Category: Natural Resources

Release – Defense Metals Drills 113 metres of 2.50 % TREO at Wicheeda; Completes 2022 Resource Delineation and Pit Geotechnical Drilling of 5,500 metres

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on DFMTF

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 26, 2022 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element (“REE“) assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals’ 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit.

Infill drill hole WI22-70 (-55o dip / 234o azimuth) was drilled southwest within the northern area of the deposit intersected a broad zone of mineralized dolomite carbonatite averaging 2.50% total rare earth oxide (“TREO”) over 113 metres (m)1 (Figure 1).

The Company is also pleased to report the completion of the Wicheeda REE Deposit resource delineation and pit geotechnical diamond drilling campaign for the 2022 exploration season. This year a total of 5,500 metres of diamond drilling was completed in 18 holes. The 2022 drilling included completion of five (5) pit slope geotechnical and hydrogeologic holes totalling 1,150 metres, which were designed in part to support a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) expected to commence Q4 2022.

Kristopher Raffle, P.Geo. and Director and QP of Defense Metals stated: “The 2022 Wicheeda drilling continues to meet or exceed expectations, yielding broad zones of mineralized dolomite-carbonatite that in the case of WI22-70 announced today serves to support, and refine confidence in, our PEA mineralized volumes.”

Table 1. Wicheeda REE Deposit 2022 Diamond Drill Intercepts

Figure 1. Drill Section Hole WI22-70

About the Wicheeda REE Property

The 100% owned 4,244-hectare Wicheeda REE Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including power transmission lines, the CN railway, and major highways.

The Wicheeda REE Project yielded a robust 2021 preliminary economic assessment technical report (PEA) that demonstrated an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million, and 18% IRR3. A unique advantage of the Wicheeda REE Project is the production of a saleable high-grade flotation-concentrate. The PEA contemplates a 1.8 Mtpa (million tonnes per year) mill throughput open pit mining operation with 1.75:1 (waste:mill feed) strip ratio over a 19 year mine (project) life producing and average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste:mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.

Methodology and QA/QC

The analytical work reported on herein was performed by ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) at Langley (sample preparation) and Vancouver (ICP-MS fusion), B.C. ALS is an ISO-IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 accredited geoanalytical laboratory and is independent of the Defense Metals and the QP. Drill core samples were subject to crushing at a minimum of 70% passing 2 mm, followed by pulverizing of a 250-gram split to 85% passing 75 microns. A 0.1-gram sample pulp was then subject to multi-element ICP-MS analysis via lithium-borate fusion to determine individual REE content (ME-MS81h). Defense Metals follows industry standard procedures for the work carried out on the Wicheeda Project, with a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program. Blank, duplicate, and standard samples were inserted into the sample sequence sent to the laboratory for analysis. Defense Metals detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Raffle verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein. 

About Defense Metals Corp.

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 markets, 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 Deposit 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”.

For further information, please contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.
Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: (778) 994 8072
Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, drill results including anticipated timeline of such results/assays, commencement of the PFS, the Company’s plans for its Wicheeda REE Project, expanded resource and scale of expanded resource, expected results and outcomes, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations),  risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to, the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed drilling results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.

_________________________________
1The true width of REE mineralization is estimated to be 70-100% of the drilled interval.
2TREO % sum of CeO2, La2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3 and Ho2O3.
3Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

SOURCE Defense Metals Corp.

Release – Sierra Metals Reports Third Quarter 2022 Production Results and Announces Voluntary Delisting From NYSE American and BVL Exchanges

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on SMTS

OCTOBER 25, 2022

(All metal prices reported in USD)

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL:SMT) (NYSE AMERICAN: SMTS) (“Sierra Metals” or “the Company”) reports third quarter 2022 production results and announces its decision to voluntarily delist its common shares from the New York Stock Exchange American (“NYSE”) and the Bolsa de Valores de Lima (“BVL”). Delisting is intended to reduce costs and simplify Sierra’s administrative and compliance structure associated with these listings. The Company’s common shares will continue to be listed and traded in Canadian dollars on the TSX.

Production results are from Sierra Metals’ three underground mines in Latin America: The Yauricocha polymetallic mine in Peru, and the Bolivar copper and Cusi silver mines in Mexico.

Third Quarter 2022 Consolidated Production Highlights

  • As a result of the mudslide incident and the community blockade that followed, mining operations at Yauricocha were suspended for approximately 20 days in September.
  • Consolidated mill throughput decreased 12% when compared to the previous quarter and 25% when compared to Q3 2021, due to lower throughput at Yauricocha and slower ramp up at Bolivar as a result of an unforeseen flooding event in the Bolivar NorthWest zone.
  • Consolidated copper equivalent production was 7% lower compared to the previous quarter and 24% lower when compared to Q3 2021
  • Suspension of production and financial guidance remains in effect.

Consolidated Q3 2022 Results – The Company previously announced that results will be released on Tuesday, November 15th with a shareholder conference call and webcast on Wednesday, November 16th.

