Oil prices fell over $1 a barrel on Thursday after Angola announced its departure from OPEC, while record US crude output and persistent worries over Red Sea shipping added further pressure.
Brent crude futures dropped $1.30 to $78.40 a barrel in afternoon trading, bringing losses to nearly 2% this week. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also slid $1.19 to $73.03 per barrel.
The declines came after Angola’s oil minister said the country will be leaving OPEC in 2024, saying its membership no longer serves national interests. While Angola’s production of 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) is minor on a global scale, the move raises uncertainty about the unity and future cohesion of the OPEC+ alliance.
At the same time, surging US oil output continues to weigh on prices. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed US production hitting a fresh peak of 13.3 million bpd last week, up from 13.2 million bpd.
The attacks on oil tankers transiting the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait at the mouth of the Red Sea have forced shipping companies to avoid the area. This is lengthening voyage times and increasing freight rates, adding to oil supply concerns.
So far the disruption has been minimal, as most Middle East crude exports flow through the Strait of Hormuz. But the risks of broader supply chain headaches are mounting.
Balancing Act for Oil Prices
Oil prices have stabilized near $80 per barrel after a volatile year, as slowing economic growth and China’s COVID-19 battles dim demand, while the OPEC+ alliance constrains output.
The expected global demand rise of 1.9 million bpd in 2023 is relatively sluggish. And while the OPEC+ coalition agreed to cut production targets by 2 million bpd from November through 2023, actual output reductions are projected around just 1 million bpd as several countries struggle to pump at quota levels.
As a result, much depends on US producers. EIA predicts America will deliver nearly all new global supply growth next year, churning out an extra 850,000 bpd versus 2022.
With the US now rivaling Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s largest oil producer, its drilling rates are pivotal for prices. The problem for OPEC+ is that high prices over $90 per barrel incentivize large gains in US shale output.
Most analysts see Brent prices staying close to $80 per barrel in 2024, though risks are plentiful. A global recession could crater demand, while a resolution on Iranian nuclear talks could unlock over 1 million bpd in sanctions-blocked supply.
The Russia-Ukraine war also continues clouding the market, especially with the EU’s looming ban on Russian seaborne crude imports.
In announcing its departure, Angola complained that OPEC+ was unfairly reducing its production quota for 2024 despite years of over-compliance and output declines.
The country’s oil production has dropped from close to 1.9 million bpd in 2008 to just over 1 million bpd this year. A lack of investment in exploration and development has sapped its oil fields.
The OPEC+ cuts seem to have been the final straw, with Angola saying it needs to focus on national energy strategy rather than coordinating policy within the 13-member cartel.
The move makes Angola the first member to leave OPEC since Qatar exited in 2019. While it holds little sway over global prices, it does spark questions over the unity and future cohesion of OPEC+, especially if other African members follow suit.
Most analysts, however, believe the cartel will hold together as key Gulf members and Russia continue dominating policy. OPEC+ still controls over 40% of global output, giving it unrivaled influence over prices through its supply quotas.
But UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo points out that “prices still fell on concern of the unity of OPEC+ as a group.” If more unrest and exits occur, it could chip away at the alliance’s price control power.
For now OPEC+ remains focused on its landmark deal with Russia and supporting prices through 2024. Yet US producers are the real wild card, with their response to higher prices determining whether OPEC+ can balance the market or will lose more market share in years ahead.
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Presentation at NobleCon19. During Noble’s recent investor conference, Mr. Cary Marshall, Senior Vice President and CFO, provided a corporate overview and participated in an economic perspectives panel moderated by Emmy award winning reporter Michael Williams. Mr. Marshall highlighted how Alliance is well positioned to benefit from the electrification of the U.S. economy. He noted that while U.S. total electricity generation grew by 0.5 trillion kilowatt hours during the period 2000 to 2020, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts total generation growth of 1.3 trillion kilowatt hours between 2023 to 2050. Growth in electric vehicles, onshoring of U.S. manufacturing, data center growth, and use of computer applications are expected to provide a boost in demand for electricity.
