Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. (TSXV: MTA) (NYSE American: MTA) and Nova Royalty Corp. (TSXV: NOVR) (OTCQB: NOVRF) have announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $190 million. The merger will create a larger royalty and streaming company focused on precious and base metals.
Under the agreement, Nova shareholders will receive 0.36 shares of Metalla for each Nova share they own. This represents a premium of 25% based on recent share prices.
The combined company will hold a portfolio of over 100 royalties and streams on mine projects operated by major miners like Barrick, Newmont, and Glencore. The deal is intended to boost scale, diversify assets, and enhance access to capital.
Nova recently conducted a strategic review process with the goal of maximizing shareholder value. After considering options, the Nova Board determined the merger with Metalla offered the best opportunity.
Both companies’ Boards have unanimously approved the transaction. It still requires shareholder and regulatory approvals before expected completion in late 2023. The merged entity will trade on the NYSE American exchange.
An investment firm called Beedie Capital is investing $15 million and expanding Metalla’s convertible loan facility by $35 million in conjunction with the deal. This will provide capital to fund further acquisitions and growth.
Brett Heath, CEO of Metalla, said the combination creates a clear path to becoming an intermediate royalty company. Nova interim CEO Hashim Ahmed noted the merger provides improved scale, cash flow, and trading liquidity.
The companies believe the increased diversification into copper along with gold and silver will give shareholders exposure to critical metals needed for the energy transition. According to management, the merged portfolio will have peer-leading growth potential.
September 7, 2023 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to report it has obtained a provisional patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. The provisional patent is titled System and Method for Extracting Lithium from Clay and Other Materials in a Chloride Solution Using Individualized Pretreatments. The patent pending process encompasses the Company’s flowsheet, as developed at its Lithium Extraction Facility (“Pilot Plant”) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, USA and protects the Company’s intellectual property (IP) pertaining to the handling of solutions derived from the treatment of solid materials including clays from the Company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project (Project) in Nevada.
“Through the excellent work of Century Lithium’s team, we have developed a system for lithium extraction which is proprietary to the Company” said Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO of Century Lithium. “Our system incorporates innovations made during our team’s work at the Pilot Plant. The provisional patent provides protection of our system and its IP as we move forward with our Feasibility Study.”
The Company’s patent pending system is based on the extraction of lithium from solids using both products of a chlor-alkali process; hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Under the provisional patent, the Company’s protected IP includes the method of treating lithium-bearing solids with chloride solution and the handling of solutions, precipitates, and residues, exclusive of a lithium recovery stage (Direct Lithium Extraction) a component process proprietary to Koch Technology Solutions.
Key steps of the provisional patent include:
Conditioning solids prior to leaching; this step uses recycled process solution and sodium hydroxide, a by-product of the process, which acts as a dispersant and chemical reactant with clay-sized particles
Leaching slurried pulp in a hydrochloric acid solution; this step includes capture of carbon dioxide which is used for the precipitation of calcium and magnesium later in the process
Method of treating the post-leach slurry to remove iron and aluminum in a manner that allows pressure filtration of the solids and minimizes the use of flocculants and counter-current decantation
Treatment of post-DLE spent solution to provide feed stock of sodium chloride solution to a chlor-alkali plant and recycle solution to the conditioning step
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP is the qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and have 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.
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.
Strategic investment. Alliance invested $25 million in Ascend Elements, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of sustainable, engineered battery materials for electric vehicles. The investment was part of a $460 million Series D funding round which, combined with $480 million in grants awarded by the Department of Energy and $82 million of earlier investments, will advance construction of a commercial-scale facility in Kentucky using a patented process known as hydro-to-cathode direct precursor synthesis to manufacture NMC cathode precursor material (pCAM) and cathode active material (CAM) recovered from used lithium-ion batteries and battery gigafactory manufacturing scrap for use in electric vehicle batteries.
