SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it will publish financial results for the first quarter 2024 after the close of market on Tuesday, May 7th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).
The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this OnlineForm. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, announced today that its Space & Missile Defense Systems (SMDS) Business Unit, a part of Kratos’ Defense & Rocket Support Services (DRSS) Division, successfully completed the static test firing of the Zeus 2 solid rocket motor (SRM) with Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies [NYSE: LHX] company, at their Camden, Arkansas facility. This Zeus 2 milestone combined with the successful Zeus 1 static test firing last year, completes the development phase of Kratos’ new affordable commercial SRM family.
Zeus 2 Solid Rocket Motor Fires During April 10th Static Test
Zeus 1 and Zeus 2 are high-performance 32.5-inch diameter solid rocket motors envisioned and internally funded by Kratos. The Zeus motors, designed with commonality, versatility, and affordability in mind, coupled with the Kratos ongoing development of the Erinyes and Dark Fury Hypersonic Flyers demonstrates Kratos’ commitment to investing in crucial defense industrial base technology. Kratos’ technology investments are delivering leading-edge systems and expanding our extensive portfolio of Hypersonic Flyers and SRMs available for our customers.
Kratos has now initiated orders for a combined total of nine Zeus 1 and Zeus 2 SRMs in preparation for upcoming customer flights. The Kratos developed Zeus family of SRMs is in direct response to the urgent need for affordable commercial launch vehicle stages for hypersonic test, ballistic missile target, sounding rocket and other customer missions.
Dave Carter, President of the KDRSS Division, said, “I am very excited to introduce Kratos’ family of Zeus SRMs and commend our SMDS group and teammate, L3HARRIS/Aerojet, for successfully completing this crucial motor development program. Zeus motors enable us to bring to market affordable rocket systems to support critical MACH-TB Hypersonic testing, NASA Sounding Rocket Program experiments, and Navy/MDA target program requirements.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., said, “Kratos’ successful completion of this internally funded Zeus family of motors will enable rapid and affordable hypersonic testing and be ‘first to market’ with a highly relevant system to support DoD, NASA and commercial customers. At Kratos, we are committed to rapid development, delivery of relevant systems and introduction of affordable technology to support warfighter requirements for the United States and our Allies’ National Security.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets and industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems, announced today that its Unmanned Systems Division has received a $57,673,542 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract. This modification exercises options to procure full rate production Lot Five of the BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets to provide for the production and delivery of 70 BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets and 70 Rocket-Assisted Takeoff attachment kits, as well as associated technical and administrative data in support of weapons system test, and evaluation and fleet training for the Navy.
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “It’s exciting to be a major part of this critically important capability for the U.S. Navy with our BQM-177A Sub-Sonic Aerial Target (SSAT) aircraft system (target). The 177A continues to push the envelope delivering leading edge realistic threat-representative capabilities to support today’s peer-level threat environment. We look forward to the increased production rate and continuing to evolve the system with our customer as the threats evolve.”
Greg Crewse, Program Manager for the Navy’s Aerial Targets program office (PMA-208), said, “In partnership with the Navy Aerial Targets program office, Kratos Defense and the BQM-177A Air Vehicle are true assets to the Navy and, together, we have the opportunity to engage in critical training exercises that will prepare our personnel to face a multitude of scenarios in a challenging, cost-effective test environment prior to engaging real-world threats, should the need arise. As recent real-world events have proven, these target presentations are growing ever more critical to prepare our warfighters to go into harm’s way – and prevail.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high, and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com.
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it will publish financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 after the close of market on Tuesday, February 13th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).
The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Preliminary feasibility study (PFS) on track for 2Q’24 completion. Defense Metals has completed its 2023 Phase III geotechnical program and collected all requisite geotechnical field data needed to support the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Project PFS which is on track for completion during the second quarter of 2024. The geotechnical work was completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) and supported by APEX Geoscience Limited.
Phase II program yielded successful outcomes. The Phase II program yielded successful outcomes, including intersecting significant widths of visibly REE mineralized dolomite carbonatite. Data gathered from the Phase II drilling program highlighted the significant potential to expand the Wicheeda REE Project mineral resource base.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Phase II drilling program. Defense Metals completed Phase II open pit diamond core and sonic infrastructure geotechnical drilling. The program consisted of six diamond drill holes totaling 1,182 meters within the Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) deposit pit shell, inclusive of four open pit geochemical drill holes totaling 920 meters, and two near-mine exploration holes totaling 262 meters. Nine sonic overburden drill holes, and 14 test pits designed to help characterize the soil subsurface and bedrock foundations of future waste rock storage, contact water pond, crusher, processing plant, and tailings storage facility locations were also completed. A final Phase 3 drilling program will entail 10 sonic overburden drill holes and three test pits.