Correction: The Company’s Q3 2022 results will be released on Monday, November 14th after market close and the shareholder conference call and webcast will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00 AM EST. Dial in and event link details remain the same. Click here to register.

Luis Marchese, CEO of Sierra Metals, commented,“The tragic mudslide event that took place at the Yauricocha Mine last month has been extremely difficult for all of us at Sierra Metals. Safety for everyone remains our highest priority. As such, mining operations have re-commenced at a portion of the Yauricocha Mine, while a very thorough safety assurance process continues before restarting operations in the remaining areas.”

Additionally, the extended work stoppage at Yauricocha, due to the road blockade by a local community, concluded after an agreement was reached. The agreement is currently in the process of being implemented.”

He continued,“Bolivar’s turnaround effort has been delayed due to unexpected flooding events during most of the quarter at the Bolivar NorthWest zone in addition to operational delays in implementing a new raise bore to add ventilation. The flooding is currently under control.

Further, after an in-depth review, examining the advantages and disadvantages of Sierra’s listings, management and the Board determined that it would be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to voluntarily delist from both the NYSE and the BVL exchanges. The decision is intended to create simplification and to reduce significant costs associated with the continued listing on the NYSE and BVL.”

He concluded,“Sierra Metals has endured an unfortunate sequence of events, that have brought the Company to its current position. Our goal is to find the best path forward for the Company and its stakeholders.”

Consolidated Production Results

Throughput from the Yauricocha Mine during Q3 2022 was 269,057 tonnes, a 15% decline when compared to the previous quarter. When compared to Q3 2021, throughput from the Yauricocha Mine was 17% lower due to the suspension of mining activity and work stoppages during the third quarter, which resulted in a 31% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced.

At the Bolivar Mine, throughput was 227,669 tonnes during Q3 2022 or 11% lower as compared to Q2 2022. Lower throughput, combined with lower grades in copper and silver resulted in a 10% decrease in copper equivalent pound production when compared to the previous quarter. When compared to Q3 2021, throughput at Bolivar was 38% lower and while grades were higher for silver and gold, they were not enough to offset the lower throughput, resulting in a 16% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced.

At Cusi, throughput was 65,180 tonnes during Q3 2022 or 2% lower as compared to Q2 2022. The slightly lower throughput was offset by higher grades in all metals, resulting in a 32% increase in silver equivalent production. When compared to Q3 2021, a 7% increase in throughput, combined with higher head grades for all metals except lead, resulted in a 22% increase in silver equivalent production.

Yauricocha Mine, Peru

The Yauricocha Mine processed 269,057 tonnes during Q3 2022, which was a 15% decrease when compared to Q2 2022 and an 11% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced. While silver, lead and zinc grades increased by 7%, 24% and 15%, respectively, copper grades decreased by 17% and gold decreased by 24% when compared to the previous quarter.

When compared to Q3 2021, there was a 17% decrease from the 324,196 tonnes processed in the same quarter of 2021 and a 31% decrease in copper equivalent pounds produced. Negative variances in the grades of all metals were the result of restricted access to higher grade areas of the mine and contributed to the lower production of all metals at Yauricocha during Q3 2022.

The significant decrease in tonnage and copper equivalent pounds produced at Yauricocha is a result of the suspension of mining activities due to the mudslide that occurred on September 11, 2022 and the subsequent blockade that took place at the mine’s main entrance.

A summary of production from the Yauricocha Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Bolivar Mine, Mexico

The Bolivar mine processed 227,669 tonnes in Q3 2022, an 11% decrease from 256,372 tonnes in Q2 2022. Lower production during Q3, a 5% decrease in copper grades and a 2% decrease in silver grades resulted in a 10% decrease in copper equivalent pound production when compared to Q2 2022.

When comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, the Bolivar mine processed 38% fewer tonnes of ore. Copper grades were 2% lower while silver and gold grades were 9% and 159% higher, respectively which was not enough to offset the overall decrease in tonnes processed. The mine’s copper equivalent production for the quarter decreased by 16% when compared to the same quarter last year. Operational ramp up has been slower than expected due to unforeseen flooding in the Bolivar NorthWest zone during the quarter.

A summary of production for the Bolivar Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Cusi Mine, Mexico

Operating at an average throughput of 745 tpd, Cusi processed 2% fewer tonnes of ore in Q3 2022 as compared to Q2 2022. Higher grades in all metals resulted in a 32% increase in silver equivalent ounces.

When comparing Q3 2022 to Q3 2021, ore tonnage increased by 7%. Silver production increased 31%, with gold and lead production decreasing by 2% and 57%, respectively. Silver equivalent production of 374,000 ounces for the quarter was 22% higher than in Q3 2021.

A summary of production for the Cusi Mine for Q3 2022 is provided below:

Delisting From The NYSE American and BVL Stock Exchanges

Sierra Metals will notify the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the National Commission on the Supervision of Companies and Securities of its withdrawal of the common shares from listing on the NYSE and BVL, respectively.

