April 19, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or Company) reports that the Feasibility Study on the Company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project (Project), in Nevada, USA, under the direction of Wood PLC and Global Resource Engineering Ltd., is currently under review by the Qualified Persons, and the Company anticipates its announcement imminently.
To date, the Company’s Feasibility Study team has revised and updated estimates for a phased production approach at the Project. These revisions also included assessment and evaluation of the economic benefit of sales of the surplus sodium hydroxide produced by the chlor-alkali plant.
The Company’s Lithium Extraction Facility (Pilot Plant) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada is now in its third year of testing the processing of lithium-bearing claystone from the Project. All data collected has been essential to the Feasibility Study. Century Lithium continues to work toward permitting the Project including the collection of baseline data collection for biology, surface and groundwater hydrology, and social impacts. Earlier this year, baseline reports were submitted by the Company’s consultants and were accepted by the appropriate government agencies. Multiple reports have been completed which will aide in the preparation of a Plan of Operations to initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
About Century Lithium Corp.
Century Lithium Corp. (formerly Cypress Development Corp.) is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium is currently in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit at its Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.comfor further information.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 18, 2024) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME)(OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.
2023 Highlights
Increased fourth quarter production by 16% to a record of 3,386 boe/d (99% heavy oil), and annual production by 11% to 3,125 boe/d (99% heavy oil), as compared to 2022.
Achieved annual revenue of $84.5 million, with adjusted funds flow from operations (“AFF”)(1) of $39.4 million.
Invested $16.9 million to drill eight successful Atlee Buffalo wells, one unsuccessful exploration well, upgrade facilities, purchase land and seismic, and pre-purchase materials for the 2024 development program.
Generated $22.5 million of free funds flow (“FFF”)(1).
Distributed $10.1 million in quarterly dividends to shareholders.
Distributed $3.0 million in special dividends to shareholders.
Purchased and cancelled 3.2 million shares at an average price of $1.28 per share under the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”), returning $4.1 million to shareholders.
Exited the year with a positive working capital(1) position of $3.6 million compared to a net debt(1) position of $0.8 million at December 31, 2022.
Increased Proved Developed Producing (PDP) NPV10 BT reserve value by 9% to $248 million and maintained reserve volumes at 8.2 MMboe (99.6% heavy oil).
Increased Proved (1P) NPV10 BT reserve value by 5% to $325 million and maintained reserve volumes at 12.1 MMboe (99.4% heavy oil).
Increased Proved plus Probable (2P) NPV10 BT reserve value by 5% to $416 million and maintained reserve volumes at 16.3 MMboe (99.4% heavy oil).
Note: (1)Non-IFRS financial measure that is not a standardized financial measure under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to “Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” section below.
Financial and Operating Summary
Selected financial and operational highlights should be read in conjunction with Hemisphere’s audited annual financial statements and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. These reports, including the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Hemisphere’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Three Months Ended December 31
Years Ended December 31
($000s except per unit and share amounts)
2023
2022
2023
2022
FINANCIAL
Petroleum and natural gas revenue
$
22,423
$
19,564
$
84,472
$
96,699
Operating field netback(1)
13,517
10,926
51,843
58,270
Operating netback(1)
14,428
11,396
52,118
51,995
Cash provided by operating activities
13,496
8,995
44,241
45,091
Adjusted funds flow from operations (AFF)(1)
11,295
11,011
39,411
46,686
Per share, basic(1)
0.11
0.11
0.39
0.47
Per share, diluted(1)
0.11
0.11
0.39
0.46
Free funds flow (FFF)(1)
9,144
4,921
22,539
28,420
Net income
3,981
3,253
24,195
21,317
Per share, basic
0.04
0.03
0.24
0.21
Per share, diluted
0.04
0.03
0.24
0.21
Dividends
5,489
2,560
13,083
7,683
Per share, basic
0.025
0.025
0.130
0.075
NCIB share repurchases
2,085
1,694
4,095
3,387
Capital expenditures (1)
2,151
6,090
16,872
18,266
Working capital (Net debt)(1)
3,589
(766
)
3,589
(766
)
OPERATING
Average daily production
Heavy oil (bbl/d)
3,364
2,884
3,100
2,801
Natural gas (Mcf/d)
132
138
147
158
Combined (boe/d)
3,386
2,907
3,125
2,828
Oil weighting
99%
99%
99%
99%
Average sales prices
Heavy oil ($/bbl)
$
72.36
$
73.52
$
74.53
$
94.29
Natural gas ($/Mcf)
2.19
4.76
2.56
5.03
Combined ($/boe)
$
71.97
$
73.16
$
74.07
$
93.69
Operating netback ($/boe)
Petroleum and natural gas revenue
$
71.97
$
73.16
$
74.07
$
93.69
Royalties
(14.07
)
(16.50
)
(14.71
)
(23.71
)
Operating costs
(11.49
)
(13.16
)
(10.87
)
(11.09
)
Transportation costs
(3.03
)
(2.64
)
(3.03
)
(2.43
)
Operating field netback(1)
43.38
40.86
45.46
56.46
Realized commodity hedging gain (loss)
2.92
1.76
0.24
(6.08
)
Operating netback(1)
$
46.30
$
42.62
$
45.70
$
50.38
General and administrative expense
(5.63
)
(4.92
)
(4.05
)
(3.94
)
Interest expense and foreign exchange (loss)
(0.44
)
(0.70
)
(0.58
)
(1.00
)
Current tax expense
(3.98
)
4.18
(6.51
)
(0.21
)
