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#SVML Sovereign Metals LTD – Dry Mining Trial Successfully Completed

DRY MINING TRIAL SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AT PILOT PHASE TEST PIT

·   Pilot Phase dry mining trial confirms Kasiya can be efficiently mined using standard mobile excavators and trucks, demonstrating operational alternatives as part of ongoing PFS Optimisation Study

·     Test pit mined as planned and on schedule to a depth of 20 metres, excavating approximately 170,000 bench cubic metres

·   Simple and efficient dry mining undertaken with free-dig and soft, friable nature of the Kasiya orebody confirming no drilling or blasting required for excavation

·   Ore extracted with zero strip ratio successfully stockpiled with no requirement to crush or grind prior to use as processing plant feed

·    Hydraulic mining trials to begin in coming weeks with six million litre water storage pond currently filled to 80% capacity

·   Pilot Phase continues to progress as part of ongoing PFS Optimisation Study with oversight from Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee·

Classification 2.2: This announcement includes Inside Information

A large open pit with many layers of dirt Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 1: Kasiya Pilot Phase Test Pit mined to 20 metres depth

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX: SVM; AIM: SVML; OTCQX: SVMLF) (Sovereign or the Company) is pleased to announce that the dry mining trial is now complete with a test pit successfully excavated as part of the ongoing Pilot Mining and Land Rehabilitation Program (Pilot Phase) at the Company’s Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya) in Malawi.

The test pit covers the planned area of 120 metres by 110 metres and has been excavated to a depth of 20 metres through the weathered ore at Kasiya. This confirms Kasiya ore can be efficiently mined using conventional dry-mining techniques and a simple mobile excavator fleet. The pit is accessible through a 10-metre-wide ramp constructed at appropriate geotechnical angles.

Managing Director, Frank Eagar commented: “Completion of the test pit at this scale marks a significant achievement. The mining, hydrology and geotechnical data collected throughout is invaluable in our understanding of the orebody and the simplicity of a potential dry-mining operation at Kasiya. We now look forward to the next steps of the pilot phase including the hydraulic mining trial, cyclone separation of ore, backfilling of test pits and soil rehabilitation.”

For the test pit, the dry mining fleet consisted of four excavators, 20 trucks and a support fleet including two bulldozers and a motor grader. The saprolite-hosted mineralisation at Kasiya is largely homogenous and has relatively consistent physical properties throughout the 1.8 billion tonnes Mineral Resource Estimate. Data collected from the pilot phase confirmed that no drilling, blasting, crushing, grinding or milling will be required prior to stockpiling material for processing into rutile and graphite products; an indication of potentially lower mining costs and a lower carbon footprint comparable to hard rock deposits.

Figure 2: Kasiya mining and front-end processing vs. hard rock peers

A construction vehicle in a quarry Description automatically generated with medium confidenceA construction vehicle in a quarry Description automatically generated

Figures 3 & 4: Simple excavator fleet mining the test pit

Approximately 170,000 bench cubic metres of material has been mined as part of the test-pit program. Steady-state operations envisage 24 million tonnes of material being mined annually. The test pit material will be processed through cyclones on-site for deposition testwork.

An aerial view of a large land Description automatically generated

Figure 5: Dry mining plant feed stockpiled without any crushing or grinding

A large dirt pit with a pond Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 6: Pilot Phase Water Storage Pond almost at capacity with rehabilitation demonstration pits in background

The main pit will be backfilled with dry material, while material from hydraulic mining will be used to fill rehabilitation pits as part of the rehabilitation phase.

A temporary water storage pond has been constructed and sealed using natural clay from excavated material, minimising the use of conventional plastic lining. The pond is being filled via eight boreholes delivering water to site and is nearing its capacity of six million litres. Water from the storage pond will initially be used for the hydraulic mining stage. 

An aerial view of a construction site Description automatically generated

Figure 7: Pilot Phase Site end of July 2024

Background to the Pilot Phase

The Pilot Phase is a critical part of Kasiya’s optimisation study; empirical data generated from the Pilot Phase will determine optimal project excavation, material handling, processing, backfilling and rehabilitation approaches. The Pilot Phase is being undertaken on a 9.9-hectare site and includes the following activities:

1.    Test Pit: A test pit of 120m by 110m excavated to a depth of 20m, allowing optimisation of hydraulic and dry mining excavation methods.

2.    Stockpiles: The excavated material will be temporarily stored in 4 stockpiles, namely all dry mining material, wet slimes (in a pond) and two sizes of sand fractions from the hydraulic mining.

3.    Backfilling and Grading: The material will be placed back into the pit, and all areas will be graded.

4.    Rehabilitation Demonstration: Sovereign will construct eight small rehabilitation demonstration pits covering a combined area of 100m by 130m. These will be used for water storage, excavated material storage, and demonstration of multiple rehabilitation approaches.

5.    Temporary Laydown Areas: Four areas will be used as temporary laydown areas, offices, and associated infrastructure.

6.    Communication: The Pilot Phase will be an educational opportunity for Project stakeholders. Sovereign will undertake a series of stakeholder visits and consultations for this purpose.

Sovereign’s objective is to restore land after mining to conditions that achieve the same or better agricultural yields than existing land uses and crop yields. The Pilot Phase will demonstrate to local communities the successful rehabilitation of land for agricultural use post-mining; land rehabilitation will form an integral component of the ongoing optimisation study. Results will also allow Sovereign to determine optimal excavation and backfill approaches, providing critical information for the upcoming Definitive Feasibility Study.

ENQUIRIES

Frank Eagar (South Africa/Malawi)
Managing Director

+27 21 065 1890

Sam Cordin (Perth)
Business Development

+61(8) 9322 6322

Sapan Ghai (London)
CCO

+44 207 478 3900

 

 

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker

 

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 20 3470 0470

Ewan Leggat

Charlie Bouverat

 

 

Joint Brokers

 

Stifel

+44 20 7710 7600

Varun Talwar

 

Ashton Clanfield

 

 

 

Berenberg

+44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

 

Jennifer Lee

 

 

 

Buchanan

+ 44 20 7466 5000

Competent Person Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to the Mineral Resource Estimate is extracted from an announcement dated 5 April 2023 entitled ‘Kasiya Indicated Resource Increased by over 80%’ which is available to view at www.sovereignmetals.com.au and is based on, and fairly represents information compiled by Mr Richard Stockwell, a Competent Person, who is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Mr Stockwell is a principal of Placer Consulting Pty Ltd, an independent consulting company. Sovereign confirms that a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; b) all material assumptions included in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and c) the form and context in which the relevant Competent Persons’ findings are presented in this announcement have not been materially changed from the original announcement.

Kasiya Total Indicated + Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at 0.7% rutile cut-off grade

Classification

Resource
(Mt)

Rutile Grade
(%)

Contained Rutile
(Mt)

Graphite Grade (TGC) (%)

Contained Graphite
(Mt)

Indicated

 1,200

1.0%

12.2

1.5%

18.0

Inferred

 609

0.9%

5.7

1.1%

6.5

Total

 1,809

1.0%

17.9

1.4%

24.4

Forward Looking Statement

This release may include forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “projects”, “plans”, and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovereign’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Sovereign, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Sovereign makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (‘MAR’). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service (‘RIS’), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

#SVML Sovereign Metals LTD – International Development Organisation Partnership

SOVEREIGN PARTNERS WITH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION IN MALAWI

·      Sovereign has entered into an MoU with The Palladium Group – a US-based international development entity operating in Malawi.

·      Palladium implements several development projects, including the Feed the Future Malawi Growth Poles Project, which invests in local rural communities to advance sustainable, climate-smart, and inclusive wealth creation.

·      Sovereign and Palladium will collaborate around Sovereign’s Kasiya Project to provide key agricultural inputs, training, technologies, and financing to develop and integrate smallholder farmers into the emerging high growth agriculture value chains.

·      A central pillar of the MoU and partnership is Sovereign’s existing Conservation Farming Program, which aims to promote tried and tested improved small-scale agricultural practices, and the creation of community support and mentorship networks.

·                      

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX: SVM; AIM: SVML) (Sovereign) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Palladium Group (Palladium) – a US-based development entity implementing several development projects in Malawi including the Feed the Future Malawi Growth Poles Project (Growth Poles). Growth Poles is a US$50 million project that will run from 2023 to 2028.

Palladium is a global impact firm that works to link social progress and commercial growth. For nearly six decades, Palladium has been working with corporations, governments, investors, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies, build partnerships, mobilise capital, and implement programs that have a lasting social and financial impact. With a workforce of over 2,500 global leaders, Palladium has positively impacted the lives and livelihoods of more than 76 million people across 90 countries; broadening access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; building enduring, sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to address global challenges; and conserving the natural world.