Project is supported by a multi-year supply agreement. The manufacturing facility will produce enough cathode material for 750,000 electric vehicles per year. Ascend Elements recently executed a multi-year contract to supply approximately $1 billion worth of sustainable pCAM for use in a major U.S. company’s battery manufacturing process beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The customer has the option to expand the contract to a larger quantity with a value of up to $5 billion.
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*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.
Enbridge Inc.’s agreement to acquire three natural gas utilities from Dominion Energy for $14 billion presents opportunities for smaller companies in the sector.
The Canadian pipeline giant will dramatically expand its regulated gas distribution business in the U.S. through the purchase of Questar Gas, East Ohio Gas and Public Service Company of North Carolina.
But the deal also creates an opening for nimble smaller utilities to grow amidst consolidation. Regulators may require certain assets to be divested as conditions for merger approval.
Smaller players could potentially gain customers, infrastructure and new geographies by acquiring these divested assets. Companies in the energy sector may be well positioned.
The agreement comes as Dominion reviews its business mix. Other major utilities are also rationalizing assets, setting the stage for smaller competitors.
Small operators boast strong community ties and localized expertise. They have advantages in customer service and responsiveness.
While lacking scale, these firms can thrive by focusing resources on targeted markets and infrastructure modernization. Many also offer renewable natural gas and other next-gen offerings.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) (“ARLP” or the “Partnership”) announced today that it has invested $25 million in Ascend Elements, Inc. (“Ascend Elements”), a U.S.-based manufacturer and recycler of sustainable, engineered battery materials for electric vehicles, as part of its $460 million Series D funding round. This capital, combined with $480 million in total grants awarded by the Department of Energy, will advance construction of North America’s first commercial-scale manufacturing facility, located near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, producing cathode materials for electric vehicle batteries.
“We are excited about our strategic investment in Ascend Elements, which has become a proven leader in the rapidly growing battery and critical material sector supporting electrification of transportation,” said Joseph W. Craft III, ARLP’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “We see a significant need for recycling solutions outside of China and U.S.-based production of cathode materials to address the growing demand for critical battery materials. Ascend Elements’ experienced management team, proprietary technology, and recent commercial success with high-quality OEMs give us the confidence they are well positioned to meet these growing needs while delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns.”
In close proximity to ARLP’s western Kentucky operations, when complete, the 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce enough cathode materials for 750,000 electric vehicles per year. Underpinning the financing and initial capacity of its operation, Ascend Elements signed a $1 billion contract earlier this year to supply cathode materials in the fourth quarter of 2024 with options to expand the multi-year contract to a larger volume valued up to $5 billion.
Mr. Craft closed, “Beyond this initial investment, we look forward to exploring more strategic opportunities with Ascend Elements to expand our investment in the battery recycling industry and leverage our unique operational expertise, geographic footprint, and strategic relationships in Kentucky and the surrounding battery-belt states to further unlock value and growth for both companies.”
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.
About Ascend Elements, Inc
Based in Westborough, Mass., Ascend Elements is the leading provider of sustainable, closed-loop battery materials solutions. From EV battery recycling to commercial-scale production of lithium-ion battery precursor (“pCAM”) and cathode active materials (“CAM”), Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of sustainable lithium-ion battery materials. Its proprietary Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis technology produces new pCAM from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. With fewer batteries going to landfill and a cleaner manufacturing process, Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level of sustainability.
Cary P. Marshall Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 918-295-7673 investorrelations@arlp.com
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.
Geophysical survey reveals two new exploration targets. Defense Metals completed a ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) deposit and identified new anomalies that may represent rare earth element mineralized carbonatite within the current mineral resource pit shells defined in the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA). Two previously unknown anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 meters in width and extending approximately 250 meters northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit. The survey further defined the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.
New targets offer resource expansion potential. The two anomalies are under cover and have a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. Recall Hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 meters from a depth of 69 meters downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern anomaly.
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*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.
Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) is set to expand its footprint in the Powder River Basin through the acquisition of Meritage Midstream Services II, LLC (Meritage). This all-cash transaction comes with a price tag of $885 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals.
