Category: Precious Metals

Categories
Junior Mining Precious Metals

Gold79 Appoints Quentin Mai as President and Brodie Sutherland to the Board of Directors and Increases Financing to $6 Million

Ottawa, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – October 17, 2024) – Gold79 Mines Ltd. (TSXV: AUU) (OTCQB: AUSVF) (“Gold79” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Quentin Mai has been appointed President of Gold79 and Brodie Sutherland has been appointed to the board of directors, effective October 15, 2024, subject to TSXV approval. In conjunction, with these appointments, Derek Macpherson has become Executive Chairman and remains Chief Executive Officer and Gary Thompson has stepped-down as Executive Chairman. Both Mr. Macpherson and Mr. Thompson will remain members of the board of directors of the Company, resulting in the board of directors increasing from four to five directors.

Additionally, due to investor demand the Company announces that it is increasing its current private placement financing to up to $6,000,000 from $4,000,000 (the “Offering”). See below for amended details of the Offering.

Derek Macpherson, Chairman and CEO of Gold79 stated, “We are excited by the very positive investor response to the proposed amalgamation with Bullet Exploration Inc. and our ongoing financing which allows us to increase the size of the financing. Quentin and Brodie are expected to play key roles in attracting new investors to the current financing and we believe their collective capital markets experience and technical knowledge are going to be great additions to the Gold79 team and make the Company stronger going forward”. Mr. Macpherson continued, “I would also like to thank Gary Thompson for his hard work as Executive Chairman over the last three years and as CEO prior to that. I look forward to his continued support as a director of Gold79.”

Quentin Mai, newly appointed President of Gold79 stated, “It is an exciting time to join Gold79 with the expected amalgamation between Gold79 and Bullet Exploration Inc., creating a well funded company that blends proven management with extensive capital markets expertise and advanced assets in a historically prolific tier 1 jurisdiction. Having worked previously at Corvus Gold whose main asset was also in the Walker Lane trend, I recognize the opportunities of this region. I am excited about the relatively short path to define a potential surficial maiden resource at Gold Chain.”

Mr. Mai has over 25 years of capital markets and corporate communications experience working with successful early-stage growth companies from mineral discovery to production. Mr. Mai spent over 10 years at Corvus Gold, from its founding to eventual sale to AngloGold Ashanti for C$570 million. Corvus’ North Bullfrog project forms a part of AngloGold’s +10 million gold ounce greenfield projects being developed in Nevada. Prior to Corvus, Mr. Mai was Vice President Business Development for International Tower Hill from its inception to its peak valuation exceeding a C$800 million market capitalization in 2010, helping to raise over C$250 million.

Mr. Sutherland is a mineral exploration geologist and junior mining executive with over seventeen years of experience exploring mineral deposits in over twenty countries. Mr. Sutherland specializes in economic geology and the development of exploration projects through to feasibility. He is a founding director of Tocvan Ventures Corp. and currently serves as President and CEO. He previously held Project Manager positions at HighGold Mining in Alaska (2018-2022), NxGold Ltd. in Nunavut and Western Australia (2016-2018), worked as a global consultant and was VP Exploration at Hunter Bay Minerals (2010-2012).

Amended Private Placement

Further to the amalgamation agreement, as amended, with Bullet Exploration Inc. (“Bullet”), announced on September 4, 2024 (the “Transaction”), Gold79 and Bullet have mutually agreed under the existing terms of the amalgamation agreement to amend the financing terms to be a minimum of $4,000,000, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, and up to $6,000,000.

The amended non-brokered Offering will raise up to gross proceeds of $6,000,000, comprising up to 24,000,000 units at a price of $0.25 per unit. Each unit will consist of one Gold79 common share and one-half common share purchase warrant of Gold79. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Gold79 common share at a price of $0.40 for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance; provided, however, that if, following the date of issuance, the 20-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Gold79 common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange or an alternative trading system is equal to or greater than $0.60 for any 10-consecutive-trading-day period, the Company may, upon providing written notice to the holders of the warrants, accelerate the expiry date of the warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of such notice. The warrants will contain provisions that prohibit the exercise by the holder, together with its affiliates, which would result in the holder, together with its affiliate, beneficially owning in excess of 9.99% of the issued and outstanding Gold79 common shares immediately after giving effect to such exercise of the warrants.

As announced on October 10, 2024, the Company closed a first tranche of the Offering raising gross proceeds of $2,190,000 through the issuance of 8,760,000 units. Other terms of the Offering were announced on September 11, 2024 and remain unchanged.

The Offering is subject to approval by the TSX-V, and any securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Proceeds raised in the Offering will be used for exploration expenditures related to the Gold Chain, Arizona, project; property claim costs and contractual property payments; costs associated with the transaction with Bullet, assuming the closing of the Transaction with Bullet, exploration expenditures related to its Jefferson North, Nevada, project; and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The closing of additional tranches of the ongoing and increased Offering are not contingent upon the closing of the Transaction between Gold79 and Bullet. There can be no assurances that the Transaction will be completed and the proceeds from the Offering may be used entirely by Gold79 whether or not the Transaction is completed.

The securities issued in the Offering placement will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the company in the United States.

About Gold79 Mines Ltd.

Gold79 Mines Ltd. is a TSX Venture listed company focused on building ounces in the Southwest USA. Gold79 holds 100% earn-in option to purchase agreements on three gold projects: the Jefferson Canyon Gold Project and the Tip Top Gold Project both located in Nevada, USA, and, the Gold Chain Project located in Arizona, USA. In addition, Gold79 holds a 32.3% interest in the Greyhound Project, Nunavut, Canada under JV by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.

