Tag: Natural Resources

Labrador Gold Corp. (NKOSF) – Drilling Yields Near-Surface Gold at DropKick and Extends the Zone to 360 Meters

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, October 13, 2023

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.

Recent drill results. Labrador Gold released results from recent drilling at its 100%-owned Kingsway gold project targeting the Appleton Fault Zone. The drilling is part of the company’s 100,000-meter diamond drilling program of which nearly 85,000 meters of drilling has been completed. Assays are pending for samples from approximately 6,100 meters of core.

DropKick target yields near surface gold. During the first phase of drilling at the DropKick target, Labrador discovered the presence of near surface gold over significant widths and increased the strike length of known mineralization to over 360 meters. Further drilling is planned to demonstrate the significant potential of this discovery.


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Release – Labrador Gold Intersects 1.81g/t Au Over 20.15 Metres at Dropkick, Extends Zone to 360 Metres

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on NKOSF

OCTOBER 12, 2023

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Labrador Gold Corp. (TSX.V:LAB | OTCQX:NKOSF | FNR: 2N6) (“LabGold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce results from recent drilling targeting the highly prospective Appleton Fault Zone. The drilling is part of the Company’s ongoing 100,000 metre diamond drilling program at its 100% owned Kingsway Project.

Final results from first stage drilling at DropKick include significant near surface gold mineralization of 20.15 metres grading 1.81g/t Au from 50 metres, including 4.14g/t Au over 4.5 metres in Hole K-23-248. Several near surface intervals were also intersected in Hole K-23-245 including 1.77g/t Au over 5.15 metres from 31.85 metres downhole. Holes K-23-245 and -248 represent a 67 metre step out to the northeast. Hole K-23-254, a 136 metre step out to the southwest, intersected 2.45g/t Au over 4.1 metres from 108.9 metres, including an interval of 16.68g/t Au over 0.3 metres that contained visible gold. These latest intersections extend the known mineralization at Dropkick to over 360 metres strike length and it remains open in both directions. Twelve of the 15 holes drilled at Dropkick intersected gold mineralization with four holes containing visible gold.

“During the first phase of drilling at DropKick we demonstrated the presence of near surface gold over significant widths while increasing the strike length of known mineralization which remains open along strike in both directions. Further drilling is required to demonstrate the true potential of this discovery,” said Roger Moss, President and CEO of LabGold. ”Planning is currently underway for drilling in The Gap, between Big Vein and Pristine, and to the south of Big Vein towards the recent Knobby discovery. Drilling of targets in these areas is expected to begin before the end of the month. We are excited to start filling in the gaps between the four discoveries made along a 7 kilometre section of the Appleton Fault Zone at Kingsway.”

Follow up drilling at Pristine included an intersection of 1.05g/t Au over 11 metres from 90 metres in Hole K-23-276 and 1.28g/t Au over 6.18 metres from 66.47 metres in Hole K-23-272. Mineralization drilled to date at Pristine mostly occurs above 86 metres vertical depth and extends over a strike length of approximately 160 metres.

Ongoing drilling at Big Vein intersected 2.76g/t Au over 8.97 metres from 233.56 metres, including 7.04g/t over 3.09 metres in Hole K-23-278.

Hole IDFrom (m)To (m)Interval (m)Au (g/t)Zone
K-23-278233.56242.538.972.76Big Vein
including236.00239.093.097.04
K-23-27690.00101.0011.001.05Pristine
including92.9597.804.851.82
K-23-27266.4772.656.181.28Pristine
including68.0070.802.802.33
K-23-260156.57160.003.431.06Pristine
K-23-25967.5068.350.851.22Pristine
K-23-254108.90113.004.102.45DropKick
including108.90110.801.904.56
including109.40109.700.3016.68
K-23-253nsvBig Vein
K-23-25253.0091.0038.000.55Big Vein
including60.0064.004.001.28
and73.0074.001.001.11
K-23-249nsvBig Vein
K-23-24850.0070.1520.151.81DropKick
including55.0070.1515.152.32
including58.0070.1512.152.72
including59.9064.404.504.14
K-23-247126.70128.001.301.32Big Vein
198.00198.950.951.20
K-23-24510.0012.652.651.16Dropkick
31.8537.005.151.77
including35.0036.351.353.17
44.8045.600.801.34
53.0054.501.501.04
89.00103.0014.000.60
including91.9594.002.051.42
192.00193.151.151.90
250.25251.150.901.32
K-23-24429.0033.004.001.10Big Vein
K-23-243nsvDropKick
K-23-242224.43225.160.731.88Big Vein
K-23-241nsvBig Vein

