Glencore’s funding gets it an 11.58% stake in the Canadian explorer, which co-owns the Stonepark deposit with Irish gold and zinc junior Arkle Resources.

“We are excited to have Glencore join our group of strategic shareholders,” chief executive of Group Eleven, Bart Jaworski, said. “Glencore’s extensive experience in Ireland, especially at the Pallas Green zinc project, will provide an important dimension to Group Eleven’s ‘Big Think’ strategy.”

The asset, located in Ireland’s southwest county of Limerick, is a 5.1 million-tonne zinc deposit grading 8.7% zinc and 2.6% lead in the Inferred resource category.

The deal sees Glencore Canada purchasing 8.4 million units of Group Eleven priced at C$0.12 each for a total consideration of just over C$1 million, an equity ownership of 11.6%.

Each unit consists of one share and one half of one warrant exercisable at C$0.24 each for 35 months following the closing date.

Glencore, one of the world’s largest zinc producers, also has the right to add one member to Group Eleven’s board and participate pro-rata in future financings, provided its ownership remains above 10%.

Ireland is one of Europe’s largest zinc producers and host to some of the world’s largest deposits of the metal.

Zinc’s primary market is for strengthening steel. In 2016, commodities analysts began warning of a looming zinc shortage and soaring prices. In 2018, it hit $1.60 per pound, but it has since dropped to about $1 per pound.