For further information regarding this press release contact:
Derek Macpherson, Executive Chairman & CEO, Gold79
Phone: 416-294-6713
Email: dm@gold79mines.com

Or

Quentin Mai, President, Gold79
Phone: 604-764-1594
Email: quentin@gold79mines.com

Website: www.gold79mines.com.
Book a 30-minute meeting with Derek Macpherson here.

Stay Connected with Us:
Twitter: @Gold79Mines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gold79Mines
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gold79-mines-ltd/

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including the proposed Transaction with Bullet Exploration Inc. and proposed private placement or any future private placements, the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company’s future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the ‘safe harbour’ provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual MD&A and the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Gold79 does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/226910

Categories
Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

Silver Crown Royalties Appoints Salman Partners as Strategic Advisor

TORONTO – (NewMediaWire) – October 17, 2024 – Silver Crown Royalties Inc. (“Silver Crown”, “SCRi”, the “Corporation”, or the “Company”) (Cboe: SCRI; OTCQX: SLCRF; FRA: QS0) is excited to announce the appointment of Salman Partners as a Strategic Advisor to the Company.

CEO of Salman Partners, industry icon Terry Salman raised over $20 billion for over 400 exploration and mining companies. His 35+ year portfolio of experience includes executive roles at Nesbitt Thomson (acquired by BMO) where he was instrumental in forming the mining team and its mining conference in the 1990s.

Adding to his mining legacy is his dynamic public service presence, recently appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to mining exploration and for his generous philanthropy and community activism. He served with the United States Marine Corps and is a Vietnam veteran. Mr. Salman received an MBA from the University of Hartford. You can read about Mr. Salman’s life’s work in his recently published book “What We Give: From Marine to Philanthropist: A Memoir,” available at https://www.whatwegivebook.com/.

Mr. Salman remarked: “I am intrigued by this appointment as Strategic Advisor to Silver Crown Royalties. Silver Crown’s unique royalty model offers investors a new approach to silver investing. I look forward to an interesting and progress driven working relationship.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Terry Salman to our team as advisor. Terry’s decades of experience in mining finance combined with his deep industry insights and strong leadership make him an invaluable asset to our team. Terry’s commitment to excellence and his proven track record in the sector will be instrumental as we continue to grow and achieve our strategic objectives”, commented Peter Bures CEO of Silver Crown Royalties

ABOUT SALMAN PARTNERS

Salman Partners is an independent advisory firm with a distinguished 30-year history in the financial services industry. Since its incorporation in September 1994, the firm has evolved from its origins as a licensed broker-dealer in Canada and the United States to become a trusted advisor in the resource sector. Throughout its extensive history, Salman Partners has provided expert guidance to over 400 companies, maintaining a rich tradition of excellence and integrity in financial advisory services.

ABOUT SILVER CROWN ROYALTIES INC.

Founded by industry veterans, SCRi is a publicly traded, revenue-generating silver-only royalty company focusing on silver as byproduct credits. SCRi aims to minimize the economic impact on mining projects while maximizing returns for shareholders. SCRi presently has two sources of revenue and continues to build on this foundation, targeting additional operational silver-producing projects.

For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures

Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements with respect to SCRi’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives in the future and its ability to target additional operational silver-producing projects. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

Riverside Resources Completes LiDAR Survey and Expanding Targeting at the Duc Project in Ontario

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 16, 2024) – Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) (“Riverside” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that its 100% owned subsidiary, Blue Jay Resources, has completed a Light Detection and Ranging (“LiDAR”) airborne geophysical survey at the Duc Project, 50 kms southwest of the town of Kapuskasing, Ontario as part of the conclusion of a successful summer field program. Exploration work of sampling, mapping and now LiDAR provides expanded targeting and also improved definition of the surface projection of east-west Abitibi greenstone style shears and second order ENE cross structures which typically occur in this western part of the Wawa-Abitibi along the major gold-bearing breaks that host significant gold resources in the Timmins Camp.

“Our exploration team recently received the detailed LiDAR survey which now is part of our wrapping up the successful summer exploration program on the Duc Project in Ontario and we look forward to following up with the further interpretations and targeting using the LiDAR survey and Orthophoto,” stated John-Mark Staude, CEO of Riverside Resources. “The project is situated within the Wawa Greenstone Belt which hosts high-grade gold in large district structures such as Hemlo Mining Camp which has produced over 30M Oz Au (Barrick annual reports), and we believe that further exploration at Duc, in anticipation of a drill program, continues to show growing discovery potential.”

“Precious metals, and in particular gold, have seen significant investment interest and subsequent price increases this year,” added Staude. “We have a strong property portfolio in the important gold producing province of Ontario and are excited to push forward on further exploration efforts in this very supportive gold price environment.”

Highlighted Results of the Completed LiDAR Survey:

The survey provides new Geo-referenced 3D map and point cloud of the area ≥100 points/m2 making a detailed surface map useful for tracking sampling, field work and structural geologic interpretations.

  • A ≤20 cm digital surface model (DSM)
  • An accurate digital elevation model (DEM)
  • An accurate ground surface contour map
  • An accurate Hill Shade Bare Earth map

Combining LiDAR with the Orthophoto and heli-mag provides the framework for the next phase of Duc exploration work going into the winter season.