Table 1. Summary of assay results. All intersections are downhole length
as there is insufficient Information to calculate true width.

Almost 85,000 metres have been drilled to date out of the planned 100,000 metre program. Assays are pending for samples from approximately 6,100 metres of core.

The Company has approximately $10 million in cash and is well funded to carry out the remaining 15,000 metres of the planned drill program as well as further exploration to add to the current pipeline of drill targets on the property.

Figure 1. Plan map of Dropkick drill holes showing highlights of latest results.

Figure 2. Plan map of occurrences with selected drill intersections along the Appleton Fault Zone.

Hole IDEastingNorthingElevationAzimuthInclinationTotal Depth
K-23-27866173654353923713065420
K-23-27666192754360725627565200
K-23-27266193354360695931565278
K-23-260661750543587258090209
K-23-25966184554360015330045191
K-23-25466315954381265514045160.55
K-23-2536615545435459452045160
K-23-25266145054353125412570349
K-23-24966127254350936214565379
K-23-24866340854383815214065173
K-23-24766155354354585012550233
K-23-24566340954383805314045259
K-23-24366335354382735814065131
K-23-24466158954354304914045228
K-23-24266132154351115214555307
K-23-24166145054353125312550250

Table 2. Drill hole collar details

QA/QC

True widths of the reported intersections have yet to be calculated. Assays are uncut. Samples of HQ split core are securely stored prior to shipping to Eastern Analytical Laboratory in Springdale, Newfoundland for assay. Eastern Analytical is an ISO/IEC17025 accredited laboratory. Samples are routinely analyzed for gold by standard 30g fire assay with atomic absorption finish as well as by ICP-OES for an additional 34 elements. Samples containing visible gold are assayed by metallic screen/fire assay, as are any samples with fire assay results greater than 1g/t Au. The company submits blanks and certified reference standards at a rate of approximately 5% of the total samples in each batch. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are submitted to Bureau Veritas, an ISO 17025 accredited Laboratory in Vancouver, BC for check assays.

Qualified Person

Roger Moss, PhD., P.Geo., President and CEO of LabGold, a Qualified Person in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this release.

About Labrador Gold
Labrador Gold is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of prospective gold projects in Eastern Canada.

Labrador Gold’s flagship property is the 100% owned Kingsway project in the Gander area of Newfoundland. The three licenses comprising the Kingsway project cover approximately 12km of the Appleton Fault Zone which is associated with numerous gold occurrences in the region. Infrastructure in the area is excellent located just 18km from the town of Gander with road access to the project, nearby electricity and abundant local water. LabGold is drilling a projected 100,000 metres targeting high-grade epizonal gold mineralization along the Appleton Fault Zone with encouraging results. The Company has approximately $10 million in working capital and is well funded to carry out the planned program.

The Hopedale property covers much of the Florence Lake greenstone belt that stretches over 60 km. The belt is typical of greenstone belts around the world but has been underexplored by comparison. Work to date by Labrador Gold show gold anomalies in rocks, soils and lake sediments over a 3 kilometre section of the northern portion of the Florence Lake greenstone belt in the vicinity of the known Thurber Dog gold showing where grab samples assayed up to 7.8g/t gold. In addition, anomalous gold in soil and lake sediment samples occur over approximately 40 km along the southern section of the greenstone belt (see news release dated January 25 th 2018 for more details). Labrador Gold now controls approximately 40km strike length of the Florence Lake Greenstone Belt.

