Hydralyte International (HPC:AU) has announced FY24 Appendix 4E
Download the PDF here.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
In her view, the world is in the midst of a paradigm shift, and gold’s role will become increasingly key.
‘One of the most important factors is what central banks are doing — central banks are accumulating, buying gold, and it’s a huge indicator of where the prices will go,’ she said.
Watch the interview above for more of her thoughts on those topics and more.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce that it has executed a binding Term Sheet to acquire Altech Advanced Materials AG’s (FRA:AMA) 25% equity interest in Altech Energy Holdings GmbH (AEH) (75% holder of CERENERGY(R)) and 25% equity interest in Altech Industries Germany GmbH (AIG) (100% holder of Silumina AnodesTM) including all outstanding shareholder loans from AIG and AEH to AAM; together the ‘Acquisitions’.
Highlights
– Altech’s offer to acquire Altech Advanced Materials AG (AAM) project stakes accepted by AAM
– Altech to acquire additional 18.75% stake in CERENERGY(R) Project and additional 25% stake in Silumina AnodesTM Project including outstanding shareholder loans to AAM
– Altech will hold 75% of CERENERGY(R) & 100% of Silumina AnodesTM projects post acquisition
– Fraunhofer remains as 25% JV partner of the CERENERGY(R) project
– Altech will issue AAM approximately 532 million fully paid ordinary shares
– Acquisitions are valued at approximately A$23.3 million
– AAM market capitalisation on Frankfurt Stock Exchange is approximately A$38.7 million
– Based on DFS, and risk-adjusted AAM value, both projects valued at A$77 million
– AAM post-acquisition will be 21% shareholder of ATC
– New simplified corporate structure serves to optimise financing options
– Potential for ATC to divest acquired interests to strategic partners for project financing
– Subject to shareholder approval by both ATC and AAM
– General Meeting to be held inclusive of Independent Expert Report
In accordance with the project’s ownership, the AAM equity interests to be acquired by ATC represent an additional 18.75% stake in the CERENERGY(R) project and an additional 25% stake in the Silumina AnodesTM project (refer Figure 1* Corporate Structure before and after Acquisitions).
Fraunhofer remains as 25% JV partner of the CERENERGY(R) project.
As consideration for the Acquisitions, and subject to shareholder approval, Altech will issue to AAM approximately 532 million fully paid ordinary shares, resulting in AAM holding 21% of Altech’s issued share capital post Acquisitions. Based on the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Altech shares being $0.044 over the 15 trading days prior to this announcement, the total consideration offered is valued at A$23.3 million. The shares proposed to be issued to AAM will be subject to a voluntary escrow period of 12 months from the date of issue. The Acquisition is still subject to several conditions precedent, including the approval of the Acquisitions by shareholders at the General Meetings of AAM and ATC.
Valuation of Transaction
AAM’s current market capitalisation on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange A$38.7 million (equal to EUR23.2 million), while the consideration offered for its sole assets amounts to A$23.3 million.
The Cerenergy Project DFS has a Net Present Value (NPV) of A$281 million, with AAM’s 18.75% stake equating to A$52 million at full financing. Applying a standard 0.23 NAV discount for financing risk, the adjusted valuation is A$12 million. The Silumina Project DFS has an NPV of A$1.14 billion, with AAM’s 25% stake translating to A$285 million. After applying the same 0.23 NAV discount, the adjusted valuation stands at A$65 million. In total, the risk-adjusted value of both projects is A$77 million, compared to the A$23.3 million consideration offered for their acquisition.
AAM initially acquired a 25% stake in both the CERENERGY and Silumina Projects from ATC for a total consideration of A$8 million. Following the acquisition, AAM made additional capital contributions in response to cash calls from both project entities, providing a total of A$10.8 million to support project development, operational expenses, and financing commitments. This brings AAM’s total investment in the projects to date to A$18.8 million compared to the A$23.3 million consideration offered for their acquisition.
Post Acquisitions
Post Acquisitions, Altech will own 100% of the Silumina AnodesTM Project and 75% of the CERENERGY(R) Battery Project, with Fraunhofer as 25% joint venture partner.
Strategic Rationale and Benefits
This transaction represents a pivotal moment for Altech’s strategic growth. By acquiring 100% ownership of Silumina AnodesTM and 75% ownership of CERENERGY(R), Altech is positioning itself to accelerate the development and commercialisation of these high-value projects. The Silumina AnodesTM project is a breakthrough in battery material technology, incorporating high-purity alumina in silicon anodes to improve battery performance. The CERENERGY(R) project, meanwhile, is at the forefront of next-generation sodium chloride battery development, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion technology.
Additionally, the transaction presents a practical solution to recent funding challenges by AAM. Uncertainty among German investors regarding AAM’s ownership structure has complicated AAM’s fundraising efforts and hindered sustained support in Germany.
Altech will have the autonomy to make key investment and operational decisions without requiring external approvals, thereby enhancing project execution efficiency. Furthermore, the Acquisitions will provide Altech with a stronger negotiation position when engaging with potential strategic partners, customers, and financiers. Through these transactions, AAM will retain long-term upside potential through its new equity stake in Altech. This structure aligns the interests of both companies and ensures that AAM continues to benefit from future successes. AAM will remain as an investment company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange rather than holding direct interest of both projects.
Consolidating ownership reduces the complexity of project governance and enhances Altech’s ability to execute strategic initiatives with greater agility and less complexity. Additionally, the issuance of shares to AAM in lieu of cash payments preserve Altech’s balance sheet strength, allowing it to deploy capital more effectively towards project development and commercialisation.
The Board of Altech believes the transaction will deliver significant strategic benefits, including:
– Consolidation of ownership in the Silumina AnodesTM and CERENERGY(R) projects, enabling streamlined decision-making and project execution
– Improved operational flexibility and efficiency to fast-track commercialisation efforts
– Addressing recent funding challenges faced by AAM and improving capital structure alignment
Conditions Precedent
The completion of the Acquisitions is subject to:
– All necessary regulatory approvals, including:
o ASX Listing Rule 7.1 shareholder approval for the issuance of consideration shares.
o Shareholder approval under item 7, section 611 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), to the extent that AAM, or any of its shareholders, will increase its voting power above 20% in Altech.
– Approval from the Australian Treasurer under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth), if required.
– Approval by AAM’s shareholders meeting
– Execution of an escrow deed between Altech and AAM regarding the voluntary escrow conditions.
Board Recommendation
Mr Hansjoerg Plaggemars and Mr Uwe Ahren, being current Managing Directors of AAM, did not take part in any voting on the Acquisitions in their position as Board members of Altech and do not make a recommendation on the proposal. Mr Iggy Tan, being a previous Managing Director of AAM (resigned 31 December 2024) did not take part in any voting on the Acquisitions and does not make a recommendation on the proposal.
The Independent Directors of Altech, consisting of Mr Luke Atkins, Mr Dan Tenardi and Mr Peter Bailey, unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the Acquisitions, subject to the Independent Expert’s Report concluding that the transaction is fair and/or reasonable to Altech shareholders. Altech’s Board strongly believes that this transaction will enhance shareholder value over the long term by consolidating ownership, streamlining decision-making and ensuring that both projects progress efficiently towards commercialisation. The transaction structure ensures that AAM remains aligned with Altech’s success while addressing funding constraints in a manner that benefits all stakeholders.