Adjusted funds flow from operations(1) ($/boe)
$
36.25
$
41.18
$
34.56
$
45.23
Note: (1)Non-IFRS financial measure that is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to “Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” section of the MD&A.
COMMON SHARES
April 17, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Common shares issued and outstanding
97,951,239
99,340,339
101,978,939
Stock options
7,563,000
7,563,000
6,075,000
Total fully diluted shares outstanding
105,514,239
106,903,339
108,053,939
Operations Update and Outlook
2023 was another rewarding year for Hemisphere, resulting in production growth of 11%, significant shareholder returns of $0.17 per share paid in dividends and NCIB purchases (representing a FFF payout ratio(2) of 76%), and the transformation from a net debt to a cash position.
Additionally, Hemisphere purchased mineral rights in a Saskatchewan oil resource play during the year, and kicked off the first quarter of 2024 by successfully drilling a 5-well pad (3 producers and 2 injectors) into the pool. The Company anticipates bringing the wells on production in the third quarter of the year, after commissioning a new polymer flood facility and oil treating battery in the area. The remainder of Hemisphere’s 2024 capital development program will be spent in its core Atlee Buffalo property later this summer.
Following significant downtime due to extreme cold weather in January and early February, Hemisphere’s corporate production during the latter half of the quarter has reached all-time highs of over 3,500 boe/d (February 15 – March 31, 2024 field estimates, 99% heavy oil), bringing average first quarter production to 3,135 boe/d.
Pricing outlook for heavy oil is bullish across the industry with the Trans Mountain pipeline anticipated to commence operations in May. With this additional egress capacity, WCS differential forecasts for the year have narrowed substantially. Combined with strong WTI pricing and a weak Canadian dollar, Hemisphere is optimistic about the year ahead as it tests its new Saskatchewan play while continuing to deliver top-tier free funds flow yields to its shareholders from ultra-low decline, high-value reserves in Atlee Buffalo.
About Hemisphere Energy Corporation
Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood enhanced oil recovery methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.
For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation or contact:
Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 685-9255 Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca
Note: (2) Non-IFRS Financial Ratio that is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar ratios disclosed by other issuers. Free funds flow, a non-IFRS financial measure, is used as a component of the non-IFRS ratio. The ratio is calculated as dividends of $13.1 million plus NCIB of $4.1 million divided by FFF of $22.5 million, equals a FFF payout ratio of 76% to shareholders.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release includes forward-looking statements regarding Hemisphere’s expectations that it will bring wells in Saskatchewan on production in the third quarter of the year, after commissioning a new polymer flood facility and oil treating battery in the area; that the remainder of Hemisphere’s 2024 capital development program will be spent in its core Atlee Buffalo property later this summer; outlook for heavy oil and commencement of operations for the Trans Mountain pipeline; anticipated WCS differential forecasts for the year and Hemisphere’s outlook for the year. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and can be profitably produced in the future.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Hemisphere which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Hemisphere believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Hemisphere can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the current and go-forward oil price environment; that Hemisphere will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; that results from drilling and development activities are consistent with past operations; timing of operations for the Trans Mountain pipeline; completion of commissioning a new polymer flood facility and oil treating battery in in its Saskatchewan operating area in the manner (and on the timing) currently expected; the quality of the reservoirs in which Hemisphere operates and continued performance from existing wells; the continued and timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the estimates of Hemisphere’s reserve volumes; certain commodity price and other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity financing and cash flow to fund Hemisphere’s current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Hemisphere operates; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which Hemisphere has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Hemisphere to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Hemisphere operates; and the ability of Hemisphere to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
The forward‐looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward‐looking statements including, without limitation: changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Hemisphere’s products, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated areas and zones; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Hemisphere or by third party operators of Hemisphere’s properties, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Hemisphere’s oil and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time‐to‐time in Hemisphere’s public disclosure documents, (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and in Hemisphere’s Annual Information Form).
