Gold is rising amid a weakening dollar and languishing cryptocurrencies as weaknesses in these asset classes are causing institutions and small investors alike to back off. What’s going on with gold and all the different methods for investors to gain exposure (bullion, ETF trusts, mining stocks)? And can it be believed? While several dynamics could indicate a perfect storm for exposure to gold prices, there have been a number of “head-fakes” over the past few years that have disappointed investors. Let’s look at what has been driving the recent upward march in the metal, which is still considered a store of value.
What’s Going On?
Gold futures touched an eight-month high on Wednesday, January 11 (Six-month chart below). The US dollar (shown here vs Yen and Euro) has been losing its strength in response to central bank hawkishness overseas coupled with a sizable decline in US bond yields.
The ramp up of China’s economy after a long period of Covid-related restrictions is pushing precious and industrial metal prices higher as demand is expected to escalate. Copper is also benefiting as futures contracts for this highly conductive metal reached its highest level since June.
The concerns over the global economy in 2023 also have some wealth managers allocating a larger portion to gold and silver for “investment insurance”. Gold historically has a low correlation to stock prices. Investors who were relying on a 60/40 (stocks & bonds) allocation to hedge each other against one asset class tumbling found they could have benefited from further diversification
Outlook (Bullion/Miners)
In a survey conducted before Christmas, BullionVault users forecast a gold price of $2,012.60 for the end of 2023, with nearly 38% of the 1,829 full responses pointing to the need to spread risk and diversify portfolios as the top reason for investing in bullion.
In his quarterly report on metals and mining, the Noble Capital Markets senior equity analyst, Mark Reichaman shared an outlook that sounded positive but cautious on precious metals miners. “We think precious metals prices around current levels are sufficient for mining companies to be profitable and attract new investment. Our outlook is for range-bound pricing around current levels with a modest upward bias in the first half of 2023, said Reichamn who focuses on materials and mining.
Take Away
A dollar trending upward attracts assets from across the globe. The long trend seems to have broken which has left higher demand for gold and gold mining investments. Also feeding into the demand is China reopening manufacturing that had been shuttered.
The crypto crash and current uncertainty have had the affect of causing investors in these alternative assets to move to other investments.
There has been a move by investors looking for alternative allocations to more traditional stock and bond holdings, including registered investment advisors (RIA). The 60/40 portfolio took a huge hit last year, an allocation to less correlated gold and gold stocks may be deemed prudent by those not looking to repeat.
Toronto, Ontario, January 9, 2023 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) reports that the diamond drilling campaign at the Company’s Tatasham target in southeastern Ecuador, resumed after a holiday break. The initial drill hole (TT-001) was completed before the break in late 2022 at a final depth of 567.52 metres and a second drill hole (TT-002) was completed yesterday at a depth of 337.29 metres. A total of four holes are currently planned at Tatasham.
TT-001 intersected two zones of silicification and silica replacement with potassic alteration over 37 metres and 30 metres (core length) respectively between two fault zones. In addition, just prior to the holiday break, a zone interpreted as high-level siliceous sinter and breccia was discovered by prospecting (see six images below). This zone lies in front of the platform where TT-001 was drilled and was only found after a tumbled down float near the platform was traced to a cliff face almost vertically above the drill. This was very fortuitous since prospecting the steep cliff face was deemed impractical for safety reasons. The outcropping cliff face will be closely examined by geologists with the use of ropes and safety harnesses in the coming month.
TT-002 intersected a zone of intense silicification over more than 60 metres (core length), surrounding a zone with hydrothermal breccias and local chalcedonic veins. In addition to these characteristic epithermal textures, the altered rock in TT-002 has abundant disseminated sulphides locally accompanied by replaced lattice bladed calcite textures.
The strike length of the entire zone of interest is circa 4 kilometres and remains open to the north. The distance between TT-001 and TT-002 is 2.1 kilometres.
Rock and drill core samples have been sent to the laboratory for assay; no assays have been received from the lab as of this time.
Soil samples at Tatasham exhibit low-level anomalies for typical epithermal pathfinder elements As, Sb, Mo, Tl, Se, and high for Hg and Pb. These are mostly one station anomalies with the exception of a coherent Sb, Tl, Mo, Pb and Se anomaly, northwest of the sinter on the ridge line. Gold is uniformly low. Due to the terrain, the area has only been sparsely sampled, and it has not been previously sampled near the sinter.
A PIMA (Terraspec portable infra-red mineral analyzer) assessment of alteration minerals from a mapping campaign performed over Tatasham prior to drilling delineated a north-south oriented zone of silicification on surface, within a high temperature illite clay alteration envelope. Further from the axis of the zone, the presence of pervasive chlorite indicated propylitic alteration. The mineral “kutnahorite” a rare pink calcium manganese carbonate mineral with magnesium and iron that is a member of the dolomite group, has been found on surface in several places at Tatasham. This is a common gangue mineral at the Fruta del Norte gold mine in Ecuador, currently in production in Ecuador by Lundin Gold, some 100 kilometres distant (Leary et al., 2016).
