Altonorte anodes port of Antofagasta, Chile. Image from Glencore.
Copper is on track for its worst monthly run of losses since 2015, with another steep decline so far in August. Although off its recent lows, large-scale speculators in the copper market like hedge funds have held net short positions – bets on falling prices – for six weeks running.
A global energy crisis centred in Europe, a slump in China – particularly the crucial property and construction sector – inflation and fears of a recession in the US and a surging dollar have been assigned blame for all the gloom in the copper market at the moment.
Copper’s short term woes frequently butt up against its longer term tailwinds, thanks to its central role in the green energy transition, making accurate forecasting difficult if not impossible.
Bewarehouses
In particular, tracking Goldman Sachs’ trajectory on the copper market has been something of a white knuckle ride.
But Goldman’s main argument of the dangers of a “scarcity episode” or a “stock-out” remains well supported.
Days left
WHEN THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT STARTS BUYING COPPER ON THE OPEN MARKET IT’S USUALLY READ AS A SIGN OF PRICES BOTTOMING
Wall Street natural resource investment house Goehring & Rozencwajg Associates in their Q2 update released last week exhibits a five year chart of global copper warehouse inventories.
Goehring & Rozencwajg points out that after bottoming at 165,000 tonnes at the end of 2021, stockpiles rebounded to 300,000 by mid-May, but have since pulled back to 240,000 tonnes:
“When adjusted for days of consumption, inventories are almost as low as they were back in 2005, just before copper prices more than doubled. In 2005, copper exchange inventories covered consumption by only two days.
“By the end of 2021, inventories had fallen to only 2.5 days of consumption, and at 240,000 tonnes today, inventories cover consumption by only 3.5 days – still an extremely low number.”
Shipping news
As for concerns about the appetite of China – responsible for some 55% of the world’s copper consumption – the bellwether metal is the one commodity that is showing positive import growth this year.
China’s unwrought copper imports are up nearly 6% while concentrate shipments are around 7% higher so far this year, encouraged by the fall in price, according to Capital Economics, a London-based research firm. In contrast, cargoes of iron ore, for which China is significantly more reliant on imports than copper, are down 3.5%.
Despite robust imports, physical stocks of copper across the country are at year lows, according to Shanghai Metals Market, dropping to 61,300 tonnes as of Friday.
That is down more than 60% from total inventories of more than 150,000 recorded this time in 2021. SMM also said rumours about strategic stockpiling of copper by China’s state reserves bureau remain “unconfirmed”. When the Chinese government starts buying copper on the open market it’s usually read as a sign of prices bottoming.
Prop up property
Beijing is ramping up measures to prop up the housing market. In July plans for a $44 billion fund backed by the central bank to rescue beleaguered developers came to light.
Over the weekend PBOC slashed its key interest rate by 1.5%, matching its biggest cut on record. Local governments have also started to lend to developers to continue construction of uncompleted homes as buyers threaten non-payment unless their paid-for homes are ready to move in.
As Goldman Sachs pointed out in an October 2021 report, while construction and its associated sectors account for 40% of China’s copper demand, construction itself accounts for 20% and over 90% of that demand comes from completions, not from new starts.
Lower longer
Goldman has hacked its original forecasts and now sees copper averaging only 7,400 a tonne in Q4 2022, down from over $10,000 before.
Goldman joins other sceptics, including Capital Economics ($7,250), JP Morgan ($6,500) and Standard Chartered ($7,850) who see prices going lower from today’s level according to data compiled by FocusEconomics.
Thirteen out of 35 analysts cut their forecast for the copper market in the Barcelona-based researcher’s August survey. The consensus forecast for full year 2023 is $8,400, a rather uninspiring 5% upside from the price in New York early Tuesday.
Goldman’s longer term outlook based on a “clear structural bull story” is $15,000 by 2025.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2022 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX | OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Star Cu-Ni-Platinum Group Metal (“PGM”) project, located in the Omineca mineral belt of northern British Columbia.
Granite Creek will secure a 100% interest in the Star project, with no underlying royalty or further obligation, for a total consideration of $10,000 CDN and the issuance of 500,000 common shares of the Company to the estate of Ursula Mowat. The issued shares will have a hold period of 4 months plus one day from the date of issuance. The Company anticipates closing the transaction on or about the August 30, 2022, subject to TSX Venture approval.
Tim Johnson, CEO of Granite Creek Copper, stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ursula Mowat who had been a pioneer in prospecting for platinum group metals and associated nickel and copper mineralisation in the Omineca region of British Columbia. As one of the first geologists to recognize the potential for the native iron-nickel alloy awaruite to be a significant source of low-cost nickel in the Omineca area, she will be remembered for her ground-breaking work in the industry. To be able to acquire the Star project claims and continue the development work to unlock the potential that Ursula obviously saw is an honour. We look forward to completing our initial work on the claims and relaying to investors the potential for both precious and battery metals on the project.”
“Although Granite Creek’s primary focus remains our flagship Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project with the pending updated preliminary economic assessment expected in Q4 2022, the Star project increases our exposure to critical minerals at a time when the Canadian government is incentivizing exploration of listed critical commodities in Canada, as part of a broader push to secure supplies of the minerals in North America for national security and to support the development of carbon free energy sources.”