The forward‐looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Hemisphere does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures
This news release contains the terms adjusted funds flow from operations, free funds flow, operating field netback and operating netback, capital expenditures and net debt, which are considered “non-IFRS financial measures” and any of these measures calculated on a per boe basis, which are considered “non-IFRS financial ratios”. These terms do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Accordingly, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) or cashflow from operations determined in accordance with IFRS and these measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than IFRS measures in evaluating the Company’s performance.
a) Adjusted funds flow from operations (“AFF”) (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): The Company considers AFF to be a key measure that indicates the Company’s ability to generate the funds necessary to support future growth through capital investment and to repay any debt. AFF is a measure that represents cash flow generated by operating activities, before changes in non-cash working capital and adjusted for decommissioning expenditures, and may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for AFF is cash provided by operating activities. AFF per share is calculated using the same weighted-average number of shares outstanding as in the case of the earnings per share calculation for the period.
A reconciliation of AFF to cash provided by operating activities is presented as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31
Years Ended December 31
($000s, except per share amounts)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Cash provided by operating activities
$
13,496
$
8,995
$
44,240
$
45,091
Change in non-cash working capital
(2,259
)
1,447
(5,266
)
911
Adjust: Decommissioning obligation expenditures
58
569
437
684
Adjusted funds flow from operations
$
11,295
$
11,011
$
39,411
$
46,686
Per share, basic
$
0.11
$
0.11
$
0.39
$
0.47
Per share, diluted
$
0.11
$
0.11
$
0.39
$
0.46
b)Free funds flow (“FFF”) (Non-IFRS Financial Measures): Is calculated by taking adjusted funds flow and subtracting capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes that free funds flow provides a useful measure to determine Hemisphere’s ability to improve returns and to manage the long-term value of the business.
Three Months Ended December 31
Years Ended December 31
($000s, except per share amounts)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Adjusted funds flow
$
11,295
$
11,011
$
39,411
$
46,686
Capital expenditures
(2,151
)
(6,090
)
(16,872
)
(18,266
)
Free funds flow
$
9,144
$
4,921
$
22,539
$
28,420
Per share, basic
$
0.09
$
0.05
$
0.22
$
0.29
Per share, diluted
$
0.09
$
0.05
$
0.22
$
0.28
c) Capital Expenditures (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Management uses the term “capital expenditures” as a measure of capital investment in exploration and production assets, and such spending is compared to the Company’s annual budgeted capital expenditures. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing activities. A summary of the reconciliation of cash flow used in investing activities to capital expenditures is set forth below:
Three Months Ended December 31
Years Ended December 31
($000s)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Cash used in investing activities
$
3,745
$
4,680
$
19,456
$
18,847
Change in non-cash working capital
(1,594
)
1,410
(2,584
)
(581
)
Capital expenditures
$
2,151
$
6,090
$
16,872
$
18,266
d) Operating field netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): Is a benchmark used in the oil and natural gas industry and a key indicator of profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating field netback is calculated as oil and gas sales, less royalties, operating expenses and transportation costs on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis. These terms should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow from operating activities or net income or loss as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance.
e) Operating netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): Is calculated as the operating field netback plus the Company’s realized commodity hedging gain (loss) on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis.
f) Net debt (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Is closely monitored by the Company to ensure that its capital structure is maintained by a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. Net debt is used in this document in the context of liquidity and is calculated as the total of the Company’s current assets, less current liabilities, excluding the fair value of financial instruments, lease and warrant liabilities, and including the bank debt. There is no IFRS measure that is reasonably comparable to net debt.
