Interview with Garrett Ainsworth, President & CEO, District Metals Corp

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/district-metals-tsxvdmx-betting-on-swedens-uranium-future-5726

Recording date: 23rd September 2025

District Metals Corp has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of Sweden's anticipated uranium mining revival, controlling 100% of the Viken deposit—described as the world's largest undeveloped uranium resource. The company's timing appears exceptional, as Sweden's center-right government plans to lift the country's uranium mining moratorium in Q4 2025, with new legislation expected to take effect January 1, 2026.

The company executed a capital-efficient acquisition strategy between 2020 and 2025, securing complete ownership of the Viken deposit for approximately 5 million shares and minimal cash outlay. This approach demonstrates remarkable foresight, as the acquisition occurred during a period when Sweden's uranium mining prohibition remained in place, allowing District Metals to secure the asset at attractive valuations.

The Viken deposit offers compelling operational characteristics that differentiate it from complex high-grade uranium projects. Located within Sweden's alum shale sequence, the deposit spans 4 kilometers wide by 6 kilometers long in a shallow, flat-lying formation suitable for conventional open-pit mining. This geological simplicity contrasts sharply with sophisticated underground operations like those in Canada's Athabasca Basin, which require advanced extraction techniques and significant capital investment.

Beyond uranium, the deposit contains valuable commodities including vanadium, potash, phosphate, nickel, copper, zinc, and potential rare earth elements. This polymetallic nature provides natural commodity price hedging and multiple revenue streams, reducing dependence on uranium pricing alone. The inclusion of vanadium—particularly valuable for energy storage applications—and rare earth elements aligns with Europe's strategic objectives of reducing critical mineral import dependence.

District Metals completed an updated mineral resource estimate in April 2025, addressing deficiencies in previous studies and incorporating multiple commodities that were previously excluded. The company invested in comprehensive MobileMT geophysical surveys to optimize mine planning and expects to complete a preliminary economic assessment within 6-12 months, depending on selected mining locations and metallurgical testing results.

The investment thesis extends beyond commodity fundamentals to encompass European energy security and critical mineral independence. As geopolitical tensions highlight supply chain vulnerabilities, Sweden's domestic uranium production capability represents strategic value for EU energy policy objectives. The timing coincides with Europe's commitment to nuclear energy as essential baseload power for achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

District Metals represents a pure-play opportunity on Sweden's uranium mining liberalization, combining operational simplicity, polymetallic diversification, and alignment with European strategic priorities in a capital-efficient package positioned for near-term regulatory catalysts.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/district-metals-corp

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