LiDAR is a very useful, relatively new technology whereby surface outcrop patterns suggestive of underlying geology and structure can be identified including subtle aspects and seeing through the surface trees and plant cover that can hide surface details. This survey which distinguishes down to the multi-centimeter scale was also coupled with orthophotography remote sensing images and techniques. This combination of LiDAR and orthophoto combined relies on rigorous, high-quality data collected under strict QA/QC standards and is most useful for delineating linear features such as faults or resistant rock types such as silicification. LiDAR helps with structural geological interpretation, outcrop mapping and accurately identifying areas of past work which in turn helps design sampling and mapping programs that focus on geological contacts, shear zones and faults. Through this LiDAR survey at Duc old workings and diggings have been identified which were not previously noted due to tree and plant cover. The past excavations and the airborne geophysics completed by Riverside will help to focus field follow up sampling programs.

The LiDAR methods are very useful for modelling faults subject to hydrothermal alteration which could host gold mineralization and are one of the main gold target types for Duc. The faults from the past field mapping were primarily tracked using the helicopter airborne magnetics and processed images from this data. But now with LiDAR and orthophoto thus combining the three surveys the Duc fault structures and generational sequence is more clearly decipherable with attention to potential mineralization corridors, fold noses, structural intersections that are generally gold exploration targets. This data accentuates the NE fabric and the intersecting N-S and NW off sets which could be post the main mineralization thus with the LiDAR the Company can potentially define more extensive offset gold zones

About the Duc Project

The Duc Project is located in the Porcupine Mining Division, approximately 50 km southwest of Kapuskasing, Ontario. Covering 580 hectares, it sits within the highly prospective Kapuskasing Structural Zone, near the open-pit phosphate mine of Agrium Ltd. The property is underlain by a mix of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks, with potential for gold and rare earth element (REE) mineralization. Recent exploration, including a 2023 helicopter magnetics survey, has confirmed key structural elements and identified promising areas for follow-up targeting work.

The Company is leading exploration efforts at Duc, focusing on gold mineralization and potential platinum group metals (PGMs). Historical drilling and geophysical data suggest significant gold and nickel potential, while current geophysical surveys have highlighted new targets. Planned work includes further integration of the new geophysical surveys, geochemical analysis, and then drilling to refine these targets and advance the project towards more detailed exploration.

Qualified Person & QA/QC:

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Duc Project was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources who is responsible for ensuring that the information provided in this news release is accurate and who acts as a “qualified person” under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Riverside Resources Inc.:

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $5M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside’s own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company’s website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.

“John-Mark Staude”

Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

John-Mark Staude
President, CEO
Riverside Resources Inc.
info@rivres.com
Phone: (778) 327-6671
Fax: (778) 327-6675
Web: www.rivres.com

Eric Negraeff
Investor Relations
Riverside Resources Inc.
Phone: (778) 327-6671
TF: (877) RIV-RES1
Web: www.rivres.com

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., “expect”,” estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”). Such information involves known and unknown risks — including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/226736

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Granite Creek Collaborates with New England Research on Geologic Hydrogen

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2024 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the of the completion of work at the Company’s copper-nickel-PGM Star project, located in the Polaris ultramafic complex of north-central British Columbia, Canada. The program consisted of rock and soil sampling focused on an area of the project underlain by dunite ultramafic rock that is prospective for Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization. In addition to sending samples to the laboratory for Ni-Cu-PGM analysis, Granite Creek is also providing samples of various rock types to New England Research Inc. (NER) to study the potential for geologic hydrogen (Geo H2) production at Star.

NER is a Vermont-based research and development company leading a recently funded $1.5 million project as part of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) Geologic Hydrogen program. These samples from Star will be used for laboratory analysis and testing to aid in the design and optimization of engineered stimulation of subsurface hydrogen. (See figure 1) Engineering the production of subsurface hydrogen could potentially unlock a substantial resource for clean energy and lead to the decarbonization of some of the most challenging industries.

The NER team, which also includes scientists from Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) and engineers from OptiRock Group LLC., will develop state-of-the-art testing protocols and fit-for-purpose modeling techniques to identify and assess sites where geologic hydrogen could be stimulated. The technologies will be commercialized through a series of paths, including measurement equipment, measurement and modeling services, characterization workflows, and solicitation of Phase III funding for field demonstration and deployment.

Dr. Gregory Boitnott, Vice President of Technology at NER and Principal Investigator on the project stated, “Inclusion of the samples provided by Granite Creek provides a unique opportunity to apply our developing technologies to Alaskan-type ultramafic intrusions, a potentially important future class of deposits where it may be possible to produce economic amounts of clean sustainable hydrogen.”

Tim Johnson, President and CEO of Granite Creek stated, “Geologic hydrogen is an exciting new field with the potential to significantly lower the cost of hydrogen production and assist in de-carbonization of some hard-to-mitigate industries. We are fortunate that our Star project has potentially the right geological setting for this groundbreaking technology and look forward to receiving the results of the testing. The Company remains focused on our high-grade Carmacks copper-gold project in Yukon, Canada, where assays from 2024 drilling are pending while also investigating additional opportunities in Geo H2.”

Figure 1 Concept being researched by NER and OptiRock Group

About Granite Creek Copper

Granite Creek Copper, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America. 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. 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 pertinent to Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization contained in this news release. Ms. James is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

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.

SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd.



View the original press release on accesswire.com

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

American consumers see debt delinquency risk rising, higher long-term inflation: NY Fed

American consumers’ expectations about the risk of debt delinquency rose to the highest level in more than four years last month, while concerns about elevated inflation over the longer-term also increased, according to a report released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The New York Fed’s Center for Microeconomic Data found that in its Survey of Consumer Expectations for September, the average probability of consumers not being able to make a minimum debt payment rose for the fourth consecutive month to 14.2% – the highest level since April 2020 when it was 16.1%. 

