The Company announced that it had submitted the application for the ERMA Booster Call funding via its subsidiary FinnCobalt Oy (“FinnCobalt”) in a press release on 26 March 2025.

"The fact that we reached the second stage of the process highlights the relevance of our Hautalampi battery mineral project and our contribution to Europe’s green and secure future," said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals. "We are proud to be among the selected candidates in this second phase and already look forward to the next stage of the call."

The ERMA Booster Call, one of Europe’s most competitive funding initiatives, offers up to €2.5 million per project to strengthen Europe's raw materials resilience and competitiveness. The call targets innovative mining projects that are critical for securing Europe’s strategic autonomy in raw materials. Successful applicants will not only gain access to financial support but also to Europe’s largest network of industry leaders, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships.

Following the positive first-phase assessment, Eurobattery Minerals was invited to the next step of the evaluation process – a pitching session with a panel of internal and external experts. This session provides an opportunity to present the company’s strategic vision, project strengths, and commitment to sustainable resource development.
 
Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt, added: "This recognition confirms the strong potential of Hautalampi to support Europe’s critical raw materials strategy. We are committed to advancing the project with the highest environmental and technical standards and this funding would be a great boost for ongoing projects."

The Company will continue to inform the market about the progress in the different phases of the ERMA Booster Call 2025 via press releases.

The assessment report mainly highlights one aspect as to why the Company was not granted status as a Strategic Project and this is related to Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, and more concretely, to the reference documentation of the EIA. The EIA is the principal part of the Environmental Permit Application (EPA), which the Company submitted in April 2024. We are collaborating with the different Finnish authorities on local and state level throughout the whole EPA procedure.

“We are thankful for having received such a detailed and constructive assessment report from DG Grow about our CRMA application. Seeing that the main reason for rejection of our application was an aspect that we already have been working on for quite some time, made the decision about reapplying easier. According to us, these possible issues are being solved at this very moment, and we are ready to reapply as soon as the European Commission opens a new call. With the current geopolitical situation, Europe urgently needs more strategic projects to secure the supply of critical raw materials,” said Roberto García-Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

The EPA supplement will be submitted in the upcoming months, which according to the Company should resolve the issues raised in the assessment report from the European Critical Raw Materials Board at Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG Grow), and which were related to the recommendations in the EIA reasoned conclusion.

“At FinnCobalt, we are committed to developing the Hautalampi project in full compliance with Finnish and EU environmental regulations and the highest ESG standards, ensuring sustainability through continuous monitoring, impact mitigation, and responsible resource management. We acknowledge the concerns raised in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and have already been working actively to address them through rigorous technical assessments and improved environmental planning,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy.

In the above-mentioned assessment report, DG Grow also invites the Company to reapply at a future cut-off date of calls for Strategic Projects under the CRMA.

Our conclusion is that the criteria in question is/can be resolved and therefore Eurobattery Minerals will reapply for Strategic Project status, via our subsidiary FinnCobalt Oy, as soon as the European Commission announces a new cut-off date for calls. The Company will inform the stakeholders accordingly via another press release.

"Being recognized as one of the largest undeveloped projects for cobalt and copper in Scandinavia is a strong validation of the potential of our Hautalampi project. As we can see from these lists, we could be one of the most important players in Europe for these critical raw materials. As Europe pushes hard for greater raw material independence, responsibly sourced cobalt and copper will play a crucial role in the green transition. This recognition is a big boost for us and further strengthens our commitment to advancing Hautalampi and contributing to a sustainable European battery supply chain,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Our calculations state that our confirmed mineral reserves of cobalt at Hautalampi are:

• Measured and indicated 9.3 Mt; with a metal content of 6,200 t cobalt.

And in addition to this:

• Inferred resources of 3.4 Mt; with a metal content of 1,640 t cobalt.

With these resources, according to the independent source, we currently have the fifth biggest cobalt reserves (Hautalampi deposit) in Scandinavia, measuring by cobalt metal content 7,840 t.

The same calculations for copper are: Measured and inferred 9.3 Mt; with a metal content of 17,700 t copper.

In addition to Hautalampi, we have the nearby exploration area Saramäki, where early-stage calculations have been made, and it could contain the amounts stated below (these Saramäki figures are shown on the GTK mineral deposit and exploration website):
 
Resources: 3.4 Mt @ Cu 0.71%, Zn 0.63%, Co 0.086%, Ni 0.05%, Fe 17.87%, S 12.39%
Reserves (UNFC Classification): Cu 24,140t, Co 2,924t, Zn 21,420t, Ni 1,700t, S 421,260t, Fe 607,580t
 
"With only the measured and inferred resources, we are high up on these lists of undeveloped projects. This independent recognition highlights the significance of the Hautalampi project in securing a responsible and local supply of cobalt and copper for Europe. With the current geopolitical situation, projects like ours could be absolutely vital for Europe´s strategic autonomy in critical raw materials,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurobattery Minerals and owner of the Hautalampi battery mineral project.