Meritage, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, operates a substantial natural gas gathering and processing business in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. The acquisition will significantly increase WES’s natural gas processing capacity, taking it to 440 MMcf/d. Additionally, it will diversify WES’s customer base with long-term contracts and acreage dedications from reputable counterparties.
The Powder River Basin has attracted considerable investment due to its multi-stacked pay horizon potential, making it an appealing prospect for energy companies. As part of this acquisition, WES aims to enhance its position in the basin and pursue additional acreage dedications and business development opportunities.
Upon completing the transaction, WES anticipates recommending a Base Distribution increase of $0.0125 per unit, providing a potential boost for its investors.
This strategic move represents a significant step for WES in expanding its presence in a region with promising energy prospects.
The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR), a global leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, has announced its acquisition of Des-Case Corp., a Nashville-based manufacturer specializing in filtration products for industrial lubricants. Founded in 1983, Des-Case serves various industrial sectors, and it is expected to generate approximately $40 million in revenue in 2023.
Des-Case is recognized for its innovative filtration solutions that complement Timken’s automatic lubrication systems. This acquisition opens up opportunities for synergy, such as cross-selling and international expansion. Des-Case’s product range includes breathers, filter elements, condition monitoring, lubrication storage, and filter systems, all of which play a crucial role in improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of customer systems.
Des-Case employs around 120 individuals and operates manufacturing facilities in both Tennessee and the Netherlands. The acquisition was funded through a combination of cash reserves and Timken’s existing revolving credit facility.
Timken, with over a century of experience and innovation, designs and manufactures engineered bearings and industrial motion products. In 2022, the company achieved $4.5 billion in sales and has a global workforce of more than 19,000 employees across 46 countries. Timken has received recognition as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies, World’s Most Ethical Companies, America’s Most Innovative Companies, and America’s Best Large Employers by various prestigious organizations.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE:35D) is pleased to announce that a recently completed ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located near Prince George, Canada, has identified new anomalies that may represent previously unknown REE mineralized carbonatite located largely within the current mineral resource pit shells, as set forth in the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA1).
Highlights:
Based on extensive core drilling and surface geologic mapping completed to advance Defense Metals’ ongoing preliminary feasibility study (PFS), the survey results closely map and further define the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.
Two previously unknown linear radiometric anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 metres in width and extending approximately 250 metres northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit (Figure 1).
Ground truthing showed that the anomalies are overlain entirely by surficial cover which occurs at lower elevations, along the western portion of the Wicheeda deposit.
Kristopher Raffle, P.Geo., Director of Defense Metals and a Qualified Person stated:
“We’re excited to have identified two new exploration targets so close to the Wicheeda deposit. The radiometric surveys were initially designed to assist our geologic mapping teams and it came as a surprise when we identified new anomalies under cover having a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. After reviewing the geophysical data in the context of our updated Wicheeda 3D geological model we recognized the potential for undiscovered near-surface, east-dipping carbonatite bodies. We look forward to drill testing these anomalies.”
Several resource definition drill holes undercut the southern half of the eastern anomaly at >150 metre vertical depth below surface and preclude a subvertical or steeply east dipping source. Drill hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 metres from a depth of 69 metres2 downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern radiometric anomaly.
The majority of the eastern and the entirety of the western radiometric anomaly remain untested by core drilling. Defense Metals plans to test the western geophysical anomaly during fall 2023 as part of an expanded program of pit geotechnical drilling comprising a planned 915 metres in 4 holes (see Figure 1), with additional drilling subject to initial results.
____________________________
1 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
____________________________
2 See Defense Metals News Release dated March 8, 2022
Details of the Radiometric Surveys
The recently completed Wicheeda ground radiometric survey comprised a total of 20 line-km along 50 metre spaced, and locally 25 metre infill, east-west oriented survey lines completed over an area of approximately 800 x 900 metres. A NUVIA Dynamics PGIS-2 Gamma-ray spectrometer, equipped with a 0.347 Litre NaI detector and 512-channel resolution ADC was used and data was automatically synchronized with GPS, ensuring both time and location accuracy. The spectrometer’s self-stabilizing capabilities on natural radioactive elements such as K, U, and Th eliminated the need for frequent recalibration, assuring reliable and accurate gamma-ray measurements. Given that gamma rays are highly attenuated by overburden (approximately 90% attenuation at 20-30cm overburden depth) ground radiometric surveys are only likely to detect outcropping or very near surface sources.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a director of Defense Metals and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report outlined an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR3. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste: mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa (“million tonnes per year”) mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16-year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste: mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.
