METALS EXPLORATION PLC
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2026
Metals Exploration plc (AIM: MTL) (“Metals Exploration”, the “Company” or, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a gold production, exploration and development company with assets in the Philippines and Nicaragua, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (“H1 2026” or the “Period”). The results will be made available on the Company’s website at www.metalsexploration.com.
Highlights
Production Summary
| Runruno Project | |||||
| Production Summary | Actual | Actual | Actual | ||
| Units | 6 Months to 30 June 2026 | 6 Months to 30 June 2025 | 12 Months to 31 December 2025 | ||
| Mining | |||||
| Ore Mined | Tonnes | 566,049 | 1,028,333 | 2,142,187 | |
| Waste Mined | Tonnes | 5,303,507 | 4,889,310 | 8,557,364 | |
| Total Mined | Tonnes | 5,869,556 | 5,917,643 | 10,699,551 | |
| Au Grade Mined | g/tonne | 1.02 | 1.54 | 1.28 | |
| Strip Ratio | 7.26 | 4.65 | 3.92 | ||
| Processing | |||||
| Ore Milled | Tonnes | 952,585 | 1,041,486 | 1,902,702 | |
| Gold (Au) Grade | g/tonne | 0.87 | 1.34 | 1.21 | |
| Sulphur Grade | % | 1.06 | 1.18 | 1.19 | |
| Au Milled (contained) | Ounces | 26,591 | 44,841 | 73,844 | |
| Recovery | % | 80.7 | 91.4 | 88.4 | |
| Au Poured | Ounces | 21,451 | 40,985 | 65,287 | |
| Sales | |||||
| Au Sold | Ounces | 21,373 | 41,240 | 66,082 | |
| Au Price | US$/oz | 4,677 | 2,884 | 3,154 |
Darren Bowden, CEO of Metals Exploration, commented:
“The first half of 2026 has been a period of significant progress for Metals Exploration. At Runruno, despite lower grades and recoveries as operations run-down to closure, the Company continued to generate substantial revenues, delivering free cash flow of US$54.7 million and further strengthening our balance sheet.
“At La India, construction continued to advance well, reaching 56% completion by the end of the Period. We achieved a number of key milestones, including the ongoing installation of major process plant infrastructure, the arrival of long-lead equipment and the commencement of mine fleet mobilisation. We are particularly proud that, after approximately two million hours worked, the Project remains free of lost time injuries, reflecting the successful transfer of the Group's safety culture and the dedication of our workforce and contractors in Nicaragua.
“While Project costs have been impacted by higher logistics expenses and import duties, first gold pour remains on track for December 2026. The recent US$27 million equipment financing facility further strengthens our funding position as we move towards commissioning.
“The Batong Buhay agreements represent an exciting addition to our Philippine growth pipeline. With encouraging historical drilling results, we look forward to advancing our understanding of the project's potential through a modern exploration programme.
“The Group was also pleased to release its sixth sustainability report for Runruno, covering our sustainability performance for 2025. The report outlines the significant environmental and community work that has been undertaken at Runruno, and it is our objective to mirror this in Nicaragua. Additionally, I am pleased to note that Runruno has maintained its strong safety performance, with 3.95 million hours worked without a lost time injury as at the end of the Period.
“Looking ahead, our priorities are clear: delivering La India into production safely and efficiently, maximising remaining value at Runruno as mining winds down, and advancing our exciting exploration portfolio in both Nicaragua and the Philippines. We believe these activities will continue to support the Company's growth and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
Nicaragua
La India Development
The La India gold project is approximately a two-hour drive from the Nicaraguan capital city, Managua. Construction activities progressed with overall construction on-track at 74.4% complete as at the date of this report (31 December 2025: 33% complete).
The total Project budget has marginally increased to c.US$180 million due to unforeseen logistics costs and new import duties imposed on certain imported goods. The first gold pour at La India remains on track for December 2026.
Highlights for H1 2026 and post-Period end include:
La India Exploration
Drilling of the La India project areas by the previous Condor management outlined a 2.2 million ounce (“Moz”) gold resource in, and around, the La India project area. Since acquiring the Project, the Company’s focus has been on initial pit in-fill grade confirmation drilling, extensional drilling from planned mining areas and the Cacao prospect. Please refer to the Company’s announcement dated 16 July 2026 for further information.
