Hits 0.71m of Off-Scale (>65,535cps) within 12.0m of Mineralization at JR
Kelowna, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 13, 2024) – F3 Uranium Corp(TSXV: FUU)(OTCQB: FUUFF) (“F3” or “the Company“) is pleased to announce recent JR Zone high grade infill summer drilling highlighted by PLN24-161, which intersected mineralization over 12.0m, including 2.0m of high grade (>10,000cps) also hosting 0.71m of composite off-scale mineralization(>65,535 cps). Drill hole PLN24-163 at JR intersected 0.90m of composite high grade mineralization (>10,000 cps) within 20.5m of mineralization (>300cps). JR Zone infill holes targeted areas of low drill hole density within the high-grade core of the zone. These holes help to improve and define the continuity of grade within the JR Zone.
F3 engaged Computational Geosciences to provide new geologically constrained inversions of ground loop time domain electromagnetic (GTEM) and direct current (DC) resistivity data already collected on the ground. These parametric models of electric conductivity (see Figure 1) defined a clear extension of the B1 trend which was tested and validated with drillhole PLN24-168, a 700m step-out along strike from PLN24-126, which was the most southeasterly hole along the B1 shear zone previously and 1,300m from its northwest end. Drill hole PLN24-168 intersected a 14.2m strongly prospective and wide clay altered graphitic shear zone approximately 110m below the Athabasca Unconformity in the down-dip direction (see Photo 1). Additionally, the inversion indicated the B1 conductor trend to continue to the southeast an additional 700m to the edge of the survey block resulting in an approximate 80% increase in the total implied strike length of the B1 shear zone to 2.7km.
Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented:
“PLN24-168 was collared on line 4245S, approximately 1.2 km along strike from the Harrison Fault and PLN24-152 area, opening up an additional 700m of prospective strike from previous drilling. This wildcat hole was collared conservatively, testing the newly defined conductive feature well below the Athabasca Unconformity; an altered and strongly graphitic shear representing the continuation of B1 was intersected as predicted from the conductivity model; it also exhibited elevated radioactivity averaging 200 cps peaking up to 240cps; although that doesn’t quite meet our reporting threshold of 300 cps, it adds to the prospectivity and follow-up holes are now being planned for that area. Geochemistry results from this ongoing drill program are being integrated into our models and drill plans as they arrive which is assisting us with targeting with greater confidence.”
Handheld spectrometer composite parameters: 1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m 2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second 3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m
Natural gamma radiation in the drill core that is reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 scintillometer. The Company considers greater than 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer as anomalous, >10,000 cps as high grade and greater than 65,535 cps as off-scale. The reader is cautioned that scintillometer readings are not directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive materials.
All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thickness are yet to be determined.
About Patterson Lake North:
The Company’s 4,078-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North property (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Fission Uranium’s Triple R and NexGen Energy’s Arrow high-grade world class uranium deposits which is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone uranium discovery is located 23km northwest of Fission Uranium’s Triple R deposit.
Qualified Person:
The technical information in this news release has been prepare in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed.
About F3 Uranium Corp.:
F3 Uranium is a uranium project generator and exploration company, focusing on projects in the Athabasca Basin, home to some of the world’s largest high grade uranium discovery. F3 Uranium currently has 20 projects in the Athabasca Basin. Several of F3’s projects are near large uranium discoveries including Triple R, Arrow and Hurricane. F3 has announced a transaction pursuant to which it will transfer 17 of its prospective uranium exploration properties to F4 in exchange for common shares of F4 which will be distributed to F3 shareholders on the basis of one F4 Share for every common share of F3 held; the F4 shares will then be rolled back at a rate of 10 to 1. F3 will retain the PLN Project consisting of the PLN, Misto and Broach properties. The Broach property incorporates the PW property which it obtained from CanAlaska as the result of a property swap.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
F3 Uranium Corp. 750-1620 Dickson Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y9Y2
Contact Information Investor Relations Telephone: 778 484 8030 Email: ir@f3uranium.com
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD “Dev Randhawa” Dev Randhawa, CEO
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 12, 2024) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to report results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted).
In Q2 2024, EMX continued on a strong uptrend in revenue due to robust royalty production and strong metal prices. Strong performance during the quarter was marked from Timok, Gediktepe, and Leeville. EMX continued to invest capital generating and acquiring royalties around the world while our partners invested significant capital to expand operations at existing mines, advance towards the development of new mines, and explore for new opportunities.
Summary of Financial Highlightsfor the Quarter Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:1
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Statement of Loss
Revenue and other income
$
6,005
$
3,408
$
12,245
$
6,150
General and administrative costs
(1,694
)
(1,576
)
(3,842
)
(3,298
)
Royalty generation and project evaluation costs, net
(2,907
)
(2,200
)
(5,841
)
(5,022
)
Net loss
$
(4,022
)
$
(4,722
)
$
(6,249
)
$
(8,448
)
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities
$
(514
)
$
(1,002
)
$
513
$
(4,335
)
Non-IFRS Financial Measures1
Adjusted revenue and other income
$
8,758
$
6,614
$
17,051
$
11,582
Adjusted royalty revenue
$
7,836
$
5,265
$
15,493
$
9,208
GEOs sold
3,352
2,662
7,047
4,750
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities
$
1,341
$
1,452
$
4,002
$
(983
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
4,639
$
2,848
$
7,862
$
3,222
Strong Revenue Growth Adjusted revenue and other income1 increased by 32% compared to Q2 2023•Adjusted royalty revenue1 increased by 49% compared to Q2 2023
Development of Flagship Assets Significant investment by Zijin Mining Group at Timok through continued development of upper and lower zonesLundin Mining increased its ownership percentage in Caserones to 70%
Record Quarterly Revenue from Flagship Asset Timok generated royalty revenue of $1,586,000 in Q2 2024 for a second consecutive quarter of record production from the upper zone
Consistent and Steady Cash Flows Fifth consecutive quarter with positive adjusted cash flows from operating activities1
Outlook
The Company is maintaining its 2024 guidance of GEOs sales of 11,000 to 14,000, adjusted royalty revenue of $22,000,000 to $27,500,000 and option and other property income of $2,000,000 to $3,000,000. The Company is currently on pace to achieve the upper end of its annual guidance for GEOs sold and adjusted royalty revenue, while aiming for the lower end of our option and other property income guidance.
The Company is excited about the prospect for continued growth in the portfolio for 2024 and the coming years. The driver for near and long term growth in cash flow will come from the large deposits of Caserones in Chile and Timok in Serbia. At Caserones, Lundin has initiated an exploration program which is intended to expand mineral resources and mineral reserves while at the same time looking to increase throughput at the plant. At Timok, Zijin Mining Group Co. continues to increase its production rates in the upper zone copper-gold deposit while developing the lower zone, which we believe will be one of the more important block cave development projects in the world.
In terms of other production royalty assets, the Company expects Gediktepe, Leeville, and Gold Bar South to mirror what occurred in 2023. In Türkiye, Gediktepe continues to perform well and is ahead of its production forecast for 2024 (as of the end of Q2) and production rates and grades at Balya North ramped up again in Q2. We are also excited about the advancement of Diablillos in Argentina by AbraSilver Resource Corp. where the company continues to expand the mineral resource.
The Company will continue to evaluate and work to acquire mineral rights and royalties in 2024. The Company expects it will invest similar amounts as in 2023 towards the royalty generation business. As in previous years, producing royalties will continue to be supplemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global asset portfolio. Efforts and programs are underway to optimize and control costs as the Company continues to grow. EMX believes it is well positioned to identify and pursue new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.
As part of the Company’s effort to continue to strengthen its balance sheet, subsequent to the end of the period, the Company has closed the refinancing of its outstanding debt with Sprott Private Resource Lending II of $34,660,000, with a new $35,000,000 credit agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco”), previously announced on June 20, 2024. This refinancing extends the maturity date of the Company’s debt facility from December 31, 2024 to July 1, 2029.
Second Quarter Results for 2024
In Q2 2024, the Company recognized $8,758,000 and $7,836,000 in adjusted revenue and other income1 and adjusted royalty revenue1, respectively, which represented a 32% and 49% increase, respectively, compared to Q2 2023. The significant increase is due to the commencement of royalty payments in Q3 2023 from the Timok royalty property, as well as a 54% increase in royalty revenue from Gediktepe and a 79% increase in royalty revenue from Leeville when compared to Q2 2023.
The following table is a summary of GEOs1 sold and adjusted royalty revenue1 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
2024
2023
GEOs Sold
Revenue (in thousands)
GEOs Sold
Revenue (in thousands)
Caserones
1,178
$
2,753
1,621
$
3,206
Timok
678
1,586
–
–
Gediktepe
772
1,806
594
1,175
Leeville
508
1,187
336
664
Balya
133
311
5
9
Gold Bar South
71
167
68
134
Advanced royalty payments
11
26
39
77
Adjusted royalty revenue
3,352
$
7,836
2,662
$
5,265
Included in the quarterly revenue for Caserones was a true up of $493,000 (Q2 2023 – $1,153,000) due to a higher than expected revenue in the prior quarter. The true up in the current period was mainly driven by higher than anticipated copper and molybdenum sales in Q1 2024.