Sovereign has launched several social development initiatives focused on improved health (provision of clean water), education (scholarships and school support), and conservation farming practices in communities located near and within Sovereign’s Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya or Project) area.

The MoU identifies Sovereign as a potential anchor firm in Malawi and Kasiya as an anchor client or “Partner Growth Pole”. The MoU sets out a long-term vision for multi-partner investment and co-development aimed at supporting community engagement activities and scaling up the availability of commercial agriculture across Malawi, in particular in environmentally and economically vulnerable groups and households, to improve livelihoods for communities around the Kasiya Project.

A central pillar of the MoU and partnership is Sovereign’s existing Conservation Farming Program (refer to Company ASX announcements dated 26 February 2024 and 15 April 2024), which aims to promote tried and tested improved small-scale agricultural practices, and the creation of community support and mentorship networks. The Conservation Farming Program’s objective is to substantially improve crop yields of the farming communities within and around the Project area, thus improving food security and economic growth.

Sovereign and Palladium are already collaborating to provide Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags to beneficiaries of Sovereign’s Conservation Farming Program. PICS are non-chemical, hermetically sealable bags that reduce post-harvest losses by 20-30% caused by poor storage of grains.

The MoU also establishes the foundation for the potential long-term development of partnerships with multiple private sector firms and development agencies, with the aim of catalysing diverse and inclusive development across a wide area, through mechanisms such as input financing, extension support, offtake arrangements, and complementary investments in value chain infrastructure. The MoU expires on 18 April 2028 and can be extended by mutual agreement.

A group of people standing in a field Description automatically generated

Sovereign and Palladium Staff Standing Together with Sovereign’s Conservation Farming Beneficiaries

Sovereign’s Kasiya project is one of only 11 Tier 1[i] mineral deposits discovered in the last decade. It is the world’s largest Rutile resource and second largest flake Graphite resource, and has the potential to be the world’s largest, lowest cost, and lowest carbon producer of both minerals.

Sovereign recognises that the Kasiya Project presents an opportunity to assist Malawi in realising its stated Sustainable Development Goals and can directly benefit local communities. The positive impact of the Kasiya project will be further enabled through the development of partnerships with the Government of Malawi, international development organizations, and the private sector.

 

ENQUIRIES

Frank Eagar (South Africa/Malawi)
Managing Director

+61(8) 9322 6322

Sam Cordin (Perth)
Business Development

+61(8) 9322 6322

Sapan Ghai (London)
CCO

+44 207 478 3900

 

 

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker

 

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 20 3470 0470

Ewan Leggat

Charlie Bouverat

 

 

Joint Brokers

 

Stifel

+44 20 7710 7600

Varun Talwar

 

Ashton Clanfield

 

 

 

Berenberg

+44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

 

Jennifer Lee

 

 

 

Buchanan

+ 44 20 7466 5000

 

#SVML Sovereign Metals LTD – Increased Graphite Bulk Sample Capacity

Industrial scale spiral concentrator to be installed at Sovereign’s expanded laboratory and testing facility in Lilongwe in coming weeks

·       Spiral throughput capacity of up to 10 tonnes per hour of ore for graphite and rutile sample preparation

·     Installation and commissioning led by Sovereign’s Head of Project Development, Mr Paul Marcos, who previously worked for Base Resources on their Kwale and Toliara projects and for Iluka Resources across various mineral sands operations

·     Final graphite concentrate for bulk sample battery anode testwork and qualification advancing under the supervision of Sovereign’s Chief Technology Officer – Graphite, Dr Surinder Ghag

·     Sovereign is targeting a market-leading position as the world’s largest and lowest-cost producer of rutile for the titanium industry, and flake graphite for the lithium-ion battery market

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM; AIM:SVML) (the Company or Sovereign) is pleased to announce that following the appointment of graphite specialist Dr Surinder Ghag as Chief Technology Officer – Graphite, the Company will be increasing graphite pre-concentrate sample preparation from its existing testing facility in Lilongwe, Malawi.

In the coming weeks, Sovereign will install and commission a spiral concentrator containing industrial-scale MG12 spiral equipment at the Company’s laboratory and testing facility in Lilongwe, enabling the preparation of rutile concentrate and graphite circuit feed from its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya or Project) at a bulk scale. The graphite circuit feed will be sent to specialised laboratories where flotation, purification, spheronisation and coating testwork for the battery anode segment will take place in line with Sovereign’s strategy to commercialise Kasiya’s graphite by-product.

Managing Director Frank Eagar commented: “The intellectual property that Dr Ghag and Mr Marcos bring to Sovereign has meant that we can expand and expedite our graphite commercialisation strategy significantly. The infrastructure, along with the ability to provide large amounts of graphite concentrate to the lithium-ion battery industry for battery anode product qualification, offers Sovereign a big advantage. With a world-class team in place and alongside our strategic investors, Rio Tinto, Kasiya is moving ahead at a considerable pace.”

The spiral concentrator is currently in its final stages of testing at engineering consultancy Paterson & Cooke’s Cape Town laboratory, after which it will be dispatched to Lilongwe, Malawi. The spiral is identical size and scale to that designed in the Pre-feasibility Study flowsheet for the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project and will have a throughput capacity of up to 10 tonnes of ore per hour for sample preparation.

Sovereign’s Head of Project Development, Mr Paul Marcos, has led the spiral installation project. Mr Marcos has 30 years of mineral sands operations, engineering, and consulting expertise. Before joining Sovereign in July 2021, Mr Marcos spent over ten years working on Base Resources Limited (Base) projects both in a design role with Ausenco and then on Base’s owner’s team.

Mr Marcos was involved with the original Kwale Project and then Kwale North and Kwale Phase 2 Projects in Kenya and also the Toliara Project’s Scoping, Pre-Feasibility and Definitive Feasibility Studies in Madagascar. Between 1996 and 2004, Mr Marcos worked at major mineral sands producer Iluka Resources Limited in a number of production, mineral processing and project development roles.

Sovereign’s newly appointed graphite specialist Chief Technology Officer – Graphite, Dr Surinder Ghag, will be responsible for graphite testwork programs and product qualification. A highly qualified metallurgist, Surinder brings over 25 years of industry experience, including developing graphite test work programs, ore-to-anode graphite strategies, anode plant feasibility studies, and project development and commissioning.

A group of people standing next to a machine Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Final stages of assembling the spiral plant at Paterson & Cooke, South Africa

 

Classification 2.2: This announcement includes Inside Information

ENQUIRIES

Frank Eagar (South Africa/Malawi)
Managing Director

+61(8) 9322 6322

Sam Cordin (Perth)
+61(8) 9322 6322

Sapan Ghai (London)
+44 207 478 3900

 

 

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker

 

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 20 3470 0470

Ewan Leggat

Charlie Bouverat

 

 

Joint Brokers

 

Stifel

+44 20 7710 7600

Varun Talwar

 

Ashton Clanfield

 

 

 

Berenberg

+44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

 

Jennifer Lee

 

 

 

Buchanan

+ 44 20 7466 5000

 

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (‘MAR’). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service (‘RIS’), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Forward Looking Statement

This release may include forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “projects”, “plans”, and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovereign’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Sovereign, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Sovereign makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

 

#SVML Sovereign Metals LTD – Follow-Up Drilling Initiated North of Kasiya

FOLLOW-UP DRILLING INITIATED NORTH OF KASIYA RESOURCE AREA

·      Wide-spaced regional follow-up drilling for the Kasiya Project underway focusing on the region to the north of the current resource footprint, with results from the drill program expected in the coming weeks

·      Recently reported reconnaissance drilling to the south identified an 8km extension of mineralisation which remains open along strike and at depth

·      Kasiya is already the largest natural rutile deposit and second-largest flake graphite deposit in the world

·      Kasiya’s current MRE of 1.8 Billion tonnes at 1.0% rutile and 1.4% graphite comprises broad and contiguous zones of high-grade rutile and graphite that occur across an area of over 201km2

·      Optimisation program for the Kasiya Project continues in conjunction with our strategic investor, Rio Tinto

 

Sovereign Metals Limited (ASX:SVM; AIM:SVML) (the Company or Sovereign) is pleased to report that the Company has initiated a follow-up 400 metre spaced drill program at its tier one Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya) in Malawi. The program will focus on determining the boundaries and extent of mineralisation north of the known Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) area.

