Month: April 2023

Release – Kratos and ALL.SPACE to Work Together to Develop Advanced Terminal Solutions for Software-Defined Satellite Ground Systems

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on KTOS

April 17, 2023 at 8:00 AM EDT

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Partnership Focuses on Delivering Fully Digital-Enabled Edge Terminal Solutions

SAN DIEGO and READING, United Kingdom, April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company specializing in defense, national security and communications solutions, and ALL.SPACE, the world’s only provider of multi-orbit smart terminals, announced today a strategic partnership aimed at jointly developing and delivering solutions that will enable software-defined satellite ground systems to better leverage the capabilities of next-generation smart terminals. The combined solutions are expected to enhance dynamic operations end-to-end across the ground segment from the gateway to the network’s edge, placing more application power in the hands of end users and greatly expanding flexibility beyond today’s proprietary, purpose-built, satellite terminals.

The space industry is immersed in a renaissance driven by technology breakthroughs such as software-defined payloads, small satellite constellations, multi-orbit services and more. On the ground, advances in satellite networks are occurring as well, including the growth of ground station-as-a-service, virtualized ground systems and the need to better mainstream with terrestrial and cellular communications networks. These advances at both ends of the space/ground connection mean that satellite network systems must come to act more dynamically, adapting on-the-fly to changing needs, conditions and business or mission requirements.

Today’s announcement is part of a multi-year collaboration to integrate and enhance both companies’ products. It is supported by a joint development roadmap focused on new features, functions and capabilities that will deliver more powerful, flexible and agile terminal capabilities at the network’s edge for both defense and commercial uses, such as advanced support for multi-mission and multi-orbit capabilities.

According to Greg Quiggle, Senior Vice President of Space Product Management at Kratos, “Historically, satellite terminals have been defined by proprietary technologies resident on purpose-built hardware, severally limiting what users could accomplish at the network’s edge. That all changes with software-defined networking, which has long been the standard in global terrestrial communications and is now available for satellite network operators through the OpenSpace Platform. ALL.SPACE is a leader in smart terminal technology and a profound partner for Kratos to work with in revolutionizing what users can accomplish at the satellite network’s edge.”

“We are creating a new generation of digital, flexible terminals featuring both a multi-beam antenna and a platform capable of hosting software-defined applications,” said John-Paul Szczepanik, Chief Technology Officer for ALL.SPACE. “ALL.SPACE’s multilink terminal delivers the combined strengths of all orbits by unlocking simultaneous access to multiple networks. We believe pairing this flexibility with the Kratos OpenSpace Platform will dramatically enhance dynamic operations at the edge.”

Kratos and ALL.SPACE have already begun integrating their respective technologies, including elements of Kratos’ OpenSpace® software-defined ground system, such as its OpenSpace virtual modem (vModem) and OpenEdge™ 2500 digitizer, with ALL.SPACE’s S2000 Smart Terminal.

The jointly developed solutions will conform to industry standards for maximum flexibility, including the IEEE-ISTO Std 4900-2021: Digital IF Interoperability Standard from the Digital IF Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium (DIFI). Both companies believe that common standards are essential for the space industry to realize the opportunities on the horizon and to advance the industry’s integration with the larger global communications infrastructure. Both are founding members of DIFI, an independent organization created to develop and promote standards for interoperability in space and satellite systems.

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products and solutions for United States National Security, its allies and global commercial enterprises. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology is rapidly brought to market with actual products, systems and technologies rather than slide decks or renderings. Through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive, internally funded research and streamlined development processes, Kratos is focused on being first to market with our solutions, well in advance of competition. Kratos is the recognized Technology Disruptor in our core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.

About ALL.SPACE
Headquartered in Reading, UK, ALL.SPACE is the first and only field-proven platform to simultaneously deliver full-performance connections across all significant orbits from a single device. The company recently concluded live field tests with the US and UK governments and several satellite operators demonstrating multiple, simultaneous connections across LEO, MEO and GEO orbits, which empowers users in markets ranging from government and defence to maritime, aero and land mobile to harness the full benefits of new satellite constellations and the convergence of GEO and NGSO (Non-Geostationary Orbit) services. 

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 25, 2022, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the by Kratos.

Kratos Press Contact:
Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct

Kratos Investor Information:
877-934-4687
investor@kratosdefense.com

ALL.SPACE Press Contact:
Anne Wainscott-Sargent
404-435-5784
media@all.space

Source: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Release – CoreCivic Releases Fifth Annual ESG Report Showcasing 40 Years of Operational Excellence and Continued Commitment to Reentry

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CXW

April 17, 2023

Company Has Launched New ‘Lived Experience’ Reentry Programs in Past Year

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE: CXW) (the Company) today released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The Company’s fifth annual report illustrates CoreCivic’s longstanding commitment to operating safely, ethically and transparently while making a positive impact on the communities it serves together with government partners.

“CoreCivic’s durability over the last 40 years reveals our character, and that shows in our progress toward our ESG goals,” said Damon Hininger, president and CEO, CoreCivic. “I’m proud of the way our first-class staff have continually innovated over the years, and especially in 2022, to serve our government partners dependably, compassionately and with excellence.”

