ECR Minerals #ECR – Initial Diamond Drilling Results indicating up to 24 g/t Au From Duke of Cornwall Lode at Tambo Gold Project, Victoria
ECR Minerals plc (LON: ECR), the exploration and development company focused on gold in Australia, is pleased to announce highly encouraging initial results from its maiden diamond drilling campaign at the Duke of Cornwall Lode system as well as further high-grade surface channel (chip) sampling from the Main Lode within the Company’s Tambo Gold Project in Victoria, Australia (the “Tambo Gold Project”).
HIGHLIGHTS
· Best drill intercepts from Hole DOCD002 include 0.15 metres @ 24.10 g/t Au and 0.40 metres @ 8.51 g/t Au
· Supporting surface channel (chip) sampling from the Main Lode returned exceptional results including 0.2 metres @ 180 g/t Au and 0.25 metres @ 27.80 g/t Au.
Tambo Gold Project
Further to the Company’s announcement on 17 October 2024, a maiden diamond drilling campaign has now been completed at the Tambo Gold Project. The diamond drilling campaign targeted beneath the historic workings of the Duke of Cornwall Mine, Swifts Creek. The first complete results have now been received for hole DOCD002. Assay results have also been received for additional channel (chip) samples from the in-situMain Lode near surface.
High-grade surface channel sampling
Main Lode sampling has revealed further high-grade gold surface channel (chip) sampling results of 27.80 g/t to 180 g/t Au (See Table 1). These results support previous photon analysis of rock chip sampling of the same vein material, including 55.5, 24.0 and 19.7 g/t Au (See announcements of 12 July 2024 and 10 June 2024).
Drilling Summary
The campaign utilised a diamond drill rig and has provided high-definition structural data that enhances geological understanding and improves confidence in interpreting vein orientations and continuity. The campaign consisted of five diamond core drill holes, totalling approximately 439 metres in aggregate, to test strike and depth continuity of gold mineralisation from the Company’s previous surface rock chip results and to refine the structural model. The board of directors of ECR (the “Board” or the “Directors”) are confident that both objectives have been successfully achieved.
These first results from the diamond drilling campaign confirm that the Duke of Cornwall Lode system is comprised of quartz veins propagating from a mapped shear zone (Figures 1 and 2). Strong visual indicator minerals have been identified in the drill core including sulphides such as Chalcopyrite, Tungsten and Arsenopyrite, with assay values correlating strongly to elevated Bismuth.
Drill hole DOCD002
Best individual drill intercepts from hole DOCD002 include 0.15 metres @ 24.10 g/t Au and 0.40 metres @ 8.51 g/t Au. Geological logging and assay values show two ‘zones’ of mineralisation. The first zone is veining parallel to the regional cleavage. The average grade across the cleavage vein zone is 3.13 g/t Au over 1.2 metres drilled. The second Main Lode zone averages 5.61 g/t Au over the drilled interval of 2.05m. (see Table 1). The overall average grade across all reported intervals was 4.26 g/t Au (see Table 1).
Hole DOCD002 was drilled to a total depth of 84.35m. A total of 19.95m of core has been sampled. Mineralised intercepts greater than 0.1 g/t Au are reported in Table 1 below. Hole DOCD002 also encountered strong pathfinder elements associated with high gold values, including best grades of Bismuth (883 ppm), Arsenic (63.8 ppm) and Silver (3.8 ppm). The overall average Bismuth, Arsenic and Silver grades across all reported intervals were 152.24 ppm Bi, 9.86 ppm As, and 0.98 ppm Ag (see Table 1).
Geological logging and sampling of the remaining holes will conclude this week with assay results expected by early December 2024.
Adam Jones, ECR’s Chief Geologist, said: ”These first diamond drilling campaign results are highly promising, corresponding with our earlier rock chip sampling and demonstrating consistency of results across our exploration programmes at the Tambo Gold Project. All core samples have revealed strong visual indicators, including the presence of chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite sulphides, which are encouraging signs of mineralisation. We have drilled approximately 75 metres vertically beneath the old Duke of Cornwall mine workings, aiming to see results similar to those obtained nearer to surface. Despite this being a relatively focused drilling program, the initial findings suggest there is significant potential for further exploration.”
Mike Whitlow, ECR’s Managing Director added: ”These early results from the Duke of Cornwall Lode system are outstanding and validate the geological potential of this area. The high-grade gold intercepts, consistent mineralisation across the Main Lode, and the promising visual indicators in the core give us confidence in the continuity and potential scale of the system. We look forward to receiving the remaining results and the valuable insights they will provide as we work towards defining the scope of this exciting opportunity.”