President and CEO, Dr. Keith Barron commented, “The discovery of Fruta del Norte, of which I was involved, came about from follow-up of three grab samples which were highly anomalous in arsenic (up to 1,895 ppm), antimony (up to 212 ppm) and mercury (up to 27.9 ppm). Gold was very weakly anomalous (up to 0.15 g/t). We did not have access to a PIMA instrument at that time, though later it was found that illite was a common alteration component. Our assessment was that the area represented a leakage zone from a blind target at depth, and that precipitation kinetics meant that the precious metal zone would be decoupled and be deeper beneath the volatile pathfinder elements (As, Hg, Sb). Diamond drilling of the zone resulted in a gold-silver discovery directly beneath a buried sinter. I do not expect high levels of gold in the Tatasham sinter samples.”
Tatasham is both a magnetic anomaly and a mobile magnetotelluric (MobileMT) anomaly, geophysical characteristics common for a combined porphyry-magnetite skarn body but does not outcrop at surface and is buried at unknown depth. The four drill holes planned at Tatasham are designed to test geophysical targets at moderate depth and areas of alteration on surface.
A short video of Aurania’s geologist, Faustino Tsenkush, sampling the sinter at Tatasham can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Image above: Vertical exposure of silicious sinter, hydrothermal breccias, banded chalcedonic quartz in silicified volcanic rock. Located vertically above drill pad for TT-001. Rock hammer for scale.
Figure 4: Laminated sinter, brecciated and healed by epithermal banded chalcedonic quartz.
Figure 5: Finely-laminated, siliceous sinter.
Qualified Person
The geological information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc. Mr. Pallier is a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
About Aurania
Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.
Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.
For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Muir
VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Aurania Resources Ltd.
(416) 367-3200
carolyn.muir@aurania.com
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes statements about: Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration and drilling results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents, an inability to access financing as needed, a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania, a failure to comply with environmental regulations and a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals and copper. Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive.
Technology Unlocks Massive New Feedstock Model to Neutralize America’s Transportation Emissions
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA, JANUARY 9, 2022 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced the demonstration of breakthrough cellulosic fuels pathways to produce renewable diesel, marine, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and gasoline from woody biomass at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and cost in comparison to all known methods, thereby enabling a massive new renewable fuels feedstock capable of neutralizing more than 40% of America’s mobility emissions well before 2050.
Fuel Plantations
Renewable fuels provide a critical opportunity for decarbonization, however, most of the existing U.S. renewable fuel refineries draw from the same limited pool of constrained feedstocks. Comstock technologies resolve that constraint by unlocking abundant woody biomass feedstocks that are not used today and leverage the Earth’s natural carbon cycle and create extraordinary financial incentives for the entire ecosystem to shift away from releasing long cycle fossil carbon to recycling short cycle renewable carbon – to burning “carbon-neutral fuels” in balance with growing more feedstock.
“There is an abundance of wasted and unused forestry and sawmill residues available now to start impacting this dramatic decarbonization and e will also use our technologies to enable an extremely valuable new “soil to oil” ecosystem that uses vast new “fuel plantations” to capture and use carbon dioxide to produce massive amounts of highly scalable and rapidly replenishable renewable fuels feedstocks,” said Corrado De Gasperis, Comstock’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By unlocking woody biomass, now and in the future, for use in producing drop-in renewable fuels, including for the difficult to decarbonize long haul trucking and aviation sectors, Comstock’s technologies demonstrate that the U.S. can strike and sustain an immensely profitable new net zero balance between the Earth’s living systems and domestic mobility emissions.”
The Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab has published estimates that the U.S. produces upwards of 100 million tons per year of sawmill and forestry residuals alone. That readily available biomass is sufficient to produce more than 8 billion gallons per year (“BGY”) of drop-in fuels by utilizing Comstock’s technology. Further, just 140 million acres of short rotation trees, such as bamboo, willow and hybrid poplar, would yield enough feedstock biomass to permanently neutralize 40% of America’s mobility emissions with Comstock’s cellulosic fuels processes.
Shovel Ready
Based on current performance data, Comstock projects best-in-class renewable fuel yields exceeding 80 gallons per dry ton (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis), with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions well exceeding 80% over petroleum.
By unlocking a massive new sustainable feedstock source, Comstock’s proposed pathway is capable of squarely addressing the goals and objectives of the Biden Administration while creating high-quality jobs, invigorating America’s rural communities, and making a material contribution to achieving the Biden Administration’s objective of delivering net-zero emissions by 2050.
About Comstock Inc.
Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complementary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future industry market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; future changes in our exploration activities; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products; land entitlements and uses; permits; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the Board of Directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land sales; investments, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, operational, tax, financial and restructuring initiatives, including the nature, timing and accounting for restructuring charges, derivative assets and liabilities and the impact thereof; contingencies; litigation, administrative or arbitration proceedings; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings, limitations on sales or offering of equity or debt securities, including asset sales and associated costs; and future working capital, costs, revenues, business opportunities, debt levels, cash flows, margins, taxes, earnings and growth. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management considering their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments, and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments, and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; adverse effects of global or regional pandemic disease spread or other crises; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, mercury remediation and lithium, nickel and cobalt recycling, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or mercury remediation, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with precious metal based activities, including environmentally friendly and economically enhancing clean mining and processing technologies, precious metal exploration, resource development, economic feasibility assessment and cash generating mineral production; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with mercury remediation, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; ability to achieve the benefits of business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us, including those involving battery technology, mercury remediation technology and efficacy, quantum computing and advanced materials development, and development of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and related carbon-based material production; ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, lithium, nickel, cobalt, cyanide, water, diesel, gasoline and alternative fuels and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of war, mass shooting, terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market or maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund, or any other issuer.
Contact information:
Comstock Inc. P.O. Box 1118 Virginia City, NV 89440 www.comstockinc.com
Corrado De Gasperis Executive Chairman & CEO Tel (775) 847-4755 degasperis@comstockinc.com
Zach Spencer Director of External Relations Tel (775) 847-5272 Ext.151 questions@comstockinc.com
Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Eagle drilling program. In 2022, Maple Gold completed a total of 28 drill holes representing 13,823 meters of drilling at its 100%-controlled Eagle Mine property. Maple Gold released assay results from five follow-up holes that targeted northwest extensions of the main mine horizon and multiple sub-parallel gold horizons. Hole EM-22-015 returned seven discrete intercepts over a 120-meter interval, including 10.3 grams of gold per tonne over 7.8 meters in the North Mine Horizon.
Potential for a broader mineralized zone. Drill results appear to support Maple’s view that multiple sub-parallel gold horizons exist beyond what was historically mined at Eagle, along with expanding target areas along a broader mineralized corridor. Management believes a concentration of gold in excess of 10 grams per tonne begins near surface and extends down-plunge to Hole EM-22-015 intercepts along the North Mine Horizon in an area with limited drilling that represents just one of several follow-up targets that the company will pursue in 2023.
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.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 9, 2023) – Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) (“Maple Gold” or the “Company“) is pleased to report additional assay results from the Company’s 2022 drilling at its 100%-controlled Eagle Mine Property (“Eagle”) located in Québec, Canada. The new results represent complete assays from five (5) follow-up holes for which partial results were previously reported (see news from December 13, 2022), targeting northwest extensions of the main mine horizon and along multiple sub-parallel gold horizons (see Figures 1 and 2). The Company’s latest drilling in the northern splay of the main mine horizon (the “North Mine Horizon”) has returned the best intercept to-date from its 2022 program at Eagle.
Highlights:
Drill hole EM-22-015 intersected 10.3 g/t gold (“Au”) over 7.8 metres (“m”), including 41.1 g/t Au over 1.0 m in the North Mine Horizon.
Further up-hole, EM-22-015 intersected 4.3 g/t Au over 3.9 m, including 6.6 g/t Au over 2.0 m, demonstrating the potential for the North Mine Horizon to be wider than what was previously interpreted (see Figure 2).
The EM-22-015 intercepts are located down-plunge from historical high-grade, near-surface drill results from a geologically similar hole (E-19: 19.6 g/t Au over 7.9 m, as well as 17.5 g/t Au over 5.6 m further up-hole) in an area with limited drilling that remains open further down-plunge (see Figure 3).
EM-22-015 has now returned seven (7) separate intercepts over a 120 m interval starting from 142.5 m downhole.
Assays are still pending for roughly 20% of the Company’s 2022 drilling at Eagle.
“Drill results continue to support the Company’s view that multiple sub-parallel gold horizons exist beyond what was historically mined at Eagle and have expanded our target areas along a broader mineralized corridor over a stratigraphic thickness that now exceeds 100 metres in width,” stated Matthew Hornor, CEO of Maple Gold. “There is an apparent concentration of >10 g/t gold starting near surface and extending down-plunge to the EM-22-015 intercepts along the North Mine Horizon in an area with limited drilling that remains open further down-plunge. This represents just one of several compelling follow-up targets that we are excited to pursue in 2023.”
Interpretation and Summary of Results
Key assay results reported herein are from holes drilled at different orientations from the site of hole EM-22-005 (see news from June 20, 2022); three (3) starting from the same drill collar (EM-22-013, EM-22-015, EM-22-016) and one (1) wedge drill hole (EM-22-005W). The new results from EM-22-015 support the Company’s model of multiple sub-parallel gold horizons, some of which are particularly high-grade (>10 g/t), extending from the southern splay of the main mine horizon (the “South Mine Horizon”) to beyond the North Mine Horizon over a mineralized corridor that now exceeds 100 m in width. These two horizons merge into a single main mine horizon in the central part of the Eagle property (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Plan view showing all 2022 drill holes (28) at Eagle with lines of section for Figures 2 and 3.
