ABOUT US

The Digital Marketplace for Critical Metals

Learn more about FringeMetals and our mission to modernize the global trade of materials essential for the future.

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The Digital Marketplace for Critical Metals

FringeMetals is a premier electronic clearinghouse and investment ecosystem owned and operated by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited. Designed to modernize the global trade of materials essential for the future, FringeMetals provides the digital and technical backbone for the world's most critical supply chains.

By creating a secure, closed-loop marketplace, we have transformed the traditionally fragmented, risky, and opaque trade of critical metals. Acting as the principal intermediary, FringeMetals virtually unites Metal Producers & Sellers, Industrial Buyers & Off-Takers, Mining License Holders, and Strategic Investors.

At FringeMetals, a trade is more than a digital transaction — it is a technical commitment backed by independent lab analysis, blind logistics, trade assurance escrow, and ESG traceability.

Our Mission & Vision

DRIVING THE FUTURE OF METALS TRADE

Our Mission

To deliver the connectivity, transparency, and technical oversight required by the modern critical minerals market — combining the speed of digital commerce with the rigour of boots-on-the-ground geology.

Our Vision

To be the global digital marketplace for critical metals — the bridge between the mine gate and the modern market, ensuring every trade is backed by independent lab analysis, secure escrow, and ethical sourcing.

How FringeMetals Works

A SECURE, CLOSED-LOOP MODEL

List or Request

Sellers list minerals, Buyers post requests, Investors and License Holders connect through the platform.

Arete Vets Quality

Independent third-party labs (SGS, Alfred H. Knight) verify grades. The Certificate of Analysis is final authority.

Secure Payment

Funds are held in Trade Assurance escrow. Payments released only after lab quality confirmation and dispatch.

Blind Logistics

Arete manages shipping with document masking. Buyers and Sellers remain anonymous throughout.

What We Offer

CONNECTING ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE VALUE CHAIN

For Sellers

List your minerals and metals, reach verified buyers, and close deals securely through our platform.

For Buyers

Post your mineral requirements and connect with sellers who can supply exactly what you need.

For License Holders

Showcase your mining licenses and attract investors looking for legitimate mining opportunities.

For Investors

Find mining opportunities and connect with license holders seeking investment and partnerships.

A Message from the CEO

Welcome to the Future of Critical Metals

The global energy transition is no longer a distant goal — it is a present reality. From the electric vehicles on our streets to the grid-scale batteries powering our cities, the "Green Revolution" is built on a foundation of critical minerals. Yet, for too long, the trade and investment in these essential materials have been fragmented, opaque, and high-risk.

At Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited, we saw the need for a bridge. We saw a need for a system that combines the speed of digital commerce with the technical rigor of boots-on-the-ground geology. That bridge is FringeMetals.

FringeMetals is more than just an e-platform; it is a secure clearinghouse for the modern miner, the industrial off-taker, and the strategic investor. By integrating our deep technical expertise with a "closed-loop" digital marketplace, we have removed the barriers to entry. Whether you are a Producer seeking a global stage for your raw ores, a Buyer requiring 99.99% purity and a verified chain of custody, or an Investor looking for the next world-class mining tenement — FringeMetals is your partner.

Our commitment is simple:

Trust through Transparency: Every trade is backed by independent, third-party laboratory analysis.
Security through Technology: Our Trade Assurance escrow system ensures that your capital and your commodities are always protected.
Efficiency through Integration: From the mine gate to the final port, we manage the logistics so you can focus on growth.

The future of mining is not just about what we pull from the ground; it is about how efficiently and ethically we move it to the market. I invite you to join us on this journey as we modernize the supply chain of the 21st century.

Welcome to FringeMetals.

Prince Chanda Chanda
CEO, Arete Mining & Consultancy Ltd | FringeMetals

The Arete Advantage

VETTED BY EXPERTS, DRIVEN BY DATA

Independent Vetting

Coordinating with accredited third-party laboratories (SGS, Alfred H. Knight) to verify grades and chemical compositions.

Blind Logistics

Managing end-to-end supply chain and document masking to protect trade secrets and enforce non-circumvention.

Trade Assurance

Securing capital through a robust escrow system that only releases funds upon verified quality and delivery confirmation.

ESG & Traceability

Issuing digital "Green Mineral" passports to ensure compliance with global environmental and ethical sourcing standards.

How Ore Trading Works

THREE STEPS TO PROTECT EVERY TRADE

Grade Verification

The seller lists the estimated grade (e.g., "3% Copper Ore"). This is the starting point for valuation.

Representative Sampling

Upon order, Arete coordinates with a third-party lab to pull a representative sample from the stockpile.

Pro-Rata Price Adjustment

The final price adjusts automatically. If the lab finds 3.5%, the buyer pays more; if 2.5%, the price is discounted.

