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Cadence Minerals (KDNC) – European Metals (AIM: EMH) – Proposed subscription by CEZ for a 51% interest in Geomet s.r.o.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note the update today from European Metals Holdings Limited (“European Metals” “EMH”) that it has today posted a circular to shareholders (the “Circular”) containing the details of the proposed subscription (the “Proposed Subscription”) of €34,061,265 by CEZ a.s. (“CEZ”) through its wholly-owned subsidiary SDAS, for 51% of Geomet s.r.o. the Company’s wholly owned Czech subsidiary and the holder of the Cinovec licences.
Cadence Minerals Holding in EMH
Cadence holds approximately 19.1 percent of the equity in European Metals, which, through its wholly owned Subsidiary, Geomet s.r.o. (“Geomet”), controls the mineral exploration licenses awarded by the Czech State over Cinovec.
Summary of the Agreement Terms
- Pursuant to the Exclusivity and Framework Agreement, CEZ has the option, but not the obligation, to subscribe through SDAS for such number of Geomet Shares as will result in SDAS holding Geomet Shares comprising fifty-one per cent. (51%) of the ownership interests and voting rights in Geomet, attached with the right to receive fifty-one per cent. (51%) of dividends, liquidation balance and other proceeds payable by Geomet to Geomet Shareholders following completion of the subscription.
- The amount to be paid by CEZ to Geomet under the option is in total approximately €34.06m, equivalent to approximately £29.15m and AUD55.25m. This compares to EMH’s market valuation of approximately £32.88m (€38.42m; AUD62.32m) based on the closing price of an EMH share in London of 21.8 pence on 19 November 2019, the day immediately before announcement by EMH of the Proposed Subscription. The amounts in GBP and AUD included above have been calculated using an average exchange rate for EUR/GBP and EUR/AUD respectively as at 18 November 2019.
- Completion of the Proposed Subscription is conditional, inter alia, on the satisfaction of the following conditions:
- completion of due diligence in respect of EMH and the Cinovec Project to the satisfaction of CEZ at its sole discretion;
- the passing of the Ordinary Resolution at the EMH Annual General Meeting, and delivery of a certified copy of the Ordinary Resolution to CEZ;
- agreement of the initial work programme and budget for Geomet; and
- CEZ and EMH agreeing the identity of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and the statutory auditor of Geomet to be appointed with effect from completion.
- EMH has agreed to provide CEZ with a period of exclusivity under the Exclusivity and Framework Agreement, with certain break fees payable by EMH if it does not proceed with the Proposed Subscription. In particular, EMH and Geomet have undertaken until 31 March 2020 not to conduct discussions or negotiations or enter into any agreement or arrangement with any person or entity other than CEZ or SDAS in respect of an acquisition of an interest over or in, and/or establishment of a joint venture, partnership or other cooperation in connection with, the Cinovec Project and/or Geomet, by any means.
- EMH and CEZ have also agreed the form of Geomet Shareholders’ Agreement which sets out their rights and obligations as shareholders in Geomet should CEZ exercise the option. The Geomet Shareholders’ Agreement includes certain minority shareholder protections with a number of reserved matters which require the approval of both CEZ and EMH, together with deadlock provisions in the event that on completion of the proposed work programme, the parties disagree on a construction decision.
Accordingly, shareholder approval to the Proposed Subscription is being sought at a General Meeting held by EMH at the office of White & Case LLP, 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1DW at 11.00am GMT on 20 December 2019.
AIM Rule 15
The proposed subscription by SDAS would constitute a fundamental change of business of EMH under Rule 15 of the AIM Rules and is therefore conditional on, inter alia, the passing of the Ordinary Resolution at the Annual General Meeting. EMH will, however, remain an operating minerals company under the AIM Rules given its remaining material minerals interest and ongoing involvement in the Cinovec Project after the Proposed Subscription has completed.