The 2022 report details CoreCivic’s commitments and progress toward goals in safe and secure operations; reentry services; innovative solutions delivery; health services; talent attraction; diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I); and more.

The Company’s approach to reentry services has grown to include several new programs and others in the pipeline that involve residents learning from the “lived experience” of others who have been incarcerated. CoreCivic staff and leaders are rising to meet the threat posed by dangerous contraband such as opioids. The Company has invested in mental health resources to help keep residents safe and delivered human rights training to 97 percent of continuing employees. By diversifying its supply chain, CoreCivic has created more opportunities than ever for women-and minority-owned businesses to partner with the Company. Wages were also increased for nearly all facility staff not already covered by the wage determination process in federal contracts.

CoreCivic also realigned its internal structure in 2022, combining real estate operations with community corrections operations and naming Executive Vice President Lucibeth Mayberry as Chief Innovation Officer.

Mayberry’s team is already making positive impacts on the wellbeing of residents and staff. For example, thanks to the innovation team, CoreCivic offered alternative housing options for staff to combat the national housing shortage in the U.S. The team helped create a normalization process for easing residents out of a correctional environment by transitioning to more home-like surroundings. And it launched a collaboration with government partners to provide free tablets to residents to promote easier contact with family and loved ones, an essential component of successful reentry.

GI Jobs has recognized CoreCivic as a Military Friendly Employer for the 12th consecutive year, conferring Gold Status on the Company. CoreCivic also received a 30 percent year-over-year increase in employment applications. And it connected more than 600 community volunteers with facility residents and staff to help facilitate successful reentry through partnerships like the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, the Maverick City Music Initiative and second chance hiring firm Cornbread Hustle.

The Company also advocated for recidivism-reducing policies in nine states, including a successful South Carolina state tax credit for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. Since launching this public policy initiative in 2017, CoreCivic has sent 2,883 letters to federal and state officials in support of 113 reentry-friendly bills with 20 pieces of legislation signed into law.

“There’s a lot to be proud of in the work CoreCivic did in 2022 and over the last 40 years,” Hininger said. “We’ve succeeded, and expect to keep succeeding, because we’re willing to learn from each other, from our residents, and from the agencies, groups, and institutions who serve as our partners.”

About CoreCivic
CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and believe we are the largest private owner of real estate used by U.S. government agencies. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for more than 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards or professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

Contact: Investors: Cameron Hopewell – Managing Director, Investor Relations – (615) 263-3024
Financial Media: David Gutierrez, Dresner Corporate Services – (312) 780-7204

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Two Publications of Data in American Journal of Transplantation Showing TNX-1500 (anti-CD40L mAb) Prolongs Nonhuman Primate Renal and Heart Allograft Survival

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

April 17, 2023 7:00am EDT

Research Directed by Faculty of the Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital

CHATHAM, N.J., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the on-line publication of two papers1,2 in the American Journal of Transplantation by faculty at the Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in collaboration with Tonix Pharmaceuticals. The data involve studies of Tonix’s TNX-1500 (Fc-modified anti-CD40L humanized monoclonal antibody [mAb]) product candidate in development for the prevention of organ transplant rejection. The molecular target of TNX-1500 is CD40-ligand (CD40L), which is also known as CD154, T-BAM or 5c8 antigen. The publications include data demonstrating that TNX-1500 showed activity in preventing organ rejection and was well tolerated in non-human primates. Blockade of CD40L with TNX-1500 monotherapy consistently and safely prevented pathologic alloimmunity in non-human primate models of cardiac and kidney allograft model without clinical thrombosis.

“There remains a significant need for new treatments with improved activity and tolerability to prevent organ transplant rejection,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “To date, there has not been a humanized anti-CD40L antibody that can effectively prevent transplant rejections with an acceptable level of tolerability. TNX-1500 is a third generation anti-CD40L mAb that has been designed by protein engineering to decrease FcγRII binding and to reduce the potential for thrombosis. The animal studies found that TNX-1500 retains activity to prevent rejection and preserve graft function. Tonix expects to start a first-in-human Phase 1 study in the second quarter of 2023 of TNX-1500 for prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant.”

Tatsuo Kawai, M.D., Ph.D., A. Benedict Cosimi Chair in Transplant Surgery, MGH and Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School (HMS) and senior author of the kidney transplant publication, said, “The blockade of the CD40L-CD40 pathway with anti-CD40L mAbs has been the most promising immunomodulatory approach to prevent allograft rejection. However, long-term graft and patient survival following transplantation of kidneys and other solid organs are constrained by side effects of the existing medications. Our data demonstrate a favorable safety profile associated with TNX-1500, since neither non-human primate nor human platelet activation were observed in-vitro when exposed to TNX-1500-sCD40L immune complexes. The therapeutic effects of TNX-1500 to consistently inhibit rejection of mismatched kidney allografts were not associated with infectious or thromboembolic complications, suggesting that clinical studies are warranted to evaluate TNX-1500 for transplant indications.”

