TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL or Bolsa de Valores de Lima: SMT) (NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS) (“Sierra Metals” or “the Company”) announces the filing at the BVL by its subsidiary, Sociedad Minera Corona S.A. (“Corona”) of its unaudited Financial Statements and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the third quarter of 2022 (“Q3 2022”).
The Company holds an 81.8% interest in Corona. The unaudited Financial Statements and MD&A can be viewed at:
To search for the Company’s financial statements, enter the following parameters in the empty fields:
Empresa: Sociedad Minera Corona S.A. Periodo: 2022 and Trimestre III
Sierra Metals will be releasing its Q3 2022 consolidated financial statements on Monday November 14th, 2022, with an investor conference call taking place on Tuesday November 15th, 2022.
About Sierra Metals
Sierra Metals Inc. is a diversified Canadian mining company with Green Metal exposure including copper production and base metal production with precious metals byproduct credits, focused on the production and development of its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. The Company has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.
The Company’s Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock ESxchange and the Bolsa de Valores de Lima under the symbol “SMT” and on the NYSE American Exchange under the symbol “SMTS”.
For further information regarding Sierra Metals, please visit www.sierrametals.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward-looking information relates to future events or the anticipated performance of Sierra and reflect management’s expectations or beliefs regarding such future events and anticipated performance based on an assumed set of economic conditions and courses of action. In certain cases, statements that contain forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance of Sierra to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 16, 2022 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and other risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.
The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company’s statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
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.
Highlights from the third quarter. Comstock recently hosted a webcast to discuss third quarter financial results and the company’s outlook. The presentation touched on recent milestones achieved, including a grant application with the U.S. Department of Energy, key permits received by the company’s LiNiCo battery recycling business, and key developments at its cellulosic fuels business.
Monetization of non-core assets. Comstock expects to realize gross proceeds of $18 million from the sale of non-core assets to the Silver Springs Opportunity Fund with closing expected in the first quarter of 2023. Coupled with the potential sale of other non-core assets, the company could realize gross proceeds greater than $25 million in 2023.
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.
Enviable year-over-year comparisons. Alliancereported third quarter net income of $164.6 million or $1.25 per limited partner unit compared to $57.5 million or $0.44 per limited partner unit during the prior year period. The company generated EBITDA of $250.2 million compared to $135.9 million during the prior year period and free cash flow increased to $244.5 million from $120.5 million. Third quarter financial results reflected higher coal sales prices and volumes which increased 40.5% and 8.1%, respectively, along with greater oil & gas royalty prices and volumes which rose 31.6% and 33.1%. Compared to the prior year period, consolidated revenues increased 51.3% to $628.4 million.
Updating estimates. We have made several adjustments to our model to reflect updated 2022 guidance, along with estimated distributions to and undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities. We have lowered our 2022 EBITDA and adjusted EPU estimates to $919.1 million and $4.48, respectively, from $945.3 million and $4.85. We lifted our 2023 EPU and EBITDA estimates to $5.85 and $1.116 billion, respectively, from $5.75 and $1.077 billion. Looking ahead to 2023, Alliance expects to boost coal sales by roughly two million tons and expects coal pricing per ton to increase by roughly 10% compared to the 2022 average. 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.
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.
RECEIVES KEY PERMITS AND EXPANDS MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced its recent business development highlights, third quarter 2022 results, and updated outlook.
Selected Strategic Highlights – Lithium Extraction and Electrification Products
Received a Written Determination of Hazardous Waste Recycling (“Operating Permit”) authorizing LINICO Corporation (“LiNiCo”) to conduct lithium-ion battery (“LIB”) crushing, separating, lithium extraction and precursor cathode active materials processing at its battery metal recycling facility located in Storey County, Nevada.
Received a first-of-its-kind Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”) by LiNiCo to operate a lithium-ion battery (“LIB”) pre-recycling storage facility at a nearly 200-acre industrial campus in Mound House, Nevada.
Submitted an Air Quality permit covering Comstock’s novel crushing, separating, and conditioning process.
Comstock filed three patents with 45 claims covering novel processes for crushing, separating, and conditioning LIBs into competitively superior black mass concentrates without prior electrical discharge, and selective “lithium first” separation for dramatically reduced water, chemical, energy, and costs in comparison to known hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, enabling direct production of battery grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide.
Green Li-ion, an investee of LiNiCo, focused on precursor cathode active materials, deployed its first system.
Selected Strategic Highlights – Cellulosic Fuels
Filed a grant application with the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) to demonstrate one of Comstock’s unique new pathways to produce renewable fuels from woody biomass at dramatically improved yield, efficiency and cost.
Assembled a top-tier development team, including Topsoe Inc., Marathon Petroleum Company LP, Novozymes, Xylome Corporation, RenFuel K2B AB, Emerging Fuels Technology Inc., the University of Nevada Reno, the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute, and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, supporting the DOE grant application and the resultant pilot system.
Expanded our leading cellulosic technology portfolio by filing for a new patent covering multiple breakthrough pathways to produce renewable diesel, marine, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and gasoline from woody biomass, at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and costs in comparison to all known methods.
Launched the commercialization of its cellulosic ethanol production technology for construction of commercial scale facilities, with a focus on upgrading pre-existing first-generation corn ethanol facilities to woody biomass feedstocks.
Engaged clients in both the renewable diesel and carbon neutral pulp and paper industries for engineering, technology and equipment sales utilizing our cellulosic technologies for the deployment of carbon neutral solutions in 2023.
Selected Financial Highlights – Corporate
Total assets were $116,499,012 at September 30, 2022, as compared to $117,826,063 at June 30, 2022.
Operating expenses were $2,963,782 for the third quarter 2022, including selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,894,500 and research and development expenses of $1,330,340, and depreciation of $794,565 offset by the $1,055,623 gain on sale of the Daney Ranch property.