____________________________
3 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “DEFN”, in the United States, trading symbol “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
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 news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, completion of additional geotechnical work including pit geotechnical core holes and the expected timelines, the potential of the anomalies to represent previously unknown bodies of REE mineralized carbonatite, the expected completion of the PFS, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.
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.
Consolidated Eskay Gold Project. Eskay Mining is focused on the exploration and development of precious metal volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) targets along the Eskay rift in a region of northwest British Columbia known as the Golden Triangle. The company’s 100%-controlled Eskay Gold Project encompasses 52,600 hectares, or 26 square kilometers, of highly prospective property within proximity to several world class gold deposits, including the adjacent past-producing Eskay Creek Mine.
Drilling program is focused on seven targets. Eskay has drilled approximately 4,300 meters of its planned 6,500-meter diamond drill program. This year’s program is focused on seven targets, including: 1) Tarn Lake, 2) Maroon Cliffs, 3) Hexagon-Mercury, 4) Storie Creek, 5) Cumberland, 6) Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier, and 7) TV South.
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Toronto, August 31, 2023 – Eskay Mining Corp. (“Eskay” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:ESK) (OTCQX: ESKYF) (Frankfurt:KN7)(WKN:A0YDPM) is pleased to announce it has recently drilled significant intervals of stockwork and/or massive sulfide mineralization at four new targets as part of its 2023 diamond drill campaign at its 100% controlled Consolidated Eskay Gold Project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Precious metal-rich volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposits are the focus of Eskay’s exploration.
As of this news release, Eskay Mining has drilled approximately 4,300m of its planned 6,500m 2023 diamond drill campaign. In Company news releases dated May 18 and July 27, 2023, seven new targets were discussed as subjects of this year’s exploration campaign: Tarn Lake, Maroon Cliffs, Hexagon-Mercury, Storie Creek, Cumberland, Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier and TV South (Figure 1). Drilling at Tarn Lake, Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier, Hexagon-Mercury and Cumberland have yielded significant intercepts of stockwork and/or massive sulfide mineralization. Results are summarized below:
Cumberland: This target is situated approximately five km south of the TV deposit, subject of substantial drilling over the past three seasons. No appreciable work has been conducted in this area for at least twenty years. A current total of five drill holes have been completed by Eskay Mining this season, each intercepting seafloor-proximal stockwork and massive sulfide mineralization (Figures 3 and 4) over core lengths of approximately 25 to 85 meters. Spot XRF analyses indicates these intercepts are highly elevated in silver, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, antimony and tellurium. Gold analysis by XRF is unreliable. This VMS deposit appears to strike NNW and dips moderately steeply to the east. Its stratigraphic position is believed to be in the Upper Hazelton Group at a level similar to the Eskay Creek deposit located approximately 20 km north. Like TV, Cumberland is situated on the eastern limb of the Eskay Anticline. The Company has one additional hole planned at Cumberland to follow up on this exciting new discovery.
Scarlet Knob-Bruce Glacier: This target is situated along the eastern side of the toe of Bruce Glacier in an area where spot rock chip sampling returned several Au- and Ag-bearing assays, including one with 56 gpt Au last season. To date, four drill holes have probed the westward dipping succession of volcanic rocks in search of the paleo-sea floor exhalative position of the VMS system. All four holes have encountered significant intervals of 20-50m of intense stockwork mineralization followed by mudstone thought to represent the overlapping paleo-sea floor strata (Figure 5). Like Cumberland, spot XRF analyses indicates this stockwork mineralization is highly elevated in silver, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, and antimony. Mineralization is believed to be hosted in the lower part of the Hazelton Formation. Further drilling will be conducted in an area approximately 200 m north of holes drilled to date near a newly discovered outcrop of base-metal-rich VMS mineralization (Figure 6). This exciting newly discovered massive sulfide mineralization is thought to be at or very close to the paleo-sea floor position.
