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Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS, ASX: MIO) makes application for additional tenure adjacent to flagship Lake Giles Iron Project to support planned DSO operation
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has advised that it has made an application for a Miscellaneous Licence covering an area of 74 hectares adjacent to its flagship Lake Giles Iron Project in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia.
The tenure, which is adjacent to the Snark deposit of the Ularring Hematite Project, will support Macarthur’s non-process infrastructure for its planned direct-shipping iron ore (“DSO”) campaign, initially targeting mining of the Snark and Drabble Downs deposits at Lake Giles.
A figure accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55cc022b-92db-4bf9-898f-1862e15aad8d
Macarthur recently executed an Access Agreement to support the Application over this ground with its long-term associate, local prospector Mel Dalla-Costa. Macarthur intends to advance the Application as quickly as possible to allow the Company to target commencement of DSO production at the earliest available opportunity. The tenure will accommodate the mining operations centre that includes support infrastructure such as vehicle workshops, water storage, site offices, fuel supply and product stockpiling and loadout facilities.
Macarthur Minerals CEO Andrew Bruton commented: “Macarthur continues to advance mine and transport planning for a DSO mining operation at Ularring. This tenure application is another important step towards that objective.
The earliest commencement of revenue generating activities remains one of the Company’s key priorities. With a clear view of the transport logistics challenges that are always evident in a heated commodity market, Management has been taking time over the last several months to ensure that this objective can be optimised in its delivery, to enable the Company to take advantage of current iron ore prices.
The market has been patiently awaiting further details on our progress, and as we continue to advance arrangements for the mining of DSO at Ularring, we expect to provide further updates on this and other planned product export activities shortly.”
Link here for the full Macarthur announcement: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lake-giles-ularring-dso-macarthur-120000697.html?guccounter=1
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Results for the year ended 31 December 2020
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to announce its final results for the year ended 31 December 2020. A copy of the full results will be made available on the Company’s website at https://www.cadenceminerals.com/ and will be posted to shareholders today.
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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.
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 |
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James Joyce |
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James Sinclair-Ford |
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CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
I am pleased to present the Company’s Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
In my previous statement to you as Chairman, I surmised that the economic contraction, whilst severe and turbulent, would hopefully recover rapidly due to global stimulus measures. Today, despite the persistent dislocations and disruptions of the global pandemic, this view is supported by several key metrics, including higher commodity prices.
On behalf of the Board of Directors (“Board”) and management, I wish to express our thanks and gratitude to all our service providers, consultants, advisors and most importantly to our shareholders for their support throughout a difficult year. Despite the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the Board and the Company have been able to operate efficiently and successfully. We are well-positioned to transition back to our regular pre-COVID work schedule as and when that is permitted. Our sincere hope that all within our community have kept themselves and their families safe and well.
Without any specific order or priority, our Board wishes to congratulate the successes and achievements of our portfolio companies. Bacanora has successfully negotiated agreements with one of the Worlds biggest Lithium producers, European Metal Holdings has continued to develop Cinovec, the largest hard rock Lithium deposit in Europe, Macarthur Minerals has taken great strides forward with the Lake Giles Iron project and its respective BFS, and Hastings Technology Metals has been at the front and centre of the global focus on rare earth metals. While remaining as supportive shareholders to these companies, our Board remains focused on unlocking and accelerating the value across our entire portfolio. To this extent, despite the challenges thrown up by COVID in conducting thorough due diligence, we have continued to look for new investment opportunities to complement our geographic and geological spread.
The pandemic has provided new perspectives on developing our portfolio, none more so than at our key pending investment – the Amapa Iron Ore (“Amapa Project”) project in Brazil. The main priority for the Board has been following the processes and protocols outlined in the Judicial Review Procedure, which have been meticulously and publicly disclosed at every step of the journey. Our management team have maintained a patient and persistent approach, following what was always expected to be a protracted route to bring the mine and community back to life. Today, supported by a 21% increase in total mineral resources compared to the equivalent MRE published by Anglo American 2012 and with the global supply of iron ore still falling short of predicted global demand, the Amapa opportunity looks better than ever.
The unprecedented levels of global economic stimulus, combined with a focus on infrastructure and an overarching need for strategic supply chains for metals and minerals, suggests our portfolio is well-positioned to benefit. Commodity prices have responded to a rapid economic recovery, especially in China. If legislated clean energy goals, electric vehicle production and infrastructure spending is executed and adopted as announced by the incumbent administrations around the globe. In that case, we envisage strong demand growth for the underlying commodities at the heart of the Cadence portfolio. We do not predict prices, but it is worth noting that peak predictions often come at peak prices. As such, our focus on the long-term fundamentals of each commodity allows for a more sustainable and longer-term investment thesis.
While the challenges of the pandemic remain in focus, I would like to conclude by personally thanking our Cadence Community, management, fellow Board members, staff and partners and of course, all Shareholders for their continued support and confidence in the Company.