The following table is a summary of GEOs1 sold and adjusted royalty revenue1 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
2024
2023
GEOs Sold
Revenue (in thousands)
GEOs Sold
Revenue (in thousands)
Caserones
2,168
$
4,806
2,800
$
5,432
Timok
1,290
2,853
–
–
Gediktepe
2,216
4,796
1,084
2,101
Leeville
925
2,051
618
1,198
Balya
228
508
86
162
Gold Bar South
108
242
68
134
Advanced royalty payments
113
237
94
181
Adjusted royalty revenue
7,047
$
15,493
4,750
$
9,208
Net royalty generation and project evaluation costs increased from $2,200,000 in Q2 2023 to $2,907,000 in Q2 2024. Royalty generation costs include exploration related activities, technical services, project marketing, land and legal costs, as well as third party due diligence for acquisitions. The increase in net royalty generation and project evaluation costs was predominately attributable to the timing of the 2024 and 2023 annual share-based compensation grants. The 2024 annual grant occurred in Q2 2024 while the 2023 grant occurred in Q3 2023. This timing difference generated a $472,000 increase in costs when compared to Q2 2023. The remaining increase can be attributed to an increase in property costs in Fennoscandia and South America, a decrease in recoveries in Fennoscandia and an increase in overall costs in Eastern Europe and Morocco.
These cost increases were offset by a $203,000 decrease in net expenditures in the USA. The decrease was primarily related to drilling costs that were incurred in 2023, through a former subsidiary of the Company, Scout Drilling LLC., in exchange for future royalty opportunities.
Not inclusive of the net royalty generation and project evaluation cost, EMX earned $555,000 in royalty generation revenue in Q2 2024 (Q2 2023 – $1,088,000).
Second Quarter Corporate Updates
Appointment of Two New Members to the Board of Directors
In Q2 2024, the Company announced the appointment of Dawson Brisco and Chris Wright to the Board of Directors.
Credit Agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation
In June 2024, the Company announced that it had entered into a $35,000,000 credit agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation with a maturity date of July 1, 2029. Once received, the Company will use the proceeds of the loan to repay the outstanding balance of the Sprott Credit Facility and for general working capital purposes. Subsequent to the end of the period, the Company closed its credit agreement with Franco.
Inaugural Sustainability Report
The Company is also pleased to announce the publication of its inaugural Sustainability Report for 2023. This report marks a milestone in the Company’s journey with respect to its sustainable and ethical business practices and sets a foundational baseline for the Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts moving forward. The report provides information on the Company’s key ESG initiatives, reviews performance metrics, identifies improvement areas, and sets future targets.
Commencement of Normal Course Issuer Bid
During the three months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024”) the Company purchased 106,276 common shares at a cost of $206,000 which were returned to treasury pursuant to the Company’s Normal Course Issuer Bid. Subsequent the period end, the Company repurchased 167,199 shares for a total cost of $305,000.
Cyber Event Update
In April 2024, the Company became aware that one of the Company’s subsidiaries in Türkiye was the subject of a cyber event resulting in a potential loss of up to $2,326,000. The Company has launched a full investigation of the event which remains ongoing and is pursuing recovery of its funds through all legally available means as appropriate, in order to mitigate the loss amount to the fullest extent possible. A criminal complaint has been filed with the public prosecutor’s office in Türkiye which is the first step to recovery whether it be through a criminal or civil process, or both. EMX is also working with its attorneys in Mexico and is currently preparing a civil complaint in the jurisdiction in which the funds were received and withdrawn. An extensive investigation by a reputable third party security firm yielded that there was no intrusion into EMX systems nor its network in its findings. EMX continues to vigorously pursue all remedies available to it in pursuit of recovery all or a part of the funds.
Qualified Persons
Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on North America and Latin America, except for Caserones. Consulting Chief Mining Engineer Mark S. Ramirez, SME Registered Member #04039495, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and consultant to the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure with respect to the Caserones Mine. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified, and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Türkiye and Australia.
Shareholder Information – The Company’s filings for the year are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov, and on EMX’s website at www.EMXroyalty.com. Financial results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
About EMX – EMX is a precious, and base metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward looking information” or “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the future price of copper, gold and other metals, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the Company’s growth strategy and expectations regarding the guidance for 2024 and future outlook, including revenue and GEO estimates, refinancing outstanding debt and the timing thereof, the acquisition of additional royalty interests and partnerships, the purchase of securities pursuant to the Company’s NCIB or other statements that are not statements of fact. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “intends,” “strategy,” “goals,” “objectives,” “potential,” “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect, including disruption to production at any of the mineral properties in which the Company has a royalty, or other interest; estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns; estimated metal pricing (including the estimates from theCIBC Global Mining Group’s Consensus Commodity Price Forecasts published on January 2, 2024), metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying the Company’s resource and reserve estimates; the expected ability of any of the properties in which the Company holds a royalty, or other interest to develop adequate infrastructure at a reasonable cost; assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will remain in effect or be obtained as required to operate, develop or explore the various properties in which the Company holds an interest; and the activities on any on the properties in which the Company holds a royalty, or other interest will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks or any other government actions.
Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, failure to maintain or receive necessary approvals, changes in business plans and strategies, market conditions, share price, best use of available cash, copper, gold and other commodity price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operational and development risks relating to the parties which produce the gold or other commodity the Company will purchase, regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over mining operations from which the Company will receive royalties from, and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, risks in the marketability of minerals, fluctuations in the price of gold and other commodities, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, stock market volatility, as well as those factors discussed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. Although the Company 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 should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained or incorporated by reference, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Future-Oriented Financial Information
This news release may contain future-oriented financial information (“FOFI”) within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, about prospective results of operations, financial position, GEOs and anticipated royalty payments based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action, which FOFI is not presented in the format of a historical balance sheet, income statement or cash flow statement. The FOFI has been prepared by management to provide an outlook of the Company’s activities and results and has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed under the headings above entitled “2024 Guidance”, “Outlook” and “Forward-Looking Statements” and assumptions with respect to the future metal prices, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, realization of mineral reserve estimates and the timing and amount of estimated future production. Management does not have, or may not have had at the relevant date, or other financial assumptions which may have been used to prepare the FOFI or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects are not, or may not have been at the relevant date of the FOFI, objectively determinable.
Importantly, the FOFI contained in this news release are, or may be, based upon certain additional assumptions that management believes to be reasonable based on the information currently available to management, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: (i) the future pricing of metals, (ii) the future market demand and trends within the jurisdictions in which the Company or the mining operators operate, and (iii) the operating cost and effect on the production of the Company’s royalty partners. The FOFI or financial outlook contained in this news release do not purport to present the Company’s financial condition in accordance with IFRS, and there can be no assurance that the assumptions made in preparing the FOFI will prove accurate. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in the analysis presented in any such document, and such variation may be material (including due to the occurrence of unforeseen events occurring subsequent to the preparation of the FOFI). The Company and management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments as at the applicable date. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks including the risks discussed under the heading above entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s public disclosures, FOFI or financial outlook within this news release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
The Company has included certain non-IFRS financial measures in this press release, as discussed below. EMX believes that these measures, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. These non-IFRS financial measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers.
Non-IFRS financial measures are defined in National Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure (“NI 52-112”) as a financial measure disclosed that (a) depicts the historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow of an entity, (b) with respect to its composition, excludes an amount that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in the primary financial statements of the entity, (c) is not disclosed in the financial statements of the entity, and (d) is not a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar representation. A non-IFRS ratio is defined by NI 52-112 as a financial measure disclosed that (a) is in the form of a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar representation, (b) has a non-IFRS financial measure as one or more of its components, and (c) is not disclosed in the financial statements.
The following table outlines the non-IFRS financial measures, their definitions, the most directly comparable IFRS measures and why the Company use these measures.
Non-IFRS financial measure
Definition
Most directly comparable IFRS measure
Why we use the measure and why it is useful to investors
Adjusted revenue and other income
Defined as revenue and other income including the Company’s share of royalty revenue related to the Company’s effective royalty on Caserones.
Revenue and other income
The Company believes these measures more accurately depict the Company’s revenue related to operations as the adjustment is to account for revenue from a material asset
Adjusted royalty revenue
Defined as royalty revenue including the Company’s share of royalty revenue related to the Company’s effective royalty on Caserones.
Royalty revenue
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities
Defined as cash flows from operating activities plus the cash distributions related to the Company’s effective royalty on Caserones.
Cash flows from operating activities
The Company believes this measure more accurately depicts the Company’s cash flows from operations as the adjustment is to account for cash flows from a material asset.