Also, during H1 2026, the Company was granted four new exploration tenements in the La Crecia area. Preliminary exploration, including a maiden drill programme is underway. Please refer to the Company’s announcement dated 10 April 2026 for further information.
Finance
Since Period end, the Company secured a US$27 million equipment loan from a Nicaraguan located bank, which was fully drawn down in August and September 2026. Please refer to the Company’s announcements dated 21 August 2026 and 25 September 2026 for further information.
Philippines
Review of Runruno Gold Mine Operations
Health and Safety
No LTI has been recorded at Runruno since 30 March 2025, finishing the reporting period with 3.95 million hours since the last reported LTI. The health and safety of all employees and contractors remains a key priority to the Company. The Company remains incredibly proud of its exceptional safety record achieved by employees and contractors in the Philippines.
Finance
Gold sales were 21,373 oz for revenues of US$100.0 million (H1 2025: 41,240 oz for revenues of US$118.9 million) at an average price of US$4,677 per oz (H1 2025: US$2,884 per oz), resulting in positive free cash flow of US$54.7 million (H1 2025: US$70.7 million).
Mining
Mining production of ore and waste was 5.9 million tonnes (“Mt”) for H1 2026 (H1 2025: 5.9Mt). Total ore mined was lower at 0.6Mt (H1 2025: 1.0Mt), and at a lower grade of 1.02 grammes per tonne (“g/t”) (H1 2025: 1.54g/t). Current forecasts confirm that mining operations at Runruno will cease in Q4 2026.
Process plant
Gold production during H1 2026 was 21,451 oz (H1 2025: 40,985 oz). Throughput for H1 2026 was 0.95Mt (H1 2025: 1.04Mt) at a head grade of 0.87g/t (H1 2025: 1.34g/t). Average overall gold recovery in H1 2026 was 80.7% (H1 2025: 91.4%).
Both head grade and average recovery are expected to improve during H2 2026 as ore from deeper levels of Stages 5 and 6 of the mine are accessed and processed.
Unplanned process plant downtime during H1 2026 did not materially interrupt production and consisted mainly of disruption to the BIOX circuit due to contaminated ore and power interruptions. Other unplanned downtime resulted from repairs to the return discharge and final tails lines, switchyard, agitator gearbox, conveyor belts, rollers and trommel panel screens.
Residual Storage Impoundment (“RSI”)
The RSI in-rock spillway is approaching completion and fully operational, designed to handle a maximum probable flood event. The Company has an ongoing RSI maintenance and monitoring obligation which lasts for 10-years following the end of processing operations at Runruno. The day-to-day performance of the RSI continues to be monitored by an independent consulting group.
Community & Government Relations
Productive relations with both the community and the Philippine government continue.
Sustainability
On 9 April 2026, the Company released its 2025 Sustainability Report, which covers its sustainability performance in the Philippines for the year ended 31 December 2025. This report can be found on the Company’s website at: www.metalsexploration.com/esg/esg-overview/.
Philippine Exploration
Batong Buhay Project
As announced on 15 June 2026, Metals Exploration has signed a series of agreements to develop the Batong Buhay Porphyry Copper-Gold Project. Located c. 200km north of Runruno, Batong Buhay was drilled in the late 1970s via a 21-hole drilling programme. The main porphyry target, Dickson, has a historical non-JORC compliant resource of 86.9 million tonnes at 0.83% copper equivalent (“CuEq”) from surface.
Historical drill intercepts include:
Dickson:
Maalinao North:
The Company has commenced pre-drilling activities that will determine the design of a drilling campaign which is expected to commence in Q4 2026.
Abra Project
The National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (“NCIP”) process to advance, and finalise, their consultation activities with the impacted local indigenous communities continues. No exploration work was undertaken during the Period.