The Company has 170,009,979 common shares issued and outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LAB.

For more information please contact:

Roger Moss, President and CEO Tel: 416-704-8291

Or visit our website at: www.labradorgold.com

X : @LabGoldCorp

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

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ada2b49-2cf3-4482-ba32-69dcfdfdee84

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37ca58a1-438d-41be-9aa5-01115a320d9a

Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – Recent Work Affirms High Concentrate Grade and Recoveries Across a Range of Feed Grades

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, October 11, 2023

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.

Proving out the flowsheet. Defense Metals reported recent results of comprehensive comminution and beneficiation test work conducted by SGS Canada using samples from the Wicheeda Rare Earth Deposit. The three key rare earth-bearing lithologies in the Wicheeda deposit are: 1) higher-grade dolomite carbonatite (DC) comprising 73% of the deposit, 2) xenolithic carbonatite (XE) representing 24%, and 3) syenite (SYN). The DC material is expected to comprise most of the mill feed with the deeper XE and SYN mined later. SGS has performed a thorough investigation of the comminution and beneficiation characteristics of a wide variety of samples.

Beneficiation results. A total of 90 open-circuit flotation tests, using 1 or 2 kg of feed, were conducted on 17 individual variability samples, various composites, and blends. At a feed grade of 3%, the best fit line indicates 80% recovery to a 45% total rare earth oxide (TREO) concentrate. Closed circuit operations, as in a flotation plant, would deliver higher recoveries and grades. Favorable results were obtained in a locked cycle test on a deposit composite with a feed grade of 2.9% resulting in a rare earths recovery rate of 85% at a concentrate grade of 50.7% TREO.


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Exxon Makes Largest Deal Since 1999 with $59B Pioneer Purchase

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Oil giant Exxon Mobil is making a huge bet on shale with its just-announced $59 billion all-stock acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, one of the largest producers in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico. Shale oil is a type of unconventional oil found in shale rock formations that must be hydraulically fractured to extract the oil.

The deal, which is Exxon’s biggest since its merger with Mobil in 1999, will give it access to Pioneer’s large acreage position in the Permian, allowing Exxon to more than double its current production in the region to over 1 million barrels per day once the deal closes in 2024.

This massive expansion of Exxon’s shale oil production comes even as much of the industry has pulled back investments in new drilling due to investor pressure to improve returns and limit growth. While Exxon is already one of the most active drillers in the Permian, the addition of Pioneer’s operations will make it the largest shale oil producer in the basin by far.

The shale boom propelled U.S. oil production to record highs in recent years, though growth has slowed more recently. The Biden administration has also paused new leases for drilling on federal lands, creating uncertainty around future shale production. However, the industry is still projected to provide most new sources of oil supply worldwide in the coming years.

Exxon’s bet is that shale, especially the Permian where production costs are lowest, will continue to drive future growth. Pioneer outlined an ambitious plan last year to raise Permian production as high as 2 million barrels per day by 2030. Together, the companies expect to capture major cost savings by combining operations.

But analysts say the deal is not without risk for Exxon. While shale helped supercharge U.S. production, the industry has had a mixed track record of profitability. Investors have lost patience with shale companies struggling to deliver consistent returns, pushing firms like Pioneer to focus more on cost discipline and shareholder payouts rather than maximum production growth.

Outside shale, Exxon is also working to develop large, costly conventional oil projects offshore Guyana and in other regions to replenish reserves. Some analysts question whether Exxon might be spreading itself thin trying to balance massive shale drilling with high-stakes conventional projects.

More broadly for the oil industry, concerns around climate change have made the long-term outlook uncertain. With electric vehicles going mainstream and many governments setting net-zero emissions targets, peak oil demand may already be behind us according to some forecasts.