Technical Disclosure
All sampling and drilling were conducted in accordance with industry best practice, and all assays were performed by an independent, accredited laboratory. Further technical details and assay results for the remaining drill holes will be reported once received.
Review of Announcement by Qualified Person
This announcement has been reviewed by Adam Jones, Chief Geologist at ECR Minerals Plc. Adam Jones is a professional geologist and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG). He is a qualified person as that term is defined by the AIM Note for Mining, Oil and Gas Companies.
Table 1: DOCD002 Drill Results And Rock Chip Channel Samples (including matching pathfinder elements (Bi, As and Ag).
Drilling Intercepts (DOCD002). (intercepts => 0.1 g/t Au)
SAMPLE ID |
FROM |
TO |
INTERVAL (metres) |
Au (g/t) |
Au_(R) g/t |
Bismuth (ppm) |
Arsenic (ppm) |
Silver (ppm) |
DOMAIN |
BTD037 |
44.6 |
45 |
0.40 |
8.51 |
8.43 |
129.0 |
3.0 |
1.10 |
Cleavage vein |
BTD041 |
45.6 |
46.2 |
0.60 |
0.68 |
0.63 |
5.6 |
2.5 |
0.50 |
Cleavage vein |
BTD042 |
46.2 |
46.4 |
0.20 |
0.19 |
2.0 |
3.6 |
0.50 |
Cleavage vein |
|
BTD045 |
48.15 |
48.6 |
0.45 |
0.88 |
|
22.5 |
3.7 |
0.50 |
|
BTD048 |
50 |
50.3 |
0.30 |
3.00 |
3.54 |
283.0 |
3.0 |
0.93 |
Main Lode |
BTD049 |
50.3 |
50.65 |
0.35 |
0.37 |
24.4 |
63.8 |
0.50 |
Main Lode |
|
BTD050 |
50.65 |
51.05 |
0.40 |
0.01 |
2.0 |
3.5 |
0.50 |
Main Lode |
|
BTD051 |
51.05 |
51.2 |
0.15 |
24.10 |
24.4 |
883.0 |
2.6 |
3.80 |
Main Lode |
BTD052 |
51.2 |
52.05 |
0.85 |
0.58 |
18.7 |
3.0 |
0.50 |
Main Lode |
Rock Chip (Channel Samples)
SAMPLE ID |
FROM |
TO |
INTERVAL (metres) |
Au (g/t) |
Au_(R) g/t |
Bismuth (ppm) |
Arsenic (ppm) |
Silver (ppm) |
DOMAIN |
BTR064 |
0 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
27.80 |
25.2 |
3.59 |
2260 |
7.20 |
Main Lode |
BTR065 |
0 |
0.20 |
0.20 |
180.00 |
3.15 |
2690 |
4.00 |
Main Lode |
* (R) Laboratory repeat analysis
Figure 1: Plan View Of Duke Of Cornwall Lode – First Diamond Drill Results and new Channel Samples
Figure 2: Section View Of Duke Of Cornwall Lode – First Diamond Drill Results and new Channel Samples
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
ECR Minerals Plc |
Tel: +44 (0) 1738 317 693 |
Nick Tulloch, Chairman Andrew Scott, Director |
|
Email: |
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Website: www.ecrminerals.com |
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Allenby Capital Limited |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3328 5656 |
Nominated Adviser Nick Naylor / Alex Brearley / Vivek Bhardwaj |
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Axis Capital Markets Limited |
Tel: +44 (0) 203 026 0320 |
Broker |
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Ben Tadd / Lewis Jones |
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|
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SI Capital Ltd |
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 413500 |
Broker |
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Nick Emerson
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Brand Communications |
Tel: +44 (0) 7976 431608 |
Public & Investor Relations |
|
Alan Green |
Glossary
Ag: |
Silver |
As: |
Arsenic |
Au: |
Gold |
Bi: |
Bismuth |
g/t: |
Grammes per Tonne (Metric) |
km: |
Kilometres (Metric) |
km²: |
Kilometre squared (Metric) |
Lode: |
A deposit of metalliferous ore that fills a fissure |
ppm: |
Parts per million (Metric) |
ABOUT ECR MINERALS PLC
ECR Minerals is a mineral exploration and development company. ECR’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd (“MGA”) has 100% ownership of the Bailieston and Creswick gold projects in central Victoria, Australia, has six licence applications outstanding which includes one licence application lodged in eastern Victoria (Tambo gold project).
ECR also owns 100% of an Australian subsidiary LUX Exploration Pty Ltd (“LUX”) which has three approved exploration permits covering 946 km2 over a relatively unexplored area in Lolworth Range, Queensland, Australia. The Company has also submitted a license application at Kondaparinga which is approximately 120km2 in area and located within the Hodgkinson Gold Province, 80km NW of Mareeba, North Queensland.