Gold equivalent ounces (GEOs)
GEOs is a non-IFRS measure that is based on royalty interests and calculated on a quarterly basis by dividing adjusted royalty revenue by the average gold price during such quarter. The gold price is determined based on the LBMA PM fix. For periods longer than one quarter, GEOs are summed for each quarter in the period.
Royalty revenue
The Company uses this measure internally to evaluate our underlying operating performance across the royalty portfolio for the reporting periods presented and to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA represents net earnings or loss for the period before income tax expense or recovery, depreciation and amortization, finance costs. Adjusted EBITDA adds all revenue from the Caserones Royalty less any equity income from the equity investment in the Caserones Royalty. Additionally, it removes the effects of items that do not reflect our underlying operating performance and are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. These may include: share based payments expense; unrealized and realized gains and losses on investments; write-downs of assets; impairments or reversals of impairments; foreign exchange gains or losses; and other non-cash or non-recurring expenses or recoveries.
Earnings or loss before income tax
The Company believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are widely used by investors and analysts as useful indicators of our operating performance, our ability to invest in capital expenditures, our ability to incur and service debt and also as a valuation metric.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Revenue and Other Income and Adjusted Royalty Revenue:
During the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company had the following sources of revenue and other income:
(In thousands of dollars)
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Royalty revenue
$
5,083
$
2,059
$
10,687
$
3,776
Option and other property income
492
1,011
680
1,700
Interest income
430
338
878
674
Total revenue and other income
$
6,005
$
3,408
$
12,245
$
6,150
The following is the reconciliation of adjusted revenue and other income and adjusted royalty revenue:
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue and other income
$
6,005
$
3,408
$
12,245
$
6,150
SLM California royalty revenue
$
6,442
$
7,685
$
11,247
$
13,584
The Company’s ownership %
42.7
40.0
42.7
40.0
The Company’s share of royalty revenue
$
2,753
$
3,206
$
4,806
$
5,432
Adjusted revenue and other income
$
8,758
$
6,614
$
17,051
$
11,582
Royalty Revenue
$
5,083
$
2,059
$
10,687
$
3,776
The Company’s share of royalty revenue
2,753
3,206
4,806
5,432
Adjusted royalty revenue
$
7,836
$
5,265
$
15,493
$
9,208
Reconciliation of GEOs:
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Adjusted Royalty Revenue
$
7,836
$
5,265
$
15,493
$
9,208
Average gold price per ounce
$
2,338
$
1,978
$
2,198
$
1,939
Total GEOs
3,352
2,662
7,047
4,750
Reconciliation of Adjusted Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash provided by operating activities
$
(514
)
$
(1,002
)
$
513
$
(4,335
)
Caserones royalty distributions
1,855
2,454
3,489
3,352
Adjusted cash flows from operating activities
$
1,341
$
1,452
$
4,002
$
(983
)
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
Three months ended June 30,
Six months ended June 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(3,430
)
$
(3,095
)
$
(5,665
)
$
(6,740
)
Finance expense
1,080
1,270
2,145
2,511
Depletion, depreciation, and direct royalty taxes
1,369
790
3,788
1,642
EBITDA
$
(981
)
$
(1,035
)
$
268
$
(2,587
)
Attributable revenue from Caserones royalty
2,753
3,206
4,806
5,432
Equity income from investment in Caserones royalty
(1,411
)
(1,340
)
(2,208
)
(2,255
)
Share-based payments
1,354
132
1,543
225
Loss (gain) on revaluation of investments
(1,142
)
1,383
(1,226
)
709
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities
1,535
17
1,946
459
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
139
797
255
965
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities
66
(188
)
107
398
Loss on revaluation of receivables
–
(124
)
–
(124
)
Other losses
2,326
–
2,326
–
Impairment
–
–
45
–
Adjusted EBITDA
$
4,639
$
2,848
$
7,862
$
3,222
1 Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section below or on page 29 of the Q2 2024 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure. These financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. 2 Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section below and on page 29 of the Q2 2024 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure. 3 Refer to the “Non-IFRS financial measures” section below and on page 29 of the Q2 2024 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 9, 2024) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX“) is pleased to announce that it has completed the closing and drawn down the $35 million loan (the “Loan“) contemplated in the credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement“) between the Company, its subsidiary, EMX Chile SpA (“EMX Chile“), and a wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Lender“) of Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada“) (NYSE and TSX:FNV), which was previously announced in the Company’s news release dated June 20, 2024. The Company used the proceeds of the Loan to repay the $34.42 million outstanding balance of the loan owed to a Fund managed by Sprott Resource Lending Corp. (“Sprott“), to pay the Lender a commitment fee equal to 1% of the principal amount of the Loan and for general working capital purposes.
The Company is pleased to further develop its working relationship with Franco-Nevada, a key EMX shareholder. In addition to the Loan arrangement, EMX and Franco-Nevada have jointly syndicated royalty purchases (e.g., Caserones) and are actively engaged in a joint venture seeking new royalty financing opportunities.
Credit Agreement – The Loan is structured as a $35 million senior secured term loan facility which matures on July 1, 2029. Interest is payable monthly at a rate equal to the three-month SOFR (i.e., Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus the applicable margin based on the ratio of the Company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA (see table below), adjusted quarterly.
Ratio of Net Debt / AdjustedEBITDA:
Applicable Interest Rate (per annum):
< 1.00:1
Term SOFR plus 300 basis points
>= 1.00:1 and <1.50:1
Term SOFR plus 325 basis points
>= 1.50:1 and <2.00:1
Term SOFR plus 350 basis points
>= 2.00:1 and <3.00:1
Term SOFR plus 375 basis points
>= 3.00:1
Term SOFR plus 425 basis points
During each year, up to $10 million of the Loan may be voluntarily prepaid without penalty, on a cumulative basis.
The Loan is secured by a general security agreement over the assets of EMX and share pledges by EMX and EMX Chile of certain of their subsidiaries or other equity interests, with the Lender retaining the ability, at any time, to designate certain material subsidiaries of the Company to be guarantors of the Loan and provide similar security. Certain covenants under the Credit Agreement, including restrictions on incurring indebtedness and encumbrances, shall apply to the Company and its subsidiaries.
All amounts referred to herein are to United States dollars.
About EMX – EMX is a precious and base metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
About Franco-Nevada – Franco-Nevada Corporation is the leading gold-focused royalty and streaming company with the most diversified portfolio of cash-flow producing assets. Its business model provides investors with gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to cost inflation. Franco-Nevada is debt free and uses its free cash flow to expand its portfolio and pay dividends. It trades under the symbol “FNV” on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results, but which are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to the Company being unable to comply with the covenants under the Credit Agreement, including the repayment of any amounts owing under the Loan, and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.caand on the SEC’s EDGAR website atwww.sec.gov.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 8, 2024) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX“) is pleased to announce the execution of an exploration and option agreement for its Sulitjelma Project in Norway to Alpha Future Funds S.C.S, a private Luxembourg based company (“Alpha”). The agreement provides EMX with a cash payment and work commitments during a one-year option period, and upon exercise of the option, EMX will receive additional deferred option payments, advance royalty payments, milestone payments and a 2% NSR royalty.
The Sulitjelma project is a past producer of copper-rich polymetallic mineralization from a cluster of volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) style deposits in the greater Sulitjelma district of north-central Norway. Alpha is a well-capitalized investment fund with its own technical team that seeks to revitalize the Sulitjelma district through additional investment and exploration. Alpha is also reviewing other EMX projects throughout the region for additional acquisition opportunities.
Commercial Terms Overview. EMX will receive US$50,000 upon execution of the agreement, and Alpha can acquire a 100% interest in the project by satisfying specified work commitments by the end of the first anniversary of the agreement. Upon exercising the option Alpha will:
Make additional cash payments to EMX as deferred option payments.
Spend a cumulative of $4,000,000 on the project by the 5th anniversary of the agreement.
Pay annual advance royalty payments commencing after the deferred option payments are complete.
Grant EMX an uncapped 2% NSR royalty on the project.
Deliver certain milestone payments tied to anniversary dates and the commencement of commercial production.
Overviews of the project. The Sulitjelma polymetallic project in Norway is located in the early Paleozoic VMS belt in north-central Norway, which saw numerous districts and mines in operation from the 1600’s through the 1990’s.
Sulitjelma District, Central Norway: The Sulitjelma VMS district was discovered in 1858 and was mined continuously from 1891-1991. The Sulitjelma mines were some of the last operating base metal mines in Norway and one of its most significant historic mining areas. VMS style mineralization occurs along a trend that extends for over 20 kilometers and is developed along multiple stratigraphic horizons and structurally repeated sections. The district produced over 25 million tonnes averaging 1.84% copper, 0.86% zinc, 10 grams per tonne silver and 0.25 grams per tonne gold1. Significant historical resources were left unmined at the time of closure in the early 1990’s.