That suggests some Americans are facing increased budget pressures as they look to manage their borrowing. At the same time, consumers’ perceptions and expectations for credit access improved in September for the fourth straight month.

Consumers’ inflation expectations were unchanged at 3% over the next year, but increased from 2.5% to 2.7% at the three-year horizon, and from 2.8% to 2.9% at the five-year horizon.

INFLATION MEASURE CLOSELY WATCHED BY THE FED FELL TO 2.2% IN AUGUST

Credit cards and consumers

Consumers see inflation remaining elevated over the three- and five-year time horizons, per the latest New York Fed report. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The probability of losing one’s job in the next 12 months was flat in September when compared with August, though the probability of voluntarily leaving a job ticked up from 19.1% in August to 20.4% in September, the highest level since July.

Expectations of a higher unemployment rate one year from now approached the lowest level in 2024, with respondents putting the probability at 36.2%, slightly higher than the 36.1% in February.

The New York Fed’s report comes as the central bank is weighing how it will proceed with interest rate cuts. Fed policymakers lowered the benchmark federal funds rate by 50 basis points in September from a range of 5.25% to 5.5% to 4.75% to 5% amid progress in slowing the pace of inflation.

INFLATION RISES 2.4% IN SEPTEMBER, ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

Shopper at a grocery store

The New York Fed found that consumers viewed the risk of missed debt payments rose for the fourth straight month. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The Labor Department’s consumer price index (CPI), a popular inflation gauge, slowed to 2.4% in September – closer to the Fed’s 2% target, though it remained higher than LSEG economists expected. Inflation has gradually cooled over the last few years after this inflationary cycle peaked at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller said Monday that recent data doesn’t show the U.S. economy slowing down that much, adding that “while we do not want to overreact to this data or look through it, I view the totality of the data as saying monetary policy should proceed with more caution on the pace of rate cuts than was needed at the September meeting.”

US ECONOMY ADDED 254K JOBS IN SEPTEMBER, WELL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS

Federal Reserve Christopher Waller

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Monday noted that the U.S. economy hasn’t slowed significantly, prompting caution about further rate cuts. (Photographer: Bess Adler/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Markets are currently pricing in a 25-basis-point rate cut by the Fed at its next meeting, which would lower the benchmark to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%. Interest rate traders see a 94.1% probability of the Fed cutting by that much next month compared to a 5.9% chance of leaving rates unchanged, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Economic data released in the last two weeks, including the CPI data and a hotter than expected jobs report for September, has cooled markets’ expectations of more aggressive rate cuts at the Fed’s November meeting. A month ago, traders saw a 27% chance that rates would be lowered by an additional 50 basis points in Nov. to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, per CME FedWatch.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting will begin the day after Election Day and run Nov. 6-7.

Reuters contributed to this report. Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/american-consumers-see-debt-delinquency-risk-rising-higher-long-term-inflation-ny-fed

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Stillwater Critical Minerals Completes Property-Wide Geophysical Survey and Demonstrates Continuity of Mineralization Across 9.5 Kilometers in First-Ever 3D Geologic Model of the Lower Stillwater Igneous Complex in Montana, USA

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2024 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) (the “Company” or “Stillwater”) is pleased to announce the completion of a property-wide geophysical airborne survey and a breakthrough in 3D geologic modeling of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex. This new data will drive continued advancement of the project including drill campaigns and the expansion of mineral resources, among other objectives at its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in Montana.

Highlights

  • Property-wide geophysical surveys completed in September 2024 informed the first-ever detailed 3D geologic model of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex;
  • The model demonstrates continuity of mineralization across the 9.5-kilometer length of lower Stillwater Igneous Complex which hosts the Company’s current resources in five deposits at Stillwater West project;
  • Historically, continuity of mineralization across the entire surface expression of the magmatic layers of the Stillwater Igneous Complex has been demonstrated primarily by Sibanye-Stillwater’s J-M Reef deposit, a high-grade PGE-bearing nickel-copper sulphide deposit that spans more than 40km and supports the highest-grade palladium-platinum mines in the world, and;
  • Stillwater’s current resources of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold are hosted in five deposits that remain open for expansion along trend and at depth across 9.5-kilometers at the center of the 61-square-kilometer Stillwater West project, which is adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater along approximately 32km of strike within the Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Stillwater’s President and CEO, Michael Rowley, said “The team’s work this year regarding both the airborne survey and also the detailed geologic model confirm the expansion potential we see in several possible mining scenarios at Stillwater West and inform our campaigns to reach that objective. Together we have successfully leveraged a substantial database including approximately 40,000 meters of drilling to date to complete the first ever geologic model of the lower part of this famously productive and metal-rich American mining district, with a focus on magmatic nickel-copper sulphide mineralization. That wealth of data, combined with Glencore plc’s backing and in-house expertise from similar geology in South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex, has positioned us exceptionally well with robust inventories of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group elements and chromium in an active American mining district at a time when the US is aggressively looking to diminish the current heavy import reliance of nine of the commodities we have inventoried.”

“We look forward to further announcements with a focus on continued expansion at Stillwater West while also turning our attention to various studies relating to potential production scenarios. Updates on other initiatives, including pursuit of government funding, monetization of non-core assets, CO2 sequestration and geologic hydrogen studies are also expected.”