Leadership

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS DRIVING THE FUTURE OF CRITICAL METALS TRADING

Prince Chanda Chanda

Chief Executive Officer

CEO of Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited and founder of FringeMetals. Brings deep expertise in mining operations, commodity trading, and strategic business development across Southern Africa.

Chembe Banda

Chief Technology Officer

Leads the technology vision and digital infrastructure of FringeMetals, ensuring the platform delivers secure, scalable, and reliable solutions for critical minerals commerce.

Maurice Lembela

Chief Financial Officer

Manages financial strategy, trade finance operations, and ensures sustainable growth for Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited and the FringeMetals ecosystem.

Mike Kachema Bwalya

Head of Technology & Solutions Developer

Builds and maintains the secure, scalable technology solutions that power the FringeMetals e-platform from end to end.

Emmanuel Mwenya

Head Supply Chain & Logistics

Manages end-to-end supply chain operations including blind logistics, document masking, and coordination with third-party labs for quality verification.

Positions Available

We are growing. Interested in joining? Contact us at info@fringemetals.com

Head FringeMetals

Vacant

Chief Operating Officer

Vacant

Head Mining & Metal Trading

Vacant

User Agreement Summary

By joining our ecosystem, you are entering a secure, expert-vetted marketplace powered by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited. To protect our users and the integrity of our trades, please note the following core principles:

1. The "Closed-Loop" Model

To ensure total security and protect your trade secrets, FringeMetals acts as the sole intermediary. We manage all communications and logistics. Buyers and Sellers remain anonymous to one another throughout the transaction process.

2. Expert Vetting & Lab Analysis

We don't take anyone's word for quality. All minerals (Ores, Concentrates, and Refined Metals) are sampled by Arete and tested by independent, accredited third-party laboratories. These lab results are the final authority for the transaction's value and the release of funds.

3. Fair "Pro-Rata" Pricing

For Raw Ores and Concentrates, the final price you pay or receive is adjusted automatically based on the actual grade verified by the lab. This ensures you only pay for the metal content actually delivered.

4. Transparent Fee Structure

FringeMetals operates on a clear facilitation model:

5% Trading Fee on all physical metal/ore sales.
5% Logistics Fee on all managed transport and handling.
5% Investment Fee on successful mining asset deals.
Optional fees apply for Trade Finance (2–3%) and ESG Certification (1–2%).

5. Non-Circumvention & Trust

By using this platform, you agree not to bypass FringeMetals to deal directly with any contact introduced through our system for a period of 24 months. Unauthorized "side deals" carry a 10% penalty fee and immediate account termination.

6. Secure Trade Assurance (Escrow)

All payments are held securely by FringeMetals. Funds are only released to the Seller once the third-party lab confirms the quality and the logistics team confirms the material has been dispatched.

Master Terms & Conditions

1. Ownership and Platform Identity

1.1. The System: FringeMetals is a proprietary electronic ecosystem owned and operated by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited ("Arete").

1.2. Principal Intermediary: The Platform operates as a "Closed-Loop" intermediary. FringeMetals is the central counterparty for all contracts, managing the flow of goods, data, and capital without disclosing the identities of Buyers and Sellers to one another.

1.3. Acceptance: Use of the platform constitutes a legally binding agreement. All transactions are subject to these terms and the laws of the jurisdiction of Arete's incorporation.

2. Marketplace & Product Categories

2.1. Scope of Trade: The Platform facilitates the trade of raw materials for the EV, battery, clean energy, and advanced steel industries. This includes Raw Ores (crushed/uncrushed), Concentrates, Blister/Anodes, and Refined Metals (Cathodes/Ingots).

2.2. Field Liaison Role: Arete manages all technical vetting. For Raw Ores and Concentrates, Arete coordinates the collection of representative samples from the Seller's stockpile to ensure quality control before dispatch.

3. Comprehensive Business & Fee Model

By using the Platform, Users agree to the following non-negotiable facilitation fees:

Service	Fee	Details
Metal & Ore Trading	5%	Of the gross sale value, calculated based on verified grades and LME-linked benchmarks.
Logistics & Supply Chain	5%	Of the total transport, insurance, and handling costs managed through the Platform.
Mining Investments	5%	Outright Purchase: 5% commission on total sale value. Partnerships/JVs: 5% equity stake or 5% valuation fee upon asset exit/sale.
Trade Finance & Advances	2–3%	Flat fee applied to "Logistics Advances" or liquidity provided to facilitate a trade.
ESG & Traceability Premium	1–2%	For issuance of "Green Mineral" or "Conflict-Free" digital traceability certificates.

4. Technical Vetting & Pro-Rata Settlement

4.1. Independent Laboratories: All samples are tested by accredited third-party laboratories (e.g., SGS, Alfred H. Knight). The resulting Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is the final authority for determining transaction value.

4.2. Grade Adjustment: For Ores and Concentrates, the final payout is adjusted pro-rata based on the lab's verified unit content (e.g., % of Copper per Metric Ton). If results differ from the Seller's listing, the total price is adjusted automatically.