The list has been published by the premier weekly newsletter Rock Report, dedicated to delivering in-depth exploration news, mining visuals, and cutting-edge data analysis, which provides a comprehensive look at the latest developments in exploration, geology, and mining.

Please use the links below to see the source of this information (Rock Report on LinkedIn):
Cobalt
Copper

“Europe must take control of its raw material supply chains to secure a sustainable and competitive future. Eurobattery Minerals is proud to apply for the ERMA Booster Call 2025 via FinnCobalt, as it directly supports our mission to produce responsibly sourced battery minerals within Europe. With this funding, we can further accelerate our mining project and contribute to the EU’s strategic autonomy, security, and the green transition,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Key highlights for ERMA Booster Call 2025:

• Funding opportunity – ERMA Booster Call offers up to EUR 2.5 million for mining, processing, and recycling projects essential to Europe’s critical raw materials supply chain.

• Supporting European strategic autonomy – This initiative aligns with Eurobattery Minerals’ mission to enhance sustainable and responsible mining in Europe, reducing dependency on imported raw materials.

• Scaling up innovation – The funding will accelerate the development of our battery mineral projects, supporting key European industries in the transition to clean energy and e-mobility.

• Access to a strong network – Participation in this program would provide expert guidance, strategic financing opportunities, and collaboration with Europe’s largest raw materials ecosystem.

Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director at FinnCobalt said: “With the events we have seen playing out on the world scene during the last months, this funding initiative from ERMA couldn´t come at a better time. Europe has an extremely urgent need to secure critical raw materials – like nickel, cobalt, and copper – for the green transition, for clean energy, for security and defence, and for the jobs in the European industry. There is no time to lose to get new mines up and running in Europe.”

With the current geopolitical situation – and as the demand for responsibly sourced battery minerals grows – Eurobattery Minerals remains committed to playing a pivotal role in securing a sustainable European supply chain.

The EU Critical Raw Materials Act ("CRMA") was approved in May 2024, and in August 2024, Eurobattery Minerals announced that we would apply to obtains status as a Strategic Project under the CRMA. In the evaluation carried out by the EU Commission and which results were published today, the Hautalampi Project was, to our knowledge, not selected as a strategic project in the first round. All concerned applicants of projects in the EU will be notified individually in the coming days with more details about the assessment results.

The EU Commission received a high number of applications in this first round, a total of approximately 170 applications. These projects relate to different parts of the value chain such as extraction, processing and recycling. Applications have also included a large number of different minerals that are considered strategic, including rare earth metals, lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt. As we mentioned earlier, the Company has not yet received a detailed justification for why the Hautalampi battery mineral project was not designated as strategic.

This is not a setback—it’s a step forward. While our Hautalampi project was not selected as a Strategic Project in this first round of the CRMA call, reaching this stage highlights its importance for Europe’s battery mineral supply. The need for responsibly sourced nickel, cobalt, and copper in Europe is undeniable, we hear about it in the news every day. And our commitment to delivering these critical minerals remains stronger than ever. We will continue our hard work with the same dedication,
strengthening our project and look how we can refine the application for future calls under the CRMA, said Roberto García-Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

As soon as we receive the official communication from The Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), we will study the possible reasons for the rejection and refine the application for upcoming calls under the CRMA. It has been announced that further calls for Strategic Projects will be opened shortly. The Company will inform the market about possible new applications accordingly.

ABB Oy, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, and FinnCobalt Oy, a key player in the mining industry and part of Eurobattery Minerals AB, have signed a LOI as a first step to collaborating on a transformative project aimed at revolutionizing mining practices through EIAD.

A transformative vision for mining
Both ABB and FinnCobalt share an intention to:

• Develop an engineering, technical, and delivery framework for future mining operations.
• Leverage EIAD technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
• Establish the foundation for a potential Supply Agreement, which would mark a long-term collaboration.

“This partnership embodies our vision to redefine mining through cutting-edge technology while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals.

Scope of Works
ABB will deliver a pre-study and technological evaluation covering key EIAD areas:

• Electrification: Including network calculations, compensation studies, and auxiliary power evaluations.
• Automation: Encompassing engineering rules, system diagrams, and cybersecurity solutions.
• Digitalization: Creating detailed database and system descriptions tailored for mining.
• Instrumentation: Standardizing monitoring equipment for accuracy and reliability.