Andrew Suckling
Non-Executive Chairman, 29 June 2021
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTARY
I am pleased to present the audited results for the year ended 31 December 2020. Alongside the financial statements and supporting notes, a full review of business activities during the year is provided within the Strategic Report.
Given the results presented for the period ended 31 December 20, they reflect a historical position in terms of the Company progress and its financial position, so we have included within the Strategic Report further information on key events post year-end.
Despite 2020 being a year of turbulence, Cadence has continued to pursue its strategic objectives because we believe that assets that are undervalued, de-risked, or have strategic advantages will outperform their peers in the long term. During 2020 this strategy bore fruit with the Company delivering both a net profit of £7.8 million (2019 loss of £1.9 million) and reporting considerable progress across its key investments. Furthermore, in 2020, the Company repaid the vast majority of its outstanding convertible debt and in April 2021 repaid it entirely.
The challenges faced with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier in 2020 presented the Company with some potentially large risks to its concentration of investments. In October 2020, the IMF stated that the total bill for the global pandemic would reach some $28tn (£21.5tn) in lost output. The rapid intervention by global governments with rate cuts, looser monetary policies and fiscal stimulus has certainly avoided a financial catastrophe, but at the same, increased demand for commodities. Historically the consequences of such events invariably see a strong recovery in commodity markets. This factor was clearly in evidence as 2020 progressed. Prices of commodities such as Iron Ore and Nickel and precious metals including Gold and Silver all increased in value.
In the wake of the sharp economic contractions in 2020, the IMF forecast that only China was expected to emerge with any economic growth during the year. 2021 is set to be a different story, however, and with the vaccine rollout accelerating globally, there are expectations for sharp recoveries across most leading economies. Added to this, the new $1.9tn stimulus package in the US from the Biden administration will see heavy investment into ageing US infrastructure. These factors should ensure sustained demand and pricing for iron ore and base metals.
There is also the revolution taking place within the automotive industry to consider. The move towards EV’s is accelerating rapidly, with a plethora of commitments from key automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Volvo, BMW and Jaguar to switch to electric-only production in the next few years. This move, of course, sounds the death knell for the internal combustion engine, but at the same time is driving the cost of battery metals and component commodities such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite.
The net effect is that specific commodities and minerals assets that we have invested in are undergoing a significant global resurgence. I believe that our diverse and complementary nature of investments is uniquely positioned, with downside risk protection and several potential scenarios which could create substantial value to the Company
Our portfolio has been focused on two main investments, and the first is the private Amapa Project. The terms of our investment and the judicial recovery plan were finalised in 2019. The key outstanding item for Cadence to complete its initial US$2 million (20%) investment in the Amapa Project is the execution of a settlement agreement with the secured bank creditors. During the year, we reached an agreement in principle with secured banks creditors. At the time of writing, we understand the secured creditors either have credit committee approval or are awaiting it. The final settlement agreement has been circulated and is with the respective legal teams for review.
Given the time it had taken for the secured bank creditors to obtain internal approval for the settlement agreement in February 2021, the Commercial Court of São Paulo (“the Court”) ruled that DEV Mineração S.A’s (“DEV”) the owner of the Amapa Project could commence the shipment of the iron ore stockpiles situated at DEV’s wholly-owned port in Santana, Amapa, Brazil. DEV was permitted to export sufficient iron ore to realise a US$10 million profit from the Amapa stockpiles at the port. As of the end of June 2021, DEV had shipped three of the estimated four shipments of 58% iron ore required to net US$ 10 million profit. DEV is also contracted to carry out logistical and shipping activities for third parties who have stockpiles held at DEV’s port.
Despite the lack of a settlement agreement, Cadence, our joint venture partners, Indo Sino Pte Ltd (“Indo Sino”), and DEV determined that it was essential to progress the Amapa Project. In this vein, we completed an updated mineral resource statement increasing the total mineral resources by 21%. In addition, we have commenced various other work streams which will enable us to complete and a pre-feasibility study.
As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, the opportunity to invest in such a project is rare within our industry, and we believe this project provides us with a potentially transformative asset for our Company. The Amapa Project gives Cadence the potential for an exceptional return on investment in the run-up to full production and an opportunity to become a significant shareholder in a mid-tier iron ore producer.
The second of our key investments is European Metals Holdings (“EMH”), whose strategy is to become a Czech based lithium and tin producer. During the year, EMH’s Cinovec Project has been significantly de-risked and is moving rapidly towards a final investment decision. The year was marked primarily by the completion of an agreement with CEZ a.s., the Czech national power utility, by which CEZ became a 51% shareholder of the Project Company, Geomet and injected approximately EUR 29 million into Cinovec. This agreement not only provides all necessary funding to move the Project to the final investment decision, but it also provides strong business and management support within the Czech Republic.