Gold mineralization at Eagle is not only limited to the known main mine horizon, hosted in mixed epiclastic and pyroclastic rocks of the northern part of the Joutel-Raymond volcanic complex, but also extends into a sill-like microgabbro occurring close to the Harricana Fault, and sporadically into the Harricana sediments further to the north.
Figure 2: NW-looking cross section (85 m total width) highlighting new assay results (gold boxes) and previously reported/historical intercepts (white boxes) along well-defined sub-parallel horizons.
Figure 3: NE-looking long section (55 m total width) highlighting the location of the EM-22-015 intercept (10.3 g/t Au over 7.8 m) relative to pre-existing grade contouring in the North Mine Horizon. Note the open area extending down-plunge from hole E-19 (19.6 g/t Au over 7.9m).
The EM-22-015 intercepts are located approximately 60 m down-plunge from historical hole E-19. Additional historical drill holes intersected >5g/t Au roughly 250 m further down-plunge, highlighting the grade and volume potential of this new zone that will be tested via follow-up drilling in 2023.
In contrast with the South Mine Horizon, which is hosted in a mixed package of fine-grained crystal tuffs and laminated sediments with the latter hosting most of the gold-bearing semi-massive sulfide mineralization cut by irregular ankerite-(quartz) veinlets, the North Mine Horizon is associated with coarser lapilli-tuffs that appear to have been quite permeable and allowed deposition of abundant matrix sulfide (see Plate 1) adjacent to and overlapping with the microgabbro further downhole. The distribution of these coarse tuffs adjacent to the microgabbro represent a favorable target that has relatively limited drilling to the northwest as well as down-dip and down-plunge (see Figures 2 and 3).
Plate 1: EM-22-015 intercept at 230.8 m downhole in lapilli-tuff host. Sulfide patches in between lapilli are semi-massive to massive. NQ core, 47.6mm diameter.
Intercepts >2 g/t Au have now been obtained at Eagle at downhole depths ranging from 109 to 1,234 m, which is indicative of the significant depth continuity of the system. Multi-element geochemistry, a first for the Eagle project, indicates that Au is associated with elevated silver (“Ag”) and that several additional elements can be used for targeting purposes as they provide for a significantly broader footprint than Au and Ag alone.
The Company completed a total of 28 drill holes corresponding to ~13,823 m at Eagle during 2022. Approximately 20% of the assays for the entire program are still pending. Additional assay results will be released on a periodic basis over the coming months once they are received and interpreted.
Outlook for Further Exploration at Eagle-Telbel
The Company’s next steps will include a comprehensive review of all available data at Eagle, including incorporating results from the 2022 program into its 3D geological model, along with definition of priority targets for follow-up drilling in H1 2023. The Company also believes that continued drilling success at Eagle will relate positively to ongoing exploration on its joint venture ground at Telbel and along the entire Joutel Deformation Zone.
Table 1: Complete assay results for EM-22-015 and nearby drill holes at Eagle (note: bolded Drill Hole IDs correspond to new assay results).
Drill Hole ID
UTME
UTMN
Azimuth
Plunge
Length (m)
From
To
Interval
Au g/t
EM-22-013
690758
5486043
63.8
-69.8
327
257.0
267.4
10.4
2.3
including
257.0
260.2
3.2
5.0
EM-22-013
273.0
273.7
0.7
1.8
EM-22-013
298.0
299.0
1.0
1.5
EM-22-014
690565
5486334
64.5
-67.9
621
160.0
160.7
0.7
1.8
EM-22-014
231.0
231.7
0.7
4.6
EM-22-014
272.0
273.0
1.0
1.3
EM-22-015
690758
5486043
45
-50.1
411
142.5
148.6
6.1
1.6
EM-22-015
164.9
165.5
0.7
4.8
EM-22-015
217.1
221.0
3.9
4.3
including
218.5
220.5
2.0
6.6
EM-22-015
228.0
235.8
7.8
10.3
including
228.5
232.8
4.3
15.9
including
230.0
231.0
1.0
41.1
EM-22-015
246.7
248.4
1.7
4.3
including
247.5
248.4
0.9
7.1
EM-22-015
252.2
255.0
2.8
1.8
EM-22-015
260.0
262.6
2.6
1.1
EM-22-016
690758
5486043
45
-62.6
297
182.6
183.2
0.6
1.7
EM-22-016
193.0
200.3
7.3
3.1
including
196.0
199.6
3.6
4.0
EM-22-016
202.0
206.2
4.2
1.7
including
204.3
206.2
1.9
2.7
EM-22-005W
690795
5486136
2.2
-65.5
363
364.3
365.8
1.5
1.3
EM-22-005W
624.0
625.0
1.0
1.2
All intervals are downhole lengths. True widths are estimated to be between 35% (for steeper holes) to 80% (for shallower angle holes) of downhole lengths. Assays are uncut, but overlimits (>10 g/t Au initial assay) were reassayed using Fire Assay with Gravimetric finish, and subsequently, screen metallics. The latter results are deemed more accurate and are reported here.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this press release through his direct participation in the work.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)
The Company implements strict Quality Assurance (“QA”) and Quality Control (“QC”) protocols at Eagle covering the planning and placing of drill holes in the field; drilling and retrieving the NQ-sized drill core; drill hole surveying; core transport; core logging by qualified personnel; sampling and bagging of core for analysis; transport of core from site to the Val d’Or, Québec AGAT laboratory; sample preparation for assaying; and analysis, recording and final statistical vetting of results. Check assays for gold are being done on a sample subset at ALS’ laboratory in Val d’Or. For a complete description of protocols, please visit the Company’s QA/QC webpage at www.maplegoldmines.com.