While Exxon says shale oil will be needed to meet global energy demand for decades to come, increasing pressure on the industry to reduce emissions led Pioneer to accelerate its own net zero target from 2050 to 2035 after the acquisition was announced. With shale methane emissions a major focus for policymakers, combining operations could allow for more investment in leak detection and reductions.

For now, Exxon seems confident in the value of shale, and particularly the Permian’s vast oil riches. The Pioneer deal positions it to be the dominant driller in the West Texas region as others pull back. But only time will tell whether the big bet on shale pays off or leaves Exxon overextended. The deal reflects one of the oil majors’ biggest signals of confidence yet that shale will continue driving growth well into the future.

Take a look at other energy and natural resources companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Michael Heim’s coverage list.

Release – Defense Metals Updated Beneficiation Results Confirm the Production of a High Grade Flotation Concentrate at High Recovery

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DFMTF

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSX-V:DEFN) (OTCQB:DFMTF) (FSE:35D) is extremely pleased to report the most recent results of the extensive comminution and beneficiation test work that has been conducted by SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario (“SGS“) on variability samples from the Wicheeda Rare Earth deposit.   

Figure 1: LCT-3 Flowsheet (CNW Group/Defense Metals Corp.)

Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, stated: “Our recent results shows that the Wicheeda feedstock can be crushed, ground and floated to produce a rare earth flotation product with similar or better recoveries and grades to the top producers globally. Our project has many favorable conditions for success: mineralogy, metallurgy, infrastructure, and community collaboration further supporting a path to production.”

Beneficiation Results

  • A total of 90 open-circuit flotation tests, using 1 or 2 kg of feed, were conducted on seventeen individual variability samples, various composites and blends.  Considering all open-circuit flotation tests, at a feed grade of 3% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxide), the best fit line indicated 80% recovery to a 45% TREO concentrate. Closed circuit operations, as practised in flotation plants, can be expected to deliver higher recovery and grade.
  • In addition to the smaller-scale tests, 29 bulk flotation tests using 10 or 12 kg charges were completed to both further optimize parameters and generate 16 kg of 46% TREO content with a recovery of 78% for use as feed for hydrometallurgical tests. 
  • Very favourable results were obtained in a locked cycle test on a deposit composite giving a recovery rate of 85% of the rare earths at a concentrate grade of 50.7% TREO.    

The beneficiation tests were aimed at confirming the reagent suite and operating parameters developed in earlier testwork and in the 2020 flotation pilot plant operated on a 26t bulk sample.  The variability samples responded well to the flowsheet and the selected reagent suite and operating regimes (temperature, density). Details of the testwork are provided below.

Comminution Results

  • SMC and Bond comminution tests were complete on all variability samples. The recent work confirms, and significantly expands on, the data obtained during the 2020 pilot plant work.
  • The data indicate that grinding energy will be relatively low, in particular in the upper portions of the deposit when the softer dolomitic carbonatite (DC) material, with a Bond ball mill work index of 9 kWh/t, is the majority of the potential mill feed.
  • Autogenous or semi-autogenous grinding system followed by a ball mill will be very satisfactory for the Wicheeda comminution plant.

John Goode, Consulting Metallurgist to the Company, commented: “SGS has performed a very thorough investigation of the comminution and beneficiation characteristics of a wide variety of samples from the Wicheeda deposit. The new results are close to those reported earlier and used in previous studies.  Grinding energy requirements have been shown to be relatively low and flotation recovery and concentrate grades are high and very favourable.”

Methodology

The three key rare earth-bearing lithologies in the Wicheeda deposit are, (1) the higher-grade dolomite carbonatite (“DC“) which makes up 73% of the deposit, (2) the xenolithic carbonatite (“XE“) that represents 24% of the deposit, and (3) the syenite (“SYN“). Based on its near surface location,  the DC material is expected to comprise the majority of  the mill feed and the XE and SYN lithologies deeper in the deposit mined later. The primary rare earths minerals are monazite, bastnäsite and synchysite/parisite. 