I would like to record my thanks to the team members at Cadence and our investee companies who have all worked incredibly hard to bring the Company and its investment to its present strong position. We continue to deliver on identifying opportunities in line with our investment strategy, and we believe the concentration of risk across a few key assets and commodities will bear fruit. Our investments have some downside protection, optionality and exposure to potentially significant upside.
We look forward to continuing to actively assess investment opportunities as well as managing them actively and diligently.
Kiran Morzaria
Chief Executive Officer, 29 June 2021
Link here for the full review and financial statements
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS, ASX: MIO) to sharpen focus on iron ore delivery: Pilbara Gold and Copper assets and new Leonora Gold tenements to underpin new ASX listing.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has announced that it intends to spin-out its non-iron ore assets in the Pilbara into Infinity Mining Limited (Infinity) (previously Macarthur Australia Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Macarthur). Infinity currently holds the Company’s Pilbara gold/copper/lithium tenements (Pilbara Assets) through Infinity’s subsidiary company, Macarthur Lithium Pty Ltd (MLi). The Company proposes to undertake an initial public offering of Infinity (IPO) and apply for its listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Why the spin-out is positive for Macarthur shareholders
This strategy will fast track further exploration and the future development potential of the Pilbara Assets and allow Macarthur to focus solely on the development of its flagship iron ore projects situated at Lake Giles in the Yilgarn region of south-western, Western Australia.
Infinity also holds an exclusive right to undertake due diligence on 10 historic gold/copper tenements in the Leonora area of the Central Goldfields region of Western Australia, held by Zanil Pty Ltd (Zanil) (Central Goldfields Assets). An independent technical report on the Pilbara Assets and the Central Goldfields Assets has been compiled to support a transaction, and Infinity and Zanil are in advanced discussions on the terms of a sale and purchase agreement. Subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence on the Central Goldfields Assets by Infinity, it is intended that those assets will be vended into Infinity following the listing of Infinity on ASX.
This combined asset exploration and development strategy means that Macarthur’s post listing shareholding in Infinity will have the potential to drive further value in Macarthur for the benefit of its shareholders.
The Company will provide further details with respect to the spin out transaction and IPO listing in a subsequent news release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/278e3519-a039-497d-93f7-9ac330fa193d
Link to the full announcement, including details of all Pilbara and Central Goldfields assets and work undertaken to date here https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macarthur-minerals-sharpen-focus-iron-120000717.html
Joe Phillips, Managing Director of Macarthur Minerals commented: “Macarthur’s board has carefully considered all available options and we believe the value of the Pilbara gold/copper/lithium assets is not reflected in the current share price of Macarthur and see this as a way to create additional value for shareholders via a priority IPO spin off to be listed on the ASX. The addition of the Central Goldfields Assets into the portfolio will provide the new company access to potential surface gold historically identified that may be Toll treated through regional gold mines. The new vehicle will evaluate opportunities outside of the iron ore space, and will ensure that Macarthur retains its primary focus on the Lake Giles Iron Project. The Company will provide further details with respect to the spin out transaction and IPO listing in a subsequent news release.”
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) Targets Acceleration of Lake Giles DSO Campaign With Mine Planning Work to Commence at Ularring.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has announced that it is advancing mine planning work to support intended hematite mining operations at Lake Giles in Western Australia.
The Company has commenced work to prepare a mine plan for a direct shipment ore (DSO) product under a mining campaign which will initially target the deposits of the Lake Giles Ularring Hematite Project.
In 2012 the Company completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) of the Ularring Hematite Project (“Project”) that included beneficiation of low-grade iron mineralisation. Given the current strength of the global iron ore market, the Company considers there is scope for development of a simple DSO operation with mobile crushing and screening equipment. The Company’s mine planning work will be premised on this basis, targeting a low capital, rapid development scenario.
This low-cost approach does not diminish the potential for a beneficiated sinter fines product as envisaged in the original 2012 PFS.
The Snark and Drabble Downs deposits are located in close proximity to the Evanston-Menzies road that is currently being used for ore haulage by local gold mining operators. This road provides direct access to sealed highways to both Geraldton and Esperance ports as well as open access rail networks.
The Company has engaged with road haulage contractors and has identified rail and export options utilising existing regional infrastructure. Additionally, the Company has made applications for miscellaneous licences to support the development of a mining camp and mining services infrastructure and is in discussions with neighbouring tenement holders for access to water bores.
Highlights:
- NI 43-101 Technical Report filed October 1, 2012, titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report, Macarthur Minerals Limited, Pre-Feasibility Study, Ularring Hematite Project, Western Australia.”
- The detailed mine planning work focuses on the hematite deposits located at the Snark and Drabble Downs prospects where direct shipment ore (DSO) product has been defined. The work to be undertaken will support regulatory approval of a Mining Proposal and tendering of contract mining services, and will include:
- project optimization;
- mine design and layout;
- mine scheduling of DSO;
- mining cost estimation; and
- implementation planning.
The mine planning and associated geotechnical assessment work is expected to be completed by the end of June, and Macarthur intends to lodge a mining proposal with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) during Q3 this year.