For further information please visit or contact www.metalsexploration.com
| Metals Exploration PLC | |
| Via BlytheRay | +44 (0) 207 138 3204 |
| Nominated & Financial Adviser: | STRAND HANSON LIMITED |
| James Spinney, James Dance, Rob Patrick | +44 (0) 207 409 3494 |
| Joint Broker: | HANNAM & PARTNERS |
| Matt Hasson, Sam Quinn | +44 (0) 207 907 8500 |
| Joint Broker: | PANMURE LIBERUM |
| Scott Mathieson, Amrit Mahbubani, Zak Wadud | +44 (0) 203 100 2000 |
| Public Relations: | BLYTHERAY |
| Megan Ray, Said Izagaren | +44 (0) 207 138 3204 |
Competent Person's Statement
Mr Maxwell Donald Tuesley, BSc (Hons) Economic Geology, a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (No 111470 and employee of the Company, has compiled, read and approved the technical disclosure in relation to the projects in this regulatory announcement in accordance with the AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements relating to the estimated or expected future production, operating results, cash flows and costs and financial condition of Metals Explorations, planned work at the Company's projects and the expected results of such work contained herein are forward-looking statementswhich are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the potential returns of the Group, industry and markets in which the Group operates in, the Directors’ beliefs and assumptions made by the Directors. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as the following: “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “forecasts”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “assumes”, “potential” or variations of such words and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include reference to events or conditions that will, would, may, could or should occur. Information concerning exploration results and mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as it constitutes a prediction of what might be found to be present when and if a project is actually developed.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance or the ability to identify and consummate investments and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, qualify or quantify. Among the factors that could cause actual results or projections to differ materially include, without limitation: uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfil projections/expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Company's projects; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and other tests and the estimation of gold reserves and resources; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of environmental issues at the Company's projects; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in work programs; the need to obtain permits and comply with environmental laws and regulations and other government requirements; fluctuations in the price of gold and other risks and uncertainties.
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law or the, AIM Rules.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the six months ended 30 June 2026
| Notes | 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 (unaudited) | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited) | Year ended 31 December 2025 (audited) | |||
| US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||
| Continuing Operations | ||||||
| Revenue | 99,954,497 | 118,948,548 | 208,413,419 | |||
| Cost of sales | (62,535,110) | (83,275,388) | (135,356,661) | |||
| Gross profit | 37,419,387 | 35,673,160 | 73,056,758 | |||
| Administrative expenses | (7,254,825) | (6,529,654) | (11,495,137) | |||
| Operating profit | 30,164,562 | 29,143,506 | 61,561,621 | |||
| Impairment (loss)/gain | (829,667) | 4,937,917 | 908,828 | |||
| Other income/expenses | 6/7 | (1,734,714) | (18,798,365) | (22,798,678) | ||
| Provision for (loss)/gain on derivatives | (916,937) | 1,535,541 | 5,453,412 | |||
| Share of profit/(loss) of associates | 47,632 | (3,458) | (5,158) | |||
| Profit before tax | 26,730,876 | 16,815,141 | 45,120,025 | |||
| Tax expense | 4,599,245 | 309,234 | 16,502,303 | |||
| Profit for the period | 22,131,631 | 16,505,907 | 28,617,722 | |||
| Non-controlling interest | 41,787 | 9,301 | 274,217 | |||
| Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent | 22,173,418 | 16,515,208 | 28,891,939 | |||
| Other comprehensive income: | ||||||
| Items that may be re-classified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | 97,874 | (646,177) | (1,560,023) | |||
| Items that will not be re-classified subsequently to profit or loss: | ||||||
| Re-measurement of pension liabilities | - | - | (53,375) | |||
| Total comprehensive profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent | 22,271,292 | 15,869,031 | 27,278,541 | |||
| Earnings per voting share: | 9 | |||||
| Basic cents per voting share Diluted cents per voting share | 0.75 0.70 | 0.64 0.60 | 1.05 0.97 | |||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEET
as at 30 June 2026
| Notes | 30 June 2026 (Unaudited) | 30 June 2025 (Unaudited) | 31 December 2025 (Audited) | ||||
| US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||
| Non-current assets | |||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 264,067,519 | 85,674,859 | 218,147,243 | ||||
| Other assets | 13,830,000 | 92,969,213 | 13,830,000 | ||||
| Investment in associate companies | 175,885 | 129,953 | 128,253 | ||||
| Trade and other receivables | 13,429,354 | 17,288,365 | 15,622,039 | ||||
| 291,502,758 | 196,062,390 | 247,727,535 | |||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Inventories | 18,041,722 | 17,348,922 | 17,206,016 | ||||
