By: Mining mx

Jason Brewer, CEO of Marula Mining, exemplifies the classic mining speculator but honed his approach in Perth, Australia's more accommodating environment for junior miners, rather than in the more conservative, dividend-focused investment culture of his company's home base, Johannesburg. Brewer, who has been involved with over 13 junior miners in Australia, is orchestrating a reverse takeover of JSE-listed Europa Metals by Marula Mining. The merged "New Marula" aims to generate dividends by mid-next year, funded by cash flow from Marula's lithium and copper projects in South Africa and Tanzania, which are scheduled to begin production.

Post-merger, Marula shareholders will own 90% of the new entity. Meanwhile, Brewer plans to use the original Marula's existing listing on Europe's Aquis Stock Exchange to build a new venture focusing on establishing gold refineries in East Africa. This initiative aims to capture value from the region's significant gold production, which currently flows to refineries in Dubai, and aligns with global goals to formalize and legitimize artisanal gold mining.

Brewer is also chairman of Neo Energy Metals, a uranium development company. Neo has agreed to acquire the Beatrix 4 shaft from Sibanye-Stillwater to develop the underlying Beisa uranium deposit. However, the deal's progress is stalled pending change-of-control permits from the South African government. Brewer remains optimistic about the project's potential, noting that strong uranium spot prices create a favorable environment for new production, with a target to begin output within 18 months of securing the permits.