Third quarter 2022 net loss was $5,315,044 or $(0.07) per share, as compared to third quarter 2021 net loss of $9,494,506 or $(0.17) per share. The 2022 loss decreased primarily due to a $5,630,000 decrease in losses from the estimated fair value of the derivative assets and the gain of $1,055,623 on the sale of the Daney Ranch, partially offset by increases of $1,166,006 for research and development expenses, $458,960 in depreciation and amortization, and $311,809 for selling, general and administrative expenses.
Deposited $2,000,000 during October, on LiNiCo’s battery metal recycling facility located at 2500 Peru Drive, with a total purchase price of $15.25 million. The facility was recently appraised at a value well in excess of $25 million.
Debt was $3,887,933 at September 30, 2022, net of discount, that increased by approximately $2 million in October, 2022, from an additional borrowing associated with the deposit paid toward the purchase of the LiNiCo facility.
Expanded non-strategic asset monetization efforts with asset sales proceeds now expected in excess of $25 million.
Cash and cash equivalents were $1,156,512 at September 30, 2022.
Outstanding common shares were 82,388,289 at September 30, 2022, and 86,055,389 at October 28, 2022.
“We made major advancements in both of our renewable energy businesses, advancing our technology foundation, our supply chain partners, and our ability to commercialize our solutions into the markets in 2023,” stated Mr. Corrado De Gasperis, Comstock’s executive chairman and chief executive officer. “We are also on the brink of monetizing non-strategic assets, thereby positioning our businesses for exponential growth and meaningful, impactful decarbonization.”
Electrification Products
The Company made major advancements in substantially all areas of its battery metal recycling business, including technology development, permitting and readiness of the facilities for deployment. The Company completed construction and initial commissioning of its breakthrough LIB crushing, separating, and conditioning process with the ability to produce a novel and pure black mass. The Company also advanced testing of these materials for high efficiency metals extraction, starting with lithium, and successfully obtained permits for its processing and storage facilities, both located in northern Nevada.
“We have successfully developed a proprietary system that produces a novel and pure black mass, positioning us for production and the development of high efficiency metals extraction, starting with lithium, a critically needed mineral,” said Mr. De Gasperis. “Our team is enhancing the pilot system for deployment in Nevada where we look to integrate our black mass and lithium extraction processes in 2023.”
During the third quarter of 2022, LiNiCo received its main operating permit and submitted its modified air quality permit for its battery metal recycling facility at 2500 Peru Drive, as well as a conditional use permit from Lyon County, NV, authorizing the operation of a LIB pre-recycling storage facility at a separate, expansive industrial site.
The Company’s LIB storage facility represents one of the largest industrial parcels, nearly 200 acres, residing in one of the largest industrial parks in Lyon County, Nevada, with ample power, water and immediate highway access. The facility will receive, sort, and store waste LIBs, with significant capacity for expansion and possible crushing and separating operations.
“The receipt and storage of these batteries represents an essential component of our regional supply chain for recycling these critical metals,” said Mr. De Gasperis, “We are thrilled with Lyon County’s support as we secure this fundamental piece necessary for receiving, storing and potentially expandable into also recycling waste LIBs.”
Cellulosic Fuels
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, primarily vegetable-based oils. Comstock’s plans to decarbonize with renewable fuels utilizes woody biomass, an abundant, carbon-neutral feedstock not in use today, that enables a vast untapped energy source with superior benefits. The Company recently announced a significant expansion of its leading cellulosic technology portfolio by filing for a new patent covering breakthrough pathways to produce renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) gasoline and marine fuel from woody biomass, at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and cost in comparison to all known methods.
“Our new patent covers processes and compositions that have been validated at our existing two ton per day cellulosic fuels pilot facility, verifying that we can simultaneously produce multiple purified bio-intermediates that are uniquely isolated and free of the contaminants that have frustrated prior attempts at commercializing cellulosic fuels,” stated Mr. De Gasperis.
Based on current data, Comstock projects best-in-class renewable yields exceeding 80 gallons per dry ton of woody biomass (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis), with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions exceeding 80% over petroleum.
The Company is currently expanding its existing cellulosic demonstration system to include the production of Bioleum™ and expects the demonstration system to add to its existing capabilities for producing carbon-neutral pulp, cellulosic sugar, and cellulosic ethanol. The expansion into Bioleum™ will demonstrate the full capability of producing these biointermediaries suitable for the production of renewable diesel fuel, sustainable aviation fuel, gasoline, marine fuel, and other products from woody biomass.
The Company recently submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) entitled “Production of Renewable Diesel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Gasoline, and Marine Fuel from Lignocellulosic Biomass at Dramatically Improved Yield, Efficiency, and Cost” reflecting positively on our technology and the strength of our collaboration partners.
De Gasperis continued, “The existing U.S. biorefining capacity is far greater than current feedstocks can support, and the DOE clearly recognizes the need for diverse feedstocks. We believe that our expanded technology solutions, and the magnitude of feedstocks that they enable, unblock one of the most critical supply chain constraints across the U.S. and global markets.”
The Company is also marketing its cellulosic ethanol production technology for construction of commercial scale facilities, with a focus on upgrading pre-existing, first-generation corn ethanol facilities that can convert woody biomass into cellulosic ethanol at dramatically improved yield, efficiency, and cost when compared to corn. Comstock’s first bio-intermediate is a purified form of cellulosic sugar that can be used as a chemically identical “drop-in” feedstock in corn ethanol facilities.
“Our goal is to accelerate the commercialization of decarbonizing technologies,” added De Gasperis. “We are ready to enable dramatic improvements in GHG reductions and ethanol profitability today, with existing corn-based producers.”