The full release, including the expected timetable of events and Chairman’s Letter can be found at: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/EMH/14335909.html
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For further information:
| Cadence Minerals plc | +44 (0) 207 440 0647 |
| Andrew Suckling | |
| Kiran Morzaria | |
| WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker) | +44 (0) 207 220 1666 |
| James Joyce | |
| James Sinclair-Ford | |
| Novum Securities Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 207 399 9400 |
| Jon Belliss |
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance) from CASS Business School.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ‘‘believe’’ ‘‘could’’ “should” ‘‘envisage’’ ‘‘estimate’’ ‘‘intend’’ ‘‘may’’ ‘‘plan’’ ‘‘will’’ or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) – European Metals (AIM: EMH) – Potential Strategic Partnership with CEZ and Significant Investment into Cinovec Project.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note the update today from European Metals Holdings Limited (“European Metals” “EMH” or “the Company”) that it has today reached conditional agreement with CEZ Group (“CEZ”), one of Central and Eastern Europe’s largest power utilities, regarding a potential strategic partnership and significant investment into the Cinovec Project (“Cinovec” or “the Project”).
If concluded, the agreement will see, subject to the successful completion of due diligence, shareholder, and other approvals, CEZ become a 51% shareholder in Geomet s.r.o. (“Geomet”), the Company’s Czech subsidiary and holder of the rights over the Project, for consideration of approximately EUR 34.06 million (approximately AUD 55.25 million) by subscribing for new shares in Geomet (the “Proposed Subscription”).
Cadence Minerals Holding in EMH
Cadence holds approximately 19.1 percent of the equity in European Metals, which, through its wholly owned Subsidiary, Geomet s.r.o. (“Geomet”), controls the mineral exploration licenses awarded by the Czech State over Cinovec.
Background to the Proposed CEZ Subscription
In July this year, European Metals announced that CEZ was conducting due diligence on the Company and the Cinovec Project, and that the successful outcome of the due diligence process could result in CEZ potentially becoming the Company’s largest shareholder and co-development partner for the Cinovec Project. Since then, European Metals and CEZ have held detailed discussions on the framework for CEZ’s participation in the Cinovec Project and today European Metals and CEZ entered into the Exclusivity and Framework Agreement.
European Metals considers that CEZ Group is an ideal strategic and financial partner for the Cinovec Project. In addition to CEZ’s financial strength, the Board believes that CEZ provides strong strategic relationships within the Czech Republic, the European Union and abroad. CEZ is a leader in power generation and distribution in the region and has plans to become heavily involved in the development of new energy systems. Through these battery industry activities, CEZ is expected to assist greatly in the securing of off take agreements for the Project
Headquartered in the Czech Republic, CEZ is an established, integrated energy group with operations in a number of Central and Southeastern European countries and Turkey. CEZ’s core business is the generation, distribution, trade in, and sales of electricity and heat, trade in and sales of natural gas, and coal extraction. CEZ Group has 33,000 employees and annual revenue of approximately EUR 7.24 billion.
The largest shareholder of its parent company, CEZ a. s., is the Czech Republic with a stake of approximately 70%. The shares of CEZ a.s. are traded on the Prague and Warsaw stock exchanges and included in the PX and WIG-CEE exchange indices. CEZ’s market capitalization is approximately EUR 10.08 billion.
As one of the leading Central European power companies, CEZ intends to develop several projects in areas of energy storage and battery manufacturing in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe.
CEZ is also a market leader for E-mobility in the region and has installed and operates a network of EV charging stations throughout Czech Republic. The automotive industry in Czech is a significant contributor to GDP and the number of EV’s in the country is expected to grow significantly in coming years.
AIM Rule 15
The Proposed Subscription would constitute a fundamental change of business for European Metals under Rule 15 of the AIM Rules. The Proposed Subscription is therefore conditional on, inter alia, Shareholder approval which will be sought at a General Meeting of the Company to be convened in due course. European Metals will, however, remain an operating minerals company under the AIM Rules given its remaining material interest and ongoing involvement in the Cinovec Project after the Proposed Subscription has completed, as described above.
