(Alliance News) - First Class Metals PLC on Friday reported optimistically on the outlook for the metals sector, as it posted a slightly narrower loss in 2025.
The Ontario, Canada-focused gold and critical metals explorer's pretax loss narrowed to GBP1.3 million from GBP1.4 million, while its operating loss narrowed to GBP1.2 million from GBP1.3 million, and administrative expenses decreased to GBP1.2 million from GBP1.3 million. The loss per share narrowed to 0.61 pence from 1.53p.
First Class Metals booked no profit on asset disposals, compared with GBP31,906 in 2024, and remains pre-revenue.
Chair James Knowles commented: "The company entered 2026 in a strong and well-prepared position, both technically and strategically. The majority of the company's claims are in good standing, in many cases beyond the immediate term, providing flexibility in planning and execution.
"The work undertaken during 2025 has generated a robust pipeline of targets, particularly at Sunbeam and North Hemlo, and the focus for the remainder of 2026 will be on advancing these projects through further drilling and systematic follow-up exploration.
"In parallel, the company will continue to progress discussions in relation to the potential asset-level transactions. We believe that the combination of continued exploration progress and improving market conditions provides a supportive environment in which to pursue such opportunities."
Knowles continued: "From a market perspective, the outlook appears increasingly positive. The continued strength in gold, coupled with improving sentiment across lithium and broader battery metals, provides favourable conditions for companies such as ours with diversified commodity exposure and a growing portfolio of drill-ready assets."
First Class Metals shares rose 11% to 1.95 pence on Friday afternoon in London.
By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter
Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.