Mineral Assets and Gold and Silver Resources
The Company has completed its geologic and engineering work associated with publishing a new mineral resource technical report and related SK-1300 compliant mineral resource estimates for the southern part of the historic Comstock District, including the Dayton-Spring-Valley-Oest complex. The mineral resource estimate and broader technical report are being reviewed for publication by Behre Dolbear, one of the leading mineral consultants, with publication expected this month.
Separately, Tonogold Resources Inc. had a separate SK-1300 compliant report published by Mine Development Associates Inc. (“MDA”), of Reno, Nevada, a Division of RESPEC Company LLC. The MDA report identifies gold and silver mineral resources for the Company’s 100% owned Lucerne resource area and is also available on Tonogold’s website.
These reports are prepared in accordance with the disclosure and reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) new mining rules under subpart 1300 and item 601 (96)(iii) of Regulation S-K (the ‘New Mining Rules’). MDA is the author of the Technical Report for the Comstock Project in Storey County, NV, and are independent of Tonogold. Behre Dolbear will be the author of the Technical Report for the Dayton resource area and all of the other exploration targets in Lyon County, NV, and are independent of Comstock Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Corporate
The Company now expects more than $25 million in proceeds over the next two quarters from the sale of its non-mining properties, non-strategic investments, and collection of advances receivable, including proceeds from Sierra Springs Opportunity Fund. The Company is directly engaged with multiple parties and expects these transactions to eliminate all debt obligations and position the Company with a substantial cash position during the first quarter of 2023.
Conference Call Details
Comstock will host the conference call on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 1:15 p.m. PDT (4:15 p.m. EDT) and the webcast will include a moderated question and answer session following the Company’s prepared remarks. Please click the link below to register in advance and please join the event at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webcast. Please click here to register in advance.
About Comstock
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.
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 partnerships, contracts and collaborations, future grant awards, future asset sales, future liquidity and financial positions, future explorations or acquisitions; future changes in our exploration activities; future changes in our research and development; and future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Neither this press release nor any related call or discussion 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.comstock.inc
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
Sierra Metals Inc. is a diversified Canadian mining company with Green Metal exposure including increasing copper production and base metal production with precious metals byproduct credits, focused on the production and development of its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. Sierra Metals has recently had several new key discoveries and still has many more exciting brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico that are within close proximity to the existing mines. Additionally, the Company also has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.
Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Sierra receives an unsolicited transaction proposal. Sierra Metals recently received an unsolicited, non-binding letter of intent (LOI) from Compania Minera Kolpa S.A. (Kolpa) outlining indicative terms for a proposed merger with Sierra Metals and a concurrent financing by an unaffiliated investment firm. Kolpa is a private mining company that operates the polymetallic Huachocolpa Uno underground mine in Peru with capacity of 1,800 tonnes per day. The transaction is supported by affiliates of Arias Resource Capital, Sierra’s largest shareholder, that collectively own approximately 27% of Sierra’s issued and outstanding shares. Kolpa shareholders supporting the transaction proposal include Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P., Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P., and GR Holding S.A.
Transaction basics. While specifics remain to be disclosed and could change, the proposed transaction would be an operational merger of Kolpa and Sierra assets in Peru, following a business combination that would result in Sierra owning all the shares or assets of Kolpa. Concurrent with the transaction, Kolpa’s financing partner proposes to purchase unsecured convertible debentures that would be convertible into common shares of Sierra.
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 financing. Aurania Resources announced a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 4,444,444 units at a price of C$0.45 per unit for gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000. Each unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one share for C$0.75 per warrant for a period of 24 months. Proceeds will be used to fund drilling and exploration activities and general working capital. Closing is subject to receipt of approvals, including from the TSX Venture Exchange.
Drilling to commence shortly. Detailed interpretation of the “Anaconda Method” mapping program at Aurania’s Tatasham porphyry target in southeastern Ecuador is nearing completion and the first few drill holes are being defined for a drill program expected to begin in the latter half of November or early December 2022, with drilling at the Awacha target to follow.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) today reported substantial increases to financial and operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the “2022 Quarter”) compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (the “2021 Quarter”). Total revenues in the 2022 Quarter increased 51.3% to a record $628.4 million compared to $415.4 million for the 2021 Quarter as a result of significantly higher coal sales revenues, which rose $188.3 million to $550.6 million, and oil & gas royalties revenues, which jumped 75.6% to $35.3 million. Coal sales revenues increased on the strength of record coal sales prices, which rose 40.5% in the 2022 Quarter to $59.94 per ton sold, and increased coal sales volumes, which were 8.1% higher compared to the 2021 Quarter. Oil & gas royalties revenue in the 2022 Quarter benefited from significantly higher volumes and sales price realizations per BOE, which increased 33.1% and 31.6%, respectively, compared to the 2021 Quarter. Total operating expenses increased to $450.3 million in the 2022 Quarter, compared to $348.7 million in the 2021 Quarter, due primarily to increased coal sales volumes and ongoing inflationary cost pressures. Net income for the 2022 Quarter increased 186.0% to $164.6 million, or $1.25 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $57.5 million, or $0.44 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2021 Quarter. EBITDA also increased 84.0% in the 2022 Quarter to $250.2 million compared to $135.9 million in the 2021 Quarter. (Unless otherwise noted, all references in the text of this release to “net income” refer to “net income attributable to ARLP.” For a definition of EBITDA and related reconciliation to its comparable GAAP financial measure throughout this release, please see the end of this release.)
Performance in the 2022 Quarter also improved compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022 (the “Sequential Quarter”) as modest increases to coal sales volumes and pricing pushed both coal sales and total revenues higher by 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Increased revenues, partially offset by higher total operating expenses in the 2022 Quarter, led net income and EBITDA higher by 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively, both as compared to the Sequential Quarter.