Next Steps
Altech will continue working closely with AAM to finalise definitive agreements and complete all required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Shareholders will be kept informed of any significant developments, and further announcements will be made as key milestones are achieved. The Company remains committed to executing this strategic initiative in a manner that enhances shareholder value and accelerates its growth objectives. The Board looks forward to engaging with shareholders throughout the approval process and appreciates the ongoing support from its investors.
To view the Indicative Timetable, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/DK6T5Z7Q
About Altech Batteries Ltd:
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.
The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.
Source:
Altech Batteries Ltd
Contact:
Corporate
Iggy Tan
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com
Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com
News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
(TheNewswire)
Vancouver, British Columbia, February 28th, 2025 TheNewswire – Prismo Metals Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce an updated exploration model for its Hot Breccia project in Southern Arizona.
Steve Robertson, President of Prismo Metals stated: ‘The results of the geophysical survey when taken in conjunction with the historical exploration data and the AI study provide a compelling exploration model for the Hot Breccia project. The data sets complement each other nicely and combine to form a model that is typical of porphyry copper deposits. The additional supportive context of the similarity of Hot Breccia’s geologic setting, with the geologic setting at the Resolution deposit, culminates in this being an exciting and high priority exploration target.’
The geophysical inversions show a large conductive body and a coincident magnetic low, surrounded by several magnetic highs. Prismo believes that these features can be caused by alteration and metal deposited by the hydrothermal fluids introduced by the multiphase intrusives and they are aligned in a geometry typical of porphyry copper deposits. The magnetic highs appear to be aligned in a northeastern orientation that corresponds to the trend of the surface expression of dike swarms.
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 1. Plan view of the Hot Breccia project showing resistivity on the left and magnetics on the right from the ZTEM survey. The outline of the project concessions is shown in yellow. Narrow orange and ochre lines represent dikes in a NE trending dike swarm.
This model is based on an updated analysis of (i) the results of the airborne geophysical survey conducted in 2023 which consisted of data collected with a ZTEM (Z-axis Tipper Electromagnetic) System, (ii) historical exploration data and (iii) the AI study conducted by Prismo in 2024.
Mr. Robertson added: ‘The copper exploration target at Hot Breccia has geophysical, geochemical and geological features characteristic of many porphyry copper deposits. The project area has a regional setting similar to BHP-Rio Tinto’s Resolution copper deposit located 40 kilometers to the northwest of Hot Breccia and which is considered to be one on the greatest copper discoveries in the history of North American mining.’
Prismo’s Hot Breccia project lies at the heart of the Arizona Copper Belt, which hosts several globally significant porphyry coppers. Examples of these significant deposits are Freeport McMoRan’s Miami-Inspiration mining complex, BHP’s San Manuel mine, Rio Tinto and BHP’s Resolution deposit and others (see Figure 2).
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 2. Location of the Hot Breccia Project in the Arizona Copper Belt.
The historical drilling carried out in the mid to late 1970’s by a Rio Tinto subsidiary intersected high-grade copper mineralization at depths ranging from 640 to 830 meters below the surface in several holes that targeted one of the magnetic highs, believed to be caused by the magnetite skarn that was cut in the holes and that occurs in xenoliths in cross cutting dikes exposed at the surface. Prismo believes those intercepts cut the periphery of the upper portion of a large mineralized system as interpreted from our exploration program.
Support for the Company’s mineralization model at the project comes from several sources, including the results of historical drilling and ground geophysical surveys, distribution of dikes with xenoliths of Cu-bearing skarn, the interpretation of the 2023 ZTEM survey as well as the results of an AI study carried out by Exploration Technologies. The postulated sulfide mineralization measures 1,100 meters by 1,150 meters.
Historical drill holes cut high grade skarn mineralization including 23 meters with 0.54% Cu at 640 meters depth (hole OC-1), 18 m with 1.4% Cu and 4.65% Zn at 830 meters depth (hole OCC-7), and 7.6 m with 1.73% Cu and 0.11% Zn at 703 meters and 4.6 meters with 1.4% Cu and 0.88% Zn at 716 meters (OCC-8). Mineralization occurs within a several hundred-meter-thick altered zone hosted in favorable Paleozoic carbonate rocks that underly a sequence of Cretaceous andesitic volcanic rocks. These carbonates are the same rocks that host the high-grade copper mineralization at Freeport’s nearly Christmas mine. The historic drilling intersected a blind mineralized intrusion associated with the skarn mineralization, providing an immediate drill target that is believed to be the source of the mineralization at Hot Breccia (Figure 3). Several magnetic highs in the region surrounding the proposed intrusion may also indicated buried skarn mineralization and provide additional exploration targets.
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 3. Schematic cross section at Hot Breccia showing updated interpretation after Barrett (1974).
The Company has budgeted CA $3.0 million to execute a proposed 5,000 metre program. Each drill hole is intended to drill through the entire prospective Paleozoic carbonate stratigraphy into the postulated porphyry body/breccia zone. The exploration team will take advantage of geological information provided by each hole during drilling to refine targeting of subsequent holes.
The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Rafael Gallardo and Mrs. Guadalupe Yeomans Otero as directors of the Company. Both Mr. Gallardo and Mrs. Otero are employees of Minera Cascabel in Mexico, and their resignation follows the termination of the Los Pavitos option agreement between Minera Cascabel and Prismo announced earlier this week. Prismo intends to nominate a new director prior to the Company’s next annual shareholders meeting.
Notes:
(1) Barrett, Larry Frank (1972): Igneous Intrusions and Associated Mineralization in the Saddle Mountain Mining District Pinal County, Arizona. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Utah.
(2) Barrett, Larry Frank (1974): Diamond drill hole OC-1, O’Carroll Canyon, Pinal County, Arizona, unpublished internal report, Bear Creek Mining.
About Hot Breccia
The Hot Breccia property consists of 1,420 hectares in 227 contiguous mining claims located in the world class Arizona Copper Belt between several very well understood world-class copper mines including Morenci, Ray and Resolution (Figure 2). Hot Breccia shows many features in common with these neighboring systems, most prominently a swarm of porphyry dikes and series of breccia pipes containing numerous fragments of well copper-mineralized rocks mixed with fragments of volcanic and sedimentary derived from considerable depth. Prismo performed a ZTEM survey last year that identified a very large conductive anomaly directly beneath the breccia outcrops.
Sampling at the project has shown the presence of copper mineralization associated with polylithic breccia pipes that transported fragments of strongly mineralized carbonate rocks to the surface from depths believed to be 400-1,000 meters. Drilling deep holes is necessary to tap into the source of these mineralized fragments found at surface.
Assay results from historic drill holes are unverified as the core has been destroyed, but information has been gathered from memos, photos and drill logs that contain some, but not all, of the assay results and descriptions. Technical information from adjacent or nearby properties does not mean nor does it imply that Prismo will obtain similar results from its own properties.
Data on previous drilling and geophysics is historical in nature and has not been verified, is not compliant with NI 43-101 standards and should not be relied upon; the Company is using the information only as a guide to aid in exploration planning.
QA/QC
Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and Chief Exploration Officer and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.
About Prismo Metals Inc.
Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico.
Please follow @PrismoMetals on , , , Instagram , and
Prismo Metals Inc.