Successful outcomes. South and west pit wall drill holes WI23-81 and WI23-82 intersected significant widths of visibly REE mineralized dolomite carbonatite. Hole WI23-82 drilled into the west pit wall of the Wicheeda Deposit tested a new ground radiometric anomaly. Assay results are pending.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Reported record revenues of $1.0 billion, up 5% y/y
Awarded bookings of $1.3 billion, increasing backlog to a record high of $13.3 billion
Reported operating income of $21.0 million; adjusted operating income1 of $59.5 million
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $64.7 million with a margin1 of 6.5%
Diluted EPS1 of ($0.21); Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $0.73
Reported year-to-date cash flow from operations of $135.2 million, and reduced net debt $88.9 million
MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX) announced third quarter 2023 financial results.
“We achieved record revenue in the third quarter of approximately $1 billion, which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our clients and the missions we support,” said Chuck Prow, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. “Bookings activity in the quarter was strong at $1.3 billion in awards. This yielded total backlog of $13.3 billion, an all-time high for the company and provides solid revenue visibility moving into 2024. Importantly, we are executing the “Expand the Base” component of our strategic framework and were successful in achieving extended scope through client engagement initiatives on existing business, which has yielded $332 million of awards in the quarter and $1.2 billion year-to-date. We are also leveraging our converged capabilities to pursue new business and currently have a robust pipeline of opportunities, which includes ~$19 billion of bids we plan to submit over the next twelve months and over $6 billion submitted and in evaluation.”
Mr. Prow continued, “During the quarter, we had notable success capturing several key pursuits that are representative of V2X’s differentiated ability to deliver technology and operational solutions across the mission lifecycle. For example, we secured a $190 million five-year, fixed price contract to continue providing training and range operations services to the U.S. Army in the Middle East. Our team will provide training support services as well as instruction, operation, and maintenance of training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations; fixed ranges; deployable ranges; and numerous training facilities. This successful capture leverages our decades of experience providing high consequence training as well as our global scale and will allow V2X to bring our Army client unparalleled service delivery in support of enhancing the warfighting skills via the use of live and virtual training. We continue to invest in the future and are developing the next generation of training capabilities, techniques, and enablers.”
“We have also made remarkable progress organically growing V2X’s environmental capabilities and were recently awarded an $85 million two-year contract to support the recovery and remediation of drinking water. This win builds on V2X’s original work to support the Department of Defense with the establishment of a water supply system for military housing at Red Hill, Hawaii. Our ability to deliver solutions that generate tangible results and public health benefits have led to incremental work and are now helping to deliver safe drinking water to the local communities. We have also successfully leveraged this capability to win similar work in Japan. We are proud to be supporting such an important environmental mission and believe there is significant opportunity to expand our efforts to other geographic areas both within and outside of the Pacific region.”
“Finally, subsequent to the end of the quarter, we were awarded a $458 million five-year, fixed price program to provide depot site standup as well as organizational, selected intermediate and limited depot level maintenance, and logistics support for the F-5 Adversary aircraft with the Navy and Marine Corps. The F-5 contract, combined with our Naval Test Wing Pacific and Atlantic awards, equates to over $1.7 billion in new work V2X has won with the U.S. Navy over the past ~18 months. I’d like to thank our teams for their commitment to delivering unique and value-added solutions that provide differentiation and enhanced client outcomes.”
Mr. Prow concluded, “We are pleased with our continued revenue growth and record backlog which is supported by the momentum generated through our efforts to converge solutions across our clients’ mission lifecycle. V2X is differentiating its capability offerings through the intersection of technology and operations, which we believe will continue to create value for our shareholders.”
Third Quarter 2023 Results
Revenue of $1.0 billion, up 4.5% y/y
Operating income of $21.0 million, including merger and integration related costs of $15.8 million, and amortization of acquired intangible assets of $22.6 million
Adjusted operating income1 of $59.5 million
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $64.7 million with a 6.5% adjusted EBITDA margin1
Diluted EPS1 of ($0.21); Adjusted Diluted EPS1 of $0.73
Net debt as of September 29, 2023 of $1.1 billion
Total backlog as of September 29, 2023 of $13.3 billion
“V2X reported revenue of $1.0 billion in the quarter, which represents 4.5% year-over-year growth,” said Shawn Mural, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Revenue growth in the quarter was achieved through continued program execution on existing programs, plus the phase-in of recent awards, including our first task order win with the Department of State, which reached full operational capability approximately two weeks ahead of schedule and has since expanded in size. We were also successful in continuing to defend our core and have won over $1 billion in recompete programs year to date.”