Total revenues increased 55.6% to $1.71 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 (the “2022 Period”), compared to $1.10 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 (the “2021 Period”), primarily due to substantial increases in prices and volumes from both coal and oil & gas royalties. Higher revenues, partially offset by increased total operating and income tax expenses, led to significantly higher net income, which rose 187.1% to $362.7 million for the 2022 Period, or $2.76 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $126.3 million, or $0.97 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, for the 2021 Period. EBITDA increased 85.3% in the 2022 Period to $646.3 million compared to $348.9 million in the 2021 Period.
As previously announced on October 28, 2022, the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner (the “Board”) increased the cash distribution to unitholders for the 2022 Quarter to $0.50 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.00 per unit), payable on November 14, 2022, to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on November 7, 2022. The announced distribution represents a 150.0% increase over the cash distribution of $0.20 per unit for the 2021 Quarter and a 25.0% increase over the cash distribution of $0.40 per unit for the Sequential Quarter.
“With energy market fundamentals remaining favorable during the 2022 Quarter, ARLP again delivered strong financial and operating performance, as we posted record quarterly total revenues and income from operations as well as significant increases to net income and EBITDA compared to the 2021 Quarter,” said Joseph W. Craft III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Higher coal sales and production volumes combined with record per ton price realizations drove our total Coal Segment Adjusted EBITDA up 77.8% to $224.6 million as margins per ton sold jumped $9.58 compared to the 2021 Quarter. Strong energy markets also continued to benefit our royalty businesses as increased volumes and commodity price realizations led to increased total royalty revenue and record Segment Adjusted EBITDA during the 2022 Quarter.”
Mr. Craft added, “ARLP was also able to execute new coal sales commitments for delivery of 5.6 million tons through 2025 at prices supporting higher margins in the future. With ARLP sold out for this year and solid contracted coal sales volumes in 2023 and 2024, we have good visibility into our ability to generate cash flow growth over the next several years. Reflecting our strong year-to-date performance and future expectations, ARLP’s Board elected to accelerate our previously planned increases to cash distributions to unitholders by declaring a $0.50 per unit distribution for the 2022 Quarter, as communicated last week.”
ARLP’s coal sales prices per ton increased significantly in both the Illinois Basin and Appalachia compared to the 2021 Quarter as improved price realizations in both the domestic and export markets drove coal sales prices higher by 35.9% and 45.7% in the Illinois Basin and Appalachia, respectively. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, coal sales price realizations improved as well. Increased domestic sales volumes drove coal sales volumes higher by 6.2% and 12.1% in the Illinois Basin and Appalachia, respectively, compared to the 2021 Quarter. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, Illinois Basin coal sales volumes increased 4.8% as a result of higher sales volumes at our Gibson South and Hamilton mines while coal sales volumes in Appalachia remained relatively consistent. ARLP ended the 2022 Quarter with total coal inventory of 1.4 million tons, representing an increase of 0.4 million tons compared to the end of the 2021 Quarter and a decrease of 0.2 million tons compared to the end of the Sequential Quarter.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased by 22.6% and 30.1% in the Illinois Basin and Appalachia, respectively, compared to the 2021 Quarter primarily as a result of ongoing inflationary pressures on numerous expense items, most notably labor-related expenses, supply and maintenance costs as well as increased sales-related expenses due to higher price realizations. Longwall moves at our Hamilton and Tunnel Ridge mines during the 2022 Quarter also contributed to higher per ton expenses compared to the 2021 Quarter. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton in the Illinois Basin decreased 4.4% in the 2022 Quarter due to increased sales volumes, lower roof support expenses, higher recoveries at our Gibson South and Hamilton mines and a $6.5 million non-cash contingent accrual recorded in the Sequential Quarter related to our 2015 purchase of the Hamilton mine. These decreases were partially offset by an extended longwall move at our Hamilton mine during the 2022 Quarter. In Appalachia, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense per ton increased 15.7% compared to the Sequential Quarter as a result of adverse mining conditions and preparation plant maintenance improvements at MC Mining, higher labor-related expenses and supply costs as well as a longwall move at our Tunnel Ridge mine in the 2022 Quarter. These increases were partially offset by lower sales-related expenses due to decreased price realizations and increased recoveries at our Mettiki and Tunnel Ridge mines.
Our Oil & Gas Royalties segment had significantly higher volumes and sales price realizations per BOE in the 2022 Quarter which drove Segment Adjusted EBITDA higher by 87.5% to a record $35.8 million compared to $19.1 million for the 2021 Quarter. Compared to the Sequential Quarter, Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by 3.4% in the 2022 Quarter primarily due to higher oil & gas volumes, which rose by 10.4%, partially offset by lower price realizations, which decreased by 11.1%.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for our Coal Royalties segment increased to $11.2 million, representing increases of 21.4% and 22.3% compared the 2021 and Sequential Quarters, respectively, as a result of increased royalty tons sold and higher average royalty rates per ton.
Outlook
“Assisted by the supply driven energy crisis the world has experienced this year, ARLP is on track to achieve record financial results in 2022,” said Mr. Craft. “Since we have not seen a meaningful supply response, we expect the global energy markets will continue to be favorable for the foreseeable future. Based upon this view and our current contracted coal sales volumes, we expect to add up to two million tons of Illinois basin production next year giving us confidence our Partnership’s 2023 financial results will grow beyond this year’s record performance. In the near term, inflation pressures and continuing transportation challenges are the most significant issues our coal operations and marketing teams are managing. Rail performance has recently improved but low water levels and lock outages have impacted both exports destined for the U.S. Gulf and domestic barge traffic. These potential shipping delays may lead us to defer some of this year’s contracted tons into early next year. We have therefore adjusted our expectations for 2022 coal sales volumes, prices and costs as noted in the updated guidance table below. Our oil & gas royalties segment continues to benefit from increased drilling and completion activity by operators on our acreage and we have adjusted volume expectations accordingly.”