The Company has identified options for an export pathway to support planned DSO mining operations and is aiming to complete arrangements for its preferred product transport and export solution shortly.
Following approval of the mine plan by DMIRS and subject to securing remaining project development approvals and closing project financing, the Company intends to target commencement of DSO production at Ularring at the earliest available opportunity.
Andrew Bruton, Chief Executive Officer of Macarthur Minerals commented: “Iron ore is experiencing one of the largest price surges in decades, and our shareholders have been eagerly anticipating the Company’s advancement of early hematite mining operations at Ularring. The current market has presented both opportunities and challenges over the last several months as the Company navigates an increase in competitive demand for transport infrastructure and port access. Macarthur’s Management team has risen to the challenge and has worked to advance a solution which aims to take advantage of the current strength in iron ore prices by advancing early mining operations.
Early mining operations will also support the Company’s aim of commencing high grade magnetite mining operations at its Moonshine and Moonshine North deposits following the completion of the current Feasibility Study process. We are pleased to finally provide the market with the details of the next step towards this much anticipated corporate milestone being completed, and I look forward to keeping investors informed of the exciting developments along the pathway towards achieving our first shipment of iron ore. Further announcements on progress will follow in the coming weeks.”
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macarthur-targets-acceleration-lake-giles-120000075.html
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Feasibility Study Update: Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) moves ahead with mine design for Lake Giles Iron Project
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has updated on the progress made on the mining and haulage components of the Feasibility Study for the Lake Giles Iron Project. Macarthur has been working with Orelogy Mining Consultants (“Orelogy”) and Pells Sullivan Meynink (“PSM”) on the mine design and road haulage aspects of the Project.
Highlights:
- Macarthur engagement of Orelogy and PSM on mine design, geotechnical design and road haulage pricing.
- Request for Budget Pricing (“RFBP”) submitted to contract mining and road haulage operators to establish contractor pricing for operations.
- Geotechnical drilling program defined for the Moonshine and Moonshine North pits to establish geotechnical parameters for final pit designs.
Macarthur has been working with mining consultants Orelogy and geotechnical engineers from PSM on the mine design for the Lake Giles Iron Project. Orelogy has completed preliminary pit optimisations, designs, scheduling and project layouts to support an operation targeting production of 3 Mtpa (dry) magnetite concentrate. Additionally, PSM has been supporting the mine design through a geotechnical review of drill core and project geology.
A request for budget pricing (RFBP) has been submitted to several local mining contractors for contract mining and road haulage services including:
- Site establishment
- Site preparation
- Drill and Blast
- Excavate, load and haul
- Road haulage to the railhead
- Road maintenance
- Loading of rail wagons
PSM has designed a diamond drill program to obtain detailed geotechnical parameters for final pit designs. Macarthur is currently engaging with drilling contractors to undertake this drill program as soon as possible.
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://macarthurminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MMS-NR-FS-update-Mine-Design_15-April-2021.pdf
Macarthur Minerals CEO Andrew Bruton commented: “Macarthur is pleased to be working with Orelogy and PSM on this important component of the Feasibility Study for the magnetite mining operations at Lake Giles. An extensive body of work is being undertaken on the mine design and geotechnical design and securing contractor pricing for mining and road haulage costs is important to ensure that mining operations can be optimised. This budget pricing information will help inform the next phase of work that Orelogy and PSM will be undertaking.
The Macarthur feasibility study team continues to make significant progress and is critically examining options for mine design that will maximise the value of the project for the benefit of shareholders. You can see from the preliminary design diagram that the mine pits and scale of the operation is huge. The area of the pits stretch over 6 kilometres and we are only currently focused on the first 20 plus years of mine and plant life. The scale of a billion-tonne magnetite resource in such close proximity to existing rail and port infrastructure is very unique globally. I am ensuring that the project steps are incremental so that Macarthur has the capacity and internal resources to bring the first stage into production.
We look forward to updating the market as the Feasibility Study continues to progress.”
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) applies for additional tenements to support groundwater drilling campaign following completion of AEM Survey
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has made applications for tenements to support a groundwater search drilling programme following the successful completion by CGG Aviation of a Tempest airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey of palaeovalleys adjacent to the Lake Giles Iron Project.
Highlights:
- Macarthur continues to work with consulting hydrogeologists from Rockwater Pty Ltd (“Rockwater”) to define a source for process water requirements for magnetite processing at its Lake Giles Iron Project.
- The Goldfields region contains numerous buried palaeovalleys that are likely to contain large volumes of groundwater. Such systems are currently exploited to supply process water demands for other Goldfields operations such as BHP’s Nickel West, Glencore’s Murrin Murrin Nickel Project and Gold Road’s Gruyere Gold Project.
- The western limb of the Rebecca palaeovalley is located approximately 15 to 40 km east of the Lake Giles Iron Project and extends over 160 km North to South. This system is expected to contain abundant groundwater and is currently not exploited by other operators.