| Trade and other receivables | 8 | 24,061,974 | 13,346,673 | 17,047,585 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 9,001,213 | 45,916,669 | 41,171,536 | ||||
| Provision for gain on derivatives | - | 265,503 | - | ||||
| 51,104,909 | 76,877,767 | 75,425,137 | |||||
| Non-current liabilities | |||||||
| Trade and other payables | (15,161,184) | (14,470,850) | (15,155,336) | ||||
| Retirement benefits obligations | - | (3,154,594) | (164,470) | ||||
| Provision for loss on derivatives | (1,356,570) | - | - | ||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | (14,591,783) | (557,047) | (14,530,453) | ||||
| Provision for mine rehabilitation | (8,846,061) | (4,302,525) | (8,253,228) | ||||
| (39,955,598) | (22,485,016) | (38,103,487) | |||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Trade and other payables | (20,889,529) | (9,654,958) | (28,483,299) | ||||
| Provision for loss on derivatives | (992,425) | (5,610,776) | (1,429,405) | ||||
| Retirement benefits obligations | (2,096,923) | - | (2,350,444) | ||||
| (23,978,877) | (15,265,734) | (32,263,148) | |||||
| Net assets | 278,673,192 | 235,189,407 | 252,786,037 | ||||
| Equity | |||||||
| Share capital | 11 | 393,235 | 384,048 | 387,136 | |||
| Share premium account | 11 | 83,158,113 | 76,524,105 | 79,260,654 | |||
| Capital redemption reserve | 38,266 | 38,266 | 38,266 | ||||
| Treasury shares | (19,278,326) | (19,278,326) | (19,278,326) | ||||
| Translation reserve | 7,934,465 | 8,750,437 | 7,836,591 | ||||
| Re-measurement reserve | (624,007) | (570,632) | (624,007) | ||||
| Other reserves | 2,484,136 | (938,558) | 2,737,779 | ||||
| Profit and loss account | 204,486,410 | 169,892,464 | 182,305,257 | ||||
| Non-controlling interests | 80,900 | 387,603 | 122,687 | ||||
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent | 278,673,192 | 235,189,407 | 252,786,037 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 30 June 2026
| Share capital | Share premium | Capital redemption reserve | Treasury shares | Translation reserve | Re-measurement reserve | Other reserves | Non-controlling interests | Profit and loss account | Total equity | |
| US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ |
| Balance at 1 January 2026 | 387,136 | 79,260,654 | 38,266 | (19,278,326) | 7,836,591 | (624,007) | 2,737,779 | 122,687 | 182,305,257 | 252,786,037 |
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - | - | 97,874 | - | - | - | - | 97,874 |
| Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (41,787) | 22,173,418 | 22,131,631 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - | 97,874 | - | (41,787) | 22,173,418 | 22,229,505 | |
| Share based payment | - | 1,546,512 | - | - | - | - | (253,643) | - | 7,735 | 1,300,604 |
| Equity issues | 6,099 | 2,350,947 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,357,046 |
Balance at 30 June 2026 | 393,235 | 83,158,113 | 38,266 | (19,278,326) | 7,934,465 | (624,007) | 2,484,136 | 80,900 | 204,486,410 | 278,673,192 |
Equity is the aggregate of the following:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 30 June 2025
| Share capital | Share premium | Capital redemption reserve | Treasury shares | Translation reserve | Re-measurement reserve | Other reserves | Non-controlling interests | Profit and loss account | Total equity | ||||||||||
| US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||||||||
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 235,366 | 313,458 | 50,401 | (25,345,845) | 9,396,614 | (570,632) | (4,289,234) | 396,904 | 153,363,118 | 133,550,150 | |||||||||
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - | - | (646,177) | - | - | - | - | (646,177) | |||||||||
| Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (9,301) | 16,515,208 | 16,505,907 | |||||||||
| Total comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - | (646,177) | - | - | (9,301) | 16,515,208 | 15,859,730 | |||||||||
| Share based payment | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18,178,937 | - | - | 18,178,937 | |||||||||
| Equity issues | 136,547 | 74,997,143 | - | - | - | - | (14,814,123) | - | - | 60,319,567 | |||||||||
| Transfer of other reserve re options lapsing | - | - | - | - | - | - | (14,138) | - | 14,138 | - | |||||||||
| Shares issued from Treasury | 12,135 | 1,213,504 | (12,135) | 6,067,519 | - | - | - | - | - | 7,281,023 | |||||||||
Balance at 30 June 2025 | 384,048 | 76,524,105 | 38,266 | (19,278,326) | 8,750,437 | (570,632) | (938,558) | 387,603 | 169,892,464 | 235,189,407 | |||||||||
Equity is the aggregate of the following:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Share capital | Share premium account | Capital redemption reserve | Treasury shares | Translation reserve | Re-measurement reserve | Other reserves | Non-controlling interests | Profit and loss account | Total equity | |
| US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 235,366 | 313,458 | 50,401 | (25,345,845) | 9,396,614 | (570,632) | (4,289,234) | 396,904 | 153,363,118 | 133,550,150 |
| Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - | - | (1,560,023) | - | - | - | - | (1,560,023) |
| Change in pension liability | - | - | - | - | - | (53,375) | - | - | - | (53,375) |
| Profit for the year | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (274,217) | 28,891,939 | 28,617,722 |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | - | - | - | - | (1,560,023) | (53,375) | (274,217) | 28,891,939 | 27,004,324 | |
| - | - | |||||||||