Mr. Craft continued, “Since our last earnings call in July, ARLP continued to invest for future growth. In keeping with our objective of reinvesting cash flows generated by our oil & gas royalty segment, we recently closed two transactions totaling $94.5 million to acquire an additional 4,322 net oil & gas royalty acres in the Permian Basin. There are currently 1,200 producing wells, 101 wells to be completed and 98 permitted locations on the acquired acreage, providing ARLP with line of sight to future oil & gas production growth. To enhance our long-lived, efficient mining operations and to maximize cash flow from our existing coal assets, we recently committed to access a resource area containing approximately 110 million tons adjacent to our River View mine allowing us to produce from a more productive, higher yield coal seam area and capture the opportunity to fully utilize existing infrastructure at this operation. In addition, during the 2022 Quarter, we added 69 million tons of lower cost, lower sulfur coal adjacent to our low-cost Tunnel Ridge longwall mine. We expect both of these investments will payout on cost savings alone and also give us the opportunity to add tons beyond 2024 to meet market demand, if available. Finally, ARLP recently elected to hold its commitment to Francis Energy at its initial $20 million convertible note investment. We remain interested in the EV infrastructure market and continue to evaluate opportunities in the industry to create value potential for ARLP.”
Mr. Craft concluded, “These are exciting times for ARLP. We believe our current core businesses are well positioned to deliver significant cash flows for some time to come, allowing ARLP to provide attractive cash returns to unitholders, effectively manage our balance sheet and invest in new opportunities to create long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”
ARLP’s updated full year 2022 guidance is outlined below:
A conference call regarding ARLP’s 2022 Quarter financial results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “investor relations” section of ARLP’s website at http://www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13733069.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States. 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 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.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at http://www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7674 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
The statements and projections used throughout this release are based on current expectations. These statements and projections are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. These projections do not include the potential impact of any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that may occur after the date of this release. We have included more information below regarding business risks that could affect our results.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: With the exception of historical matters, any matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Those forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to our future financial performance, coal and oil & gas consumption and expected future prices, our ability to increase unitholder distributions in future quarters, business plans and potential growth with respect to our energy and infrastructure transition investments, optimizing cash flows, reducing operating and capital expenditures, preserving liquidity and maintaining financial flexibility, among others. These risks to our ability to achieve these outcomes include, but are not limited to, the following: the outcome or escalation of current hostilities in Ukraine, the severity, magnitude, and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new virus variants, including impacts of the pandemic and of businesses’ and governments’ responses to the pandemic, including actions to mitigate its impact and the development of treatments and vaccines, on our operations and personnel, and on demand for coal, oil, and natural gas, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers, available liquidity and capital sources and broader economic disruptions; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility arising from hostilities in Ukraine, including inflation, changes in coal, oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids prices, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position; decline in the coal industry’s share of electricity generation, including as a result of environmental concerns related to coal mining and combustion and the cost and perceived benefits of other sources of electricity and fuels, such as oil & gas, nuclear energy, and renewable fuels; changes in global economic and geo-political conditions or in industries in which we or our customers operate; changes in coal prices and/or oil & gas prices, demand and availability which could affect our operating results and cash flows; actions of the major oil-producing countries with respect to oil production volumes and prices could have direct and indirect impacts over the near and long term on oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in competition in domestic and international coal markets and our ability to respond to such changes; potential shut-ins of production by operators of the properties in which we hold mineral interests due to low oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquid prices or the lack of downstream demand or storage capacity; risks associated with the expansion of our operations and properties; our ability to identify and complete acquisitions; our ability to identify and invest in new energy and infrastructure transition ventures; the success of our development plans for our wholly owned subsidiary, MatrixDesign Group, LLC, and our investments in emerging infrastructure and technology companies; dependence on significant customer contracts, including renewing existing contracts upon expiration; adjustments made in price, volume, or terms to existing coal supply agreements; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; the effects of and changes in taxes or tariffs and other trade measures adopted by the United States and foreign governments; legislation, regulations, and court decisions and interpretations thereof, both domestic and foreign, including those relating to the environment and the release of greenhouse gases, mining, miner health and safety, hydraulic fracturing, and health care; deregulation of the electric utility industry or the effects of any adverse change in the coal industry, electric utility industry, or general economic conditions; investors’ and other stakeholders’ increasing attention to environmental, social and governance matters; liquidity constraints, including those resulting from any future unavailability of financing; customer bankruptcies, cancellations or breaches to existing contracts, or other failures to perform; customer delays, failure to take coal under contracts or defaults in making payments; our productivity levels and margins earned on our coal sales; disruptions to oil & gas exploration and production operations at the properties in which we hold mineral interests; changes in equipment, raw material, service or labor costs or availability, including due to inflationary pressures; changes in our ability to recruit, hire and maintain labor, including as a result of the potential impact of government-imposed vaccine mandates; our ability to maintain satisfactory relations with our employees; increases in labor costs including costs of health insurance and taxes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, adverse changes in work rules, or cash payments or projections associated with workers’ compensation claims; increases in transportation costs and risk of transportation delays or interruptions; operational interruptions due to geologic, permitting, labor, weather, supply chain shortages of equipment or mine supplies, or other factors; risks associated with major mine-related accidents, mine fires, mine floods or other interruptions; results of litigation, including claims not yet asserted; foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad; difficulty maintaining our surety bonds for mine reclamation as well as workers’ compensation and black lung benefits; difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding post-mine reclamation as well as pension, black lung benefits, and other post-retirement benefit liabilities; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our coal mineral reserves and resources; uncertainties in estimating and replacing our oil & gas reserves; uncertainties in the amount of oil & gas production due to the level of drilling and completion activity by the operators of our oil & gas properties; uncertainties in the future of the electric vehicle industry and the market for EV charging stations; the impact of current and potential changes to federal or state tax rules and regulations, including a loss or reduction of benefits from certain tax deductions and credits; difficulty obtaining commercial property insurance, and risks associated with our participation in the commercial insurance property program; evolving cybersecurity risks, such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or others with authorized access, cyber or phishing-attacks, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, or other actions; and difficulty in making accurate assumptions and projections regarding future revenues and costs associated with equity investments in companies we do not control.
Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in ARLP’s public periodic filings with the SEC, including ARLP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed on February 25, 2022 and amended on August 26, 2022, and ARLP’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, filed on May 9, 2022 and August 8, 2022, respectively. Except as required by applicable securities laws, ARLP does not intend to update its forward-looking statements.
Reconciliation of GAAP “net income attributable to ARLP” to non-GAAP “EBITDA” and “Distributable Cash Flow” (in thousands).
EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to ARLP before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Distributable cash flow (“DCF”) is defined as EBITDA excluding interest expense (before capitalized interest), interest income, income taxes and estimated maintenance capital expenditures. Distribution coverage ratio (“DCR”) is defined as DCF divided by distributions paid to partners.
Management believes that the presentation of such additional financial measures provides useful information to investors regarding our performance and results of operations because these measures, when used in conjunction with related GAAP financial measures, (i) provide additional information about our core operating performance and ability to generate and distribute cash flow, (ii) provide investors with the financial analytical framework upon which management bases financial, operational, compensation and planning decisions and (iii) present measurements that investors, rating agencies and debt holders have indicated are useful in assessing us and our results of operations.
EBITDA, DCF and DCR should not be considered as alternatives to net income attributable to ARLP, net income, income from operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and DCF are not intended to represent cash flow and do not represent the measure of cash available for distribution. Our method of computing EBITDA, DCF and DCR may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies, or EBITDA, DCF and DCR may be computed differently by us in different contexts (i.e. public reporting versus computation under financing agreements).
Reconciliation of GAAP “Cash flows from operating activities” to non-GAAP “Free cash flow” (in thousands).
Free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures and the change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities from purchases of property plant and equipment. Free cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Our method of computing free cash flow may not be the same method used by other companies. Free cash flow is a supplemental liquidity measure used by our management to assess our ability to generate excess cash flow from our operations.
Reconciliation of GAAP “Operating Expenses” to non-GAAP “Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense” and Reconciliation of non-GAAP ” EBITDA” to “Segment Adjusted EBITDA” (in thousands).
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense includes operating expenses, coal purchases and other expense. Transportation expenses are excluded as these expenses are passed through to our customers and, consequently, we do not realize any margin on transportation revenues. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management to assess the operating performance of our segments. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense is a key component of EBITDA in addition to coal sales, royalty revenues and other revenues. The exclusion of corporate general and administrative expenses from Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense allows management to focus solely on the evaluation of segment operating performance as it primarily relates to our operating expenses. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Expense – Coal Operations excludes expenses of our Oil & Gas Royalties segment and is adjusted for intercompany interactions with our Coal Royalties segment.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to ARLP before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and general and administrative expenses. Segment Adjusted EBITDA – Coal Operations excludes the contribution of our Oil & Gas and Coal Royalties segments to allow management to focus solely on the operating performance of our Illinois Basin and Appalachia segments.
Brian L. Cantrell Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (918) 295-7673
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL:SMT) (NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS) (“Sierra Metals” or “the Company”) confirms that it received an unsolicited, non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) following the close of business on October 27, 2022 from Compañia Minera Kolpa S.A. (“Kolpa”), among others.
The LOI outlines indicative terms for a proposed: (a) business combination of Kolpa and Sierra Metals; and (b) concurrent financing by an investment firm (collectively, the “Proposal”).
The LOI was submitted by Kolpa with its shareholders Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P. and Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P., among others. The LOI states that Arias Resource Capital Fund II L.P. and Arias Resource Capital Fund II (Mexico) L.P. and other members of the Arias Group (and principals) hold approximately 27% of the common shares of Sierra Metals.
As previously announced, a Special Committee of the independent members of Sierra Metals’ Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) was formed with a mandate that includes exploring, reviewing and considering financing, restructuring and strategic options in the best interests of Sierra Metals.
The Special Committee is reviewing and considering the Proposal, with the assistance of financial and legal advisors to the Special Committee and to the Company. The Special Committee will consider the benefits of the Proposal to the Company and its stakeholders and all viable alternatives that may be or may become available to the Company. No decisions or recommendations have been made by the Special Committee regarding the transactions that are the subject of the Proposal at this time and the LOI has not been executed by the Company. Shareholders do not need to take any action with respect to the Proposal at this time.
The Company will continue to provide appropriate disclosure of any material developments as they arise.
About Sierra Metals
Sierra Metals is a diversified Canadian mining company with Green Metal exposure including copper production and base metal production with precious metals byproduct credits, focused on the production and development of its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The Company is focused on increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. The Company also has large land packages at all three mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.
For further information regarding Sierra Metals, please visit www.sierrametals.com or contact:
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the course of action, if any, to be pursued in response to the Proposal. Forward-looking information relates to future events or the anticipated performance of Sierra Metals and reflect management’s expectations or beliefs regarding such future events and anticipated performance based on an assumed set of economic conditions and courses of action. In certain cases, statements that contain forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainness and other factors that may cause actual performance of Sierra Metals to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The Company has made certain assumptions regarding, among other things, the strategic alternatives that may be available to it. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance of Sierra Metals to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 16, 2022 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and other risks identified in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.
The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company’s statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) today announced that the Board of Directors of ARLP’s general partner approved an increased cash distribution to its unitholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the “2022 Quarter”).
ARLP unitholders will receive a cash distribution for the 2022 Quarter of $0.50 per unit (an annualized rate of $2.00 per unit), payable on November 14, 2022 to all unitholders of record as of the close of trading on November 7, 2022. The announced distribution represents a 150.0% increase over the cash distribution of $0.20 per unit for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and a 25.0% increase over the cash distribution of $0.40 per unit for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
As previously announced, ARLP will report financial results for the 2022 Quarter before the market opens on Monday, October 31, 2022 and Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.