A forward-thinking diversified energy company. While Alliance’s coal business generates the largest share of the partnership’s revenue and EBITDA, investors may underappreciate the fact that ARLP is evolving into a more diversified company. Since 2014, the company has invested a total of $705 million to grow its oil & gas royalty business and has also invested in businesses that position it to evolve with the needs of the market, including Infinitum (electric motor technology), Ascend Elements (battery metals recycling), and Matrix Design Group, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides mining and industrial technology solutions.
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.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Pursuing an exploration license in France. Through a French subsidiary, Aurania earlier this year applied for an exploration license in the Brittany Peninsula of northwestern France which is part of the orogenic Variscan belt. The concession area, in the Morbihan Department, has historically been the site of significant high-grade gold finds. Aurania applied for a 51 square kilometer exploration permit immediately in the vicinity of a major shear zone. The existence of high gold concentrations in quartz veins indicates that a major hydrothermal system was active in the area bounded by Aurania. Once the applications are approved and received, we expect Aurania to publicly disclose more about its plans for the property.
Maximizing the value of projects in Ecuador and Peru. Aurania continues to seek joint venture or partnership agreements to advance its projects in Ecuador and Peru and create value for shareholders. In our view, it would be beneficial to have agreements in place prior to March concession renewals in Ecuador. Without agreements in place, the partnership would likely consider dropping certain concessions. We think Aurania’s interests in Peru could be monetized. Aurania continues to build on its strong social license by engaging with local communities in Ecuador and advancing social programs and initiatives within the Lost Cities project area.
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.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Feasibility study expected in the first quarter of 2024. Throughout 2023, Century Lithium has focused on pilot plant operations and completing the Clayton Valley Lithium Project feasibility study which is expected in the first quarter of 2024. Target production for the study will be consistent with the earlier preliminary feasibility study although the company is currently examining the benefits of a phased approach to full scale production.
By-product sales of sodium hydroxide. Clayton Valley uses locally sourced sodium chloride brine which is treated by electrolysis in a chlor-alkali plant to produce the leaching and neutralization reagents needed for the process on-site. In the chlor-alkali plant, sodium hydroxide is produced as a by-product. Pilot plant testing has generated a significant surplus of sodium hydroxide which may be sold as a by-product. The western United States is largely dependent on imports of sodium hydroxide for water treatment and other industrial uses. A market study, to be incorporated in the feasibility study, will reflect the potential for revenue from sodium hydroxide sales.
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.
Endeavor Energy Partners, the top privately-held oil and gas producer in the prolific Permian Basin of west Texas and New Mexico, is considering a sale that could value the company at an astonishing $25-30 billion, according to a recent Reuters exclusive.
The news comes fresh off the heels of some absolutely massive M&A action among public oil independents, with the $60 billion tie-up between ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources followed by Chevron announcing the $50+ billion purchase of Hess Corp. Now the private players are looking to capitalize on the consolidation wave by monetizing their substantial acreage as well.
Driving the potential multi-billion dollar valuation is Endeavor’s premier 350,000 net acre position in the coveted Midland sub-basin, the sweet spot of the larger Permian. With oil prices still hovering near $80 per barrel despite recession fears, there remain plenty of companies willing to pay up for high-quality acreage that can drive efficient growth for years to come. And Endeavor’s assets definitely check those boxes.
The Visionary Behind Endeavor’s Rise
Endeavor traces its roots back 45 years when Texas oilman Autry Stephens founded the small independent. The 85-year old Stephens grew the company through shrewd acreage acquisitions and by managing costs tightly with vertically integrated services businesses.
Now with retirement on the horizon, Stephens has apparently decided that the time is right to capitalize on the current market enthusiasm and secure his life’s work’s future by selling Endeavor to one of the large public independents like an Exxon or Chevron. Certainly Stephens’ estate and early investors would realize a tremendous windfall from such a deal.