Richard N. Pierson III, M.D., scientific director of the Center for Transplantation Sciences in the Department of Surgery at MGH and Professor of Surgery at HMS and senior author of the heart transplant paper said, “Anti-CD40L therapy has a unique activity in controlling the immune response to organ transplants. There remains a significant need for new treatments with improved activity and tolerability to prevent or treat organ transplant rejection. Anti-CD40L has shown great promise to facilitate transplant tolerance in multiple preclinical transplant models.  A safe, effective anti-CD40L also has potential to enable use of genetically modified or humanized pig organs to treat humans with advanced organ failure or diabetes, an emerging field known as xenotransplantation.”

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Enrollment in a Phase 2 study has been completed, and topline results are expected in the third quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule in development for chronic migraine, is currently enrolling with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets), a once-daily formulation of tianeptine being developed as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), is also currently enrolling with interim data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the second quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second quarter of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and mpox, for which a Phase 1 study is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2023. TNX-801 also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases. The infectious disease portfolio also includes TNX-3900, a class of broad-spectrum small molecule oral antivirals.

*All of Tonix’s product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and none has been approved for any indication.

1Lassiter, G., et al. (2023). TNX-1500, a crystallizable fragment–modified anti-CD154 antibody, prolongs nonhuman primate renal allograft survival. American Journal of Transplantation. April 3, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.022

2Miura, S., et al. (2023) TNX-1500, a crystallizable fragment–modified anti-CD154 antibody, prolongs nonhuman primate cardiac allograft survival. American Journal of Transplantation. April 6, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.025

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 13, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Contacts

Jessica Morris (corporate)
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
investor.relations@tonixpharma.com
(862) 904-8182

Olipriya Das, Ph.D. (media)
Russo Partners
Olipriya.Das@russopartnersllc.com
(646) 942-5588

Peter Vozzo (investors)
ICR Westwicke
peter.vozzo@westwicke.com
(443) 213-0505

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released April 17, 2023

Release – Orion Group Holdings, Inc. to Report First Quarter Financial Results on Monday, May 8

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ORN

Apr 17, 2023

Conference Call to be held Tuesday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time

HOUSTON, April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (the “Company”), a leading specialty construction company, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 on Monday, May 8, 2023, after the close of the stock market.

A conference call and audio webcast with analysts and investors will be held the next day, May 9, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss the results and answer questions.

Live conference call: 800-715-9871

Live and archived webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/7kn5kim4 or the Company’s website at Orion Group Holdings, Inc. – Investor Relations & Shareholder Contact (oriongroupholdingsinc.com)

About Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

Orion Group Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty construction company serving the infrastructure, industrial and building sectors, provides services both on and off the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean Basin through its marine segment and its concrete segment. The Company’s marine segment provides construction and dredging services relating to marine transportation facility construction, marine pipeline construction, marine environmental structures, dredging of waterways, channels and ports, environmental dredging, design, and specialty services. Its concrete segment provides turnkey concrete construction services including place and finish, site prep, layout, forming, and rebar placement for large commercial, structural and other associated business areas. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas with regional offices throughout its operating areas.

Contacts:

Financial Profiles, Inc.
Margaret Boyce 310-622-8247
ORN@finprofiles.com

Ocugen (OCGN) – Positive Preliminary Data Shows Proof-Of-Concept For OCU400

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, April 17, 2023

Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel gene therapies, biologicals, and vaccines. The lead product, Covaxin, is a killed-virus vaccine for COVID-19 in-licensed from Bharat Biotech (India). The lead product in its gene therapy program, OCU400, is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Preliminary Data Shows Proof-Of-Concept. Ocugen reported preliminary data from its Phase 1/2 trial testing OCU400 gene therapy in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).  The study was designed to establish safety and  test increasing dosage using trial endpoints designed to measure vision in low light and visual acuity. Patient responses showed improvements in function, with safety and tolerability. We see this as an important proof-of-concept for OCU400 and Ocugen’s gene therapy technology.

Data Showed Functional Improvements In Vision. The data presented was from a preliminary analysis of 7 patients in the first two cohorts who received the low and medium doses. These patients had either of two retinitis pigmentosa mutations, RHO or NR2E3. The outcome measures presented were the multi-luminance mobility test (MLMT), a measure of the ability to detect levels of light, and BCVA (best corrected visual acuity).


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Making Progress on the Sale of LINICO’s Battery Recycling Facility

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, April 17, 2023

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Senior Vice President – Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Battery recycling facility sale. Comstock’s LINICO subsidiary recently entered into amended and restated agreements to sell its battery recycling facility in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center to American Battery Technology Corporation (OTCQX: ABML) for $27 million. Of the purchase price, $1.5 million will be held in escrow for up to 18 months. LINICO had leased the facility with an option to purchase for $15.25 million, of which $3.25 million was paid. The transaction contemplates Comstock would buy out the lease prior to closing the transaction in the second quarter.