1100 – 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6
Contact:
Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer alain.lambert@prismometals.com
Steve Robertson, President steve.robertson@prismometals.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘intends’ or ‘anticipates’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘would’ or ‘occur’. This information and these statements, referred to herein as ‘forward‐looking statements’, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management’s expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and results of drilling at Hot Breccia.
These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Hot Breccia.
In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Hot Breccia and the timing of such drilling campaign.
Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Will First Majestic Silver CEO’s silver price prediction of more than US$100 per ounce come true?
The silver spot price made waves in 2020 when it rose above US$20 per ounce for the first time in four years, and the precious metal has repeatedly tested US$30 per ounce since.
Since September of 2024, silver has held above US$30, and on October 22 the silver price reached a 12-year high when it came close to breaking through the US$35 mark. While it fell back by November, the US$30 level has served as a floor.
Well-known figure Keith Neumeyer, CEO of First Majestic Silver (TSX:FR,NYSE:AG), has frequently said he believes the white metal could climb even further, to hit the US$100 mark or even reach as high as US$130 per ounce.
Neumeyer has voiced this opinion often in recent years. He put up a US$130 price target in a November 2017 interview with Palisade Radio, and he also discussed it in an August 2022 interview with Wall Street Silver. He has reiterated his triple-digit silver price forecast in multiple interviews with Kitco over the years, as recently as March 2023.
In 2024, Neumeyer has made his US$100 call in a conversation with ITM Trading’s Daniela Cambone at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention; and in April he acknowledged his reputation as the ‘triple-digit silver guy’ on the Todd Ault Podcast.
He believes silver could hit US$100 due to a variety of factors, including its consistent deficit, its industrial demand and how undervalued it is compared to gold.
At times he’s been even bolder, suggesting in 2016 that silver could reach US$1,000 if gold were to hit US$10,000. More recently, his expected timeline for US$100 silver has been pushed back, but he remains very bullish on the metal in the long term.
In order to better understand where Neumeyer’s opinion comes from and whether a triple-digit silver price is really in the cards, it’s important to take a look at the factors that affect the metal’s movements, as well as where prices have been in the past and where other industry insiders think silver could be headed. First, let’s dive a little deeper into Neumeyer’s US$100 prediction.
In this article
Why is Neumeyer calling for a US$100 silver price?
There’s a significant distance for silver to go before it reaches the success Neumeyer has boldly predicted. In fact, in order for the precious metal to jump to the US$100 mark, its price would have to increase from its current value by around 350 percent.
Neumeyer has previously stated that he expects a triple-digit silver price in part because he believed the market cycle could be compared to the year 2000, when investors were sailing high on the dot-com bubble and the mining sector was down. He thinks it’s only a matter of time before the market corrects, like it did in 2001 and 2002, and commodities see a big rebound in pricing. It was during 2000 that Neumeyer himself invested heavily in mining stocks and came out on top.
“I’ve been calling for triple-digit silver for a few years now, and I’m more enthused now,” Neumeyer said at an event in January 2020, noting that there are multiple factors behind his reasoning. “But I’m cautiously enthused because, you know, I thought it would have happened sooner than it currently is happening.”
In his August 2022 with Wall Street Silver, he reiterated his support for triple-digit silver and said he’s fortunately not alone in this optimistic view — in fact, he’s been surpassed in that optimism. ‘I actually saw someone the other day call for US$500 silver,’ he said. ‘I’m not quite sure I’m at the level. Give me US$50 first and we’ll see what happens after that.’
Another factor driving Neumeyer’s position is his belief that the silver market is in a deficit. In a May 2021 interview, when presented with supply-side data from the Silver Institute indicating the biggest surplus in silver market history, Neumeyer was blunt in his skepticism. “I think these numbers are made up,” he said. “I wouldn’t trust them at all.”
He pointed out that subtracting net investments in silver exchange-traded products leaves the market in a deficit, and also questioned the methodology behind the institute’s recycling data given that most recycled silver metal comes from privately owned smelters and refineries that typically don’t make those figures public.
‘I’m guessing the mining sector produced something in the order of 800, maybe 825 million ounces in 2022,’ Neumeyer said when giving a Q4 2022 overview for his company. ‘Consumption numbers look like they’re somewhere between 1.2 and 1.4 billion ounces. That’s due to all the great technologies, all the newfangled gadgets that we’re consuming. Electric vehicles, solar panels, windmills, you name it. All these technologies require silver … that’s a pretty big (supply) deficit.’
In a December 2023 interview with Kitco, Neumeyer stressed that silver is more than just a poor man’s gold and he spoke to silver’s important role in electric vehicles and solar cells.
In line with its view on silver, First Majestic is a member of a consortium of silver producers that in January 2024 sent a letter to the Canadian government urging that silver be recognized as a critical mineral. Silver’s inclusion on the list would allow silver producers to accelerate the development of strategic projects with financial and administrative assistance from the Canadian government. Canada’s critical minerals list is expected to get an update in the summer of 2024.
In his 2024 PDAC interview, Neumeyer once again highlighted this sizable imbalance in the silver’s supply-demand picture. “We’re six years into this deficit. The deficit in 2024 looks like it’s gonna be bigger than 2023, and why is that? Because miners aren’t producing enough silver for the needs of the human race,” he said.
More controversially, Neumeyer is of the opinion that the white metal will eventually become uncoupled from its sister metal gold, and should be seen as a strategic metal due to its necessity in many everyday appliances, from computers to electronics, as well as the technologies mentioned above. He has also stated that silver production has gone down in recent years, meaning that contrary to popular belief, he believes the metal is actually a rare commodity.
Neumeyer’s March 2023 triple-digit silver call is a long-term call, and he explained that while he believes gold will break US$3,000 this year, he thinks silver will only reach US$30 in 2023. However, once the gold/silver ratio is that unbalanced, he believes that silver will begin to take off, and it will just need a catalyst.
‘It could be Elon Musk taking a position in the silver space,’ Neumeyer said. ‘There’s going to be a catalyst at some time, and headlines in the Wall Street Journal might talk about the silver supply deficit … I don’t know what the catalyst will be, but investors and institutions will wake up to the fundamentals of the metal, and that’s when it will start to move.’
In an August 2023 interview with SilverNews, Neumeyer discussed his belief that banks are holding the silver market down. He pointed to the paper market for the metal, which he said the banks have capped at US$30 even in times of high buying.
‘If you want to go and buy 100 billion ounces of silver (in the paper market), you might not even move the price because some bank just writes you a contract that says (you own that),’ he explained, saying banks are willing to get short, because once the buying stops, they push the price down to get the investors out of the market and buy the silver back. ‘… If the miners started pulling their metal out of the current system, then all of a sudden the banks wouldn’t know if they’re going to get the metal or not, so they wouldn’t be taking the same risks they’re taking today in the paper markets.’
The month after the interview, his company First Majestic launched its own 100 percent owned and operated minting facility, named First Mint.
In 2024, gold experienced a resurgence in investor attention as the potential for Fed rate cuts came into view. In his interview with Cambone at PDAC 2024, Neumeyer countered that perception, stating, “There’s a rush into gold because of the de-dollarization of the world. It has nothing to do with the interest rates.”
What factors affect the silver price?