The completion of the Proposed Subscription will not result in any changes to the European Metals board or management.
Further information
European Metals expects to publish shortly a circular to shareholders setting out further details of the Proposed Subscription, the Exclusivity and Framework Agreement and Geomet Shareholders’ Agreement, together with notice of the General Meeting and a further announcement will be made in due course.
The full release, including the Exclusivity and Framework Agreement can be found at: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/EMH/14314905.html
European Metals Managing Director Keith Coughlan said; “We are very pleased to have concluded another stage of negotiations with CEZ regarding the future development of the Cinovec Project. CEZ is one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic and one of the leading companies in Central and Eastern Europe, having a strong vision with regards to the construction of battery production facilities, renewable energy and power storage.
If concluded, this agreement will result in Cinovec being fully funded through to a construction decision and will assist greatly in the integration of Cinovec into the European battery market. The potential investment by CEZ further demonstrates EMH’s commitment to develop fully the Cinovec Project in conjunction with Czech industry, for the benefit of the country’s involvement in the battery and EV industries. With their blend of technical foresight, historic mining experience, strong balance sheet and involvement in the rapidly growing European Battery Industry, CEZ is the ideal partner for the Company.”
Cadence Minerals CEO Kiran Morzaria commented: “The proposed funding and development partnership between EMH and utility giant CEZ further underscores the importance of Cinovec as a key future battery grade lithium supplier to the European lithium market. As a major shareholder in EMH, we fully support the board in this major milestone step for the Company.”
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For further information:
| Cadence Minerals plc | +44 (0) 207 440 0647 |
| Andrew Suckling | |
| Kiran Morzaria | |
| WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker) | +44 (0) 207 220 1666 |
| James Joyce | |
| James Sinclair-Ford | |
| Novum Securities Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 207 399 9400 |
| Jon Belliss |
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance) from CASS Business School.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ‘‘believe’’ ‘‘could’’ “should” ‘‘envisage’’ ‘‘estimate’’ ‘‘intend’’ ‘‘may’’ ‘‘plan’’ ‘‘will’’ or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding Cadence’s future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) Notice of AGM and Share Consolidation
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to announce that it has has today posted a circular (the “Circular”) and notice of annual general meeting (the “AGM”), together with a form of proxy, to Shareholders of the Company.
Contained within the Circular and notice of AGM is a letter to shareholders describing the proposals for a share capital consolidation on a 1 for 100 basis. The resolution required to effect this will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM.
The Circular and notice of AGM is available on the Company’s website at:https://www.cadenceminerals.com/investors/aim-rule-26/
The AGM is to be held at 11:00 a.m. on 20 September 2019 at the offices of Hill Dickinson LLP, The Broadgate Tower, 8th Floor, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EW.
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For further information:
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The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014
Europe Thinks Like China in Building Its Own Battery Industry – Bloomberg
Article by Bloomberg – July 3rd 2019
- Governments working with industry and banks to spur technology
- At least $113 billion to be invested in battery supply chain
The European Union is starting to act like China when it comes to building the batteries that will drive the next generation of cars and trucks.
In the past few months, government officials led by European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic have joined with manufacturers, development banks and commercial lenders on measures that will channel more than 100 billion euros ($113 billion) into a supply chain for the lithium-ion packs that will power electric cars.
Germany and France are prodding for action out of concern that China is racing ahead in new technologies sweeping the auto industry. With 13.8 million jobs representing 6.1% of employment linked to traditional auto manufacturing in the EU, authorities want to ensure that manufacturers can pivot toward supplying electric cars and batteries.
“We are walking the talk,” Sefcovic said in remarks to Bloomberg. “We have overcome an initial resignation that this battle would be a lost one for Europe.”