Property-Wide Airborne Geophysical Survey
Expert Geophysics Ltd. has completed the geophysical surveys over the Stillwater West project as announced July 18, 2024. The surveys, designed and executed in collaboration with Glencore plc via the Stillwater West technical committee, totaled approximately 1,170 line-kilometers and included test surveys over the Chrome Mountain resource area for the purpose of comparing the TargetEM26 time-domain electromagnetic (“EM”) survey with the MobileMTm magneto-telluric (“MMT”) survey. Evaluation of these test surveys alongside the first generation DIGHEM airborne EM survey flown over the project in 2000, together with smaller surveys and extensive ground-based Induced Polarization (“IP”) and magnetic/VLF by the Company, resulted in the decision to fly the property-wide survey using the MMT system. The decision was based on the MMT system’s demonstrated ability to better distinguish and define multiple conductive targets, and to greater depths.

Stillwater, along with input from Glencore, is now fine-tuning multiple large-scale priority conductive drill targets across the 12-kilometer main resource area in addition to ranking additional large, untested conductive targets across the broader 61-square-kilometer property based on preliminary results of the 2024 survey. Detailed results of the approximately 178 and 992 line-kilometer EM and MMT (respectively) surveys, plus related VLF and magnetic surveys completed by Expert, will be the subject of a subsequent news release as final results become available.

Geologic Model
The development of a new 3D geologic model of Stillwater West is a major milestone in the advancement of the project as it is the first time the lower portion of the iconic Stillwater Igneous Complex has been modeled in detail. Developed by the Company from over 40,000 meters of drill data in addition to recent mapping and geophysical surveys, it effectively connects the east and west ends of a large and world-class district and provides a roadmap to expansion of the Company’s resources and advancement of the overall project, which is focused on the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Figure 1 presents a long section view of the 3D model, focused on 9.5 kilometers in area of the current resources, within the core of the 32-kilometer-long Stillwater West project. The highly prospective Peridotite Zone is shown hosting all deposits from the January 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate and demonstrating the expansion potential that remains untested to date in all directions: between deposits, down dip, and along strike. Strong correlations are shown between the Peridotite Zone, geophysical anomalies, and geochemical soil anomalies across the Stillwater West project, demonstrating exceptional expansion potential.

The surface expression of the J-M Reef deposit is also shown. In production since 1986, the J-M Reef deposit is a 40-kilometer-long high-grade PGE-bearing nickel and copper sulphide reef-type deposit that is located stratigraphically above Stillwater West. Currently mined in three locations by Sibanye-Stillwater, the J-M Reef is known as the highest-grade palladium-platinum deposit in the world. It has been drilled and mapped extensively since its discovery in the early 1970s and is an indicator of the continuity of mineralization across the parallel magmatic layers of the Stillwater Igneous Complex, including the adjacent Stillwater West project.

Vice-President of Exploration Dr. Danie Grobler, said, “Recent breakthroughs in our detailed geological model show pronounced continuity of the mineralized zones along strike in the layered Stillwater Igneous Complex. This is further enhanced by our understanding of the geometry and orientation of these units at depth, improving our confidence in completing successful intersections in future drill campaigns. Preliminary results from the latest geophysical airborne survey – which was designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the prospective lower Stillwater Igneous Complex – indicates strong electromagnetic anomalies along the footwall contact zone of the Stillwater West project which are consistent with the massive sulphide and contact-style Ni-Cu sulphide-rich bodies that we targeted with the survey. These anomalies form important Platreef-contact-style targets for testing in planned upcoming drill campaigns.”

Dr. Grobler continued, “It is further anticipated that the survey will open the remainder of the strike length held by the Company for exploring high confidence discovery targets in the future. This season also included a follow-up confirmatory investigation by our technical advisor, Professor Wolfgang Maier, who is in the process of completing a detailed collaborative scientific paper on the Peridotite Zone of the Stillwater Igneous Complex, as first author. This work has enhanced our understanding of the geochemistry and mineralization styles and controls of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex stratigraphy.”

Government Funding
The Company is now partner to USD 2.75M in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) via two grants under the Advanced Research Projects Agency program via collaborations with Cornell University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as announced February 14, 2023, and August 15, 2024, in addition to work with the US Geological Survey and state organizations.

The Company has been partnered with the US Geological Survey at Stillwater West for over six years, continuing their multi-decade interest in the Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Stillwater is pursuing additional US government funding, including recent applications in response to announced opportunities available through the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense.

Parallels With the South Africa’s Bushveld Complex
The Stillwater Igneous Complex is well-known to parallel South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex, and developments at the Stillwater complex have generally paralleled those at the Bushveld, highlighting their significant geologic similarities. For example, Sibanye-Stillwater’s high-grade J-M Reef deposit was discovered by the direct application of geologic models developed during discovery of the high-grade Merensky reef deposit in the Bushveld.

More recent developments on the Bushveld have focused on the Platreef deposits, in the northern limb of the Bushveld, which depart from the conventional narrow reef-type mines that dominate global platinum group element mining with the occurrence of thick mineralized horizons that support bulk mining techniques and include much higher battery metal content. The mines of the Platreef are among the largest and most profitable in the world, and their mix of commodities offers an attractive internally hedged suite of in-demand critical minerals that is globally very rare. Starting with 1 Anglo American’s PGE-Ni-Cu Mogalakwena mines in 1993 and continuing today with 2 Ivanhoe’s underground Platreef mine, these mines have demonstrated the world-class nature of these bulk-tonnage, critical mineral systems within the Bushveld complex. With more than 20 billion pounds of nickel and copper in sulphide mineralization, and over 200 million ounces of platinum group metals and gold, these two mines are known primarily as platinum group element mines yet are also the largest nickel mines in South Africa.