In order to glean a better understanding of the precious metal’s chances of trading around the US$100 range, it’s important to examine the elements that could push it to that level or pull it further away.
The strength of the US dollar and US Federal Reserve interest rate changes are factors that will continue to affect the precious metal, as are geopolitical issues and supply and demand dynamics. Although Neumeyer believes that the ties that bind silver to gold need to be broken, the reality is that most of the same factors that shape the price of gold also move silver.
For that reason, it’s helpful to look at gold price drivers when trying to understand silver’s price action. Silver is, of course, the more volatile of the two precious metals, but nevertheless it often trades in relative tandem with gold.
Looking first at the Fed and interest rates, it’s useful to understand that higher rates are generally negative for gold and silver, while lower rates tend to be positive. That’s because when rates are higher interest shifts to products that can accrue interest.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Fed cut rates down to zero from 1 to 1.25 percent. However, rising inflation led the Fed and other central banks to hike rates, which negatively impacted gold and silver. In February 2023, the Fed raised rates by just 25 basis points, the smallest hike since March 2022, as Chair Jerome Powell said the process of disinflation has begun. The Fed continued these small rate hikes over the next year with the last in July 2023.
In this latest upward cycle of the silver market, Fed interest rate moves have played an oversized role in pumping up silver prices. In early July, as analysts factored in the rising potential for interest rate cuts in the remainder of 2024, silver prices were once again testing May’s nearly 12-year high, and they topped US$31 in September in the days leading up to the anticipated first rate cut.
While central bank actions are important for gold, and by extension silver, another key price driver lately has been geopolitical uncertainty. The past few years have been filled with major geopolitical events such as tensions between the US and other countries such as North Korea, China and Iran. More recently, the huge economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war with Ukraine, the banking crisis in early 2023 and rising tensions in the Middle East brought about by the Israel-Hamas war have been sources of concern for investors.
On a separate note, there is also a strong case to made for the metal’s industrial potential. Higher industrial demand from emerging sectors due to factors like the transition to renewable energy and the emergence of AI technology will be highly supportive for the metal over the next few years. Solar panels are an especially exciting sector as manufacturers have found increasing the silver content increases energy efficiency.
Could silver hit US$100 per ounce?
While we can’t know if we’ll reach a $100 per ounce silver price in the near future, there is support for Neumeyer’s belief that the metal is undervalued and that “ideal conditions are present for silver prices to rise.”
Many are on board with Neumeyer in the idea that silver’s prospects are bright, including Peter Krauth of Silver Stock Investor, who believes that ‘we are very likely going to experience the greatest silver bull market of our generation.’
So, if the silver price does rise further, how high will it go?
Let’s look at silver’s recent history. The highest price for silver was just under US$50 in the 1970s, and it came close to that level again in 2011. The commodity’s price uptick came on the back of very strong silver investment demand. While it has yet to reach these levels again, the silver price has increased significantly in recent years.
After spending the latter half of the 2010s in the teens, the 2020s have seen silver largely hold above US$20. In August 2020, the price of silver reached nearly US$28.50 before pulling back again, and moved back up near those heights in February 2021. The price of silver saw a 2022 high point of US$26.46 in February, and passed US$26 again in both May and November 2023.
Silver rallied in the later part of the first quarter of 2024, and by April 12 was once again flirting with the US$30 mark as it reached an 11 year high of US$29.26. Despite a brief pull back to the US$26 level, the month of May saw the silver price take another run at US$30, this time successfully pushing into US$32 territory on May 19. Silver prices experienced volatility for much of the third quarter, ranging from a high of US$31.39 on July 11 to a low of US$26.64 on August 7.
The price of silver had a nice run in late October of 2024 in the lead up to the election, rising up to US$34.80 on October 22. However, a stronger dollar and signs that the Federal reserve may not be so quick to cut interest rates as deeply as previously expected were seen as price negative for silver. The precious metal’s price was in a downward slide for much of November.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has ‘indicated that the central bank is in no rush to lower rates, citing a strong economy, a solid labor market, and persistent inflation,’ according to Trading Economics. ‘Silver also faced additional pressure from Donald Trump’s election victory, as markets anticipated inflationary policies and a more aggressive stance toward China, which could dampen demand for the metal.’
For much of the first two months of 2025, silver followed gold higher on factors including persistent inflationary pressures brought on by Trump’s aggressive tariff announcements and the ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East.
As of February 20, 2025, the price of silver was around the US$33 mark, up more than 13 percent since the beginning of the year.
What do other experts think about US$100 silver?
Many experts in the space expect silver to perform strongly in the years to come, but don’t necessarily see it reaching US$100 or more, especially given the current macroeconomic conditions.
‘As I was doing my research, and this goes back over several years already, I would get to that US$300 forecast for an ultimate high in the silver price in different ways,’ he said, and broke down what a low gold/silver ratio — like we’ve seen the previous times that silver has peaked — could mean for the metal’s price in the future.
“One of the most significant (events) for me was when we saw almost the entire US Treasury yield curve peak above 5 percent in mid-October,’ he said. ‘Since then, we’ve had the US Dollar Index peak at 107. Both of these have fallen considerably since, I believe in the market’s view that the Fed has stopped hiking rates, with the expectation that rate cuts will come sometime in 2024.’
Breaking through the historic US$50 ceiling will likely happen in quick, sharp daily spikes in the modern AI trading environment, he said, and it could potentially be ‘the first step’ toward even higher silver prices, including $100 silver. ‘The key is that people really fully understand and appreciate the actual (supply) deficit of silver,’ Lin noted.
Analyst firm InvestingHaven is very bullish on silver market and is expecting prices to test all-time highs in 2025 and set new records in the next few years, even reaching as high as US$77 in 2027 and US$82 by 2030.
FAQs for silver
Can silver hit $1,000 per ounce?
In 2016, Neumeyer predicted that silver could hit $1,000 per ounce if gold ever climbed to US$10,000 per ounce. This is related to the gold to silver production ratio discussed above, which at the time of the prediction was around 1 ounce of gold to 9 ounces of silver and last year was about 1:8.3.
If silver was priced according to production ratio today, when gold is at US$2,000 silver would be around US$240, or US$222 at 1:9. However, the gold to silver pricing ratio has actually sat around 1:80 to 1:90 recently, and when gold moved above US$2,400 in May 2024, silver was around US$32. Additionally, even if pricing did change drastically to reflect production rates, gold would need to climb by more than 300 percent from its current price to hit the US$10,000 Neumeyer mentioned back in 2016.
As things are now, it seems unlikely silver will reach those highs.
Why is silver so cheap?
The primary reason that silver is sold at a significant discount to gold is supply and demand, with more silver being mined annually. While silver does have both investment and industrial demand, the global focus on gold as an investment vehicle, including countries stockpiling gold, can overshadow silver. Additionally, jewelry alone is a massive force for gold demand.
There is an abundance of silver — according to the US Geological Survey, to date 1,740,000 metric tons (MT) of silver have been discovered, while only 244,000 MT of gold have been found, a ratio of about 1 ounce of gold to 7.1 ounces of silver. In terms of output, 25,000 MT of silver were mined in 2024 compared to 3,300 MT for gold. Looking at these numbers, that puts gold and silver production at about a 1:7.5 ratio last year, while the price ratio on February 20, 2025, was around 1:89 — a huge disparity.