Sale results in net cash inflows. On March 1, Comstock received $6 million from the sale of equipment associated with the agreement. On April 6, the company received $5 million in cash and 10 million restricted shares of American Battery Technology Corporation stock with the guarantee that Comstock will receive additional cash and/or shares if the proceeds for the shares are less than $6.6 million. Comstock will receive an additional $10 million in cash on or before April 21. We have updated our financial model to reflect expected cash flows, including an estimated net accounting gain of ~$5 million on the income statement in the second quarter.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – An Abundance of Opportunity

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, April 17, 2023

Mark Reichman, Senior Vice President – Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

The Lost Cities project. Aurania’s Lost Cities project is in the Cordillera de Cutucu range of Ecuador which represents the relatively unexplored extension of a rich mineral belt that is believed to run through the Cordillera del Condor range to the south; an area that has been more widely explored and the source of several major gold and copper discoveries. The project is comprised of 42 mineral exploration concessions encompassing 207,764 hectares in southeastern Ecuador and would be difficult to replicate. To date, Aurania’s exploration and drilling activities have underscored its rich mineral potential for epithermal gold-silver, copper porphyries, sedimentary-hosted copper-silver, and carbonate-replacement silver-zinc-lead-barite.

Private placement financing. In March, Aurania closed the first tranche of its private placement of up to 10,869,565 units for gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 with the right to increase the size of the initial offering by up to 25%. A total of 7,801,145 units were sold in the first tranche at a price of C$0.46 per unit for gross proceeds of C$3,588,526.70. Proceeds funded annual concession fees to renew the Lost Cities project mineral concessions. We expect Aurania to close the second and final tranche shortly. 


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Higher Metals Prices May Escalate Mining M&A Activity

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com

Is This The Start Of A New Golden Age Of Gold Mining Deals?

We may be about to enter a new golden age of gold mining deals as explorers and producers seek to capitalize on higher metal prices and gain exposure to other key minerals, including copper, at a time when consolidation in the gold industry vastly trails that of other metals.

Last week, major U.S. gold producer Newmont raised its bid for Australian rival Newcrest Mining to $19.5 billion after its earlier bid of $17 billion was rejected. Due diligence is expected to take around four weeks, and if Newcrest’s board and shareholders accept the offer, the acquisition would represent one of the top 10 biggest metal deals ever and the single biggest gold mining takeover, nearly twice the value of last year’s merger between Kirkland Lake and Agnico Eagle.

(A note about the chart above: Just today, Teck Resources rejected Glencore’s $23 billion takeover bid, calling it “opportunistic and unrealistic.” Vancouver-based Teck says it will proceed with plans to spin off its steelmaking coal business, creating two new companies: Teck Metals and Elk Valley Resources. This separation “creates a significantly greater spectrum of opportunities to maximize value for Teck shareholders” compared to an acquisition by Glencore, says Teck’s Board of Directors Chair Sheila Murray.)

This article was republished with permission from Frank Talk, a CEO Blog by Frank Holmes

of U.S. Global Investors (GROW).

Time will tell if Newcrest approves of Newmont’s offer, but I believe this could be the start of a much-needed consolidation cycle in the gold industry, one that could potentially benefit shareholders.

Gold Is One Of The Most Fragmented Gold Mining Industries

Back in 2019, many analysts and market participants—myself included—heralded Newmont and Goldcorp’s $9.3 billion merger as the beginning of a new era of gold consolidation, and I believe the Newmont-Newcrest deal could serve as a (delayed) continuation of the trend.

The truth is that, compared to other important metals, gold is sorely in need of consolidation. The chart below, courtesy of metals and mining consultancy firm CRU Group, shows the global share of output from each metal’s top 10 producers. Gold is at the bottom, with its top 10 producers responsible for only 28% of global output. By comparison, the top 10 iron ore producers generate nearly 70% of the world’s supply.

Higher gold prices in recent years have not resulted in significantly increased exploration spending. In lieu of that, companies can expand and create shareholder value through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), which allow miners to “increase their production share, replenish depleting gold reserves and… lower production costs through relatively less risk,” writes CRU analysts.

Copper To Face Ongoing Supply Deficits

M&A can also result in metal diversification—one of Newmont’s stated goals in acquiring Newcrest. Copper currently accounts for roughly 25% of Newcrest’s total net revenue, and the company hopes to increase it to 50% of revenue by the end of the decade. As one of the key minerals in the global transition to renewable energy, copper is poised to surge in price in the coming years as demand far outpaces supply.

In fact, copper mining deals exceeded gold mining deals in total value last year, according to a new report by S&P Global. M&A work among copper companies in 2022 totaled more than $14 billion in value, a 103% jump over the previous year, while the combined value of gold deals stood at $9.8 billion, a 48% decrease from 2021.

US Global Investors Disclaimer

The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining for gold and silver. The S&P 500 Stock Index is a widely recognized capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stock prices in U.S. companies. Free cash flow (FCF) represents the cash a company generates after accounting for cash outflows to support operations and maintain its capital assets. Frank Holmes has been appointed non-executive chairman of the Board of Directors of HIVE Blockchain Technologies. Both Mr. Holmes and U.S. Global Investors own shares of HIVE. Effective 8/31/2018, Frank Holmes serves as the interim executive chairman of HIVE.