A number of trends are catalyzing the program, starting with the determination by EU nations to rein in greenhouse gases and fight climate change. They’re increasingly focused on reducing pollution from diesel engines and alarmed at the head start Chinese companies have in greener technologies. French President Emmanuel Macron in February said he “cannot be happy with a situation where 100% of the batteries of my electric vehicles are produced in Asia.”
Drive Trains Go Electric
About 57% of cars will be driven by batteries by 2040, according to BloombergNEF research.
So far, the EU’s program is starting to work and putting Europe on track to wrest market share away from China. By 2025, European companies that currently lack a single large battery maker will rival the U.S. in terms of capacity, according to forecasts from BloombergNEF. Measures that will spur investment include:
- France and Germany are working on measures to channel billions of euros into the battery industry. Sefcovic has said the EC may be able to embrace the state-aid proposal as a special project by the end of October. The two nations are seeking to draw in additional support from Spain, Sweden and Poland.
- The European Investment Bank gave preliminary approval in May to a 350 million-euro loan supporting NorthVolt AB’s bid to build a battery gigafactory in Sweden after the company completed a fund raising.
- The EIB along with the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development are working on a “raw materials investment facility” that will help to build a supply chain for rare Earth metals needed for batteries, according to Sefcovic who says he hopes the program will be launched by the end of the year.
- The EU in May started a 100 million-euro Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund with Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and other investors to advance the energy transition, which is likely to include batteries.
- The EC has gathered at least 260 industrial companies including Peugeot SA, Total SA and Siemens AG in an alliance aimed at building capacity to make the energy storage devices in Europe.
“A year or two ago, everyone was under the impression that it was already too late for Europe,” said James Frith, an energy storage analyst at BloombergNEF in London. “But they’ve made a commitment, and Europe is in a strong position now.”
By 2025, Europe may control 11% of global battery cell manufacturing capacity, up from 4% now, according to Frith. That will pare back China’s market share and rival the U.S. command of the industry. The EC estimates the battery market may be worth 250 billion euros a year by then. It estimates at least 100 billion euros already has been committed to battery factories or their suppliers in Europe.
Europe’s market share in battery making is set to grow to 11% by 2025 from 4% this year. Source: BloombergNEF
The goal is to build enterprises in Europe that could supply the region’s automakers without requiring imports from the major battery manufacturing centers in Asia. Currently, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., or CATL, and BYD Co. dominate production in China. Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. is also building battery gigafactories in the U.S.
So far, Europe has no established battery supply chain, though it has drawn investment in local factories from Korean firms including LG Chem Ltd. and Samsung SDI Co.as well as CATL.
The new ambition of the commission is to stimulate companies big enough to supply the likes of BMW AG and Volkswagen AG, which plan a massive increase in electric car production. Across the industry, the outlook is for a rising portion of cars to run on batteries in the coming years.
No single company will get the lion’s share of the investment or aid. Instead, dozens will benefit in addition to Peugeot and Total, which are building a cell plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Funds will also trickle into suppliers of parts or raw materials including Siemens, Umicore SA, Solvay SA and Manz AG.
Scarred by losing control of the solar industry in the last decade, Germany is leading the push. The nation was the biggest producer of solar cells in the early 2000s before Chinese companies backed by government loans took the lead.
When it comes to batteries, Economy and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier is focused on the 800,000 jobs in Germany tied directly to car manufacturing. Batteries account for about a third of the value of an electric car, and without facilities to make those in Europe, more jobs will go to Asia, Altmaier has said.
“There’s going to be huge demand in Europe for battery cells,” Altmaier said on ARD Television in June. “We must have the ambition to build the best battery cells in the world in Europe and Germany.”
Sefcovic envisions 10 or 20 “gigafactories” making battery cells across Europe and with his support the European Battery Alliance is seeking to coordinate research that will be the foundation of the plan. NorthVolt intends to be one of the major battery makers, feeding BMW and other major automakers.