- Macarthur recently completed an airborne AEM survey covering an area of 970 km2across the Rebecca palaeovalley. Preliminary results have been obtained with additional data processing ongoing to generate detailed information to map the palaeovalley geometry. Macarthur has now made applications for two groundwater search miscellaneous licences covering an area of 553 km2 across the prospective zone interpreted from the AEM survey. The Company is now preparing to undertake a groundwater exploration program targeting approximately 30 holes to obtain detailed information on water flows and water quality.
- The Tempest AEM system is suited to conductivity mapping and has previously been utilised for mapping the location, extent and basement topography of palaeodrainage systems. Interpretation of the data collected will be undertaken by hydrogeologists from Rockwater, who are experts in the application of hydrogeological surveys, to define suitable drill targets for groundwater exploration
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lake-giles-feasibility-study-macarthur-120000645.html
Commenting on the new appointments, Andrew Bruton, Chief Executive Officer of Macarthur
Minerals stated: “Macarthur’s applications for two Miscellaneous Licences to support planned groundwater search activities is another important step forward for the Lake Giles Iron Project Feasibility Study. Following completion of analysis of the AEM survey data, Macarthur will work with consulting hydrologists from Rockwater, to identify suitable drill targets.
The Company plans to commence groundwater exploration activities as soon as possible following the grant of the relevant tenements. This important programme of work will enable the Company to test the quantity and quality of water required to support its magnetite processing requirements, and it will form part of a much broader scope of site-based activities planned by the Company at Lake Giles this year.
Step by step, the Macarthur team is working through every aspect of the Lake Giles Iron Project to ensure the delivery of a robust Feasibility Study that has the potential to deliver a valuable and sustainable high-grade magnetite project for its shareholders. We look forward to providing many more updates on progress in the coming months.”
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) bolsters team with world-class technical appointments to enhance delivery of Lake Giles Feasibility Study
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has appointed two leading experts to its owners’ team, to enhance the delivery of the Feasibility Study for its high-grade magnetite Lake Giles Iron Project in Western Australia.
Highlights of Appointments
- Mineral Processing Engineer – Dr Richard Peck: Highly regarded Mineral Processing Engineer, Dr Richard Peck appointed to provide technical minerals processing support for Macarthur’s owners’ team.
- Mining Engineer – Mr Bernard Holtshousen: Globally recognized and experienced Mining Engineer and corporate executive, Mr Bernard Holtshousen appointed to provide technical and practical support to optimise the Company’s mining and development approach at Lake Giles.
- Appointments will provide enhanced rigour to the study process and to ensure that the Feasibility Study is delivered within expected timeframes.
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://macarthurminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NR-FS-Update-Technical-appt_-23-March-2021.pdf
Commenting on the new appointments, Andrew Bruton, Chief Executive Officer of Macarthur
Minerals stated: “Dr Peck and Mr Holtshousen are highly experienced in their respective fields of minerals processing and mine engineering. They bring enviable experience on a global scale to Macarthur, and the appointments are another smart step to ensure that Macarthur’s owners’ team is appropriately supported with the disciplines necessary to deliver a robust study that is capable of withstanding the rigour of technical and financial due diligence as we move through project financing.
The most important factor in assembling the Macarthur owners’ team is to ensure that it includes experienced professionals who have overseen successful mining and magnetite processing operations.
The deliberate decision to combine the expertise of Dr Peck and Mr Holtshousen is aimed at ensuring that the Macarthur owners’ team can facilitate responsible strategies and improve the efficiency of operations in the magnetite mining and processing at Lake Giles so that Management can aim to deliver the best economic value for the Company’s assets for the benefit of its shareholders.
Macarthur will continue to build a world class project delivery team that is required to successfully bring the Lake Giles Iron Project out of the ground. We welcome Richard and Bernard to the Macarthur team.”
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) Lake Giles Feasibility Study Update.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) has announced that it engaged CGG Aviation to undertake a Tempest airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey of palaeovalleys adjacent to the Lake Giles Iron Project to assist in the identification of groundwater drilling targets. CGG mobilised to site on 10 March 2021 and the aerial survey was completed over a period of 5 days.
Highlights:
- Survey covered an extensive area of the Rebecca palaeovalley in close proximity to the Lake Giles Iron Project where a large quantity of groundwater is expected to occur.
- Tempest AEM survey successfully employed in previous groundwater aquifer interpretations.
- Drill targets will be defined from AEM surveys with subsequent drilling planned during the first part of this year to test quality and quantity of water to support magnetite processing requirements.
Macarthur has been working with consulting hydrogeologists from Rockwater Pty Ltd (“Rockwater”) to define a source for process water requirements for magnetite processing at its Lake Giles Iron Project.