About the Star Project
The Star project is located 190 kilometers northeast of Smithers, BC and is within 5 kilometers of the Omineca Resource Road and powerline that served the Kemess Mine. The 2500-hectare project is underlain by ultramafic rocks that are prospective for copper, nickel, cobalt, PGMs and gold. Previous work identified multiple showings consisting of copper and nickel sulphide mineralisation with accompanying PGM and gold values. The showings are identified within six distinct zones spread over a 12-kilometer strike length including Queen Zone, GL Zone, HB Zone, HC Zone, Libra Zone, and Ridge Zone (see accompanying Figure 1 for Zone locations as well as additional areas identified for follow up).
Highlights of some of the best mineralised copper and nickel sulfide bearing rock sampled by Ms. Mowat from the various are identified below:
1.18% Cu, 0.17 g/t Au, 0.11 g/t Pd from the Queen Zone
0.78% Cu, 0.25% Ni, 833 ppm Co and 0.27% Cu from the GL Zone.
0.09 % Cu, 1.32 g/t Pt and 1.82 g/t Pd from the HB Zone.
0.87% Cu, 0.18 % Ni, 0.12 g/t Au, 0.41 g/t Pt and 0.83 g/t Pd from the HC Zone.
0.31% Cu Cu from Libra Zone
0.30% Cu, 0.28 g/t Pt, 0.25 g/t Pd from the Ridge Zone.
Figure 1 Claim Block and Zone Location
Qualified Persons
Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical in this news release. Ms. James is a Senior Geologist with TruePoint Exploration and a Project Manager for Granite Creek Copper.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the 176-square-kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The project is on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine, operated by Minto Metals Corp., to the north, and features excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. The project is located within the Traditional Territory of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Olympus Target
Figure 2
Plan View of the Olympus Target Outlining the Phase II Drilling Location (red circle) and Highlighting Previously Announced Drilling and Channel Sampling Assay Results
Figure 3
Photo of the Underground Drill Chamber and Rig
TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that drilling has recommenced at the Olympus target (“Olympus”), one of eight newly generated porphyry related targets at the Guayabales project, located in Caldas, Colombia. The phase II drill program, which will be executed exclusively from underground chambers, will follow up on the Phase I program which yielded an important grassroots discovery for the Company highlighted byhole OLCC-3 which averaged 301.9 metres @ 1.11 g/t AuEq (see press release dated March 15, 2022). There are currently four rigs operating at the project as part of the Company’s fully financed minimum 20,000 metre drill program for 2022 with one rig drilling at Olympus and three rigs following up on the recent significant discovery at the Apollo target highlighted by hole APC-2 which averaged 207.15 metres @ 2.68 g/t AuEq (see press release dated August 10, 2022).
Highlights (See Figures 1-3)
Olympus is a large-scale target area measuring up to 1,400 metres north-south by 900 metres east-west and hosts over 50 ancestral mines with over 25 veins mapped from available exposures. The Phase I drill program was focused on the northern portion of this target area and intersected multiple broad zones of mineralization beginning near surface highlighted by:
301.9 metres @ 1.11 g/t AuEq (OLCC-3) and
216.7 metres @ 1.08 g/t AuEq (OLCC-4) (see press release dated May 9, 2022)
The phase II drill program, which is now underway, will step out up to 500 metres along strike to the southwest from drill hole OLCC-3 into an area where most of the historical and current ancestral mines are located. It is within this southwest area that the Company has reported multiple high-grade chip channel samples taken from underground working faces with grades as high as 485 g/t gold and 2,359 g/t silver (see press releases dated December 1, 2021, and July 19, 2022). Additionally, systematic channel sampling from a crosscut developed within an ancestral mine orthogonal to the strike of the main mineralized system yielded the following assay result:
182.45 metres @ 1.15 g/t gold equivalent (true horizontal width) (see press release dated July 19, 2022)
The phase II underground drill program is expected to ramp up in scale for the balance of the year as new drill chambers are constructed and additional rigs are added.
Even though the target is at an early stage of exploration, the Company believes that the decision to construct chambers and drill from underground for its phase II program is an innovative approach to work with the ancestral miners operating at the Olympus target for the following reasons:
Working underground with the ancestral miners will increase cooperation amongst the stakeholders resulting in ever increasing trust and transparency.
The Company will promote the best health and safety practices and mine-planning and in return the Company gains an understanding of the challenges the ancestral miners face and underground access to new working faces and veins as they are discovered.
Drilling from underground will eliminate the challenges associated with lack of drilling angles from surface due to the steep topography resulting in an accelerated timeline to evaluate and advance the Olympus target.
Mineralization at Olympus is characterized by high-grade, late-stage carbonate base metal (“CBM”) sheeted veins impregnating either porphyry diorite host rock or schist host rock, with the former offering potential to produce a bulk tonnage mineralized systems and the latter offering potential to produce high-grade vein systems.
“We are excited to have initiated the phase II drill program at Olympus as we are now targeting what the Company interprets to be the heart of the mineralized system,” commented Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman. “Olympus offers potential for both bulk tonnage and high-grade vein mineralization and we are looking forward to reporting assay results from the new program in due course.”