The Company decided to pursue the voluntary de-listings after concluding that the disadvantages of maintaining its listing on the NYSE and the BVL outweighed the benefits to the Company and its shareholders. It was determined that a delisting will simplify Sierra’s administrative and compliance structure and reduce costs associated with the listing fees.

The decision to voluntarily delist the common shares from the NYSE and BVL will not impact the Company’s listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). The common shares will continue to be listed and traded on the TSX, subject to compliance with TSX continued listing standards.

The Company expects that the last day of trading of the common shares on the NYSE will be on or about November 14, 2022 and on the BVL on or about December 15, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of the requirements and completion of the internal processes of the latter exchange.

Shareholders holding shares in U.S. brokerage accounts should contact their brokers to confirm how to trade Sierra Metals’ shares in the future on the TSX. Likewise, shareholders holding shares acquired through Peruvian stockbroker agents should contact their brokers to confirm how to trade Sierra Metals’ shares in the future on the TSX.

Quality Control

Américo Zuzunaga, FAusIMM (Mining Engineer) and Vice President, Technical, is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

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 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.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including with respect to the delisting of the Common Shares on the NYSE and BVL (and the timing thereof), results of the delisting and the timing of the release of the Company’s Q3 2022 results and shareholders’ call and webcast. 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.

Investor Relations
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777
Email: info@sierrametals.com

Luis Marchese
CEO
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777

Source: Sierra Metals Inc.

Sierra Metals (SMTS) – Third Quarter Production Disappoints; Rating Lowered to Market Perform

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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.

Operational challenges negatively impact production. During the third quarter, Sierra Metals produced 6.3 million pounds of copper, 3.9 million pounds of lead, 10.8 million pounds of zinc, 2.2 thousand ounces of gold, and 669 thousand ounces of silver. On a sequential basis, copper and gold production declined 24% and 16%, respectively, while lead, silver, and zinc production increased 16%, 10%, and 4%, respectively. On a copper equivalent basis, production declined 7% sequentially and was below our estimate. Production was negatively impacted, among other things, by a mudslide  at the Yauricocha mine and flooding in the NorthWest Zone at the Bolivar mine.

Updating estimates. We have lowered our 2022 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $29.9 million and $(0.08) per share from $44.6 million and $(0.01) per share. We have lowered our 2023 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $76.1 million and $0.12 per share. Operational uncertainty associated with production at the company’s mines clouds our confidence in 2023 estimates. Sierra will release third quarter results after the market close on November 14 and will host an investor call on November 15 at 11:00 am ET.


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

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

We’re in an Energy Crisis According to the IEA

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image Credit: Steve Jurvetson (Flickr)

How Deep and How Long Will the Global Energy Crisis Last?

Are we in a global energy crisis? The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr. Fatih Birol, is sure of it. He referred to the global situation as a crisis on Tuesday (Oct. 25), speaking first at a conference, and later in an interview on CNBC. He explained that tighter markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG) worldwide and major oil producers cutting supply, have put the world in the middle of “the first truly global energy crisis.”

Our world has never witnessed an energy crisis with this depth and complexity,” according to the IEA head. He explained that until February 24, 2022, Russia was the number one fossil fuel exporter in the world. What has occurred since has been a major turn in oil and natural gas markets. Birol expects the volatility in oil and gas markets will continue throughout the world. When asked on CNBC Internaational if he thought it would be a prolonged war, he made clear that this is not his area of expertise; however, he believes there won’t be a “smooth transition into the next chapter for both oil and natural gas of the energy event.”

U.S. vs OPEC+

As it relates to the U.S. and OPEC being at odds, with OPEC managing toward supply-demand issues, and the U.S. being challenged by inflation, Birol says the two billion barrels cut by the oil-exporting nations is unprecedented. He believes it goes against their ambition to maximize profits as it works against economic growth in a world that is flirting with recession. He also pointed out it isn’t the U.S. that will experience hardship, rather, the emerging and developing countries will be hit hardest.

Image: Fatih Birol, IAEA Imagebank (November 2021)

On the same day, speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week, he shared that higher oil prices would push inflation higher and growth and production to shrink.

IEA projections show global oil consumption growing by 1.7 million barrels a day in 2023. Russian crude will be needed to bridge the gap between demand and supply, Birol said.

Russian Connection

The reduced Russian supply is a result of U.S. and the European Union’s decisions to place partial bans on Russian oil imports after Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country. The current proposed plan as the region heads into the heating season is to institute price caps on Russian resources. That would limit Moscow’s potential profits from oil exports while still allowing modest deliveries. Estimates are that these measures would leave space for between 80% and 90% of Russian oil to flow outside of the price cap. Birol expects this would help to make up for expected shortfalls. “I think this is good, because the world still needs Russian oil to flow into the market for now,” he said.

Oil Reserves

IEA members have built a stockpile of oil reserves that can be released if there’s a need to boost supply or temper prices, according to Birol. “We still have a huge amount of stocks to be released in case we see supply disruptions,” he said. “Currently, it is not on the agenda, but it can come anytime.”