While Endeavor has reportedly considered offers before, this time the process seems to be progressing firmly with investment bankers at JP Morgan already preparing marketing materials for potential buyers. So while there’s no guarantee that Endeavor finds a buyer or completes a sale, things have moved beyond the tire-kicking stage.
Ripe for the Picking by “Big oil”
As mentioned previously, Endeavor’s footprint in the core of the Permian Basin makes the company a logical target for any number of deep-pocketed suitors from major integrateds to large E&Ps looking to expand their presence.
And most of the likeliest buyers like Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips have all recently pulled off huge, multi-billion dollar deals to consolidate acreage while still leaving their balance sheets relatively unscathed. Using their equity and maintaining strong investment grade credit ratings remains paramount for the majors.
For example, Chevron structured its takeover of Hess Corp such that the $50 billion price tag amounted to less than half of its current cash position. So the company would have no issues stepping up to buy another large, complementary Permian pure-play.
Of course Exxon is in the same boat having expertly engineered the Pioneer acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings and cash flow. So whileAbsorbing all of Endeavor’s 350k acres might be a bridge too far for XOM, the supermajor could easily swallow a chunk of the company or join a consortium.
Not to be outdone, ConocoPhillips recently closed its buyout of existing partner Lime Rock’s 50% stake in the Canadian Surmont oil sands project proving its appetite for sizable deals remains healthy. CEO Ryan Lance has also been vocal about wanting to bulk up the company’s Permianpresence over the long term giving it both the strategic rationale and financial means to pursue Endeavor.
Each of these independent E&Ps seem well suited to provide a soft landing for founder Autry Stephens’ life work. Endeavor has quietly built up a world class asset base that now looks poised to fetch an exceptional valuation and secure a new, well-heeled owner. So investors will be following the sales process closely as a potential deal would recalibrate the consolidation environment. Of course, we will have to wait and see what 2024 ultimately has in store for one of the Permian’s great growth stories.
December 11, 2023 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (“Century Lithium” or “the Company”) is pleased to report progress and further developments at its Lithium Extraction Facility (“Pilot Plant”) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.
Highlights
Further process improvements implemented at the Pilot Plant, resulting in lithium grades consistently exceeding 14 grams/liter in the intermediate solutions produced (up from 7.5 grams/liter reported in August 2023)
Pilot Plant tests ongoing completing 23 months of safe operation
Work with Koch Technology Solutions LLC (“KTS”) on direct lithium extraction (“DLE”) is ongoing; delivering repeatable results and exceeding expectations
KTS to complete commercial design of a DLE installation for the Project in January 2024
On August 9, 2023, the Company reported achieving an increase of lithium grades in the intermediate solutions produced at the Pilot Plant to the highest levels to date, with an average grade of 7.5 grams/liter lithium. This increase in concentration was attributed to the integration of Koch Technology Solutions Li-ProTM equipment into the DLE area. In mid-August, the Company added an osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (“OARO”) unit downstream of the DLE area. (Description of the process can be found at the Company’s technology partner Saltworks’ website: OARO—Saltworks Announces Osmotically Assisted RO Tech | Saltworks Technologies). With the OARO unit in operation at the Pilot Plant, Century has consistently achieved lithium grades exceeding 14 grams/liter in its intermediate solutions, accompanied by significantly reduced levels of impurities.
Century’s collaboration with KTS continued to produce exceptional results within the DLE area of the Pilot Plant. With nearly 3,000 operating cycles of the equipment completed since its installation in April 2023, results have exceeded target levels for both lithium extraction and rejection of impurities from leach solutions. With these positive results, the Company anticipates KTS completing its commercial design of a DLE installation for the Project in January 2024.