The district has seen very little work since the mines closed. Reinterpretation of airborne geophysical surveys, including a Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetics (VTEM) survey collected in 2014, highlighted multiple conductive anomalies along the main trend of mineralization that have not yet been drill tested, and EMX geologists have found outcropping expressions of VMS style mineralization, also along trend, that have not been developed or drill tested.
Over the past few years EMX has compiled and digitized the available historical data to create 3D models of the historical mine workings on the property. EMX also conducted extensive soil sampling campaigns and identified drill targets for the next phase of exploration. These targets include projections of mineralization down dip and along strike of the historic mine workings as well as newly identified electromagnetic (“EM”) anomalies. Additionally, EMX recognized that the VMS horizon appears to be repeated in fold limbs to the west of the original property position, which has since been expanded.
This transaction is another example of the execution of EMX’s business model in providing turn-key and drill ready exploration projects to its partner companies in exchange for royalty interests.
Nearby Mines and Deposits. The mines and deposits discussed in this news release provide context for EMX’s projects, which occur in similar geologic settings, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Company’s projects host similar tonnages or grades of mineralization.
Dr. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.
About EMX – EMX is a precious, and base metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
Upcoming exploration to focus on new magnetic anomaly.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 7, 2024) – Riverside Resources Inc.(TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) (“Riverside” or the “Company”), is pleased to update progress on the Cecilia project where Riverside is working with Fortuna Mining Corp (TSX: FVI) (see March 13, 2024 press release). The Company has completed detailed magnetic susceptibility data acquisition for the entire project area and identified a new magnetic anomaly area of 6 x 2 km² in the southwest part of the project. The company believes this area displays many classic structural controls similar to the mineralization found at the main Cerro Magallanes target area of the project and can become an additional focus of the upcoming exploration activities as well as the already permitted and planned upcoming drill program that is fully funded and scheduled to start in early Q4, 2024.
The current technical work program is completing now as the project moves next to drill testing. The work that has been completed for evaluating and improving drill targets includes geophysics, geochemistry and geology being integrated. The Cecilia Project has good road access with the project located 40 km southwest of Agua Prieta (Mexico-USA border) and 250 km northeast of the capital city of Hermosillo. The project is a titled and 100% Riverside-owned, with drill permits and the ability to progress the drilling in the coming months. The property is a district-scale gold and silver, low-sulfidation epithermal system and is currently optioned with Fortuna Mining earning an initial ownership position through a series of payments and work commitments where Riverside remains as the operator of the exploration program as disclosed in March. The project covers over 60 km² and has over 10 different exploration targets, with at least two nested dome complexes similar to those in Peru at the Yanacocha Mining District and in Bolivia at the Korri Kollo Mine, which have produced well over 25M and 5M oz of gold respectively. The use of aeromagnetics helps further distinguish these targets.
John-Mark Staude, CEO of Riverside, states, “We are delighted to receive this excellent and detailed aeromagnetic survey for the entire 60 km² area from our work with Fortuna Mining on the Cecilia district exploration. We had full access to the surface for conducting field follow-up allowing the project to progress significantly over the past 6 months. Further, the discovery of a new anomaly is an exciting development and we look forward to undertaking additional exploration work on this discovery over the coming months as well as the fully funded drilling. Having the drill permit, mineral title and funding with a partner aligned in our exploration creates the platform for potential success with drilling activities proceeding in the near term. We look forward to the drill turning and having results from this project as well as updates on other activities that are underway into the fourth quarter of 2024.”
Riverside has completed the acquisition of aeromagnetic data expanding on an earlier and more focused survey where Riverside drilled and intersected gold mineralization. The new UAV magnetic data now covers the entire Cecilia project area of 60 km² with Riverside having full access to the entire property featuring a total flying of 658 line kilometers. Using this new, higher resolution magnetic data aids in interpreting and refining previous targets identified by Riverside. The results identified strong NW-trending magnetic lineaments in the southwestern corner of the project area (Figure 1). This data was not available in earlier results whereby the Company now has access to this region for the first time. This new magnetic anomalous area reflects a strong NW-trend which is similar to the main previously mined and drilled Au-mineralization structural trends like the San Jose Structural trend and Mesa Target (Figure 1A). Additionally, these lineaments bound the Magallancito dome and may be related to sharp contacts or fault-related contacts of intrusions around this target. Such strong structural features are typical of other major mining dome districts including Yanacocha, Peru and Mulatos, Sonora.
Some perpendicular magnetic lineaments in the project appear to define NE-trending zones along strike that generally serve as the main mineralization controls in the district and at surface have associated occurrences of Au-Ag mineralization (e.g. Agua Prieta Trend, Figure 1B). The new areas provide additional future focuses further expanding the planned program and continuing to grow the targeting of the project. Structural intersections in the mineralized dome districts of Mexico and other countries such as in Peru, Bolivia and USA often define focused locations of geologic faults which can provide fluid pathways for higher grade hydrothermal breccias and mineralization.
The acquisition and processing of the magnetic data were completed by Zonge International, Inc. This resulted in the merging and leveling of the historic UAV databases acquired recently by Riverside in the Magallanes Target, producing various merged data interpretations including; total magnetic intensity, reduction to the pole, 1st vertical derivative, and tilt derivative of the reduction to the pole processing’s. The updated 3D inversion model helps delineate the targets at depth and is being used for modeling drill collars and plans for upcoming drilling. This drilling is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024, with Fortuna Mining as the funding partner.
Figure 1. A. Updated 1:10.000 geological map of the Cecilia project. B. New target area at Magallancito over Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) Reduced to North Pole map. The target areas dashed with scales of multiple kilometers.
Riverside Resources owns the project and has undertaken comprehensive exploration efforts at the property, including drilling activities that have yielded significant gold intercepts. Notably, drill results have intersected near surface promising intercepts such as 24.2 meters at 1.51 grams per ton of gold (April 15, 2021 press release) within the rhyodacite dome, showcasing the property’s gold at shallow depths which also has been mined in over a dozen locations including some substantial small scale underground prospect mining. The project has potential to follow these intercepts and go for larger targets at depth is the next planned drilling activity.
One distinguishing aspect of this project is the potential to preserve a fertile dome system. The Magallanes Target, situated at the central part of the project, exhibits interaction within extensive NE and NW structures, presenting a compelling opportunity for the discovery of epithermal gold-silver style mineralization. This geological scheme of the Cecilia Project resembles the Tertiary-age rhyolite systems, like the La Pitarrilla Ag-Pb-Zn project (~800M oz AgEq*) and Fresnillo’s San Julian Ag-Au Mine (~350M oz AgEq**), both situated in Durango, Mexico in the similar Sierra Madre Volcanic Province to Cecilia.
*Mineral Resource estimate for the Pitarrilla Ag Pb Zn Project, Durango, Mexico, SSR Mining, March, 2023.
**Obtained from Fresnillo public presentation, Hermosillo, October, 2016
Qualified Person & QA/QC:
The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Cecilia Project was reviewed and approved by Julian Manco, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources focusing on the work in Sonora, Mexico, 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.
TORONTO, July 25, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cboe Canada Inc. (“Cboe Canada”) is excited to announce the public markets debut of Silver Crown Royalties Inc. (“Silver Crown” or “SCRI”), a revenue-generating silver-only royalty company headquartered in Toronto. The company is now trading on Cboe Canada under the symbol SCRI.
Silver Crown unlocks previously unrecognized value by offering existing mining companies an up-front payment in exchange for the rights to revenues generated from the byproduct silver they mine. Silver Crown currently receives royalties from two mines, with another projected to begin producing revenues for Silver Crown in 2025, pending successful closing of the definitive agreement.
“We are excited to begin trading on the Cboe Canada stock exchange,” said Peter Bures, CEO of Silver Crown. “We believe Cboe’s exposure will help our objective of lowering our cost of capital, and creating both customer awareness and liquidity for investors, ultimately unlocking shareholder value.”
Investors can trade shares of Cboe-Listed SCRI through their usual investment channels, including discount brokerage platforms and full-service dealers.
“Silver Crown is helping mining companies propel their operations forward by offering real, useable capital in exchange for the revenue generated from a byproduct of their operations,” noted Joacim Wiklander, Head of Global Listings at Cboe Global Markets. “Congratulations to Silver Crown on taking this critical step forward in their capital markets journey. We are honoured to be selected as their exchange of choice during this pivotal time and look forward to providing superior liquidity, enhanced investor exposure, and world-class support and service. Welcome to Cboe!”
Cboe Canada is home to over 300 unique listings, including some of the most innovative Canadian and international growth companies, ETFs from Canada’s largest ETF issuers, and Canadian Depositary Receipts (CDRs). Cboe consistently facilitates 15% of all volume traded in Canadian listed securities. For a complete view of all securities listed on Cboe Canada, click here.