4.3. Release of Funds: Funds are released to the Seller only after quality confirmation by the third-party lab and successful dispatch/delivery confirmation by the logistics team.

5. "Blind Trading" & Non-Circumvention

5.1. Anonymity: All listings are anonymized. Seller mine locations and Buyer facility addresses are strictly confidential and managed exclusively by Arete.

5.2. Non-Circumvention: Users are prohibited from bypassing the Platform. Any relationship initiated via FringeMetals must remain on the Platform for twenty-four (24) months.

5.3. Penalty: Unauthorized "side deals" result in a penalty of 10% of the total transaction value and permanent exclusion from the ecosystem.

6. Managed Logistics & Documentation

6.1. Exclusive Coordination: Arete manages the generation of all shipping documents (Bills of Lading, Invoices, Waybills).

6.2. Masking: Documents list Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited as the Consignor/Consignee to protect the "Closed-Loop" integrity and prevent direct contact between parties.

7. Investment Facilitation & Vetting

7.1. Certified Assets: License holders list tenements for Joint Venture or Sale. Arete facilitates all technical queries and site inspections. Investors interact with assets through Arete's technical reports.

7.2. Success Fees: A 1% "Investor-Ready" Success Fee applies to the first investment round for assets that have undergone a full Arete technical audit.

8. ESG & Ethical Sourcing

8.1. Compliance: Sellers warrant that all minerals meet global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and are conflict-free.

8.2. Audit Rights: FringeMetals reserves the right to audit the "Chain of Custody" for any mineral listed at any time.

9. Governing Law

9.1. Technical results from independent labs are final and binding for all settlements. Any legal disputes shall be settled within the jurisdiction of Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited's incorporation.

FringeMetals is owned and operated by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited.
For questions regarding these terms, contact us at support@fringemetals.com.
Phone / WhatsApp: +260 978 070 789 / +260 961 986 866

Consultancy Services

EXPERT MINING & METAL TRADING CONSULTANCY

Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited provides specialized technical and commercial consultancy services to the mining and metals sector. Our team of geologists, metallurgists, and commodity traders delivers end-to-end solutions from exploration to export.

Geological Consulting

Exploration management, resource estimation, and technical reporting for mining projects across all stages of development.

Metallurgical Testing

Coordination of independent lab analysis, mineral processing optimization, and quality control for ores and concentrates.

Commodity Trading Advisory

Market intelligence, pricing strategies, and trade structuring for critical metals, with LME-linked benchmarking and risk management.

Logistics & Export

End-to-end supply chain management including freight forwarding, customs documentation, and blind logistics with document masking.

Investment Facilitation

Connecting investors with vetted mining opportunities, conducting technical due diligence, and structuring joint ventures and asset sales.

ESG & Compliance

Environmental and social governance consulting, conflict-free certification, and digital traceability passports for ethical sourcing.

Visit Arete Mining

Get In Touch

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Location

Zambia

Email

support@fringemetals.com

info@fringemetals.com

Phone / WhatsApp

+260 978 070 789

+260 961 986 866

ABOUT US

The Digital Marketplace for Critical Metals

The Digital Marketplace for Critical Metals

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Our Vision

How FringeMetals Works

List or Request

Arete Vets Quality

Secure Payment

Blind Logistics

What We Offer

For Sellers

For Buyers

For License Holders

For Investors

A Message from the CEO

Welcome to the Future of Critical Metals

The Arete Advantage

Independent Vetting

Blind Logistics

Trade Assurance

ESG & Traceability

How Ore Trading Works

Grade Verification

Representative Sampling

Pro-Rata Price Adjustment

Leadership

Prince Chanda Chanda

Chembe Banda

Maurice Lembela

Mike Kachema Bwalya

Emmanuel Mwenya

Positions Available

Head FringeMetals

Chief Operating Officer

Head Mining & Metal Trading

User Agreement Summary

1. The "Closed-Loop" Model

2. Expert Vetting & Lab Analysis

3. Fair "Pro-Rata" Pricing

4. Transparent Fee Structure

5. Non-Circumvention & Trust

6. Secure Trade Assurance (Escrow)

Master Terms & Conditions

1. Ownership and Platform Identity

2. Marketplace & Product Categories

3. Comprehensive Business & Fee Model

4. Technical Vetting & Pro-Rata Settlement

5. "Blind Trading" & Non-Circumvention

6. Managed Logistics & Documentation

7. Investment Facilitation & Vetting

8. ESG & Ethical Sourcing

9. Governing Law

Consultancy Services

Geological Consulting

Metallurgical Testing

Commodity Trading Advisory

Logistics & Export

Investment Facilitation

ESG & Compliance

Get In Touch

Location

Email

Phone / WhatsApp

Ready to Get Started?

Join a trusted community of mineral traders

Join Fringe Metals today and become part of a trusted community of mineral traders, investors, and mining professionals.

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