The following table outlines the Company calculation of net debt:
As at December 31
2023
2022
Current assets(1)
$
14,110
$
5,825
Current liabilities(1)
(10,521
)
(6,591
)
Working capital / (Net debt)
$
3,589
$
(765
)
Note: (1)Excluding fair value of financial instruments, and lease and decommissioning obligations.
g)Supplementary Financial Measures and Ratios
“Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per basic share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by basic weighted average common shares. “Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per diluted share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by diluted weighted average common shares. “Operating expense per boe” is comprised of operating expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Free Funds Flow Payout Ratio” is a non-IFRS financial ratio comprised of dividends declared during the year plus NCIB expenditures during the year divided by free funds flow (a non-IFRS financial measure) for the applicable year. “Realized heavy oil price” is comprised of heavy crude oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s crude oil production. “Realized natural gas price” is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas production. “Realized combined price” is comprised of total commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Royalties per boe” is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Transportation costs per boe” is comprised of transportation expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production.
The Company has provided additional information on how these measures are calculated in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Oil and Gas Advisories
All estimated reserve volumes and the estimated net present values of the future net revenues of such reserve estimates included in this news release are as attributed by McDaniel Associates & Consultants Ltd., the Company’s independent reserve evaluators in its report as at December 31, 2023 and prepared in accordance with the COGE Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities.
A barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
It should not be assumed that the net present value of the estimated net revenues of the reserves presented in this news release represent the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast prices and costs assumptions upon which such estimates are made will be attained and variances could be material. The reserve estimates of Hemisphere’s crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves and any estimated recovery factors provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.
Definitions and Abbreviations
bbl
barrel
Mcf
thousand cubic feet
bbl/d
barrels per day
Mcf/d
thousand cubic feet per day
$/bbl
dollar per barrel
$/Mcf
dollar per thousand cubic feet
boe
barrel of oil equivalent
NGL
natural gas liquids
boe/d
barrel of oil equivalent per day
NPV10 BT
Net Present Value discounted at 10%, before tax
$/boe
dollar per barrel of oil equivalent
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
Mboe
thousand barrels of oil equivalent
WCS
Western Canadian Select
MMboe
million barrels of oil equivalent
US$
United States Dollar
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.
The unrelenting surge in gold prices has shown no signs of abating, with the precious metal blasting through the $2,400 an ounce level to set fresh all-time highs. Propelled by a combination of geopolitical turmoil, stubborn inflation, and prospects for more dovish U.S. monetary policy, bullion’s blistering rally has lifted the fortunes of mining companies along with it.
On Monday, gold futures settled at a record $2,383 per ounce after Iran fired missiles at Israel, amplifying safe-haven demand. While the imminent threat was neutralized, the escalation underscored bullion’s appeal as a hedge against geopolitical instability.
But it’s not just tensions abroad fueling gold’s ascent. The anchoring factor has been the prospect of easier monetary conditions from the Federal Reserve to tame hot inflation. Hotter-than-expected price data has raised odds of two rate cuts by year-end, buffering non-yielding bullion’s appeal relative to other asset classes like bonds.
The stellar gains have unsurprisingly turbocharged mining stocks. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has skyrocketed over 20% year-to-date, far outperforming the metal itself. Industry titans like Newmont Corp (NEM) have risen nearly 20% as the merger with Newcrest has fattened production levels and profit margins at current lofty gold prices.
While big miners are prospering, it’s the juniors and smaller explorers that have seen the most spectacular returns. Fueled by improved economics at higher bullion levels, higher prices breathed new life into marginal projects long-shelved during the bear cycle, while re-ratings sent neglected equities rocketing higher.
According to Citi analysts, the minimum “price floor” at which mines can profitably produce has risen from around $1,000 previously to $2,000 currently. This bodes extremely well for industry profitability and increased capital spending to bring on additional supply.
In fact, Citi sees no stopping gold’s rally, projecting a push towards $3,000 an ounce over the next 6-18 months on potential stagflation risks. Goldman Sachs has also jumped on the bullish bandwagon, revising their gold target up to $2,700 by year-end. Lofty forecasts like these imply juniors may have plenty of room to run if realized.