Is silver really undervalued?
Many experts believe that silver is undervalued at under US$30 compared to fellow currency metal gold. As discussed, their production and price ratios are currently incredibly disparate.
While investment demand is higher for gold, silver has seen increasing time in the limelight in recent years, including a 2021 silver squeeze that saw new entrants to the market join in.
Another factor that lends more intrinsic value to silver is that it’s an industrial metal as well as a precious metal. It has applications in technology and batteries — both growing sectors that will drive demand higher.
Silver’s two sides has been on display in recent years: Silver demand hit record highs in 2022, according to the Silver Institute, with physical silver investment rising by 22 percent and industrial by 5 percent over 2021. For 2023, industrial demand was up 11 percent over the previous year, compared to 28 percent decline in physical silver investment.
Is silver better than gold?
There are merits for both metals, especially as part of a well-balanced portfolio. As many analysts point out, silver has been known to outperform its sister metal gold during times of economic prosperity and expansion.
On the other hand, during economic uncertainty silver values are impacted by declines in fabrication demand.
Silver’s duality as a precious and industrial metal also provides price support. As a report from the CPM Group notes, “it can be seen that silver in fact almost always (but not always) out-performs gold during a gold bull market.”
At what price did Warren Buffet buy silver?
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A,NYSE:BRK.B) bought up 37 percent of global silver supply between 1997 and 2006. Silver ranged from US$4 to US$10 during that period.
In fact, between July 1997 and January 1998 alone, the company bought about 129 million ounces of the metal, much of which was for under US$5. Adjusted for inflation, the company’s purchases in that window cost about US$8.50 to US$11.50.
How to invest in silver?
There are a variety of ways to get into the silver market. For example, investors may choose to put their money into silver-focused stocks by buying shares of companies focused on silver mining and exploration. As a by-product metal, investors can also gain exposure to silver through some gold companies.
There are also silver exchange-traded funds that give broad exposure to silver companies and the metal itself, while more experienced traders may be interested in silver futures. And of course, for those who prefer a more tangible investment, purchasing physical bullion in silver bar and silver coin form is also an option.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Metro Mining Limited (ASX: MMI) (Metro or the Company) is pleased to announce the release of its annual results for 2024, in which the Ikamba Offshore Floating Terminal (OFT) and port infrastructure upgrades were commissioned.
- 24% increase in shipped production to 5.7 million WMT
- 30% increase in revenue to $307 million
- 100% increase in Underlying EBITDA to $37 million
- 35% reduction in net debt1
- Production and shipment guidance for 2025 set at 6.5 to 7.0 million WMT
Following commissioning in quarter 2, in the final quarter of the year, the Bauxite Hills Mine demonstrated its capacity to consistently operate at the expansion project target rate of 7 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) per annum, culminating in total shipped production of 5.7 million WMT, a 24% year-on-year increase.
Record shipments and a strong pricing environment contributed to a 30% year-on-year revenue increase to $307 million. Site EBITDA margins were $13.8 /WMT and $17.4 /WMT in Q3 and Q4, respectively resulting in a 100% increase in underlying group earnings (EBITDA) to $37 million. 100% of the junior debt of $39 million was paid down, resulting in a 35% reduction in net debt to $44 million including $31 million of cash at year end.
The $36 million expansion is complete with the full flow sheet in place including new haulage fleet, upgraded loading capacity at pit and port, new wobbler screening circuit, 2 additional tugs and the OFT. Following the pause for major maintenance in the wet season, Metro expects to recommence operations in the second half of March with shipment guidance of 6.5 to 7.0 million WMT for 2025.
Simon Wensley, CEO & MD of Metro Mining said:“Metro has turned in a combination of record results for 2024, especially in the second half, as we ramped up the expansion. I expect to see further economies of scale flowing through in 2025 as we lift production by a further 20%, with continued strong traded bauxite demand flowing through to improved margins”.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Sarama Resources Ltd. (“Sarama” or the “Company”) (ASX:SRR, TSX- V:SWA) is pleased to advise that it has reached binding agreement (the “Agreement”) with Orbminco Limited (“Orbminco”) (ASX: OB1), an arm’s length third party, to acquire a majority(1) and controlling interest(1) in the under- explored, belt-scale 420km² Mt Venn Project (the “Project”)(2), located in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.
This follows Sarama’s recent acquisition of a majority interest in the nearby Cosmo Project (refer Sarama news release 6 December 2024). Together the projects create a 1,000km² well-positioned and underexplored landholding in the Laverton Gold District which is known for its prolific gold endowment (refer Figure 1) and recent discoveries.
Highlights
- Binding agreement executed for acquisition of 80% interest in belt-scale Mt Venn Project
- Located in the prolific Laverton Gold District, 35km from the producing Gruyere Gold Mine and less than 20km from Gold Road’s Golden Highway Deposit
- Project covers 420km² and features a favourable litho-structural setting, primarily in greenstone rocks
- Includes regional shear zone of ~50km strike length and 1-3km width extending full length of greenstone belt
- Advanced gold targets generated through historical exploration, including broad drill-defined gold mineralisation
- Highly complementary to Sarama’s recently acquired, underexplored and prospective Cosmo Project
- Creates 1,000km² exploration position in the Laverton Gold District, capturing 100km of strike length
- Land access agreement with Traditional Owners in place for exploration
- 100% scrip consideration with initial exploration funded by the November 2024 equity raise of A$2M
Sarama’s President, Executive Chairman, Andrew Dinning commented:
“We are very pleased to be nearing completion of the acquisition a majority interest in the Mt Venn Project and consolidating our position in the prolific Laverton Gold District of Western Australia. The addition of the Mt Venn Project will create a major 1,000km2 area-play and significantly enhances the probability of making the next big discovery in a region that continues to deliver new deposits in previously unexplored areas, including the regionally significant Gruyere Deposit just 35km east of the Mt Venn Project. Soil sampling programs at the Cosmo Project are progressing well, feeding into the process of bringing the Cosmo and Mt Venn Projects to account as expeditiously as we can.”
Mt Venn Project
The Project is comprised of 3 contiguous exploration tenements covering approximately 420km² in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, approximately 110km north-east of Laverton and 35km west of the regionally- significant Gruyere Gold Mine(3). The Project is readily accessible via the Great Central Road which services the regional area east of Laverton.
The Project captures the majority of the underexplored Jutson Rocks Greenstone Belt over a strike length of ~50km. Rocks within the belt feature a diverse sequence of volcanic lithologies of varying composition, together with pyroclastics and metasediments. Several internal intrusive units have been identified throughout the Project and are commonly associated with local structural features. A regionally extensive shear zone, spanning 1-3km in width, extends the entire length of the belt with subordinate splays interpreted in the southern area of the Project which provides a favourable structural setting for mineralisation.
Gold mineralisation was first discovered in the 1920’s with sampling returning very high grades and prompting the commencement of small-scale mining operations in the mid 1920’s. Multiple gold occurrences have since been identified throughout the Project, demonstrating the prospectivity of the system. Despite the identification of several km-scale gold-in-soil anomalies by soil geochemistry and auger drilling, many of these targets are yet to be properly tested. Encouragingly, drilling by Cazaly Resources Limited (“Cazaly”) (ASX: CAZ) at the Project intersected broad, gold mineralisation over several fences in weathered and fresh rock at the Three Bears Prospect, presenting a priority target for exploration (Cazaly news release 27 February 2017: “Widespread Gold & Zinc Mineralisation Defined”).