Century’s team continues to innovate and improve its process flowsheet for the Project through testing equipment, reagents, and alternate configurations of its flowsheet at the Pilot Plant. This work will continue into the coming year as the Pilot Plant generates data to support and further de-risk the Project and addresses recommendations identified during the Feasibility Study.
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP and Senior Vice President, Metallurgy of Century Lithium is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.
About Century Lithium Corp.
Century Lithium Corp. (formerly Cypress Development Corp.) is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium is currently in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit at its Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company atwww.sedar.com for further information.
Calgary, Alberta. December 11, 2023 – LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSX-V: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF) (“LithiumBank” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the G2L Greenview Resources Inc. (“G2L”) Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant is now in transit to LithiumBank’s Calgary facility. Once completed, the facility will have capacity to process up to 10,000 L/d of brine and yield up to 3 kg/d LCE. Commencing in early 2024, several piloting campaigns are planned as the Boardwalk Project advances into its feasibility studies phase of development. The Company also anticipates that the facility will accelerate the development of the Company’s Park Place, Estevan, South, and Kindersley properties.
The pilot plant has been constructed in Australia by Clean TeQ Water on the behalf of G2L and is based on G2L’s Continuous Direct Lithium Extraction (cDLE®) technology. As seen in recent testwork results (Reported Nov. 22, 2023), the cDLE® process utilizes an ion exchange material (sorbent) designed to selectively extract lithium from the brine while rejecting most contaminants. In the context of the Boardwalk Project, the configuration of the pilot adsorption and elution stages has been purposefully designed to maximize extraction of lithium from the brine. Similarly, the selectivity of the sorbent and elution chemistry allows strong rejection of typical impurities in the brine such as sodium, calcium and chloride. This results in a clean, lithium-rich concentrate suitable for further refining.
At the facility in Calgary, the cDLE® process will demonstrate the cost and process advantages of using common industrial reagents such as quicklime and sulfuric acid. The operating cost benefits of this change in reagent suite will be quantified in an updated Boardwalk Project Preliminary Economic Assessment. Senior process engineers from G2L will head up the installation of the pilot and the first 100 hours of processing. G2L will continue to lend support throughout the entire piloting program which is intended to last up to 18 months following the first 100 hours of operation.
With a processing capacity of up to 10,000 L/d of brine, the Calgary facility will represent one of the largest DLE pilot plants in North America. The pilot plant represents an approximate 1:5,000 scale to the future, commercial production modules which is consistent with scale-up factors used in other hydrometallurgical processes. Within the pilot plant, sufficiently large ion exchange equipment has been installed to permit direct scale-up of these process steps to the commercial plant, accelerating the Boardwalk Project development.
During operation, the pilot plant will be targeting one of the industry’s highest lithium recoveries. This is seen as achievable for the Boardwalk project given the project’s careful staging of adsorption and elution contactors, along with the characteristics of the sorbent. Specifically, experiences from industrial ion exchange processes used for the recovery of precious (gold) and energy (uranium) metals have been leveraged in formulating the Boardwalk DLE flowsheet. This formulation included a trade-off assessment of lithium recovery and capital cost which was undertaken for the purposes of the upcoming updated PEA. As a result, the pilot plant will assess the performance of five contactor stages with results to follow in the PEA.
Figure 1: LithiumBank’s pilot plant as shown in G2L’s manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia, prior to shipment.
Furthermore, G2L’s experience in pilot testing of continuous ion exchange for recovery of other metals, including nickel and cobalt, at a similar scale in similar pilot equipment, provides confidence that recovery using counter-current adsorption contactors can be predicted from laboratory scale test work.
The cDLE® pilot plant in transit is a variation of a pilot plant that was designed and constructed by the Clean TeQ Water technical team to extract nickel and cobalt by ion exchange from acid leached lateritic ore in the Sunrise Energy Metals project. The plant was run over several campaigns and the data were subsequently used for a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) on the production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulfates. The Boardwalk Project cDLE® plant uses the same basic configuration, with critical design changes incorporated to ensure maximum lithium extraction from the brine, and the production of a high purity eluate containing a high lithium concentration.