The 70+ hole hand-auger drill program has been designed to target areas where mineralisation was identified in earlier wide-spaced regional hand-auger drilling. The target area is up to 20km north of the current MRE boundary. Drilling is currently underway and will be completed in the coming weeks. Four hand-auger teams have been deployed under the supervision of Sovereign’s in-country technical team.

Samples will be initially processed in the Company’s Lilongwe own lab facility and then shipped for final analysis at certified international laboratories. Results from the drill program are expected in the coming weeks.

SOUTHERN EXTENSION

In February 2024, the Company announced regional hand-auger drilling south of the Kasiya MRE footprint had identified significant strike extensions of approximately 8km across a number of parallel mineralised zones ranging from 400m to 2km in width.

All newly defined mineralisation in the south remains open at depth due to the limitations of the hand-auger drilling method but are expected to continue to the saprock boundary normally between 20 and 30 vertical metres from surface. The multiple mineralised zones identified remain open along strike both to the north and south.

These results indicate the potential to expand the already significant, high-grade rutile and graphite MRE at Kasiya.

A map with a map and a pointer Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 1: Southern mineralised extensions at Kasiya

 

ENQUIRIES

Frank Eagar (South Africa/Malawi)
Managing Director

+61(8) 9322 6322

Sam Cordin (Perth)
+61(8) 9322 6322

Sapan Ghai (London)
+44 207 478 3900

 

 

Nominated Adviser on AIM and Joint Broker

 

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 20 3470 0470

Ewan Leggat

Charlie Bouverat

Harry Davies-Ball

 

 

Joint Brokers

 

Stifel

+44 20 7710 7600

Varun Talwar

 

Ashton Clanfield

 

 

 

Berenberg

+44 20 3207 7800

Matthew Armitt

 

Jennifer Lee

 

 

 

Buchanan

+ 44 20 7466 5000

 

Competent Person Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to the Exploration Results is extracted from the announcement dated 1 February 2024 entitled ‘Extensions to Rutile & Graphite Mineralisation at Kasiya’. which is available to view at www.sovereignmetals.com.au. Sovereign confirms that a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; b) all material assumptions included in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and c) the form and context in which the relevant Competent Persons’ findings are presented in this announcement have not been materially changed from the original announcement.

The information in this announcement that relates to the Mineral Resource Estimate is extracted from an announcement dated 5 April 2023 entitled ‘Kasiya Indicated Resource Increased by over 80%’ which is available to view at www.sovereignmetals.com.au and is based on, and fairly represents information compiled by Mr Richard Stockwell, a Competent Person, who is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Mr Stockwell is a principal of Placer Consulting Pty Ltd, an independent consulting company. The original announcement is available to view on www.sovereignmetals.com.au. Sovereign confirms that a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; b) all material assumptions included in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and c) the form and context in which the relevant Competent Persons’ findings are presented in this announcement have not been materially changed from the original announcement.

The information in this announcement that relates to Production Targets, Ore Reserves, Processing, Infrastructure and Capital Operating Costs, Metallurgy (rutile and graphite) is extracted from an announcement dated 28 September 2023 entitled ‘Kasiya Pre-Feasibility Study Results’ which is available to view at www.sovereignmetals.com.au and is based on, and fairly represents information compiled by . Sovereign confirms that: a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; b) all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the Production Target, and related forecast financial information derived from the Production Target included in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and c) the form and context in which the relevant Competent Persons’ findings are presented in this presentation have not been materially modified from the original announcement.

Ore Reserve for the Kasiya Deposit

 

Classification

Tonnes
(Mt)

Rutile Grade
(%)

Contained Rutile
(Mt)

Graphite Grade (TGC) (%)

Contained Graphite
(Mt)

RutEq. Grade*
(%)

Proved

Probable

 538

1.03%

5.5

1.66%

8.9

2.00%

Total

 538

1.03%

5.5

1.66%

8.9

2.00%

* RutEq. Formula: Rutile Grade x Recovery (100%) x Rutile Price (US$1,484/t) + Graphite Grade x Recovery (67.5%) x Graphite Price (US$1,290/t) / Rutile Price (US$1,484/t). All assumptions are taken from the PFS ** Any minor summation inconsistencies are due to rounding

Kasiya Total Indicated + Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at 0.7% rutile cut-off grade

Classification

Resource
(Mt)

Rutile Grade
(%)

Contained Rutile
(Mt)

Graphite Grade (TGC) (%)

Contained Graphite
(Mt)

Indicated

 1,200

1.0%

12.2

1.5%

18.0

Inferred

 609

0.9%

5.7

1.1%

6.5

Total

 1,809

1.0%

17.9

1.4%

24.4

Forward Looking Statement

This release may include forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “projects”, “plans”, and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovereign’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Sovereign, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Sovereign makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

 

 

#GRX GreenX Metals LTD – Quarterly Activities Report December 2023

In July 2023 GreenX entered into an Option Agreement with Greenfields Exploration Limited (Greenfields) to acquire up to 100% of the Eleonore North Gold Project (Eleonore North) in eastern Greenland.

2023 field work at Eleonore North was focused on determining the depth of an intrusion within the project area by deployment of an array of seismic nodes. The nodes have been retrieved with the recorded data now being processed by a geophysics specialist consulting firm. Results from the seismic analysis, expected in the March 2024 quarter, will be used in the next phases of the exploration program at Eleonore North.

During the quarter, GreenX visited the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland in Copenhagen and discussed general co-operation and data sharing in respect of the Eleonore North region. GreenX also met with specialised arctic logistics service providers having extensive experience in East Greenland.

Eleonore North has the potential to host a “reduced intrusion-related gold system” (RIRGS), analogous to large bulk-tonnage deposit types found in Canada.

·    In November 2022, the hearing for the claim against the Republic of Poland under both the Energy Charter Treaty and the Australia-Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty was concluded (Claim).

Combined arbitration hearing took place in front of the Tribunal in London under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.

With completion of the hearing, the Tribunal will render an Award (decision) in due course.

Damages of up to £737 million (A$1.3 billion / PLN4.0 billion) have been claimed including the assessed value of GreenX’s lost profits and damages related to both the Jan Karski and Debiensko projects, and accrued interest related to any damages.

·    Cash balance as at 31 December 2023 was A$9.3 million.

 

 

Classification 2.2: This announcement contains inside information

 

GreenX Metals Limited (ASX:GRX, LSE:GRX) (GreenX or the Company) is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities Report for the period during and subsequent to 31 December 2023.

 

eleonore north gold project

In July 2023, GreenX entered into an Option Agreement (Agreement) with Greenfields to acquire up to 100% of the Eleonore North gold project in eastern Greenland.

Eleonore North has the potential to host a RIRGS, analogous to large bulk-tonnage deposit types found in Canada including Donlin Creek, Fort Knox and Dublin Gulch.

Gold mineralisation documented at the high-priority Noa Pluton prospect within Eleonore North.

·      Geophysical “bullseye” anomaly 6 km wide co-incident with elevated gold mineralisation from historical geochemical sampling.

·      Anomalous gold mineralisation associated with quartz veining exposed at surface over a length of up to 15 km.

·      Historical sampling includes 4 m chip sample grading 1.93 g/t Au and 1.9% Sb (refer to Appendix 1 of the Company’s announcement on 10 July 2023).

Eleonore North has potential to host large scale, shallow, bulk tonnage gold deposits. Eleonore North remains underexplored, with the existence of a possible RIRGS being a relatively new geological interpretation based on the historical data. Initial field work consists of a seismic survey to determine the depth from surface to the Noa Pluton to aid in drill targeting.

A map of a geoglyphical area Description automatically generated with low confidence

Figure 1: Eleonore North licence area showing the 6km diameter geophysical anomaly co-incident with gold veining visible at surface over some 15km at the high priority Noa Pluton prospect

The Eleonore North license area contains other gold targets as well as copper, antimony and tungsten prospects. At Holmesø there is copper and antimony mineralisation outcropping at surface. Historical mapping and sampling in the 1970s at Holmesø show a prospective horizon between 15 m and 20 m thick, with per cent level grades for both metals.

Eleonore North provides GreenX with gold exposure in Greenland and complements GreenX’s existing exploration prospect in Greenland, the Arctic Rift Copper Project (ARC). There are significant synergies with regards to personnel, logistics and equipment in having multiple exploration projects in Greenland. Field works were conducted during the 2023 field season at Eleonore North, with data collected from the seismic survey presently being analysed to inform follow-on exploration program design.

Greenland is a mining friendly jurisdiction with strong Government support for expanding its mining industry, simple laws and regulations, and a competitive fiscal regime.