Tarn Lake: The Tarn-Lake target is situated on the west side of Bruce Glacier and saw limited drilling in 2022 that yielded encouraging precious metal results. Three holes completed to date have encountered sulfide stockwork mineralization ranging from 30-130m in length, much longer than recorded in drilling in 2022. Spot XRF analyses indicates this stockwork mineralization is highly elevated in silver, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, and antimony. Mineralization is thought to be hosted by rocks in the lower part of the Hazelton Formation near a paleo-sea floor position much like Scarlet-Knob-Bruce Glacier to the east. One additional hole is being drilled at this exciting discovery this year.
Hexagon-Mercury: Targeting at Hexagon-Mercury, situated on the western flank of the Eskay Anticline approximately 9 km south of Eskay Creek mine, has been driven by geophysical anomalies interpreted by Riaz Mirza of Simcoe Geoscience. The first of two drill holes completed to date yielded an intercept of over 100m of appreciable stockwork sulfide mineralization hosted by volcanic rock thought to be part of the lower Hazelton Group.Spot XRF analyses indicate this stockwork is moderately to strongly anomalous in arsenic and other pathfinder elements. Eskay Mining is contemplating following up this discovery with further drilling this season.
The last target to be drill tested this season is Storie Creek, an as yet undrilled area situated just 3.5 km SSE of the Eskay Creek mine (Figure 2). Recent geologic interpretation by Eskay Mining’s team discussed in a Company news release dated July 27, 2023 indicates that uppermost Hazelton Group strata including the Contact Mudstone sub-crops underneath the NE-trending Storie Creek drainage and dips gently northwestward underneath a veneer of post-mineral Bowser Lake Formation sedimentary rocks. Extensive gossanous outcrops of Upper Hazelton Formation rocks were discovered along the eastern side of Storie Creek over a strike length of at least 4 km. Gossan forms from weathering of sulfides that may be associated with mineralization. Upon review of historic soil data dating back to the early 1990’s, Eskay’s geologic team has identified two areas where high silver-in-soil values occur, an indication that the Storie Creek gossanous outcrops are likely associated with mineralization. Two drill holes are planned at Storie Creek beginning in a few days.
One hole completed at TV South failed to encounter significant mineralization, however favorable volcanic host-rocks and VMS-related alteration were observed in drill core. Subsequent field discoveries of sulfide rich outcrops in areas nearby suggest this hole was drilled in an unfavorable orientation and that further exploration work is warranted at TV South. Two drill holes completed at the Maroon Cliffs target failed to encounter appreciable mineralization.
Drilling at the Consolidated Eskay Project is expected to finish by mid-September. Assays from the first holes of the 2023 program are expected back late September.
Dr. Quinton Hennigh, P. Geo., a Director of the Company and its technical adviser, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.
About Eskay Mining Corp:
Eskay Mining Corp (TSX-V:ESK) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Eskay is an exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals along the Eskay rift in a highly prolific region of northwest British Columbia known as the “Golden Triangle,” 70km northwest of Stewart, BC. The Company currently holds mineral tenures in this area comprised of 177 claims (52,600 hectares).
All material information on the Company may be found on its website at www.eskaymining.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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.
Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
(Figure 1. Plan view of Eskay Mining’s land holdings at Consolidate Eskay Gold Project. The blue line indicates the position of the cross section in Figure 2.)
(Figure 2. Cross-sectional interpretation of the geology of the corridor extending from Eskay Creek mine in the northwest to Scarlet Knob in the southeast. See Figure 1 for location. View is to the northeast and field of view is approximately 8 km. At Eskay Creek, mineralization occurs in and around three horizons, all at one time sea floor positions, the Contact Mudstone, Lower Mudstone and Even Lower Mudstone, belonging to the Hazelton Group. Storie Creek and the region extending approximately 2 km to the northwest has strong potential to host these same three stratigraphic horizons making this a uniquely prospective target. At Tarn Lake, Bruce Glacier and Scarlet Knob, the lowest sea floor position is the focus of exploration.)