The Goldfields region contains numerous buried palaeovalleys that are likely to contain large volumes of groundwater. Such systems are currently exploited to supply process water demands for other Goldfields operations such as BHP’s Nickel West, Glencore’s Murrin Murrin Nickel Project and Gold Road’s Gruyere Gold Project. The western limb of the Rebecca palaeovalley is located approximately 15 to 40 km east of the Lake Giles Iron Project and extends over 160 km North to South. This system is expected to contain abundant groundwater and is currently not exploited by other operators.
Macarthur engaged CGG Aviation to undertake an airborne AEM survey covering an area of 970 km2. Electromagnetic data was collected from the survey which was conducted over 1,322 line kilometres at a line spacing of 800m. The Tempest AEM system is suited to conductivity mapping and has previously been utilised for mapping the location, extent and basement topography of palaeodrainage systems. Interpretation of the data collected will be undertaken by hydrogeologists from Rockwater, who are experts in the application of hydrological surveys, to define suitable drill targets for groundwater exploration.
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://macarthurminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MMS-NR-FS-update-AEM-Survey_16-March-2021.pdf
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
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For further information:
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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 Minerals Plc’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 Cadence Minerals Plc. Although any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions. Cadence Minerals Plc cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements.
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) Announces Spin-Out of its Pilbara Gold Copper Tenements to Timeless Capital.
Cadence Minerals (AIM/NEX: KDNC; OTC: KDNCY) is pleased to note that Macarthur Minerals (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the “Company” or “Macarthur”) and Timeless Capital Corp. (TSX-V: TLC.P) (“Timeless”) have entered into a letter of intent in respect of a proposed transaction (the “Transaction”), whereby Timeless shall acquire: (i) from Macarthur, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Macarthur Lithium Pty Ltd (“MLi”), a portfolio of Macarthur’s Pilbara, Western Australia tenements (“Pilbara Assets”) plus CAD$1.4 million in cash which Macarthur may choose to fund from the value derived from Macarthur’s shareholding in FE Limited (collectively, the “Macarthur Contribution”), and (ii) from Zanil Pty Ltd. (“Zanil”), an Australian company, a portfolio of gold copper tenements, located near Leonora in Western Australia (“Central Goldfield Assets”), in exchange for equity of Timeless (collectively, the “Transaction”) which assets were optioned by Macarthur to undertake due diligence under the recently announced agreement with Zanil.
It is anticipated that following completion of the Transaction:
- Macarthur will hold approximately 26.67% (11,428,571) of the outstanding Timeless Shares, issued in consideration of the Macarthur Contribution;
- Zanil will hold approximately 26.67% (11,428,571) of the outstanding Timeless Shares, issued in consideration for the Central Goldfield Assets; and
- the current Timeless shareholders will hold approximately 9.68% of the outstanding Timeless Shares.
Macarthur continues to primarily focus its resources on bringing its flagship Lake Giles Iron Project into production. The Timeless Transaction will allow value to be attributed to the non-iron Pilbara assets held by Macarthur, providing an opportunity to independently resource the exploration of the key areas without distracting time and resources away from the Lake Giles Iron Project development path. Following completion of the transaction, Macarthur will have a material shareholding in Timeless.
Concurrent Financing
In connection with the Transaction, the Vendors shall complete a concurrent arm’s length financing for anticipated gross proceeds of a minimum of CAD$5 million (the “Concurrent Financing”). It is currently anticipated that the Concurrent Financing will result in the issuance of up to 14,285,714 shares at a price of CAD$0.35 per share. The Concurrent Financing will be comprised of a non-brokered portion, in the amount of CAD$2.5 million, comprised of lead orders from arm’s length parties introduced by the Vendors, and a brokered portion in the amount of CAD$2.5 million. All securities issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing will be exchanged for Timeless Shares pursuant to the Transaction. The proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used primarily for the purposes of supporting a targeted exploration programme of works across on the Pilbara Assets and the Central Goldfields Assets.
The full announcement can be viewed here: https://macarthurminerals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MMS-NR-Spin-out-of-Pilbarra-assets-to-Timeless_4-March-2021.pdf
Cadence Minerals Holding in Macarthur
Cadence holds approximately 1% of the issued equity interest in Macarthur, which is an Australian mining exploration company focused primarily on iron ore, nickel, lithium and gold in Western Australia. It also has a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
This news release is not for distribution to United States Services or for Dissemination in the United States.
– Ends –
For further information:
|
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 and the next Commodity Supercycle
There is little doubt that historians will conclude that the global impact of COVID-19 represents the worst crisis since the Great Depression. The pandemic is leaving deep and enduring scars on the global economy, taxing health and medical services to the limit, depriving children of education, while decimating sectors of commerce and industry and in particular leisure and travel.
But history has shown on numerous occasions that the indomitable human spirit has a remarkable capacity for survival and evolution amidst existential crises. As areas such as traditional High St retail and seem to be drawing to a close, sectors such as commodities and mining are booming thanks to a near perfect storm created in part by the COVID crisis.