Actionable insights and recommendations will enable FinnCobalt to integrate advanced technologies seamlessly into its mining operations.

At the forefront of responsible mining
“Our partnership with ABB will set a new industry standard by combining technological innovation with our sustainability objectives,” said Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt. “Together, we strive to create a mine that sets a new benchmark for responsible and sustainable resource extraction worldwide.”

"ABB is excited to collaborate with FinnCobalt on this important initiative which reflects our joint commitment to sustainability. We believe our combined expertise can pave the way for a more responsible and productive future for mining operations. We look forward to successfully working together”, said Fredrik Grankull, Local Business Line Manager, ABB Process Industries in Finland.

About EIAD in the mining industry
Technologies related to electrification, instrumentation, automation, and digitalization are reshaping the mining industry, offering benefits such as reduced environmental impact, enhanced worker safety, and improved operational efficiency. Through this collaboration, ABB and FinnCobalt – part of Eurobattery Minerals – aim to demonstrate the value of integrating EIAD solutions into mining, ensuring both profitability and sustainability.

About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

"As we conclude 2024 and I look back on a year, I see that we at Eurobattery Minerals have taken significant steps. From advancing our Hautalampi project to securing key partnerships, we have strengthened our position as one of the leaders in responsible battery mineral mining. At the same time, the mining industry faces real challenges—geopolitical uncertainties, high energy prices, and the urgent need for investment in Europe’s raw materials sector. But the shift towards European self-sufficiency in critical minerals is gaining momentum, and Eurobattery Minerals is ready to play a key role in this transformation. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible mining will continue driving us forward in 2025 and beyond", says Roberto García Martínez, CEO, Eurobattery Minerals AB.

Strategic and operational highlights 2024

• At the end of April, Eurobattery Minerals submitted the environmental permit application for the battery mineral mine project Hautalampi in Finland. Filing the application for the environmental permit means that the Company has now taken a major step towards mining operations in Finland.

• On 26 July, the Company exercised its option to acquire the remaining 30 per cent of FinnCobalt Oy, the owner of the ground and mining rights to the nickel-cobalt-copper project Hautalampi. Following the closing of the acquisition, Eurobattery Minerals’ share of ownership in FinnCobalt amounts to 100 per cent.

• On 21 August, Eurobattery Minerals submitted the application for the battery mineral project Hautalampi to become a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).

• On 28 August, the Company entered into a non-binding offtake agreement with Boliden AB for its Hautalampi battery mineral project in Finland. The accord is a long-term purchase agreement for the Hautalampi copper concentrates and is valid for a minimum of 10 years.

Key financial figures for Q4 2024

• Net sales amounted to SEK 0 thousand (Q4 2023: SEK 0 thousand).
• Operating profit/loss after financial items totalled SEK -7,999 thousand (Q4 2023: SEK -4,649 thousand).
• Earnings per share after financial items before dilution amounted to SEK -0.05 (Q4 2023: SEK -0.97).
• Earnings per share after financial items after dilution amounted to SEK -0.02 (Q4 2023: SEK -0.97).
• Cash flow from operating activities was SEK -14,364 thousand (Q4 2023: SEK 8,906 thousand).

Detailed financial information
The year-end report for 2024 of Eurobattery Minerals AB is available for download at the Company’s website and can be viewed in the attachment of the release (see below).

“At Eurobattery Minerals, we are continuously exploring innovative solutions that align with our mission to power a cleaner and more sustainable future for Europe. The potential integration of carbon dioxide capture and storage into our mining operations in Finland represents a significant step forward in our commitment to carbon-neutral mining”, says Roberto García Martínez, CEO of Eurobattery Minerals AB.

Carbon capture and storage in mine fill from Hautalampi
The CCS-project, which has been presented by the Outokumpu Industrial Park and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, would be made under the “Project for Rapid Structural Change”, funded by the Regional Council of North Karelia in Finland.

Over the coming years, the estimated volume of mine backfill of the Hautalampi battery mineral mine—which annually will be some 200,000 m³—presents a great opportunity for carbon dioxide sequestration and storage. The technology is based in the backfill system that will be used at the Hautalampi mine. The setup is under investigation and the R&D will be performed by the Outokumpu Industrial Park.

This initiative aligns with regional carbon neutrality goals and has the potential to set a new industry standard for integrating greenhouse gas sequestration into mining operations. Additionally, the approach could establish a novel business model for emissions trading, developed collaboratively with the stakeholders involved in the research.

