Centaurus Metals Limited (ASX: CTM), an Australian mineral exploration and development company focused on nickel sulphide projects in Brazil, has announced a significant milestone for its Jaguar Nickel Sulphide Project in Pará, Brazil. The company’s wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Centaurus Níquel Ltda., has successfully executed the Transmission System Use Contract (CUST) with Brazil’s National Electricity System Operator (ONS). This crucial agreement is set to ensure a steady, reliable, and low-cost power transmission system for the project.
The execution of the CUST follows regulatory approval from ONS on 15 July 2026, granting access to Brazil’s high-voltage national power grid. This contract formally secures Jaguar’s access to the national 230kV high-voltage transmission network, allocating an initial 20MW to be delivered via a 36km transmission line to the Project’s main substation. Centaurus Metals confirmed that all necessary environmental and mining approvals, along with the mining easement for the transmission line, are already in place.
Securing reliable, low-cost, and largely renewable grid power is a key factor supporting Jaguar’s expected bottom-quartile position on the global nickel cost curve. It also acts as a significant infrastructure de-risking step prior to a Final Investment Decision (FID). Post-CUST signing, the company’s next step is to submit the contract and related connection documents to Aneel, Brazil’s National Electric Energy Agency, for authorisation of connection facilities and to enter a Transmission Connection Contract (CCT).
In parallel, Centaurus Metals is at an advanced stage of negotiations and final documentation for additional offtake and strategic funding for the Jaguar Nickel Project. The senior debt financing process is also well advanced, aiming to complete an overarching funding package. The company expects to provide further updates on these initiatives soon, noting they are crucial final components of the Jaguar funding strategy, reflecting momentum towards a comprehensive financing package to support a Final Investment Decision.