For investors, the juniors offer a high beta play on higher gold pricing but come with elevated risks compared to the senior miners. Many are single-asset companies with higher costs, making them more susceptible to operational snags and gold price fluctuations.
However, their outsize returns in a bull market are also apparent. Juniors like Equinox (EQX) have delivered nearly triple the gains of the major producers. Their improved ability to raise capital for growth also enhances the upside potential. If the $3,000 an ounce forecast is achieved, the re-rating and bull market in juniors could be just beginning.
With a potent combination of easy money policies, inflation risks, and simmering geopolitical flashpoints buoying bullion, gold’s uptrend shows no signs of abating. As the rally rages on, the mining industry from large to small is prospering – but it’s the high-risk, high-reward juniors that have emerged as the most compelling opportunity to capitalize on gold’s unstoppable ascent.
TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its first quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, April 29, 2024. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.
To participate in the conference call, dial U.S. Toll Free (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13745713.
About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.
ARLP is a diversified energy company that is currently the largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is evolving and positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the advancement of energy and related infrastructure.
News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via e-mail at investorrelations@arlp.com.
Toronto, Ontario, April 12, 2024 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) reports an update regarding a request to enter into an agreement for payment of its annual mineral concession fees in Ecuador as announced on March 27, 2024.
While this process is ongoing, the Company maintains its property in Ecuador in good standing and is able to further its exploration projects, dependent on funding availability. As previously reported, the Company filed the appropriate documentation to renew its 42 mineral exploration concessions in Ecuador prior to the March 31st deadline.
Aurania’s request to enter into an agreement has been accepted and a further meeting is expected to commence in the coming weeks. This process may take a couple of months to complete.
About Aurania
Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes statements regarding Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations, and estimates of market conditions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, an inability to settle a schedule for the payment of annual concession fees on terms which are satisfactory or all with the result that the mineral concession renewals may be of no effect and the property interests are jeopardized, a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents, an inability to access financing as needed, a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania, a failure to comply with environmental regulations, a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals and copper and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information.
ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that generates operating and royalty income from coal produced by its mining complexes and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko and Williston basins. ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes its subsidiaries operate in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as an energy provider for the future by leveraging its core technology and operating competencies to make strategic investments in the fast growing energy and infrastructure transition.
Mark Reichman, 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 2024 EBITDA and EPU estimates to $841.1 million and $3.90 from $846.9 million and $3.98, respectively. Among our revisions, we have lowered our coal price assumptions, increased our expense estimates, and made minor changes in our unit count. Our estimates remain within the partnership’s guidance ranges and are summarized within this report.
New officer appointment. Mr. Steven Schnitzer recently joined the general partner of ARLP as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Schnitzer was involved in the 1996 leveraged buy-out of MAPCO Coal, now Alliance Resource Partners, and regularly represented the partnership until 2014 when he left private practice. His experience working with companies in the natural resources and energy transition fields will be helpful as Alliance pursues growth opportunities within and outside its traditional businesses. Most recently, Mr. Schnitzer served as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of a commercial and industrial solar generation and battery storage developer.
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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.
First quarter 2024 perception report. RB Milestone, Comstock’s investor relations firm, released its first quarter 2024 stakeholder perception report which provides insight into Comstock’s operational milestones and strengths and weaknesses as perceived by stakeholders. The accompanying presentation highlighted the achievement of significant company milestones, notably in its Metals and Fuels segments. An underreported point made during the presentation is that Comstock has approximately $225 million of net operating loss tax carry-forward that may be used to offset gains from sales of non-core assets and future profits.
Growing customer commitments. During the first quarter, Comstock Metals received all permits for its solar panel recycling facility and began commissioning the plant. Comstock Metals has received over 60 tons of end-of-life solar panels for which it has received cash and expects to begin recognizing revenue in the second quarter as the panels are processed. Supplier commitments have exceeded expectations and Comstock is preparing permits for its first industry-scale facility.
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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.
Feasibility study expected shortly. Century’sClayton Valley lithium project is among the most advanced pre-permitted lithium projects in North America. In2023, the company focused on pilot plant operations with the results of a project feasibility study (FS) expected to be released within the next couple of weeks. The full report will be available approximately 45 days later. While production is expected to be consistent with the earlier preliminary feasibility study (PFS), we expect a phased approach to full scale production.