Holdings may change daily. Holdings are reported as of the most recent quarter-end. The following securities mentioned in the article were held by one or more accounts managed by U.S. Global Investors as of (09/30/2021): Torex Gold Resources Inc., Centerra Gold Inc., Gran Colombia Gold Corp., Dundee Precious Metals Inc., Pretium Resources Inc., Endeavour Mining PLC, Barrick Gold Corp., Eldorado Gold Corp., SSR Mining Inc., Silver Lake Resources Ltd., Karora Resources Inc.

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Yellen is About to Know the Debt Ceiling Do or Die Date

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image Credit: Federal Reserve (Flickr)

Tax Date Will Provide Timing on Critical Debt Ceiling Breach

While both stock and bond investors are focused on the Federal Reserve and how it will orchestrate lower inflation without crashing the economy, the debt limit time bomb hasn’t gotten much attention yet, this could quickly change. The U.S. mathematically hit its allowed debt ceiling on January 18, 2023. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has since been taking measures to avoid a U.S. default on the national debt. But she can only do this dance for so long. How long will become much clearer quite soon. April 18, 2023 is tax date; the U.S. Treasury will then have more precise revenue numbers. This will give the department a much better understanding of when the U.S. would default on its debt if Congress doesn’t allow a higher borrowing limit.

Congress tends to let these issues come down to the eleventh hour before acting. All parties involved know a default would be catastrophic, so the down-to-the-wire drama frustrates markets but tends to allow Congressional representatives to carve out deals on what is important to them. Some expect the actual deadline will be as early as mid-June, others forecast it to be just after summer. The answer will come into clearer focus as tax receipts are taken in over the coming week. Once the time-frame is more certain, the markets are likely to begin to then react as concern amps up.

The Treasury’s $31.4 trillion borrowing cap plus tax receipts will give a clearer idea of how much cash it will have available, which it can weigh against its spending rate. In a note to clients, Bank of America’s analysts, Mark Cabana and Katie Craig wrote “we maintain our current base case for a mid-August X-date but see risks skewed toward earlier.” This four-month or earlier period would end near the scheduled recess for both the House and Senate.

In the analysts view, an influx from taxes of more than $200 billion following tax day would be a relief, while a figure of less than $150 billion would be concerning. Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is preparing to roll out his proposal this week for a one-year debt ceiling suspension, according to sources reported by Bloomberg. Republicans have long sought to make any deal contingent on spending cuts, while President Biden has insisted that budgetary needs and debt ceiling should be viewed separately. 

Over the coming months markets and US Treasury officials culd encounter:

T-Bill Yield Increases

Investors could expect higher yields on securities maturing in the very short end of the curve. The fear driving the rate increases is the knowledge that should the U.S. runs out of borrowing capacity, it may not be able to borrow to pay the maturing debt.

This could begin to create an unusual one-year and shorter yield curve as investors either want maturities well ahead of any possible default or well after to give the Congress time to act.

Insuring Against Default

A key market to watch is what happens in credit default swaps for U.S.-issued debt. There has been an increase in activity in recent months as pricing has moved past levels seen in previous debt-cap crunches; this is viewed as the market’s increased expectation of a higher probability of default.

Treasury Cash On-Hand

The measures Treasury Secretary Yellen deployed in late January to address the debt limit issue involve in part, spending cash it doesn’t need to borrow. Last week this cash dropped to $87 billion. This is the lowest level since December 2021 during the debt ceiling battle. However, with the tax payment infusion and other tax revenue, this amount is viewed as a safe cushion for the time being.

The amount of revenue received in taxes this week is critical in that market participants can gauge how far off the debt ceiling debate will be. The concern that the negotiations can cause short-term shifts in interest rates and impact the U.S. dollar and other markets generally has investors on edge.

The situation is not likely to be resolved until the eleventh hour with the current split Congress – when the peak period of drama occurs will be better known very soon.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.nab.org/documents/advocacy/2023CongressionalCalendar.pdf

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-17/tax-day-cash-will-indicate-just-how-close-the-us-is-to-default?srnd=premium#xj4y7vzkg

The Week Ahead –  It’s the Quiet Weeks You Have to Look Out For

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com

This Week Earnings Season Builds and the World’s Second Largest Economy Reports GDP

There are multiple real estate-related reports this week that are expected to conflict with one another. Otherwise, it is a slow week for economic numbers, but earnings season, with banks still in the spotlight, will begin to build. With few U.S. economic reports, an elevated amount of attention may be paid to a Tuesday release of Chinese GDP. Expectations are for 3.9% growth. The Beige Book on Wednesday sets the table for the May FOMC meeting; surprises will be magnified in a slow economic data week.