Figure 1: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Olympus Target
Figure 2: Plan View of the Olympus Target Outlining the Phase II Drilling Location (red circle) and Highlighting Previously Announced Drilling and Channel Sampling Assay Results
Collective Mining is an exploration and development company focused on identifying and exploring prospective mineral projects in South America. Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, the mission of the Company is to repeat its past success in Colombia by making significant new mineral discoveries and advance the projects to production. Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders.
The Company currently holds an option to earn up to a 100% interest in two projects located in Colombia. As a result of an aggressive exploration program at both the Guayabales and San Antonio projects, a total of eleven major targets have been identified. The Company has made significant grassroot discoveries at both projects with near-surface discovery holes at the Guayabales project yielding 302 metres at 1.11 g/t AuEq at the Olympus target, 163 metres at 1.3 g/t AuEq at the Donut target and recently, at the Apollo target, 207.15 metres at 2.68 g/t AuEq. At the San Antonio project, the Company intersected, from surface, 710 metres at 0.53 AuEq. (See related press releases on our website for AuEq calculations)
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Contact Information
Collective Mining Ltd. Steve Gold, Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations Tel. (416) 648-4065
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rover Metals Corp. (TSXV: ROVR) (OTCQB: ROVMF) (FSE:4XO) (“Rover” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent to option a 90% ownership interest in the Indian Mountain Lake Volcanic Massive Sulphide project, NT, Canada. The Indian Mountain Lake Project is the Company’s first district scale land package, representing approximately 30,000 acres of greenstone belt. The project has a historical Zinc-Lead-Silver-Copper geological resource.
Indian Mountain Lake VMS Project The Indian Mountain Lake VMS Project has had exploration dating back to the 1940s and has a historical resource spread across four zones on the project. The BB Zone and Kennedy Lake Zone have a combined historic resource of 1,400,000 tons grading 10% combined zinc and lead with 3.5 OPT (ounces per ton) of silver*. Approximately 900 metres west of the BB Zone, the Kennedy Lake West Zone has a historic resource of 610,000 tons grading 1.15% copper*. About 8 km southeast of the BB Zone, the Susu Lake Zone, has a historical resource consisting of 142,500 tons grading 0.95% copper*.
The property is located approximately 195 km east-northeast of Yellowknife, NT, off the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake. Seasonal access relies upon fixed or rotor wing support. A right of way was cleared to the project from Thompson Landing in the 1970’s. If this right of way were to be brushed out it would provide barge access at Thompson Landing, from Yellowknife, with ground transportation, considerably lowering any logistical costs. Future Government of Canada federally funded hydro-energy infrastructure could come close to the project if the Taltson Hydro Dam expansion proceeds through the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake into Yellowknife. At the southwest-end of Great Slave Lake, Osisko Metals is gearing up to reopen the Pine Point Zinc-Lead Mine. At nearby Hay River, NT, there is a rail line to the Tech Resources Zinc Refinery in Trial, BC.
*These resources are historic in nature. Further drilling is needed to bring them up to CIM Definition Standards. The historic data has not been verified by Rover. The historic information is provided in the 2103 Assessment Report for Indian Mountain Lake which is in public record with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Technical information has been approved by Gary Vivian, M.Sc., P.Geo., QP for the purposes of NI 43-101.
Judson Culter, CEO at Rover Metals, states, “We believe the Indian Mountain Lake VMS Project has the potential to be a Tier 1 Zinc and Copper project. The historical resource represents only 3% of the total land package. The blue sky on the remaining 97% of the greenstone belt is: (1) for additional zinc resources and; (2) a significant new copper discovery. Historical workings also document the presence of copper-gold skarn systems. The historic zones are open along strike and below a vertical depth of 150 meters.
In Canada, Zinc and Copper are on the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals List, and part of the Canadian Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy. As a result, the project qualifies for the 30% critical mineral flow-through investor tax credit.
Management of the Company also remain committed to the further development of its gold projects, and hope to be able to provide a news release about the Cabin Gold Project in the coming weeks.”
An updating release will be provided once the Company has executed its Definitive Option Agreement.
New Website In connection with the Company expanding into critical minerals, the Company will be launching a new website in the coming days featuring the Indian Mountain Lake VMS Project. Investors are encouraged to visit our website to review the Company’s new investor materials, as the become available.
About Rover Metals Rover is now both a critical minerals exploration company as well as a precious metals exploration company, specialized in North American (Canada and U.S.) mineral resource development. Five of the Company’s six resource projects are located near to the city of Yellowknife, 60th parallel, Canada.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS “Judson Culter” Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact: Email: info@rovermetals.com Phone: +1 (778) 754-2617
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Rover’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. There can be no assurance that such statements prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rover’s expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 16, 2022 /CNW/ – Bravo Mining Corp. (TSX.V: BRVO), (“Bravo” or the “Company“) today announced high grade nickel and copper assay results from the previously released diamond drill hole DDH22LU047 at its Luanga platinum group metals (palladium + platinum + rhodium) + gold + nickel (PGM+Au+Ni) project (“Luanga“), located in the Carajás Mineral Province, state of Pará, Brazil. The high-grade intercept of 11.04m grading 2.04% nickel and 1.23% copper occurs in massive and semi-massive sulphides – a style of mineralization not previously observed at Luanga, increasing the target type potential at the project. Palladium, platinum and rhodium assay results are pending.
