London-listed Aterian says its Rwandan mineral trading operations continued to deliver strong growth in trading activities during the first quarter ended March 31, generating an unaudited gross profit of about $306 000.

This is a considerable increase from the $145 000 reported in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting both higher volumes and improved operational efficiency, the company points out.

Aterian says this performance highlights the continued successful execution of the strategy to complement its exploration portfolio with near-term, cash-generative trading activities.

The company remains focused exclusively on responsibly sourced, fully traceable mineral supply chains.

The emphasis remains on maintaining high traceability compliance and general margin discipline, along with continued supply growth from compliant sources, it highlights.

“We have witnessed further growth in the development of Eastinco’s trading platform, with the 2026 first-quarter unaudited gross profit increasing to about $306 000, more than doubling the $145 000 reported in quarter four 2025,” says chairperson Charles Bray.

“This strong improvement reflects a more robust and scalable trading model capable of delivering meaningful cash generation alongside our exploration activities.

“We are particularly encouraged by the growing consistency of supply from compliant sources and the strengthening demand environment, supported by favourable commodity pricing and increasing global requirements for responsibly sourced materials. This positions Aterian as a credible and differentiated participant in the international critical minerals market,” he adds.

Bray highlights that the progress achieved during the quarter provides validation of the company’s strategy to integrate trading as a core component of its value proposition.

“As we move to a larger processing facility and continue to scale operations, we expect further improvements in both volumes and profit potential, supported by enhanced working capital solutions and deepening relationships with strategic partners,” he avers.

“Looking ahead, we remain confident that the trading business will play an increasingly important role in underpinning Aterian’s financial profile, reducing reliance on external funding, and creating a strong platform from which to advance our broader portfolio of exploration and development assets,” Bray says.

Building on the positive momentum highlighted in the company’s March 23 update announcing the strategic trading joint venture with Wogen Resources, this latest performance demonstrates continued delivery against strategy, Aterian states.

The company expects further operational progress throughout the year as trading volumes increase and efficiencies improve.