About Cboe Canada
Cboe Canada is Canada’s Tier 1 stock exchange providing a best-in-class listing experience for issuers that are shaping the economies of tomorrow. Fully operational since 2015, Cboe Canada lists companies and investment products seeking an internationally recognized stock exchange that enables investor trust, quality liquidity, and broad awareness including unfettered access to market data.
Cboe Canada is part of the Cboe Global Markets network, leveraging deep international expertise, industry-leading market intelligence and technology, and unparalleled service to deliver what stakeholders and the world need now, and for the future.
Founded by industry veterans, SCRi is a 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 revenues and continues to build on this foundation, targeting additional operational silver-producing projects.
Casa Grande, AZ and Toronto, ON, July 16, 2024 – Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU) (“ASCU” or the “Company”), releases its updated Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) for the Cactus brownfield copper project, located 45 miles south of Phoenix, Arizona (see FIGURES 1-3). The updated and expanded MRE is inclusive of a seven-month drilling program targeting the MainSpring property, which was completed in April 2024. The Cactus Project is wholly owned and located on private land in Arizona with direct road and rail access, infrastructure onsite, is at an advanced permitting stage, and has permitted access to onsite water wells. Highlights and key changes from the updated MRE are listed below.
Highlights:
Updated total Cactus Project Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) including Primary Mineral Resources:
Measured and Indicated (“M&I”) 632.6 million short tons @ 0.58% Total Copper (“CuT”) for 7.3 billion pounds (“lbs”) of copper
Inferred 474.0 million short tons @ 0.41% CuT for 3.8billion lbs of copper
Key Changes:
Confirms Parks/Salyer and MainSpring as one deposit, renamed to “Parks/Salyer”
Parks/Salyer mineral resource contains 339.0 million short tons @ 0.71% CuT for 4.8 billion lbs of copper in the M&I category and 299.3 million short tons @ 0.43% CuT for 2.6 billion lbs of copper in the Inferred category
Parks/Salyer amenable as an open pit within the pending Preliminary Economic Assessment
New Parks/Salyer mineral resource dimensions are 6,400 feet (“ft”)(1,950 meters (“m”) by 3,000 ft (915 m) to a maximum depth of 2,350 ft (716 m) below surface
1,904% increase to the Measured Category with inclusion of initial Measured mineral resources at Parks/Salyer, 26% increase to the total M&I and a 60% increase in total Inferred resource, with no change to cut-off grade criteria or underlying price and cost assumptions
42% increase of M&I mineral resources at Parks/Salyer attributed to success of measured infill drilling program, reporting of open pit resources, and reporting based on total copper pounds
Parks/Salyer infill drilling (56,907 ft | 17,345 m) converted 55.9 M short tons @ 1.03% CuT for 1.2 billion lbs of copper reported to the measured category
60% increase to the Inferred mineral resources attributed to expansion of Parks/Salyer mineral resource onto the MainSpring property and reporting based on total copper pounds
7-month drilling program at MainSpring (49,193 ft | 14,994 m) delivered 244.9 M short tons @ 0.39% CuT for 1.9 Billion lbs of copper reported to the Inferred mineral resource
Table 1 below reports the July 11, 2024, Cactus Project MRE, containing the combined Parks/Salyer, Cactus West, Cactus East, and Stockpile mineral resource areas. Each mineral resource area is broken out individually in Table 4. Mineral resources defined within this July 11, 2024, the Cactus Project MRE will be used to form the basis of the ASCU Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), on track for release in early Q3 2024.
TABLE 1: Cactus Project MRE, Contained Copper Separated into Total Copper and Soluble Copper
Material Type
Tons kt
Grade CuT %
Grade Cu Tsol %
Contained Total Cu (k lbs)
Contained Cu Tsol (k lbs)
Measured
Total Leachable
55,200
0.94
0.79
1,032,200
873,800
Total Primary
12,300
0.51
0.05
124,400
13,400
Total Measured
67,500
0.86
0.66
1,156,500
887,200
Indicated
Total Leachable
414,800
0.60
0.53
4,965,000
4,365,700
Total Primary
150,400
0.39
0.04
1,173,300
126,000
Total Indicated
565,200
0.54
0.40
6,138,200
4,491,700
M&I
Total Leachable
470,000
0.64
0.56
5.997,200
5,239,500
Total Primary
162,700
0.40
0.04
1,297,600
139,400
Total M&I
632,600
0.58
0.43
7,294,800
5,378,900
Inferred
Total Leachable
299,600
0.43
0.38
2,572,400
2,262,800
Total Primary
174,500
0.36
0.04
1,267,500
124,700
Total Inferred
474,000
0.41
0.25
3,839,900
2,387,500
NOTES: 1. Total soluble copper grades (Cu TSol) are reported using sequential assaying to calculate the soluble copper grade. Tons are reported as short tons. 2. Stockpile resource estimates have an effective date of 1st March, 2022, Cactus mineral resource estimates have an effective date of 29th April, 2022, Parks/Salyer-MainSpring mineral resource estimates have an effective date of 11th July, 2024. All mineral resources use a copper price of US$3.75/lb. 3. Technical and economic parameters defining mineral resource pit shells: mining cost US$2.43/t; G&A US$0.55/t, 10% dilution, and 44°-46° pit slope angle. 4. Technical and economic parameters defining underground mineral resource: mining cost US$27.62/t, G&A US$0.55/t, and 5% dilution. Underground mineral resources are only reported for material located outside of the open pit mineral resource shells. Designation as open pit or underground mineral resources are not confirmatory of the mining method that may be employed at the mine design stage. 5. Technical and economic parameters defining processing: Oxide heap leach (HL) processing cost of US$2.24/t assuming 86.3% recoveries, enriched HL processing cost of US$2.13/t assuming 90.5% recoveries, sulphide mill processing cost of US$8.50/t assuming 92% recoveries. HL selling cost of US$0.27/lb; Mill selling cost of US$0.62/lb. 6. Royalties of 3.18% and 2.5% apply to the ASCU properties and state land respectively. No royalties apply to the MainSpring property. 7. Variable cut-off grades were reported depending on material type, potential mining method, potential processing method, and applicable royalties. For ASCU properties – Oxide open pit or underground material = 0.099% or 0.549% TSol respectively; enriched open pit or underground material = 0.092% or 0.522% TSol respectively; primary open pit or underground material = 0.226% or 0.691% CuT respectively.For state land property – Oxide open pit or underground material = 0.098 % or 0.545% TSol respectively; enriched open pit or underground material = 0.092% or 0.518% TSol respectively; primary openpit or underground material = 0.225% or 0.686% CuT respectively.For MainSpring properties – Oxide openpit or underground material = 0.096% or 0.532% TSol respectively; enriched open pit or underground material = 0.089% or 0.505% TSol respectively; primary open pit or underground material = 0.219% or 0.669% CuT respectively. Stockpile cutoff = 0.095% TSol. 8. Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant factors. 9. The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource; it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured classification. 10. Totals may not add up due to rounding.
George Ogilvie, Arizona Sonoran Copper Company President and CEO commented, “The new Parks/Salyer deposit, inclusive of MainSpring could be transformational for the Company as we foresee the opportunity to right size a larger operation and rescope Parks/Salyer to an open pit mine. The pending result would lead to reduced mining execution risks and lowered operating costs which could manifest themselves in improved Project economics. The key difference in the larger mineral resource used for the pending PEA, relates to the MainSpring property acquisition and subsequent inferred drilling program identifying the continuation of near surface mineralization south of Parks/Salyer.”
Doug Bowden, Arizona Sonoran Copper Company VP Exploration stated, “Our Cactus Project is a successful copper porphyry growth story resulting from an aggressive exploration program. Our mineral resource journey began with our initial PEA in 2021, and continuously expanded outward from the Cactus Pit area to include Parks/Salyer and most recently MainSpring within the 5.5 km mine trend. The Parks/Salyer discovery includes significant quantities of high-grade (+1.00% CuT) copper, similar to the grades in Cactus East (as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3). Through systematic step out and infill drilling following our first mineral resource in 2021 to today’s update, our Cactus Project MRE indicates an increase to the M&I by an impressive 353%, from 1.61 Billion lbs to 7.29 Billion lbs of copper, while the inferred mineral resources increased 94%, from 1.98 Billion lbs to 3.84 Billion lbs. Lastly, these mineral resource areas have responded favorably and impressively to infill drilling with a consistently high conversion rate into higher resource classifications and will look forward to future infill programs as we move through the technical studies.”
Cactus Mineral Resources Estimate The Parks/Salyer mineral resources as shown in FIGURE 3, inclusive of MainSpring, indicate 339.0 M short tons @ 0.71% CuT in the M&I category and 299.2 M short tons @ 0.43% CuT in the Inferred Category. Notably, Parks/Salyer is mostly contained within an optimized resource open pit shell indicating the rescoped potential of open pit mining of the deposit with the inclusion of shallower mineralization located on the MainSpring property. Parks/Salyer mineral resources were calculated with a cutoff date of March 31, 2024. There are no material changes to the Cactus East, West and Stockpile deposits as reported within the FEB 21, 2024 PFS.
