KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2024 / Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSXV:DMI)(OTCQB:DMIFF)(FRA:DC3A), (“Diamcor” or the “Company”), a well-established Canadian diamond mining company with a proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds announces that the Company and Tiffany & Co. Canada (“Tiffany” or “The Lender”) have entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) to amend the total balance of the outstanding loans between the companies. Under the terms of the Agreement, Diamcor will pay Tiffany CAD $2,000,000 (the “Initial Payment”) 90 days from signing of the Agreement, followed by a second and final payment of CAD $1,505,256 on the one-year anniversary of the Initial Payment to retire all remaining principal and accrued interest associated with the outstanding loans. As a result of this agreement, the total current carrying balance currently recorded in the Company’s financials for these loans of CAD $6,753,045 will be adjusted to reflect a new amount of CAD $3,505,256 as outstanding for these loans.
About Diamcor Mining Inc.
Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publicly traded Canadian diamond mining company with a well-established proven history in the mining, exploration, and sale of rough diamonds. The Company’s primary focus is on the mining and development of its Krone-Endora at Venetia Project which is co-located and directly adjacent to De Beers’ Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Venetia diamond mine is recognized as one of the world’s top diamond-producing mines, and the deposits which occur on Krone-Endora have been identified as being the result of shift and subsequent erosion of an estimated 50M tonnes of material from the higher grounds of Venetia to the lower surrounding areas in the direction of Krone and Endora.
Diamcor also focuses on the acquisition and development of mid-tier projects with near-term production capabilities and growth potential and uses unique approaches to mining that involves the use of advanced technology and techniques to extract diamonds in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. The Company has a strong commitment to social responsibility, including the support of local people, communities, and the environment.
About the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project
Diamcor acquired the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, consisting of the prospecting rights over the farms Krone 104 and Endora 66, which represent a combined surface area of approximately 5,888 hectares directly adjacent to De Beers’ flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. The Company subsequently announced that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted a Mining Right for the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project encompassing 657.71 hectares of the Project’s total area of 5,888 hectares. The Company has also submitted an application for a mining right over the remaining areas of the Project. The deposits which occur on the properties of Krone and Endora have been identified as a higher-grade “Alluvial” basal deposit which is covered by a lower-grade upper “Eluvial” deposit. These deposits are proposed to be the result of the direct-shift (in respect to the “Eluvial” deposit) and erosion (in respect to the “Alluvial” deposit) of an estimated 1,000 vertical meters of material from the higher grounds of the adjacent Venetia Kimberlite areas. The deposits on Krone-Endora occur with a maximum total depth of approximately 15.0 metres from surface to bedrock, allowing for a very low-cost mining operation to be employed with the potential for near-term diamond production from a known high-quality source. Krone-Endora also benefits from the significant development of infrastructure and services already in place due to its location directly adjacent to the Venetia Mine, which is widely recognised as the largest diamond mine in South Africa, and one of the most prolific diamond mines in the world.
Qualified Person Statement:
Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.), is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcor’s exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (“APEGA”). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents.
Mr. Dean H. Taylor Diamcor Mining Inc DeanT@Diamcor.com +1 250 862-3212
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
WE SEEK SAFE HARBOUR
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Marks another major milestone in the redevelopment of the premium steelmaking coal mine
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Peabody (NYSE: BTU) today announced that it has successfully shipped the first product from its Centurion Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, marking another major milestone in the redevelopment of the premium hard coking coal mine.
The inaugural shipment was delivered to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and loaded for export to a customer in Asia last week. This achievement highlights Centurion’s ongoing ramp up toward higher-volume longwall production that is targeted to begin in March 2026.
“Two years ago, we announced the redevelopment of this mine with a plan to transform it into a world-class operation supplying premium hard coking coal to global markets, and this week we’re delivering on that plan,” Jim Grech, Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “This is the first strategic step in transforming Peabody into a primarily metallurgical coal producer, and we are proud of the strong progress being made.”