A video showing the cDLE® pilot plant prior to shipping to Calgary can be viewed below:
About LithiumBank Resources Corp.
LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSX-V: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF), is a publicly traded lithium company that is focused on developing its two flagship projects, Boardwalk and Park Place, in Western Canada. The Company holds 2,480,196 acres of brownfield & exploration lithium brine permits, across 3 districts in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In May 2023, LithiumBank completed an initial robust preliminary economic assessment of its Boardwalk project that targets a 31,350 TPA operation with a pre-tax USD $2.7B NPV and a 21.6% IRR with the potential for a number of near term enhancements. The Company will continue to de- risk its assets through detailed geological modelling and advanced engineering.
For more information see the Company’s Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical report entitled “Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for LithiumBank Resources Boardwalk Lithium-Brine Project in West- Central Alberta, Canada” effectively dated June 16, 2023 filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) on June 23, 2023 and on the Company’s website (www.lithiumbank.ca).
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into a mineral reserve. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. A preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature as it includes a portion of inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.
About G2L Greenview Resources Inc.
Go2Lithium Inc. was formed in early 2023 as a 50/50 joint venture with Computational Geosciences Inc (CGI), a subsidiary of the Robert Friedland-chaired Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSE:IE) and Clean TeQ Water (ASX:CNQ). Please see Clean TeQ’s case studies for additional information on their suite of water treatment and metal extraction technologies.
The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Kevin Piepgrass (Chief Operations Officer, LithiumBank Resources Corp.), who is a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (APEGBC) and is a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Piepgrass consents to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears.
Contact: LithiumBank Rob Shewchuk CEO & Director rob@lithiumbank.ca (778) 987-9767
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This press release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Offering and the timing thereof, and the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should” or “would” or occur. Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analyses made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including, but not limited to, that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, that the Company will receive all necessary regulatory approvals for the Offering, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated; and assumptions relating to the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, market volatility, unanticipated costs, changes in applicable regulations, and changes in the Company’s business plans. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Phase II drilling program. Defense Metals completed Phase II open pit diamond core and sonic infrastructure geotechnical drilling. The program consisted of six diamond drill holes totaling 1,182 meters within the Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) deposit pit shell, inclusive of four open pit geochemical drill holes totaling 920 meters, and two near-mine exploration holes totaling 262 meters. Nine sonic overburden drill holes, and 14 test pits designed to help characterize the soil subsurface and bedrock foundations of future waste rock storage, contact water pond, crusher, processing plant, and tailings storage facility locations were also completed. A final Phase 3 drilling program will entail 10 sonic overburden drill holes and three test pits.
Successful outcomes. South and west pit wall drill holes WI23-81 and WI23-82 intersected significant widths of visibly REE mineralized dolomite carbonatite. Hole WI23-82 drilled into the west pit wall of the Wicheeda Deposit tested a new ground radiometric anomaly. Assay results are pending.
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.
December 6, 2023 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (“Century Lithium” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing Feasibility Study for its Clayton Valley Lithium Project (“Project”) in Clayton Valley, Nevada, and has commenced a market study on sodium hydroxide as a soluble by-product.
Highlights
Feasibility Study continues with work on options for a phased approach to production
Market study on sodium hydroxide as salable by-product to be included in the Feasibility Study
Throughout the year, Century Lithium remained focused on the development of its Clayton Valley Lithium Project. The work included ongoing testing of lithium extraction at the Pilot Plant and continuing work on the Feasibility Study for the Project, with reviews of capital and operating cost estimates with consultants Wood PLC, Global Resource Engineers, thyssenkrupp nucera USA, Saltworks Technologies Inc., and WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. This comprehensive study covers all areas of the lithium extraction process from shallow surface mining of lithium-bearing clay to on-site production of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Target production for the study follows that of the project’s earlier Pre-Feasibility Study, which was based on a mill feed of 15,000 tonnes per day and average annual output of 27,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent.