In addition to the attractiveness of the Project for gold, it is considered prospective for base metals and platinum group elements. Historical exploration work including auger geochemistry and geophysical surveys identified numerous targets for copper, nickel and zinc mineralisation. Several of these targets remain untested due to historical funding and land access constraints. Exploration in the belt to the immediate south of the Project area is noted to have intersected copper mineralisation of significant grade over a significant strike length(4).
In summary, the Project is located within a prolific gold district and has a favourable lithological and structural setting. A solid database of base-level historical exploration work by previous operators, including generation of drill-ready targets, provides a good platform for Sarama to advance the Project in conjunction with its activities at the Cosmo Project. The size and prospectivity of the landholding that Sarama will have in the Laverton Gold District upon completion of this transaction significantly enhances the chances of making an economic discovery, particularly given the infrastructure and proliferation of mines in the region which will have a favourable impact on the size threshold for finding something of economic value.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Rare earth metal production was on the rise again in 2023, jumping to 350,000 metric tons (MT) worldwide — that’s up significantly from 190,000 MT in 2018, just five years prior.
Demand for rare earth metals is increasing as renewable energy becomes more important across the globe. Rare earths such as neodymium and praseodymium, which are important in clean energy applications and high-tech industries, are in the spotlight, particularly as electric vehicles and hybrid cars gain further popularity.
Ongoing tensions between the US and China, along with other geopolitical factors, are impacting the outlook for rare earths investing. Since China is the world’s largest producer of rare earths by far, the fraught relationship between the countries is directing attention to global supply chain disruption in the rare earths industry.
With that in mind, it’s worth being aware of rare earth metal production by country figures. Here’s a look at the 10 countries that mined the most rare earths in 2023, as per the latest data from US Geological Survey (USGS).
1. China
Mine production: 240,000 metric tons
In 2023, China’s domestic output of rare earths was 240,000 metric tons, up from 210,000 MT the previous year.
As mentioned, China has dominated rare earths production for quite some time. While China dominates global production of the vast majority of the 17 different rare earth elements, its output is heavily concentrated in light rare earths, specifically the magnet rare earths neodymium and praseodymium.
The largest rare earth mining company in the world is China Northern Rare Earth High-Tech (SHA:600111), which owns the prolific Bayan Obo rare earth mining complex in Inner Mongolia.
Chinese producers must adhere to a quota system for rare earths production. The 2023 quota for rare earths mining and rare earths separation was set at to 240,000 metric tons and 230,000 metric tons of rare earth oxides (REO) equivalent, respectively. Interestingly, this system has led China to become the world’s top importer of rare earths since 2018.
The quota system is a response to China’s longstanding problems with illegal rare earths mining. For more than a decade, the country has taken steps to clean up its act, including shutting illegal or environmentally non-compliant rare earths mines, and limiting production and rare earths exports.
China’s rare earths industry is controlled by state-owned miners, in theory allowing China to keep a strong handle on production. However, illegal rare earths extraction remains a challenge, and the Chinese government continues to take steps to curb this activity.
The Chinese government is set to introduce even tougher regulations requiring companies involved in the mining, smelting and trading of rare earths to maintain detailed records of product flow and input this data into a traceability system. These new regulations are set to take effect in October of 2024.
2. United States
Mine production: 43,000 metric tons
The US produced 43,000 metric tons of rare earths in 2023, up from 42,000 MT in the previous year.
Rare earths supply in the US currently comes only from the Mountain Pass mine in California, which is owned by MP Materials (NYSE:MP). Mountain Pass is producing high-purity neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, a key material for high-strength neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets.
The mine has had an interesting decade. Previously owned by Molycorp, the mine was put on care and maintenance in 2015 due to low rare earths prices and Molycorp filing for bankruptcy. Mountain Pass re-entered production in Q1 2018 under its new ownership.
The US is a major importer of rare earth materials. The USGS estimates the value of US rare earth imports for 2023 at US$190 million, down from US$208 million in 2022. The country has classified rare earths as critical minerals, a distinction that has come to the fore due to trade issues between the US and China.
Aiming to bolster its domestic supply, the US government is implementing a 25 percent tariff on rare earth magnet imports from China. “The tariff rate on natural graphite and permanent magnets will increase from zero to 25 percent in 2026. The tariff rate for certain other critical minerals will increase from zero to 25 percent in 2024,” states a May statement from the White House. “Concentration of critical minerals mining and refining capacity in China leaves our supply chains vulnerable and our national security and clean energy goals at risk.’
3. Myanmar (also known as Burma)
Mine production: 38,000 metric tons
Myanmar mined 38,000 metric tons of rare earths in 2023. This was an increase of more than 216 percent from the 12,000 MT Myanmar produced in 2022, as supply was down due to a temporary halt in production associated with the turmoil following the 2021 military coup.
Its 2023 production rebounded to surpass the 35,000 MT Myanmar produced in 2021. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), since 2015, Myanmar’s share of global rare earth production has surged from 0.2 percent to 14 percent. Unsurprisingly, the temporary halt in Myanmar’s production in the late summer of 2022 sent rare earth prices to their highest level in 20 months, as per OilPrice.com.
China, who shares a border with Myanmar, obtains 70 percent of its medium to heavy rare earths feedstock from its neighbor, including dysprosium and terbium. Myanmar’s rare earths industry is plagued with controversy as much is reportedly carried out by unregulated small-scale miners and linked with armed militia groups with no environmental best practices or remediation plans in place.
Ironically, the act of mining these metals critical for clean energy technologies such as EVs and wind turbines is itself fraught with environmentally destructive practices that are harming the waterways, wildlife and vegetation in Myanmar.
4. Australia
Mine production: 18,000 metric tons
In 2023, Australia’s rare earths production came in at 18,000 metric tons, on par with 2022 after rising steadily for the last few years. representing more than 5 percent of the global total. That’s compared to the 24,000 MT produced in 2021. The country holds the world’s sixth largest rare earths reserves, and is poised to increase its output. According to the IEA, Australia’s share of global rare earth elements production is projected to rise to 18 percent by 2030.
Lynas (ASX:LYC,OTC Pink:LYSCF) operates the Mount Weld mine and concentration plant in the country, and is slated to complete its expansion project to boost production to 12,000 MT per year of NdPr products by 2025. Mount Weld ranks among the world’s top rare earth mines, and Lynas is the the leading producer of rare earths outside of China.
Australian company Northern Minerals (ASX:NTU,OTC Pink:NOURF) is undertaking a definitive feasibility study for its Browns Range mining and process plant to process, which is due for completion in Q4 2024 with a final investment decision targeted for Q1 2025. Its main products will be terbium and dysprosium.
5. Thailand
Mine production: 7,100 metric tons
Thailand’s rare earths production came in at 7,100 metric tons in 2023, level with the prior year. However, the country’s rare earth production has ramped up rapidly in recent years. Thailand’s output of rare earths in 2018 was just 1,000 MT and by 2021 it had hit 8,200 MT.