The IEA head says that Europe will get through the winter if the weather remains mild, though somewhat battered. Birol said. “Unless we will have an extremely cold and long winter, unless there will be any surprises in terms of what we have seen, for example, Nord Stream pipeline explosion, Europe should go through this winter with some economic and social bruises.”

Take Away

The Executive Director of the IEA was in Singapore, speaking at a conference and giving media interviews. He did not sugarcoat his expectations. He expects oil and natural gas prices to remain volatile, and believes the emerging markets will be hurt most by OPECs cutting output. As for the upcoming winter, Birol says we are experiencing the worst global energy crisis in history, and it won’t resolve itself soon.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://bdnews24.com/business/7y637b19aj

https://www.iea.org/contributors/dr-fatih-birol

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-10-24/world-is-in-its-first-truly-global-energy-crisis-ieas-birol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZEYUXbcYzI

Labrador Gold Corp. (NKOSF) – Big Vein Target Continues to Deliver

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, October 21, 2022

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Drilling continues at the Big Vein target. Labrador Gold released results from recent drilling associated with its 100,000-meter drill program at its 100%-owned Kingsway gold project targeting the Appleton Fault Zone over a 12-kilometer strike length. A total of 58,265 meters have been drilled to date with assays pending for samples from approximately 3,100 meters of core. Currently, one rig is drilling at the Golden Glove target while two rigs are drilling at Big Vein to test for extensions of mineralization in both directions. With drilling at the CSAMT target completed, a third rig is being deployed at Big Vein.

High grade assay results. Hole K-22-190 from the north end of Big Vein returned an intersection of 30.67 grams of gold per tonne over 1.1 meters from 208.85 meters depth that included 99.31 grams of gold over 0.3 meters. At Big Vein Southwest, Hole K-22-184 intersected 4.67 grams of gold per tonne over 1.64 meters from 336.25 meters depth that included 8.97 grams of gold per tonne over 0.75 meters. Drilling has returned several significant intercepts at the north end of Big Vein, including 6.07 grams of gold per tonne over 19 meters in Hole K-21-111. Results from Hole K-22-190 underscore the high-grade prospectivity of the area.


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

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

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) – Outlook Remains Favorable; Nudging Up 2022 Estimates

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, October 21, 2022

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.

Updating estimates. Coal prices continued to exhibit strength during the third quarter and we believe the outlook for oil and gas prices remains favorable. We have increased our 2022 adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPU estimates to $951.9 million and $4.90 from $945.3 and $4.85, respectively. Our 2023 estimates remain unchanged. We have assumed the partnership declares third and fourth quarter per unit cash distributions of $0.45 and $0.50, respectively. 

New Ventures team. Alliance recently announced the formation of a New Ventures team, led by Andrew Woodward and Matthew Lewis, to make strategic investments in energy and infrastructure that promote decarbonization. The team will identify, develop, and execute commercial opportunities outside of the company’s existing businesses to enhance growth and the company’s ability to serve the evolving energy needs of the market.


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

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

Release – Sierra Metals Provides Financial and Operations Update and Announces Strategic Review Process

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on SMTS

OCTOBER 18, 2022

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (NYSE American: SMTS) (BVL or Bolsa de Valores de Lima: SMT) (“Sierra Metals” or the “Company”) announced today that a special committee comprised of its independent directors (the “Special Committee”) has initiated a process to evaluate and consider the Company’s current financial and liquidity position, operational challenges and possible financing and restructuring alternatives that may be available to the Company.

Financial and Operational Matters

The Company faces liquidity challenges as a result of the recent previously announced suspension of operations at the Yauricocha Mine and operating losses and negative cash flows that have accumulated, primarily from the Bolivar and Cusi operations.

While mining operations have re-commenced at areas of the Yauricocha Mine, a majority of the operation remains suspended at this time. A precise timeline for achieving full plant throughput has not yet been established.

Absent additional support and increased funding, the Company’s ability to continue operations in the ordinary course may be impacted. The Company is monitoring and actively managing its capital to preserve liquidity to support operations and will continue to consult with its financial and other stakeholders.

The Company reiterates that the safety and wellbeing of its employees and contractors remains of utmost importance.

Special Committee

The Special Committee includes all non-management members of the board of directors of the Company. The mandate of the Special Committee includes exploring, reviewing and considering options to optimize the operations of the Company and financing, restructuring and strategic options in the best interests of the Company. The Special Committee has a particular focus on liquidity, near term financing and cash conservation options.

Financial and legal advisors with particular expertise in turnaround and restructuring matters have been engaged to advise on this process.

It is the Company’s current intention to not disclose developments with respect to the Special Committee process unless and until the board of directors of Sierra Metals has approved a specific transaction or material steps or otherwise determines that disclosure is necessary.

The Company cautions that there are no assurances or guarantees of the results of the Special Committee review process, management’s efforts to improve the current situation or the impact that the process and such efforts will have on the Company’s financial and liquidity position or its operations. The Company has not set a definitive schedule to complete the evaluation.