(Figure 3. Seafloor-proximal sulfide mineralization in drill hole CBL23-28. Stockwork sulfide mineralization infills the host pillow andesite breccia, and transitions to semi-massive replacement-style mineralization just below the paleoseafloor position. Seafloor-hosted sulfide mineralization is massive, and is associated with barite breccia. This style of mineralization and alteration is consistent with a seafloor position. All styles of sulfide mineralization intercepted at Cumberland are highly polymetallic with abundant pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and Ag-sulfosalt minerals. The Au pathfinder elements mercury and tellurium are highly enriched at Cumberland as determined by handheld XRF analyses.)
(Figure 4. Seafloor-proximal sulfide mineralization in drill hole CBL23-29. Stockwork mineralization was intercepted as deep as 120 m in this hole, and transitions to semi-massive replacement-style mineralization hosted by pillow andesite and associated with barite alteration. Immediately overlying the pillow andesite is massive sulfide infilling barite breccia. This style of mineralization and alteration is consistent with a seafloor position. All styles of sulfide mineralization intercepted at Cumberland are highly polymetallic with abundant pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and Ag-sulfosalt minerals. The Au pathfinder elements mercury and tellurium are highly enriched at Cumberland as determined by handheld XRF analyses.)
(Figure 5. The paleoseafloor position at Scarlet Knob intercepted by drill hole SKN23-01 is characterized by intensely silicified rhyolite that hosts sulfide stockwork mineralization. Immediately overlying the rhyolite is an unaltered mudstone that contains large blobs of Ag-bearing sulfide minerals. The asymmetric alteration between the rhyolite and the mudstone is a key indicator of the seafloor position in VMS systems. Identification of the seafloor horizon in drill core enabled our team to locate the same stratigraphic position along strike approximately 200 m to the north of SKN23-01.)
(Figure 6. The gossan outlined in green in the top image delineates the zone of semi-massive to massive sulfide identified by our field team (note the two geologists for scale). The image at bottom shows one of several samples of massive polymetallic sulfide collected along the trend of mineralization. Galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite are the dominant sulfide minerals along this trend.)
Why Small Lithium Developers and Producers May Become Stars By Mid-Decade
Lithium demand isn’t going away; in fact, it is likely to skyrocket. While most people link future EV sales forecasts with Lithium-ion battery growth, the increased use of li-ion batteries goes well beyond electric vehicle production. Some highly regarded analysts are now predicting a difficult lithium deficit as early as 2025. If demand outstrips supply that quickly, prices of the mineral will be under extreme upward pressure. If the accelerating demand unfolds as expected, investors looking to get ahead of the curve may want to increase their exposure to lithium investments soon. Below is a background on current forecasts and ideas to explore.
Background
The Fitch subsidiary, Business Monitor International (BMI), is a research unit of the parent company best known for its rating service. BMI has a team of over 300 analysts who specialize in a variety of industries, including energy, mining, and technology. The company’s research is used by businesses to make informed decisions about their operations. BMI now estimates that China’s lithium demand for EVs will grow by an average of 20.4% each year between 2023 and 2032. However, current estimates for the country’s lithium output are only expected to grow by 6% over the same period. This means that China will need to import massive amounts of lithium just to meet its growth in EV production.
At the same time, the global demand for lithium is also expected to grow significantly. Some informed projections are that global demand for lithium will reach over 3 million metric tons (tonne) by 2030. As a comparison, this is up from 540,000 metric tons in 2021.
There are currently just 101 lithium mines in the world, and many of these mining operations are nearing the end of their lifespan. In addition, the permitting process for new lithium mines can be lengthy and complex. This is slowing the development of new lithium production facilities. Consequently, the growing demand for lithium, which is already seen as straining global supply, may become substantially more challenging over the next 18 months.