“For the quarter, the Company reported operating income of $21.0 million and adjusted operating income1 of $59.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA1 was $64.7 million with a margin of 6.5%, which was influenced by contract mix and performance on certain integrated electronic security programs. Third quarter diluted EPS was ($0.21), due primarily to merger and integration related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and interest expense. Adjusted diluted EPS1 for the quarter was $0.73.”
“Cash generation was strong and net cash provided by operating activities was $135.2 million year to date. Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities1 year to date was $83.6 million, adding back $20.9 million of M&A and integration costs with $13.4 million of CARES act payments, and removing the contribution of the master accounts receivable purchase or MARPA facility of $85.8 million.”
“At the end of the quarter, net debt for V2X was $1,131.8 million. Our solid cash generation has enabled V2X to reduce its total debt by $88.9 million year to date. Net consolidated indebtedness to EBITDA1 (net leverage ratio) was 3.46x. Additionally, our strong fundamentals and cash flow profile allowed us to reprice our Term Loan B shortly after the quarter close. We expect the new pricing to reduce annual interest expense by $2 million,” said Mr. Mural.
Total backlog as of September 29, 2023, was $13.3 billion. Funded backlog was $3.2 billion. Bookings in the quarter were $1.3 billion, resulting in a book-to-bill of 1.3x. The trailing twelve-month book-to-bill was 1.1x.
2023 Guidance Mr. Mural concluded, “Based on what we are seeing in the business we are raising the low end and mid-point of our full year revenue projections. Given third-quarter results and our outlook, we are lowering the ranges for adjusted EBITDA and adjusted diluted EPS. This change incorporates year-to-date results, including the program performance mentioned earlier and timing of activities associated with national security support. We are reaffirming guidance for adjusted net cash provided by operating activities.” The Company is adjusting its 2023 guidance and is as follows:
$ millions, except for per share amounts
2023 Guidance (Updated)
2023 Mid-Point (Updated)
Revenue
$3,900
$3,950
$3,925
Adjusted EBITDA1
$285
$295
$290
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share1
$3.50
$3.75
$3.62
Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 1
$115
$135
$125
Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested here, including those factors set forth in the Safe Harbor Statement below.
Third Quarter 2023 Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 8:00 a.m. ET on Monday, November 6, 2023. U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-407-3982, while international participants may dial 201-493-6780. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available here: https://app.webinar.net/gAed3AVKra2
A replay of the conference call will be posted on the V2X website shortly after completion of the call and will be available for one year. A telephonic replay will also be available through November 20, 2023, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 13742132.
Presentation slides that will be used in conjunction with the conference call will also be made available online in advance on the “investors” section of the company’s website at https://gov2x.com/. V2X recognizes its website as a key channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information to comply with its obligations under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation FD.
Footnotes: 1 See “Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for descriptions and reconciliations.
About V2X V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure – from base to battlefield – by aligning people, actions, and outputs. Formed by the merger of Vectrus and Vertex, we bring a combined 120 years of successful mission support. Our lifecycle solutions improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness.
The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 15,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.
Safe Harbor Statement
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”): Certain material presented herein includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Act. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all the statements and items listed under “2023 Guidance” above and other assumptions contained therein for purposes of such guidance, other statements about our 2023 performance outlook, revenue, contract opportunities, and any discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “potential,” “continue” or similar terminology. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside our management’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements, see the risks and other factors detailed from time to time our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Measures
The primary financial performance measures we use to manage our business and monitor results of operations are revenue trends and operating income trends. Management believes that these financial performance measures are the primary drivers for our earnings and net cash from operating activities. Management evaluates its contracts and business performance by focusing on revenue, operating income, and operating margin. Operating income represents revenue less both cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Cost of revenue consists of labor, subcontracting costs, materials, and an allocation of indirect costs, which includes service center transaction costs. SG&A expenses consist of indirect labor costs (including wages and salaries for executives and administrative personnel), bid and proposal expenses and other general and administrative expenses not allocated to cost of revenue. We define operating margin as operating income divided by revenue.
We manage the nature and amount of costs at the program level, which forms the basis for estimating our total costs and profitability. This is consistent with our approach for managing our business, which begins with management’s assessing the bidding opportunity for each contract and then managing contract profitability throughout the performance period.
In addition to the key performance measures discussed above, we consider adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating cash flow, and pro forma revenue to be useful to management and investors in evaluating our operating performance, and to provide a tool for evaluating our ongoing operations. This information can assist investors in assessing our financial performance and measures our ability to generate capital for deployment among competing strategic alternatives and initiatives. We provide this information to our investors in our earnings releases, presentations, and other disclosures.
Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, and pro forma revenue, however, are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Definitions and reconciliations of these items are provided below.
Pro forma revenue is defined as the combined results of our operations as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2021.
Adjusted operating income is defined as operating income, adjusted to exclude items that may include, but are not limited to, significant charges or credits, and unusual and infrequent non-operating items that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations, such as M&A, integration, and related costs.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income, adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, and items that may include, but are not limited to, significant charges or credits, and unusual and infrequent non-operating items that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations, such as M&A, integration, and related costs.
Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
Adjusted net income is defined as net income, adjusted to exclude items that may include, but are not limited to, significant charges or credits, and unusual and infrequent non-operating items that impact current results but are not related to our ongoing operations, such as M&A, integration and related costs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, amortization of debt issuance costs, and loss on extinguishment of debt.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.
Cash interest, net is defined as interest expense, net adjusted to exclude amortization of debt issuance costs.
Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) operating activities is defined as net cash provided by (or used in) operating activities adjusted to exclude infrequent non-operating items, such as M&A payments and related costs.
Net leverage ratio is defined as net debt (or total debt less unrestricted cash) divided by trailing twelve-month (TTM) bank EBITDA.
In this document, the Company presents certain forward-looking non-GAAP metrics. The Company does not provide outlook on a GAAP basis because the items that the Company excludes from GAAP to calculate the comparable non-GAAP measure can be dependent on future events that are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management and are not part of the Company’s routine operating activities. Additionally, management does not forecast many of the excluded items for internal use and therefore cannot create or rely on outlook done on a GAAP basis. The occurrence, timing, and amount of any of the items excluded from GAAP to calculate non-GAAP could significantly impact the Company’s fiscal 2023 GAAP results.
CONTACT:
V2X, Inc. Mike Smith, CFA 719-637-5773 ir@gov2x.com
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 17, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce that SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario has shipped samples of mixed rare earth oxide and mixed rare earth carbonate to interested parties on behalf of the Company. These samples were generated during 2023 hydrometallurgical piloting test work performed on concentrate produced by earlier flotation pilot plant testing of a 26-tonne bulk sample taken from the Company’s wholly-owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit.
The samples are being distributed to certain select major processors, refiners, and metals traders located in Europe, Asia and North America, allowing the recipients to independently verify the high-quality of REE products from the Wicheeda deposit, and establishing Wicheeda as an important, future North American source of the rare earths needed to satisfy the rapidly increasing demand. The sample specifications are varied based on the recipients’ particular requirements, and these parties could represent future offtake or strategic partners for Defense Metals and these shipments are a critical step toward defining such potential opportunities.
Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, commented, “Given that rare earth magnet production needs to double in the next decade to satisfy the demand created by electric vehicles, a new and significant western supplier, such as Defense Metals, is essential. To put this increased demand into perspective, it is the equivalent of bringing into production one Mountain Pass mine, currently the only North American rare earth producer, every year for the next ten years. With the Wicheeda Project’s superior logistics, together with our confidence in the metallurgical processing characteristics of Wicheeda mineralization, Defense Metals continues to position itself as a significant contributor to the North American green energy solution.”
Defense Metals to Attend 19th International Rare Earths Conference
Defense Metals also announces that it will be attending in the 19th International Rare Earths Conference in San Antonio, U.S., hosted by Metal Events, from October 18-20, 2023.
For additional information on the conference please visit the following link:
Defense Metals’ 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda deposit is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element project 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”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward–looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the shipment of rare earth samples, advancing the Wicheeda REE Project to production, potential contracts and agreement, 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 metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 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 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.
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 3, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“; (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce it has commenced Phase 2 of its planned infrastructure and open pit geotechnical drilling. Sonic overburden characterization (site infrastructure geotechnical) and diamond core drilling (open pit geotechnical and near resource exploration) is expected to be complete within 4 to 6 weeks, with results to follow. The work, with the support of the Defense Metals’ technical team and APEX Geoscience Ltd., is being completed by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (“SRK“) one of the principal consultants for the preliminary feasibility study (“PFS“) regarding the Company’s Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Project located near Prince George, Canada.
Image 1: Sonic Infrastructure Geotechnical Drilling Underway Within WSF Area (CNW Group/Defense Metals Corp.)
Image 2: Geotechnical Drill Core from Hole WI23-80 Wicheeda REE Deposit Open Pit Highwall (CNW Group/Defense Metals Corp.)
Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, commented:
“We are pleased to commence Phase 2 geotechnical investigations. This work will provide critical inputs for the ongoing PFS study, and in the case of exploration targets have the potential to expand resources. The Company’s technical teams and principal Engineering contractors continue to push forward keeping us on track for a planned PFS completion by the end of Q2 2024.”
As previously reported (see Defense Metals news release dated August 16, 2023) the SRK geotechnical investigation includes the following scopes:
Geotechnical engineering (waste rock, tailings, contact water pond, and site infrastructure geotechnical investigation),
Tailings alternative assessment prior to advancing into PFS-level design of a preferred alternative, and
Geochemical characterization (to support mine planning/waste management and to develop preliminary water chemistry predictions for the main mine facilities).
Currently two rigs, sonic and core drills, are operating at the Project, with sonic operations focused on overburden and bedrock characterization within the potential waste rock storage (WSF) footprint (see Image 1), and geotechnical core drilling underway with the east highwall of the proposed open pit (see Image 2).
With WSF drilling nearing completion, sonic operations are expected to transition to the proposed contact water pond (CWP), and crusher and conveyor footprints, followed by tailing storage facility (TSF) and TSF alternative geotechnical investigations.
In pit geotechnical core drilling will progress from current drilling on the east highwall, followed by south, north, and west pit walls. Drilling into the south pit wall is expected to collar in REE mineralized dolomite carbonatite. In addition, geotechnical core drilling of the west pit wall is co-purposed with testing of a high priority ground radiometric geophysical anomaly with the potential to represent undiscovered carbonatite body (see Defense Metals’ news release dated September 5, 2023).
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a director of Defense Metals and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “DEFN”, in the United States, trading symbol “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expected completion of the PFS and the expected timeline, the completion and expected timelines for sonic and geotechnical drilling and the expected results and outcomes (including the potential for undiscovered carbonatite), the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (the 2023 MRE) for the development of its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit located in British Columbia, Canada.
Highlights of the 2023 Wicheeda REE Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
The 2023 MRE comprises a:
6.4 million tonne Measured Mineral Resource, averaging 2.86% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO1);
a 27.8 million tonne Indicated Mineral Resource, averaging 1.84 % TREO;
and an 11.1 million tonne Inferred Mineral Resource, averaging 1.02% TREO,
all reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5% TREO within a conceptual open pit shell;
Total Measured and Indicated (M+I) Mineral Resources of 34.2 million tonnes, averaging 2.02% TREO, is a significant upgrade representing a conversion of 101% of the 2021 MRE comprising some indicated and mostly inferred resources (see Defense Metals’ news release of November 24, 2021) to M+I on a contained metal basis;
Measured and Indicated resources are inclusive of 17.8 million tonnes of dolomite carbonatite, averaging 2.92% TREO;
The 2023 MRE represents a 17% increase in TREO on a contained metal basis, or 31% tonnage increase, in comparison to the prior 2021 MRE.
The 2023 MRE is based on an updated geological model that incorporates an additional 10,350 metres of drillhole data, from 45 holes drilled by Defense Metals during 2021 and 2022.
Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, stated, “Defense Metals is excited to release our updated mineral resource estimate for the Wicheeda Deposit, one of North Americas most advanced Rare Earth development projects. With over 10,000 metres of additional drilling completed since our 2021 mineral resource we have now converted 100% of the that resource to the measured and indicated categories, in addition to growing the overall resource by 17%. Importantly, we believe the upgrading of resources now demonstrates that we have established the tonnage and grades necessary to carry forward into our ongoing preliminary feasibility study.”
The effective date of the 2023 MRE is August 28, 2023, and a technical report relating to the PEA will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. The 2023 MRE was prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. (APEX).
2023 Mineral Resource
The Wicheeda REE deposit is a southeast-trending, north to northeast dipping syenite-carbonatite intrusive complex having dimensions of approximately 450 m north-south by 250 m east-west which intrudes a mixed sedimentary host rock package (limestone). Relatively high REE grade dolomite-carbonatite rocks, which outcrop at surface, and form the main body of REE mineralization are surrounded by an envelope of intermediate REE grade hybrid xenolithic-carbonatite rocks that intrude lower REE grade syenite.
The 2023 MRE comprises a 6.4 million tonne Measured Mineral Resource, averaging 2.86% TREO CeO2, La2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3 and Ho2O3); 27.8 million tonne Indicated Mineral Indicated Resource, averaging 1.84% TREO; and 11.1 million tonne Inferred Mineral Resource, averaging 1.02% TREO, reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5% TREO within a conceptual Pseudoflow algorithm open pit shell; see Table 1 and Figure 1.
The 2023 MRE is based on an updated geological model incorporating an additional 10,350 metres of drilling within 45 holes drilled by Defense Metals during 2021 and 2022.
