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ISSIA Tantalum Update
Switch Metals plc has provided an update on its Issia Tantalum Project in Côte d'Ivoire, reporting that approximately 40% of the first samples for the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate have been processed through its pilot wash plant, with initial pXRF screening results anticipated within weeks. Geological and resource modelling is progressing in parallel, with the maiden MRE still on track for Q1 2026. The company is focused on the 1,015 km² district-scale tantalum project, with the initial MRE targeting a portion of the 112 km² Badinikro permit, having collected over 400 tonnes of samples. Tantalum prices remain strong, exceeding US$250,000 per tonne, driven by constrained supply and demand from critical sectors. Disclaimer*
About this update from Switch Metals Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n27 January 2026\n \nSwitch Metals plc\n(\"Switch Metals\" or the \"Company\")\nISSIA Tantalum Update\n \nSwitch Metals (AIM: SWT), the critical metals focused mining company operating in Côte d'Ivoire, is pleased to provide an update on progress at its Issia Project, where the processing of bulk eluvial material through the Company's pilot wash plant is advancing in support of the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (\"MRE\").\n \nHighlights\n\n\n\n\n·\n\n\nWashing of bulk samples for the maiden MRE at Issia continues at pace, with approximately 40% of first samples processed.\n\n\n\n\n·\n\n\nInitial pXRF screening results are expected within the next few weeks.\n\n\n\n\n·\n\n\nGeological and resource modelling has commenced in parallel with processing.\n\n\n\n\n·\n\n\nTargeted maiden MRE remains on track for Q1 2026.\n\n\n\n\n·\n\n\nIssia is a 1,015 km² district-scale tantalum project in Côte d'Ivoire, with the maiden MRE focused on only a small part of the 112 km² Badinikro permit. In all, over 400 tonnes of samples have been collected.\n\n\n\n\n \nKarl Akueson, CEO of Switch Metals commented:\n\"Following commissioning of the pilot wash plant, we are now well into the washing and evaluation phase of the maiden resource programme at Issia. Geological and resource modelling has commenced in parallel, enabling us to efficiently progress towards our maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.\n\"With global tantalum supply still dominated by the DRC and Rwanda, and increasing emphasis on ethical and traceable sourcing, Issia has the potential to emerge as a new district-scale tantalum project in a stable jurisdiction.\n\"I look forward to updating shareholders as results become available and as we advance towards delivery of the maiden MRE.\"\n \nOperations\nProcessing of bulk eluvial material through the pilot wash plant is progressing, with approximately 40% of the first MRE sample set now completed. The material being processed was stockpiled following completion of the pitting and sampling programme to enable continuous processing.\nRecovered material currently appears as a heavy mineral concentrate, with composition determined through analytical testing rather than visual assessment.\n \nProcessing, Assaying and Resource Modelling\nGeological modelling is underway alongside processing, with pXRF (X-ray f...