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 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 Bolsa de Valores de Lima and on the Toronto Stock Exchange 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.

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Web: www.sierrametals.com | Twitter: sierrametals | Facebook: SierraMetalsInc | LinkedIn: Sierra Metals Inc | Instagram: sierrametals

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements with respect to the ability of the Company to continue operations in the ordinary course. 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. 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.

Investor Relations
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777
Email: info@sierrametals.com

Luis Marchese
CEO
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777

Ed Guimaraes
CFO
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777

Source: Sierra Metals Inc.

Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – Reinterpretation of Geological Data Provides Greater Insight

Posted on by cpatches


Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Exploration potential may be greater than previously thought. Relogging of drill core, along with the integration of geophysics and geochemistry from the Tiria-Shimpia target, revealed the presence of three structural grabens in the middle of Aurania’s concession block in Ecuador. Grabens are bordered by parallel faults. The identification of grabens is significant given that their faults are often conduits for hydrothermal fluids and have significant potential to host mineralization.

Long and wide. The north graben is 10 kilometers long and 3.5 kilometers wide, while the central graben is 26 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. The south graben is 18 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide.


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

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

Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – Flotation Results Yield High Grade Mineral Concentrate

Posted on by cpatches


Tuesday, October 18, 2022

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.

Flotation tests across a range of lithologies. The Wicheeda deposit is to be developed as an open pit mining operation. Once mined, rare earth oxides (REO) will be milled and processed in a flotation plant to produce a REO concentrate. The company is currently performing flotation tests on samples of differing lithologies. The Wicheeda deposit is characterized by three main rare earths bearing lithologies, including dolomite carbonatite which is the dominant lithology, xenolithic carbonatite, and syenite. Limestone is the major waste rock.

Conventional flotation yields high grade concentrate. Approximately 70 flotation tests have been performed. Results have confirmed that conventional flotation from a range of lithologies and grades can produce high grade rare earths mineral concentrate at high recovery rates.


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

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

Release – Defense Metals Flotation Results Yields High Grade Mineral Concentrate at Various Grades and Lithologies

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on DFMTF

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 17, 2022 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) announces the initial flotation results from variability samples.

Craig Taylor, CEO, and Director of Defense Metals stated: “Flotation results from the on-going program of testwork at SGS Lakefield confirm the basis of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)1 and show that the Wicheeda deposit can produce a high-grade rare earths mineral concentrate at high recovery rates with conventional flotation from a range of lithologies and grades. These are some of the best flotation results among rare earths development projects. We are encouraged with the exploration and metallurgy results to date, and confident that the pre-feasibility study, which we anticipate will commence shortly, will show that Wicheeda is well positioned to become one of the next rare earths producers in North America.”

The Company is currently performing flotation tests on samples of different lithologies. The Wicheeda deposit is characterized by three main rare earths bearing lithologies, dolomite carbonatite (DC) which is the dominant lithology, xenolithic carbonatite (XE), and syenite (SYN).  Limestone is the major waste rock lithology. The predominant rare earths minerals are, synchysite/parisite, bastnäsite, and monazite.

  • The results to date indicate that high grade mineral concentrate containing more than 40% total rare earths oxides (TREO) at a recovery rate exceeding 80% has been produced from all fully tested DC samples and a Master Composite (MC) containing all lithologies, from material with a head grade of >2% TREO.
  • The XE material, representing about 24% of the deposit and encountered late in the mine life, can deliver a 38% TREO concentrate at ~70% recovery rate at feed grades ~1.4%TREO.
  • SYN material, which represents about 3% of the deposit and is only encountered late in the mine life, has the lowest grade but shows ~14x upgrade ratio (from 1.1% to 14.6%TREO) at recovery rates ~79%.
  • Approximately 70 flotation tests have been performed. Several assay results are pending, and additional tests are continuing on variability samples of DC, XE, SYN, and mixed samples.

Table 1. Selected Wicheeda Flotation Results

Composite samplesVariability samples
MCDCXESYNDC-02DC-04
Test IDF37F46F47F20F61F53
Head, TREO%2.493.381.441.082.023.14
Mass Pull, %4.26.32.83.33.26.2
Concentrate, TREO%45.644.638.014.647.145.6
Recovery, %81.382.770.378.574.388.9
Upgrade18.3x13.2x26.4x13.6x23.3x14.5x

Table 1, shows selected flotation results on samples from different lithologies. The Composite samples contain a mixture of intervals from different drill cores taken from different areas of the deposit and different depths and represent the different lithologies.  The master composite sample (MC in Table 1) includes the three lithologies (DC (73.4%), XE (22.5%), SYN (3.8%)).  The variability samples in Table 1 are just two of the seventeen such samples being tested.

The DC lithology accounts for more than 70% of PEA mill feed (Figure 1), and in the first 8 years of the expected mine life, over 90% of the flotation plant feed will be DC material, with higher rare earths grade, with the later years being mostly DC and XE material at relatively lower grades.

