Interview with Luis Azevedo, Chairman & CEO of Bravo Mining Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/bravo-mining-tsxvbrvo-triple-growth-in-resources-accelerates-the-next-phases-for-luanga-project-6814
Recording date: 9th September 2025
Bravo Mining Company presents a compelling investment opportunity in the platinum group metals sector, combining tier-one asset quality with favorable market timing as global PGM fundamentals shift in favor of new producers. The company's flagship Luanga deposit in Brazil's Carajas region has emerged as one of the world's premier undeveloped PGM assets following dramatic resource expansion and robust preliminary economic assessment results.
The investment thesis centers on exceptional asset quality, with Luanga's resource base expanding from 120 million tons grading 1.2 g/t to 236 million tons at 2.03 g/t over just two years. This positions the deposit among global tier-one PGM assets, capable of supporting 17 years of production at 500,000 ounces annually. The 8.1-kilometer strike length remains largely unexplored at depth, with over 40 drill holes indicating mineralization continuation beyond 400 meters, suggesting significant additional resource potential.
Economic returns appear compelling across both development scenarios outlined in the preliminary assessment. The standard concentrate operation requires $495 million capital expenditure for $1.2 billion net present value, while the integrated approach adds $180 million investment to generate $1.8 billion NPV through direct metal production and sulfur byproduct sales. Production costs of approximately $700 per ounce against current $1,300 pricing provide substantial operational margins and flexibility.
Brazil's mining-friendly jurisdiction delivers significant competitive advantages, particularly in the established Carajas region where Vale's infrastructure development provides immediate access to power, water, transportation, and skilled labor. This eliminates hundreds of millions in typical infrastructure capital expenditure while enabling an exceptional eight-month permitting timeline that contrasts favorably with increasing global regulatory challenges.
Market timing appears optimal as PGM fundamentals improve following revised electric vehicle adoption forecasts. Chinese automakers, representing the world's largest car market, now project 50% conventional vehicles, 30% hybrids, and only 20% pure electric vehicles—a significant downward revision from earlier EV penetration expectations. This sustained conventional automotive demand occurs against constrained supply, with no major new PGM mines advancing through global development pipelines while South African producers face ongoing operational and regulatory challenges.
Additional value creation opportunities exist through the company's IOCG exploration program, which has identified high-grade copper-gold potential including 6% copper and 1 gram per ton gold intersections at the T5 target. This creates potential spin-off possibilities while maintaining focus on core PGM development.
Management's proven track record adds execution confidence, having previously built and sold a mine in the Carajas region for approximately $500 million. The team's regional experience, combined with disciplined capital allocation and strong balance sheet position, supports advancement through prefeasibility study completion by Q2 2026.
The confluence of superior asset quality, compelling economics, infrastructure advantages, favorable jurisdiction, improving market fundamentals, and proven management creates a differentiated investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure to PGM market recovery while benefiting from Brazil's stable mining environment and established infrastructure base.
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.