Notes for Resource Table:
The 2023 MRE is classified according to the CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines” dated November 29th, 2019 and CIM “Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves” dated May 10th, 2014.
The 2023 MRE was prepared by Warren Black,M.Sc., P.Geo. and Tyler Acorn, M.Sc., of APEX Geoscience Ltd under the supervision of the QP, Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geo. in accordance with CIM Definition Standards.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There has been insufficient exploration to allow for the classification of the indicated and inferred resources tabulated as a measured mineral resource; however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the indicated and inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to measured or indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources discussed herein will be converted to a mineral reserve in the future.
All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Median rock densities are supported by 8,075 measurements applied: 2.95 g/cm3 (mineralized dolomite-carbonatite), 2.90 g/cm3 (unmineralized dolomite-carbonatite), 2.85 g/cm3 (mineralized xenolithic-carbonatite), 2.76 g/cm3 (unmineralized xenolithic-carbonatite), 2.73 g/cm3 (syenite), and 2.76 g/cm3 (limestone).
The reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction is met by reporting the Mineral Resources at a cut-off grade of 0.50% TREO (total rare earth oxide, sum of 10 oxides: CeO2, La2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11,Sm2O3,Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3 and Ho2O3), contained within an optimized open pit shell.
The cut-off grade is calculated, and the open pit shell is optimized based on the assumption that the hydrometallurgical processing can produce mixed REE carbonate precipitates. The parameters utilized, as in the 2021 MRE, include the following considerations:
TREO price: $18.66/kg
Exchange rate of 1.30 C$:US$
Precipitate production grades of 81.09% of TREO
Processing costs include $21.47/t of mill feed for flotation plus a variable cost for hydrometallurgical plant that varies based on the feed grade. The average cost of hydrometallurgical plant is assumed to be $1,204/t of concentrate.
Mining cost of C$2.00/t for mill feed and waste
G&A Costs of C$3.33/t for mill feed.
The overall process recoveries: For TREO>=2.3%, recovery is 69.6%; between 2.3% and 1.5% TREO, recovery is 65.3%; and less than 1.5% TREO, recovery is 52.2%. These assume variable flotation recoveries and a constant 87% hydrometallurgical recovery.
Overall pit slope angles vary by zone between 40 and 48 degrees.
Figure 1: Cross Section of the Wicheeda RE Deposits 2023 MRE (CNW Group/Defense Metals Corp.)
The 2023 MRE for the Wicheeda REE Deposit includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology
The drillhole database comprised of drilling that intersected the estimation domains consists of 14 exploration diamond drillholes (totalling 2,107 meters) completed in 2008 and 2009 by Spectrum Mining and 58 exploration core drillholes during 2019, 2021 and 2022 by Defense Metals (totalling 12,073 metres), providing a total of 4,903 drill core samples analyzed for REE by multi-element fusion ICP-MS.
The 3D geological modeling integrates assay and geological data collected from diamond core drilling; surface geologic mapping; soil geochemical; and airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical surveys.
Ordinary kriging is employed to estimate metal concentrations using a three-step pass search strategy guided by domain-specific variography. The estimates utilize capped composites with a 3-meter length.
Measured Resources are categorized within a search ellipse of 35 m by 30 m by 15 m with a minimum of 3 drillholes. Indicated Resources are categorized within a search ellipse of 90 m by 60 m by 30 m with a minimum of 3 drillholes. Inferred Resources are categorized within a search ellipse of 120 m by 120 m by 30 m with a minimum of 2 drillholes.
Table 2 above illustrates the sensitivity of the 2023 MRE to different cut-off grades for a potential open-pit operation scenario with reasonable outlook for economic extraction. The reader is cautioned that the figures provided in these tables should not be interpreted as a statement of mineral resources. Quantities and estimated grades for different cut-off grades are presented for the sole purpose of demonstrating the sensitivity of the resource model to cut-off grade.
Table 3: Wicheeda Mineral Resource by Lithology (cut-off grade of 0.5% TREO)
Table 3 above illustrates the 2023 MRE by lithology which illustrates the relatively high REE grade nature of the dominant dolomite carbonatite unit, intermediate grade xenolithic dolomite carbonate rocks and lower grade syenite and limestone lithologies peripheral to the main body of the Wicheeda REE Deposit.