Fig. 1 : Wicheeda Percentage of Lithologies During Expected Mine Life

Methods

Samples were obtained from drill cores and separated into different lithologies. They were crushed and ground to 80% passing ~80µm and subjected to flotation tests. Several flotation parameters were investigated, including the collector types and dosage, depressant types and dosage, the addition of activator, pulp temperature, pulp density, pulp pH, and flotation feed size. All tests were performed at SGS Minerals Lakefield, Ontario.

Head grade, and concentrate products for cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium oxides were determined via lithium-borate fusion of a 0.5-gram sample analyzed via wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF).

The SGS analysis included a quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program including the insertion of rare earth element standard and blank samples. Defense Metals detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data. Defense Metals is not aware of any sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. SGS Minerals Lakefield is an ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO9001:2015 accredited laboratory. SGS is independent of Defense Metals Corp.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release, as it relates to the Wicheeda Rare-Earth Project, has been reviewed and approved by John Goode, P. Eng., Chief Metallurgist of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has provided the technical information relating to metallurgy in this news release.  Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC), a director of the Company, is the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 for the information relating to resources in this news release.

About the Wicheeda Rare Earth Property

The 100% owned 4,244-hectare Wicheeda Rare Earths Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including power transmission lines, the CN railway, and major highways.

The Wicheeda Rare Earths Project yielded a robust 2021 preliminary economic assessment technical report (PEA) that demonstrated an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million, and 18% IRR2. A unique advantage of the Wicheeda Rare Earths Project is the production of a saleable high-grade flotation concentrate. The PEA contemplates a 1.8 Mtpa (million tonnes per year) mill feed from an open pit mining operation with 1.75:1 (waste:mill feed) strip ratio over a 19 year mine (project) life producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste:mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.

About Defense Metals Corp.

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 markets, 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 Deposit 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”.

For further information, please contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.
Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: (778) 994 8072
Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, receipt of additional flotation results and the expected outcomes, the Company’s plans for its Wicheeda REE Project, the commencement of the pre-feasibility study and the anticipated outcomes, the expected mine life estimates, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration and metallurgy results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations),  risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to, the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed assay results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Defense Metals Corp.

______________________________
1 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
______________________________
2 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

Release – New Data Increases Exploration Potential of Aurania’s Mineral Systems in Ecuador

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on AUIAF

Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that positive findings of careful relogging of drill core together with the integration of geophysics and geochemistry from its Tiria-Shimpia target in Aurania’s Lost Cities-Cutucu project in southeastern Ecuador (the “Project”), has revealed the presence of a chain of three structural grabens occupying the middle of the concession block. Grabens are extremely important in mineral exploration because their bounding faults are often through-going conduits for hydrothermal fluids, and they have very high potential to be mineralized. This underlying work is integral to advancing ongoing joint venture discussions while the Company begins preparations for a drill program at its Tatasham and Awacha porphyry targets expected to commence later in 2022. Both programs remain in line with Aurania’s corporate strategy discussed in February 2022.

Professor Gregor Borg, a recognized international expert on sediment-hosted copper deposits commented on the review/reinterpretation of Aurania’s geological data, “The reassembly and reinterpretation of available data makes a totally new and very exciting story!”

The north graben is 10 kilometres long and 3.5 kilometres wide, the central graben is 26 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide; and the south graben is 18 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide.

Structural grabens, also known as pull-aparts or drop-downs, are areas where younger rocks have been faulted downwards vertically, between older rocks by opposing horizontal forces. It can be thought of as if the rocks have been stretched horizontally in opposite directions to breaking point, and then have subsided downward along vertical bounding cracks (faults). Grabens can be recognized in the field when the rocks abruptly appear out of age sequence. Lundin Gold’s Fruta del Norte gold deposit, approximately 100 kilometres south of the Project, lies in a structural graben as does Aurania board member Thomas Ullrich’s recent high-grade copper discovery at the Storm deposit of Aston Bay in northern Canada. A number of mineralizing patterns have now come into focus, which will be explained below, and Management considers that the prospectivity of its sediment-hosted targets within the Project has been very considerably enhanced. The process of review by Aurania’s technical team and consultants is ongoing.

Dr. Cristian Vallejo, Aurania’s Consultant Geological Expert on the Cutucu area, has relogged the Tiria-Shimpia and Tsenken drillcore, placing it in the correct geological context. It was found that a contracted paleontologist had incorrectly dated several index fossils and that Tiria-Shimpia sits in rocks that are 90 million years younger than previously believed. Dr. Vallejo convincingly correlated the drilling with oil well DRA-29 outside the Project, and also dissolved representative pieces of Tiria-Shimpia core in acid for palynology (dating of fossil pollen). The results definitively place the four Tiria-Shimpia holes in the Hollin and Napo Formations, which are understood to the primary reservoir rocks for oil in Ecuador. In fact, impregnations of petroleum were found at depths of 345.8 metres (“m”) to 357 m in Hole #2 in Shimpia. While Management of Aurania does not consider there to be any potential for economic petroleum in the concessions, the importance of this finding in the context of sediment-hosted base metal deposits cannot be overemphasized. Crude petroleum, bitumen and natural gas have all been implicated as precipitation agents in the formation of sediment-hosted copper deposits, and lead-zinc-silver deposits. The two styles of mineralization are sometimes found in proximity but are separated horizontally or vertically due to precipitation kinetics.

