London-listed URU Metals reports that a prominent institutional investor has proactively approached the company to provide a £420 000 investment, raised through the issue of 12-million new ordinary URU shares at a price of 3.5p a share.

URU says the strategic funding will accelerate the next phase of exploration at its flagship Zeb nickel project, in Limpopo, South Africa, positioning URU to unlock the immense potential of this high-grade nickel sulphide asset.

The investment will drive advanced exploration, including airborne electromagnetic surveys, cutting-edge 3D modelling and precision drill targeting.

The company says the proceeds will be used for an airborne electromagnetic survey to sharpen target precision; advanced geophysical interpretation and 3D modelling to integrate electromagnetic, gravity and magnetic data; a refined geological model to guide high-impact drilling campaigns; and additional working capital.

URU explains that recent 3D inversion studies by South Africa-based geophysical consultancy company Geofocus have transformed its understanding of the Zeb nickel project, confirming a robust conduit-style sulphide system with striking similarities to globally renowned deposits such as the Uitkomst Complex.

Key findings include priority Targets 1 and 2 that align with coincident gravity-magnetic anomalies beneath the Uitloop intrusion, signalling potential for massive sulphide deposits; target depths that extend from 100 m to over 800 m, revealing untapped subsurface potential far beyond historic drilling; and a vertically stacked feeder-pipe architecture that offers a clear, cost-efficient path to significant nickel sulphide discoveries.

Additionally, the company notes that breakthrough 3D geophysical study reveals four high-priority, drill-ready targets, with Target 4 identified as the densest body yet.

URU says a defining moment for the company was the recent mining right advancement by Lesego Platinum Uitloop on April 25, which marks a critical step forward, ensuring compliance with Mining Charter III and solidifying URU's operational foundation.

With robust geophysical data and institutional backing, URU says it is poised to deliver “transformative results” at Zeb.

"The institutional investment, initiated by an investor inspired by our recent achievements, marks a turning point for the company, empowering us to unlock the vast potential of the Zeb nickel project.

“With clear drill targets, regulatory momentum and advanced geophysical insights, we are on the cusp of defining a world-class nickel sulphide resource. We invite investors to join us on this exciting journey towards a major discovery,” says CEO John Zorbas.