Using carbon dioxide as cement
By utilizing carbon dioxide in mine backfill, the need for cement in mining operations could be reduced, potentially enhancing the properties of the cement as well.

Ilari Kinnunen, Managing Director of FinnCobalt Oy comments: “By transforming backfill into a carbon sink, we can reduce emissions while enhancing the sustainability of resource extraction. This initiative demonstrates that mining can be part of the solution to global climate challenges, not just a contributor. The success of such a project would not only advance our environmental objectives but also create new opportunities for the region. And it´s an exciting example of how the mining industry can innovate to meet the needs of both society and the planet.”

The Hautalampi mine could be an important carbon sink
Underground mines like the Hautalampi battery mineral project could become vital “carbon sinks” on a global scale—producing valuable minerals while simultaneously capturing and storing carbon dioxide. This dual benefit advances the sustainable development goals of the mining industry and highlights the transformative potential of innovative environmental practices.

Roberto García Martínez concludes: “Eurobattery Minerals is proud to lead the way in responsible and sustainable mining practices, ensuring that Europe becomes self-sufficient in battery minerals while setting new standards for environmental stewardship.”

Link to the official announcement from Outokumpu Industrial Park

Terms for the Convertible issue
Since 1 February 2024, the Company has an outstanding convertible debenture with a nominal value of SEK 5.0 million to Fenja Capital II A/S, which entitles the holder to conversion of up to 10,416,666 new shares in the Company at a conversion price of SEK 0.48 per share. In connection with the rights issue, which was announced by the Company on 16 September 2024, the Company has undertaken to repay the whole outstanding convertible loan, of which part is to be paid in cash and the remaining amount is offset against Convertible notes in the Convertible issue. The terms of the Convertible issue, including the conversion price, have been established through negotiations at arm's length with Fenja Capital II A/S and are deemed by the Board of Directors to be at market. The main conditions for the Convertible issue are stated below:

• 4,000,000 Convertible notes with a total nominal value of SEK 4.0 million, which carry the right to convert to 33,333,333 new shares until 20 June 2026 at a conversion price of SEK 0.12 per share.
• Minimum conversion amount of SEK 1.0 million per occasion.
• To the extent that conversion has not occurred, the loan must be repaid in full on 20 June 2026 at the latest.
• The Convertible notes carry an annual interest of twelve (12) per cent plus STIBOR 3M, but not less than fifteen (15) per cent, to be paid on a quarterly basis and on the final due date.
• Upon full conversion of the Convertible notes, the share capital will increase by approximately SEK 45,609.877190 through the issuance of 33,333,333 new shares, implying a maximum dilution of approximately 8.4 per cent for existing shareholders.
• The total subscription price for the Convertible notes amounts to 95 per cent of the total nominal amount. Payment shall be made by offsetting Fenja Capital II A/S’s claim under the outstanding convertible.
• In the event that the Company carries out a directed issue of shares, the holder of the convertible loan has the right, during a period of 10 days, to convert the entire loan amount at a conversion price corresponding to the issue price in the directed issue.

Fenja Capital II A/S has subscribed for and been allotted all Convertible notes in the Convertible issue.

The reason for the deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive right is an agreement with Fenja Capital II A/S regarding a liquidity-efficient repayment of the outstanding debt as a result of the previous convertible debenture. The Board of Directors has considered the possibility of financing the repayment of the outstanding debt by carrying out a larger rights issue of shares than the rights issue, or through a rights issue of convertible notes, but has made the assessment that such a rights issue would probably not be fully subscribed. Obtaining underwriting for such a rights issue would be costly for the Company. The Board of Directors' overall assessment is thus that the Convertible issue constitutes the most efficient financing of the repayment of the outstanding debt to Fenja Capital II A/S and is beneficial for the Company and its shareholders.

The subscription price for the Convertible notes has been determined through negotiations with Fenja Capital II A/S at arm’s length, in consultation with advisors and through analysis of several market factors and is deemed by the Board of Directors – in light of the agreement – to be at market.

For more information, please contact:
Roberto García Martínez – CEO
E-mail: info@eurobatteryminerals.com

The last day for trading in paid subscribed units ("BTU") is on 28 November 2024. Euroclear’s record date for conversion from BTU to shares and warrants is on 2 December 2024. The new shares and warrants are expected to be distributed to the respective shareholder’s VP account/depot on 4 December 2024. The first day of trading of the warrants of series TO6 (Ticker: BAT TO6) is on 4 December 2024 and they will be traded until and including 20 May 2025.

For more information, please contact:
Roberto García Martínez – CEO
E-mail: info@eurobatteryminerals.com