In October 2020, the IMF stated that the total bill for the global pandemic would reach some $28tn (£21.5tn) in lost output. The rapid intervention by global Governments with rate cuts, looser monetary policies and fiscal stimulus have certainly avoided a financial catastrophe, but at the same time these actions have effectively weakened fiat currencies and increased demand for commodities.
Historically the consequences of such events invariably see a strong recovery in commodity markets. This factor was clearly in evidence as 2020 progressed, and as the COVID noose tightened, prices of commodities such as Iron Ore, Copper and Nickel, along with precious metals including Gold and Silver, all increased in value.
As a consequence, as 2020 progressed prices of commodities such as Iron Ore, Copper and Nickel, along with precious metals including Gold and Silver, all increased in value.
In the wake of the sharp economic contractions in 2020, the IMF forecast that only China was expected to emerge with any economic growth during the year. 2021 is set to be a different story however, and with the vaccine rollout accelerating globally, there are expectations for sharp recoveries across most of the leading economies. Added to this, the new $1.9tn stimulus package in the US from the Biden administration will see heavy investment into ageing US infrastructure. These factors should ensure sustained demand and pricing for iron ore and base metals.
There is also the revolution taking place within the automotive industry to consider. The move towards EV’s is accelerating rapidly, with a plethora of commitments from key automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Volvo, BMW and Jaguar to switch to electric only production in the next few years. This move of course sounds the death knell for the internal combustion engine, but at the same time is driving the cost of battery metals and component commodities such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite
The net effect is that mining, specific commodities and minerals, along with the sector’s nebulous support service industries are undergoing a significant global resurgence. Projects considered uneconomical to develop, and that have remained dormant for years are returning to life, newly financed and fast tracked thanks to the array of modern desktop technologies, data and modelling tools.
Iron Ore
In a note published last December, Goldman Sachs outlined their expectations for another substantial deficit next year (27Mt, GSe), supported by a combination of gradually decelerating China steel demand growth, sharply re-accelerating demand for Western steel and tepid supply growth. GS added that the weighting of the 2021 deficit to the front half of the year points to fundamental support for a sustained price path higher over Q1 and Q2, revising near-term targets for the benchmark 62% iron ore price to 3M $140/t and 6M $150/t.
These numbers of course imply material upside longer term, and GS have also upgraded full year forecasts for 2021 to $120/t ($90/t previously) and for 2022 to $95/t ($75/t previously).
GS sees four core drivers supporting this bullish view:
- Chinese steel production has remained strong & production in 2021 remains supported by a healthy infrastructure and property project pipeline, alongside a resurgence in China’s manufacturing capex cycle and steel exports.
- With construction and heavy industry remaining relatively less affected by second-wave lockdowns, Western steel demand is also recovering ahead of expectations. Significant regional price strength in the US and Europe is likely to spur further blast furnace restarts (and hence iron demand) after an aggressive suspensions phase in 2020 contributed to the current steel supply shortfalls as demand recovers.
- Iron ore supply growth is likely to stagnate in 2021. The limited growth that exists next year is concentrated with Vale Brazil operations, which is why their recent substantive downgrade to production guidance has had such an outsized positive impact on price.
- Chinese mill iron ore inventories remain low, raising the prospect of restocking bursts through the year.
For Cadence Minerals, this bullish outlook for iron ore puts two very firm ticks in the box, firstly for what is widely regarded as the company’s flagship Amapa Iron Ore project in Brazil, and secondly the investment in ASX and TSX listed Macarthur Minerals, with whom Amapa shares numerous infrastructural and evolutionary similarities.
Amapa Project
Bringing a project the size and scale of Amapa back to life has as expected proved to be a complex and challenging process. Nonetheless, DEV Mineração, Cadence and Indo Sino Pty Ltd are reaching a legal settlement with the project creditors, and with the ruling in February by the Commercial Court of São Paulo that port operations and the shipment of iron ore stockpiles can begin, the company is set to take the first practical step towards bringing the project back to life, which will in turn bring benefits to the Amapa region in terms of employment, health and education.
Once the creditor settlement agreement has been signed, an initial $2.5m investment will be released from escrow, meaning that the Pedra Branca Alliance (Cadence & Indo Sino JV co) will own 99.9% of DEV, the owner of the entire Amapa mining and processing assets,. At this point Cadence will proportionately own 20% of Amapa. The next step will involve a further $3.5m investment following the granting of the necessary environmental licenses required to operate the mine, which will see Cadence move to a 27% stake, with an option to increase to 49% once project financing has been raised to complete recommissioning and commence production.
Last November Cadence completed an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Amapa, which increased the 2012 Anglo American MRE estimate by 21% to 176.7 million tonnes (“Mt”) grading 39.7% Fe in the Indicated category. With a production capacity of 5.3Mt per annum, the survey also noted there was significant potential to increase the resource base after the completion of metallurgical and optimisation studies.