Over the last several years, Aurania has located numerous high-grade copper/silver showings across the Project (see press releases dated August 6, 2020, July 30, 2020, April 9, 2019, April 2, 2019, and October 4, 2018), but the proper understanding of the ore-deposits framework still eluded us to some extent. We now know that the lower part of much of the concession area is occupied by Jurassic-aged Chapiza redbed sediments that contain salt and that are over a kilometre in thickness. To date, salt has been intersected in three drill holes in Tsenken and anhydrite evaporites were found in two other holes. The copper/silver mineralization sits within laterally impersistent and thin beds of carbonaceous trash in the upper Chapiza, stratigraphically above the salt beds, where plant debris and other organics have acted as chemical reductants, precipitating copper and silver from circulating saline brine. The scenario is not unlike the Kupferschiefer of eastern Germany and Poland, but by themselves our thin beds are volumetrically too minor to represent orebodies and are not exploration targets.

One exploration target however does leap out as exceptional and will be discussed presently. The Chapiza redbeds would equate with the Rotliegendes (in German, the “underlying red”) directly beneath the Kupferschiefer, an organic-rich “copper shale” which hosts the economic orebodies in Poland. We believed formerly that our carbonaceous beds were a direct analogue to the Kupferschiefer unit, and indeed in some ways they are, but a much better exploration target is proffered by the Hollin Formation higher in stratigraphy, which is both thick and bituminous with good porosity. These rocks were formerly not thought to be in the central graben, but the recent study made by Cristian Vallejo has identified the Upper Hollin formation (“Fm”) in hole #1 and #2 below the Napo Fm. Hollin also subcrops within the southern graben, in an area where there is a large MobileMT (“MMT”) conductive anomaly that was heretofore considered to be spurious.

The geological model for sediment-hosted copper deposits is predicated on a source accumulation of oxidized sediments in a basin that has occasionally evaporated to dryness, leaving behind salt beds. The theory is that minute amounts of copper in oxidized minerals become labile and can be stripped and then mobilized in brine as copper chloride. Heated brine would typically travel upwards through the rock column along faults and where it encountered organics, pyrite, or some other precipitation agent would drop the copper out of solution to form copper sulphides such as chalcocite. Professor Borg has previously commented that the presence of coeval porphyry copper deposits in the Chapiza means that the basin is “Turbocharged” with a “Double whammy”, or twice as much fertile copper potential as a normal scenario. Watch the video with Prof. Borg here: http://www.aurania.com/the-opportunity-a-copper-experts-opinion. The same model components are present in the Kupferschiefer and Aston Bay’s new Storm deposit but without copper porphyry.


Figure 1: From Vallejo et al. 2021. The central panel pertains to the Cutucu and provides stratigraphic context to this press release. The host rocks to Zn-Pb-Ag at Tiria-Shimpia are in the middle Napo Shale of the central panel. Previously they were believed to be in the Santiago Fm, at the very bottom of the stratigraphic column in the lower Jurassic. The copper source rocks and salt are in the Late Jurassic Chapiza Fm.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_001full.jpg


Figure 2: Interpreted geology. The sense of throw on the faults is still to be entirely defined. Most of the field of view is occupied by the NNW Central Graben containing Napo and Hollin Fm. The Southern Graben contains Napo, Hollin and Chapiza in a synclinal structure.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_002full.jpg

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_003full.jpg


Figure 4: The distribution of copper and zinc in soils, within surveyed and sampled areas. Note that the distribution of Zn in the Central Graben mimics the distribution of Ag in outcrop from Figure 3. Cu has a wider distribution and is concentrated in Tsenken in the Southern Graben where it occurs close to copper-in-sediment occurrences but is also anomalous in other areas. These other areas are flows and subvolcanic intrusives of basalt to andesite within the Chapiza Fm. Drilling has shown them to be partially to completely oxidized, and coeval with the redbed sediments. They have high intrinsic backgrounds in Cu and Co and are considered an excellent protolith for mobilization into stratigraphically higher sediments.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_004full.jpg

Figure 5: Soil results for uranium.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_005full.jpg


Figure 6: Soil results for chromium.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_006full.jpg

Figures 5 and 6 are blow ups of the South Graben area. Figure 5 has the distribution of uranium in soils superimposed and 6, chromium in soils superimposed. The folded calc-alkaline basalt and andesite flow is outlined by Cr contents in Figure 6 (due to mafic character) and is clearly seen in Figure 5, which is free of anomalous U values over the flow. The saddle-shaped folding of the flow is clearly duplicated up-section by anomalous uranium, highly suggesting there is a stratiform accumulation of uranium in sediments. The picture for copper in Figure 4 is less clear but potentially covariant with uranium. Copper and uranium are often found together in sediment-hosted deposits e.g., Zambia Copperbelt. There is no MMT conductor in this area and potentially the sediments are shallow enough that sulphide has been weathered to carbonates and oxides. This is considered a very good drill target for the future.


