Lion One names Campbell Olsen as CEO

Lion One names Campbell Olsen as CEO

Lion One Metals Secures Strategic Investment from Arete Capital

Lion One Metals Limited (TSX-V: LIO) has entered into a strategic partnership with Arete Capital Advisory Pty Ltd, a mining investment firm led by Campbell Olsen, through a $15.05 million private placement offering. The transaction involves the issuance of 44,264,800 units at $0.34 per unit, representing a 9.9% stake in Lion One on a pro forma basis. Each unit includes a common share and a warrant exercisable at $0.39 for three years. The investment, priced at a 16.4% premium to the 20-day volume-weighted average price, is part of a broader collaboration that includes an investor rights agreement and a five-year master services agreement (MSA).

Under the MSA, Arete Capital will provide operational management for Lion One's Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji, with oversight from the company's board. The partnership grants Arete the right to nominate a director to Lion One's board, contingent on maintaining its 9.9% equity stake. Proceeds from the offering will support corporate initiatives and debt restructuring efforts.

Campbell Olsen, CEO of Arete Capital, emphasized the Tuvatu Gold Project's potential as a high-grade alkaline gold system with district-scale exploration targets. He highlighted Arete's expertise in optimizing mid-tier gold assets and unlocking value through operational improvements and disciplined capital allocation. Walter Berukoff, Lion One's Chairman and President, noted that the partnership strengthens the company's ability to advance Tuvatu and enhance shareholder value.

The offering remains subject to regulatory approvals and a four-month hold period for issued shares and warrants.

This partnership underscores Lion One's strategy to leverage Arete's operational and financial expertise to scale production and explore growth opportunities at the Tuvatu project, located in Fiji's Navilawa Caldera.

Source: Lion One Metals Limited press release, December 30, 2025.