To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “investor relations” section of ARLP’s website at http://www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13733069.
This announcement is intended to be a qualified notice under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b), with 100% of the partnership’s distributions to foreign investors attributable to gross income, gain or loss that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, ARLP’s distributions to foreign investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable tax rate.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States. 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 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.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at http://www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7674 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Brian L. Cantrell Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (918) 295-7673
Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Another box checked. Cypress Development selected thyssenkrupp nucera USA, Inc. to provide the design and engineering for the chlor-alkali plant as it advances its Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada. The chlor-alkali plant will enable the project to produce two key reagents, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, required for processing lithium-bearing claystone through to a lithium carbonate product. The company’s selection of thyssenkrupp nucera represents another step towards completion of the feasibility study in the second quarter of 2023.
Feasibility study is taking shape. Work on the feasibility study commenced in March under the direction of Wood PLC and is advancing as planned. Wood, along with support from others, has completed or is nearing completion of several items, including resource and reserve estimates, mine plan, processing plant design, and tailings and waste storage facilities.
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.
October 27, 2022 – Vancouver, Canada – Cypress Development Corp. (TSXV: CYP) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) (Cypress or Company) is pleased to announce the selection of thyssenkrupp nucera USA, Inc. (thyssenkrupp nucera) to provide the design and engineering for the chlor-alkali plant as part of the ongoing Feasibility Study on the Company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA (Project). The chlor-alkali plant is an essential component which will allow the Project to self-generate two key reagents required for processing lithium-bearing claystone through to a Li2CO3 (lithium carbonate) product.
“The Company’s selection of thyssenkrupp nucera is another important step towards completion of the Feasibility Study for the Project’s production of lithium carbonate. Their experience and proven track record as an electrolysis technology company with worldwide knowledge in the chlor-alkali field will add to our Feasibility Study” stated Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO of Cypress Development.
thyssenkrupp nucera USA Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA, an international company that offers world-leading technologies for high-efficiency electrolysis plants, which includes chlor-alkali electrolysis, HCl electrolysis, and alkaline water electrolysis. thyssenkrupp nucera’s scope in the chlorine electrolysis business includes the supply and services around engineering, supply of all major plant equipment, supervision of the erection and commissioning activities, training of the operating personnel as well as holistic 360-degree service solutions for the entire lifecycle of a plant.
thyssenkrupp nucera’s scope of work will include the development of a facility concept for treatment of the recovered brine stream from Cypress’ process and ensure compatibility with the membrane electrolysis cells of a chlor-alkali plant. Standardized and proprietary e-BiTACv7 BiPolar type membrane cell electrolyzers from thyssenkrupp nucera serve as the heart of the chlor-alkali plant to generate the key reagents HCl (hydrochloric acid) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) required to process the lithium ore. The NaCl (sodium chloride) and H2O (water) molecules present in the recovered brine are electrolyzed to produce Cl2 (chlorine), H2 (hydrogen) and the sodium hydroxide, where then outside of the cells, the chlorine and hydrogen molecules are combined to produce hydrochloric acid.
Feasibility Study Update
The Company’s Feasibility Study on the Project commenced in March 2022 under the direction of Wood PLC (Wood), with support from Global Resource Engineers, Continental Metallurgical Services, WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc., and Cypress.
Progress on the Feasibility Study is advancing as planned. Wood and the supporting teams have completed or are near completion of several key items, including resource and reserve estimates, mine plan, processing plant design, and tailings and waste storage facilities.
Positive results from test work conducted at Saltworks Technologies Inc. (Saltworks) (see news release dated September 19, 2022), where high purity lithium carbonate was made at Saltworks from concentrated lithium solutions produced at Cypress’ Lithium Extraction Facility in Nevada.
Saltworks has since completed a second phase of testing which examined the production of lithium from the blowdown-brine stream collected during the lithium carbonate concentration in the first stage of testing. We are pleased to report these results are positive and confirm the viability of an increase in lithium recovery via re-concentration of the blowdown-brine and production of additional lithium carbonate solids. Results from third-party laboratory analysis are pending for lithium carbonate quality obtained during this test. This step has the potential to significantly reduce the volume required to be recycled back to the upstream direct lithium recovery (DLE) plant and reduce size and capital cost of the DLE plant.
Based on the progress and results from Saltworks, Cypress is focusing on lithium carbonate as the end-product for the Feasibility Study and has engaged Saltworks to provide the engineering and design for the final steps in producing lithium carbonate. Based on timelines for the major components and cost analysis, as well as to allow thyssenkrupp nucera sufficient time to complete its design and optimization studies, the Company expects the Feasibility Study to be completed in the second quarter of 2023.
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved of the technical information in this release.
About Cypress Development Corp
Cypress Development Corp. is a Canadian based advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. Cypress is in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit and progressing towards completing a 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 CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT 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 at www.sedar.com for further information.
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, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Resource and geotechnical drilling completed. Defense Metals completed resource delineation and pit geotechnical diamond drilling for the 2022 exploration season. A total of 5,500 meters of diamond drilling was completed in 18 holes. The drilling program included five pit slope geotechnical and hydrogeologic holes totaling 1,150 meters. Geotechnical drilling will aid optimizing the open pit slope design. Results from the program will support the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) expected to commence this quarter with completion expected in the first half of 2023.
Recent assay results. Defense Metals released assay results from one additional core hole, totaling 383 meters, collared within the northern area of Defense Metals’ Wicheeda Deposit. Infill hole WI22-70 was drilled southwest within the northern area of the deposit and intersected a broad zone of mineralized dolomite carbonatite averaging 2.50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 113 meters.
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.
When it comes to battery innovations, much attention gets paid to potential new chemistries and materials. Often overlooked is the importance of production processes for bringing down costs.