The primary target in Eleonore North is the Noa Pluton, followed by the Holmesø prospect and its source intrusion.  The Noa Veins provide a near-term drill target, however, the Company’s 2023 field work was focussed on determining the depth of the causative intrusion with greater precision using a passive seismic survey. Once analysed, this information will validate the magnetic interpretation, provide more certainty for a future exploration program, and help identify the size of the intrusion within the well-defined hornfels.

A map of the north pole Description automatically generated

A map of land with black and green squares Description automatically generated

Figure 2: Map of Greenland showing GreenX’s ARC and Eleonore North license areas

Figure 3: Map showing prospects and geological features within the Eleonore North license areas

 

ARCTIC RIFT COPPER PROJECT

The ARC project is an exploration joint venture between GreenX and Greenfields. GreenX can earn-in up to 80% of ARC by spending A$10 million by October 2026. ARC is targeting large scale copper in multiple settings across a 5,774 km2 Special Exploration Licence in eastern North Greenland. The area has been historically underexplored yet is prospective for copper, forming part of the newly identified Kiffaanngissuseq metallogenic province.

The results of work program announced last year have demonstrated the high-grade nature of the known copper sulphide mineralisation and wider copper mineralization in fault hosted Black Earth zones and adjacent sandstone units. The exact position of a native copper fissure at the Neergaard Dal prospect was also identified.

Analysis of this information is underway and will be key to future planned work programs.

DISPUTE WITH POLISH GOVERNMENT

In November 2022, the Company reported the conclusion of the Claim against the Republic of Poland under both the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and the Australia-Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) (together the Treaties). The hearing took place in London in and lasted two weeks.

Following completion of the hearing, the Tribunal will render an Award (i.e., the legal term used for a ‘decision’ by the Tribunal) in due course with no specified date available for the Tribunal decision.

As previously advised, the arbitration and hearing proceedings in relation to the Claim are required to be kept confidential.

Details of the Claim

The Company’s Claim against the Republic of Poland is being prosecuted through an established and enforceable legal framework, with GreenX and Poland agreeing to apply the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Rules (UNCITRAL) rules to the proceedings. The arbitration claims are being administered through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

The evidentiary hearing phase of the arbitration proceedings has now been completed in front of the Arbitral Tribunal. With completion of the hearing, the Arbitral Tribunal will render an Award in due course. There is no specified date for an Award to be rendered. The Company’s claims for damages against Poland are in the amount of up to £737 million (A$1.3 billion/PLN4.0 billion), which includes a revised assessment of the value of GreenX’s lost profits and damages related to both the Jan Karski and Debiensko projects, and accrued interest related to any damages. The Claim for damages has been assessed by independent external quantum experts appointed by GreenX specifically for the purposes of the Claim.

In July 2020, the Company announced it had executed the LFA for US$12.3 million with LCM. US$10.7 million of the facility has been drawn down to cover legal, tribunal and external expert costs as well as defined operating expenses associated with the Claim. The Company does not anticipate further material drawdowns in relation to the ongoing BIT and ECT Tribunal proceedings. The LFA is a limited recourse loan with LCM that is on a “no win – no fee” basis.

In September 2020, GreenX announced that it had formally commenced with the Claim by serving the Notices of Arbitration against the Republic of Poland. In June 2021, GreenX announced that it had formally lodged its Statement of Claim in the BIT arbitration, including the first assessed claim for compensation. The Company’s Statement of Reply, the last material filing to be made by the Company for the BIT arbitration proceedings, was submitted in July 2021. The Statement of Reply addresses various points raised by the Republic of Poland in their Statement of Defence. The Statement of Reply also contains a re-evaluation of the claim for damages based on responses to Poland’s Statement of Defence.

GreenX’s dispute alleges that the Republic of Poland has breached its obligations under the applicable Treaties through its actions to block the development of the Company’s Jan Karski and Debiensko projects in Poland which effectively deprived GreenX of the entire value of its investments in Poland.

In February 2019, GreenX formally notified the Polish Government that there exists an investment dispute between GreenX and the Polish Government. GreenX’s notification called for prompt negotiations with the Government to amicably resolve the dispute and indicated GreenX’s right to submit the dispute to international arbitration in the event of the dispute not being resolved amicably.

GreenX’s investment dispute with the Republic of Poland is not unique, with international media widely reporting that the political environment and investment climate in Poland has deteriorated since the change in Government in 2015. As a result, there are a significant number of International Arbitration claims being bought against Poland.

CORPORATE

Financial Position

GreenX had cash of A$9.3m as at 31 December 2023.

-ENDS-

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (‘MAR’). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service (‘RIS’), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

Forward Looking Statements

This release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on GreenX’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of GreenX, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. GreenX makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to exploration results were extracted from the ASX announcement dated 10 July 2023 which is available to view at www.greenxmetals.com.

GreenX confirms that (a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; (b) all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the content in the relevant announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and (c) the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original announcement

APPENDIX 1: TENEMENT INFORMATION

 

Location

Tenement

Percentage
Interest

Status

Tenement Type

Greenland

Arctic Rift Copper Project (Licence No. 2021-07 MEL-S)

1

Granted

Exploration Licence

Greenland

Eleonore North gold project
(Licence No’s 2018-19 and 2023-39)

2

Granted

Exploration Licence

Jan Karski, Poland

Jan Karski Mine Plan Area (K-4-5, K6-7, K-8 and K-9)2

3

In dispute3

Exclusive Right to apply for a mining concession3

Debiensko, Poland

Debiensko 1

3

In dispute3

Mining3

Notes:

1        In October 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an Earn-In Agreement (EIA) with Greenfields to acquire an interest of up to 80% in ARC. As at the date of this announcement, the Company held no beneficial interest in ARC, other than through the EIA.

2        In July 2023, the Company announced that it had entered into an Option Agreement with Greenfields to acquire an interest of up to 100% in Eleonore North. As at the date of this announcement, the Company held no beneficial interest in Eleonore North, other than through the Option Agreement.

3        GreenX formally commenced international arbitration claims against the Republic of Poland under both the ECT and the BIT in 2021. GreenX alleges that the Republic of Poland has breached its obligations under the Treaties through its actions to block the development of the Company’s Jan Karski and Debiensko projects in Poland. Refer to discussion of the Claim above. The Company has received notice from the relevant Polish authority that the Debiensko mining licence has been extinguished.

 

Appendix 2: Related Party Payments

 

company secretarial and administration services of A$95,000).

 

Appendix 3: Exploration and Mining Expenditure

 

During the quarter ended 31 December 2023, the Company made the following payments in relation to exploration activities:

 

Activity

A$000

Greenland (Eleonore North and ARC)

Project Management

178

Exploration program, including sampling

27

Transport costs (including equipment and fuel)

5

Other (field supplies, equipment, fuel, satellite imagery, etc)

1

Total as reported in the Appendix 5B (item 2.1(d))

211

 

There were no mining or production activities and expenses incurred during the quarter ended 31 December 2023.

 

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report

Name of entity

GreenX Metals Limited

ABN

Quarter ended (“current quarter”)

23 008 677 852

31 December 2023

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Current quarter
$A’000

Year to date
(6 months)
$A’000

1.

Cash flows from operating activities

1.1

Receipts from customers

1.2

Payments for

(a)   exploration & evaluation

(b)   development

(c)   production

(d)   staff costs

(412)

(787)

(e)   administration and corporate costs

(574)

(937)

1.3

Dividends received (see note 3)

1.4

Interest received

159

252

1.5

Interest and other costs of finance paid

1.6

Income taxes paid

1.7

Government grants and tax incentives

1.8

Other (provide details if material)

(a)    Business Development

(b)    Property rental and gas sales

(c)    Occupancy

 

(105)

4

(236)

 

(219)

10

(430)

1.9

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities

(1,164)

(2,111)

2.

Cash flows from investing activities

2.1

Payments to acquire or for:

(a)   Entities

(b)   Tenements

(c)   property, plant and equipment

(2)

(2)

(d)   exploration & evaluation

(211)

(1,253)

(e)   investments

(f)    other non-current assets

2.2

Proceeds from the disposal of:

(a)   entities

(b)   tenements

(c)   property, plant and equipment

(d)   investments

(e)   other non-current assets

2.3

Cash flows from loans to other entities

2.4

Dividends received (see note 3)

2.5

Other (provide details if material)

2.6

Net cash from / (used in) investing activities

(213)

(1,255)

3.