Qualified Persons
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 analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada; population 77,000. The Wicheeda Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades 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”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report
A technical report for the Wicheeda Project will be prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Defense Metals’ website within 45 days of this news release. Readers are encouraged to read the technical report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release. The technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
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 completion of the PFS and the expected timelines, the completion of the environmental tests on flotation and hydrometallurgical and the expected timelines, advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, 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 metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 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 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.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE:35D) is pleased to announce that a recently completed ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located near Prince George, Canada, has identified new anomalies that may represent previously unknown REE mineralized carbonatite located largely within the current mineral resource pit shells, as set forth in the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA1).
Highlights:
Based on extensive core drilling and surface geologic mapping completed to advance Defense Metals’ ongoing preliminary feasibility study (PFS), the survey results closely map and further define the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.
Two previously unknown linear radiometric anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 metres in width and extending approximately 250 metres northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit (Figure 1).
Ground truthing showed that the anomalies are overlain entirely by surficial cover which occurs at lower elevations, along the western portion of the Wicheeda deposit.
Kristopher Raffle, P.Geo., Director of Defense Metals and a Qualified Person stated:
“We’re excited to have identified two new exploration targets so close to the Wicheeda deposit. The radiometric surveys were initially designed to assist our geologic mapping teams and it came as a surprise when we identified new anomalies under cover having a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. After reviewing the geophysical data in the context of our updated Wicheeda 3D geological model we recognized the potential for undiscovered near-surface, east-dipping carbonatite bodies. We look forward to drill testing these anomalies.”
Several resource definition drill holes undercut the southern half of the eastern anomaly at >150 metre vertical depth below surface and preclude a subvertical or steeply east dipping source. Drill hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 metres from a depth of 69 metres2 downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern radiometric anomaly.
The majority of the eastern and the entirety of the western radiometric anomaly remain untested by core drilling. Defense Metals plans to test the western geophysical anomaly during fall 2023 as part of an expanded program of pit geotechnical drilling comprising a planned 915 metres in 4 holes (see Figure 1), with additional drilling subject to initial results.
____________________________
1 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
____________________________
2 See Defense Metals News Release dated March 8, 2022
Details of the Radiometric Surveys
The recently completed Wicheeda ground radiometric survey comprised a total of 20 line-km along 50 metre spaced, and locally 25 metre infill, east-west oriented survey lines completed over an area of approximately 800 x 900 metres. A NUVIA Dynamics PGIS-2 Gamma-ray spectrometer, equipped with a 0.347 Litre NaI detector and 512-channel resolution ADC was used and data was automatically synchronized with GPS, ensuring both time and location accuracy. The spectrometer’s self-stabilizing capabilities on natural radioactive elements such as K, U, and Th eliminated the need for frequent recalibration, assuring reliable and accurate gamma-ray measurements. Given that gamma rays are highly attenuated by overburden (approximately 90% attenuation at 20-30cm overburden depth) ground radiometric surveys are only likely to detect outcropping or very near surface sources.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a director of Defense Metals and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report outlined an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR3. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste: mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa (“million tonnes per year”) mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16-year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste: mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.
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3 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “DEFN”, in the United States, trading symbol “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, completion of additional geotechnical work including pit geotechnical core holes and the expected timelines, the potential of the anomalies to represent previously unknown bodies of REE mineralized carbonatite, the expected completion of the PFS, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D) is pleased to announce that the Phase I of its hydrometallurgical pilot plant at SGS Lakefield has been successfully completed.
John Goode, Consulting Metallurgist to Defense Metals and who attended the pilot plant, commented:
“This first fully integrated pilot plant demonstration of the proposed Wicheeda hydrometallurgical process delivered exactly what was required of it. We have confirmed the general workability of the process, optimized certain design parameters, and identified areas that will be improved ahead of the Phase II pilot plant. The SGS Lakefield team did an excellent job of construction and operation of the circuit, and their efforts are much appreciated.”
The main objective of Phase I of the pilot plant was to test the flowsheet for operability and identify any changes that might be required before a longer test campaign. During the five days of continuous operation, the parameters for the various unit operations were varied slightly to allow optimization of the circuit ahead of the Phase II pilot plant run scheduled for late-April 2023.
Assays are still being received and evaluation of the results has not yet been finalized. However, to date it can be reported that the extraction of Pr (praseodymium) and Nd (neodymium) from the acid bake calcine was in excess of 90%, the impurity removal circuits were very efficient, and reagent regeneration and water recirculation were effective. Minor changes will be made to the circuit ahead of Phase II and an alternative product precipitant will be used.