About Maple Gold
Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Québec’s prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (SLR 2022) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property.
The district-scale property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.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 PRESS RELEASE.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively referred to as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management’s best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company’s expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.’s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.
Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Comstock retains Lucerne. Tonogold Resources Inc. did not exercise its option to purchase the Lucerne mining properties prior to the option’s expiration on December 31, 2022, thus returning the Lucerne mineral properties back to Comstock. Comstock also terminated the Tonogold lease-option agreement on the fully permitted processing facility and infrastructure in American Flat, and the mineral exploration lease on the Northern Targets.
Significant precious metals exposure. With the return of Lucerne and other properties, Comstock has consolidated properties in the historic Comstock and Silver City mining districts and increased the company’s mineral resources to include measured and indicated resources containing 605,000 ounces of gold and 5,879,600 ounces of silver, along with inferred resources of 296,900 ounces of gold and 2,572,300 ounces of silver.
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, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
On the second hole at Tatasham. Drilling began at the Tatasham porphyry copper target in late November. Drilling is expected to continue through this month. Aurania is on the second hole at Tatasham and expects to drill three or four holes to test areas identified during the company’s Anaconda mapping program. Following Tatasham, the company anticipates drilling at the Awacha porphyry copper target.
Surprising outcome on the first hole. While no assays have been received from rock samples or drilling, the first hole intersected a zone of massive silicification framed by two fault zones which management believes may have acted as feeder systems. Interestingly, the alteration is more typical of a gold system rather than porphyry copper. Management thinks it is probable that an epithermal system may be on top of a porphyry and shallow drilling could expose the volcanic plumbing system in at least one location. The goal is to locate the zone where gold could no longer be transported in the geothermal waters and deposited in the veins somewhere below the siliceous sinter.
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, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the bottom of the report for important disclosures
Mining companies outperform the broader market. During the fourth quarter, mining companies (as measured by the XME) appreciated 17.2% compared to a gain of 7.1% for the S&P 500 index. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners (GDX) and Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) ETFs were up 18.8% and 21.0%, respectively. Gold, silver, copper, and lead futures prices gained 9.2%, 26.3%, 12.3%, and 6.1%, respectively, while zinc declined 1.1%. For the full year 2022, all indices outperformed the S&P 500 which declined 19.4%. Despite aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and U.S. dollar strength, gold performed as a store of value with the price ending just under where it began the year.
Will precious metals break out to the upside? The U.S. Dollar Index declined 7.7% during the fourth quarter, while the yield on the 10-year treasury note increased from 3.80% to 3.88%. While the Federal Reserve has signaled higher rates, an inflection point may have been reached as investors sought to preserve value amid deteriorating economic conditions, geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. In our view, interest rates could peak by mid-year with the potential for easing depending on economic conditions. We think precious metals prices around current levels are sufficient for mining companies to be profitable and attract new investment. Our outlook is for range-bound pricing around current levels with a modest upward bias in the first half of 2023.
Less certain near-term outlook for industrial metals. While the price of copper declined 13.2% in 2022, the price rebounded in the fourth quarter. On a full year basis, zinc and lead prices were down 6.1% and up 1.2%, respectively. While the long-term investment case for owning industrial metals mining companies remains favorable, it may be too early to offer a bullish call due to near-term concerns about economic growth in the U.S. and abroad.
Putting it all together. In our view, precious metals mining companies, notably exploration companies, continue to offer attractive return potential. Should gold and silver prices hold recent gains, investors may begin to invest more confidently and aggressively. While the near-term outlook for industrial metals could be negatively impacted by near-term macroeconomic factors, an eventual return to economic growth could result in strong prices due to potential supply and demand imbalances.
GENERAL DISCLAIMERS
All statements or opinions contained herein that include the words “we”, “us”, or “our” are solely the responsibility of Noble Capital Markets, Inc.(“Noble”) and do not necessarily reflect statements or opinions expressed by any person or party affiliated with the company mentioned in this report. Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. All information provided herein is based on public and non-public information believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed. No judgment is hereby expressed or should be implied as to the suitability of any security described herein for any specific investor or any specific investment portfolio. The decision to undertake any investment regarding the security mentioned herein should be made by each reader of this publication based on its own appraisal of the implications and risks of such decision.