The comminution and beneficiation tests were done at SGS by a team headed by Dr. Jing Liu, Senior Metallurgist. Test material comprised a 260 kg Master Composite and seventeen variability samples, each nominally 36 kg, prepared from drill core and representing the three main lithologies in the Wicheeda deposit.  The variability samples were selected to cover the three dominant lithologies, a range of grades (1.1% to 4.5% TREO), depths (7 m to 221 m down-hole), and locations in the deposit, (for additional results on different grades and lithologies please see news release dated October 11, 2022 and February 14, 2023).  Extensive mineralogy was completed on the samples and test products to better define the deposit and process results.

A total of 90 open-circuit flotation tests, using 1 or 2 kg of feed, were conducted on a DC composite, xenolithic and syenite composites, the individual variability samples, the Master Composite and various other composites and blends. At a feed grade of 3%, the best fit line indicates 80% recovery to a 45% TREO concentrate.  Closed circuit operations, as in a flotation plant, would deliver higher recovery and grade.  The lower-grade XE and SYN material that are expected to be encountered late in potential mine life delivered somewhat lower concentrate grades and recoveries.

Three locked-cycle tests were completed, with LCT-3 operated on 12 kg batches of a New Master Composite made up from all variability samples blended according to the lithology distribution. The flowsheet, illustrated in Figure 1, was operated over seven cycles and showed good stability. The feed grade to LCT-3 was 2.9% TREO and the concentrate assayed 50.7% TREO with a recovery of 85.4%.

Comminution test work was completed by SGS using standard Bond comminution tests and the SMC test which measures the competence of primary grinding mill feed.  The SMC results were provided to JKTech for interpretation.  The Bond ball mill work indices were 9, 11, and 13 kWh/t for the DC, XE, and SYN samples respectively.  The SMC report categorized the DC samples as being very soft and the XE samples as medium. 

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release, as it relates to the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element project, has been reviewed and approved by John Goode, P. Eng., and Kris Raffle, P.Geo., a director of the Company, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and Mr. Goode has provided the technical information relating to metallurgy in this news release.

About the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project

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/

For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact:

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

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release contains “forward–looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to completion of the PFS 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.

SOURCE Defense Metals Corp.

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Innovating Leading Technologies for a Low Carbon Future

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, October 06, 2023

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Market leading yields coupled with low carbon intensities. Comstock recently achieved two significant milestones within its cellulosic fuels business. These include biofuel production yields of more than 100 gallons per dry tonne of woody biomass on a gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) basis and market-leading low carbon intensity (CI) scores of 16 or below for cellulosic ethanol and 15 for the company’s proprietary hydro-deoxygenated Bioleum oil (HBO). The CI score is measured in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy.

Differentiation provides a key competitive advantage. HBO is a proprietary drop-in bio-intermediate used in the production of sustainable aviation and renewable diesel fuels. It increases the diversity of hydro-processed, fat-based feedstock and significantly reduces carbon intensity scores from what is currently commercially achievable. For example, the carbon intensity of fossil fuels is industry-benchmarked between 80 and 95. Moreover, yields of over 100 GGE exceed the U.S. Department of Energy’s production goals of less than 75 GGE per tonne. While the higher yields are a key selling point in that they surpass existing cellulosic-derived biofuel production yields, leading biofuel refiners have indicated that lower CI scores are what significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their overall portfolios.


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

Release – Defense Metals Commences Phase 2 Infrastructure Sonic, Open Pit Geotechnical, and Exploration Target Core Drilling at Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on DFMTF

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/

For further information, please visit www.defensemetals.com or contact:

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

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, 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.

SOURCE Defense Metals Corp.

Labrador Gold Corp. (NKOSF) – Drilling to Resume Next Week

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Tuesday, October 03, 2023

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.

The final stretch. Drilling at Labrador Gold’s 100%-owned Kingsway gold project is targeting the Appleton Fault over a 12-kilometer strike length. The drilling is part of the company’s ongoing 100,000-meter diamond drilling program of which 83,000 meters of drilling has been completed. The company is beginning to receive assays back from the laboratory for samples from approximately 8,877 meters of core which will be released in batches once they have been interpreted. With ~C$11.5 million in cash, Labrador Gold is well-funded to complete the remaining 17,000 meters of planned drilling.