Now the MIT spinout 24M Technologies has simplified lithium-ion battery production with a new design that requires fewer materials and fewer steps to manufacture each cell. The company says the design, which it calls “SemiSolid” for its use of gooey electrodes, reduces production costs by up to 40 percent. The approach also improves the batteries’ energy density, safety, and recyclability.
Judging by industry interest, 24M is onto something. Since coming out of stealth mode in 2015, 24M has licensed its technology to multinational companies including Volkswagen, Fujifilm, Lucas TVS, Axxiva, and Freyr. Those last three companies are planning to build gigafactories (factories with gigawatt-scale annual production capacity) based on 24M’s technology in India, China, Norway, and the United States.
“The SemiSolid platform has been proven at the scale of hundreds of megawatts being produced for residential energy-storage systems. Now we want to prove it at the gigawatt scale,” says 24M CEO Naoki Ota, whose team includes 24M co-founder, chief scientist, and MIT Professor Yet-Ming Chiang.
Establishing large-scale production lines is only the first phase of 24M’s plan. Another key draw of its battery design is that it can work with different combinations of lithium-ion chemistries. That means 24M’s partners can incorporate better-performing materials down the line without substantially changing manufacturing processes.
The kind of quick, large-scale production of next-generation batteries that 24M hopes to enable could have a dramatic impact on battery adoption across society — from the cost and performance of electric cars to the ability of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.
“This is a platform technology,” Ota says. “We’re not just a low-cost and high-reliability operator. That’s what we are today, but we can also be competitive with next-generation chemistry. We can use any chemistry in the market without customers changing their supply chains. Other startups are trying to address that issue tomorrow, not today. Our tech can address the issue today and tomorrow.”
A Simplified Design
Chiang, who is MIT’s Kyocera Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, got his first glimpse into large-scale battery production after co-founding another battery company, A123 Systems, in 2001. As that company was preparing to go public in the late 2000s, Chiang began wondering if he could design a battery that would be easier to manufacture.
“I got this window into what battery manufacturing looked like, and what struck me was that even though we pulled it off, it was an incredibly complicated manufacturing process,” Chiang says. “It derived from magnetic tape manufacturing that was adapted to batteries in the late 1980s.”
In his lab at MIT, where he’s been a professor since 1985, Chiang started from scratch with a new kind of device he called a “semi-solid flow battery” that pumps liquids carrying particle-based electrodes to and from tanks to store a charge.
In 2010, Chiang partnered with W. Craig Carter, who is MIT’s POSCO Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and the two professors supervised a student, Mihai Duduta ’11, who explored flow batteries for his undergraduate thesis. Within a month, Duduta had developed a prototype in Chiang’s lab, and 24M was born. (Duduta was the company’s first hire.)
But even as 24M worked with MIT’s Technology Licensing Office (TLO) to commercialize research done in Chiang’s lab, people in the company including Duduta began rethinking the flow battery concept. An internal cost analysis by Carter, who consulted for 24M for several years, ultimately lead the researchers to change directions.
That left the company with loads of the gooey slurry that made up the electrodes in their flow batteries. A few weeks after Carter’s cost analysis, Duduta, then a senior research scientist at 24M, decided to start using the slurry to assemble batteries by hand, mixing the gooey electrodes directly into the electrolyte. The idea caught on.
The main components of batteries are the positive and negatively charged electrodes and the electrolyte material that allows ions to flow between them. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use solid electrodes separated from the electrolyte by layers of inert plastics and metals, which hold the electrodes in place.
Stripping away the inert materials of traditional batteries and embracing the gooey electrode mix gives 24M’s design a number of advantages.
For one, it eliminates the energy-intensive process of drying and solidifying the electrodes in traditional lithium-ion production. The company says it also reduces the need for more than 80 percent of the inactive materials in traditional batteries, including expensive ones like copper and aluminum. The design also requires no binder and features extra thick electrodes, improving the energy density of the batteries.
“When you start a company, the smart thing to do is to revisit all of your assumptions and ask what is the best way to accomplish your objectives, which in our case was simply-manufactured, low-cost batteries,” Chiang says. “We decided our real value was in making a lithium-ion suspension that was electrochemically active from the beginning, with electrolyte in it, and you just use the electrolyte as the processing solvent.”
In 2017, 24M participated in the MIT Industrial Liaison Program’s STEX25 Startup Accelerator, in which Chiang and collaborators made critical industry connections that would help it secure early partnerships. 24M has also collaborated with MIT researchers on projects funded by the Department of Energy.
Enabling the Battery Revolution
Most of 24M’s partners are eyeing the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market for their batteries, and the founders believe their technology will accelerate EV adoption. (Battery costs make up 30 to 40 percent of the price of EVs, according to the Institute for Energy Research).
“Lithium-ion batteries have made huge improvements over the years, but even Elon Musk says we need some breakthrough technology,” Ota says, referring to the CEO of EV firm Tesla. “To make EVs more common, we need a production cost breakthrough; we can’t just rely on cost reduction through scaling because we already make a lot of batteries today.”
24M is also working to prove out new battery chemistries that its partners could quickly incorporate into their gigafactories. In January of this year, 24M received a grant from the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program to develop and scale a high-energy-density battery that uses a lithium metal anode and semi-solid cathode for use in electric aviation.
That project is one of many around the world designed to validate new lithium-ion battery chemistries that could enable a long-sought battery revolution. As 24M continues to foster the creation of large scale, global production lines, the team believes it is well-positioned to turn lab innovations into ubiquitous, world-changing products.
“This technology is a platform, and our vision is to be like Google’s Android [operating system], where other people can build things on our platform,” Ota says. “We want to do that but with hardware. That’s why we’re licensing the technology. Our partners can use the same production lines to get the benefits of new chemistries and approaches. This platform gives everyone more options.”