This publication is intended for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy/sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy/sell any security mentioned in this report, nor shall there be any sale of the security herein in any state or domicile in which said offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or domicile. This publication and all information, comments, statements or opinions contained or expressed herein are applicable only as of the date of this publication and subject to change without prior notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Noble accepts no liability for loss arising from the use of the material in this report, except that this exclusion of liability does not apply to the extent that such liability arises under specific statutes or regulations applicable to Noble. This report is not to be relied upon as a substitute for the exercising of independent judgement. Noble may have published, and may in the future publish, other research reports that are inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information provided in this report. Noble is under no obligation to bring to the attention of any recipient of this report, any past or future reports. Investors should only consider this report as single factor in making an investment decision.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
This publication is confidential for the information of the addressee only and may not be reproduced in whole or in part, copies circulated, or discussed to another party, without the written consent of Noble Capital Markets, Inc. (“Noble”). Noble seeks to update its research as appropriate, but may be unable to do so based upon various regulatory constraints. Research reports are not published at regular intervals; publication times and dates are based upon the analyst’s judgement. Noble professionals including traders, salespeople and investment bankers may provide written or oral market commentary, or discuss trading strategies to Noble clients and the Noble proprietary trading desk that reflect opinions that are contrary to the opinions expressed in this research report. The majority of companies that Noble follows are emerging growth companies. Securities in these companies involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. The securities discussed in Noble research reports may not be suitable for some investors and as such, investors must take extra care and make their own determination of the appropriateness of an investment based upon risk tolerance, investment objectives and financial status.
Company Specific Disclosures
The following disclosures relate to relationships between Noble and the company (the “Company”) covered by the Noble Research Division and referred to in this research report. Noble is not a market maker in any of the companies mentioned in this report. Noble intends to seek compensation for investment banking services and non-investment banking services (securities and non-securities related) with any or all of the companies mentioned in this report within the next 3 months
ANALYST CREDENTIALS, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE
Senior Equity Analyst focusing on Basic Materials & Mining. 20 years of experience in equity research. BA in Business Administration from Westminster College. MBA with a Finance concentration from the University of Missouri. MA in International Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis. Named WSJ ‘Best on the Street’ Analyst and Forbes/StarMine’s “Best Brokerage Analyst.” FINRA licenses 7, 24, 63, 87
WARNING
This report is intended to provide general securities advice, and does not purport to make any recommendation that any securities transaction is appropriate for any recipient particular investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Prior to making any investment decision, recipients should assess, or seek advice from their advisors, on whether any relevant part of this report is appropriate to their individual circumstances. If a recipient was referred to Noble Capital Markets, Inc. by an investment advisor, that advisor may receive a benefit in respect of transactions effected on the recipients behalf, details of which will be available on request in regard to a transaction that involves a personalized securities recommendation. Additional risks associated with the security mentioned in this report that might impede achievement of the target can be found in its initial report issued by Noble Capital Markets, Inc.. This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published for any purpose unless authorized by Noble Capital Markets, Inc..
RESEARCH ANALYST CERTIFICATION
Independence Of View All views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities or issuers.
Receipt of Compensation No part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to any specific recommendations or views expressed in the public appearance and/or research report.
Ownership and Material Conflicts of Interest Neither I nor anybody in my household has a financial interest in the securities of the subject company or any other company mentioned in this report.
Gold, which has been moving up slowly over the past weeks and months, stood out on this first business day of the year by noticeably outperforming other asset classes. By late afternoon gold had passed the highest level it had been in six months. Why, after a full year of market turmoil and economic uncertainty, is exposure to gold now attracting investors? Will this trend continue? And what are the various ways a stock market investor can benefit from rising interest in this element?
Background
A strong and upward-trending US dollar provides a parking place for those looking for a safe-harbor investment – one with limited risk. For much of last year, US interest rates led the way among central banks, increasing yields on Treasury debt. This pushed the dollar value upward. The dollar exchange rate then began to weaken as Japan recently began raising its rates.
On the first trading day of 2023, Treasury yields fell as investors began to position for a possible change of monetary policy. This is somewhat cautionary as the FOMC minutes are released on Wednesday. The Fed has already begun tapering its increases in rates. The prospect of many more Federal Reserve interest rate hikes is unlikely. There is fear that the FOMC minutes may make this even more clear. Higher US dollar exchange rates as a result of yield increases had been dampening any natural increase in demand the safe haven metal may have had to push values higher. Plus, there is heightened talk of a US recession; this does not bode well for dollar strengthening moving forward. Investor caution is adding to the performance of gold.