Drilling resumes next week. Labrador Gold expects to resume drilling next week with three rigs. Drilling will target the Gap Zone between the Big Vein and Pristine targets, the Knobby Occurrence, and the Golden Glove target. Permits have been received to drill in the Gap Zone and in the area south of the Big Vein target to the southern boundary of the property which encompasses the Knobby Occurrence and Golden Glove. 


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

Release – Aurania Provides Update And Directors Receive Options In Lieu Of Fees

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on AUIAF

Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) provides a brief update and announces that its directors received their quarterly director fees in the form of stock options in lieu of cash for the period ended September 30th (see press release dated April 12, 2023).

On September 29, 2023, each director was granted 26,800 stock options at an exercise price of $0.235 in lieu of their director fees for Q3 2023. An aggregate of 107,200 stock options were granted. The stock options will be exercisable for three years and will vest on September 29, 2023.  The Company will grant stock options equivalent in fair value to the director fees forfeited each quarter during 2023, at an exercise price of one cent above the closing price of Aurania’s shares the day prior to the grant and exercisable at any time for a period of three years following the date of issuance.

Update on Ecuador and France

The next President of Ecuador will be determined in a run-off election on October 15.  The two candidates, Luisa Gonzalez (UNES – Correa’s party) and Daniel Noboa (ADN – centrist, business-aligned) are expected to be supportive of responsible mining.  Gonzalez was in first place with 34% of the votes on August 20th, and Daniel Noboa held 24% of the votes at that time. The winning candidate will be in power until the next president is elected in Ecuador’s regularly scheduled election in the first half of 2025.  After the first-round results, Noboa emerges as the candidate with the most promising prospects for the presidency in the upcoming second round. This is because González’s room for growth on her 34 percent showing remains limited to those supportive of Correa’s former Socialist government (2007-2017).  Noboa, by contrast, is positioned to secure substantial backing from voters who had initially supported a variety of “anti-Correísmo” candidates.  At time of writing, Noboa is ahead in the polls, from 5-8%.  He has already met with the Ecuador Chamber of Mines, of which Aurania is a member, and recognizes the importance of mining to the Ecuador economy.  Whomever wins the election will take office in December.

In the meantime, Aurania’s CSR team continues to work with local communities in Ecuador to advance various social programs and initiatives within the areas of the Company’s key targets, strengthening the bonds with the communities and improving the social license the Company has. The management team’s focus is to work on those initiatives with the higher potential to create value for our shareholders in Ecuador and France, where the applications for mineral exploration permits, announced in July 2023, are being processed. The Company will report on those activities as new developments occur.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucú Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Click here to view the full press release dated October 2, 2023 on Aurania’s website including contact details and forward-looking statements.

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF) – Time to Step Up?

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, September 29, 2023

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.

Near-term weakness presents an opportunity. Lithium stocks have been weighed down by a decline in lithium spot prices this year driven mainly by factors in China. The recent price of battery grade lithium carbonate was ~US$23,300 per tonne. We think it presents an opportunity for longer-term investors based on favorable intermediate and long-term lithium fundamentals supported by growth in the North American electric vehicle market. While commodity spot prices tend to be volatile, long-term supply contracts will likely account for market volume growth as electric vehicle industry participants seek to secure their own lithium sources.

North American lithium projects have gained traction. With critical minerals supplies subject to geopolitical risk, lithium projects in North America benefit from a variety of funding options as battery manufacturers and car makers seek to secure supplies to de-risk their own long-term objectives. General Motors’ investment and offtake agreement with Lithium Americas to advance the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada validates the commercial potential of similar projects. Another example is the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s commitment to lend up to US$700 million to develop Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada coupled with US$490 million of conditional financing from Sibanye-Stillwater and binding offtake agreements with Ford, Toyota/Panasonic, and EcoPro.


