Jack Lifton with Darren Hazelwood on Panther Metals Marking One of the Top Graphite Intercepts Globally

In a recent interview with Jack Lifton of InvestorNews, Darren Hazelwood, CEO of Panther Metals PLC (LSE: PALM), discussed the company’s strategic focus on critical minerals, particularly graphite and copper, within the Obonga Greenstone Belt in Ontario, Canada. Hazelwood highlighted a significant graphite intercept from late 2023, which placed Panther Metals on the global map for graphite exploration. “We hit 27 meters at just over 2.25% graphitic carbon,” Hazelwood noted, emphasizing the importance of this find. Hazelwood noted, emphasizing the importance of this find, as it marked one of the top graphite intercepts globally in early 2024. This discovery has led to the delineation of a 21 square kilometer exploration zone, spurred by strong conductive readings in the area, potentially indicating the presence of graphite or sulfides. Furthering the conversation, Hazelwood elaborated on Panther Metals’ exploration activities, which also include copper through Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits. With only six drill holes, the company has already identified two separate VMS sites, underlining the clustering nature of these deposits which are known as “junior company makers” due to their high-grade, low-tonnage characteristics. This exploration is part of a broader strategy to enhance North American critical mineral resources amidst market dominance by other global players, particularly China. “Graphite is really underappreciated in the automotive space… China dominates, with 85% of the market,” Hazelwood stated, stressing the strategic importance of developing local supplies to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. This strategic focus aligns with Panther Metals’ recent submission of an Exploration Permit application for further drilling in the Awkward East area of the Obonga Project, aiming to deepen their understanding and development of graphite resources in the region.