Monday 4/17

  • 10:00 AM ET, The Housing Market Index has been trending upward following a severe downward spiral throughout 2022. The April consensus is 45 which would add 1 point to March’s 7 point increase to 44. This reflects home builder assessments of housing across the U.S. It is used as not just a gauge of current demand for housing, but also economic momentum which spins off of home purchases. This seemingly unrelated data has an unmistakable multiplier effect on the economy, which impacts markets.
  • 12:00 PM ET, Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin will be speaking. This has the potential for a market mood change as Barkin has been among the more hawkish of Fed district Presidents. After the last FOMC meeting in March, Barkin said he had no second thoughts on the Fed’s decision to raise rates at the meeting.

Tuesday 4/18

  • 6:00 AM ET, Housing Starts, in March is expected to decline a bit to a 1.40 million annualized rate. As reported for February Starts increased sharply to a 1.450 million annualized rate from January’s 1.321 million. Permits, at 1.524 million in February, also jumped sharply and are expected to fall back to 1.431 million in March.

Wednesday 4/19

  • 2:00 AM ET, The Beige Book is produced a couple of weeks before each FOMC meeting. The next meeting is May 2-3. Despite the name referring to it as a “book,” it is actually 12 individual reports of what each Federal Reserve district sees occurring economically in their region. It serves as the starting place of discussion at each of the ten annual FOMC meetings. For this reason, economists, investors, and Fed watchers pour over the details.

Thursday 4/20

  • 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims Jobless for the April 15 week are expected to come in at 245,000 versus 239,000 in the prior week. With a very light economic calendar, this may turn out to be the focus for the week. Better than expected could cause rate fears to grow in stock market participant’s psyche, a surprise on the low side will cause news reports and market pundits to declare the Fed is done tightening.
  • 10:00 AM ET, Existing Home Sales represents yet another real estate economic report this week. After February’s sharp jump to a 4.58 million annualized rate, existing home sales in March are expected to fall back to a 4.485 million rate.
  • 10:00 AM ET, the Index of Leading Economic Indicators is expected to drop again to 0.4 percent for March. The index has been in steady decline, signaling a pending recession. For investors, this index seldom surprises since it is comprised of ten preciously released components, the results of which are already known. The trend is important to investors, the number has low potential to move markets when released.
  • 4:30 AM ET, The Fed Balance Sheet is released at this time each Thursday. Investors are paying more attention so they can discern whether what the Fed says and what the Fed does are one in the same. Quantitative tightening is the Fed reducing the securities it owns on its balance sheet. It paid U.S. dollars for the securities. If it let’s them mature and does not repurchase securities, that money is taken out of the economy. Money is stimulative, reduced money in the system is a drag on growth.

Friday 4/21

  • 9:45 PM ET, Purchasing Managers Index composite (PMI) provides an early estimate of current private sector output by combining information obtained from surveys of 1,000 manufacturing and service sector companies. A number above 50 indicates shows rising output relative to the previous month. Services moved back to the 50 demarcation in February for the first time in eight months and improved further in March to 52.6; the consensus for April is 51.5.

What Else

Taxes are due April 18 this year. This typically creates a wave of new IRA deposits and the investments that follow.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday in Slack vs. Pirani, a complex securities law case that could set a precedent for how easy it will be for investors to sue companies over alleged misstatements or omissions in their registration statements during direct listings. The case may have major implications for direct listings—either making them a more attractive option or removing them as a viable option.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.richmondfed.org/conferences_and_events

https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/feds-barkin-says-case-rate-increase-was-pretty-clear-2023-03-24/

https://us.econoday.com/

Release – Noble Capital Markets Initiates Equity Research Coverage on Snail, Inc.

Posted on by cpatches

Research News and Market Data on SNAL

CULVER CITY, Calif., April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, is pleased to announce that that Noble Capital Markets has initiated company-sponsored equity research coverage on the Company. The full report by Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Michael Kupinski, as well as news and advanced market data on Snail, Inc. is available on Channelchek.

About Snail, Inc.

Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.

About Noble Capital Markets

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 as a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving underfollowed small / microcap companies through investment banking, wealth management, trading & execution, and equity research activities. Over the past 37 years, Noble has raised billions of dollars for these companies and published more than 45,000 equity research reports. www.noblecapitalmarkets.com email: contact@noblecapitalmarkets.com

About Channelchek

Channelchek (.com) is a comprehensive investor-centric portal – featuring more than 6,000 emerging growth companies – that provides advanced market data, independent research, balanced news, video webcasts, exclusive c-suite interviews, and access to virtual road shows. The site is available to the public at every level without cost or obligation. Research on Channelchek is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., an SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer since 1984. www.channelchek.com email: contact@channelchek.com

Contacts:
Investors:
investors@snail.com

Release – Ocugen Announces Positive Preliminary Safety and Efficacy Results from the Phase 1/2 Trial of OCU400, a Modifier Gene Therapy Product Candidate, for the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Posted on by cpatches

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

  • Favorable safety and tolerability profile related to OCU400 investigational product candidate
  • Initial clinical data from low and medium dose cohorts indicates positive trend in Multi-luminance mobility testing and Best-Corrected Visual Acuity scores for OCU400 treated eyes
  • 71.4% (5/7) of OCU400 treated eyes in low and medium dose cohorts experienced at least 1 Lux luminance level improvement in mobility test from baseline
  • 66.7% (2/3) of OCU400 treated eyes in low dose cohorts at 9-month follow-up experienced at least 2 Lux luminance level improvement in mobility test from baseline
  • Ocugen believes these preliminary data supports potential of modifier gene therapy platform in gene-agnostic treatment of complex and heterogenous inherited genetic diseases