Methodology
The fully integrated Pilot Plant included sulphuric acid baking, water leaching, three stages of impurity removal, rare earth precipitation, magnesia regeneration and recycling, and process water recycle. The plant ran continuously and without interruption for 24 h/day over a total run time of 110 hours. Operations were handled by a total of ten SGS technicians and metallurgists on each of two shifts managed by senior day-shift staff.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release, as it relates to the metallurgical aspects of the Wicheeda Rare-Earth Project, has been reviewed and approved by John Goode, P. Eng., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and who has provided the technical information relating to metallurgy in this news release.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 4,262-hectare (~10,532-acre) Wicheeda Light REE property is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (“PEA”) outlined a robust after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR1. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste:mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa (“million tonnes per year”) mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16 year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste:mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.
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 Light 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”.
Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward–looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, the expected benefits and outcomes of the hydrometallurgical pilot plant, the expected completion of the hydrometallurgical pilot plant and the expected timelines, 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 metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.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 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.
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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).
VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE:35D) is pleased to report favourable comminution results on multiple samples extracted from the Wicheeda deposit. The data allows the design of the crushing and grinding plant that will be an integral part of the planned Wicheeda development. These data are essential inputs to the upcoming pre-feasibility study (PFS).
Comminution, i.e., crushing and grinding, will be the first step in the processing of material mined from the Wicheeda deposit. In the process, coarse, as-mined, rocks are reduced in size to sand-like particles, typically less than 1 mm in size, and suitable for upgrading by flotation or other means. Comminution usually accounts for a significant percentage of the energy demand, production cost and carbon footprint of a mineral processing plant.
John Goode, Metallurgy Advisor, stated: “Comminution tests on seventeen variability samples and a Master Composite show that the ore is soft, amenable to conventional grinding operations and has a low abrasion index. The recent results confirm, and expand on data obtained from a 30 t bulk sample taken in 2019. The data show that a conventional semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill-ball mill circuit will work well and that grinding energy and supply costs will be relatively low.”
Key Highlights:
The Wicheeda variability samples and Master Composite were studied using the industry-standard SMC test to determine amenability to, and sizing design parameters for, SAG processing. The A x b value averaged 97 and the SAG Circuit Specific Energy (SCSE) averaged 7 kWh/t indicating a very soft ore.
The Bond rod mill work index test was applied to the Master Composite and returned a value of 10 kWh/t – which again indicates a very soft feed material.
The Bond ball mill work index test was applied to all samples and resulted in an average of 10 kWh/t using a 65-mesh closing screen. This again indicates a very soft feed material.
A standard Bond abrasion test was performed on the Master Composite and returned a value of 0.059 g meaning a very low consumption of grinding balls and mill liners is anticipated.
The Bond ball mill work index and abrasion index data for these new samples are very similar to the values obtained on the 2019 bulk sample taken from the Wicheeda deposit giving additional confidence in the new data. Comminution data for the 2019 bulk sample were used during preparation of the 2021 Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment1.
Methodology
Seventeen variability samples and a Master Composite were made from drill core taken from the Wicheeda deposit. The variability samples covered different lithologies, depths, areas and grades of the deposit. The Master Composite had a mass of 260 kg and included all lithologies in the approximate ratios of their mass in the deposit.
SGS Lakefield performed all of the comminution tests. The SMC testing protocol is an industry-standard method of evaluating the amenability of material to grinding in a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill. The Bond rod and ball mill indices and abrasion index are also industry-standard tests performed on crushed ore and are essential to the accurate sizing of a grinding circuit.
The comminution data will be used, along with other information, during the upcoming pre-feasibility study (PFS) to design the comminution circuit for the Wicheeda project.
PDAC Convention, Toronto, March 5 – 8, 2023
The Company is also pleased to announce that it will be attending this year’s Prospector’s and Developer’s Annual Convention (PDAC) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
The Company’s management team, members of the Board of Directors and technical advisors will be available during the convention (www.pdac.ca/convention) and invite you to drop by Booth #2500 in the Investors Exchange in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 5 – 7, 2023, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 8, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to discuss the Company’s latest activities and plans for 2023 and onward.
In addition, we invite you to attend the following presentation at PDAC, which includes Kris Raffle, P.Geo, a director of the Company, presenting on behalf of Defense Metals at 2:14 p.m.: Electric materials / Rare earth elements (REE), Room 801B – MTCC Level 800.
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., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and who has provided the technical information relating to metallurgy in this news release.
About the Wicheeda REE Property
Defense Metals 100% owned, 4,262-hectare (~10,532-acre) Wicheeda REE property is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.
The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (“PEA”) outlined a robust after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR1. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste:mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa (“million tonnes per year”) mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16 year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste:mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.
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”.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
This news release contains “forward–looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, completion of the PFS, attending PDAC, the Company’s plans for its Wicheeda REE Project, expected results and outcomes from the comminution data, 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 metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.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 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.
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).
