Monumental Energy: Navigating Oil, Gas, and Lithium Markets in 2025 and Beyond
Maximilian Sali, Vice President of Corporate Development and Director of Monumental Energy Corp., informs on the company’s progress in oil and gas exploration in New Zealand and its lithium brine project in Chile, providing also a detailed update on the company’s achievements since November 2024, its strategic focus, and its outlook for the energy and critical minerals markets.

Oil and Gas: A Stronghold in New Zealand’s Taranaki Basin
Monumental Energy has made significant strides in its oil and gas operations, particularly in New Zealand’s Taranaki Basin. Sali highlighted the unique market dynamics in New
Zealand, where oil is sold at near Brent crude pricing, which has seen significant increases due to global factors like Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions. “Brent crude soared in January and recently again”, Sali noted, emphasizing that New Zealand’s limited oil production results in premium pricing. Gas prices are equally attractive, fetching between $15 and $20 per MCF—four times higher than North American rates.
The company’s flagship Copper Moki wells (CM1 and CM2) are central to its hydrocarbon strategy. Historically, these wells have produced nearly 1 million barrels of oil, and recent workovers have brought both back online. On July 21, 2025, Monumental announced the successful restart of commercial production, with CM-1 producing 100 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and CM-2 producing 75 bopd, with rates increasing daily. New pump systems, designed for long-term performance, allow flexibility to ramp up output, and the company plans to turn up both pumps to test maximum capacity, potentially achieving flush
production exceeding 300 bopd combined, as seen previously with CM-2 alone. “We put one of these wells online a few weeks ago, and the second well’s been online now for a couple of days”, Sali shared. Despite challenges with aging infrastructure, such as replacing old tubing, both wells are now operational with pumps capable of producing  100 to 150 barrels per day, with potential flush production reaching 300 to 400 barrels daily. For a junior company like Monumental, this output is substantial, equivalent to “80% of the height of the Empire State Building every single day.”
The Taranaki Basin’s geological and operational advantages further bolster Monumental’s strategy. The Copper Moki wells were shut in due to mechanical issues, not reservoir depletion, making them ideal candidates for workovers. New gas infrastructure has also enabled the perforation of additional gas zones, previously untested due to the lack of a gas line. This allows Monumental to monetize gas production quickly, with gas flowing directly to the nearby YHAPA production facility, 50% owned by its partner, New Zealand Energy Corp. This infrastructure tie-in enables Monumental to capitalize on New
Zealand’s high gas prices of US$15–20 per MMBtu, among the highest globally. “The nice thing with the gas is faster than the oil, we’ll get a paycheck”, Sali explained. Additionally, Monumental earns a 25% royalty on all oil and gas sales after recovering initial capital at a 75% net revenue payback rate, ensuring immediate cash flow potential without further capital deployment.
Looking ahead, Monumental aims to sustain production at 200 to 250 barrels per day from CM1 and CM2, ensuring steady revenue for the next five years. The company is also negotiating additional workovers with New Zealand Energy Corp., targeting past producers with similar mechanical issues. By the end of 2025, Monumental could achieve 300 barrels per day, generating monthly revenue of $500,000 to $750,000, depending on Brent crude prices. Sali emphasized the strategic value of this production restart, stating, The successful restart of Copper Moki reinforces the strategic value of our pivot into oil and gas—particularly given today’s strong commodity prices. It’s a move that not only strengthens our near-term revenue profile but also positions us to pursue additional highimpact opportunities with our trusted partners at New Zealand Energy Corp.” Sali also highlighted the safety and stability of New Zealand’s regulatory environment, noting, “New Zealand’s got an amazing track record for safe oil and gas production without any spills or messes.”