More demand relative to supply is the most basic recipe for higher prices. As a result of the supply constraints, lithium prices are expected to remain high in the coming years. Lithium carbonate prices surged to a record of almost 600,000 yuan per tonne in November 2022.
Source: Google Finance
The EV industry is working to address the lithium supply deficit, but it is the producers that are working to be more efficient and productive. Some companies are developing new ways to extract lithium from brines, which are salty water bodies that contain lithium. Other companies are working to recycle lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium is a finite resource, and an approaching supply deficit shows no signs of being fixed soon. In the meantime the EV industry and others will compete for what is what is being produced, which could drive up prices.
What This Means for Investors
Investors who are interested in the lithium market should take note of the projections for the growing supply/demand imbalance. Lithium mining companies, especially smaller pure-plays on the demand for lithium, may have the highest percentage benefit from higher prices. Three such companies are listed below with links to further information and data relevant to the company.
Century Lithium Corp. (LCE:CA) is a Canadian-based advanced-stage lithium Company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in the U.S. (Nevada). Century Lithium is actively testing material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit at its Lithium Extraction Facility while moving toward the completion of a Feasibility Study, with the goal to become a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
Mark Reichamn, Noble Capital Markets senior research analyst for natural resources, published a research note explaining a collaboration between Century Lithium and Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) where lithium is being recovered from leach solution.
Noble rates the shares of Century Lithium Corp. as outperform.
LithiumBank Resources Corp. (LBNKF) is an exploration and development company focused on lithium-enriched brine projects in Western Canada where low-carbon-impact, rapid DLE technology is used. LithiumBank currently holds over 3.77 million acres of mineral titles, 3.44M acres in Alberta and 326K acres in Saskatchewan. LithiumBank is advancing and de-risking several projects in parallel of the Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project.
Mark Reichman, of Noble Capital Markets put out a research note this month explaining LithiumBank’s reasons for selling three of its projects.
Noble rates the shares of Century Lithium Corp. as outperform.
Piedmont Lithium Inc, (PLL) is a lithium-based company focused on the development of its Piedmont Lithium Project located within the Carolina TinSpodumene Belt (”TSB”) and along trend to the Hallman Beam and Kings Mountain mines.
Piedmont has been in the news recently for having received a partial prepayment of $31.6 million for the sale of 15,000 dry metric tonnes of lithium concentrate under its offtake deal with North American Lithium (NAL). According to news reported by Reuters, its CEO Keith Phillips expects sales from Piedmont shipments to help fund strategic initiatives while reducing the company’s need to raise capital in the equity markets. Piedmont said the prepayment increased its cash position to about $100 million.
A video discussion with Piedmont’s CEO Keith Phillips taken in March 2023 as part of Channelchek’s Takeaway Series is a great way to become familiar with the projects and strategies this “Made in the USA” lithium developer is involved with.
Take Away
A lithium supply deficit is expected to emerge as early as 2025, according to analysts at BMI. The deficit is being driven by the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Investors who are looking to understand the plans of small lithium developers and producers should visit the Company Data / Quotes tab on Channelchek and use the search bars to begin exploring.
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.
Leadership transition. Maple Gold’s Board of Directors concluded that a leadership transition was in the best interest of the company’s stakeholders and appointed Mr. Kiran Patankar as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Patankar previously served as Chief Financial Officer and has been a key member of the leadership team since joining the company in 2021. We think his new role could be made permanent within a relatively short time frame at which time he could join the company’s board of directors. Mr. Michael Rukus, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and previously served as Maple Gold’s corporate controller.
Operational update. With the changes in leadership, management will conduct a thorough review of its operations and plans to enhance Maple Gold’s effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. Drill targets for Douay and Telbel (Joutel), both within the company’s joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, are being refined with the next phase of drilling expected to begin in the fourth quarter. Maple may also commence a follow-up drill program at its 100%-controlled Eagle mine project during the fourth quarter. During the third quarter, we expect the company to provide more details regarding its exploration budget and associated exploration and drilling plans.
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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.