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,027,013 | - | 50,200 | 7,077,213 |
| Share issue | 151,770 | 78,947,196 | (12,135) | 6,067,519 | - | - | - | - | - | 85,154,350 |
| Balance at 31 December 2025 | 387,136 | 79,260,654 | 38,266 | (19,278,326) | 7,836,591 | (624,007) | 2,737,779 | 122,687 | 182,305,257 | 252,786,037 |
Equity is the aggregate of the following:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 June 2026
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 (unaudited) | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited) | Year ended 31 December 2025 (audited) | ||||
| Note | US$ | US$ | US$ | |||
Net cash arising from operating activities | 10 | 37,954,423 | 59,572,252 | 107,868,980 | ||
| Investing activities | ||||||
| Purchase of subsidiaries, net cash acquired | - | (23,141,452) | (21,599,629) | |||
| Interest income | 190,797 | 381,487 | 925,471 | |||
| Purchase of mineral properties and exploration expenses | (143,459) | (2,900,967) | - | |||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (72,331,377) | (19,965,398) | (79,620,087) | |||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (72,284,039) | (45,626,330) | (100,294,245) | |||
| Financing activities | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| Share issues | 2,116,459 | 2,052,375 | 4,173,479 | |||
| Net cash arising from/(used in) financing activities | 2,116,459 | 2,052,375 | 4,173,479 | |||
| Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (32,213,157) | 15,998,297 | 11,748,214 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 41,171,536 | 31,224,696 | 31,224,696 | |||
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 42,834 | (1,306,324) | (1,801,374) | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 9,001,213 | 45,916,669 | 41,171,536 |
The following were material non-cash transactions during the FY2025 period:
Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements
1. General information
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Metals Exploration and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 September 2026. Metals Exploration is the parent company of the Group. Its shares are quoted on AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc. The registered address of Metals Exploration plc is 27-28 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DH.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026 are unaudited. The group has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 “Interim Financial Statements” in preparing the interim financial information. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements incorporate unaudited comparative figures for the interim period from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025 and the audited financial year ended 31 December 2025.
The financial information set out in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Group’s statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025, which were prepared under UK-adopted international financial accounting standards, were filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on these accounts and their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
2. Basis of preparation
The interim financial information in this report has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with UK-adopted international accounting standards. The financial information has been prepared based on UK-adopted international accounting standards that the Board of Directors expect to be applicable as at 31 December 2026.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for derivative financial instruments, which are measured at fair value, and in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards. There have been no changes in accounting policies as described in the 2025 annual financial statements.
3. Going concern
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Group have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of business activities, the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.
The Group and its ability to operate as a going concern and to meet its commitments as and when they fall due is dependent upon the ability of the Group to operate the Runruno Project, and to bring the La India project into production, successfully to generate sufficient cash flows to enable the Group to settle its liabilities as they fall due.
The Board of Directors believes that the Runruno Project will continue to operate successfully and produce positive cash flows until at least the end of December 2026. Further, it expects to bring the La India project into commercial production from Q1 2027 generating positive cash flows from that point on until at least 12 months from the date of this interim report, being 29 September 2026. As a result, the Board of Directors considers it appropriate that the half-year financial information should be prepared on a going concern basis.
4. Risks and uncertainties
The Board continuously assesses and monitors the key risks of the business. The key risks that could affect the Group’s medium term performance and the factors that mitigate those risks have not substantially changed from those set out in the Group’s statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website: https://metalsexploration.com/.
5. Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates are set out in Note 2 of the Group’s statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025. The nature and amounts of such estimates have not changed significantly during the interim period.
