Interview with Luiz Azevedo, Chairman & CEO of Bravo Mining Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/bravo-mining-tsxvbrvo-accelerating-to-pgm-production-in-brazil-4471
Recording date: 12th September 2024
Bravo Mining Corp. is emerging as a noteworthy player in the critical minerals sector, focusing on its flagship Luanga platinum group metals (PGM) and base metals project in Brazil's prolific Carajás Mineral Province. Led by CEO and Chairman Luis Azevedo, the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for PGMs, driven by their use in hybrid vehicles, while also benefiting from a recent high-grade copper discovery.
The Luanga project currently boasts a substantial PGM resource of 9.8 million ounces (including indicated and inferred categories), with an updated mineral resource estimate expected in Q1 2025. This update is anticipated to show growth in the overall resource size while maintaining similar grades. Importantly, recent deep drilling has demonstrated the potential for resource expansion at depth, with mineralization confirmed to at least 450 meters.
A significant development for Bravo Mining is the recent copper discovery at Luanga, with one drill hole intersecting 11 meters at 15% copper with 3 g/t gold. This high-grade copper mineralization adds a new dimension to the project and could significantly enhance its economics. The company is actively following up on this discovery with additional drilling.
Bravo Mining benefits from Luanga's strategic location in an established mining region with well-developed infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and a supportive government. This existing infrastructure is expected to reduce future development costs and enhance the project's overall economics. The company has also made steady progress on the permitting front, with full permitting anticipated by 2025.
Financially, Bravo Mining is well-positioned with approximately $25 million in cash as of the interview date. This strong cash position provides ample resources for continued exploration and development activities without immediate funding pressure. The company has demonstrated efficient capital deployment, having completed nearly 120,000 meters of drilling for about $30 million since going public.
The macro environment for PGMs and copper appears favorable. There's growing recognition of PGMs' importance in hybrid vehicles, which are gaining traction as an intermediate step in the global energy transition. Simultaneously, copper demand is poised for significant growth driven by increased electrification across various sectors. Geopolitical challenges in traditional producing regions like South Africa (for PGMs) and Chile and Peru (for copper) are prompting miners and investors to seek new, stable jurisdictions for resource development.
Brazil is attracting increased attention as a mining investment destination, with Azevedo noting a rise in international mining companies operating in the country. The pro-mining stance of the government and the country's overall stability contribute to its appeal.
For investors, Bravo Mining offers exposure to both PGMs and copper in a favorable jurisdiction. Key catalysts to watch include the upcoming resource update in Q1 2025, ongoing results from copper zone exploration, and progress on permitting milestones. While the company appears well-positioned, investors should be mindful of risks associated with resource definition, permitting processes, and future capital requirements for project construction.
Overall, Bravo Mining's Luanga project represents an intriguing opportunity in the critical minerals space, with potential for significant value creation as the company advances its PGM resource and explores the newly discovered copper mineralization.
View Bravo Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/bravo-mining
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What is Company Interviews?
An insight into junior mining and opportunities to invest.
Company Interviews, a Crux Investor show, exists to cut through the jargon, bias and bluster.
Matthew Gordon, and guest host Merlin Marr-Johnson hone in on the important factors that indicate a company's strong footing for growth and success.