A big investor focus is a release on Wednesday of the minutes from the Fed’s Dec. 13-14 monetary policy meeting. If the minutes make clear that the U.S. central bank is more likely to slow or end interest rate hikes, it opens the door for more assets to move to bullion, gold mining stocks, junior gold mining stocks, and ETFs.
As far as the performance of market-related exposure to gold, it shines compared to the S&P 500. XAU is gold bullion, as shown above as XAU/USD; it is the performance of one troy ounce of gold’s cost per dollar. Over the past three months, this has risen by 10.73%. For the same period, the junior mining stocks (GDXJ) and the major miners (GDMN) have risen by 25.55% and 33.32%, respectively.
The three-month performance accelerated today, we will get clues this week if this heightened interest continues.
To Consider
Did you know that Channelchek provides up-to-date material from a natural resources research analyst, including gold mining stocks, that the Wall Street Journal bestowed the ‘Best on the Street’ label, and that has been awarded the Forbes/Starmine’s ‘Best Brokerage Analyst’ honor? Today, Mark Reichman released his quarterly Metals and Mining Fourth Quarter Review and Outlook. Explore this report by clicking here.
If you have an interest in mining stocks, take advantage of your free access to Mr. Reichman’s research and reporting on many interesting natural resource producers by clicking here.
Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
A top pick for 2023. During our recent Wall Street Wish List virtual conference, we highlighted our top picks for 2023. Maple Gold Mines Ltd. earned its place based on several competitive advantages, including a large 400 square kilometer land package in a prime location within the highly ranked mining jurisdiction of Quebec, a growing gold resource with significant expansion potential, an experienced management team and industry-leading joint venture partner, and a strong balance sheet.
World class potential. We believe Maple Gold represents an emerging world class gold project in Quebec’s renowned Abitibi Gold Belt. The company is well capitalized and is focused on establishing a new gold district through resource expansion and new discoveries. Both the Douay and Joutel projects have multiple styles of mineralization, including deep controlling structures, which are favorable for exploration and discovery of mineralized systems. Mines in the Abitibi are known for vertical continuity with higher grades at depth. Consequently, there is significant potential to increase the average resource grade with higher grade discoveries at depth.
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.
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, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
A top pick for 2023. During our recent Wall Street Wish List virtual conference, we highlighted our top picks for 2023. Alliance Resource Partners earned its place based on a superb management team, favorable fundamental outlook, and positive cash flow growth outlook. While fossil fuels are out of favor in some quarters, they power our economy. In our view, the geopolitical weaponizing of global energy supplies, along with the recent cold snap across the U.S. underscore the importance of reliable and affordable domestic supplies of coal, oil, and natural gas. Demand for fossils fuels will likely increase, with renewable energy increasing its share of the market share over time.
Earnings visibility is very strong. During the third quarter, Alliance executed new coal sales commitments for delivery of 5.6 million tons through 2025 at prices supporting higher margins. Based on contracted coal sales volumes in 2023 and 2024, the outlook for cash flow growth appears favorable. Alliance recently added a fifth continuous mining unit at its Gibson South mine and is adding another unit at the Hamilton mine. Within the oil and gas royalty segment, volumes are expected to benefit from two recent acquisitions that added 1,200 producing wells, 101 wells to be completed and 98 permitted locations on the acquired acreage.
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, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Private placement closed.Aurania closed the second and final tranche of its private placement of 4,244,598 units of the company for gross proceeds of approximately C$1.9 million. A total of 2,417,166 and 1,827,432 units were sold in the first and final tranches, respectively. In each case, units were priced at C$0.45 per unit and were comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.75 per warrant share for up to 24 months following the date of issuance. Net proceeds will be used to fund drilling and exploration activities at the Lost Cities project, along with working capital needs.
Drilling continues at Tatasham. Drilling began at the Tatasham porphyry copper target in late November. Except for a brief holiday break, drilling is expected to continue through January 2023. The company expects to drill three or four holes at Tatasham to test areas identified during the company’s Anaconda mapping program. Following Tatasham, the company anticipates drilling at the Awacha porphyry copper target.
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.
Nuclear Fusion’s Potential to Be a Highly Disruptive Breakthrough with Investment Opportunities
Scientists at the Energy Department’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California announced the first-ever demonstration of fusion “ignition.” This means that more energy was generated from fusion than was needed to operate the high-powered lasers that triggered the reaction. More than 2 megajoules (MJ) of laser light were directed onto a tiny gold-plated capsule, resulting in the production of a little over 3 MJ of energy, the equivalent of three sticks of dynamite.
This important milestone is the culmination of decades’ worth of research and lots of trial and error, and it makes good on the hope that humanity will one day enjoy 100% clean and plentiful energy.
This article was republished with permission from Frank Talk, a CEO Blog by Frank Holmes of U.S. Global Investors (GROW). Find more of Frank’s articles here – Originally published December 19, 2022.