Platreef-style deposits also compare very favorably in an environmental sense as they contain nickel sulphide mineralization that is capable of producing nickel metal with a much smaller footprint than nickel recovered from laterite deposits, which currently provides the majority of global nickel supply. Additional environmental benefits are possible through reaction of atmospheric carbon dioxide with certain ultramafic rocks present in Platreef-style deposits, and the production of hydrogen from those rocks. Testwork is underway to evaluate the potential for commercial-scale carbon sequestration and hydrogen production during a possible mining operation Stillwater West.

Footnote 1. Anglo American Mineral Resources and Reserves Report 2022: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources: 1,665.40 MT at 2.29 4E g/t, Inferred Mineral Resources: 423.8 MT at 2.18 4E g/t.

Footnote 2. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, Platreef Feasibility Study, March 2022: Indicated Mineral Resources; 2 g/t Cut-off 3PE+Au 346 MT at 1.68 g/t Pt, 1.70 g/t Pd, 0.28 g/t Au, 0.11 g/t Rh, 0.16% Cu, 0.32% Ni Inferred Mineral Resources; 2 g/t Cut-off 3PE+Au 506 MT at 1.42 g/t Pt, 1.46 g/t Pd, 0.26 g/t Au, 0.10 g/t Rh, 0.16% Cu, 0.31% Ni.

Upcoming Events
Stillwater’s President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will be available for meetings and presenting at the following events:

  1. Red Cloud Fall Mining Showcase – Toronto, ON, October 16-17. To register, click here.
  2. Commodities Global Expo 2024 – Fort Lauderdale, FLA, October 20-21. For more information and registration, click here.
  3. Precious Metals Summit – Zurich, CH, November 11-12, 2024. For more information, click here.
  4. 121 Mining Events – London, UK, November 14-15. For more information, click here.

About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.
Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and strategic investments by Glencore plc, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group, nickel, and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, positions Stillwater West with the largest nickel resource in an active US mining district as part of a compelling suite of nine minerals now listed as critical in the USA. To date, five Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits host a total of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold at Stillwater West. All of these deposits remain open for expansion along trend and at depth.

Stillwater also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Nexgold Mining’s development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director – Stillwater Critical Minerals
Email: info@criticalminerals.com Phone: (604) 357 4790
Web: http://criticalminerals.com Toll Free: (888) 432 0075

Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Mr. Mike Ostenson, P.Geo., is the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals 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 Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.



View the original press release on accesswire.com

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

China to launch platinum, palladium futures in Q1, producers’ council says

The Guangzhou Futures Exchange (GFEX) is expected to launch its first platinum and palladium futures contracts in China in the first quarter of 2025, Weibin Deng, head of Asia Pacific at the World Platinum Investment Council, told a conference.

The contracts will be the first domestic price-hedging mechanism for platinum and palladium in the world’s second-largest economy, where the metals are used by auto makers and other industries, including jewellery and investment products.

The GFEX declined to comment.

The World Platinum Investment Council, whose five members are major platinum producers, hopes hedging will help revive demand for platinum jewellery, Deng told the London Bullion Market Association’s annual conference in Miami on Monday.

Hedging by jewellery makers could reduce the premium they charge clients and the discount on buybacks of jewellery and platinum products, which could boost demand, the council said.

While China is the key market for platinum group metals, platinum jewellery demand in the country has slumped 79% from a peak of around 2 million troy ounces in 2014 amid a downturn in consumer preference for the metal.

SOURCE: https://www.mining.com/web/china-will-launch-platinum-palladium-futures-in-q1-producers-council-says/

(By Polina Devitt and Amy Lv; Editing by Sonali Paul)

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Commodities Drop as China’s Stimulus Disappoints Fiscal Bulls

Bloomberg News

Sun, October 13, 2024 at 8:05 PM EDT 3 min read

(Bloomberg) — Commodities prices dropped after China stopped short of unveiling fresh fiscal stimulus to shore up the economy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

At a closely watched briefing on Saturday, the finance ministry did pledge more help for the crisis-wracked property sector — a keystone of raw materials demand in China — and heavily indebted local authorities, as well as hinting at expanded government borrowing. But the measures weren’t accompanied by concrete spending proposals, which investors had hoped could run to as much as 2 trillion yuan ($283 billion).

Iron ore futures in Singapore fell 0.7% to $105.50 a ton in Singapore as of 8:01 a.m. local time. Futures of the steel-making material have been on a roller-coaster this year, climbing above $140 a ton in January before sinking below $90 last month.

The copper market has followed a similar trajectory, hitting a record north of $11,000 a ton in May before retreating. In early trade, the three-month contract on the London Metal Exchange was 0.7% lower at $9,719 a ton. Brent crude oil futures also fell 1.8%. China is the world’s biggest importer of all three commodities.

Metals had rallied in recent weeks after Beijing launched a barrage of monetary interventions to support growth. But commodities investors have clamored for further measures on the fiscal side of the equation, which has a more direct impact on consumption of materials, and is needed to replace demand lost to China’s prolonged real estate slump.

As such, the government’s focus on plans to right the property sector will be welcomed by markets, not only through demand for raw materials but because housing is such an important store of wealth for Chinese people.

Housing Crisis

The housing crisis has of necessity shrunk the sector’s importance to Chinese steel mills, with construction accounting for 24% of consumption in 2023 from 42% in 2011, according to mining giant BHP Group Ltd. Machinery-making by contrast has gone from 20% to 30% in that time, while steel exports have risen sharply over the past two years.

Copper benefits from more widespread applications than steel and has a starring role in the energy transition, although construction still accounts for almost a fifth of the market, according to Citic Securities Co. Prices of other metals such as aluminum and zinc, and fuels like diesel, are also influenced by the level of activity on building sites, as well as the purchases of durable goods that typically accompany a new home.