Cash flows from financing activities

4,164

3.1

Proceeds from issues of equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities)

3.2

Proceeds from issue of convertible debt securities

3.3

Proceeds from exercise of options

3.4

Transaction costs related to issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities

(18)

(154)

3.5

Proceeds from borrowings

3.6

Repayment of borrowings

3.7

Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings

3.8

Dividends paid

3.9

Other (provide details if material)

3.10

Net cash from / (used in) financing activities

(18)

4,010

4.

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period

4.1

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

10,715

8,674

4.2

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9 above)

(1,164)

(2,111)

4.3

Net cash from / (used in) investing activities (item 2.6 above)

(213)

(1,255)

4.4

Net cash from / (used in) financing activities (item 3.10 above)

(18)

4,010

4.5

Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held

(2)

4.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

9,318

9,318

 

5.

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the quarter (as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the accounts

Current quarter
$A’000

Previous quarter
$A’000

5.1

Bank balances

1,818

2,715

5.2

Call deposits

7,500

8,000

5.3

Bank overdrafts

5.4

Other (provide details)

5.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)

9,318

10,715

 

6.

Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates

Current quarter
$A’000

6.1

Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 1

(241)

6.2

Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 2

Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an explanation for, such payments.

 

7.

Financing facilities
Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the entity.

Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the sources of finance available to the entity.

Total facility amount at quarter end
$A’000


Amount drawn at quarter end
$A’000

7.1

Loan facilities

18,040*

15,709

7.2

Credit standby arrangements

7.3

Other (please specify)

7.4

Total financing facilities

18,040*

15,709

 

7.5

Unused financing facilities available at quarter end

2,331

7.6

Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note providing details of those facilities as well.

On 30 June 2020, the Company executed a Litigation Funding Agreement (LFA) for US$12.3 million (*now worth A$18.0 million with the movement of the A$ compared to the $US) with LCM Funding UK Limited a subsidiary of Litigation Capital Management Limited (LCM), to pursue damages claims in relation to the investment dispute between GreenX and the Polish Government that has arisen out of certain measures taken by Poland in breach of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Australia – Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). LCM will provide up to US$12.3million (~A$18.0 million), denominated in US$, in limited recourse financing which is repayable to LCM in the event of a successful Claim or settlement of the Dispute that results in the recovery of any monies. If there is no settlement or award, then LCM is not entitled to any repayment of the financing facility. In return for providing the financing facility, LCM shall be entitled to receive repayment of any funds drawn plus an amount equal to between two and five times the total of any funds drawn from the funding facility during the first five years, depending on the time frame over which funds have remained drawn, and then a 30% interest rate after the fifth year until receipt of damages payments.

 

8.

Estimated cash available for future operating activities

$A’000

8.1

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)

(1,164)

8.2

(Payments for exploration & evaluation classified as investing activities) (item 2.1(d))

(211)

8.3

Total relevant outgoings (item 8.1 + item 8.2)

(1,375)

8.4

Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)

9,318

8.5

Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)

2,331

8.6

Total available funding (item 8.4 + item 8.5)

11,649

8.7

Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.6 divided by item 8.3)

8

Note: if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings (ie a net cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as “N/A”. Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.7.

8.8

If item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:

8.8.1     Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?

Answer: Not applicable

8.8.2     Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be successful?

Answer: Not applicable

8.8.3     Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives and, if so, on what basis?

Answer: Not applicable

Note: where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be answered.

 

Compliance statement

1        This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

2        This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.

 

Date:                31 January 2024

Authorised by:  Company Secretary

(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)

Notes

1.          This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

2.          If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.

3.          Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

4.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [name of board committee – eg Audit and Risk Committee]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.

5.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

 

#BRES Blencowe Resources – DFC LOI REGARDING PROJECT FINANCING

Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) is pleased to announce it has received a formal Letter of Interest (“LOI”) from the US International Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”) in which the DFC has indicated its willingness to participate in debt funding for the Orom-Cross graphite project (“Orom-Cross or the “Project”) in Uganda, subject to all necessary due diligence.  This comes following recent discussions with DFC project funding division and follows the 2023 agreement with the DFC’s technical assistance division, who have already entered into a US$5 million Technical Assistance Grant (“TAG”).

To date US$2 million of grant funds have been received from the DFC under the TAG, with the balance expected during the course of 2024 as certain milestones are met. The TAG also provided for the DFC to have the right to be mandated to directly provide (and/or arrange for) financing or investment for the Project on commercial terms.

This LOI is the first step of engagement with the DFC project funding division to advance the project financing process.  During the course of 2024 Blencowe will work closely with the DFC to reach a decision to mine subject to the DFS results and other due diligence.  Graphite is high on the US Government critical metals and minerals list and their strategy is to open up long term supply chains of graphite.  Demand for graphite is accelerating fast and is expected to continue growing into the future due mainly to its non-replaceable role within the lithium-ion battery that stores energy.

The Company is seeking to position Orom-Cross to deliver a ‘green’ graphite product through a variety of production initiatives, including the use of hydro-electric power for all mining and processing energy requirements.  Orom-Cross aims to become one of the leading sustainable mining projects worldwide and this is a very important component of the DFC charter and critical within a rapidly changing landscape where every participant along the EV supply chain is being audited on their sustainability credentials by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Orom-Cross’s potential ability to aid in the further development of the Ugandan economy, empowering its population and driving investment and future development has also proved attractive to the DFC.

Cameron Pearce, Executive Chairman commented;

“This Letter of Interest is an important next-step in the process for DFC to consider project financing support to build Orom-Cross into a producing mine.  Project funding will be crucial for the Company this year as we work to conclude the DFS and this engagement with the DFC continues to underpin our long-term relationship with the DFC, as lead mandated partner, to assist in this exercise.”

 

Mr Pearce added “Our executive management team will be meeting DFC in the near term to evaluate the project implementation strategy and build on the momentum we have already created together.  We believe this is a unique partnership that is significantly de-risking Orom-Cross and we will continue to showcase this exceptional asset as we deliver the DFS results this year.”

 

For further information please contact:

 

 

  Blencowe Resources Plc

Sam Quinn

 

www.blencoweresourcesplc.com

Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250

info@blencoweresourcesplc.com

Investor Relations

Sasha Sethi

Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441

sasha@flowcomms.com

 

Tavira Financial 

Jonathan Evans

Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733

jonathan.evans@tavira.group

 

 

First Equity Limited

Jason Robertson

Tel: +44(0)20 7330 1833

jasonrobertson@firstequitylimited.com

 

Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/72382491/admin/

#GRX GreenX Metals LTD – Quarterly Activities Report September 2023

In July 2023, GreenX entered into an Option Agreement with Greenfields Exploration Limited (Greenfields) to acquire up to 100% of the Eleonore North gold project (Eleonore North) in eastern Greenland.

Eleonore North has the potential to host a “reduced intrusion-related gold system” (RIRGS), analogous to large bulk-tonnage deposit types found in Canada.

Option to earn 100% of the Project vests upon GreenX spending A$600,000 on exploration on Eleonore North within 12 months and can be exercised in return for a 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty plus A$250,000 payable in cash and A$250,000 payable in either cash or GreenX shares at GreenX’s election.

Transaction provides GreenX with gold exposure in Greenland and complements GreenX’s existing exploration prospect in Greenland, the Arctic Rift Copper project (ARC).

·    During the quarter, GreenX completed a Placing to issue 5.2 million new ordinary shares to raise gross proceeds of approximately A$4.2 million (~£2.1 million) from new and existing investors (Placing). Proceeds from the Placing will be used for exploration activities at the Company’s projects in Greenland and general corporate activities.

·    In November 2022, the hearing for the claim against the Republic of Poland under both the Energy Charter Treaty and the Australia-Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty was concluded (Claim).

Combined arbitration hearing took place in front of the Tribunal in London under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules

Damages of up to £737 million (A$1.3 billion / PLN4.0 billion) have been claimed including the assessed value of GreenX’s lost profits and damages related to both the Jan Karski and Debiensko projects, and accrued interest related to any damages

·    Cash balance as at 30 September 2023 was A$10.7 million.

 

GreenX Metals Limited (ASX:GRX, LSE:GRX) (GreenX or the Company) is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities Report for the period during and subsequent to 30 September 2023.

 

Eleonore north gold project option acquisition

In July 2023, GreenX entered into an Option Agreement (Agreement) with Greenfields to acquire up to 100% of the Eleonore North gold project in eastern Greenland.

Eleonore North has the potential to host a “reduced intrusion-related gold system” (RIRGS), analogous to large bulk-tonnage deposit types found in Canada including Donlin Creek, Fort Knox and Dublin Gulch.