With a planned annual production averaging 4.7 million tons and approximately 140 million tons of reserves, the operation has a mine life of more than 25 years. The premium hard coking coal supplied from Centurion is essential to making original steel, a foundation material for hospitals, schools and bridges as well as renewable energy infrastructure like wind turbines. Centurion coal is sought after for its high coke strength and low impurities, qualities that enhance steel production efficiency and support decarbonisation in the steelmaking process.
Centurion is also advancing Peabody’s commitment to sustainability with predevelopment works underway for 5 megawatt (MW) power station at the mine supporting the project’s emission abatement goals by reusing waste gas from the coal seams.
In November, the company announced an agreement to acquire four Tier 1 steelmaking coal mines from Anglo American. The completion of that acquisition, intended for mid-2025, combined with the redevelopment of Centurion, accelerates Peabody’s strategy to reweight its global coal portfolio and cash flows to metallurgical coal.
Peabody is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. Our commitment to sustainability underpins everything we do and shapes our strategy for the future. For further information, visit PeabodyEnergy.com.
Please find interviews and background video here and photos here.
Uranium Market Steadies: While the spot price declined in November, the overall price environment for the year has strengthened. Additionally, uranium miners gained for the month while remaining flat year-to-date.
Nuclear Energy Continues to Gain Momentum: Global support continues to grow as more countries pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 at COP29.
Implications After U.S. Election: The Trump presidency is likely to continue with a pro-nuclear stance, focusing on nuclear energy’s contributions to energy independence, national security and economic competitiveness.
Energy Strategy Remains Critical: With Trump’s plan likely to prioritize domestic energy production, the stance on international uranium imports, mainly from Russia and China, will be a critical area to watch.
Russian Ban Disrupts Supply Chain: Uranium supply faces pressure as Russia accounts for approximately 44% of global uranium enrichment capacity and 35% of U.S. enrichment imports. In sharp contrast, Russia only accounts for 5% of the global U3O8 supply.
*Performance for periods under one year is not annualized. Sources: Bloomberg and Sprott Asset Management LP. Data as of 11/30/2024. You cannot invest directly in an index. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Year-End Overhang on Uranium Spot Market
The uranium spot price retraced to support at $77.08 per pound at the end of November, which resulted in a 3.61% loss.1 The loss disguises a stronger price environment in the spot market for the year, with the minimum, average and maximum spot prices year-to-date at the highest levels compared to recent years (Figure 1). Given the growing sensitivity to geopolitical factors, we believe the uranium price will continue to behave in this staircase-like pattern over the intermediate term with short-term bouts of volatility. By contrast, uranium miners gained 1.18% in November and are flat year-to-date.
Uranium’s stairstep rally continues: spot prices soften, but term prices surge to 16-year highs.
Uranium miners have played catchup to the physical commodity and outperformed in 2024, a reversal of last year’s trend. Notably, uranium miners predominantly contract in the term market instead of the spot market and are therefore supported by term prices hitting 16-year highs. These term contracts also contain floors and ceilings, which continue to rise and are reported to be increasing with floor prices in the $70s and ceilings in the $130s (before escalation), indicating a midpoint of a triple-digit uranium price. Similarly, conversion and enrichment prices are at all-time highs, underscoring the strength of uranium’s current market dynamics.
The spot market is dealing with an overhang of supply as some traders look to clear their positions before the year’s end. Further pressuring the spot market are rampant rumors the Kazakh ANU physical uranium fund may be liquidating its 2+ million-pound inventory. While Russia’s retaliatory export ban on enriched uranium to the U.S. pushes utilities’ focus to the nuclear fuel cycle’s conversion and enrichment segments, we believe this attention will eventually cascade down to uranium oxide (U3O8). This year’s muted term contracting activity, at 100.7 million pounds of U3O8e, was heavily skewed by Chinese contracts with Kazatomprom and increases the likelihood of future contracting, as deferred purchases will eventually need to be addressed. Delaying these purchases risks depleting existing stockpiles, which is an unsustainable scenario from a risk management perspective.