It’s the emphasis on boosting consumption which is expected to steer the government’s fiscal response to its economic woes. Decades of urbanization have saturated the space for metals-intensive state investment in infrastructure, which has become much less reliable as a driver of growth. But, again, the finance’s ministry’s briefing contained few new pointers on how the government plans to lift spending among its citizens.

The extent of China’s challenges on that front were laid bare once more by price data on Sunday, which showed the economy heavily beset by deflationary pressures. Consumer prices rose less than forecast in September, while at the factory-gate they fell for a 24th straight month, underscoring the need for further policy support.

Details — and a price tag — for enhanced fiscal measures could still be forthcoming, perhaps when Chinese legislators meet later in the year. But in the meantime, commodities bulls are likely to draw in their horns until the scale of the government’s support is revealed.

–With assistance from Martin Ritchie.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Original Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/iron-ore-drops-china-stimulus-233225369.html

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Oil & Gas Precious Metals Project Generators

Drought is parching the world’s largest man-made lake, stripping Zambia of its electricity

JACOB ZIMBA

Fri, October 11, 2024 at 10:11 PM EDT

LAKE KARIBA, Zambia (AP) — Tindor Sikunyongana is trying to run a welding business which these days means buying a diesel generator with costly fuel he can’t always afford.

Like everyone in Zambia, Sikunyongana is facing a daily struggle to find and afford electricity during a climate-induced energy crisis that’s robbed the southern African country of almost all its power.

“Only God knows when this crisis will end,” said Sikunyongana. His generator ran out of diesel and spluttered to a halt as he spoke. “You see what I mean?” he said.

Zambia’s worst electricity blackouts in memory have been caused by a severe drought in the region that has left the critical Kariba dam, the source of Sikunyongana’s woes, with insufficient water to run its hydroelectric turbines. Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world by volume and lies 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Lusaka on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The massive dam wall was built in the 1950s and more than 80 workers died during construction. It was meant to revolutionize the countries’ energy supplies by trapping the water of the Zambezi River, turning a valley into a huge lake and providing an endless supply of renewable hydroelectric power.

That’s not the case anymore as months of drought brought by the naturally occurring El Nino weather pattern and exacerbated by warming temperatures have put Zambia’s hydroelectric station on the brink of completely shutting down for the first time.

The water level is so low that only one of the six turbines on Zambia’s side of the dam is able to operate, cutting generation to less than 10% of normal output. Zambia relies on Kariba for more than 80% of its national electricity supply, and the result is Zambians have barely a few hours of power a day at the best of times. Often, areas are going without electricity for days.

Edla Musonda is so exasperated that she’s taken to lugging her entire desktop computer — hard drive, monitor, everything — to a local cafe so she can work.

Musonda and others cram into the Mercato Cafe in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, not for the sandwiches or the ambiance but because it has a diesel generator. Tables are cluttered with power strips and cables as people plug in cell phones, laptops and in Musonda’s case, a home office. This is the only way her small travel business is going to survive.

Less than half of Zambia’s 20 million people had access to electricity before Kariba’s problems. Millions more have now been forced to adjust as mothers find different ways to cook for their families and children do their homework by candlelight. The most damaging impact is during the daylight hours when small businesses, the backbone of the country, struggle to operate.

“This is also going to increase poverty levels in the country,” said economist Trevor Hambayi, who fears Zambia’s economy will shrink dramatically if the power crisis is prolonged. It’s a warning call to the Zambian government and the continent in general about the danger to development of relying heavily on one source of energy that is so climate dependent.

The power crisis is a bigger blow to the economy and the battle against poverty than the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Zambia Association of Manufacturers president Ashu Sagar.

Africa contributes the least to global warming but is the most vulnerable continent to extreme weather events and climate change as poor countries can’t meet the high financials costs of adapting. This year’s drought in southern Africa is the worst in decades and has parched crops and left millions hungry, causing Zambia and others to already declare national disasters and ask for aid.

Hydroelectric power accounts for 17% of Africa’s energy generation, but that figure is expected to rise to 23% by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. Zambia is not alone in that hydroelectric power makes up over 80% of the energy mix in Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia and Congo, even as experts warn it will become more unreliable.

“Extreme weather patterns, including prolonged droughts, make it clear that overreliance on hydro is no longer sustainable,” said Carlos Lopes, a professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

The Zambian government has urged people and businesses to embrace solar power. But many Zambians can’t afford the technology, while the government itself has turned to more familiar but polluting diesel generators to temporarily power hospitals and other buildings. It has also said it will increase its electricity from coal-fired stations out of necessity. While neighboring Zimbabwe has also lost much of its electricity generation from Kariba and blackouts there are also frequent, it gets a greater share of its power from coal plants.

At Kariba, the 128-meter-high (420-feet) dam wall is almost completely exposed. A dry, reddish-brown stain near the top marks where the water once reached in better times more than a decade ago.

Leonard Siamubotu, who has taken tourists on boat cruises on the picturesque lake for more than 20 years, has seen the change. As the water level dropped, it exposed old, dead trees that were completely submerged for years after the wall was built. “I’m seeing this tree for the first time,” he said of one that’s appeared in the middle of the lake.

The lake’s water level naturally rises and recedes according to the season, but generally it should go up by around six meters after the rains. It moved by less than 30 centimeters after the last rainy season barely materialized, authorities said. They hope this year’s rains, which should start in November, will be good. But they estimate that it’ll still take three good years for Kariba to fully recover its hydroelectric capability.