“If we want to be one of the major manufacturers in Europe by 2030 we need to build about 150 gigawatt-hours of capacity,’’ said NorthVolt Chief Executive Officer Peter Carlsson. “The customer demand is so strong that we are accelerating our plans. We have taken a huge step on the way to create a new Swedish industry that will have a big impact in cutting our dependence of fossil fuels.’’
Cadence Minerals Plc (KDNC) Acquisition of Lithium Assets in Australia
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY; “Cadence”) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire three highly prospective assets in Australia that are in regions with proven high-grade lithium mineralisation. The mechanism to facilitate this acquisition is via varying binding investment agreements in place with Lithium Technologies Pty Ltd (“LT”) and Lithium Supplies Pty Ltd (“LS”) that Cadence entered on 11 December 2017 to acquire up to 100% of six prospective hard rock lithium assets in Argentina.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Varying the agreements with LT & LS delivers Cadence with the opportunity to immediately start developing three highly prospective lithium projects in Australia, while still retaining Cadence’s exposure to the six assets in Argentina.
- The acquisition covers three projects – Picasso (Western Australia – WA), Litchfield (Northern Territories – NT) and Alcoota (NT) – that are located in regions with proven lithium mineralisation and supportive mining infrastructure
- The Picasso project (license granted) is near Alliance Mineral Assets’ (ASX: A40; SGX: 40F; “AMA”) high-profile Bald Hill Mine in WA (note: AMA recently completed a 50:50 A$400m+ merger with delisted Tawawa Resources [ASX: TAW] & raised $40M to develop the asset base)
- Demonstrating exploration upside for Picasso, the Bald Hill Mine is producing a spodumene concentrate and has a JORC (2012) compliant mineral resource of 26.5Mt @ 0.96% Li2O; probable ore reserves at 11.3Mt @ 1.01% Li2O
- The Litchfield project (license granted), located near Darwin (NT), is contiguous to Core Lithium’s (ASX: CXO) ground and has a JORC compliant mineral resource of 8.55Mt @ 1.33% Li2O for its Finnis project (for all six deposits)
- Finally, the Alcoota project (license to be-granted) is circa 145km NE of Alice Springs (NT) and has seen comparatively limited exploration, though significant geochemistry samples from 10km south of the project returned assays of 10.2% & 9.6% Li2O , with evidence suggesting there is a pegmatite zone within tenure prospective for lithium mineralisation
Kiran Morzaria, Chief Executive Officer, added:
“The Board is delighted with this variation agreement since it will enable the exploration team in Australia to commence work immediately on developing prime lithium assets, starting with the Picasso project in Western Australia. Alliance Mineral Assets’ recently raised AU$ 40 million to develop its lithium assets in the region, including its high-profile Bald Hill Mine, which located as it is nearby to Picasso, underlines the opportunity and potential upside for Cadence
More importantly, this transaction is strategically beneficial as the Australian projects were acquired without any material variation to the monetary value of the acquisition agreed over the six Argentina assets. At a stroke, this delivers Cadence three additional opportunities to create incremental value for shareholders while continuing to progress the highly prospective Argentina assets.”
OVERVIEW OF NEW AUSTRALIAN LITHIUM ASSETS
A more detailed summary of the key salient points for each of the lithium assets follows:
Picasso project, WA
The Picasso project is located 50km from the city of Norseman, which connects via rail to the southern Port of Esperance. Moreover, it is circa 40km south of the newly formed Alliance Mineral Assets’ (AMA) high-profile Bald Hill Mine. This region is well known for high-grade lithium mineralisation, with the formation of AMA (via a AU$400 million merger with now delisted Tawana Resources and AU$40 million in fresh exploration funding) providing demonstratable evidence.