Gold mineralisation documented at the high-priority Noa Pluton prospect within Eleonore North.

·      Geophysical “bullseye” anomaly 6 km wide co-incident with elevated gold mineralisation from historical geochemical sampling.

·      Anomalous gold mineralisation associated with quartz veining exposed at surface over a length of up to 15 km.

·      Historical sampling includes 4 m chip sample grading 1.93 g/t Au and 1.9% Sb (refer to Appendix 1 of the Company’s announcement on 10 July 2023).

Eleonore North has potential to host large scale, shallow, bulk tonnage gold deposits. Eleonore North remains underexplored, with the existence of a possible RIRGS being a relatively new geological interpretation based on the historical data. Initial field work consists of a seismic survey to determine the depth from surface to the Noa Pluton to aid in drill targeting.

A map of a geoglyphical area Description automatically generated with low confidence

Figure 1: Eleonore North licence area showing the 6km diameter geophysical anomaly co-incident with gold veining visible at surface over some 15km at the high priority Noa Pluton prospect

Eleonore North license area contains other gold targets as well as copper, antimony and tungsten prospects. At Holmesø there is copper and antimony mineralisation outcropping at surface. Historical mapping and sampling in the 1970s at Holmesø show a prospective horizon between 15 m and 20 m thick, with per cent level grades for both metals.

Option to earn 100% of the project vests upon GreenX spending A$600,000 on exploration on Eleonore North within 12 months and can be exercised in return for a 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty plus A$250,000 payable in cash and A$250,000 payable in either cash or GreenX shares at GreenX’s election.

Transaction provides GreenX with gold exposure in Greenland and complements GreenX’s existing exploration prospect in Greenland, the ARC project. There are significant synergies with regards to personnel, logistics and equipment in having multiple exploration projects in Greenland. Field works for the 2023 field season have already been completed at Eleonore North, with follow-on exploration field activities for the ARC project currently being planned.

Greenland is a mining friendly jurisdiction with strong Government support for expanding its mining industry, simple laws and regulations, and a competitive fiscal regime.

The primary target in Eleonore North is the Noa Pluton, followed by the Holmesø prospect and its source intrusion.  The Noa Veins provide a near-term drill target, however, the Company’s 2023 field work was focussed on determining the depth of the intrusion with greater precision using a passive seismic survey. Once analysed, this information will validate the magnetic interpretation, provide more certainty for a future drilling program, and help identify the size of the intrusion within the well-defined hornfels.

A map of the north pole Description automatically generated

A map of land with black and green squares Description automatically generated

Figure 2: Map of Greenland showing GreenX’s ARC and Eleonore North license areas

Figure 3: Map showing prospects and geological features within the Eleonore North license areas

 

ARCTIC RIFT COPPER PROJECT

The ARC project is an exploration joint venture between GreenX and Greenfields. GreenX can earn-in upto 80% of ARC by spending A$10 million by October 2026. ARC is targeting large scale copper in multiple settings across a 5,774 km2 Special Exploration Licence in eastern North Greenland. The area has been historically underexplored yet is prospective for copper, forming part of the newly identified Kiffaanngissuseq metallogenic province.

The results of work program announced last year have demonstrated the high-grade nature of the known copper sulphide mineralisation and wider copper mineralization in fault hosted Black Earth zones and adjacent sandstone units. The exact position of a native copper fissure at the Neergaard Dal prospect was also identified.

Analysis of this information is underway and will be key to future planned work programs.

ShARE PLACING

In July 2023, the Company announced that it had successfully completed a Placing of 5.2 million new ordinary shares at a price of A$0.80 (41 pence) per share for gross proceeds of approximately A$4.2 million (~£2.1 million) from new and existing investors.

The net proceeds from the Placing will be used for exploration activities at the company’s projects in Greenland and will help ensure that GreenX retains a strong balance sheet position.

DISPUTE WITH POLISH GOVERNMENT

In November 2022, the Company reported the conclusion of the Claim against the Republic of Poland under both the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and the Australia-Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) (together the Treaties). The hearing took place in London in and lasted two weeks.

Following completion of the hearing, the Tribunal will render an Award (i.e., the legal term used for a ‘decision’ by the Tribunal) in due course with no specified date available for the Tribunal decision.

As previously advised, the arbitration and hearing proceedings in relation to the Claim are required to be kept confidential.

Details of the Claim

The Company’s Claim against the Republic of Poland is being prosecuted through an established and enforceable legal framework, with GreenX and Poland agreeing to apply the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Rules (UNCITRAL) rules to the proceedings. The arbitration claims are being administered through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

The evidentiary hearing phase of the arbitration proceedings has now been completed in front of the Arbitral Tribunal. With completion of the hearing, the Arbitral Tribunal will render an Award in due course. There is no specified date for an Award to be rendered. The Company’s claims for damages against Poland are in the amount of up to £737 million (A$1.3 billion/PLN4.0 billion), which includes a revised assessment of the value of GreenX’s lost profits and damages related to both the Jan Karski and Debiensko projects, and accrued interest related to any damages. The Claim for damages has been assessed by independent external quantum experts appointed by GreenX specifically for the purposes of the Claim.

In July 2020, the Company announced it had executed the LFA for US$12.3 million with LCM. US$10.4 million of the facility has been drawn down to cover legal, tribunal and external expert costs as well as defined operating expenses associated with the Claim. The Company does not anticipate further material drawdowns now that funded costs relating to the claims have been dispersed. The LFA is a limited recourse loan with LCM that is on a “no win – no fee” basis.

In September 2020, GreenX announced that it had formally commenced with the Claim by serving the Notices of Arbitration against the Republic of Poland. In June 2021, GreenX announced that it had formally lodged its Statement of Claim in the BIT arbitration, including the first assessed claim for compensation. The Company’s Statement of Reply, the last material filing to be made by the Company for the BIT arbitration proceedings, was submitted in July 2021. The Statement of Reply addresses various points raised by the Republic of Poland in their Statement of Defence. The Statement of Reply also contains a re-evaluation of the claim for damages based on responses to Poland’s Statement of Defence.

GreenX’s dispute alleges that the Republic of Poland has breached its obligations under the applicable Treaties through its actions to block the development of the Company’s Jan Karski and Debiensko projects in Poland which effectively deprived GreenX of the entire value of its investments in Poland.

In February 2019, GreenX formally notified the Polish Government that there exists an investment dispute between GreenX and the Polish Government. GreenX’s notification called for prompt negotiations with the Government to amicably resolve the dispute and indicated GreenX’s right to submit the dispute to international arbitration in the event of the dispute not being resolved amicably.

GreenX’s investment dispute with the Republic of Poland is not unique, with international media widely reporting that the political environment and investment climate in Poland has deteriorated since the change in Government in 2015. As a result, there are a significant number of International Arbitration claims being bought against Poland.

CORPORATE

Financial Position

Following the successful completion of the Placing, GreenX had cash of A$10.7m as at 30 September 2023.

-ENDS-

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (‘MAR’). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service (‘RIS’), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain

Forward Looking Statements

This release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on GreenX’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of GreenX, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. GreenX makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to exploration results were extracted from the ASX announcement dated 10 July 2023 which is available to view at www.greenxmetals.com.

GreenX confirms that (a) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement; (b) all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the content in the relevant announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed; and (c) the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original announcement

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ben Stoikovich.

APPENDIX 1: TENEMENT INFORMATION

 

As at 30 September 2023, the Company has an interest in the following tenements:

Greenland

Arctic Rift Copper Project (Licence No. 2021-07 MEL-S)

1

Granted

Exploration Licence

Greenland

Eleonore North gold project

(Licence No’s 2018-19 and 2023-39)

2

Granted

Exploration Licence

Jan Karski, Poland

Jan Karski Mine Plan Area (K-4-5, K6-7, K-8 and K-9)2

3

In dispute3

Exclusive Right to apply for a mining concession3

Debiensko, Poland

Debiensko 1

3

In dispute3

Mining3

Notes:

1        In October 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an Earn-In Agreement (EIA) with Greenfields to acquire an interest of up to 80% in ARC. As at the date of this announcement, the Company held no beneficial interest in ARC, other than through the EIA.

2        In July 2023, the Company announced that it had entered into an Option Agreement with Greenfields to acquire an interest of up to 100% in Eleonore North. As at the date of this announcement, the Company held no beneficial interest in Eleonore North, other than through the Option Agreement.