Figure 1. Historical Physical Uranium Spot Prices
Source: UxC LLC. As of 11/30/2024.
Global Support for Nuclear Energy Continues to Grow
Meanwhile, global support for nuclear energy continues to gain momentum. At COP29, six additional countries pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, bringing the total to 31 nations committed to this ambitious goal.6 COP conferences and global forums for climate action highlight nuclear energy’s role in achieving net-zero emissions and meeting growing electricity demand.
On a regional level, positive news flows further bolster the case for nuclear power. Taiwan’s premier recently announced consideration of nuclear power to address energy needs tied to AI-driven electricity demand.7 Taiwan’s significance in this context is amplified by its position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, in which advanced chips are critical for AI development, making a reliable and scalable electricity supply essential to maintain its competitive edge in this high-demand industry. Vietnam, too, is signaling a nuclear pivot, revising its national power development plan to incorporate nuclear options alongside renewables.8 The goal is to expand power generation capacity by 12-15% annually and support annual economic growth of 7%. As global electricity demand intensifies, we believe nuclear power and, by extension, uranium stand poised to be key enablers of this next growth phase, particularly in emerging markets.
On an individual level, sentiment toward nuclear energy continues to improve, with a study finding that 1.5X more people support nuclear energy’s use than oppose it. Commissioned and analyzed by the Radiant Energy Group, the Public Attitudes Toward Clean Energy (PACE) index is the “world’s largest publicly released international study on what people think about nuclear energy.” Figure 2 shows that across the 20 countries surveyed, 28% of respondents oppose nuclear energy, while 46% support it, and 17 of the 20 countries had net support for nuclear energy. Further, the results found that nuclear energy was the second most preferred clean energy electricity source, after solar.
Figure 2. Public Attitudes Toward Nuclear Energy in 2023
U.S. Election and Potential Implications for the Nuclear Sector
The recent U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump win the presidency along with Republican control of the Senate and the House of Representatives, will likely impact some elements of U.S. energy policy. It is important to note the Biden administration has been incredibly pro-nuclear for a Democratic government.
A second Trump administration is anticipated to maintain a pro-nuclear stance, though with motivations distinct from those of the Biden administration. While Democrats have emphasized nuclear energy as a cornerstone of their climate change strategy, Republicans are expected to champion it for its role in bolstering energy independence, enhancing national security, and driving economic competitiveness. Key industry initiatives that align with these priorities include expanding domestic uranium mining, simplifying nuclear permitting processes, and advancing innovative technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Bipartisan backing keeps U.S. nuclear strong, but policy shifts under Trump could reshape priorities.
Significant legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (ADVANCE Act), has provided substantial financial backing for nuclear projects, receiving broad bipartisan support. While some aspects of this legislation may undergo revision, we believe nuclear energy will continue to garner strong support. Notably, the fact that many IRA-driven projects are located in Republican-led states suggests that key components of these policies are likely to remain intact (Figure 3).
Trump’s energy strategy is expected to prioritize domestic energy production, including oil, gas and nuclear power, while potentially pulling back on climate-focused policies such as the Paris Agreement and offshore wind development. At the same time, the administration’s stance on international enriched uranium imports, mainly from Russia and China, will be a critical area to watch. Recent bipartisan legislation banning Russian enriched uranium imports, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (PRUIA), and calls for increased tariffs signal ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S. domestic fuel cycle.
We believe the nuclear sector will continue to benefit from ongoing bipartisan support; however, potential shifts in policy priorities under a new Trump administration introduce uncertainty regarding the scale and direction of federal support. This uncertainty has contributed to the recent weakness in some clean energy sectors like renewables and electric vehicles.
Figure 3.