Picasso’s proximity to the Bald Hill Mine (which commenced producing lithium spodumene concentrate in March 2018) is a significant positive feature since it is a high-grade economically viable deposit:
Ø The JORC (2012) compliant total mineral resource is 26.5Mt @ 0.96% Li2O (255.2k contained tonnes) & 149ppm Ta2O5 (8,600lbs contained); and;
Ø Probable ore reserves of 11.3Mt @ 1.01% Li2O (114.1kt contained) & 160ppm Ta2O5 (4,000lbs contained)
Further, demonstrating the region’s potential, Liontown Resources’ (ASX: LTR) latest drilling program (15km south of Picasso) has intersected excellent lithium mineralisation at its two projects: Buldania (41m @ 1.0% Li2O and 35m @ 1.2% Li2O) and Killaloe (58m @ 1.2% Li2O).
The Picasso project’s geology is very similar to occurrences in AMA’s and Liontown Resources’ ground, both of which both have proven lithium mineralisation. Specifically, the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) has mapped granitic pegmatites (which typically host lithium-bearing minerals such as spodumene) within the tenure.
Encouragingly, based on analysing GSWA maps, there are more outcropping granite units and mapped pegmatites in the Picasso project than AMA’s ground. Furthermore, significant weathering has potentially restricted identifying many more pegmatites at the surface, which demonstrates further exploration upside.
Litchfield project, NT
The Litchfield project is close to Darwin Port and supportive mining infrastructure but in a region considered mineral rich, yet materially under-explored. Litchfield is located in the Bynoe pegmatite field, which is known to host lithium mineralisation.
A huge positive for the Litchfield project is its proximity to its, Core Lithium, which has five demonstratable spodumene lithium deposits within 1-2km of the north-west boundary. These deposits, collectively called the Finniss project, have a JORC (2012) compliant total mineral resource of 7.25Mt @ 1.41% Li2O (excludes Sandras deposit further south).
Of these, the BP33 deposit, which is over 140m deep and 20-40m wide, has produced some spectacular intersections across several drill-holes:
- 75m @ 1.68 % Li2O including 55m @ 1.97% Li2O
- 36m @ 1.61% Li2O including 14m @ 2.05% Li2O
- 49m @ 1.02% Li2O
Interestingly, a closer examination of satellite imagery along the western boundary confirms the geology is comparable, highlighting the prospect of contiguous mineralisation. Notably, this shows within the Litchfield project that there is high potential for lithium pegmatite bodies to be apparent.
While negligible exploration for lithium has been undertaken in the Litchfield project (explaining a dearth of drilling & geochemical results), the exploration upside is significant given Core Lithium has produced some of the best intercepts in Australia.
Alcoota project, NT
The Alcoota project is circa 145km NE of Alice Springs but has seen limited lithium exploration. However, recent rock chip samples indicate there is strong potential to uncover high-grade spodumene mineralisation. Notably, Northern Cobalt (ASX: N27), which has several projects in the region targeting lithium mineralisation, identified a new zone of pegmatites 12km long by up to 2km wide that extends into the Alcoota project from the SE boundary. Furthermore, directly 10km south in the adjacent tenure, assay results for rock chip samples returned respective grades up to 10.2% & 9.6% Li2O.
Overall, with granites and related pegmatite-intruded schist units extending into the Alcoota project (from the south), it explains why analogous lithium mineralisation is highly likely apparent.
Priority exploration targets
The geology team have already identified priority and secondary targets for exploration within each of the projects. Further, as the Picasso and Litchfield projects are already granted, the immediate focus will be to expedite updating desktop reviews and commence field trips for surface sampling and assay, followed by a ranking of priority drilling targets.
Details of the Transactions
Cadence has agreed a variation to the agreements with LT and LS. As previously announced (click here), Cadence can acquire 100% of Lithium Technologies Pty Ltd and Lithium Supplies Pty.