Experts say there’s also no guarantee those rains will come and it’s dangerous to rely on a changing climate given Zambia has had drought-induced power problems before, and the trend is they are getting worse.

“That’s not a solution … just to sit and wait for nature,” said Hambayi.

___

Associated Press journalist Taiwo Adebayo in Abuja, Nigeria contributed to this report.

___

For more news on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Original Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tiktok-aware-risks-kids-teens-000147202.html

Categories
Breaking Energy Junior Mining Oil & Gas Precious Metals Project Generators

Investor reactions to briefing from China’s finance ministry on stimulus

FILE PHOTO: A man walks in the Central Business District on a rainy day, in Beijing · Reuters

Fri, October 11, 2024 at 11:24 PM EDT 

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – China said on Saturday it will “significantly increase” government debt issuance to offer subsidies to people with low incomes, support the property market and replenish state banks’ capital as it pushes to revive sputtering economic growth.

Without providing details on the size of the fiscal stimulus being prepared, Finance Minister Lan Foan told a news conference there will be more “counter-cyclical measures” this year.

Global financial markets have been keenly awaiting more details on China’s stimulus plans, fearing its 2024 economic growth target and longer-term growth trajectory may be at risk if more support is not announced soon.

Here are some comments from investors and analysts on the press briefing from China’s finance ministry:

RONG REN GOH, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS, SINGAPORE

“Investors were hoping for fresh stimulus, accompanied by specific numbers, to be announced at the MOF presser, including the size of these commitments. From this perspective, it turned out to be somewhat of a damp squib given only vague guidance was provided.

“That said, there were meaningful measures announced. The MoF affirmed room for the central government to increase debt, more support for housing markets, and increased local government debt quotas to alleviate refinancing woes.

“However, with markets focused on ‘how much’ over ‘what’, they were invariably set up to be disappointed by this briefing.”

HUANG XUEFENG, CREDIT RESEARCH DIRECTOR, SHANGHAI ANFANG PRIVATE FUND CO, SHANGHAI

“The focus seems to be around funding the fiscal gap and solving local government debt risks, which far undershoots expectations that had been priced into the recent stock market jump. Without arrangements targeting demand and investment, it’s hard to ease the deflationary pressure.”

ZHAOPENG XING, SENIOR CHINA STRATEGIST, ANZ, SHANGHAI

“MOF focused more on derisking local governments. It will likely add new quotas of treasury and local bonds. We expect a 10 trillion yuan ($1.42 trillion) implicit debt swap in the next few years. Official deficit and local bond quotas may both increase to 5 trillion yuan going forward. But it looks (to be) not much this year. We expect 1 trillion ultra-long treasury and 1 trillion local bonds to be announced by NPC this month end.”

BRUCE PANG, CHIEF ECONOMIST CHINA, JONES LANG LASALLE, HONG KONG

“The message released from today’s press conference is actually quite in line with the expectations of those familiar with China’s policy-making process and state structure. The officials have given answers to questions of ‘how’ but no details of ‘when’, yet.

“I will expect more details and number of the previewed fiscal stimulus to be published only after the upcoming meeting of the NPCSC to approve a plan to increase treasury issuance and provide a mid-year revision to the national budget. And it would be reasonable and practical to keep room for policy manoeuvring to prepare for external shocks and uncertainties.”

CHRISTOPHER WONG, CURRENCY STRATEGIST, OCBC, SINGAPORE

“There was mention of 2.3 trillion yuan and some details on local bond issuance that can support housing … but it stopped short of a big surprise factor. That said, we shouldn’t lose sight of the bigger picture and that is policymakers acknowledged the issues and are putting in genuine effort to tackle those issues.

“More time may be needed for more thought-out and targeted measures. But those measures also need to come fast as markets are eagerly waiting for them. Over expectations vs under-delivery would result in disappointment and that can manifest itself into Chinese markets.”

TIANCHEN XU, SENIOR ECONOMIST, ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT, BEIJING

“Our overall take is quite positive in that MoF is willing to tackle China’s many economic challenges by leveraging its borrowing room. The immediate benefits to the economy will be limited, as the MoF avoided large-scale direct cash handouts to households. However, its commitment to restoring local public finances through fiscal transfer and debt replacement is highly commendable.

“In the medium term, it will put an end to the aggressive deleveraging by local governments and ease the resulting deflationary pressure. And as their financial position stabilises, local governments will be better positioned to support the economy by providing public services and embark on public investments.

VASU MENON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, INVESTMENT STRATEGY, OCBC, SINGAPORE

“The Chinese government’s determination to provide a backstop to the ailing property market and economy came through clearly in the press briefing by the MoF. However, specific numbers with regards to initiatives announced was lacking. The lack of a big headline figure may also disappoint some investors who were hoping for the government to announce a sizeable 2 trillion yuan in fresh fiscal stimulus to shore up the economy and boost confidence.

“Investors were hoping for more measures targeted at households instead of only the real estate sector. While today’s measures were focused on local governments and helping them to purchase unsold homes, it is unclear if this will translate into action as local governments have been reluctant so far to participate in the home purchase program for fear that home prices could fall further.

“Nevertheless, investors will take some comfort from the Finance Minister’s pronouncement that the central government has room to increase debt and the deficit, and that it has other tools in consideration to use in future. This offers hope that more can and will be done, although investors hoping for a big bang fiscal bazooka today will probably be disappointed.

($1 = 7.0666 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Asia markets team and China economics team; compiled by Ankur Banerjee; Editing by Kim Coghill)

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/instant-view-investor-reactions-briefing-032444224.html