Highlights:
11.04m @ 2.04% nickel and 1.23% copper, from 131.11m
Contractors arriving onsite this week to commence Downhole Transient Electromagnetic (“DHTEM”) surveying at Luanga, starting with DDH22LU047
Palladium, platinum and rhodium results are pending
Bravo Mining Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
“As announced in Bravo’s August 3rd, 2022 news release, high-grade nickel-copper mineralization at these concentrations, has not been observed previously at Luanga and could represent a new type of mineralisation that occurs within the Luanga PGM deposit, or a potential indication of feeder zones,” said Luis Azevedo, Chairman and CEO of Bravo. “DHTEM surveying will commence shortly, which should allow us to vector in on the continuation of high-grade nickel/copper massive sulphides, guiding follow-up drilling.”
Luanga Drill Program
The Phase 1 diamond drill program continues as planned at Luanga. With six drill rigs on site, drilling is now in progress in various locations along the entire 7km strike length of the known mineralization, including to the north where the latest and final surface access agreements were recently signed (see August 2, 2022 news release).
Phase 1 drilling is designed to confirm, infill and step out from the previously defined PGM+Au+Ni mineralization in order to increase confidence in the geological model and provide the basis for future mineral resource estimates. Additionally, drilling will target potential extensions to the mineralization at depth, as well as exploration targets at Luanga.
Complete Table of Assay Results
HOLE-ID
From(m)
To(m)
Thickness(m)
Ni(%)
Cu(%)
Pd(g/t)
Pt(g/t)
Rh(g/t)
Au(g/t)
TYPE
DDH22LU047
131.11
142.15
11.04
2.03
1.23
Pending
FR
Including
132.26
136.80
4.54
2.77
0.54
Pending
FR
Including
136.80
137.60
0.80
0.98
10.82
Pending
FR
All ‘From’, ‘To’ depths, and ‘Thicknesses’ are downhole
Given the orientation of the holes and the mineralization, the intercepts are estimated to range from ~80 to 90% of true thickness.
FR = Fresh Rock.
DDH22LU047: High grade massive sulphide nickel mineralization at 136.0m* (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
DDH22LU047: High grade breccia semi–massive sulphide nickel-copper mineralization, from at 137.0m* (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
DDH22LU047: Drill core showing massive and brecciated semi-massive sulphides, from 131.1m to 142.1m* * Depths and widths are downhole (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
About Bravo Mining Corp.
Bravo is a Canada and Brazil-based mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its Luanga PGM + Au + Ni Project in the world-class Carajás Mineral Province of Brazil.
The Luanga Project benefits from being in a location close to operating mines, with excellent access and proximity to existing infrastructure, including road, rail and clean and renewable hydro grid power. The project area was previously de-forested for agricultural grazing land. Bravo’s current Environmental, Social and Governance activities includes replanting trees in the project area, hiring and contracting locally, and ensuring protection of the environment during its exploration activities.
Bravo was founded by a management team and board with extensive Brazilian and PGM exploration, permitting, project financing, construction and operating experience. This includes Luis Azevedo, Executive Chairman & CEO; Simon Mottram, President; Alex Penha, EVP Corporate Development; and Independent Directors, Dr. Nicole Adshead-Bell (Lead Director), Stuart Comline, Tony Polglase and Stephen Quin.
Technical Disclosure
Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Simon Mottram, F.AusIMM (Fellow Australia Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), President of Bravo Mining Corp. who serves as the Company’s “qualified person”, as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101“). Mr. Mottram has verified the technical data and opinions contained in this news release.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as “confirm”, “designed”, “increase confidence”, “interpreted”, “pending”, and other similar words, phrases or statements that certain events or conditions “should”, or “will” occur. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s ongoing re-assay and drill programs and the results thereof; the expected arrival of geophysical equipment and the results of such surveys; the potential for the definition o new styles of mineralization and extensions to depth and the Company’s plans in respect thereof. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage; and other risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that the assay results confirm the interpreted mineralization contains significant values of nickel, copper and also contain PGMs and Au; final drill and assay results will be in line with management’s expectations; that activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by regulatory, political, community, economic, environmental and/or healthy and safety risks; that the Luanga Project will not be materially affected by potential supply chain disruptions; and general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Schedule 1: Drill Hole Collar Details
HOLE-ID
Company
East (m)
North (m)
RL (m)
Datum
Depth(m)
Azimuth
Dip
DDH22LU047
Bravo
659899.99
9342475.05
275.18
SIRGAS2000 UTM22S
170.05
090
-60
Schedule 2: Assay Methodologies and QAQC
Samples follow a chain of custody between collection, processing and delivery to the ALS laboratory in Parauapebas, state of Pará, Brazil. The drill core is delivered to the core shack at Bravo’s Luanga site facilities and processed by geologists who insert certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates into the sampling sequence. Drill core is half cut and placed in secured polyurethane bags, then in security-sealed sacks before being delivered directly from the Luanga site facilities to the Parauapebas ALS laboratory by Bravo staff. Additional information about the methodology can be found on the ALS global website (ALS) in the analytical guides. IN this case a split is collected by Bravo staff and securely delivered to the Intertek laboratory in Parauapebas where it was assayed by high priority for ore grade Ni and Cu.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (“QAQC“) is maintained internally at the lab through rigorous use of internal certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates. An additional QAQC program is administered by Bravo using certified reference materials, duplicate samples and blank samples that are blindly inserted into the sample batch. If a QAQC sample returns an unacceptable value an investigation into the results is triggered and when deemed necessary, the samples that were tested in the batch with the failed QAQC sample are re-tested.