Feasibility study expectations. While weexpect the feasibility study to reflect higher capital and operating costs, the economics may improve relative to the PFS due to several factors. These include: 1) a higher base case pricing assumption for lithium carbonate equivalent that could be in the range of US$22,000 to US$30,000 per tonne compared to US$9,500 per tonne used in the PFS, 2) a potential economic benefit from the by-product sales of sodium hydroxide, 3) the leaching process will be based on using hydrochloric acid instead of sulfuric acid, and 4) the project will likely incorporate lower cost renewable power.
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Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Relative performance. During the first quarter, mining companies (as measured by the XME) appreciated 0.8% compared to a gain of 10.2% for the S&P 500 index. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners (GDX) and Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) ETFs were up 2.0% and 2.2%, respectively. Gold, silver, and copper futures prices gained 8.8%, 4.5%, and 3.1%, respectively, while zinc, lead and nickel declined 5.6%, 1.6%, and 1.2%. Central Banks around the world added to global gold reserves in January with demand expected to remain durable throughout 2024 due in part to a desire among some nations to diversify away from the U.S. dollar as the benchmark reserve currency.
Precious metals outlook. The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark overnight borrowing rate at its March meeting and signaled the potential for rate cuts in 2024. Inflation appears to be moderating. The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation, was up 2.8% from February 2023 to February 2024, following a 2.9% increase from January 2023 to January 2024. The outlook for the gold price remains constructive due to expectations of one or more rate cuts in 2024, continued geopolitical uncertainty, concerns about the growth in U.S. deficit spending and the national debt, and increasing investments in gold by central banks. To some degree, lower rate expectations may already be factored into the price of gold.
Outlook for industrial and battery metals. Following weakness in 2023 due to lower economic growth expectations, industrial metals prices could strengthen when monetary policy increases the odds for a more durable economic outlook. Inventory re-stocking and longer-term secular trends such as electrification remain supportive of supply and demand fundamentals for metals such as copper. For battery metals, a more gradual path for electric vehicle adoption may lead to continued volatility in lithium, cobalt, and nickel prices although longer-term demand fundamentals remain favorable. During the first quarter, futures prices for battery grade lithium rose 11.4%, while cobalt and nickel prices fell 1.2%.
Putting it all together. Because the performance of precious metals mining equities has lagged the strength in gold prices, equities could offer greater upside at this point as investors take notice of attractive valuations juxtaposed against a strong gold price. Junior companies remain particularly attractive based on valuation, and we expect industry consolidation to accelerate as senior producers seek to replenish reserves and resources.
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ANALYST CREDENTIALS, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE
Senior Equity Analyst focusing on Basic Materials & Mining. 20 years of experience in equity research. BA in Business Administration from Westminster College. MBA with a Finance concentration from the University of Missouri. MA in International Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis. Named WSJ ‘Best on the Street’ Analyst and Forbes/StarMine’s “Best Brokerage Analyst.” FINRA licenses 7, 24, 63, 87
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RESEARCH ANALYST CERTIFICATION
Independence Of View All views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities or issuers.
Receipt of Compensation No part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to any specific recommendations or views expressed in the public appearance and/or research report.
Ownership and Material Conflicts of Interest Neither I nor anybody in my household has a financial interest
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.
Focus on Newfoundland. Labrador Gold’s President and Director, Dr. Roger Moss, recently delivered a presentation to the Toronto Geological Discussion Group entitled “The Kingsway Gold Project: Acquisition and Exploration in the Newfoundland Gold Rush.” Labrador Gold is advancing its flagship Kingsway gold project in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. The company is nearing completion of a 100,000-meter drilling program targeting high-grade gold mineralization along a 12-kilometer section of the Appleton Fault Zone with assays still pending.
A retrospective. Dr. Moss discussed Labrador Gold’s history from its founding in 2017, when it was focused on gold in the Florence Lake Greenstone Belt at its Hopedale project in Labrador, to its March 2020 acquisition of its flagship Kingsway project in Newfoundland. While Labrador has funded exploration at both projects, drilling has centered on Kingsway in recent years. During the Q&A, Dr. Moss indicated that following several years of drilling at Kingsway, the company may take some time to evaluate and analyze results to date before embarking on the next phase of drilling at Kingsway.