To date, the Company has worked with its Feasibility Study team to revise and update estimates based on optimization. Given volatility in the lithium market, the Company is examining a phased approach to full scale production to provide prospective parties with a lower risk alternative in financing. The Company is working with its consultants to determine viable phases and underlying schedules.
The scope of the Project is multi-faceted in its approach to processing, and includes clay leaching and filtration, ion-exchange based direct lithium extraction (“DLE”) from leach solutions, and the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate from the DLE product solutions via concentration, purification, and precipitation. The process is driven by locally sourced sodium chloride brine (salt solution) which is treated by electrolysis in a chlor-alkali plant to produce all the leaching and neutralization reagents required for the process on-site.
In the operation of the chlor-alkali plant, the neutralizing reagent generated is sodium hydroxide, also commonly known as lye, caustic soda, or simply caustic. In the plant, sodium hydroxide is produced as a by-product of the generation of the leaching reagent, hydrochloric acid, in an amount that is slightly greater than the production of hydrochloric acid. The acid and base are both produced in liquid form at concentrations in the range of 30-37%, The hydrochloric acid is fully utilized in the leaching process. Sodium hydroxide is used at various points in the operation for neutralization and removal of impurities.
Pilot plant testing has shown a significant amount of the sodium hydroxide will be surplus to the production process and therefore available as a by-product for potential sale. The western United States is largely dependent on imports of this essential chemical for water treatment and other industrial uses. A market study, to be incorporated in the Feasibility Study, recognizes the potential for revenue from sodium hydroxide sales, tapping into the need for a domestic supply of sodium hydroxide.
In order to properly evaluate the alternatives and incorporate economic benefits of by-product sales, described above, the Company anticipates completion of the Feasibility Study in Q1 2024.
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP and Senior Vice President, Metallurgy of Century Lithium is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.
About Century Lithium Corp.
Century Lithium Corp. (formerly Cypress Development Corp.) is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium is currently in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit at its Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company atwww.sedar.com for further information.
Gold prices have been on a dazzling run in recent months, with the precious metal notching consecutive monthly gains to reach new all-time highs. On Monday, spot gold prices topped $2,100 an ounce for the first time ever, hitting $2,110 before pulling back slightly. This adds to the previous record set back on Friday when prices exceeded $2,075, blowing past 2020’s earlier high point.
Analysts say gold still has room to run in 2023 and 2024 as key conditions line up to support further upside for bullion. Low interest rates, a weakening US dollar, rising inflation concerns globally, and an array of simmering geopolitical conflicts should all conspire to keep safe haven demand elevated.
“There is simply less leverage this time around versus 2011 in gold,” said Nicky Shiels of MKS PAMP, noting that the current dynamics put $2,200/oz within reach. Other experts concur, with UOB strategist Heng Koon How targeting $2,200 gold by end-2024, and TD Securities anticipating average prices around $2,100 in Q2 2024.
Fueling this gold fever has been robust central bank buying, especially across emerging markets. Recent data shows 24% of central banks worldwide intend to pad their gold reserves over the next year as economic uncertainty persists. With these institutions showing waning faith in traditional reserve assets like the US dollar, their bullion accumulation provides a sturdy pillar of support.
Geopolitical Flare-Ups Stoke Safe Haven Appeal
Mounting geopolitical tensions represent another propellant behind gold’s rise. The bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine has recently stoked investor fears, driving many towards gold’s relative stability. Looking ahead, strategists believe various other hotspots could flare up and lift bullion demand more.
Besides the Middle East, worsening frictions between China and Taiwan or a resurgence of the crisis in Ukraine could shock markets. And if the US gets dragged into any new foreign entanglements, it may have to ramp up defense spending and borrowing, potentially weakening both growth and the dollar.