3        GreenX formally commenced international arbitration claims against the Republic of Poland under both the ECT and the BIT in 2021. GreenX alleges that the Republic of Poland has breached its obligations under the Treaties through its actions to block the development of the Company’s Jan Karski and Debiensko projects in Poland. Refer to discussion of the Claim above. The Company has received notice from the relevant Polish authority that the Debiensko mining licence has been extinguished.

 

Appendix 2: Related Party Payments

 

During the quarter ended 30 September 2023, the Company made payments of A$241,000 to related parties and their associates. These payments relate to existing remuneration arrangements (director fees, consulting fees and superannuation of A$166,000 and the provision of a serviced office and company secretarial and administration services of A$75,000).

 

Appendix 3: Exploration and Mining Expenditure

 

During the quarter ended 30 September 2023, the Company made the following payments in relation to exploration activities:

 

Activity

$000

Greenland (Eleonore North and ARC)

Project Management

173

Exploration program, including sampling

152

Transport costs (including equipment and fuel)

429

Personnel costs

96

Other (field supplies, equipment, fuel, satellite imagery, etc)

192

Total as reported in the Appendix 5B (item 2.1(d))

1,042

 

There were no mining or production activities and expenses incurred during the quarter ended 30 September 2023.

 

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report

Name of entity

GreenX Metals Limited

ABN

Quarter ended (“current quarter”)

23 008 677 852

30 September 2023

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Current quarter
$A’000

Year to date
(3 months)
$A’000

1.

Cash flows from operating activities

1.1

Receipts from customers

1.2

Payments for

(a)   exploration & evaluation

(b)   development

(c)   production

(d)   staff costs

(375)*

(375)*

(e)   administration and corporate costs

(363)

(363)

1.3

Dividends received (see note 3)

1.4

Interest received

93

93

1.5

Interest and other costs of finance paid

1.6

Income taxes paid

1.7

Government grants and tax incentives

1.8

Other (provide details if material)

(a)    Business Development

(b)    Property rental and gas sales

(c)    Arbitration related expenses

(d)    Receipt of arbitration funding

(e)    Occupancy

 

(114)

6

(194)

 

(114)

6

(194)

1.9

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities

(947)

(947)

*includes legal and permitting expenditure and payments made to consultants (Debiensko technical statutory operations personnel).

2.

Cash flows from investing activities

2.1

Payments to acquire or for:

(a)   Entities

(b)   Tenements

(c)   property, plant and equipment

(d)   exploration & evaluation

(1,042)

(1,042)

(e)   investments

(f)    other non-current assets

2.2

Proceeds from the disposal of:

(a)   entities

(b)   tenements

(c)   property, plant and equipment

(d)   investments

(e)   other non-current assets

2.3

Cash flows from loans to other entities

2.4

Dividends received (see note 3)

2.5

Other (provide details if material)

2.6

Net cash from / (used in) investing activities

(1,042)

(1,042)

3.

Cash flows from financing activities

4,164

4,164

3.1

Proceeds from issues of equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities)

3.2

Proceeds from issue of convertible debt securities

3.3

Proceeds from exercise of options

3.4

Transaction costs related to issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities

(136)

(136)

3.5

Proceeds from borrowings

3.6

Repayment of borrowings

3.7

Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings

3.8

Dividends paid

3.9

Other (provide details if material)

3.10

Net cash from / (used in) financing activities

4,028

4,028

4.

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period

4.1

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

8,674

8,674

4.2

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9 above)

(947)

(947)

4.3

Net cash from / (used in) investing activities (item 2.6 above)

(1,042)

(1,042)

4.4

Net cash from / (used in) financing activities (item 3.10 above)

4,028

4,028

4.5

Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held

2

2

4.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

10,715

10,715

 

5.

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the quarter (as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the accounts

Current quarter
$A’000

Previous quarter
$A’000

5.1

Bank balances

2,715

4,174

5.2

Call deposits

8,000

4,500

5.3

Bank overdrafts

5.4

Other (provide details)

5.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)

10,715

8,674

 

6.

Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates

Current quarter
$A’000

6.1

Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 1

(241)

6.2

Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 2

Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an explanation for, such payments.

 

7.

Financing facilities
Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the entity.

Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the sources of finance available to the entity.

Total facility amount at quarter end
$A’000


Amount drawn at quarter end
$A’000

7.1

Loan facilities

19,101*

16,204

7.2

Credit standby arrangements

7.3

Other (please specify)

7.4

Total financing facilities

19,101*

16,204

 

7.5

Unused financing facilities available at quarter end

2,897

7.6

Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note providing details of those facilities as well.

On 30 June 2020, the Company executed a Litigation Funding Agreement (LFA) for US$12.3 million (*now worth A$19.1 million with the movement of the A$ compared to the $US) with LCM Funding UK Limited a subsidiary of Litigation Capital Management Limited (LCM), to pursue damages claims in relation to the investment dispute between GreenX and the Polish Government that has arisen out of certain measures taken by Poland in breach of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Australia – Poland Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). LCM will provide up to US$12.3million (~A$19.1 million), denominated in US$, in limited recourse financing which is repayable to LCM in the event of a successful Claim or settlement of the Dispute that results in the recovery of any monies. If there is no settlement or award, then LCM is not entitled to any repayment of the financing facility. In return for providing the financing facility, LCM shall be entitled to receive repayment of any funds drawn plus an amount equal to between two and five times the total of any funds drawn from the funding facility during the first five years, depending on the time frame over which funds have remained drawn, and then a 30% interest rate after the fifth year until receipt of damages payments.

 

8.

Estimated cash available for future operating activities

$A’000

8.1

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)

(947)

8.2

(Payments for exploration & evaluation classified as investing activities) (item 2.1(d))

(1,042)

8.3

Total relevant outgoings (item 8.1 + item 8.2)

(1,989)

8.4

Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)

10,715

8.5

Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)

2,897

8.6

Total available funding (item 8.4 + item 8.5)

13,612

8.7

Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.6 divided by item 8.3)

7

Note: if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings (ie a net cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as “N/A”. Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.7.

8.8

If item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:

8.8.1     Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?

Answer: Not applicable

8.8.2     Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be successful?

Answer: Not applicable

8.8.3     Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives and, if so, on what basis?

Answer: Not applicable

Note: where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be answered.

 

Compliance statement

1        This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

2        This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.

 

Date:                13 October 2023

Authorised by:  Company Secretary

(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)

Notes

1.          This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

2.          If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.

3.          Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

4.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [name of board committee – eg Audit and Risk Committee]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.

5.          If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively

Kavango Resources #KAV – KSZ – Completion of KSZDD003

Kavango Resources plc (LSE:KAV), the Southern Africa-focussed metals exploration company, announces it has today completed Hole KSZDD003 within the Company’s Kalahari Suture Zone North (“KSZ North”) project.

Hole KSZDD003 aimed to test the B1 Conductor drill target, which was previously identified by Time Domain Electromagnetic (“TDEM”) and Downhole Electromagnetic (“DHEM”) survey data.  The B1 Conductor is a 28,700 Siemens DHEM conductor remodelled as located approximately 60m to the side of the Company’s previously drilled hole, KSZDD002.

KSZDD003 was successfully drilled to a depth of 606.00 m to test the remodelled B1 Conductor. As in hole KSZDD002, the hole passed through a sedimentary sequence and two intrusive bodies, thought to be of Karoo age. No sulphide was intersected that is considered to explain the 28,700 Siemens response. DHEM will be carried out and remodelled to further investigate the B1 Conductor.

 

Ben Turney, Chief Executive Officer of Kavango Resources, commented:

“This was a technically challenging hole, that was successfully completed, allowing us to test the B1 Conductor target. Our team performed extremely well, which reflects the strong progress Kavango continues to make in developing our exploration capabilities.

While we are disappointed that B1 has not turned out to be significant nickel or copper sulphide, we believe we have an answer on this target. It appears the thicker carbonaceous material, containing coincident graphite and pyrite rich bands, with minor pyrrhotite veining, is the most probable conductive source. While this hole has not intersected visible nickel or copper sulphides we had hoped for, we expect that the DHEM survey will help further confirm the cause of the conductor.

As such, we have decided to end the current drill campaign. We’ve learned valuable lessons in our exploration of the Kalahari Suture Zone and the time is right for us to draw these together before we decide on next steps for this project.

Meanwhile, we will preserve our working capital for redeployment to the Kalahari Copper Belt and our new Zimbabwe gold opportunity. We will focus our drilling efforts on these projects in the second half of this year, where we believe we have much greater chances of success.

Kavango will now also finalise the prospectus for completion of the £4.6million investment from Purebond that will move ahead on the terms agreed in May.”