Source: https://www.ciphernews.com/articles/why-cleantech-is-booming-in-gop-led-states/. Clean Investment Monitor, Rhodium Group and MIT CEEPR. • Total announced investments range from Q3 2022 through Q2 2024. States are grouped as Republican, Democrat or Swing based on how they voted in the 2020 general election. Energy and Industry category includes the deployment of wind, solar, battery, geothermal, clean hydrogen, carbon management, sustainable aviation fuels and other electricity technologies. Manufacturing category refers to the production of these clean technologies.
Russia’s Retaliatory Restrictions on Enriched Uranium Exports
In November, Russia imposed restrictions on its enriched uranium exports to the U.S.9 The ban is seen as a “tit-for-tat” response to the U.S.’s Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, which came into effect in August. The PRUIA banned Russian-enriched uranium imports to the U.S. However, utilities may apply for waivers that authorize the importation of uranium to certain aggregate limits and up until the end of 2027 if the Secretary of Energy determines that there is no alternative viable source of uranium to sustain the continued operation of a U.S. nuclear reactor or if the importation of Russian-produced uranium is in the national interest.
Russia’s retaliation has imposed a more immediate threat to the industry as uncertainty on the timing and scale of escalatory actions grows. At the same time, the West is working on expanding enrichment capacity. Russia’s restrictions have already created ripple effects, with uranium stocks climbing given concerns about supply disruptions. Russia accounts for approximately 44% of global uranium enrichment capacity and 35% of U.S. enrichment imports. In sharp contrast, Russia only accounts for 5% of the global U3O8 supply (Figure 4).
The timing of Russia’s restrictions poses a critical challenge. Western countries are still in the process of expanding their enrichment capacities, and these facilities will not be fully operational for several years. This leaves the nuclear fuel supply chain vulnerable to further disruptions, as Russia’s decision to withhold enriched uranium could potentially outpace Western efforts to establish an alternative supply.
This urgency has also accelerated shifts in enrichment practices. Western utilities are moving from underfeeding to overfeeding, requiring more raw uranium to compensate for reduced enrichment capacity. We believe this shift is expected to support uranium prices and increase demand in the coming years. Whether these measures can bridge the gap before Russia’s actions exert broader impacts remains a pivotal question for the nuclear energy sector.
Figure 4. Russia’s (Rosatom) Market Shares in Enrichment and Conversion
Source: WNA Nuclear Fuel Report 2023.
Kazakhstan and Niger Add to Supply Uncertainty
Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium supplier, has finalized a major agreement with China’s CNNC and China National Uranium Corporation for the sale of uranium concentrates. Combined with previous transactions involving these entities, the deal represents over 50% of Kazatomprom’s total book value, highlighting Kazakhstan’s deepening ties with Eastern markets. This agreement builds on a similar large-scale transaction with a Chinese utility in late 2023 and aligns with broader regional developments, including the construction of a massive trading hub and storage facility (with a capacity of approximately 60 million pounds) near the Kazakh-China border.
For Western utilities, this shift raises significant concerns. With an increasing portion of Kazatomprom’s supply being directed to China and Russia, Western buyers are under growing pressure to secure alternative uranium sources. These challenges are further exacerbated by Kazatomprom’s ongoing production difficulties, including weaker-than-expected output reported in Q3 2024. The combination of production constraints and shifting supply priorities underscores the urgent need for Western utilities to diversify their supply chains and mitigate potential risks to their energy security.
Niger, previously the seventh largest producer of uranium, has seen its production capabilities and stability unravel following a military coup in July 2023. The military junta has distanced itself from traditional Western allies like France and the U.S., forging closer ties with Russia and China. The political upheaval has severely impacted uranium operations in Niger. Most recently, on December 4, the French nuclear firm Orano confirmed the loss of operational control of SOMAÏR in Niger.10 This follows the previous announcement on October 23 that Niger’s growing financial difficulties forced it to suspend operations at the mine.11
As a result of the coup, Orano has been unable to export uranium, and a total of 1,150 tonnes of uranium concentrate from 2023 and 2024 stocks haven’t been exported, according to Orano.12 This is worth about $210 million. Additionally, Niger has revoked mining licenses for key projects, such as Orano’s Imouraren and Canada-based GoviEx’s Madaouela, signaling a shift in the country’s resource management strategy.
Despite these setbacks, some projects remain. Two uranium projects, the SOMINA Azelik project and Global Atomic’s Dasa project, are slated to commence production in the coming years. However, the nationalization of key assets and closer ties with Russia suggest that future uranium output may be increasingly directed away from Western markets.
Junior Uranium Miners Helping to Address Supply Shortfalls
The shifting and uncertain dynamics of the global uranium supply underscore the urgent need to boost production through mine restarts and new developments. Junior uranium miners are playing a pivotal role in addressing this supply gap, with many resuming operations at previously idled mines to bring production back online (Figure 5). These projects are crucial for maintaining a stable uranium supply to Western utilities amid escalating geopolitical risks and dwindling access to traditional sources. By leveraging existing infrastructure, mine restarts can deliver uranium more quickly and cost-effectively than greenfield developments. Their success is essential to mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Junior uranium miners drive supply security, with quick restarts and new landmark projects like NexGen’s Rook I.
New uranium mines are poised to be vital in ensuring longer-term supply security. NexGen Energy Ltd. (NexGen) is a prominent junior uranium mining company developing the world’s largest single-source deposit of high-grade, low-cost uranium. Its renowned Rook 1 Project is situated in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. This location places it within one of the world’s top mining jurisdictions, known for its prolific uranium resources. The company boasts substantial uranium resources, totaling 337 million pounds. When NexGen had previously achieved provincial environmental approval, it marked the first uranium mine in Saskatchewan to reach this stage in over 20 years. The company projects a potential production output of up to 28.8 million pounds by 2030 and beyond.
NexGen’s recent progress with its flagship Rook I Project in Saskatchewan highlights the potential of junior uranium miners. The company recently reached a significant Rook I milestone, with the successful completion of the final federal technical review.13 This paves the way for the final steps of the approval process, including a Commission Hearing that could lead to a project approval decision.
NexGen has also taken significant strides toward commercializing its project by securing its first uranium sales contracts with leading U.S. utilities. These agreements cover the delivery of 5 million pounds of U3O8 over five years (2029–2033), with pricing mechanisms tied to market conditions. Notably, the contracts feature floor and ceiling prices of approximately $79 and $150 per pound, respectively, reflecting robust demand and favorable market conditions.14 It is important to highlight the contract ceiling price is notably higher than levels recently quoted by Cameco, which we believe reflects the strong market appetite for new sources of Western supply.
Figure 5. Uranium Supply Pipeline
Source: Mike Kozak, Uranium Analyst, Cantor Fitzgerald, September 2024. Company websites and UxC LLC. Assumes certain mines will be restarted that have yet to be announced. 2024-2027 is forecasted information from Cantor Fitzgerald’s report.
What to Make of Market Signals?
We believe the recent correction in the spot uranium price and the miners may represent an attractive entry point in the ongoing bull market. While the softness in the spot market over the past few months has been frustrating and confusing to watch, we believe it is sending a false signal given that the long-term fundamentals have only improved. Operational challenges appear to be getting worse, which will keep supply conditions tight, while the nuclear fuel supply chain remains highly susceptible to disruptions. Key producers remain steadfast in their supply discipline strategy and there appears to be a market standoff. Utilities are balking at the significant move in uranium prices over the past year, which will impact their future operating budgets, while producers are capitalizing on their long-awaited market leverage over utilities. As Cameco often repeats, utilities can “delay and defer,” but they will eventually be forced to buy.
Uranium supply deficits, tight market conditions and rising demand signal long-term strength.
A longstanding primary supply deficit and renewed interest in nuclear energy highlight the real challenges to bring the market back into balance. We believe this bull market has further room to run with no meaningful new supply on the horizon for three to five years. While last year’s multi-year record in long-term uranium contracting was celebrated, the overall numbers disguise a bifurcated market. Some utilities are well covered, while others have ignored the powerful market signals and failed to adapt their procurement strategies to the new market realities.
With global uranium mine production well short of the world’s uranium reactor requirements, the supply deficit building over the next decade, and near-term supply inhibited by long lead times and capital intensity, we believe that restarts and new mines in development are critical. The uranium price target as an incentive level for further restarts and greenfield development is a moving target, and we believe that we will need higher uranium prices to incentivize enough production to meet forecasted deficits. Over the long term, increased demand in the face of an uncertain uranium supply may continue supporting a sustained bull market (Figure 6).
Note: A “bull market” refers to a condition of financial markets in which prices are generally rising. A “bear market” refers to a condition of financial markets in which prices are generally falling. Source: TradeTech Data as of 11/30/2024. TradeTech is the leading independent provider of uranium prices and nuclear fuel market information. The uranium prices in this chart dating back to 1968 is sourced exclusively from TradeTech; visit https://www.uranium.info/.
Footnotes
1
The U3O8 uranium spot price is measured by a proprietary composite of U3O8 spot prices from UxC, S&P Platts and Numerco.
2
The North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index (URNMX) was created by North Shore Indices, Inc. (the “Index Provider”). The Index Provider developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index. The Index is calculated by Indxx, LLC, which is not affiliated with the North Shore Global Uranium Miners Fund (“Existing Fund”), ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) or Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Adviser”).
3
The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index (NSURNJ™) was co-developed by Nasdaq® (the “Index Provider”) and Sprott Asset Management LP (the “Adviser”). The Index Provider and Adviser co-developed the methodology for determining the securities to be included in the Index and the Index Provider is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Index.
4
The Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) is a broadly diversified commodity price index that tracks prices of futures contracts on physical commodities, and is designed to minimize concentration in any one commodity or sector. It currently has 23 commodity futures in six sectors.
5
The S&P 500 or Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – December 13, 2024) – Gary Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Silver47 Exploration Corp. (“Silver47” or the “Company”) (TSXV: AGA), and his team, joined Dean McPherson, Head, Business Development, Global Mining, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to open the market to celebrate the Company’s new listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Silver47 Exploration Corp. is focused on rapidly expanding its resource base of silver, gold, copper, zinc and lead, with the aim of reaching a milestone development decision in the next 3-5 years, while also driving new discoveries.
Backed by industry leaders, the Company is advancing its flagship Red Mountain project in Alaska, which currently hosts 168.6 million ounces of silver at 336 g/t AgEq, equivalent to 1 million tonnes of zinc at 7% ZnEq or 2 million ounces of gold at 4 g/t AuEq.
Silver47’s initial focus is on increasing the silver-gold rich Dry Creek and West Tundra Flats resources at the eastern end of this district-scale land package, with an exploration target of 50Mt in the 300-400 g/t AgEq grade range for 480Moz Eq. The company’s extensive land holdings of 942 state mining claims and one mining lease cover a 60km trend of polymetallic mineralization.
MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Thompson President & CEO info@silver47.ca 403-870-1166
The U.S Treasury building in Washington. · Reuters
By David Lawder
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government posted a $367 billion budget deficit for November, up 17% from a year earlier, as calendar adjustments for benefit payments boosted outlays by some $80 billion compared to the same month in 2023, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday.
The Treasury Department said that without the acceleration of December payments for the Medicare and Social Security programs into November, the deficit last month would have been about $29 billion, or 9% lower than last year.
The health care and pension programs for seniors are two of the government’s largest expenditure items.
But as reported, the November deficit was a record high for that month. Receipts and outlays also were record highs for the month of November, with receipts up 10% to $302 billion, and outlays up 14% to $669 billion.
The deficit for the first two months of the 2025 fiscal year also was a record high for that period – higher than the deficits of the COVID-19 era – reaching $624 billion, up $244 billion, or 64%, from the same period a year earlier. The government’s fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.
Those deficits were also inflated by calendar-related benefit shifts as well as higher receipts in October and November of 2023 due to the expiration of tax payment deferrals tied to California wildfires and other weather-related disasters that year.
Year-to-date receipts as reported were down 7% from a year earlier to $629 billion, while year-to-date outlays were up 18% to $1.253 trillion.
The outlays for the first two months of the fiscal year included a $4 billion, or 30%, increase in Department of Homeland Security spending to $19 billion, largely reflecting Federal Emergency Management Agency spending related to recent hurricanes.
But the Treasury’s interest cost on public debt for the fiscal year’s first two months was flat at $169 billion, despite a $7 billion increase for November.
(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Paul Simao)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2024 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce drill results from the 2024 drill campaign on at its wholly owned Carmacks copper-gold-silver project located in central Yukon, Canada. As previously mentioned, the Company identified a new zone within the Carmacks project called the Gap Zone (see news release dated October 3, 2024), located between existing high-grade, pit-constrained resources. The exploratory drill program intercepted copper mineralization in all four drill holes, laying the foundation for a follow-up resource definition and expansion drilling campaign. See below for selected drill results.
Table 1 – Selected Assay Results
Drillhole
From(m)
To(m)
Length*(m)
Cu(%)
Au(g/t)
Ag(g/t)
CRM24-026
172.21
180.15
7.94
0.13
0.017
0.7
CRM24-027
250.00
253.70
3.70
0.94
0.124
5.8
and
258.50
279.75
21.25
0.53
0.072
3.3
Including
261.30
270.30
9.00
0.70
0.090
4.4
CRM24-028
255.04
269.99
14.95
0.40
0.037
2.7
CRM24-029
247.00
261.85
14.85
0.51
0.059
3.4
Including
254.60
259.00
4.40
0.77
0.093
6.5
Figure 1 – Gap Zone plan view showing drill locations and traces
The Gap Zone lies between the proposed 147 and 2000S pits and was first identified by a 2022 geophysical IP survey (see news release dated November 21, 2022). Likely representing a fault offset from the main 147 Zone, the Gap Zone has the potential to add significant tonnage and extend the mine life envisioned by the 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (see news release dated January 19, 2023)
Granite Creek President and CEO, Timothy Johnson, stated, “The success of this drill program highlights the continued prospectivity of the Carmacks project. There remain multiple untested drill targets on the project, both proximal to the proposed pits as outlined int the 2023 PEA, as well as distal areas and across the northern sector which has seen only modest exploration. The project hosts significant copper-gold-silver resources and has the potential for major expansion across the 177 square kilometre land package in this top mining jurisdiction.”
Carmacks Deposit
The 177 sq km, Carmacks project contains over 824 Mlbs Measured and Indicated and 29 Mlbs Inferred copper equivalent (“CuEq”) metal within a National Instrument 43-101-compliant, high-grade resource of 36.2 million tonnes grading 1.07 % CuEq (0.81% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au, 3.41 Ag)1. The road accessible project is located along the Freegold Road, a Resource Gateway Road currently being upgraded by the Yukon government and is within 20 km of the Yukon electrical grid. The project is also situated within the Minto Copper Belt, a roughly 80 km long belt of rocks known for high grade occurrences of copper-gold-silver mineralisation.
The 2023 Carmacks Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), completed by SGS Canada, identified increased resources along with improved recovery as prime means of increasing the Net Present Value (“NPV”) of the project. Work completed this year by Kemetco Research (see news release dated January 17, 2024) demonstrated that recoveries exceeding the target outlined in the PEA can be achieved. The just completed drill program was designed to show that significant resource expansion is possible and specifically targeted areas that could lead to an expanded mine life as envisioned by the PEA.
About Granite Creek Copper
Granite Creek Copper is a focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America and more recently on geologic hydrogen. The Company’s projects consist of its flagship 177 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory on trend with the formerly operating, high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and the advanced stage LS molybdenum project and the Star copper-nickel-PGM project, both located in central British Columbia. Recent acquisitions include the Union Bay geologic hydrogen project as well as entering into a letter of intent to acquire the Duke Island ultramafic project for it’s geologic hydrogen potential, both projects located in the state of Alaska. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Timothy Johnson, President & CEO Telephone: 1 (604) 235-1982 Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494 E-mail: info@gcxcopper.com Website: www.gcxcopper.com
Qualified Person
Debbie James P.Geo, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and supervised the 2024 drilling program. She is not independent of the Company because she has received employment income from the Company and holds stock in the Company.
1Mineral Resources are reported within a conceptual constraining pit shell that includes the following input parameters: Metal prices of $3.60/lb Cu, $1,750/Au, $22/oz Ag, $14/lb Mo and pit slope angles that vary from 35° for overburden to 55°for granodiorite host, metal prices are in US$. Metallurgical recoveries reflective of prior test work that averages: 85% Cu, 85% Au, 65% Ag in the oxide domain and 90% Cu, 76% Au, 65% Ag in the sulphide domain. Mo recovery is assumed to be 70% in both oxide and sulphide domain. Totals and Metal content may not sum due to rounding and significant digits used in calculations. Cu Eq calculation is based on 100% recovery of all metals using the same metal prices used in the resource calculation: $3.60/lb Cu, $1,750/Au, $22/oz Ag, $14/lb Mo.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding expected use of proceeds from the private placement 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.sedarplus.ca.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
An aerial view shows an oil factory of Idemitsu Kosan Co. in Ichihara · Reuters
By Katya Golubkova
TOKYO (Reuters) – Oil prices eased only slightly on Tuesday, holding on to most of their gains from the prior session as mounting geopolitical risk after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and China’s vow to ramp up policy stimulus kept a floor under prices.
Brent crude futures were down 13 cents, or about 0.2%, at $72.01 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 14 cents, also 0.2% lower, at $68.23 at 0151 GMT. Both climbed more than 1% on Monday.
“Rising geopolitical tension in the Middle East following the collapse of the Syrian government has added a little risk premium to crude oil prices,” ANZ Research said in a note.
While Syria itself is not a major oil producer, it is strategically located and has strong ties with Russia and Iran, and a regime change could raise regional instability.
Ousted Syrian President Assad’s prime minister said he had agreed on Monday to hand power to the rebel-led Salvation Government, a day after the rebels seized the capital Damascus and Assad fled to Russia.
The imminent power transfer follows 13 years of civil war and the end to over 50 years of brutal rule by the Assad family.
Oil prices also got a boost in the previous session from reports that China will adopt an “appropriately loose” monetary policy next year, the first easing of its stance in some 14 years, to spur economic growth in the world’s top oil importer.
While a drop in China’s consumer inflation to a five-month low in November dragged on investor sentiment, analysts expect crude oil prices to benefit going forward from China’s fiscal stimulus.
“I think this morning’s weakness will prove to be a good buying opportunity, looking for crude oil to move towards the top of its recent range $72.50ish,” Tony Sycamore, analyst at IG, said by email.
The markets are expecting China trade data for November on Tuesday and a report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) industry group later in the day showing U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles last week.
A preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday that U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were expected to have fallen last week while distillate inventories likely rose. Data from the Energy Information Administration is due on Wednesday.
Also in the U.S., oilfield service companies ramped up hiring in November, adding 1,890 jobs in the sector, according to data from trade group Energy Workforce & Technology Council, in an indication of more drilling and higher oil production.
(Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