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

Haynes International (HAYN) – Lowering Near-Term Estimates; Outlook Remains Favorable

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, September 25, 2023

Haynes International, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced, nickel and cobalt-based high-performance alloys, primarily for use in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine and chemical processing industries.

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.

Updating estimates. We have lowered our fiscal year 2023 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $81.2 million and $3.25 per share from $82.0 million and $3.30 per share. Our estimates reflect lower gross margins during the September quarter due to the negative impact of raw material fluctuations, primarily for nickel and cobalt. We have reduced our 2024 EBITDA and EPS estimates to $104.3 million and $4.50 per share from $106.8 million and $4.65. Our revised 2024 estimates reflect seasonality and more conservative sales volume growth assumptions albeit at modestly higher margins. The first quarter of each fiscal year is typically Haynes’ lowest revenue and earnings quarter due in part to holidays and planned maintenance.

Strong order backlog. Orders during the June quarter resulted in a record backlog of $468.1 million and represented a 4.8% increase compared to the prior quarter and a 38.4% increase on a year-over-year basis. Backlog pounds increased 3.2% during the third quarter to approximately 14.6 million pounds and increased 20.7% compared to the prior year period driven by strong demand in the aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets. In our view, the strong order book is indicative of the company’s strong competitive position and favorable outlook.


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

Newrange Gold (NRGOF) – Advancing Toward the Creation of Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corp.

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Newrange is focused on district-scale exploration for precious metals in the prolific Red Lake District of northwestern Ontario. The past-producing high-grade Argosy Gold Mine is open to depth, while the adjacent North Birch Project offers additional blue-sky potential. Focused on developing shareholder value through exploration and development of key projects, the Company is committed to building sustainable value for all stakeholders. Further information can be found on our website at www.newrangegold.com .

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.

Americas-focused silver-gold exploration company. In May,Newrange executed a binding Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) to acquire 100% of Mithril Resources Limited (ASX: MTH) in a reverse takeover (RTO). Pending approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, the resulting company will be named Pinnacle Silver & Gold Corp. and will be listed on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol “PINN.” The transaction is subject to various conditions, including approval by Newrange and Mithril shareholders and by various governmental and regulatory bodies. The transaction is expected to close following the Newrange and Mithril shareholder meetings on October 5th and October 13th, respectively. Mithril would then be delisted from the ASX exchange.

Flagship project. The Copalquin gold-silver project is in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district containing several dozen historic gold and silver mines and workings. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold-Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many world-class gold and silver deposits. Based on a recent NI 43-101 compliant technical report, the El Refugio target area is estimated to contain indicated resources of 121,000 ounces of gold and 2,538,000 ounces of silver and inferred resources of 252,000 ounces of gold and 8,414,000 ounces of silver.


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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.

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

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Non-Core Asset Sales Provide Funds for Reinvestment in Growth Businesses

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, September 15, 2023

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Sale of battery recycling facility. Comstock’s LINICO subsidiary sold its battery recycling facility in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and associated assets to American Battery Technology Company (OTCQX: ABML) for $27 million comprised of cash and ABML shares. LINICO had leased the facility with an option to purchase for $15.25 million, of which $3.25 million was paid. Comstock made the remaining $12.0 million payment to Aqua Metals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AQMS) to purchase the facility prior to closing its transaction with ABML. American Battery Technology Company initiated a 1-for-15 reverse split of its common stock effective at 9:00 am ET on September 11, 2023.   

Sale of American Battery Technology Company shares. Comstock recently sold its 9,076,923 ABML common shares for approximately $5.5 million. Related to the sale of the battery recycling business, Comstock has now generated total and net cash proceeds of $26.5 million and $14.5 million, respectively, representing a net gain on the sale of ~$7 million that will be reflected in the company’s third quarter financial statements. American Battery Technology Company will make a final payment of $0.5 million in cash during the fourth quarter of 2023.


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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.