While there’s not much information available on Thailand’s rare earth industry, after Myanmar, the country is a major source of rare earth imports for China. As far as downstream rare earths product makers, Neo Performance Materials’ (TSX:NEO) subsidiary Neo Magnequench operates a rare earth magnetic materials manufacturing facility in Korat, Thailand.
Recently, Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD (OTC Pink:BYDDF,HKEX:1211,SZSE:002594) is opening a US$486 million EV manufacturing facility in the country. The Financial Times reports that ‘analysts expect Chinese EV makers to penetrate further into south-east Asia because Thailand has lower tariffs on fully assembled EVs for companies that have pledged to build EV factories there, and most of them are Chinese.’
6. India
Mine production: 2,900 metric tons
India’s 2023 production was 2,900 metric tons, unchanged from the previous year. The country’s output represents less than 1 percent of global rare earths supply. India’s rare earths production is far below its potential, considering the nation holds almost 35 percent of the world’s total beach sand mineral deposits, which are significant sources of rare earths.
India joined the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) in mid-2023, a multi-nation group led by the United States and focused on the creation of critical mineral supply chains, including for rare earths.
Much of the country’s rare earth exploration and mining is being conducted under the auspices of the Government of India via Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), which was established in 1950. Furthermore, the government is establishing research and development into new technologies for extracting and processing rare earth minerals.
7. Russia
Mine production: 2,600 metric tons
Russia produced 2,600 metric tons of rare earths in 2023, nearly the same level as the previous five years. In terms of global rare earths reserves, Russia ranks third after China and Brazil. TriArk Mining, a joint venture owned by industrial conglomerate Rostec and billionaire Alexander Nesis, is the main player in Russia’s rare earth sector, and is developing the Tomto rare earths deposit.
Prior to the country’s aggressive war against Ukraine, the Russian government was allegedly “unhappy” with its supply of rare earths. The Russia-Ukraine war has raised concerns over disruptions to the US/Europe rare earths supply chain.
Russia has reportedly reduced mining taxes and offered discounted loans to investors in nearly a dozen projects intended to increase the nation’s share of global rare earths production from the current 1.3 percent to 10 percent by 2030.
8. Madagascar
Mine production: 960 metric tons
Madagascar recorded rare earths extraction of 960 metric tons in 2023, on par with the previous year and down dramatically from 6,800 MT in 2021.
The country’s Ampasindava peninsula is reportedly home to 628 million metric tons of ionic clays with a significant concentration of rare earths, particularly dysprosium, neodymium and europium. It’s considered one of the largest rare earth deposits outside China. Whether or not it is ever developed is up in the air.
The declining in rare earths production in recent years is due in large part to increasing opposition to rare earths mining on the part of farmers who are strongly against mining activity in their communities.
In April 2024, Energy Fuels (TSX:EFR,NYSEAMERICAN:UUUU) agreed to acquire Base Resources and its advanced Toliara heavy mineral sands project in Southwest Madagascar. Energy Fuels plans to separate monazite sands from Toliara’s Ranobe deposit at its White Mesa mill in Utah, US.
9. Vietnam
Mine production: 600 metric tons
Vietnam’s rare earths production came in at 600 metric tons in 2023, a fall from 1,200 MT in 2022. Vietnam holds the world’s second largest known rare earths reserves, including several rare earth deposits against its northwestern border with China and along its eastern coastline.
The country’s government is interested in building its clean energy capacity, including solar panels, and is said to be looking to produce more rare earths for its supply chain for that reason. It has set a goal of extracting and processing 2 million metric tons of rare earths per year by 2030.
However, serious corruption charges in October of 2023 that led to the arrests of top industry executives, including the chairman of Vietnam Rare Earth JSC, has hamstrung those plans. ‘The arrests stalled government plans to auction new rare earth mining concessions and cast a cloud of uncertainty over the industry that has given foreign investors pause,’ reported Asia Times.
10. Brazil
Mine production: 80 metric tons
Brazil produced just 80 metric tons of rare earths in 2023, although the country holds reserves of 21,000,000 MT. Back in 2012, a US$8.4 billion rare earths deposit was discovered in Brazil.
In August 2024, St. George Mining (ASX:SGQ) announced its plans to acquire the Araxa niobium-rare earths project located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is adjacent to CBMM’s flagship niobium mine, which is a prolific producer of niobium.
Another significant rare earths project in Brazil is Resouro Strategic Metals’ (TSXV:RSM,ASX:RAU) Tiros titanium-rare earths project located in Minas Gerais. In July, Resource published a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate for the central block of Tiros; the resource estimate stands at 1.7 billion MT, divided into 1 billion MT in the measured and indicated category, and 700 million MT in the inferred category. It contains 3,900 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides, 1,100 ppm magnet rare earth oxides and 12 percent titanium dioxide.
10. Malaysia
Mine production: 80 metric tons
Malaysia produced 80 metric tons of rare earths in 2023, on par with its output in the previous year and tying with Brazil for 10th place. Malaysia hosts the world’s fourth largest rare earth reserves.
Malaysia represented the second biggest source for US rare earth imports in 2023 at 11 percent, according to the USGS, up from 8 percent in the previous year. Australia’s Lynas (ASX:LYC,OTC Pink:LYSCF) sends its mined material for refining and processing to its plant in Malaysia.
The Malaysian government has imposed a temporary ban on the export of unprocessed rare earths materials as of January 1, 2024, in an effort to grow its downstream value-added rare earths industry.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Strata Minerals Limited (ASX: SMX, “Strata” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce commencement of a maiden drill program at its Penny South Gold Project in Western Australia.
Highlights:
- Maiden drilling program underway at Strata’s Penny South Gold Project in WA’s Goldfields
- Drill targets lie ~500m immediately south of the high-grade Penny West and Penny North gold deposits currently being mined by Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX:RMS) (723,000 tonnes at 17g/t Au for 3G5,000 ounces1)
- The planned reverse circulation (RC) drilling program will consist of 13-holes for ~2,800 metres, targeting two priority areas at Penny South
- Drilling aims to test the interpreted along strike and down plunge mineralised trend from Ramelius’s Penny deposits and immediate down-dip extensions of shallow anomalous intersections from historical drilling
- The drilling campaign, which is part of a drill-for-equity agreement with Topdrill, is expected to take approximately four weeks with initial results expected late March/April
Managing Director Peter Woods commented:
“It’s fantastic to start drilling at Penny South, targeting two of our priority target areas. We are excited to see what is uncovered at depths immediately along strike from the Penny Mine which is just to the north of us and test down dip extensions of historical shallow anomalous intersections, overlooked by the project’s previous owners. With recent gold discoveries across WA, we’re driven to make Penny South one of those success stories. This first round of drilling will provide critical information to assist us in that pursuit.”
Penny South Gold Project, WA
The Penny South Gold Project (Figure 1) is located in a world class gold district, only ~500m south of the Penny Mine Project – one of Australia’s highest grade producing gold mines, owned and operated by Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX.RMS), with Ramelius recently announcing plans to expand exploration at Penny to the south, towards the northern boundary of Strata’s tenements2.
The Penny West Shear, which controls the location of gold mineralisation at RMS’ Penny North/West gold deposits, extends south into Strata’s Penny South Project, with ~2.5km of strike contained within the project area.