MALVERN, Pa., April 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines, today announced positive preliminary data among retinitis pigmentosa (RP) participants treated in the first two cohorts of the Phase 1/2 trial to assess the safety and efficacy of OCU400 for RP associated with NR2E3 and Rhodopsin (RHO) mutations and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) with mutation(s) in the CEP290 gene. These preliminary results provide support that OCU400, Ocugen’s first-in-class therapeutic approach utilizing a proprietary modifier gene therapy platform, has the potential to be a gene-agnostic therapeutic for RP and LCA patients with inherited retinal degeneration.

“It is very gratifying to see these positive preliminary results from our novel modifier gene therapy approach,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Ocugen. “This is the first clinical validation of the platform where patient responses across various genetic mutations support that OCU400 has the potential to transform the lives of many patients who are struggling with debilitating blindness diseases.”

This Phase 1/2 trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose ranging study. A total of 18 RP subjects have been enrolled in this study—10 subjects in the dose escalation and 8 subjects in the expansion phase, respectively. The age of subjects enrolled to date ranges from 18-77 years across RHO and NR2E3 gene mutations. We further expanded this Phase1/2 trial to enroll LCA patients with CEP290 gene mutation and pediatric patients with NR2E3, RHO and CEP290 mutations.

In Cohort 1 and 2 of the clinical trial, 7 participants with severe vision impairment due to RP associated with RHO and NR2E3 gene mutations received a unilateral subretinal injection of either a low dose (1.66 x 1010 vg/mL) or medium dose (3.33 x 1010 vg/mL) OCU400, respectively. In the preliminary data analysis, 9-month follow-up data for 3 subjects [Cohort 1], and 6-month follow-up data for 4 subjects [N=1 from Cohort 1 and N=3 from Cohort 2] were evaluated.

Results showed a favorable safety profile and visual improvements after treatment with OCU400 as measured by multi-luminance mobility testing (MLMT) and best corrected visual acuity assessment (BCVA).

Key efficacy outcomes from 7 subjects demonstrated:

  • 100% of treated eyes showed a stable or improved MLMT score trend;
  • 5 of 7 (71.4%) OCU400 treated eyes demonstrated a 1 or more Lux level improvement in MLMT score compared to 28.6 % of untreated eyes;
  • 66.7% (2 of 3) of OCU400 treated eyes in Cohort 1 with 9-month follow-up demonstrated a 2 or more Lux level improvement in MLMT score compared to none of the untreated eyes; and
  • 3 of 7 (42.9%) OCU400 treated eyes demonstrated 8-11 letters of improvement in BCVA score compared to none of the untreated eyes.

“I was not expecting such substantial improvements in visual function among the trial participants I have been working with because of the advanced stage of their retinal disease,” said David Birch, PhD, Scientific Director, Retina Foundation of the Southwest, principal investigator of the study. “I am very pleased by the outcomes I have seen in my own clinic and am hopeful that OCU400 could provide a therapeutic solution for RP patients who are not only facing loss of vision, but also challenged with the psychological burden of losing their independence.”

“The early results from patients treated in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial are encouraging and support the paradigm-changing potential of modifier gene therapy technology to address unmet medical needs for patients with RP and LCA,” said Arun Upadhyay, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research, Development and Medical at Ocugen. “With this favorable safety profile and positive trend in efficacy signals, we are very eager to see longer-term data, and to potentially initiate Phase 3 trials in the U.S. and EU.”

Ocugen will continue to monitor long-term safety and efficacy data from the treated patients, and advance development of OCU400 to bring a potential treatment option to RP and LCA patients.

CanSinoBIO, Ocugen’s strategic partner, provided all CMC development and clinical supplies for the Phase 1/2 trial of OCU400.

A webcast and conference call will take place today at 8 a.m. ET:
Dial-in Numbers: (800) 715-9871 for U.S. callers and (646) 307-1963 for international callers
Conference ID: 4898155
Webcast: Available on the events section of the Ocugen investor site

About Modifier Gene Therapy
Modifier gene therapy is designed to fulfill unmet medical needs related to retinal diseases, including IRDs, such as RP, LCA, and Stargardt disease, as well as dry AMD. Our modifier gene therapy platform is based on the use of NHRs, master gene regulators, which have the potential to restore homeostasis — the basic biological processes in the retina. Unlike single-gene replacement therapies, which only target one genetic mutation, we believe that our modifier gene therapy platform, through its use of NHRs, represents a novel approach that has the potential to address multiple retinal diseases caused by mutations in multiple genes with one product, and to address complex diseases that are potentially caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks. Currently Ocugen has three modifier gene therapy programs OCU400 (RP, LCA), OCU410 (dry AMD), OCU410ST (Stargardt disease).

