5th May 2026 07:00
ASX/AIM Announcement 5 May 2026
Update on alternative conflict process |
Further to recent announcements, Celsius Resources Limited ("Celsius" or the "Company") (+ASX, AIM: CLA) wishes to provide further information in relation to the current alternative conflict processes with respect to Makilala Mining Company, Inc ("MMCI").
As outlined in Celsius' earlier corporate update, the payment deadline for the following transactions expired on 16 February 2026:
· The acquisition by Sodor, Inc. ("Sodor") of a 60% legal ownership in Makilala Mining Company, Inc. ("MMCI") for consideration of PHP 300 million (~US$5 million); and
· The subscription of PMR Holding Corp. ("PMR"), an affiliate of Sodor, of shares in PDEP Inc. ("PDEP"), the intended mineral processing company for the MCB Project, for an amount of ~US$38 million (comprising of ~US$43 million less the PHP 300 million subscription in MMCI by Sodor).[1]
Ahead of this expiry date, Celsius considered a range of alternate transaction structures and potential replacements for Sodor.
One of the candidates that was initially considered as a replacement for Sodor was Socialej Inc. ("Socialej"), a Philippine incorporated entity, in which Celsius' Interim Non-Executive Chair, Mr Peter Hume and former Celsius Non-Executive Director, Ms Attilenore "Nene" Manero held equity interests.
The board of directors of both Celsius and Socialej declined to progress a potential transaction due to governance and related party concerns.
Notwithstanding these decisions and without any approval or authority from either entity, Mr Neil Grimes, an Executive Director of Celsius, issued Sodor on 16 February 2026 with a notice of relinquishment directing Sodor to transfer its shares in MMCI to Socialej.
During the alternative conflict resolution processes with Sodor, Celsius has highlighted that it is not seeking to transfer Sodor's shares in MMCI to Socialej and that it intends to transfer the shares to a suitably qualified independent Philippine party.
The Board is currently undertaking an investigation and seeking independent legal advice in respect of the circumstances giving rise to the issue of the notice of relinquishment and the potential consequences of such action.
The Board of Celsius has also determined to terminate Mr Neil Grimes' executive consulting agreement with immediate effect.
The Company intends to keep the market fully informed of any further developments as its investigation continues, in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations.
Whilst Celsius remains of the view that the deadline for payment under the terms of the transaction agreements with Sodor has expired, it would like to express its apologies to both Sodor and Socialej for any confusion caused by the unauthorised actions of Mr Neil Grimes.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK Domestic Law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Celsius Resources Limited.
Celsius Resources Limited |
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Bardin Davis - Managing Director | W: www.celsiusresources.com |
NWR Communications Peter Taylor
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P: +61 412 036 231 |
Zeus Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser) James Joyce / James Bavister (Broking) Harry Ansell |
P: +44 (0) 20 3 829 5000 |
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking information and prospective financial material, which is predictive in nature and may be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from results ultimately achieved. Such forward-looking statements are expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to it.
[1] See 13 April 2026 ASX / AIM Announcement - Corporate Update.
Related Shares:
Celsius Resources Limited