Lithium in Chile: A Strategic Hold
While oil and gas dominate Monumental’s current focus, its Laguna Blanca lithiumcesium brine project in Chile remains a key part of its critical minerals strategy. However, the depressed lithium market has slowed progress. “With the price of lithium being where it is, not many companies are doing much” Sali pointed. Lithium prices, which peaked at nearly $100,000 per ton, have plummeted to $10,000–$12,000. Despite this, Sali remains optimistic about the asset’s potential, given its high-grade brine (up to 1,230 milligrams per liter) and low-cost production profile compared to hard rock or clay-based lithium
projects. Monumental has kept Laguna Blanca in good standing, with minimal holding costs, and continues to engage with the local community and government. Discussions with larger companies for potential partnerships or farm-ins are ongoing, which could bring additional capital to advance the project. However, Sali stressed that the company’s immediate priority is its revenue-generating oil and gas operations. “The focus now is our revenue business from New Zealand,” he said, though he hopes to initiate a small exploration drill program in Chile by 2026 if lithium prices recover.
When asked about spinning out or selling the lithium asset to sharpen the company’s focus on oil and gas, Sali acknowledged that such options have been considered.
“Spinouts are expensive,” he noted, adding that Monumental’s name change to Monumental Energy two years ago reflected its shift toward hydrocarbons. While a sale or partnership for Laguna Blanca remains possible, the company is cautious given the current market sentiment.

Market Outlook and Strategic Vision
Sali provided a bullish outlook for oil and gas, citing a report from oilprice.com projecting a need for 20 million barrels per day of additional refining capacity by 2050. In New Zealand, energy shortages due to a decade-long focus on renewables like hydro and solar have created opportunities for companies like Monumental. “They’re pushing hydro dams so hard that when you drive by these rivers, they’re flowing pretty high because they don’t have that energy from oil and gas”, Sali observed. For lithium, Sali believes the market has likely bottomed out, drawing on historical cycles. “The price of lithium’s always rebounded”, he said, referencing his experience with Avenged Lithium, which was sold to Orocobre in 2020. He expects brine projects like Laguna Blanca to lead any recovery due to their cost advantages.

ESG and Corporate Updates
Addressing investor expectations around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, Sali emphasized Monumental’s commitment to responsible operations. In Chile, the company works closely with local communities, ensuring their input shapes project development. In New Zealand, rigorous safety standards and daily oversight by WorkSafe ensure compliance. “Everything that we’re doing is to the highest standard”, Sali affirmed, noting that neither Monumental nor its partner has experienced safety or environmental incidents.
On the corporate front, Monumental has made minor board changes and raised sufficient capital to complete its recent workovers. As the largest shareholder, Sali remains confident in the company’s prospects, citing its revenue generation as a rare achievement for a junior. “How many juniors make money? I can’t name five right now off the top of my
head”, he said. The company plans to announce flow rates from CM1 and CM2 soon, alongside potential deals for additional workovers and new acreage bids in 2026.

Looking Ahead: A Three-Year Vision

When asked about Monumental’s trajectory over the next three years, Sali outlined potential merger with New Zealand Energy Corp. following the completion of its partner’s gas storage strategy. Such a move could position the combined entity as a mid-tier player in New Zealand’s oil and gas sector, capitalizing on government incentives for gas exploration. “The government thinks they’re going to get a Chevron or a Shell, but these assets… they’re not big enough to move the needle for those major companies”, Sali explained. A merged Monumental could target larger gas fields and past producers, leveraging existing infrastructure and regulatory support.

Conclusion
Monumental Energy is carving a niche in New Zealand’s high-value oil and gas market while maintaining a strategic foothold in Chile’s lithium sector. With steady revenue from the Copper Moki wells, a strong partnership with New Zealand Energy Corp., and a lowcost lithium asset poised for a market rebound, the company is well-positioned for growth. As Sali concluded, “Why can’t hurry up be a virtue, but things take time.” For investors, Monumental’s blend of immediate cash flow and long-term potential makes it a compelling junior energy play in 2025 and beyond.

Disclaimer: This interview is not a recommendation to buy or sell any shares, products, or
services. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor.