Category: Energy

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Energy Exclusive Interviews Junior Mining Oil & Gas

Andy Hecht – Oil & Gas, Supply-Side Inflation Q&A

Integrous- Oil & Gas- Drilling & Exploration- The Answer to Supply-Side Inflation

  • Crude oil at the highest price since 2008- Inventories and product prices support higher highs
  • Natural gas is also at a fourteen-year high- Inventories, and European prices support the continuation of a very volatile bull market
  • The four reasons for higher fossil fuel prices- SPR releases are a temporary band-aid
  • Drilling and exploration are the answer to supply-side economic woes
  • XOP outperforming the stock market in 2022- The trend is your best friend

Throughout most of 2021, the US Federal Reserve called the rising inflationary pressures “transitory.” Late last year, increasing consumer and producer price data convinced the central bank that the economic condition was not a temporary event. The Fed told markets it was preparing to shift to a more hawkish approach to monetary policy to address the economy’s demand-side pressures. The artificially low interest rates, liquidity, and government stimulus in 2020 and 2021 planted the inflationary seeds which sprouted during the second half of 2020, throughout 2021, and into early 2022.

In early 2022, the geopolitical landscape threw a curveball at the central bank when Russia invaded Ukraine, launching the first major war in Europe since WW II. Sanctions on Russia and Russian retaliation began to cause even more upside pressure on commodity prices as Russia is a leading producer of energy and other raw materials. China and Russia’s “no-limits” support agreement complicated matters, setting the stage for the invasion.

Crude oil and natural gas prices had already been rising by the end of 2021. The leading benchmark crude oil futures are the Brent and WTI contracts. After falling to a record low below zero in April 2020, nearby WTI crude oil futures at $75.21 per barrel. Brent futures fell to $16 per barrel, the lowest price of this century in April 2020, and closed 2021 at the $77.78 level.

Meanwhile, nearby natural gas futures dropped to $1.44 per MMBtu in June 2020 and were at the $3.73 level on December 31, 2021. The oil and gas futures markets had been rising, making higher lows and higher highs throughout the second half of 2020 and in 2021. In 2022, they took off on the upside, reaching fourteen-year highs.

Increasing inflation and post-pandemic demand created a bull market in crude oil and natural gas that turned into a perfect bullish storm in 2022. The war and a dramatic geopolitical shift made dynamics shift from demand to supply-side concerns. The Fed has few if any tools to deal with supply-side economic events, and the only answer could be increasing supplies, which is a challenge in the current environment.

Just as the Fed mischaracterized inflation as “transitory,” US and European policies addressing climate change have played a role in the ascent of hydrocarbon prices. Since energy prices are inflation’s root cause, exploration and drilling could be the only answer to address the economic condition. Fossil fuels continue to power the world, and the price action is screaming that monetary policy has taken a backseat to the energy debacle.

Crude oil at the highest price since 2008- Inventories and product prices support higher highs

Nearby NYMEX WTI futures rose to $130.50 per barrel on March 7 after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and the war escalated.

Source: Barchart

The chart highlights that the WTI futures were sitting at just above the $115 level on May 27. Brent crude oil hit a high of $139.13 in early March.

Source: Barchart

The chart shows the price was at around the $119.43 per barrel level in late May 2022. The all-time 2008 peaks in WTI and Brent were at $147.27 and $147.50.

While crude oil missed an all-time high, gasoline and heating oil hit record prices in 2022.

Source: Barchart

The chart shows that gasoline futures prices reached $4.0640 per gallon wholesale in May, an all-time high. July gasoline was sitting at over the $3.90 level on May 27.

 Source: CQG

Heating oil is also a proxy for distillates like diesel and jet fuels. The chart shows the spike to a record peak in distillate in April at $4.7072 per gallon wholesale. Heating oil was also over the $3.90 per gallon level on May 27.

Inventories and US production have supported prices:

Source: US Energy Information Administration

So far, in 2022, US crude oil stockpiles rose by 1.9 million barrels, but the data includes strategic stockpile releases. Meanwhile, gasoline inventories declined by 12.9 million barrels, and distillate stocks fell by 19.9 million barrels from the beginning of 2022 through May 20. Consumers require oil products, and the data supports higher prices. While US daily output rose from 11.7 to 11.9 million barrels per day in 2022, they remain below the March 2020 13.2 mbpd record peak.  

Natural gas is also at a fourteen-year high- Inventories, and European prices support the continuation of a very volatile bull market

NYMEX natural gas futures fell to a twenty-five-year low in June 2020, reaching $1.432 per MMBtu.

Source: CQG

The long-term chart shows that natural gas futures moved over six times higher by May 2022, reaching a high of $9.447 per MMBtu and sitting at over the $8.70 level on May 27.

Natural gas inventories are at low levels, with the price at a fourteen-year high.

Source: EIA

At the 1.812 trillion cubic feet level on May 20, natural gas in storage across the US was 17.6% below last year’s level and 15.3% under the five-year average.

Over the past years, natural gas liquefication opened a burgeoning export market for the US energy commodity as it now travels worldwide via ocean vessels. Natural gas’s addressable market expanded far beyond the US pipeline network.

While US natural gas exports have sold LNG to Asian consumers under long-term contracts, the war in Europe and Russian retaliation for sanctions have sent European natural gas prices to record levels.

Source: Barchart

The chart shows that ICE UK natural gas futures rose to the 800 pounds per 1,000 thermals level in March 2022. Before 2021, the all-time high was at the 117 level, and at the 171.61 level on May 27, the price was well above the pre-2021 record peak. Russian natural gas travels by pipeline to European consumers. The Russians have demanded payment in rubles and have cut off “unfriendly” countries that support Ukraine. Moreover, Sweden and Finland’s plans to join NATO only increase Russian export bans, and European consumers are turning to the US for supplies. The bottom line is that

US natural gas has become an international energy market, and the supply shortage is lifting worldwide prices.

In the US, natural gas is heading into the volatile hurricane season. In 2005 and 2008, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc along the Louisiana coast.
The NYMEX futures delivery point is the Henry Hub in
Erath, Louisiana, along the Gulf Coast hurricane corridor. Storms in 2008 and 2005 lifted the price to $13.694, and $15.65per MMBtu, respectively. Even if the natural gas market makes it through the annual hurricane season without category four or five storms, the 2022/2023 winter season in worn-torn Europe will likely push prices higher, with $10+ NYMEX futures prices on the horizon.

The four reasons for higher fossil fuel prices- SPR releases are a temporary band-aid

At least four factors favor higher oil and gas prices in late May 2022:

  • The Biden administration’s green energy initiative favors alternative and renewable fuels while inhibiting fossil fuel production. The US energy policy since early 2021 handed the pricing power to OPEC, the international oil cartel, and Russia. After years of suffering under low prices and lower US demand because of US shale oil and gas production, OPEC+ now controls supplies and owes the US and European consumers no favors. US requests for production increases fell on deaf ears in Riyadh, Moscow, and other production capitals.
  • The February 4 “no-limits” agreement between China and Russia creates a bifurcation of the world’s nuclear powers, with the US and Europe on the other side. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could lead to Chinese reunification attempts with Taiwan. Hostilities and geopolitical tensions make hydrocarbons a political tool for the Russians and allied world oil and gas producers.
  • The crude oil and natural gas prices have been rising despite a COVID-19 lockdown in China. When the Chinese economy reopens, the global energy demand will likely rise, putting more upside pressure on oil and gas prices. Meanwhile, a historic heatwave in India is causing increased energy demand in the world’s second-most populous country. India has not cooperated with the US and Europe with sanctions on Russia.
  • Even if the US were to shift back to a drill-baby-drill and frack-baby-frack approach to traditional energy production, labor shortages and higher input and equipment prices put upside pressure on production costs. Moreover, the Biden administration has doubled down on its green initiatives, so the potential for production increases remains low.

Instead of increasing production over the past months, President Biden released a historical level of crude oil from the strategic petroleum reserve. Past SPR releases have not weighed on the price in challenging times. Moreover, the US will eventually need to replace its resources, leading to buying in the oil market. The administration released 30 million barrels in early 2022 and has been releasing one million barrels per day from the SPY. The price remains around the $115 per barrel level as the SPR sales have been a short-term, ineffective band-aid. Meanwhile, crack spreads, a real-time demand indicator rose to new all-time highs in May. The level of refining margins are a warning sign that higher crude oil prices are on the horizon. 

Drilling and exploration are the answer to supply-side economic woes

The Fed is increasing interest rates and reducing its balance sheet to address the highest inflation in over four decades. The central bank’s toolbox contains monetary policy tools that deal with the economy’s demand-side. In 2020, slashing interest rates and government stimulus encouraged borrowing and spending and inhibited saving.

The Fed now faces supply-side economic factors caused by the war in Ukraine, sanctions, and geopolitical bifurcation. There are few, if any, tools that can deal with the supply-side issues that will continue to fuel inflation. While core inflation data excludes food and energy, food and energy are critical inflationary factors that impact individuals and businesses. Moreover, energy is a crucial cost of goods sold input in all sectors of the economy. Therefore, the only answer to dealing with supply-side inflationary pressures in the current environment is to increase supplies. Just as the Fed woke up from its “transitory” trance, the administration will likely realize that encouraging fossil fuel exploration and drilling is the only route out of the current inflationary spiral. The US is blessed with rich oil reserves in the shale regions, Alaska, and other oil-producing areas. The Marcellus and Utica shale contains quadrillions of cubic feet of natural gas. A hostile Russia and China could cause a reversal of the current path of US energy policy. Rising oil and gas prices will eventually choke all economic growth, and the administration may have no choice but to put climate change initiatives to the side while it deals with the inflationary spiral.

XOP outperforming the stock market in 2022- The trend is your best friend

The war, rising interest rates, a strong US dollar, increasing geopolitical turmoil, and other factors have weighed on the stock market in 2022.

Source: Barchart

The S&P 500 is the most diversified US stock market index. After closing at 4,766.18 on December 31, 2021, the index was 12.8% lower at 4,158.24 on May 27.

The S&P Oil & Gas Exploration and Production ETF product (XOP) holds many of the top US companies that explore, drill, and produce crude oil and natural gas, including:

 Source: Barchart

While the S&P 500 is 12.8% lower in 2022, the XOP performance has been impressive:

 Source: Barchart

The XOP closed at $95.87 at the end of 2021. At the $157.04 level on May 27, the ETF was over 63.8% higher this year.

Existing oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production companies have experienced a profit bonanza in 2022, but they are struggling to meet the growing worldwide hydrocarbon requirements. The bull market in oil and gas opens the door for newcomers in exploration and drilling. Dealing with inflation requires addressing the root cause, energy shortages, and high prices. An epiphany that shifts US energy policy is the path of fighting inflation. The supply-side problems are beyond the Fed’s reach, and SPR releases are only a band-aid on a worldwide gapping ax wound.

Written By: Andrew Hecht, on behalf of Maurice Jackson of Proven and Probable.

Any investment involves substantial risks, including, but not limited to, pricing volatility, inadequate liquidity, and the potential complete loss of principal. This document does not in any way constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any investment, security, or commodity discussed herein, or any security in any jurisdiction in which such an offer would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

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Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Secova Announces Appointment of New CEO to Drive Montauban Into Full Production

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – June 2nd, 2022 – Secova Metals Corp. (“Secova” or the “Company”) (CSE: SEK, Frankfurt: N4UP, OTC: SEKZF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jean Yves Therien as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, effective immediately. 

Mr. Therien has more than 12 years of senior management experience in mining and green mining technologies. Mr. Therien was instrumental in the restructuring of G.E.T.T. Gold Inc., formerly Nippon Dragon Resources Inc, a publicly traded hybrid mining and technology company where he remains as corporate development advisor. Mr. Therien maintains an extensive network of contacts in North America and around the globe. Mr. Therien received a BA Degree in Finance from UQAM.

“Jean-Yves is the right leader at the right time for Secova,” stated Mr. Paul Mastantuono, Secova’s Chief Operating Officer. Jean-Yves’s financial background and business development skills coupled with his experience in management and mining will help Secova secure and develop partnerships and strategic alliances. We believe his strong leadership experience and steadfast commitment to excellence will help Secova in bringing the Montauban Gold and Silver project into full production.

“I am very excited to be joining the Secova team,” said Jean-Yves Therien. “I strongly believe that Secova has a unique project and great business model and look forward to working closely with Paul, who will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, in unlocking the full potential of the Montauban Gold and Silver project.

About the Company

Secova Metals Corp. is a Canadian environmentally aware resource exploration and processing company. Management has demonstrated expertise in advancing gold exploration projects into acquisition targets, most notably in the province of Quebec. Secova’s principal restoration and recovery project is the Montauban property situated in Quebec, just 80 kilometers west of Quebec City. The Company’s main exploration focus is its 100% ownership of the Eagle River project, which is adjacent to and on-trend to several gold projects in the Windfall Lake district of Urban Barry in Quebec.

Secova will use its expertise in early-stage exploration to create shareholder value by attempting to prove out and process the resource in these assets.

For further information about the Company, please visit Secova’s new website at www.secova.ca

SECOVA METALS CORP.

Mr. Paul Mastantuono,

Secova’s Chief Operating Officer,

Tel: +1 438-399-6316

Email: info@secova.ca

This press release contains “forward-looking information” that is based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements with respect to the Company’s exploration and development plans. The words “will”, “anticipated”, “plans” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information.

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Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Peter Marrone Appointed to the Position of Senior Corporate Advisor to Eloro Resources Ltd.

TORONTO, June 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ELO; OTCQX: ELRRF; FSE: P2QM) (“Eloro” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that Mr. Peter Marrone, a shareholder of Eloro, has agreed to serve as an independent advisor to provide support and strategic advice to management on matters of project advancement and business development in relation to its Iska Iska project.

Peter Marrone is Executive Chairman of Yamana Gold Inc., which he founded in 2003 and which recently announced that it is to be acquired by Gold Fields Limited, a combination that creates a world-class, globally diversified company with regional relevance across premier, rules-based mining jurisdictions that is underpinned by low cost, long life mines. Mr. Marrone has a long track record of successful mining start-ups and investments with more than 35 years of mining, business and capital markets experience. Mr. Marrone also currently sits on the board of directors, and is one of the founders, of Aris Gold Corporation which holds one of the best portfolios of producing and development stage assets in Colombia. Mr. Marrone has also been the head of investment banking at a major Canadian investment bank and before that practised law in Toronto with a strong focus on corporate law, securities law and international transactions.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Peter Marrone as a Senior Corporate Advisor”, said Eloro Chairman and C.E.O. Mr. Tom Larsen. “Peter brings valued knowledge and experience that will be helpful to our management in relation to all aspects of Eloro’s operations, capital markets efforts and strategic avenues for development and realization of significant value from our highly prospective Iska Iska tin-silver polymetallic project in Bolivia. With his proven success as the founder of companies and his outstanding track record in developing and advancing exploration projects, and realizing value from strategic efforts, it is clearly a benefit for Eloro and its shareholders and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Peter Marrone commented: “I am impressed with the size and scale of Iska Iska which should be developed in time as a world class tin-silver deposit with large scale production, all of which coincides with a time when tin in particular is in high demand and silver is a necessary component for decarbonization.  The tin market is intriguing to me. It is poised for what appears to be a clear upward path for demand and price.  Eloro has built a very strong management team that is continuing to rapidly advance Iska Iska with major milestones, including the inaugural National Instrument 43-101 mineral resource expected in Q3 2022.  As a shareholder, I have become impressed with the project and management. Informally, I have been consulted from time to time by management and I look forward to continuing to provide strategic advice to management and to CEO Tom Larsen and Executive VP Exploration Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo., in particular. Interestingly, Bill has known me for many years and has an impressive resume of quality geological discoveries that now includes Iska Iska which is likely the crowning glory of an illustrious career. Simply put, Iska Iska is a world-class project and I look forward to helping management to increase value for Eloro shareholders.”

About Eloro Resources Ltd.

Eloro is an exploration and mine development company with a portfolio of gold and base-metal properties in Bolivia, Peru and Quebec. Eloro has an option to acquire a 99% interest in the highly prospective Iska Iska Property, which can be classified as a polymetallic epithermal-porphyry complex, a significant mineral deposit type in the Potosi Department, in southern Bolivia. A NI 43-101 Technical Report on Iska Iska, which was completed by Micon International Limited, is available on Eloro’s website and under its filings on SEDAR. Iska Iska is a road-accessible, royalty-free property. Eloro also owns an 82% interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru some 50 km south of Barrick’s Lagunas Norte Gold Mine and Pan American Silver’s La Arena Gold Mine. La Victoria consists of eight mining concessions and eight mining claims encompassing approximately 89 square kilometres. La Victoria has good infrastructure with access to road, water and electricity and is located at an altitude that ranges from 3,150 m to 4,400 m above sea level.

For further information please contact either Thomas G. Larsen, Chairman and CEO or Jorge Estepa, Vice-President at (416) 868-9168.

Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Corporation’s plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

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 release.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Silver Hammer Announces Closing of Oversubscribed Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of Approximately $3,000,000

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (CSE: HAMR/OTCQB: HAMRF) Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (the “Company” or “Silver Hammer”) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced brokered and a concurrent non-brokered private placement (collectively, the “Offering”) for gross proceeds of $3,007,048.68. The brokered portion of the Offering (the “Brokered Offering”) was led by Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (the “Agent”) and consisted of the sale of 7,325,286 units (the “Units”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,783,608.68 at a price of $0.38 per Unit (the “Offering Price”). Each Unit consisted of one Common Share (each, a “Common Share”, and collectively the “Common Shares”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant, (each whole warrant, a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.50 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

Under the non-brokered portion of the Offering the Company raised gross proceeds of $223,440.00, through the sale of 588,000 Units at the Offering Price. The Offering was announced on May 16, 2022.

The Warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant indenture dated June 2, 2022 entered into between the Company and Endeavor Trust Corporation, as warrant agent.

As consideration for Agent’s services in connection with the Brokered Offering, the Agent received a cash commission of $182,145.95, a cash advisory fee of $8,900.00, and 502,831 broker warrants, each exercisable to acquire one Common Share at the Offering Price for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering, including any underlying securities, are subject to a four-month-and-one-day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the exploration of the Silver Strand Project in Idaho, the Eliza Silver Project in Nevada, the Silverton Silver-Gold Project in Nevada, and for general and working capital purposes.

Directors and officers of the Company purchased an aggregate of 77,600 Units in the Offering. The participation by such insiders in the Offering constituted a “related party transaction” as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or “U.S. Persons”, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

About Silver Hammer Mining Corp.

Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company advancing the flagship past-producing Silver Strand Mine in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District in Idaho, USA, as well both the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine in one of the world’s most prolific mining jurisdictions in Nevada and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Silver Hammer’s primary focus is defining and developing silver deposits near past-producing mines that have not been adequately tested. The Company’s portfolio also provides exposure to copper and gold discoveries.

Forward-Looking Information

This release may contain 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. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering and the use of proceeds therefrom. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s public securities filings with the Canadian securities commissions. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

On Behalf of the Board of Silver Hammer Mining Corp.

Morgan Lekstrom, President and CEO
Corporate Office: 551 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2C2, Canada

For further information contact:
Kristina Pillon, President, High Tide Consulting Corp.
T: 604.908.1695
E: investors@silverhammermining.com

For media inquiries, contact:
Adam Bello, Primoris Group Inc.
T: 416.489.0092
E: media@primorisgroup.com

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Noram Receives Results for CVZ-75 & 76: High-Grade Intercepts of 150 Ft (45.7 M) Averaging 962 PPM, & 100 Ft (30.5 M) Averaging 1163 PPM Respectively

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 2, 2022 / Sandy MacDougall, CEO of Noram Lithium Corp. (“Noram” or the “Company“) (TSXV:NRM)(OTCQB:NRVTF)(Frankfurt:N7R) is pleased to announce the successful completion of CVZ-75 (PH-01) and CVZ-76 (PH-02) and release of the final assay results. The Company completed core hole CVZ-75 at a depth of 326 feet (99.4 m). Sampling for assays began at 46 ft (14.0 m) and continued to the bottom of the hole, an interval thickness of 150 ft (45.7 m) was intersected from 46 ft (14.0 m) to 196 ft (59.7 m). The hole ended in mineralization and the weighted average lithium values present are summarized below. The Company completed core hole CVZ-76 at a depth of 338 feet (103.0 m). Sampling for assays began at 26 ft (7.9 m) and continued to the bottom of the hole, an interval thickness of 100 ft (30.5 m) was intersected from 26 ft (7.9 m) to 126 ft (38.4 m). The hole ended in mineralization and the weighted average lithium values present are summarized below.

Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture
Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture
Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture
Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture

Figure 1 – Location of all past drill holes (Phase I to Phase V) previously completed in addition to the 12 proposed holes for Phase V1. Phase VI holes are indicated in purple.

Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture
Noram Ventures Inc., Thursday, June 2, 2022, Press release picture

Figure 2 – Comparative stratigraphy and assay results for drill holes CVZ-76 and CVZ-75 as compared to CVZ-63 which was drilled as part of a prior program. The histogram on the sides of the holes are the composited lithium grades in ppm Li. The cross section has a 4X vertical exaggeration.

“Holes CVZ-75 and CVZ-76 were located near the northeast end of the Phase V and Phase VI drilling. This is an area where the sediments are thinner since we are getting close to the basin margin. However, the lithium grades continue to be high. These holes are expected to continue to upgrade portions of the Zeus resource from inferred to indicated in Noram’s upcoming PFS.” comments Brad Peek, VP of Exploration and geologist on all six phases of Noram’s Clayton Valley exploration drilling.

Hole IDSample No.From (ft)To (ft)From (m)To (m)Li (ppm)
CVZ-751748394465614.017.11690
CVZ-751748395566617.120.1890
CVZ-751748396667620.123.2840
CVZ-751748397768623.226.2910
CVZ-751748398869626.229.31420
CVZ-7517483999610629.332.31160
CVZ-75174840010611632.335.41010
CVZ-75174840111612635.438.4900
CVZ-75174840212613638.441.5870
CVZ-75174840413614641.544.5850
CVZ-75174840514615644.547.5820
CVZ-75174840615616647.550.6810
CVZ-75174840716617650.653.6620
CVZ-75174840817618653.656.7510
CVZ-75174840918619656.759.71130
CVZ-75174841019620659.762.8800
CVZ-75174841120621662.865.8560
CVZ-75174841221622665.868.9650
CVZ-75174841322623668.971.9680
CVZ-75174841423624671.975.0510
CVZ-75174841524625675.078.0650
CVZ-75174841625626678.081.1570
CVZ-75174841726627681.184.1770
CVZ-75174841827628684.187.2570
CVZ-75174841928629687.290.2510
CVZ-75174842029630690.293.3770
CVZ-75174842130631693.396.3470
CVZ-75174842231632696.399.4600

Table 1 – Sample results from CVZ-75 from 46 ft (14.0 m) to depth of 326 ft (99.4 m).

Hole IDSample No.From (ft)To (ft)From (m)To (m)Li (ppm)
CVZ-76174842626367.911.01320
CVZ-761748427364611.014.01620
CVZ-761748428465614.017.11620
CVZ-761748429566617.120.1970
CVZ-761748430667620.123.2830
CVZ-761748431768623.226.2910
CVZ-761748432869626.229.31460
CVZ-7617484339610629.332.31070
CVZ-76174843410611632.335.4930
CVZ-76174843511612635.438.4900
CVZ-76174843612613638.441.5780
CVZ-76174843713614641.544.5710
CVZ-76174843814615644.547.5670
CVZ-76174843915616847.551.2720
CVZ-76No Sample16817851.254.3
CVZ-76174844017818854.357.3460
CVZ-76174844118819857.360.4840
CVZ-76174844219820860.463.4700
CVZ-76174844320821863.466.4740
CVZ-76174844421822866.469.5720
CVZ-76174844522823869.572.5710
CVZ-76174844623824872.575.6520
CVZ-76174844724825875.678.6680
CVZ-76174844825826878.681.7640
CVZ-76174844926827881.784.7640
CVZ-76174845027828884.787.8590
CVZ-76174845128829887.890.8590
CVZ-76174845229830890.893.9449
CVZ-76174845330831893.996.9610
CVZ-76174845431832896.9100.0560
CVZ-761748455328338100.0103.0470

Table 2 – Sample results from CVZ-76 from 26 ft (7.9 m) to depth of 338 ft (103.0 m).

All samples were analyzed by the ALS laboratory in Reno, Nevada. QA/QC samples were included in the sample batch and returned values that were within their expected ranges.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Brad Peek., M.Sc., CPG, who is a Qualified Person with respect to Noram’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Noram Lithium Corp.

Noram Lithium Corp. (TSXV:NRM | OTCQB:NRVTF | Frankfurt:N7R) is a well-financed Canadian based advanced Lithium development stage company with less than 90 million shares issued and a fully funded treasury. Noram is aggressively advancing its Zeus Lithium Project in Nevada from the development-stage level through the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study in 2022.

The Company’s flagship asset is the Zeus Lithium Project (“Zeus”), located in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Zeus Project contains a current 43-101 measured and indicated resource estimate* of 363 million tonnes grading 923 ppm lithium, and an inferred resource of 827 million tonnes grading 884 ppm lithium utilizing a 400 ppm Li cut-off. In December 2021, a robust PEA** indicated an After-Tax NPV(8) of US$1.3 Billion and IRR of 31% using US$9,500/tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE). Using the LCE long term forecast of US$14,000/tonne, the PEA indicates an NPV (8%) of approximately US$2.6 Billion and an IRR of 52% at US$14,000/tonne LCE.

Please visit our web site for further information: www.noramlithiumcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandy MacDougall
Chief Executive Officer and Director
C: 778.999.2159

For additional information please contact:

Peter A. Ball
President and Chief Operating Officer
peter@noramlithiumcorp.com
C: 778.344.4653

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. This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the completion transactions completed in the Agreement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Noram believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Noram disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. *Updated Lithium Mineral Resource Estimate, Zeus Project, Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA (August 2021) **Preliminary Economic Assessment Zeus Project, ABH Engineering (December 2021).

SOURCE: Noram Ventures Inc.



View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/703581/Noram-Receives-Results-for-CVZ-75-76-High-Grade-Intercepts-of-150-Ft-457-M-Averaging-962-PPM-100-Ft-305-M-Averaging-1163-PPM-Respectively

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Collective Mining Outlines Multiple, High-Grade Vein Systems at Olympus with Assay Results
from Channel Sampling of up to 137 g/t Gold and 563 g/t Silver

Collective Mining Ltd.
Collective Mining Ltd.

Figure 1

Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Olympus Target
Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Olympus Target

Figure 2

Olympus Target, Measuring 1.4 Kilometres x 0.9 Kilometres and Open
Olympus Target, Measuring 1.4 Kilometres x 0.9 Kilometres and Open

Figure 3: Photos of High-Grade Polymetallic Grab Samples Taken at Olympus

Veins of massive sulfides with pyrite, sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite.
Veins of massive sulfides with pyrite, sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite.

TORONTO, June 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (“Collective” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce high-grade gold and silver channel sample assay results from its grassroots generated Olympus target (“Olympus”) located within the Guayabales project (“Guayabales”), Colombia. Olympus is centrally situated within the four-by-four kilometre porphyry cluster where to date, the Company has generated eight drill targets through grassroots prospecting. Four of these targets have been drill tested yielding three significant discoveries including the Olympus target where the Company recently announced near surface discovery holes of 302 metres @ 1.11 g/t gold equivalent and 216.7 metres @ 1.08 g/t gold equivalent (refer to press release dated March 15, 2022 and May 9, 2022, respectively). As part of its fully funded 20,000+ metre program for 2022, Collective presently has three diamond drill rigs operating at Guayabales with drills turning at the Trap and Apollo targets and a fourth rig expected to kick off a phase II drilling program at Olympus at the beginning of Q3, 2022.
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%2522Olympus_Generation%253BColombia%253BMetre%253BTarget_Corporation%253BVein%253BKilometre%253BPorphyry_(geology)%253BTSX_Venture_Exchange%2522%252C%2522lmsid%2522%253A%2522a0770000002m0AbAAI%2522%252C%2522revsp%2522%253A%2522globenewswire.com%2522%252C%2522lpstaid%2522%253A%2522a06abe0d-75d8-37f6-9ef1-cc990de073da%2522%252C%2522pageContentType%2522%253A%2522story%2522%257D

Highlights (Table 1 and Figures 1, 2 and 3)

  • Assay results of chip channel samples taken from veins located within historical, shallow underground workings from Olympus continue to confirm the presence of a high-grade carbonate base metal (“CBM”) sheeted vein system into the southwest portion of the target area with results as follows:

Table 1: Chip Channel Sample Assay Results from Olympus

Sample IDAu (g/t)Ag (g/t)
R5451137.76476
R5429102.19427
R543185.41563
R544769.06439
R541850.98353
R521337.18349
R541526.29124
R546616.23238
R521011.4241
R521810.64287
R54449.0924
R52227.1519
R54166.6864
R54635.62428
R52154.8452
R54454.268
R52253.9910
R54213.93152
R52342.9811
R52122.8154
R54541.89154
R54321.34178

*Channel chip samples reported above are over true horizontal sampling widths of between 0.1 and 1 metre. Sample grades are uncapped. Channel samples are representative of 2–dimensional space and as a result should not be relied upon as being representative of average grades anticipated in any future resource estimate or mining scenario. Assay results for base metals are still pending for all samples listed.

  • Multiple CBM veins were sampled at Olympus, over an area measuring 250 metres x 250 metres from limited and partial exposures of rock in old tunnels. The CBM veins are sulphide rich and associated with intense sericite alteration superimposed on porphyry diorite and mineralized, hydrothermal breccia. Porphyry-related CBM veins can demonstrate robust continuity over significant vertical and lateral dimensions and the Company will assess through drilling whether those characteristics apply to the Olympus vein system.
  • Drilling, underground sampling and surface mapping to date have expanded Olympus to a target area measuring more than 1,400 metres by 900 metres, which hosts over 50 artisanal mines with over 25 veins mapped from available exposures. The Company believes that the probability is high that additional veins will be discovered as exploration ramps up. The Olympus target is open to the east, west, northwest, south and at depth.
  • Olympus now includes two mineralized zones. Both zones contain multiple porphyry and overprinting CBM veins associated with intense pyrite-sericite-carbonate alteration and hosted in a porphyry diorite (Eastern zone) and within schist country rocks intruded by porphyritic diorite (Western zone).
  • The highest-grade samples collected to date at Olympus come from areas that have yet to be drill tested by the Company. Diamond drilling completed to date has only focused on a small northern portion of the Eastern and Western zones while recent surface and underground mapping has expanded the Western zone to the west and southwest.
  • The Company reconfirms that it is on track with construction of underground drill chambers with the first rig anticipated to commence drilling in July 2022 followed by a second rig shortly thereafter.

Figure 1: Plan View of the Guayabales Project Highlighting the Olympus Target
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97067e84-29cb-4bf6-9d85-91bcaf4769e8

Figure 2: Olympus Target, Measuring 1.4 Kilometres x 0.9 Kilometres and Open
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d8d594a-c3d4-47f2-81c2-5d6c184d6036

Figure 3: Photos of High-Grade Polymetallic Grab Samples Taken at Olympus
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01377213-bd22-4b42-93df-e97abec5c6a4
Veins of massive sulfides with pyrite, sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite.

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 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.

About Collective Mining Ltd.

To view the Company’s most recent investor 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 a significant new mineral discovery and advancing the projection to production. Management, insiders and close family and friends own approximately 40% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. Collective 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 defined. The Company is fortuitous to have made significant grassroots discoveries on both projects with discovery holes of 302 metres @ 1.1 g/t AuEq and 163 metres @ 1.3 g/t AuEq at the Guayabales project and 710 metres @ 0.53 AuEq at the San Antonio project. (See press releases dated October 18th and 27th, 2021 and March 15, 2022, for AuEq calculations.)

Contact Information

Collective Mining Ltd.
Steve Gold, Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
Tel. (416) 648-4065

To schedule a one-on-one meeting with management please use the following link:
https://calendly.com/collectivemining/30min?month=2021-11

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.

Categories
Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Palladium: The Secret Weapon in Fighting Pollution

Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/palladium-the-secret-weapon-in-fighting-pollution/

Despite the growing hype around electric vehicles, conventional gas-powered vehicles are expected to be on the road well into the future.

As a result, exhaust systems will continue to be a critical tool in reducing harmful air pollution.

The Power of Palladium

Today’s infographic comes to us from North American Palladium, and it demonstrates the unique properties of the precious metal, and how it’s used in catalytic converters around the world.

In fact, palladium enables car manufacturers to meet stricter emission standards, making it a secret weapon for fighting pollution going forward.

Palladium: The Secret Weapon in Fighting Pollution

The world is in critical need of palladium today.

It’s the crucial metal in reducing harmful emissions from gas powered vehicles—as environmental standards tighten, cars are using more and more palladium, straining global supplies.

What is Palladium?

Palladium is one of six platinum group metals which share similar chemical, physical, and structural features. Palladium has many uses, but the majority of global consumption comes from the autocatalyst industry.

In 2018, total gross demand for the metal was 10,121 million ounces (Moz), of which 8,655 Moz went to autocatalysts. These were the leading regions by demand:

  • North America: 2,041 Moz
  • Europe: 1,883 Moz
  • China: 2,117 Moz
  • Japan: 859 Moz
  • Rest of the World: 1,755 Moz

Catalytic Converters: Palladium vs. Platinum

The combustion of gasoline creates three primary pollutants: hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Catalytic converters work to alter these poisonous and often dangerous chemicals into safer compounds.

In order to control emissions, countries around the world have come up with strict emissions standards that auto manufacturers must meet, but these are far from the reality of how much pollutants are emitted by drivers every day.

Since no one drives in a straight line or in perfect conditions, stricter emissions testing is coming into effect. Known as Real Driving Emissions (RDE), these tests reveal that palladium performs much better than platinum in a typical driving situation.

In addition, the revelation of the Volkswagen emission scandal (known as Dieselgate) further undermines platinum use in vehicles. As a result, diesel engines are being phased out in favor of gas-powered vehicles that use palladium.

Where does Palladium Come From?

If the world is using all this palladium, where is it coming from?

Approximately, 90% of the world’s palladium production comes as a byproduct of mining other metals, with the remaining 10% coming from primary production.

In 2018, there was a total of 6.88 million ounces of mine supply primarily coming from Russia and South Africa. Conflicts in these jurisdictions present significant risks to the global supply chain. There are few North American jurisdictions, such as Ontario and Montana, which present an opportunity for more stable primary production of palladium.

Long Road to Extinction

The current price of palladium is driven by fundamental supply and demand issues, not investor speculation. Between 2012 and 2018, an accumulated deficit of five million ounces has placed pressures on readily available supplies of above-ground palladium.

Vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) will continue to dominate the roads well into the future. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, it will not be until 2040 that ICE vehicles will dip below 50% of new car sales market, in favor of plug-in and hybrid vehicles. Stricter emissions standards will further bolster palladium demand.

The world needs stable and steady supplies of palladium today, and well into the future.

Categories
Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Silver Demand and Supply Trends to Watch

BY MARIA SMIRNOVA | THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

My colleague Paul Wong wrote about silver’s recent flat performance in his recent monthly, April Pressures Risk Assets. Wong aptly explained silver’s interesting role: “Silver has a distinct duality pricing function that, at times, may be contradictory due to its industrial component and its monetary role.”

In this report, we provide our current outlook for silver. Ultimately, we believe recent market dynamics are creating short-term headwinds for precious metals from a monetary standpoint, but those trends could reverse – and silver supply constraints are likely to become more relevant in the face of sustained demand, with notable momentum in silver’s industrial uses related to the green energy transition.The strength of silver’s fundamentals has been fueled by strong gains across all demand components.

Silver’s Behavior Since COVID

Silver bullion1 posted a 47% gain in 2020 (see red oval in Figure 1) and has recently been in a holding pattern. Despite this,  silver traded in the range of $22-$28 in 2021, and its average price for the year reached a nine-year high of $25.14.

Since silver’s outperformance in 2020, the global macroeconomic environment has changed dramatically and become increasingly volatile. Markets continue to grapple with the impacts of the COVID pandemic, geopolitical concerns have increased substantially, and the recent sell-off of stocks has not yet found a stopping point. Rising interest rates have created a headwind for precious metals assets, particularly gold and silver.

Silver is More Volatile than Gold

Silver’s response to current macroeconomic challenges has been to follow its traditional pattern of reacting with more volatility than gold. Silver is down modestly YTD; priced at $23.35 per ounce on December 31, 2021, it was $21.72 as of May 23, 2022, a decline of 7.02%. Gold, by contrast, gained 1.38% YTD2 through May 23. Both are strong showings, given the S&P 5003 declined 16.65% in the same period.

Figure 1. Silver Price vs. Gold Price (2000-2022)

Silver Chart Figure 1 Source: Bloomberg. Data as of 4/30/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

But to fully understand our current positive outlook for silver, we should revisit the supply-demand dynamics of the silver market — the fundamental relationship that directs long-term pricing trends. To assess these dynamics, we looked to the annual silver outlook published by the Silver Institute and Metals Focus in April, the World Silver Survey 2022.

Although the risk-off tenor of the moment may be a headwind for short-term silver pricing trends, over the longer term, we believe silver supply constraints will become more relevant in the face of sustained, growing demand.

Silver Supply Headwinds in the Post-COVID Era

As expected on the back of silver’s price rise in 2020, silver mining rebounded in 2021 — but to a lesser degree than forecasted. Mine production was up about 5% in 2021 from 2020 levels. Recycling volumes grew by 7% as higher pricing attracted more scrap to the market. Still, Metals Focus analysts had predicted growth for mining supply to be higher, in the range of 8%. As shown in Figure 2, silver supplies have dropped into a deficit since last year, and Metals Focus analysts predict another sizeable deficit of 72 million ounces in 2022.

Figure 2. Silver Supply Dives into Deficit in 2021

Silver Chart Figure 2
Source: Metals Focus, April 2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

In addition to tighter silver supply, silver grades have been declining for several years. Ore grades depend on several things, including rising silver prices (which make it profitable to accept lower grades) and how the silver is mined. Going forward, mining companies will likely have to invest more in exploration and development in order to increase or even maintain supply.

Figure 3. Grades of Mined Silver Ore have Declined ~55% Since 2005

Silver Chart Figure 3

Source: CPM Group. Average grade data on seven primary silvers mines unsubstantiated by SPM Group, 3/16/2021. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. 

Byproduct prices are also a big input for total silver mining activity. More than 70% of silver mining supply is a result of byproduct mining. Higher prices for byproduct metals — lead, zinc and copper, for instance — drive higher mining activity for those metals, essentially subsidizing silver mining in the process. That impact has contributed to supply in recent quarters. But, it’s a tailwind to supply that is potentially at risk. If macroeconomic conditions soften in the medium-term and price support eases for those byproduct metals, silver mining supply is also vulnerable. Without the subsidy effect of higher byproduct prices, the outlook for silver supply could be even weaker than expected.

Figure 4. Higher Prices for Byproduct Metals have Helped Silver Mining Output

Silver Chart Figure 4
Source: Bloomberg, as of 5/13/2022. Orange = Copper Futures. Green = Zinc Futures (3 month contracts). Blue = Silver Spot. Gold = Gold Spot. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Miners must also contend with inflation, which directly impacts their fuel costs in production and exploration. If costs are expected to increase and silver miners aren’t sufficiently confident in higher silver prices, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where they are likely to ramp up mining activity substantially. There are also continued reports of worker shortages in silver mining as the tight labor market and waves of COVID outbreaks hamper operations in some locations.

These supply trends have already resulted in a drop in global silver reserves. In 2021, 122 million ounces (Moz) of silver were added to reserves, but 270 Moz were taken in production, as shown in Figure 5. Reserves dropped by about 4% to 3,412 Moz at yearend. Exploration and discoveries were also underwhelming in 2021. Globally, total identified silver resources (excluding reserves) only grew 1% last year. At the same time, there was subdued merger and acquisition activity in 2021 in the primary silver sector, with only eight deals totaling just US$11 million.

Figure 5. Global Silver Mine Reserves Drop in 2021

Primary silver reserves declined as mining depletion exceeded additions.


Source: Metals Focus, April 2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Silver Demand: Green Technologies Support Sustained Growth

While silver supply faces some constricting trends, the rebound in demand could prove sustainable, thanks to silver’s critical role in growing green energy initiatives.

Photovoltaic demand — silver inputs for solar panel production — is a prime example, growing 13% as a category in 2021 and contributing to a new record high for global silver demand in 2021. This rebound, even in the face of the supply-chain constraints that have plagued global manufacturing since COVID began, reflects the substantial green-energy investment that is underway.

We believe this trend could drive continued demand growth even if other manufacturing activity softens incrementally. Industrial demand overall accounts for about half of annual silver demand, and photovoltaic demand is about a fifth of all industrial offtake (and growing in share, since photovoltaic is growing faster than overall industrial use at large).

Figure 6. Silver Industrial Demand Tops Pre-COVID Highs, with Higher Photovoltaic (PV) Fabrication

Silver Chart Figure 6
Source: Metals Focus, April 2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The outlook for green energy investment has only strengthened in the face of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is pushing global sentiment towards energy security and renewables. Vehicle electrification and renewable energy demand could have more staying power in an environment where developed economies are turning a corner toward weaker growth or even recession. Industry forecasts project that silver demand for electric vehicles is likely to eventually surpass the volume of silver used in photovoltaics. As Paul Wong discussed last month, silver prices have demonstrated a growing correlation to energy transition equities. According to Wong, “Silver pricing has become highly correlated (R-square4 of 0.82) with energy transition equities, as illustrated in Figure 7. This Energy Transition Index is comprised of 12 large ETFs in the energy transition space (solar, renewables, wind, carbon, infrastructure, uranium, etc.).”

Figure 7. Silver Correlates with Energy Transition Equities

Silver Chart Figure 7
Source: Bloomberg and Sprott Asset Management LP. Data as of 4/30/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Energy Transition Story is a Large Force for Silver

The current environment may be dominated by risk-off behavior, but that’s not the primary factor for longer-term silver demand, particularly given its dual nature as a precious metal and an industrial metal.

We see the energy transition story as a large force for silver demand — this year and in future years. The geopolitical issues dominating the current environment only strengthen that trend, even as they weaken other components of silver demand. The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have both served to reinforce investment in energy-transition initiatives. 

Silver is a critical component of electric vehicles (EVs), which are experiencing strong demand growth globally. EV sales are slated to represent >30% of total light-vehicle sales by 2030, mainly stemming from China, Europe and the U.S. EVs are going to require a new set of manufacturing materials versus traditional ICE (internal combustion vehicles) vehicles. Silver’s high conductivity and ductility make EVs more efficient by establishing lightweight but strong electrical connections between batteries and other car components. Battery electric vehicles use between ~25-50 grams of silver per vehicle.

At present, EV inventories remain backlogged. Ford announced in January that it would double production of its electric F-150 pickup truck to work through a three-year backlog. Tesla reported that some models were backlogged until 2023, even after price increases. Solar panels have also been backlogged in recent months, according to some reports.

Figure 8. A Surge in EVs

Silver Chart Figure 8
Source: BMO Capital Markets, HIS, CAAM, InsideEVs, Industry Reports as of 2/07/2022.

Positive Non-Industrial Demand Trends

Looking at non-industrial demand for silver, trends have been milder but positive. In photography — which represents a small and declining share of silver demand — there was a small post-COVID rebound related to the catch-up trend of X-rays in healthcare after lockdowns subsided. Jewelry and silverware are more closely tied to economic growth, and both rebounded substantially in 2021. The return of weddings and social events in India supported higher jewelry production. Italy and China also accounted for healthy rebounding demand for jewelry amid economic recoveries. Silverware also reflected these trends. However, jewelry and silverware purchases both remained below pre-COVID levels.

Physical demand for silver coins and bars is the most volatile category of demand (and hard to get real-time data for mid-year). Physical demand grew 36% in 2021 over the year prior, driving the category up to represent a full quarter of global demand for the year. Bar and coin investments have not retreated since 2016/17.

Figure 9. Silver Bar and Coin Investment Surged by 36% in 2021

Silver Chart Figure 9
Source: Metals Focus, April 2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Why We Remain Bullish on Silver

From a pricing standpoint, silver is historically undervalued relative to gold right now, and offers an attractive investment opportunity. We see a picture of silver fundamentals where supply trends cannot keep up with longer-term demand. Overall, the silver market has been in a physical deficit since 2019, and silver mine supply has been in decline since 2016. There has been a lack of funds going into silver mine development and the timelines from discovery to production have gotten longer. On the demand side, all segments of silver demand are rebounding, led by industrial, jewelry and physical investment. We continue to believe that silver is likely to benefit from supply constraints in the face of growing demand. We expect green technology and de-carbonization trends to continue and increase, even if economic growth slows globally.

1Silver bullion is measured by Bloomberg Silver (XAG Curncy) U.S. dollar spot rate.
2Gold bullion is measured by the Bloomberg GOLDS Comdty Spot Price.
3The S&P 500 or Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.
4R-squared values range from 0 to 1 and are commonly stated as percentages from 0% to 100%. An R-squared of 100% means that all movements of a security (or another dependent variable) are completely explained by movements in the index (or the independent variable(s) you are interested in). Source: Investopedia.

Maria Smirnova
Maria Smirnova, MBA, CFA
Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; Senior Portfolio Manager & Chief Investment Officer, Sprott Asset Management

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index. Investments, commentary and statements are that of the author and may not be reflective of investments and commentary in other strategies managed by Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc., Sprott Asset Management LP, Sprott Inc., or any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may vary widely from opinions of other Sprott affiliated Portfolio Managers or investment professionals.

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Dolly Varden: Located in a Historic Mining District

Source: https://b-tv.com/dolly-varden-located-in-a-historic-mining-district-btv-episode/

https://b-tv.com/dolly-varden-located-in-a-historic-mining-district-btv-episode/

Advancing one of the largest high-grade, undeveloped precious metal assets in BC’s Golden Triangle

Dolly Varden is a silver and gold exploration company focused on advancing it’s 100% held Kitsault Valley Project located in the southern tip of BC’s Golden Triangle. The project was formed by combining the Dolly Varden and Homestake Ridge projects on February 25, 2022.

Dolly Varden Resource:

The Dolly Varden comprises the 88 sq. km southern half of the Company’s 163 sq. km. Kitsault Valley project located in the Golden Triangle of Northwest British Columbia. It features a high-grade 100% silver resource. It includes four known precious metal deposits: Wolf, North Star, Dolly Varden and Torbrit.

Homestake Ridge Resources:

Homestake Ridge comprises the 75 sq. km. northern half of the Company’s 163 sq. km. Kitsault Valley project located in the Golden Triangle of Northwest British Columbia and features a high-grade gold and silver resource. It includes three known precious metal deposits: Homestake Main, Homestake Silver and South Reef. More than 90,000 metres in 275 holes have been drilled at Homestake Ridge forming a resource of high-grade gold and silver (along with copper and lead).

For more information on Dolly Varden Silver Corp. (TSX.V: DV, OTCQX: DOLLF) please click the request investor info button.