Bravo ALS
Preparation
Method
Method
Method
Method
For All Elements
Pt, Pd, Au
Rh
Ni-Sulphide
Trace Elements
PREP-31B
PGM-ICP27
Rh-MS25
Ni-ICP05
ME-ICP61
Bravo Intertek
Method
Ni, Cu Sulphide
Ni-ICP05
Location of Bravo Drilling Reported in this Document (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)
Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 11, 2022) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) provides an operational update on the ramp-up of its 125 metric ton per day pilot plant in Arizona, on progress at its Buckeye Silver Mine in Arizona, and on progress at the Washington Mine in Idaho.
While processing the lower-grade material from the Buckeye, all components of the Arizona mill continue to perform within parameters. Adjustments continue to be made within those parameters to fine-tune production. As a result the mill is producing silver concentrate and is pouring silver dore bars from this material, while the ramp-up continues. The Company intends to introduce higher-grade material from the Buckeye once the mill is operating optimally, to avoid wastage in the tailings.
The silver concentrate and dore bars have been and continue to be shipped to potential purchasers for analysis. All purchases will likely be FOB the mill site.https://embed.fireplace.yahoo.com/embed?ctrl=Monalixa&m_id=monalixa&m_mode=document&site=sports&os=android&pageContext=%257B%2522ctopid%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522hashtag%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522wiki_topics%2522%253A%2522Arizona%253BCompany%253BSilver_mining%253BBall_mill%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a0V0W00000HOPDcUAP%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522newsfile_64%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%252266ea4121-4374-3b7f-bdd1-1217a3651081%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D
Occasional challenges are being encountered with the motor and starter for the ball mill. The field team reasonably believes these challenges can be overcome in the near future.
At the Buckeye Mine, mineralized material is being extracted from the vein above the decline near the Treasure Room. SBMI is also bolting, screening and adding timber to the adit as part of its ESG commitment.
In Idaho at the Washington Mine, SBMI has begun the process to have the adit timbered and brought to current safety standards. The next step there would be for the contract miner to begin the process of extracting a bulk sample of between 1,500 and 3,000 tons, to be processed at a local mill. Management expects SBMI’s capital investment for this process to be relatively minor.
Largely due to Covid the ramp-up of the mill in Arizona has taken longer than anticipated which has had an effect upon the Company’s anticipated cashflow. With a view to protecting its treasury SBMI is in advanced negotiations to enter into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with its largest institutional shareholder (the “Lender”) whereby SBMI would borrow CDN$650,000 (six hundred and fifty thousand dollars) for an 18-month term. The Agreement would provide for an 8 % interest rate and a conversion feature, whereby upon conversion the loan may convert into 2,166,667 units (each, a “Unit”) at an effective price of $0.30 per Unit. This is at a premium to the current market price. Each Unit would be comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.35 for a four-year term.
Closing on the Agreement is conditional upon regulatory approval.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO cartera@sympatico.ca +1 (905) 302-3843
Peter M. Clausi Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets pclausi@brantcapital.ca +1 (416) 890-1232
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global viruses create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.
Collective Mining Drills 207.15 Metres @ 2.68 AuEq at its Newly Discovered Apollo Target
Collective Mining Ltd.
Figure 1
Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Apollo Target
Figure 2
Plan View of the Apollo Target Area Outlining the Porphyry and Breccia Targets, their Related Soil Anomalies and Drill Holes Completed or Currently Underway
Figure 3
Plan View With Drill Hole Traces of the Main Breccia Discovery Made at Apollo
Figure 4
Apollo Target Cross Section N-S with Core Photo Highlights for APC-2
APC-2 intersected a broad zone of high-grade breccia mineralization with overprinting carbonate base metal veins beginning at 100 metres below surface returning:
207.15 metres @ 2.68 g/t gold equivalent
APC-1W also intersected the main breccia structure with overprinting veining but was stopped short of the final target depth in a post mineral dyke due to rig capacity limits yet still yielded:
89.40 metres @ 2.46 g/t gold equivalent
Drilled dimensions of the Apollo target now measure 300 metres along strike by up to 100 metres across by 400 metres vertical and remains open in all directions
Assay results for drill holes APC-3 and APC-5 are expected in the near term. Both holes cut more than 200 metres of continuous mineralization in the main breccia body
TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from two additional holes completed at the Apollo target (“Apollo”) at the Company’s Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. Apollo is a newly discovered high-grade copper-gold-silver porphyry-related breccia and is one of eight porphyry-related targets situated within a three-by-four-kilometre cluster area generated by the Company through grassroots exploration at the project. As part of its fully funded 20,000+ metre drill program for 2022, there are currently three diamond drill rigs operating at the Apollo target with an additional rig being mobilized to site to begin the Phase II program at the Olympus target in August 2022.
“With assay results in hand for three drill holes and visual observations from additional holes either recently completed or underway, it is becoming abundantly clear that we are dealing with a large mineralized system. Importantly, Apollo appears to be blessed with multiple pulses of fluids depositing metal into the system resulting in high-grade bulk drilling intervals. Our reconnaissance work in and around Apollo suggests we may only be on the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding this system as our technical team believes that the main breccia discovery at Apollo may be the first in a series of porphyry and breccia discoveries in this area,” commented Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman.