For the purposes of the MRE, Cactus East reports as open pit mineral resources in compliance with Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction (“RPEEE”). For the purposes of the pending PEA, Cactus East is expected to be exploited as an underground operation.
Table 2 below reports a direct like–for-like comparison of the updated July 11, 2024, MRE, to the MRE comprising the Prefeasibility Study (“PFS”) MRE and illustrates a significant change to the Measured (+1,900%) and Inferred (+60%) categories, as it relates to successful expansion and infill programs at Parks/Salyer, including the MainSpring Property. The Table below calculates a combination of the Soluble Copper grades and Total Copper grades based on the leachable (oxides and enriched) zones, and the primary sulphides, respectively, going forward, mineral resources will calculate both the contained Total Copper and Soluble Copper inventory. Table 2 uses the same notes and assumptions as Table 1.
Table 2: The Cactus Project Mineral Resource Estimate, as of July 11, 2024, as Compared to August 31, 2023
PREVIOUS MINERAL RESOURCE (As of August 31, 2023)
UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE (As of July 11, 2024)
VARIANCE
Material Type
Tons kt
Grade Cu%¹
Contained Cu k lbs
Tons kt
Grade Cu%¹
Contained Cu k lbs
Cu Content %
Leachable
9,100
0.23¹
41,900
55,200
0.79¹
873,800
1,985%
Primary
1,300
0.32
8,000
12,300
0.51
124,400
1,455%
Total Measured
10,400
0.24
49,800
67,500
0.74
998,200
1,904%
Leachable
348,500
0.63¹
4,387,200
414,800
0.53¹
4,365,700
0%
Primary
86,800
0.43
737,000
150,400
0.39
1,173,300
59%
Total Indicated
435,300
0.59
5,124,200
565,200
0.49
5,539,000
8%
Leachable
357,600
0.62¹
4,429,000
470,000
0.56¹
5,239,500
18%
Primary
88,000
0.42
745,000
162,700
0.40
1,297,600
74%
Total M&I
445,700
0.58
5,174,000
632,600
0.52
6,537,100
26%
Leachable
107,700
0.61¹
1,307,900
299,600
0.38¹
2,262,800
73%
Primary
126,200
0.36
900,000
174,500
0.36
1,267,500
41%
Total Inferred
233,800
0.47
2,207,900
474,000
0.37
3,530,300
60%
NOTES: refer to TABLE 1 1 Grade shown is Soluble Copper (Cu TSol)
Drilling programs The updated Cactus Project MRE is supported by a systematic drilling program targeting MainSpring, the near surface southern extension of the Parks/Salyer deposit, and infill to measured drilling at Parks/Salyer, within the 5.5 kilometre (“km”) (~3.5 mile (“mi”)) mine trend. Mineral resources were classified using data of 125 ft (38 m) drill spacing for Measured, 250 ft (76 m) drill spacing for Indicated and 500 ft (~152 m) drill spacing for Inferred. The in-ground mineral resources were calculated using 435 total drillholes including 161 new holes drilled into the Cactus West and East deposits since 2019 and 159 new holes drilled into the Parks/Salyer deposits since 2020. The Stockpile mineral resource was calculated using 514 new holes drilled into the stockpile on a regular grid since 2021. The isolated MainSpring mineral resource estimate containing 244.9 M short tons @ 0.39% CuT, is shown in TABLE 3 below, while each deposit is broken out separately within TABLE 4.
TABLE 3: MainSpring Property Resource contained within New Parks/Salyer Mineral Resource
Material Type
Tons kt
Grade CuT %
Grade Cu Tsol %
Contained Total Cu (k lbs)
Contained Cu Tsol (k lbs)
Inferred
Total Leachable
200,100
0.39
0.34
1,562,700
1,370,300
Total Primary
44,800
0.38
0.04
344,000
33,100
Total Inferred
244,900
0.39
0.29
1,906,700
1,403,500
NOTES: refer to TABLE 1
TABLE 4: Cactus Project Mineral Resources by Resource Area
Material Type
Tons kt
Grade CuT %
Grade Cu Tsol %
Contained Total Cu (k lbs)
Contained Cu Tsol (k lbs)
Measured
Leachable
Parks Salyer O/P
45,000
1.09
0.92
981,200
828,700
Parks Salyer U/G
5
1.30
0.92
100
100
Cactus O/P
10,200
0.25
0.22
50,800
45,000
Cactus U/G
n/a
Stockpile
n/a
Total Leachable
55,200
0.93
0.79
1,032,100
873,800
Primary
Parks Salyer O/P
10,900
0.53
0.06
115,500
12,200
Parks Salyer U/G
40
0.77
0.07
700
100
Cactus O/P
1,300
0.32
0.04
8,200
1,100
Cactus U/G
n/a
Stockpile
n/a
Total Primary
12,300
0.51
0.05
124,400
13,400
Total Measured
67,500
0.86
0.66
1,156,500
887,200
Indicated
Leachable
Parks Salyer O/P
201,300
0.75
0.66
3,027,000
2,671,100
Parks Salyer U/G
1,100
0.96
0.85
21,400
18,900
Cactus O/P
131,000
0.55
0.49
1,446,100
1,277,000
Cactus U/G
10,200
1.04
0.89
213,100
181,100
Stockpile
71,100
0.18
0.15
257,400
217,600
Total Leachable
414,800
0.60
0.53
4,965,000
4,365,700
Primary
Parks Salyer O/P
80,400
0.42
0.04
680,600
69,200
Parks Salyer U/G
100
0.77
0.12
1,200
200
Cactus O/P
68,300
0.34
0.03
465,800
45,100
Cactus U/G
1,600
0.81
0.36
25,700
11,500
Stockpile
n/a
Total Primary
150,400
0.39
0.04
1,173,300
126,000
Total Indicated
565,200
0.54
0.40
6,138,200
4,491,700
Measured & Indicated
Leachable
Parks Salyer O/P
246,300
0.81
0.71
4,008,200
3,499,800
Parks Salyer U/G
1,100
0.98
0.86
21,500
19,000
Cactus O/P
141,200
0.53
0.47
1,496,900
1,322,000
Cactus U/G
10,200
1.04
0.89
213,100
181,100
Stockpile
71,100
0.18
0.15
257,400
217,600
Total Leachable
470,000
0.64
0.56
5,997,200
5,239,500
Primary
Parks Salyer O/P
91,300
0.44
0.04
796,100
81,400
Parks Salyer U/G
100
0.95
0.15
1,900
300
Cactus O/P
69,600
0.34
0.03
474,000
46,200
Cactus U/G
1,600
0.80
0.36
25,700
11,500
Stockpile
n/a
Total Primary
162,700
0.40
0.04
1,297,600
139,400
Total M&I
632,600
0.58
0.43
7,294,800
5,378,900
Inferred
Leachable
Parks Salyer O/P
234,500
0.42
0.38
1,990,200
1,767,500
Parks Salyer U/G
9,600
0.84
0.76
161,200
146,300
Cactus O/P
50,400
0.34
0.28
344,600
286,900
Cactus U/G
3,900
0.94
0.77
72,800
59,100
Stockpile
1,200
0.15
0.13
3,600
3,000
Total Leachable
299,600
0.43
0.38
2,572,400
2,262,800
Primary
Parks Salyer O/P
54,100
0.39
0.04
427,300
41,000
Parks Salyer U/G
1,000
0.82
0.26
16,700
5,300
Cactus O/P
117,800
0.34
0.03
798,700
68,300
Cactus U/G
1,500
0.82
0.33
24,900
10,200
Stockpile
n/a
Total Primary
174,500
0.36
0.04
1,267,600
124,800
Total Inferred
474,000
0.41
0.25
3,839,900
2,387,500
NOTES: refer to TABLE 1
Cactus Project Mineral Resource Modelling The geological modelling, statistical analysis, and resource estimation in respect of the Cactus Project MRE were prepared by the ASCU resource team and by Allan Schappert – CPG #11758, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101– Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI43-101”).
The Cactus Project MRE updates are based upon updated drilling data and interpretations. The Cactus Mineral Resource model was developed in Vulcan. Drilling data is supported by industry standard quality assurance and quality control programs, with quality control sampling comprising preparation blanks, certified reference materials, and field and pulp duplicate analyses. Review of the QA/QC data indicates it is of a quality suitable for use in resource estimation.
The mineralized domains are consistent with domaining for porphyry copper systems. Mineralized domains represent combinations of rock type and copper mineral zonation associated with secondary copper enrichment weathering processes. The main mineral zones are leached, oxide, enriched, and primary. Mineral zones are determined by logging and the assay attributes of sequential copper analyses.