The variation will result in LT & LS acquiring between them 100% of Synergy Prospecting Ltd (“Synergy”), which owns the three lithium projects in Australia. As two of Synergy’s assets are granted, Cadence has agreed to move forward with increasing is ownership in LT & LS form 4% to 31.5% via:
- Issuing 373,544,298 million Cadence shares to the founding shareholders of LT & LS valued at £400,000 (based on 14-day VWAP of £0.0107) to acquire a further 20% stake, which is in line with the terms of the original agreements; and
- £300,000 to earn an incremental 7.5% stake, with the funds earmarked to commence developing Synergy’s lithium assets in Australia.
The result of the variation would mean no change to the £ consideration to be paid for of LS and LT, however additional shares would be issued as a result of the change in the share price in Cadence between November 2017 and March 2019.
The principle terms for the acquisition for up to 100% of LT and LS is now as follows.
|
Stage |
Ownership % |
Total Ownership % |
Total Consideration or the Acquisition of Lithium Technologies Pty Ltd & Lithium Supplies Pty Ltd |
Purpose |
Status |
||
|
Cash Earn In £ |
Share Consideration Value £ |
Shares |
|||||
|
Stage 1 |
4% |
4% |
100,000 |
– |
– |
Earn-in early non-invasive exploration (pre -exploration permits being granted) |
Completed |
|
Stage 2 |
20% |
24% |
– |
400,000 |
373,544,298 |
On grant of exploration permits – acquisition of Lithium Technologies and Lithium Supplies shares |
To be completed on Cadence payment of shares |
|
Stage 3 |
7.50% |
31.5% |
300,000 |
– |
– |
Earn – in on commencement of exploration works after grant exploration permits |
To be completed on Cadence earn-in expenditure |
|
Stage 4 |
17.50% |
49% |
700,000 |
– |
– |
Earn – In on identification of suitable drill targets |
|
|
Stage 5 |
51% |
100% |
– |
1,750,000 |
1,634,256,305 |
1-year option to acquire all the outstanding share capital of Lithium Technologies and Lithium Supplies |
|
|
Total |
1,100,000 |
2,150,000 |
2,007,800,603 |
||||
The exploration team in Argentina continues to progress developing the assets and working with the regulator towards securing approval to scale up the exploration program, then formulate the inaugural drilling campaign.
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For further information:
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Cadence Minerals plc |
+44 (0) 207 440 0647 |
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Andrew Suckling |
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Kiran Morzaria |
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WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker) |
+44 (0) 207 220 1666 |
|
James Joyce |
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James Sinclair-Ford |
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Hannam & Partners LLP (Joint Broker) |
+44 (0) 207 907 8500 |
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Neil Passmore |
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Giles Fitzpatrick |
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Novum Securities Limited (Joint Broker) |
+44 (0) 207 399 9400 |
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Jon Belliss |
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance) from CASS Business School.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe” ”could” “should” ”envisage” ”estimate” ”intend” ”may” ”plan” ”will” or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals Plc (KDNC) – European Metals (AIM: EMH) Cinovec Drill Programme Update.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note the Cinovec Project drilling results published today by European Metals Holdings Limited (“European Metals” or “EMH”). Initial results from its current eight core-hole resource drilling programme announced by the Company on 5 November 2018 confirms that drilling of five of the eight holes has been completed. Drilling activities remain suspended and will resume after the end of the snow season. Analytical results for the fifth of the drill holes from the Cinovec South deposit are reported.
Key Points:
- Hole CIS-14 returned 67m averaging 0.43% Li2O (incl. 3m @ 0.99% Li2O and 0.18% Sn); 8m @ 0.67% Li2O and 0.20% Sn (incl. 4.15m @ 1.00% Li2O and 0.35% Sn); 8m @ 0.21% Sn, 4m @ 0.39% Sn; and 3m @ 0.20% Sn.
The drill hole results are very similar to predictions from European Metals’ current geological model, again demonstrating the quality and robustness of the geological and resource model.
Lithological intervals, incl. rhyolite / granite contact and zones of alteration, were intersected where predicted with a high level of accuracy. Also, the Li, Sn and W grades measured corresponded to the block model.