A short video presented by Richard Tosdal and David Reading discussing the assay results and related drill core can be seen by clicking here.
Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1 – 4)
Three diamond drill holes with accompanying assay results confirm that the Apollo target has the potential to evolve into a significant high-grade, bulk tonnage mineralized system. New assay results for holes APC-2 and APC-1W are reported herein as follows:
APC-2: 207.15 metres @ 2.68 g/t AuEq from 154.5 metres down hole (100m vertical) including 17.40 metres @ 7.33 g/t AuEq from 192.5 metres down hole and 20.95 metres @ 5.21 g/t AuEq from 270.6 metres down hole.
APC-2 is the first hole drilled from a newly constructed pad located approximately 200 metres to the southeast of the initial pad from which drill holes APC-1 and APC-1W were drilled. APC-2 was drilled orthogonal to APC-1 and APC-1W and intersected bulk mineralization hosted within porphyry related breccia with overprinting carbonate base metal veins (“CBM”).
APC-1W: 89.40 metres @ 2.46 g/t AuEq from 293 metres down hole (175m vertical) including 19.35 metres @ 3.87 g/t AuEq from 93.8 metres down hole and 15.30 metres @ 2.31 g/t AuEq from 164.36 metres down hole.
APC-1W was drilled as a wedge hole from discovery hole APC-1 to the east and at a steeper inclination. The hole was stopped short of the target depth in a post-mineral dyke due to rig capacity issues. The hole was expected to re-enter the main mineralized breccia after clearing the dyke and extend the zone further to the south. Future drilling will test the area south of APC-1W to determine if mineralization extends beyond the post-mineral dyke in this location.
Mineralization is remarkably continuous along the axis of both intercepts and is hosted within an angular breccia with a sulphide matrix consisting of chalcopyrite (Cu), pyrite and pyrrhotite. Additionally, overprinting carbonate base metal porphyry veins flood the breccia matrix in various locations along the mineralized interval yielding the higher-grade intercepts in both holes. The breccia clasts are all quartz diorite and diorite in composition and this hydrothermal system is clearly linked to a porphyry system.
APC-2 was drilled perpendicular to APC-1W and has extended the mineralized breccia at least 200 metres to the northeast and 100 metres to the southwest. Two further holes, APC-3 and APC-5 have been completed with more than 200 metres of favorable mineralization intersected in both holes. Assay results for APC-3 and APC-5 are anticipated the near term.
Assay results and visual observation from all holes completed to date confirm that the main mineralized breccia has a minimum strike length of 300 metres in a northeast-southwest direction, is up to 100 metres thick and extends to at least 400 metres vertically below surface. The target remains open in all directions for expansion.
The Apollo target area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry, covers an 800 metre X 700 metre area. The Apollo target area hosts the Company’s new grassroots main breccia discovery plus additional yet untested breccia, porphyry and vein targets. The Apollo target area also remains open for further expansion.
Table 1: Assays Results
HoleI D
From (m)
To (m)
Intercept (m)**
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu %
Zn %
Pb %
Mo %
AuEq (g/t)*
APC1-W
293
382.4
89.40
0.89
58
0.39
0.07
0.06
0.001
2.46
Incl
296.6
315.9
19.35
1.04
128
0.53
0.13
0.12
0.001
3.87
367.1
382.4
15.30
1.90
16
0.14
0.01
0.00
0.001
2.31
APC-2
154.7
361.9
207.15
1.46
45
0.31
0.075
0.05
0.002
2.68
Incl
192.5
209.9
17.40
6.57
44
0.08
0.285
0.23
0.003
7.33
270.6
291.6
20.95
3.67
68
0.41
0.034
0.03
0.002
5.21
*AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.95) + (Ag g/t x 0.014 x 0.95) + (Cu (%) x 1.96 x 0.95) + (Mo (%) x 7.35 x 0.95)+(Zn(%)x 0.86 x 0.95)+ (Pb(%)x 0.44 x 0.95) utilizing metal prices of Cu – US$4.00/lb, Mo – US$15.00/lb, Zn – US$1.75/lb, Pb – US$0.9/lb, Ag – $20/oz and Au – US$1,400/oz and recovery rates of 95% for Au, Ag, Cu, Mo, Zn and Mo. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as no metallurgical work has been completed to date. ** A 0.4 g/t AuEq cut-off grade was employed with no more than 10% internal dilution. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
To see our latest corporate presentation, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Collective Mining is an exploration and development company focused on identifying and exploring prospective mineral projects in South America. Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, the mission of the Company is to repeat its past success in Colombia by making significant new mineral discoveries and advance the projects to production. Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders.