Figure 7: MMT image over the Tsenken target area (South Graben). The hot colours are the conductors. Note that the salt occurrences along the graben boundary faults are extremely strong conductors. Salt itself is an insulator but with addition of water becomes strongly conductive. The brine springs used by the Shuar to produce salt are in the same area The circa 3 x 5 km conductivity anomaly on the west side of Tsenken remains unexplained and undrilled. Because it has depth extent it is thought to be a porphyry body which is buried within the Chapiza. It is a high priority target. The labelled conductor “copper target” mimics the saddle shape of the syncline lower in stratigraphy, and is composed of lower Hollin Fm. This is a 3.5 x 3 km target and appears to be stratiform and potentially stratabound. It is considered the highest priority copper-in-sediment target in this new interpretation.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 7, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_007full.jpg


Figure 8: A stratigraphic column modified from Vallejo, 2022. It shows diagrammatically the presence of organic carbon plotted against the stratigraphy of the rocks in the Cutucu. As can be seen, the layers with carbon in the Chapiza Fm are quite thin. Near the bottom of the Hollin Fm the carbon level picks up dramatically. As a working hypothesis we believe that some mobilized copper is deposited by fluids when they encounter carbonaceous layers in the Chapiza Fm, and we see abundant evidence of that in outcrop. We believe though that the majority of the copper will continue to migrate up-section until it comes in contact with the major carbon bearing units of the lower Hollin Fm. These units do not outcrop and Tiria-Shimpia hole #2 was too shallow to test this hypothesis. After dumping the copper, the fluids continued to move up-section into the Napo Fm where they deposited the zinc-lead-silver. MMT coverage over the Tiria-Shimpia area is limited, but deep conductors along the boundary faults and below the zinc-lead-silver if found, would reinforce this hypothesis.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 8, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/140759_836386a1349a89b6_008full.jpg

Unusually, there is enough potassium (potash) component in the salt to both make it deep orange in colour, and mildly radioactive. Fault traces where salt is present are both radiometric K-channel anomalies and strong conductors. The zinc-lead-silver mineralization at Tiria-Shimpia also shows up as K-channel radiometric anomalies, and this is potentially due to the presence of large amounts of celestite, a strontium mineral that can contain moderate amounts of potassium. There are a large number of these radiometric targets along boundary faults that do not outcrop and have yet to be drilled. The integration of radiometric, magnetometer and magneto-telluric surveys is not fully completed and will with high probability yield more targets.

Qualified Person

The geological information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc, VP Exploration. 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 Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurania. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Aurania’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Aurania or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, or “plan”. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Aurania, Aurania provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restrictions on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in Aurania’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Aurania believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Aurania disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Release – Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Announces Third Quarter 2022 Earnings Conference Call

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on ARLP

Company Release – 10/17/2022 7:00 AM ET

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its third quarter 2022 financial results before the market opens on Monday, October 31, 2022. 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 information” 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.

Brian L. Cantrell
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
(918) 295-7673

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Release – Sierra Metals to Release Q3-2022 Consolidated Financial Results On Tuesday November 15th, 2022

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on SMTS

OCTOBER 14, 2022

Shareholder Conference Call and Webcast will be held on Wednesday November 16th, 2022

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (NYSE American: SMTS) (BVL or Bolsa de Valores de Lima: SMT) (“Sierra Metals” or the “Company”) will release Q3-2022 consolidated financial results on Tuesday November 15th, 2022, after Market Close. Senior Management will also host a webcast and conference call on Wednesday November 16th, 2022, at 11:00 am EST. Details of the Conference Call and Webcast are as follows:

Via Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the meeting will be available on the Company’s website:

https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/756129326

The webcast along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on www.sierrametals.com.

Via phone:

For those who prefer to listen by phone, dial-in instructions are below. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call.

Canada dial-in number (Toll Free): 1 833 950 0062
Canada dial-in number (Local): 1 226 828 7575
US dial-in number (Toll Free): 1 844 200 6205
US dial-in number (Local): 1 646 904 5544
All other locations: +1 929 526 1599

Access code: 991150

Press *1 to ask a question, *2 to withdraw your question, or *0 for operator assistance

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 Bolsa de Valores de Lima and on the Toronto Stock Exchange 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 or contact:

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Web: www.sierrametals.com | Twitter: sierrametals | Facebook: SierraMetalsInc |
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Investor Relations
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777
Email: info@sierrametals.com

Luis Marchese
CEO
Sierra Metals Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 366-7777

Source: Sierra Metals Inc.