Cadence holds approximately 19.1 percent of the equity in European Metals, which, through its wholly owned Subsidiary, Geomet s.r.o., controls the mineral exploration licenses awarded by the Czech State over Cinovec.
The full release can be found at: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/EMH/13984412.html
Cadence Minerals CEO Kiran Morzaria commented: “Once again Cadence are pleased to note the progress made by CEO Keith Coughlan and the European Metals team at the Cinovec lithium and tin project drilling programme. As Keith points out in the EMH announcement, the drilling results have either been in line with, or exceeded expectations set out by the geological and resource model, so we now look forward to the impact of these results on the project economics over the next few weeks.”
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For further information:
| Cadence Minerals plc | +44 (0) 207 440 0647 |
| Andrew Suckling | |
| Kiran Morzaria | |
| WH Ireland Limited (NOMAD & Broker) | +44 (0) 207 220 1666 |
| James Joyce | |
| James Sinclair-Ford | |
| Hannam & Partners LLP (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 207 907 8500 |
| Neil Passmore | |
| Giles Fitzpatrick | |
| Novum Securities Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 207 399 9400 |
| Jon Belliss |
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance) from CASS Business School.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ‘‘believe’’ ‘‘could’’ “should” ‘‘envisage’’ ‘‘estimate’’ ‘‘intend’’ ‘‘may’’ ‘‘plan’’ ‘‘will’’ or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals #KDNC Restructuring of Loan Note
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) announced on the 1 November 2017 that it had repaid US$6.45 million of its US$12.9 million loan note and restructured the remaining US$6.45 million as two separate convertible loan notes (“Convertible Notes”), which were due to mature at the end of September 2018.
Cadence is pleased to announce that it has refinanced the Convertible Notes by agreeing a US$4.87 million amortizing loan note with a consortium of institutional lenders. The loan will be primarily used to repay the outstanding balances due on the Convertible Notes (US$4.2 million) and future interest payments. The loan will attract an effective 9% per annum and has a principle repayment holiday until 1st January 2019. After which the loan will be paid via equal instalments over a 12-month period, with the principle being fully repaid by the 1st December 2019. The note is secured over the Company’s assets.
Appointment of Joint Broker
The Company is pleased to announce that is has appointed Novum Securities Limited as joint broker to the Company with immediate effect.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
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For further information:
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About Cadence Minerals:
Cadence is dedicated to smart investments for a greener world. The planet needs rechargeable batteries on a global scale – upcoming supersized passenger vehicles, lorries and buses – require lithium and other minerals to achieve this goal. Cadence is helping find these minerals in new places and extracting them in new ways, which will meet the demand of this burgeoning market.
Cadence invests across the globe, principally in lithium mining projects. Its primary strategy is taking significant economic stakes in upstream exploration and development assets within strategic metals. We identify assets that have strategic cost advantages that are not replicable, with the aim of achieving lower quartile production costs. The combination of this approach and seeking value opportunities allows us to identify projects capable of achieving high rates of return.
The Cadence board has a blend of mining, commodity investing, fund management and deal structuring knowledge and experience, that is supported by access to key marketing, political and industry contacts. These resources are leveraged not only in our investment decisions but also in continuing support of our investments, whether it be increasing market awareness of an asset, or advising on product mix or path to production. Cadence Mineral’s goal is to assist management to rapidly develop the project up the value curve and deliver excellent returns on its investments.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this announcement are or may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ”believe” ”could” “should” ”envisage” ”estimate” ”intend” ”may” ”plan” ”will” or the negative of those variations or comparable expressions including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors’ current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s future growth results of operations performance future capital and other expenditures (including the amount. nature and sources of funding thereof) competitive advantages business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Directors’ current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions competition environmental and other regulatory changes actions by governmental authorities the availability of capital markets reliance on key personnel uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. The Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.