The Company currently holds an option to earn up to a 100% interest in two projects located in Colombia. As a result of an aggressive exploration program on both the Guayabales and San Antonio projects, a total of eight major targets have been defined. The Company has made significant grassroot discoveries at both projects with near-surface discovery holes at the Guayabales project yielding 302 metres at 1.11 g/t AuEq at the Olympus target, 163 metres at 1.3 g/t AuEq at the Donut target and recently, at the Apollo target, 207.15 metres at 2.68 g/t AuEq, 89.4 metres at 2.46 g/t AuEg and 87.8 metres at 2.49 g/t AuEg. At the San Antonio project, the Company intersected, from surface, 710 metres at 0.53 AuEq. (See related press releases on our website for AuEq calculations)
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Contact Information
Collective Mining Ltd. Steven Gold, Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations Tel. (416) 648-4065
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about the drill programs, including timing of results, and Collective’s future and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Collective cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Collective assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia – August 4, 2022 ‑ Stuhini Exploration Ltd. (the “Company” or “Stuhini”) (TSX-V: STU and OTCPK: STXPF) is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the “Private Placement”) previously announced on August 2, 2022 for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1,026,125.
Under the first tranche of the Private Placement, the Company has issued a total of 2,142,500 flow-through units of the Company (“FT Units”) at a price of $0.45 per FT Unit (the “FT Unit Offering”) for total gross proceeds to the Company of $964,125. Each FT Unit consists of one (1) flow-through common share of the Company and one half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, an “FT Warrant”). The FT Units will qualify as “flow-through shares” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a “Common Share”) at a price of $0.60 per Common Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance.
The aggregate gross proceeds from the FT Unit Offering will be used to incur “Canadian exploration expenses” which qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures” (within the meaning of the Tax Act) (“Qualifying Expenditures”) in order to fund exploration programs on Stuhini’s Ruby Creek Project and Big Ledge Project which are located in British Columbia. The Company will renounce these expenses to the purchasers with an effective date of not later than December 31, 2022.
The Company also issued a total of 155,000 non-flow through units of the Company (“NFT Units”) at a price of $0.40 per NFT Unit (the “NFT Unit Offering”) for total gross proceeds to the Company of $62,000. Each NFT Unit consists of one Common Share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, an “NFT Warrant”). Each NFT Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.60 per Common Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance.
The aggregate gross proceeds from the NFT Unit Offering will be used to fund exploration programs on the Company’s other mineral properties, including the Que Project in the Yukon Territory, the South Thompson Nickel project in Manitoba, and any additional exploration projects acquired or staked in the United States through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Arizada Metals Corp, as well as general and administrative expenses.
In connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Private Placement, the Company paid finders’ fees of $43,200 to Mine Equities Ltd. (“Mine Equities”) representing 6% of the proceeds raised fromthe sale of FT Units placed by Mine Equities.
A certain insider of the Company purchased a total of 60,000 NFT Units under the first tranche of the Private Placement. The issuance of securities to such person is considered to be a “related party transaction” within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61‑101”) adopted in the Policy. The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61‑101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61‑101 in respect of related party participation in the Private Placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61‑101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization (as determined under MI 61‑101).
Closing of the second tranche of the Private Placement is expected to occur on or before August 19th, 2022, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSXV. All securities issued pursuant to the first tranche of the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day expiring on December 5, 2022.
About Stuhini Exploration Ltd. Stuhini is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of it’s base and precious metal properties. The Company’s portfolio of exploration properties includes: its flagship, the Ruby Creek Property, located approximately 20 km east of Atlin, BC; the Que Project located approximately 70 km north of Johnson’s Crossing in the Yukon; the South Thompson Project located approximately 35 km northwest of Grand Rapids, Manitoba; and the Big Ledge Property located approximately 57 km south of Revelstoke, BC.
Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern, without limitation, the intended use of proceeds of the Private Placement and the renunciation of Qualifying Expenditures. Such forward‑looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; timing and amount of capital expenditures; timing and amount of Qualifying Expenditures incurred; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward‑looking statements as a result of risk factors including, but not limited to: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; general market and industry conditions; and failure to incur Qualifying Expenditures. Forward‑looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information please contact: David O’Brien President & Chief Executive Officer Stuhini Exploration Ltd. Email: dobrien@stuhini.com Phone: (604) 835-4019 Web: www.stuhini.com
A group of Chinese companies are investigating why a commodities storage site in northern China is holding only one third of the copper concentrate they were financing, according to people familiar with the situation.
Traders from more than a dozen mostly state-owned firms gathered in Qinhuangdao city this week after becoming aware of the missing material following concerns into the borrower’s finances, said the people, who asked not to be identified as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly.
The group has a total claim on 300,000 tons of concentrate worth about 5 billion yuan ($740 million), but there’s only 100,000 tons at the depot, the people said. That puts the dollar value of the missing material at about $490 million.
The copper discrepancy in Hebei province comes just months after a separate dispute, spanning several locations in southern China, over missing aluminum tied to $1 billion of lending. Scrutiny of commodities financing and warehouse operations in China is growing, especially as volatile global markets expose some of the more opaque funding arrangements to greater risk.
At the center of this latest case is Huludao Risun Trading Co., a medium-sized merchant that purchases between 800,000 and 1 million tons of imported copper concentrate a year for distribution to domestic Chinese smelters, said the people. The company typically relies on larger counterparties to finance the materials, and then repays the loans with interest and fees after finalizing the trade.
Nobody picked up several calls to the company’s main number, and there was no immediate reply to an email seeking comment.
Risky business
Commodities traders have faced a tougher environment this year as banks turn cautious in the wake of high-profile losses — especially in the nickel market — and huge price volatility exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That’s encouraged alternative financing, in which smaller, privately-owned firms pledge their goods to large state-run traders to get funding for operations.