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The gold mining industry saw an intriguing deal announced this week, with mid-tier producer Alamos Gold Inc. unveiling plans to acquire smaller rival Argonaut Gold Inc. for US$325 million. The transaction highlights an ongoing trend of consolidation in the metals mining space, as bigger players look to grow through acquisitions of promising assets and companies.
For Alamos, the main prize in this deal is the Magino development project in Ontario, Canada owned by Argonaut. Located right next door to Alamos’ Island Gold mine, Magino provides the company an opportunity to combine the two operations into one large, low-cost complex. Alamos expects to realize over US$500 million in synergies by integrating the two adjacent mines.
The acquisition of Magino significantly increases Alamos’ production profile. The combined company is expected to produce over 600,000 ounces of gold annually in the near-term, with longer-term potential exceeding 900,000 ounces per year at declining costs. This expanded scale bolsters Alamos’ position as one of Canada’s largest and lowest cost gold producers.
While Alamos gains Magino through this transaction, Argonaut’s other assets in the U.S. and Mexico will be spun out into a newly created company called SpinCo that will be owned by Argonaut’s current shareholders. This includes the operating Florida Canyon mine in Nevada as well as several development and exploration projects in Mexico.
The Alamos-Argonaut deal follows a number of similar acquisitions of smaller gold companies by more established miners over the past year. In 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines acquired Teck Resources’ minority stake in the Minas de San Nicolas mine in Mexico, while Kinross Gold acquired Great Bear Resources and its promising Dixie project in Ontario. Going back to 2022, there were several billion-dollar M&A transactions, including Newmont’s acquisition of Newcrest’s stake in the Cadia mine and Yamana Gold’s takeover by the Pan American Silver and Agnico Eagle joint venture.
According to analysts, this renewed appetite for M&A activity reflects a growing consensus that a new bull cycle may be emerging for precious metals like gold and silver. Record high inflation rates, continued economic uncertainty, and a lack of major new production sources coming online have contributed to this increasingly bullish outlook.
In addition to building out their growth profiles through M&A, the large miners are also investing heavily in exploration and advancing their existing development projects. This dual strategy of acquisitions and organic growth initiatives should help drive a new phase of production growth across the sector in the coming years as a potential bull market unfolds.
For smaller mining companies like Argonaut, deals like this provide an attractive exit opportunity and way to unlock value for shareholders. But they also highlight the continual restructuring happening in the mining space, as promising assets and companies get consolidated into the hands of more well-capitalized mid-tier and senior producers.
With metals prices expected to keep rising on the back of supply/demand imbalances, this wave of consolidation could be just the beginning. Analysts anticipate an acceleration of M&A activity as the big miners look to position themselves for the next bullish upswing in the commodity cycle.
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.
Special meeting of stockholders. Haynes International recently filed definitive proxy materials in anticipation of a special meeting of stockholders to vote on the company’s proposed merger with North American Stainless, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Acerinox S.A. Acerinox is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of stainless steel and high-performance alloys and will acquire all the outstanding shares of Haynes for $61.00 per share in an all-cash transaction. The special meeting of stockholders of Haynes International will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 9:30 am ET. Haynes stockholders of record as of the close on March 11 are entitled to vote the shares of Haynes International common stock held on the record date.
Closing is expected in the third calendar quarter. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired on March 18. Remaining closing conditions include approval of the merger under other applicable foreign investment laws and the adoption of the merger agreement by Haynes’ stockholders. The transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2024.
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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.
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Appointment of corporate financial adviser. Defense Metals appointed HCF International Advisers Ltd., a London-based corporate financial advisory firm, to conduct a strategic funding review for the company’s Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project. The review will help Defense Metals analyze and evaluate potential funding and strategic partnership options associated with the development of the Wicheeda Project post completion of its preliminary feasibility study (PFS). HCF’s experience in financing globally recognized mining projects include its role as financial adviser to Arafura Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARU) in the financing of the Nolan Project in Australia.
Upcoming preliminary feasibility study. Defense Metals expects to complete a PFS in the second calendar quarter of 2024 for which metallurgical test work has been completed. Bench-scale and hydrometallurgical pilot plant test work indicates the planned acid bake process will deliver approximately 90% total rare earth oxide (TREO) extraction from the mineral concentrate to a mixed rare earth carbonate product.
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