Lake Giles Iron Project
Cadence also has a stake (c1%) in ASX and TSX listed Macarthur Minerals, owner of the Lake Giles Iron Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The Lake Giles project consists of the Moonshine magnetite deposit and the Ularring hematite deposit, which together have an indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 218Mt grading 27.5% Fe in the Indicated category.
Lake Giles and Amapa share many similarities in regard to facilities and production routes, and with the Feasibility Study already underway, Lake Giles has a 3.4 Mt per annum production target with potential to scale-up operations.
Lithium
A recent paper published by commodities expert Fastmarkets FB noted that global lithium supply was developing at accelerating pace due to strong and continually growing demand. In particular the demand for compounds used in lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide has prompted lithium producers to expand total production while diversifying their investments in different lithium operations to ramp up production and diminish asset risk.
Despite an effective over supply in 2018-2019 that saw a price moratorium and a 50% fall in the price of battery-grade lithium carbonate in China, the subsequent seismic shift to bring forward EV production and commitments from major automotive manufacturers around the world saw the price of Lithium in China surge to an 18 month high of $9450 per tonne in January 2021.
The Fastmarkets’ research team expects global lithium demand to grow to at least 1.1 million tonnes per year of lithium-carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2025 from an expected 300,000 tonnes of LCE in 2019, with Global lithium producers set to boost output year on year to maintain pace with growing demand. Despite this, as can be seen from the table above the numbers still don’t add up, with massive shortfalls projected by Benchmark Intelligence in lithium and other key constituent metals by 2030.
Over 2018, China emerged as the world’s leading lithium-processing hub with the rapid growth of companies like Ganfeng Lithium, which specialise in converting lithium concentrate from hard rock.
Cinovec – European Metals Holdings
The Cinovec project is the largest hard rock lithium resource in Europe and 4th largest non-brine resource in the world. Perfectly located to become the central lithium supply hub for the European EV industry, Cadence owns a 12% stake in AIM listed European Metals Holdings (EMH), which in turn owns 49% of the Cinovec project, (51% owned by utilities giant CEZ Group).
Cinovec is a potential low-cost producer at the bottom of the cost curve, and will sustainably supply 25,267 tpa lithium hydroxide or 22,500 tpa lithium carbonate into the European battery market.
Sonora Lithium Project
Cadence is a 30% joint venture partner with Bacanora Lithium (BCN) on the Fleur Lease (Mexalit & Megalit) at the Sonora Lithium Project in Mexico. A completed feasibility study values Sonora Mexico at US$1.25bn NPV, with some of the lowest production costs at $4,000/t in the industry.
AIM listed Bacanora is focused on building a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate operation at Sonora with 50% owner and take off partner Ganfeng Lithium.
Australia Hard Rock Lithium Projects
Cadence owns three dormant hard rock lithium assets in Australia. These are Picasso (Western Australia – WA), Litchfield (Northern Territories – NT) and Alcoota (NT) all of which are in regions with proven lithium mineralisation and supportive mining infrastructure.
The Litchfield project, located near Darwin (NT), has an exploration license granted and is contiguous to Core Lithium’s (ASX: CXO) territory. Core has a JORC compliant mineral resource of 8.55Mt @ 1.33% Li2O for its Finnis project (for all six deposits).
Yangibana Rare Earths Project
Operated by ASX listed Hastings Technology Metals, Yangibana is a substantial Rare Earths deposit near Gascoyne in Western Australia. Drilling and sampling have revealed high concentrations of Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr), essential components in permanent magnets used in electric vehicles.
Cadence is a 30% joint venture partner with Hastings on part of the Yangibana Rare Earth Element Project. Probable Ore Reserves within the tenements held by Cadence are just over 2m tonnes with TREO of 1.66%.
The current mine plan anticipates production to start from the joint venture areas (Yangibana) in year 6.
A Key Role?
Around the world today there are countless mining exploration companies, commodity investors and mine operators with projects offering scope for development and potential for investment. The challenge with any project of this nature is matching the opportunity with the macro backdrop, projected demand for the commodity alongside capex vs. return, production routes, shipping and completion of cycle to bring the product to the customer.
Rarely if ever has the industry been presented with so compelling a backdrop for the commodity market as a whole. The significant global resurgence seen in the mining sector at present given is entirely sustainable given the level of asset purchases and spending by Governments to rejuvenate damaged economies and the inevitable resulting erosion in fiat currency value.
As economies emerge from the havoc wrought by the COVID virus and restrictions on spending are lifted, it is clear that in many cases demand will outstrip availability. This will apply almost without exception across the commodity spectrum – iron ore for steel to fund reconstruction – lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earths to address the burgeoning demand for lithium-ion battery production.
There is no doubt that the recovering global economy is embarking on the next great Commodity Supercycle. Many mining groups and commodity project investors will benefit from this phenomenon by owning the right projects, at the right stage of evolution at the right time. On the evidence available today, Cadence Minerals is certainly one of them.