Increased Cu recovery in glycine leaching tests

Unicorn Mineral Resources plc

20 February 2026

 

Unicorn Mineral Resources Plc

("Unicorn", or "the Company")

20 February 2026

Increased Cu recovery in glycine leaching tests

Unicorn Mineral Resources Plc, (LSE: UMR), is today pleased to announce further positive results from the glycine leaching tests on the tailings samples from the Klein Aub Copper Mine, located in Namibia, which support the Company's confidence in the project's economic viability.

These laboratory tests have been carried out by Draslovka, using its world leading proprietary glycine extraction technology.  Through the impact of adding an oxidation element, extending the test duration and increasing the temperature, it was possible to significantly increase the copper recovery percentage from the tailings.  Furthermore, the upward trajectory of the curve suggests that the reaction had not completed and that further optimisation could result in even higher recoveries.  In addition, the tests have only looked at the extraction of the copper and work is still to be carried out to investigate the potential to extract the silver.  The results are preliminary values and have been sent for independent analysis.

Work is underway to complete the acquisition of the 75% interest in Klein Aub, as set out in the announcement of November 2025, with completion expected in April 2026.

Commenting on these tests, Paddy Doherty, Chairman, said:

"We are delighted to be working with Draslovka on these tests.  Their expertise in the field of glycine leaching technology, an environmentally friendly technology that helps to extract the value locked up in tailings, is helping to move this project from concept to a commercially viable proposition."

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).

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For further information, please visit www.UnicornMineralResources.com or contact:

Unicorn Mineral Resources Plc John O'Connor, CFO Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]	AlbR Capital Limited Financial Adviser and Broker David Coffman / Daniel Harris Colin Rowbury Tel: [phone]
focusIR Investor Relations Katrina Perez Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

About Glycine Leaching Technology

Glycine Leaching Technology ('GLT') uses glycine, a non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable amino acid that is commonly used as a food additive, to recover gold, copper, nickel and cobalt. GLT was inspired by nature when researchers at Curtin University in Perth observed plants absorbing gold and other metals out of the soil through the presence of glycine, which carries those metals through the soil and into the plant.

GLT significantly reduces processing costs, enhances a mine's sustainability profile and can extend mine life by lowering the cut-off grade or unlocking value hidden in a mine's tailings.

GLT is a proprietary technology of Draslovka a.s. ('Draslovka'), a chemical technologies, products and services company creating value and improving sustainability in several industries, including mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

About Draslovka

Draslovka a.s. ('Draslovka') is a chemical technologies, products and services company creating value and improving sustainability in several industries, including mining, agriculture and manufacturing, and a key player in the development and production of active materials for sodium-ion batteries. Today, Draslovka is best known as one of the world's largest producers of sodium cyanide, a chemical vital for gold mining.  However, its most important contribution to the mining sector is its Glycine Leaching Technology ('GLT'), the company's proprietary technology that leaches metals (including gold, copper, nickel and cobalt) in a more sustainable and economic manner. Draslovka also manufactures other specialist chemicals and reagents and provides class-leading chemical application services to the mining and pest control industries as well as AI-enabled support services.

 

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