OVERVIEW

–     KSZDD003 was successfully drilled to a depth of 606.00 m to verify the remodelled B1 conductor.

–     As in hole KSZDD002, the hole passed through a sedimentary sequence and two intrusive bodies, thought to be of Karoo age.

–     The sedimentary sequence comprises sandstones, carbonaceous mudstones, and coals, with the carbonaceous units appearing more extensive than in KSZDD002.

–   Thin sedimentary pyrite and marcasite bands were observed in the coals and mudstones. Additionally a thin steeply dipping pyrrhotite vein was seen. No sulphide was intersected that is considered to be associated with the intrusive bodies.

–     Contacts of the sediments with the intrusive bodies showed contact metamorphism. Graphite was observed on fracture planes and in drill cuttings, coincident in position and orientation with the depth of the modelled conductor plates, and it is therefore thought likely that this is the conductor.

–     Results from the DHEM are awaited, to confirm whether the modelled conductor was penetrated, and to use the hole as a platform for the evaluation of any deeper or adjacent conductors.

Next steps

–     DHEM survey is in progress, aimed at ensuring that the target has been fully tested and there are no adjacent or deeper conductors.

–     Following this, drill contractor will demobilise.

–      Wider geophysics is under consideration aimed at Kavango’s wider 9,300km2 KSZ holding.

Further information in respect of the Company and its business interests is provided on the Company’s website at www.kavangoresources.com and on Twitter at #KAV.

For further information please contact:

Kavango Resources plc                                                                                     

Ben Turney

bturney@kavangoresources.com

 First Equity (Broker)

+44 207 374 2212

Jason Robertson           

#KAV Kavango Resources PLC – Strategy Update

Kavango Resources plc (LSE:KAV) (“Kavango”), the Southern Africa focussed metals exploration company, has completed its strategic review (the “Strategic Review”). The scope of the Strategic Review was to perform a detailed analysis of the Company’s current projects, its operations in Botswana, its commodity focus, opportunities for regional expansion and outline the swiftest path to delivering a maiden economic resource.

The key outcomes of the Strategic Review include:

I.    Botswana Exploration

Kavango’s technical team will execute the Company’s updated exploration plan in Botswana, with the support of external expert exploration geologists. Over 2023, Kavango will conduct focussed exploration on the Great Red Spot (“GRS”) in the Kalahari Suture Zone (“KSZ”), which will include drilling the B Conductors. Kavango will also continue further fieldwork and drilling in the Kalahari Copper Belt (“KCB”) across its Karakubis block and investigate the Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) model for the GRS and the precious metal potential at Ditau.

II.   Botswana Project Financing

In parallel to the Botswana exploration plan, Kavango’s commercial team will seek direct project funding to finance 2-year exploration programmes for the Company’s KSZ, KCB and Ditau projects. Kavango has advanced all three projects to the point where direct finance will enable the Company to pursue much more extensive exploration. Expanded exploration programmes will include more widespread surveying (geophysical and geochemical), sharper targeting and extensive drilling. Kavango believes securing one or more project finance partners would significantly increase the chances of success in Botswana.

III.  Portfolio Expansion

Kavango will seek to acquire prospective metal exploration projects, with the potential for near-term economic discoveries, in Southern Africa. Following completion of its strategic financing in Q4 2022, Kavango is well-positioned to take advantage of liquidity weakness in the global exploration sector. The Company has put together a skilled exploration team, built a strong regional presence in Botswana and identified a pipeline of possible acquisition targets. The Company has been evaluating a number of these opportunities and is at advanced stages of due diligence for two possible acquisitions.

Ben Turney, Chief Executive Officer of Kavango Resources, commented:

“We have built a team at Kavango that is ready to make economic metal discoveries.

 In the last four months, we’ve completed a major strategic financing at Kavango, strengthened our board, and significantly sharpened our technical capabilities. We’ve developed innovative methods for using modern surveying technologies and have recruited expert exploration geologists to guide our programmes.

It is vital that we now build on this strong foundation by delivering success in the field.

Today’s strategic update describes how we intend to achieve this.

More detail will follow, as we look to deliver improved results over the course of 2023.”

Further information in respect of the Company and its business interests is provided on the Company’s website at www.kavangoresources.com and on Twitter at #KAV.

For further information please contact:

Kavango Resources plc

Ben Turney

bturney@kavangoresources.com

+46 7697 406 06

First Equity (Broker)

Jason Robertson

+44 207 374 2212

#KAV Kavango Resources – KSZ JV Search: Financial Adviser Appointment

Kavango Resources plc (LSE:KAV) (“Kavango”), the exploration company targeting the discovery of world-class mineral deposits in Botswana, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamesis Partners LLP (“Tamesis”) to lead the Company’s efforts in seeking a partner or partners for the Kalahari Suture Zone Project (the “KSZ Project”).

Highlights

–  Tamesis engaged to act as financial advisor to Kavango in respect of a possible corporate transaction involving the KSZ Project

–  Tamesis will work with Kavango to assist with identifying potential partners and provide advice on transaction structures to maximise value for Kavango shareholders

–  A data room (the “Data Room”) has been established to share data relating to the KSZ Project with interested parties under non-disclosure agreements

 

Ben Turney, Chief Executive Officer of Kavango Resources, commented:

“Following publication of the Technical Review of the Kalahari Suture Zone, Kavango is now ready to engage formally with potential partners for future development of this large-scale exploration project.

We are particularly excited to be working with Tamesis Partners LLP, given their strong track record of transactions in the mining sector. The Tamesis team has extensive financial and technical expertise, which we expect will prove to be a significant help in our search for a partner. 

In parallel to this our exploration will continue on the ground in the KSZ. We have full confidence in our exploration model and ability to scale up. Our main focus in the coming months will be to act on the recommendations made in the Technical Review and build on the project’s growing momentum. We have a number of leads to pursue immediately and will continue advancing the B1, B3 and B4 conductors to drill ready status .”

Tamesis engagement

A corporate transaction for the KSZ could involve a joint venture, an earn-in, direct investment or other similar mechanism with a view to maximising Kavango’s exposure to the value of the project while minimising dilution to shareholders. Kavango has in place a number of NDAs with interested parties and intends to advance discussions with additional parties now that the Data Room is set up.

A modest monthly retainer fee will be paid by Kavango to Tamesis during the term of the agreement. An advisory success fee, part of which may be paid in shares, will be due upon Kavango entering into definitive documentation in respect of any transaction, and in return for equity funds or other consideration received by Kavango pursuant to an investment or transaction consideration.

In consideration for the provision of the transaction services, Tamesis will also be awarded with 8,333,334 warrants, exercisable for two years from the date of issuance and with an exercise price of 3p per share.

KSZ Project B ackground

The KSZ Project is located at the western margin of the Kaapvaal Craton.  This is a geologically favourable geodynamic location for mafic-ultramafic mineralisation as deep-seated structures are repeatedly activated and may enable ascent of fertile mantle derived magma to surface.  Kavango’s licences comprising the KSZ Project cover a combined 8,813km2. The exploration targets are for massive Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide associated with the Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP), and/or for low-sulphide PGE or massive Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide associated with the regionally extensive Proterozoic (Tshane Complex) that extends over a length of 650km parallel to the craton margin.

A report completed recently by Richard Hornsey, a leading authority on nickel sulphide and platinum group element exploration, concluded that Kavango’s programmes to date have Provided geochemical proof of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE mineralising processes (depletion and enrichment) throughout the KSZ, for both the Karoo and Proterozoic (Tshane Complex) intrusions and identified previously unrecognised PGE potential in the KSZ South. Deposit models including Norilsk, Insiswa, Eagle, Tamarack and Uitkomst are being followed, enabling Kavango to vector towards the right host rocks and upgrade future targeting.

Contact details

Parties interested in gaining access to the Data Room should please contact Kavango’s Chief Operating Officer, Brett Grist (bgrist@kavangoresources.com ) or Tamesis Partners LLP at the following contact details:

Richard Greenfield

rgreenfield@tamesispartners.com

+44 203 882 0712

 

Mitch Limb

mlimb@tamesispartners.com

+44 203 882 2868

 

———————————————————————–

Further information in respect of the Company and its business interests is provided on the Company’s website atwww.kavangoresources.com and on Twitter at #KAV.

For additional information please contact:

Kavango Resources plc

Brett Grist

b grist@kavangoresources.com

+44 203 633 1037

First Equity (Joint Broker)

+44 207 374 2212

Jason Robertson 

SI Capital Limited (Joint Broker)

+44 1483 413500

Nick Emerson

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