DY6 Metals (ASX: DY6) has strengthened its footprint in central Cameroon, an emerging hub for rutile, after striking a binding deal to acquire the Yaoundé West project, the Australian junior explorer said in a market update.

Rutile, a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), is classified as a critical mineral by the US, EU, and Australia because of its industrial applications and supply risks. 

The acquisition of seven contiguous exploration licence applications will increase the footprint of DY6’s Central Rutile project from 5,901 km² to 8,782 km², giving the company what it calls a dominant position in the globally significant mineral province.

Yaoundé West was once a major rutile-producing area, operating between 1935 and 1955, when Cameroon ranked as the world’s third largest producer of the mineral.

Surveys by the French Geological Survey identified a 70-km long zone of high-grade rutile mineralisation, up to 15 km wide, containing residual mineralisation and coarse rutile nuggets visible at surface, according to DY6.

“All historical mining in this area occurred within this zone,” the junior Australian exploration company noted, adding it is the only known location of historical residual rutile mining in the West African country.

Adjacent DY6 licences have already shown coarse rutile grading up to 97.5% titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The new ground is also close to infrastructure including rail, port facilities, power supply and the capital Yaoundé.

“Yaoundé West is particularly significant in that it is the only historically recorded area of residual rutile mining in the country, highlighting its geological significance and proven mineral potential,” CEO Cliff Fitzhenry said in the market update.

“Its premium land position, combined with unmatched proximity to key infrastructure – including port, rail and power – provides a major logistical and development advantage.

“We believe that following this acquisition, DY6 will have a dominant landholding in Central Cameroon, with the expanded Central Rutile Project now comprising 100% ownership of 8,782 km² of premium, highly prospective tenure underpinning this district-scale opportunity in an emerging, globally significant rutile province,” Fitzhenry added.

DY6 will pay vendor Mbolo Capital $750,000 in cash and issue 10mn shares upfront. Additional commitments include 5mn Tranche 1 performance rights convertible into shares six months post-completion, another 5mn Tranche 2 performance rights convertible in 12 months, and a further $750,000 cash payment in a year’s time.

The company plans to extend systematic soil-sampling from its Central Rutile project across the Yaoundé West licences, with maiden auger drilling scheduled to follow.

Current major rutile producers include Sierra Leone (Sierra Rutile), Mozambique (Kenmare), South Africa (Richards Bay Minerals), Australia (Iluka Resources), and India (beach sand mining).