6. Financial performance
Operations during H1 2026 produced a strong financial outcome for the Group. A reconciliation of Operating Profit to an alternate non-IFRS compliant performance measure is set out below:
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 | Year ended 31 December 2025 | |
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | |
| US$’000s | US$’000s | US$’000s | |
| Operating profit before income tax | 26,731 | 16,815 | 45,120 |
| Add back: | |||
| Interest expenses | 245 | 397 | 849 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 26,759 | 42,272 | 59,254 |
| EBITDA | 53,735 | 59,484 | 105,223 |
| Add back: | |||
| Impairment charges/(reversals), net | 830 | (4,938) | (909) |
| Share-based payment expense* | 1,300 | 17,739 | 21,622 |
| EBITDA, impairments and share based payment expenses | 55,865 | 72,285 | 125,936 |
* Share-based payment expense
A significant portion of the FY2025 share-based payment expense related to the issue of the Company’s long-term incentive programme (“LTIP”) options in February 2025. The implementation of the LTIP had been delayed for several years due to various disputes with the Group’s debt providers. Following satisfaction of vesting hurdles during FY2025, approximately 70% of the LTIP options were exercised. This resulted in bringing to account the full share-based payment expense relating to the exercised options in FY2025, rather than having this expense spread over the life of the options. The H1 2026 share-based payment expense has not been impacted to the same extent by a similar event.
7. Other income and expenses
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 | Year ended 31 December 2025 | |
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | |
| US$ | US$ | US$ | |
Condor Gold takeover direct costs | - | (904,212) | (913,452) |
| Exchange (loss) | (384,098) | (139,392) | (373,730) |
| Interest income | 195,308 | 381,487 | 921,159 |
| Interest expenses | (245,320) | (397,498) | (849,103) |
| Share based payment expense (note 6) | (1,300,604) | (17,738,751) | (21,621,805) |
| Sundry income | - | - | 38,253 |
Other income and expenses | (1,734,714) | (18,798,366) | (22,798,678) |
8. Current trade and other receivables
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 | Year ended 31 December 2025 | |
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | |
| US$ | US$ | US$ | |
| Receivables from gold sales | 7,870,946 | 8,962,558 | 12,972,171 |
| Other receivables* | 14,670,471 | 2,928,531 | 3,294,374 |
| Prepayments | 1,520,557 | 1,455,584 | 781,039 |
Current trade and other receivables | 24,061,974 | 13,346,673 | 17,047,585 |
* The significant increase in current other receivables at 30 June 2026 is due to advance payments to international suppliers of La India construction items including payments for new mining fleet equipment, civil and general infrastructure works, electrical and general process plant items.
9. Earnings per voting share
The earnings per voting share was calculated based on the net profit attributable to equity shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary voting shares.
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 | Year ended 31 December 2025 | |
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | |
| US$ | US$ | US$ | |
| Earnings | |||
| Net income attributable to equity shareholders for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per voting share | 22,173,418 | 16,515,208 | 28,891,939 |
| Number of voting shares | |||
| Weighted average number of ordinary voting shares for the purpose of basic earnings per voting share | 2,971,947,964 | 2,593,310,149 | 2,759,500,878 |
| Number of dilutive voting shares under warrant/option | 197,353,761 | 180,224,296 | 209,389,388 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary voting shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per voting share | 3,169,301,725 | 2,773,534,445 | 2,968,890,266 |
| Basic earnings cents per voting share | 0.75 | 0.64 | 1.05 |
| Diluted earnings cents per voting share | 0.70 | 0.60 | 0.97 |
10. Reconciliation of profit after tax to net cash arising from operating activities
| 6 month period ended 30 June 2026 | 6 month period ended 30 June 2025 | Year ended 31 December 2025 | ||||
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) | ||||
| US$ | US$ | US$ | ||||
| Profit after tax | 22,131,631 | 16,505,907 | 28,617,722 | |||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 26,758,614 | 42,271,858 | 59,254,031 | |||
| Provisions | 2,518,826 | (1,535,541) | (5,217,476) | |||
| Impairment charge/(reversal) | 829,667 | (4,937,917) | (908,828) | |||
| Share of (profits)/losses of associates | (47,632) | 3,458 | 5,158 | |||
| Share based payment expense | 1,300,604 | 17,738,751 | 21,621,805 | |||
| Shares issued in lieu of cash bonus | 240,587 | 577,984 | 577,984 | |||
| Interest income | (190,797) | (381,487) | (925,471) | |||
| Foreign exchange (gain)/loss | (42,831) | 1,696,948 | 2,158,130 | |||
| (Increase) in receivables | (6,263,957) | (1,767,449) | (5,201,695) | |||
| (Increase)/Decrease in inventories | (1,335,706) | 773,472 | 242,849 | |||
| (Decrease)/increase in payables | (7,944,583) | (11,373,732) | 7,644,771 | |||
| Net cash arising from operating activities | 37,954,423 | 59,572,252 | 107,868,980 | |||
11. Share capital
During H1 2026 the Company made the following issues of new ordinary shares of £0.0001 each (“Ordinary Shares”):
During H1 2025 the Company made the following issues of new Ordinary Shares:
Further, on 7 March 2025, the Company repaid a bridging loan, principal and interest, by the transfer from Treasury of 94,127,854 Ordinary Shares at a price of £0.06 per Ordinary Share.