Unlike conventional nuclear fission, which produces highly radioactive waste and carries the risk of nuclear proliferation, nuclear fusion has no emissions or risk of cataclysmic disaster. That should please activists who support renewable, non-carbon-emitting energy sources such as wind and solar and yet oppose nuclear power.
75th Anniversary of Another Great American Invention, The Transistor
I think it’s only fitting that this breakthrough occurred not just in the U.S., the most innovative country on earth, but also on the 75th anniversary of the invention of the transistor.
Like fusion energy, the transistor’s importance can’t be overstated. Invented in December 1947 in New Jersey’s storied Bell Labs—also the birthplace of the photovoltaic cell, fiber optic cable, communications satellite, UNIX operating system and C programming language—the transistor made the 20th century possible. Everything we use and enjoy today, from our iPhones to our Teslas, wouldn’t exist without the seminal American invention.
In 2021, the electric vehicle maker unveiled its proprietary application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for artificial intelligence (AI) training. The ASIC chip, believe it or not, boasts an unbelievable 50 billion transistors.
Private Investment in Fusion Technology Has Been Increasing
Getting your electricity from a commercial fusion reactor is still years if not decades away, but that hasn’t stopped money from flowing into the sector. This year, private investment is estimated to top $1 billion, following the record $2.6 billion that went into fusion research in 2021, according to BloombergNEF.
Private Sector Investment in Nuclear Fusion May Top $1 Billion in 2022
At the moment, there aren’t any publicly traded fusion companies. However, Bloomberg has a Global Nuclear Theme Peers index that tracks listed companies with exposure to the industry, estimated by Bloomberg to one day achieve a jaw-dropping $40 trillion valuation. Some of the more recognizable names include Rolls-Royce, Toshiba, Hitachi and General Electric.
For the five-year period, the index of 64 “nuclear” stocks has advanced approximately 100%, compared to the MSCI World Index, up 38% over the same period.
The number of private firms involved in R&D continues to grow, raising the possibility that some will tap public markets in the coming years.
Among the largest is Commonwealth Fusion Systems, or CFS, which spun out of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2018. The company raised $1.8 billion in December 2021, on top of the $250 million it had raised previously. Its investors include Bill Gates and Google, along with oil companies, venture capital firms and sovereign wealth funds. CFS claims to have the fastest, lowest cost solution to commercial fusion energy and is in the process of building a prototype that is set to demonstrate net energy gain by 2025.
Another major player is TAE Technologies. Located in California, the company has raised a total of $1.2 billion as of December 2022, from investors such as the late Paul Allen, Goldman Sachs, Google and the family office of Charles Schwab. TAE says it is developing a fusion reactor, scheduled to be unveiled in the early 2030s, that will generate electricity from a proton-boron reaction at an incredible temperature of 1 billion degrees.
Other contenders in the field include Washington State-based Helion Energy, Canada’s General Fusion and the United Kingdom’s Tokamak Energy. In February 2022, Tokamak broke a longstanding record by generating 59 MJ of energy, the highest sustained energy pulse ever.
As an investor, I would keep an eye on this space!
Solar Accounted For 45% Of All New Energy Capacity Growth In The U.S.
In the meantime, energy investors with an eye on the future still have renewable energy stocks to consider.
2022 has been a challenging year for the industry, with much of it facing supply constraints. According to Wood Mackenzie, total new solar installations in the U.S. were 18.6 gigawatts (GW), a 23% decrease from 2021.
Even so, solar accounted for 45% of all new electricity-generation capacity added this year through the end of the third quarter. That’s greater than any other energy source. Wind was in second place, representing a quarter of all new energy power, followed by natural gas at 21% and coal at 10%, its best year since 2013.
WoodMac expresses optimism in the next two years. Solar projects that were delayed this year due to supply issues may finally come online in 2023, and by 2024, the real effects of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) should be felt. The U.K.-based research firm forecasts 21% average annual growth from 2023 through 2027, so now may be an opportune time to start participating.
One of our favorite plays right now is Canadian Solar, up more than 11% for the year. On Thursday of this week, the Ontario-based company announced that it would begin mass-producing high efficiency solar modules in the first quarter of 2023. Canadian Solar shares were up more than 1% last week, despite experiencing two down days on this week’s news of continued rate hikes into 2023.
US Global Investors Disclaimer
All opinions expressed and data provided are subject to change without notice. Some of these opinions may not be appropriate to every investor. By clicking the link(s) above, you will be directed to a third-party website(s). U.S. Global Investors does not endorse all information supplied by this/these website(s) and is not responsible for its/their content.
The BI Global Nuclear Theme Peers is an index not for use as a financial benchmark that tracks 64 companies exposed to nuclear energy research and production. The MSCI World Index is a free-float weighted equity index which includes developed world markets and does not include emerging markets.
Holdings may change daily. Holdings are reported as of the most recent quarter-end. The following securities mentioned in the article were held by one or more accounts managed by U.S. Global Investors as of (09/30/22): Tesla Inc., Canadian Solar Inc.