The planned program of 13 reverse circulation (RC) holes, totalling 2,864 metres, aims to test the interpreted along strike and down plunge mineralised trend extensions of the high-grade Penny West and Penny North Gold Deposits, as well as investigating zones of anomalous mineralisation from historical drilling3 (Figure 2).
Strata’s identification of a demagnetised zone within Strata’s Penny South Project, similar to the one associated with the Penny West and Penny North Gold Deposits just to the north of the Penny South Project (~500m), was a key component of the targeting process. The de-magnetised zone is interpreted as the pathway of a mineralising fluid system along the key structural pathways (Figure 3).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTM) (CSE: QNTM) (FRA: 0K91) (“Quantum BioPharma” or the “Company”), today announced that it has completed its trial entitled “A Phase 1, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Lucid-21-302 in Healthy Adult Participants.” A final safety review committee (“SRC”) meeting was held after completion of the trial. The SRC found that Lucid-21-302 “(Lucid-MS”) was well-tolerated with no safety concerns and no serious adverse events were reported during the trial.
Lucid-MS is a first-in-class, non-immunomodulatory, neuroprotective compound for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (“MS”). It is a patented New Chemical Entity (“NCE”) that has a unique mechanism of action. As shown in preclinical models of MS, it can directly stabilize the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers and thus provide protection from demyelination. MS is a disease characterized by demyelination, a process that causes progressive disability.
“Our clinical development team is thrilled that this Phase 1 trial is now complete, and that Lucid-MS was deemed safe and well-tolerated in healthy participants,” said Dr. Andrzej Chruscinski, Vice-President, Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Quantum Biopharma. “This marks an important milestone and allows for the next steps in the clinical development of Lucid-MS.”
Zeeshan Saeed, CEO of Quantum BioPharma added, “We are excited about potential of Lucid-MS to protect myelin in MS patients as it represents a new direction in the treatment of this disease. By completing this trial and demonstrating safety in healthy participants, we are now closer to initiating a Phase 2 trial of Lucid-MS in people with MS.
“We are now looking ahead to our Phase 2 trial as we work towards our goals of drug approval and commercialization of Lucid-MS. We look forward to providing further updates as we execute on our milestones, driven by our mission to arrest demyelination in MS,” concluded Saeed.
About Quantum BioPharma Ltd.
Quantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of innovative assets and biotech solutions for the treatment of challenging neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders and alcohol misuse disorders with drug candidates in different stages of development. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc. (“Lucid”), Quantum BioPharma is focused on the research and development of its lead compound, Lucid-MS. Lucid-MS is a patented new chemical entity shown to prevent and reverse myelin degradation, the underlying mechanism of multiple sclerosis, in preclinical models. Quantum BioPharma invented unbuzzd and spun out its OTC version to a company, Celly Nutrition Corp. (“Celly Nutrition”), led by industry veterans. Quantum BioPharma retains ownership of 25.71% (as of June 30, 2024) of Celly Nutrition at www.unbuzzd.com. The agreement with Celly Nutrition also includes royalty payments of 7% of sales from unbuzzd until payments to Quantum BioPharma total $250 million. Once $250 million is reached, the royalty drops to 3% in perpetuity. Quantum BioPharma retains 100% of the rights to develop similar products or alternative formulations specifically for pharmaceutical and medical uses. Quantum BioPharma maintains a portfolio of strategic investments through its wholly owned subsidiary, FSD Strategic Investments Inc., which represents loans secured by residential or commercial property. For more information visit www.quantumbiopharma.com.
Forward Looking Information
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “is expected”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “pending”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecasts”, “targets”, or “hopes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “should” “might”, “will be taken”, or “occur” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company’s focus on the research and development of Lucid-MS to prevent and reverse myelin degradation; the Company’s Lucid-21-302 clinical development program in multiple sclerosis advancing towards human phase-2 efficacy trials; the Company’s intention to retain 100% of the rights to develop products for pharmaceutical and medical uses; the Company’s intention to maintain a portfolio of strategic investments through FSD Strategic Investments Inc.; MZ playing a key role in assisting the Company to enhance its market awareness and foster productive, continuing dialogues with shareholders and other market participants; MZ being engaged by the Company for the MZ Initial Period; MZ working with the Company to develop and implement a comprehensive capital markets strategy designed to increase the Company’s visibility throughout the investment community; MZ campaign highlighting how Quantum BioPharma is developing a robust pipeline of products and assets focused on addressing significant unmet needs in brain disorders and alcohol health; and the Company’s approach to treatments in brain disorders and alcohol health representing a tremendous revenue potential.
Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company’s assessment of market conditions, its ability to gain market share, and its potential competitive edge are accurate; the Company will have the ability to carry out its plans with respect to its new innovation and offerings, including its ability to conduct research and development of Lucid-MS; the Company’s Lucid-21-302 clinical development program in multiple sclerosis will advance towards human phase-2 efficacy trials; the Company will retain 100% of the rights to develop similar product or alternative formulations specifically for pharmaceutical and medical uses; the Company will seek new business opportunities; the Company will increase efficiency in its processes and partnerships; the Company will have the ability to carry out its other goals and objectives the Company’s intention to maintain a portfolio of strategic investments through FSD Strategic Investments Inc.; MZ will play a key role in assisting the Company to enhance its market awareness and foster productive, continuing dialogues with shareholders and other market participants; MZ will be engaged by the Company for the MZ Initial Period; MZ will work with the Company to develop and implement a comprehensive capital markets strategy designed to increase the Company’s visibility throughout the investment community; the MZ campaign will highlight how Quantum BioPharma is developing a robust pipeline of products and assets focused on addressing significant unmet needs in brain disorders and alcohol health; and the Company’s approach to treatments in brain disorders and alcohol health will have a tremendous revenue potential.
These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company’s inability to retain 100% of the rights to develop products for pharmaceutical or medical uses; the Company’s inability to enhance its product development capabilities and/or maintain a portfolio of strategic investments; the Company’s Lucid-21-302 clinical development program in multiple sclerosis not advancing towards human phase-2 efficacy trials; the Company will not have the ability to carry out its other goals and objectives the Company’s intention to maintain a portfolio of strategic investments through FSD Strategic Investments Inc.; MZ will not play a key role in assisting the Company to enhance its market awareness and foster productive, continuing dialogues with shareholders and other market participants; MZ will not be engaged by the Company for the MZ Initial Period; MZ will not work with the Company to develop and implement a comprehensive capital markets strategy designed to increase the Company’s visibility throughout the investment community; the MZ campaign will not highlight how Quantum BioPharma is developing a robust pipeline of products and assets focused on addressing significant unmet needs in brain disorders and alcohol health; the Company’s approach to treatments in brain disorders and alcohol health will not have a tremendous revenue potential; and the risks discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, final short form base shelf prospectus dated December 22, 2023 and registration statement on Form F-3 containing a base shelf prospectus, each under the heading “Risk Factors”. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events, or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
The reader is urged to refer to additional information relating to Quantum BioPharma, including its annual information form, can be located on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and on the EDGAR section of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.
Contacts:
Quantum BioPharma Ltd.
Zeeshan Saeed, Founder, CEO and Executive Co-Chairman of the Board
Email: Zsaeed@quantumbiopharma.com
Telephone: (833) 571-1811
Investor Relations
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President
MZ North America
Direct: 949-491-8235
QNTM@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us
Source
This post appeared first on investingnews.com