On 8 October 2026, Neometals Ltd (ASX:NMT) announced that the High Court of Australia had refused the application for special leave to appeal brought by Mr Reiche in the proceedings Reiche v Neometals Ltd [2026] HCADisp 252 (Case Number P17/2026). The Court awarded costs to the company for costs incurred in respect of the application.

The High Court decision

Neometals advised that the High Court of Australia had refused the special leave application on the day of the announcement. Special leave is the permission an appellant must obtain from the High Court before an appeal can be heard. A refusal ends the appeal avenue in that case.

The announcement cited the case name, neutral citation and case number. It did not describe the underlying claim, the earlier decisions or the amount in dispute, and it did not state the quantum of costs awarded.

Costs awarded to the company

The High Court awarded costs to Neometals for costs incurred in respect of the application. The release did not give an estimate of those costs or say how they would be recovered.

Company statement on guidance and financial impact

Neometals said the refusal does not give rise to any change to its operational or financial guidance. The company said it does not expect any material impact on its financial position or its ongoing projects as a consequence of the outcome.

The company also described the litigation as resolved. The announcement was authorised on behalf of Neometals by its Managing Director.

Sector backdrop

In Australia, the High Court hears appeals only where special leave is granted, and applications are commonly decided on the papers or at short hearings without full argument. A refusal typically leaves the lower court’s decision in place.

Listed companies are required to notify the market of litigation developments that may be material. Companies often state whether an outcome affects guidance or financial position, as Neometals has done in this release.

Risks shareholders should weigh

The announcement gives little detail on the underlying dispute, so readers cannot assess its scope from the release alone. The statement that there is no expected material impact reflects the company’s own assessment.

The costs awarded to the company are not quantified, and recovery is not described. Even with this proceeding concluded, the company remains exposed to the usual risks associated with its projects, funding and markets, none of which are addressed in this release.

The release does not say whether other proceedings or claims between the parties remain, and any further developments would be subject to separate disclosure.

What’s next

The announcement indicates no further steps in this proceeding. Shareholders may wish to watch for any further ASX announcements relating to costs, and for the company’s regular updates on its project and corporate activities.