About OCU400
OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on NHR gene, NR2E3. NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene-networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with inherited retinal diseases.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, biologics, and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patients’ lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the development of OCU400 and the interpretation of preliminary clinical trial results. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risk that preliminary clinical data may not be indicative of final clinical data or data in later stage clinical trials. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
IR@ocugen.com

Release – Aurania Announces Proposed 2023 Exploration Activities

Posted on by cpatches

Research News and Market Data on AUIAF

Toronto, Ontario, April 13, 2023 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its proposed 2023 exploration activities.

As the concessions for its mineral properties in Ecuador are fully renewed and in good standing for another year after payment of all concession fees in March, the Company is able to develop the 2023 exploration programs.

Aurania attended the Prospector’s and Developer’s Association of Canada meeting (PDAC) in Toronto the first week of March, and we were delighted by the interest shown by several Major companies in our Ecuador asset.  As a result of follow-up meetings there are now several companies in our data room.  The primary interest has been in our porphyry copper and sediment-hosted copper-silver prospects.

To date, approximately 45% of the Awacha Porphyry Target has been covered by “Anaconda-style Mapping”.  This is an intensive mapping technique that was originally developed by the famous Anaconda Copper Company, and has been taught to the Aurania geological staff by consultant Dr. Steve Garwin.  This target is approximately 11 km x 5 km in size and was discovered by stream sediment sampling which showed elevated copper and molybdenum in the vicinity of two strong airborne magnetic anomalies.  This size is significantly larger than any copper porphyry known and so our working hypothesis is that it is a cluster of porphyries, and similar to the Warintza cluster to the south of our concessions.  Intrusive rock types from gabbro to diorite to monzonite and syenite have been mapped.  Many of these intrusives show secondary biotite (potassic) alteration and fine quartz veins containing molybdenite or a centre line of chalcopyrite.  These so called distinctive “B veins” are classic evidence of mineralized porphyry systems.  An independent explanation of B veins can be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL0WzJ70z3s

Figure 1: Quartz vein with centre line of chalcopyrite, covellite and pyrite. US cent for scale.

Most of the Awacha area is covered by a unit of black shale which obscures the geology except where streams have cut down through the sediments and exposed the porphyry.  The area is also covered by thick jungle.  Nevertheless, Terraspec Mineral Spectrometer analysis of soils in the southern half of the anomaly indicates chlorite, kaolinite, white micas, dickite and pyrophyllite which are compatible with porphyry-style alteration. The last two minerals are typically found in the upper part of porphyry systems.

Copper soil anomalies are patchy, which is in keeping with soil results seen near outcropping sediment hosted copper elsewhere on the property.  It would seem that copper is easily flushed away from surface soils by the significant rainfall in the area.  Molybdenum however, which is essentially insoluble and immobile presents a much more coherent group of anomalies.  Half of the Awacha target is still to be sampled for soils.

The reinterpretation of the surficial geology and structure in the areas of outcropping sediment-hosted copper-silver and zinc-lead-silver has generated a large number of compelling drill targets (see press release dated October 17, 2022).  This copper-silver-zinc system across the concessions is 38 kilometres in lngth and is open to the north over an additional 15 kilometres. We believe this is perhaps one of the best areas of the property to find an economic ore deposit, considering the numerous high assays already yielded to date. A few areas are highlighted for follow-up, but we concede that a comprehensive programme here is more appropriate for a Major mining company partner.  

The Tatasham epithermal gold/porphyry copper target is compelling due to the presence of what are believed to be pipe breccias.  The area is, however, in steep terrain and the geology is mostly covered by post-mineral sedimentary cover and does not outcrop.  Soil samples along the ridgeline above the previous porphyry drilling campaign yielded anomalous antimony, which is a pathfinder element in gold systems.  An additional soil survey is required at Tatasham to extend the antimony anomaly that is still open to the north.  Intensive mapping and prospecting are required.   The discovery of the epithermal system at Tatasham was unexpected, in our pursuit of a copper porphyry target indicated by geophysics.  That porphyry target is still valid, but it may lie at considerable depth, or it may lie laterally.

Over the next six months it is intended to finish the Anaconda mapping on Awacha, and bring it to drill readiness.  At the same time, Tatasham will be re-examined in the belief that the antimony anomaly in soils may be due to a subcropping mineralized system.  The Fruta del Norte gold deposit was discovered by drilling a geochemical anomaly of antimony, arsenic and mercury which had virtually no gold on surface. Aurania is currently investigating the feasibility of conducting an Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey at Tatasham and Awacha.

The proposed exploration programmes are dependent on raising further funding.  The proceeds of the current private placement (as announced on March 13, 2023 and March 23, 2023) to date, have been applied to concession fees and general and administrative expenses.

Qualified Person

The geological information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Aurania’s VP Exploration, Mr. Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc. Mr. Pallier is a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

carolyn.muir@aurania.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations, the Company’s teams being on track ahead of any drill program, the commencement of any drill program and estimates of market conditions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel; a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents; an inability to access financing as needed; a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania; a failure to comply with environmental regulations; a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals and copper; and. those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive.  Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.