| June 2026 | June 2025 | December 2025 | June 2026 | June 2025 | December 2025 | |
| Number of shares | Number of shares | Number of shares | US$ | US$ | US$ | |
| Ordinary shares of £0.0001 | ||||||
| Opening balance | 3,240,242,138 | 2,121,729,717 | 2,121,729,717 | 387,136 | 235,366 | 235,366 |
| Shares issued | 45,313,020 | 1,095,554,471 | 1,118,512,421 | 6,099 | 136,547 | 139,635 |
| Treasury shares | (299,385,458) | (299,385,458) | (299,385,458) | - | 12,135 | 12,135 |
| Closing balance – voting shares | 2,986,169,700 | 2,917,598,730 | 2,940,856,680 | 393,235 | 384,048 | 387,136 |
Share premium | ||||||
| Opening balance | 79,260,654 | 313,458 | 313,458 | |||
| Shares issued | 3,897,459 | 74,997,143 | 77,733,692 | |||
| Treasury shares | - | 1,213,504 | 1,213,504 | |||
| Closing balance | 83,158,113 | 76,524,105 | 79,260,654 |
Shares held in Treasury do not have voting rights.
12. Share options and warrants
Movements in the period in options over Ordinary Shares were as below:
| Expiry date | Exercise price £ | Opening balance | Issued during period | Exercised during the period | Lapsed during the period | Closing balance |
| 31 May 2026* | 0.0829 | 8,142,786 | - | 7,488,584 | 654,202 | - |
| 13 September 2027* | 0.0492 | 16,051,104 | - | 7,236,750 | - | 8,814,354 |
| 5 July 2028* | 0.0397 | 22,160,029 | - | 7,236,750 | - | 14,923,279 |
| 29 May 2029* | 0.0484 | 25,444,412 | - | 2,894,700 | - | 22,549,712 |
| 27 August 2031 | 0.0001 | 38,000,000 | - | 16,500,000 | - | 21,500,000 |
| 7 February 2032 | 0.0001 | 95,000,000 | - | - | - | 95,000,000 |
| 25 June 2032 | 0.0001 | 10,600,000 | - | - | - | 10,600,000 |
| 2 February 2033** | 0.0001 | - | 12,000,000** | - | - | 12,000,000 |
* Issued to Condor option holders in accordance with the Scheme of Arrangement takeover of Condor.
** Issued to directors and senior management in accordance with the Company’s (“LTIP”) approved by shareholders at the 27 August 2024 general meeting.
Movements in the period in warrants over Ordinary Shares were as below:
| Expiry date | Exercise price £ | Opening balance | Issued during period | Exercised during the period | Lapsed during the period | Closing balance |
21 January 2028* | 0.0605 | 18,179,174 | - | 2,774,026 | - | 15,405,148 |
* Issued to Condor warrant holders in accordance with the Scheme of Arrangement takeover of Condor.
13. Contingent liabilities and capital commitments
The Group has no contingent liabilities identified as at 30 June 2026 (2025: US$ nil) other than:
As at 30 June 2026 the Group had the below outstanding capital commitments:
14. Subsequent events
Other than the below, there has been no period end subsequent disclosable events.
Equity issues
74,296,422 ordinary shares have been issued at an average issue price of 0.69p following the exercise of options and warrants.
Debt finance
The Company secured a US$27 million equipment loan from a central American bank, which was fully drawn down in August and September 2026. The loan is secured against the Company’s mining fleet combined with a parent company guarantee.