and corporate costs and repay all outstanding debts.  With The Seventy Ninth Group’s expertise, we’ll also explore new opportunities and synergies to expand our portfolio.

David Burton: How does this investment impact the company’s financial position?
James Knowles: This investment changes everything. It clears our debts cleaning up our balance sheet, leaves us with cash to move forward confidently, and removes the need for frequent, small capital raises. We will be debt-free, cashed up, and can focus management time entirely on growth and delivering value. The backing of a majority shareholder like The Seventy Ninth Group brings stability, credibility and confidence, positioning us for sustained growth.

David Burton: Will this investment dilute existing shareholders?
James Knowles: Yes, there’s dilution, but it’s absolutely essential for positioning the company for meaningful growth. The big positive here is that the new investors are genuinely committed for the long, long term. This level of commitment keeps the register tight and ensures stability, which ultimately benefits all shareholders in the long run.

David Burton: How does this investment event affect the company’s share price?
James Knowles: Share prices can wobble a bit with any funding announcements, but I’m confident this will be a game-changer. Having such a strong backer in tough markets is rare, and it positions us to come out ahead while others seem to be struggling. The investment from The Seventy Ninth Group positions us for long term value creation.

David Burton: Were shareholders consulted during this process?
James Knowles: Absolutely. Shareholders are central to everything we do. Key shareholders were informed of the process and we are ensuring that all shareholders have their say at the upcoming General Meetings. We’ve been transparent about why this is the right move for the company.

David Burton: What’s next for First Class Metals following this investment?
James Knowles: This funding gives us the firepower to get things done. We’ll be pushing forward with our flagship projects. A winter work program is being implemented on North Hemlo and Sunbeam, funded through an advance of the subscription via a £200,000 loan. This shows both parties are eager to crack on and make real progress. On top of that, having Dave Webster from the Seventy Ninth Group as our proposed Non-Executive Chairman is a huge win. His experience and global reputation bring a lot to the table.

David Burton: How will the company ensure transparency regarding the use of funds?
James Knowles: Transparency is a priority. We’ll keep shareholders updated through announcements, reports, and meetings. Everyone will know exactly how the funds are being used and what impact they’re having.

David Burton: How does this partnership solidify your incubator strategy?

James Knowles: This investment provides us with the flexibility to really drive our projects forward, advancing our assets strategically and ultimately extracting even greater value for shareholders. With The Seventy Ninth Group’s global reach and high-quality internal teams, like their marketing team, we’re in a much stronger position to capitalise on these opportunities and seize the future.

David Burton: How does this investment align with the company’s overall strategy?
James Knowles: Our incubator strategy—adding value through exploration and then selling or partnering with larger players—is still our focus. The Seventy Ninth Group’s involvement accelerates this process, enabling us to operate more effectively and achieve our goals faster. Their strategic input enhances our ability to deliver significant value for shareholders as we move into 2025 and beyond

A Question and Answer session with First Class Metals PLC - Total Market Solutions