But that route is also exposed to risk as the growth model that’s sustained China’s economy for decades shows signs of strain. Some state-owned enterprises, including the country’s top steel mills, have asked units to cut back on operations — including third-party trading — to preserve cash and avoid liquidity crunches.
The impact on the spot concentrate market of the Qinhuangdao copper dispute could be limited, consultancy Mysteel said in a note on Wednesday. Chinese smelters who take material from this merchant should be able to use their existing inventory, while traders could re-route cargoes due to arrive at the Qinhuangdao site to other destinations, it said.
YERINGTON, Nev., Aug. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) (“Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) provides an update on its operations and financing initiatives and activities at its Pumpkin Hollow copper mine (the “Underground Mine”) located in Yerington, Nevada.
Operational Restart Planning
During July, management has advanced its Underground Mine restart plans, which focus on the acceleration of key capital items followed by the development of a significant stope ore inventory in advance of a mill restart and completion of production ramp-up. The development of restart plans has allowed the Company to advance financing discussions with its key stakeholders. The commencement of restart activities is contingent on the Company obtaining long-term financing, as discussed below.
The Company continues to work with its creditors and vendors to defer payments and maintain the operation in a temporary suspension status, with only limited operational activities being undertaken to protect the Company’s assets, to minimize cash burn until closing of a restart funding package.
Restart Financing
The Company is engaged in active and ongoing discussions with its key financing partners with respect to a substantial funding package for the restart and ramp-up of the Underground Mine (as an alternative to the smaller financing package referred to in the Company’s July 4, 2022 press release which is no longer being pursued in that form).https://embed.fireplace.yahoo.com/embed?ctrl=Monalixa&m_id=monalixa&m_mode=document&site=sports&os=android&pageContext=%257B%2522ctopid%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522hashtag%2522%253A%25221542500%253B1577000%2522%252C%2522wiki_topics%2522%253A%2522Company%253BYerington%252C_Nevada%253BBankruptcy%253BDebate%253BUnderground_hard-rock_mining%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a0770000002m0AbAAI%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522globenewswire.com%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%2522618b261d-7539-34cc-9b63-9cf83c3f5fd6%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D
The Company has expended the full amount of the previously disclosed US$20 million promissory note from Pala Investments Limited (“Pala”), the Company’s largest shareholder. Pala has indicated that it is prepared to provide additional financing of up to US$20 million through further promissory notes (US$4 million of which has already been advanced) while the Company continues discussions with its financing partners. The Company will continue to require interim financing until a restart funding package is secured and closed. As previously disclosed, pending completion of a financing package, the Company has not made payments due to certain creditors and vendors and is in default of its obligations under certain financing agreements and other contractual arrangements.
There can be no assurance that the Company will obtain additional interim financing or that the longer-term restart funding package will be agreed or completed on terms satisfactory to the Company and within the required timeframe, or at all. In the absence of securing such arrangements or alternative financing arrangements, the Company will not be able to continue carrying on business in the ordinary course and may need to pursue proceedings for creditor protection. The Company’s creditors may also seek to commence enforcement action, including realizing on their security over the Company’s assets.
About Nevada Copper
Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is a copper producer and owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project. Located in Nevada, USA, Pumpkin Hollow has substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is now in the production stage, and a large-scale open pit project, which is advancing towards feasibility status.
Randy Buffington President & CEO
For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:
Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations tthom@nevadacopper.com +1 775 391 9029
Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to mine planning, financing requirements, discussions with financing partners, and creditor protection proceedings.
Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.
Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: requirements for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the outcome of discussions with creditors and vendors; potential creditor protection proceedings; the ability of the Company to complete the ramp-up of the Underground Mine within the expected cost estimates and timeframe; the impact of COVID-19 on the business and operations of the Company; the state of financial markets; history of losses; dilution; adverse events relating to milling operations, construction, development and ramp-up, including the ability of the Company to address underground development and process plant issues; ground conditions; cost overruns relating to development, construction and ramp-up of the Underground Mine; loss of material properties; interest rates increase; global economy; limited history of production; future metals price fluctuations; speculative nature of exploration activities; periodic interruptions to exploration, development and mining activities; environmental hazards and liability; industrial accidents; failure of processing and mining equipment to perform as expected; labour disputes; supply problems; uncertainty of production and cost estimates; the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; possible variations in ore reserves, grade of mineralization or recovery rates from management’s expectations and the difference may be material; legal and regulatory proceedings and community actions; accidents; title matters; regulatory approvals and restrictions; increased costs and physical risks relating to climate change, including extreme weather events, and new or revised regulations relating to climate change; permitting and licensing; dependence on management information systems and cyber security risks; volatility of the market price of the Company’s securities; insurance; competition; hedging activities; currency fluctuations; loss of key employees; other risks of the mining industry as well as those risks discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: no adverse developments in respect of the property or operations at the project; no material changes to applicable laws; the ramp-up of operations at the Underground Mine in accordance with management’s plans and expectations; no worsening of the current COVID-19 related work restrictions; reduced impacts of COVID-19 going forward; the Company will be able to obtain sufficient additional funding to complete the ramp-up, no material adverse change to the price of copper from current levels; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021 and the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022, for a discussion of factors that may affect forward-looking statements and information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should other risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and events may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.
The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