Physical density measurements have been undertaken across the deposits, both historically by ASARCO, and more recently by ASCU. Density measurements on inground deposits use the wet / dry weight method and comprise 3,372 samples for Cactus and 143 samples for Parks/Salyer. Due to the unconsolidated nature of the stockpile material, physical bulk density measurements were attained by weight and volume calculations. Four test holes were excavated from which the material removed was dried and weight and the volume of each hole calculated.
Copper grades were estimated using Ordinary Kriging, using 20 ft (6.1 m) composites and top cutting determined by log normal probability plots on a per domain basis. Grade estimates were validated using visual and statistical methods including statistical distribution comparisons, visual comparison against the drilling data on sections, swath plots comparing block grades trends against de-clustered composites, and by smoothing checks using change of support. The effective date of the Cactus Project MRE is July 11, 2024. The Cactus Project MRE will form the basis of a PEA technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, and prepared by M3 Engineering, which will be filed on SEDAR+ under the Company’s issuer profile within 45 days of this news release and will also be available at such time on the Company’s website. The PFS will be superseded in all respects once the Company has publicly disclosed the PEA.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control Drilling completed on the project between 2020 and 2024 was supervised by on-site ASCU personnel who prepared core samples for assay and implemented a full QA/QC program using blanks, standards, and duplicates to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The samples were sealed on site and shipped to Skyline Laboratories in Tucson AZ for analysis. Skyline’s quality control system complies with global certifications for Quality ISO9001:2008.
Scientific and technical information contained in this news release have been reviewed and verified by Allan Schappert – CPG #11758, who is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.
Neither the TSX nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this news release.
About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com | www.cactusmine.com) ASCU’s objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus Project that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Company’s principal asset is a 100% interest in the brownfield Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise.
Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information, other than historical fact, are forward-looking information. Generally, statements containing forward-looking information or statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expect”, “is expected”, “in order to”, “is focused on” (a future event), “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, or the negative connotation thereof. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s future operations, future exploration and development activities or other development plans, the potential of the Cactus Project (including the Parks/Salyer deposit), timing of economic studies and mineral resource estimates including the filing of the technical report in respect of the Cactus Project MRE, the results (if any) of further exploration work to define and or upgrade mineral resources and reserves at the Company’s properties; the anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction and other activities of ASCU and the result of such activities; the mineral resources and mineral reserves estimates of the Cactus Project including the Cactus Project MRE (and the assumptions underlying such estimates); the ability of exploration work (including drilling) to accurately predict mineralization; the ability of management to understand the geology and potential of the Cactus Project; the completion and timing for the filing of the technical report in respect of the Cactus Project MRE; the timing and ability of the Company to produce a preliminary economic assessment (if at all); the scope of any future technical reports and studies conducted by ASCU; the ability to realize upon mineralization in a manner that is economic; the impact of bringing the Parks/Salyer deposit including the MainSpring property into the mine plan; , and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; risks relating to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar and other currencies relative to the US dollar; the results of drilling; the ability to access capital on terms acceptable to the Company necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; changes in exploration, development or mining plans due to exploration results and changing budget priorities of the Company or its joint venture partners; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs or further exploration work; the ability to continue exploration and development of the ASCU properties; changes in any of the assumptions underlying the Cactus Project MRE; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain any required consents, permits or approvals; and the additional risks described in ASCU’s most recently filed Annual Information Form, annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under ASCU’s issuer profile.
Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available but cautions the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which may be beyond the control of the Company, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affects the Company and its operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and are urged to carefully consider the foregoing factors as well as other uncertainties and risks outlined in the Company’s public disclosure record. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Well, here’s an interesting historical repeat. Apparently, it took the Roman Empire about 200 years to reduce the value of its currency, the silver Denarius, by 95%. As shown in the chart below, the silver content of the Roman currency had been nearly 100% at the peak of the Empire in 65 AD, but by 268 AD the coin had been clipped and debased so thoroughly that it was comprised of less than 5% silver.
Needless to say, inflation became rampant, causing the financial foundation of the Roman Empire to eventually collapse. In the process, future generations and nations got an unmistakable lesson: Debauching the money is absolutely not the road to sustainable prosperity.
Unfortunately, that has not prevented governments from attempting the currency depreciation route again and again. In our own era, the 111 year history of the Federal Reserve provides a striking case in point. In roughly half the time it took the Romans, the Fed has managed to accomplish the same 95% depreciation of the US dollar.
That’s right. The purchasing power of the consumer dollar as measured by the CPI has dropped from 100 cents when the Fed opened for business in 1914 to barely 3 cents today.
Index of Dollar’s Purchasing Power Since 1914 As Measured By The CPI
And yet and yet. After the most recent surge of inflation, the Fed is at it again. In today’s Congressional testimony, Chairman Powell as much as claimed victory and implied that the next round of rate cuts would soon commence, perhaps as early as September.
Reducing policy restrainttoo late or too little could unduly weaken economic activity and employment,” Powell said as part of his semiannual update on monetary policy. “More good data would strengthen our confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent.”
Let’s not mince words. What in the hell is he talking about?Schweizer, PeterBest Price: $10.54Buy New $18.15(as of 06:37 UTC – Details)
The implication is that the Fed never has to make amends. If the inflation genie gets out of the bottle and pushes the general price level sharply higher, why the thing to do is to just brake the surge and advise the people to lick their wounds with respect to the depleted value of their savings and the waning purchasing power of their paycheck.
In fact, current Fed policy is simply a one-way ratchet. If inflation exceeds its utterly arbitrary 2.00% target, there is no off-setting correction and restoration of purchasing power. Effectively cumulative inflation is written off as a bad debt.
Unfortunately for main street households and businesses, this embedded inflation-ratchet policy assumes inflation is an equal opportunity cipher. That is to say, even at the Fed’s sacrosanct 2.00% target, the cost of goods and services goes up 2.00% and so, purportedly, wages, rents, profits, interest and all other forms of income rise in lockstep. No one is worse for the inflationary wear—households and businesses just need to keep adjusting both sides of their income statements and balance sheets by the Fed’s preferred PCE deflator and all will be copacetic.
That’s absurd on its face, of course. Right from the get go its obvious that borrowers would get a windfall of depreciated debts and savers would suffer severe confiscation of wealth over even a quarter century—to say nothing of the one and two century debauch of the silver Denarius and dollar shown above. In fact, after 25-years at the Fed’s precise 2.00% target, borrowers would be 40% richer and savers 40% poorer than under a regime of true price stability.
Why in the world today’s central bankers insist upon punishing savers and rewarding borrowers is no mystery. They embrace lock, stock and barrel—whether they acknowledge it or not—the horrid Keynesian fallacy that capitalism is inherently defective because humankind is wont to excessively save and hoard when they should be spending freely and living high on the hog.
It’s really that simple. Even a decent regard for the truism that economic growth and wealth gains are a function of savings and investment would negate the Fed’s pro-inflation policy on its face. Yet as it has happened, the drastic bias of central bank policy in favor of borrowers in all sectors—government, business, households and finance—has essentially extinguished America’s generation of net national savings.
As shown below, the latter measures the entirety of savings in the household and business sectors minus government borrowings. Yet since the Fed began de facto inflation-targeting in the late 1980s, the net national savings rate has headed steadily toward the zero bound. In fact, during Q1 2024 it was actually -0.5% of GDP— a figure on the opposite side of the universe compared to the +7-10% of GDP levels that prevailed during the heyday of middle class prosperity prior to the era of Bubbles Alan Greenspan and his heirs and assigns.
Needless to say, when there is nothing left in the savings till after governments gorge themselves at the borrowing window, where is the investment for productivity and growth supposed to come from?
In truth, the Fed never troubles itself with the question of savings. If the word is even mentioned at all in its post-meeting communiques it’s in the context of a short-run downward blip in household spending levels owing mathematically to what usually amounts to a tiny and transient increase in the savings rate.
Still, seven decades of data do not lie. Systematically and relentlessly, the Fed’s baleful bias against savers and for borrowers has literally dried-up the US economy’s supply of growth oxygen.
Net National Savings Rate. 1955 to 2024
For want of doubt, here is the inflation-adjusted interest rate on a two-years savings instrument, proxied here by the risk-free yield on the two-year UST minus the Y/Y change in the 16% trimmed mean CPI. The chart obviously speaks for itself, but it needs be noted that during the entire 15-year period between July 2008 on the eve of the Great Financial Crisis and July 2023, the geniuses in the Eccles Building had pegged the real yield at negative levels!
Check Amazon for Pricing.Even now after what the acolytes at the Wall Street Journal call the most rapid rise in interest rates in two decades, the real yield in May was just +1.4%. So why in the world is that considered onerous—a threat to the Fed’s alleged twin goal of maximum employment?
Stated differently, if the US economy can’t stand real rates peeking above the zero bound at just 1.4% on two-year instruments and is therefore in dire need of a new round of rate cuts, how in the world can the net national savings rate be lifted out of the economic gutter where it now resides?