With so many risks swirling, portfolio managers and retail buyers appear increasingly eager to hedge with gold. Notably, demand has climbed even as gold prices touched multi-year highs. This underscores bullion’s unique status as a tried-and-true safe haven asset.
Fed Policy Outlook Could Offer Further Boost
Though gold has powered higher despite a spate of Fed rate hikes, any change in this tightening cycle would provide another major catalyst. After lifting interest rates rapidly from near-zero, policymakers must now decide whether to keep tightening or ease off the brakes.
Several officials, including Governor Christopher Waller, have hinted rates may not rise much further if inflation keeps slowing as expected. Markets thus see potential Fed rate cuts arriving sometime in 2024.
If implemented, this dovish shift would likely hamstring the dollar and bond yields, stirring more demand for non-interest-bearing gold. Hence analysts view Fed pivots as a probable linchpin that keeps prices locked above $2,000 over the next couple of years.
With stars aligned for gold both fundamentally and geopolitically, all the ingredients seem in place for its dazzling run to continue. That leaves bulls dreaming ever more ambitiously of how high prices could yet soar. However, given gold’s inherent volatility, traders should steel themselves for pullbacks as well while enjoying the ride upwards.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Feasibility study expected by year-end. During the third quarter, Century Lithium focused on pilot plant operations and completing the Clayton Valley Lithium Project feasibility study which is expected by year-end. Estimates for the feasibility study have been updated based on optimization and evaluation of economic scenarios, including the start-up schedule and potential by-products, including sodium hydroxide. Most of the work remaining is focused on completion of the economic model, sensitivity analysis, and finalizing capital and operating costs.
Collaboration with Koch. Century’s collaboration with Koch Technology Solutions on the direct lithium extraction (DLE) section of the pilot plant continues with results to date meeting expectations. The company has achieved an average lithium recovery rate of 85% and average DLE recovery greater than 99.5% with continued success in producing battery grade lithium carbonate from pilot plant solutions treated at Saltworks Technologies Inc.
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.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Mineral resource update. Defense Metals recently filed a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) technical report for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Project. The 2023 mineral resource estimate, discussed in our research note dated September 13, represents an 18.2% increase in total rare earth oxide (TREO) and a 31.3% in tonnage compared to the 2021 MRE. Total measured and indicated mineral resources of 34.2 million tonnes, averaging 2.02% TREO is a significant upgrade compared to the previous estimate and can be included in the mine plan for the preliminary feasibility study that is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.
Laying the ground work for off-take agreements. On Defense Metals’ behalf, SGS Canada shipped samples of mixed rare earth oxide and mixed rare earth carbonate to select processors, refiners, and metals traders in North America (2), Europe (2), and Asia (2). The shipments represent an important step toward future off-take agreements or strategic partnership opportunities. The company estimates a universe of 10 to 12 potential customers and so another set of shipments is expected.
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.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Mineral resource update. Defense Metals recently filed a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE) technical report for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Project. The 2023 mineral resource estimate, discussed in our research note dated September 13, represents an 18.2% increase in total rare earth oxide (TREO) and a 31.3% in tonnage compared to the 2021 MRE. Total measured and indicated mineral resources of 34.2 million tonnes, averaging 2.02% TREO is a significant upgrade compared to the previous estimate and can be included in the mine plan for the preliminary feasibility study that is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.
Laying the ground work for off-take agreements. On Defense Metals’ behalf, SGS Canada shipped samples of mixed rare earth oxide and mixed rare earth carbonate to select processors, refiners, and metals traders in North America (2), Europe (2), and Asia (2). The shipments represent an important step toward future off-take agreements or strategic partnership opportunities. The company estimates a universe of 10 to 12 potential customers and so another set of shipments is expected.
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.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) today announced that the Company will attend the NobleCon19 – Noble Capital Markets 19th Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference in Boca Raton, FL on Monday, December 4, 2023.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Investor Relations Contact Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 918-295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