Of course, the Fed never mentions real interest rates, either, except for the squirrely extractions it derives by comparing yields on inflation-protected treasuries (TIPS) versus their fixed coupon counterparts. But that has absolutely nothing to do with real yields, and merely reflects trading games played by technicians down in the bond pits.
Inflation-Adjusted Yield On 2-Year USTs, 1984 to 2024
Then again, the Fed subscribes to what amounts to bathtub economics. It thinks growth happens when demand is stimulated up to the brim of potential GDP, and that left to its own devices free market capitalism always whiffs by saving too much and spending too little. So cheap interest rates become the instrument of macro-economic stimulus, purportedly goosing demand until the bathtub of spending is full to the brim and economic growth and employment are maximized.
Alas, in a fully integrated and seamless $110 trillion global economy, the bathtub model of domestic economics is just plain hideous nonsense. Yet here were are again with the Keynesian fools in the Eccles Building itching to restart the printing presses and drive real interest rates and the net national savings rate back into the economic dungeon below the zero bound.
Former Congressman David A. Stockman was Reagan’s OMB director, which he wrote about in his best-selling book, . His latest books are The Great Deformation: The Corruption of Capitalism in America and . He’s the editor and publisher of the new David Stockman’s Contra Corner. He was an original partner in the Blackstone Group, and reads LRC the first thing every morning.
Kelowna, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 16, 2024) – Strathmore Plus Uranium Corporation (TSXV: SUU) (OTCQB: SUUFF) (“Strathmore” or “the Company“) is pleased to announce a new discovery of uranium in the Middle sand, one mile south of the company’s expanding northern trend. All previous drilling encountered uranium mineralization only in the Lower sand. The middle sand was the most prolific producer historically in the Shirley Basin. This exciting southern discovery shows increasing grades and above average thickness.
Southeast Mineralized Trend (Middle Sand, Wind River Formation)
Hole ID
Latitude
Longitude
Depth (ft)
Top (ft)
Bottom (ft)
Thickness (ft)
Grade % eU3O8
Grade x Thickness
AG-135-24
42.30389
(106.27831)
120
16.0
32.5
16.5
0.035
0.578
AG-137-24
42.30365
(106.27874)
140
17.5
28.0
10.5
0.032
0.336
AG-138-24
42.30446
(106.27828)
120
36.5
40.5
4.0
0.062
0.248
AG-143-24
42.30500
(106.27869)
120
30.5
44.5
14.0
0.046
0.644
AG-147-24
42.30580
(106.27865)
120
29.0
44.5
15.5
0.051
0.791
Mr. John DeJoia said, “We are excited to hit a mile away. The initial results of the one mile step out to the south has opened a whole new aspect to the agate project. With the discovery of mineralization exhibiting good ISR GT’s (grade thickness), in the middle sand of the Wind River Formation, we now have the potential for a much larger area of mineralization development in an additional sand unit of the Wind River. This is much like the main roll system that was successfully mined to the east. The results of exploration at the Agate Project are responding as our geologic model predicted. We are very excited by this latest step out discovery.”
Mr. Terrence Osier, VP Exploration said, “We are extremely encouraged by the Agate project as we have greatly expanded the length of the northern trend from the 2023 discovery. We encountered uranium mineralization, one mile south, in the Middle sand of the Wind River Formation, the primary sand mined in Shirley Basin. The company had only encountered mineralization in the Lower sand before this. This Middle sand discovery increases our potential to have stacked roll fronts across portions of the property, which will greatly increase our resource potential. I look forward to ongoing work to model the uranium deposits we’ve drilled with results to guide our Phase 2 autumn exploration plans.”
This summer five core holes are planned to compliment groundwater studies from closely located monitor wells. The core will be used for chemical equilibrium studies and by the University of Wyoming for their ongoing geophysical research at the project. In autumn Phase 2 drilling of an additional 100 exploratory holes is scheduled. Planned drilling intends to expand the northern trend into untested ground, including on recently staked claims, and along the newly discovered, shallow Middle zone into deeper ground to the north. The intent of the exploration is to expand the mineralization on the property into a multi-zone deposit, with the potential of stacked roll fronts.
Note: The tabled geophysical results are based on equivalent uranium (eU3O8) of the gamma-ray probes calibrated at the Department of Energy’s Test Facility in Casper, Wyoming. A series E Century Geophysical logging tool with gamma-ray, spontaneous potential, resistivity, and drift detectors was utilized. The reader is cautioned that the reported uranium grades may not reflect actual concentrations due to the potential for disequilibrium between uranium and its gamma emitting daughter products.
About the Agate Property The Agate property consists of 85 wholly owned lode mining claims covering 1,756 acres. The uranium mineralization is contained in classic Wyoming-type roll fronts within the Eocene Wind River Formation, an arkosic-rich sandstone. Historically, 53 million pounds of uranium were mined in Shirley Basin, including from open-pit, underground, and the first commercial in-situ recovery operation in the USA during the 1960s. At the property, the uranium mineralization is shallow, from 20 to approximately 150 feet deep, much of which appears below the water table and likely amenable to in-situ recovery. Kerr McGee Corporation, the largest US uranium mining company at the time, drilled at least 650 holes across the project area in the 1970s, delineating several targets of potential mineralization. In 2023 and 2024, the Company completed 200 exploration holes on the Project, discovering several areas of potential mineralization. Additional drilling is planned for autumn 2024.
About Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. Strathmore is focused on discovering uranium deposits in Wyoming, and has three permitted uranium projects including Agate, Beaver Rim, and Night Owl. The Agate and Beaver Rim properties contain uranium in typical Wyoming-type roll front deposits based on historical drilling data. The Night Owl property is a former producing surface mine that was in production in the early 1960s.
Cautionary Statement: “Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”
Certain information contained in this press release constitutes “forward-looking information”, within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur”, “be achieved” or “has the potential to”. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Terrence Osier, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp., a Qualified Person.
ancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – June 20, 2024) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX“) is pleased to announce it has entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement“) with a wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Lender“) of Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE: FNV) (TSX: FNV) (“Franco-Nevada“) to borrow $35 million (the “Loan“). The Company will use the proceeds of the Loan to repay the $34.66 million outstanding balance of the loan owed to Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP (“Sprott“) and for general working capital purposes. The Company anticipates that the funding of the Loan will take place in July 2024.
The Company is pleased to further develop its working relationship with Franco-Nevada. In addition to the Loan arrangement, EMX and Franco-Nevada have jointly syndicated royalty purchases (e.g., Caserones) and are actively engaged in a joint venture seeking new royalty financing opportunities. Franco-Nevada is also a key EMX shareholder.
Credit Agreement – The Loan is structured as a $35 million senior secured term loan facility which matures on July 1, 2029. Interest is payable monthly at a rate equal to the three-month SOFR (i.e., Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus the applicable margin based on the ratio of the Company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA (see table below), adjusted quarterly.
Ratio of Net Debt / AdjustedEBITDA:
Applicable Interest Rate (per annum):
< 1.00:1
Term SOFR plus 300 basis points
>= 1.00:1 and <1.50:1
Term SOFR plus 325 basis points
>= 1.50:1 and <2.00:1
Term SOFR plus 350 basis points
>= 2.00:1 and <3.00:1
Term SOFR plus 375 basis points
>= 3.00:1
Term SOFR plus 425 basis points
On closing, the Company will pay a commitment fee equal to 1% of the principal amount of the Loan. During each year, up to $10 million of the Loan may be voluntarily prepaid without penalty, on a cumulative basis.
The Loan will be secured by a general security agreement over the assets of EMX and share pledges by certain of EMX’s subsidiaries, with the Lender retaining the ability, at any time, to designate certain material subsidiaries of the Company to be guarantors of the Loan and provide similar security. Certain covenants under the Credit Agreement, including restrictions on incurring indebtedness and encumbrances, shall apply to the Company and its subsidiaries. Closing and the advance of the Loan are subject to customary conditions precedent, including the delivery of the above-noted security.
All amounts referred to herein are to United States dollars.
About EMX – EMX is a precious and base metals royalty company. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.
About Franco-Nevada – Franco-Nevada Corporation is the leading gold-focused royalty and streaming company with the most diversified portfolio of cash-flow producing assets. Its business model provides investors with gold price and exploration optionality while limiting exposure to cost inflation. Franco-Nevada is debt free and uses its free cash flow to expand its portfolio and pay dividends. It trades under the symbol “FNV” on both the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the expected timing for the closing of the Loan, the satisfaction of the conditions of closing of the Loan and the expected use of proceeds from the Loan, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to the Company being unable to satisfy the conditions of closing of the Loan or being unable comply with the covenants under the Credit Agreement, including the repayment of any amounts owing under the Loan, and other factors.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2023, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.caand on the SEC’s EDGAR website atwww.sec.gov.