Following the sale of the Avoca, Moormbool and Timor gold projects in Victoria, Australia to Fosterville South Exploration Ltd (TSX-V: FSX) and the subsequent spin-out of the Avoca and Timor projects to Leviathan Gold Ltd (TSX-V: LVX), MGA has the right to receive up to A$2 million in payments subject to future resource estimation or production from projects sold to Fosterville South Exploration Limited.
MGA also has approximately A$75 million of unutilised tax losses incurred during previous operations.
#BRES Blencowe Resources – SHAREHOLDER QUESTION & ANSWERS
The Orom-Cross Graphite Project – Asset, Development Strategy and Value
Responses to Shareholder Questions Following Recent Funding
Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES), the London listed graphite company advancing the 100% owned Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda (‘Orom-Cross’ or the ‘Project’), is pleased to provide a Questions and Answers (“Q&A”) session. This follows the recent £1.6 million capital raise to fund the completion of the Project’s Definitive Feasibility Study (‘DFS’), in which senior management invested £500,000.
Why is Orom-Cross considered a standout project?
Orom-Cross with an estimated 2-3 billion tonnes of graphite, of which most is near surface, is one of the largest deposits globally. Importantly, 75% of the in-situ material is jumbo or large flake placing it at the high value end of the market. The JORC Standard Resource/Reserve is currently 24.5Mt at 6.0% Total Carbon (‘TC’) based on only approximately 2% of the total deposit drilled to date, which means further drilling can be conducted at any future point to continue to increment the resource size.
Blencowe owns 100% of the Project and has a 21-year mining license in hand as well as all the necessary permits, approvals and community agreements to bring Orom-Cross into production. The Project has already attracted a US$5 million grant from the US Government via the Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”) to assist with the DFS costs. Uganda is a stable jurisdiction with attractive tax incentives and strong Government support for a long term mining projects.
Graphite demand is forecast to accelerate over the next decade in response to its non-replaceable role within lithium-ion batteries that are used to store renewable energy, and Orom-Cross will play a key role in fulfilling that demand ahead.
What work has Blencowe done over the past five years to highlight the quality of the Orom-Cross Project?
Blencowe has invested substantial funds to date in the development of Orom-Cross and has conducted multiple geological exploration programmes, technical evaluation and economic studies, which all consistently highlight the quality of the Project. Over 6,000 metres of drilling has been completed in two phases with a further programme now underway.
Significant metallurgical test work has confirmed the very high quality of the end products, both as concentrates and as more purified graphite. Over the past 15 months Blencowe has conducted bulk sample testing of all products within commercial scale facilities in China (first using 100 tonnes raw material from Orom-Cross and then 600 tonnes), to become pre-qualified and to provide substantial samples of end products to OEMs. This is a critical step to obtaining offtake agreements and successful bulk scale testing has allowed the Company to now transition to MOUs and Sale Agreements.
A Scoping Study and Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) have both been completed with the PFS indicating a low cost, high margin, long life mining operation delivering a US$482 million NPV over an initial 14 years’ life of mine. A DFS is now being completed with the financial matrix expected to improve further when finalised in Q2 2025.
How does Orom-Cross differentiate from other graphite peers?
Orom-Cross has some of the lowest projected operating costs in the sector combined with extremely low capital costs for an operational start-up. When combined these key factors are a rarity in the graphite market. The Project already has all major infrastructure in place including roads, rail, (hydro-electric) power off the national grid, water and communications, which together lower the capital cost significantly. If you overlay the high quality of end products produced this adds yet another layer of differentiation.
The world is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables which requires lithium-Ion, sodium and vanadium redox batteries to store energy produced, and graphite is a non-replaceable input to all of these. This means that graphite demand is set to soar with predictions between 2-3 times current levels by 2030.
Very few graphite projects have all the key factors highlighted above and missing any one of low operating costs, low capital costs or high purity of end products can be a showstopper. As a result, most peer projects will be unable to transition into sustainable, cost-efficient and profitable production. Orom-Cross has all these essential requirements and can become one of only a select few graphite producers worldwide with the ability to supply graphite into this accelerated demand.
What is different about Blencowe’s strategy that sets it apart from other graphite companies?
Blencowe does not believe that selling graphite concentrate-only is sufficient to provide the returns necessary to fund a project into production and/or deliver long term commercial success. There is a need to include value-adding products such as downstream processing where graphite is further purified, and where returns can be maximised.
Blencowe has successfully formed an alliance with a world-leading spheronised, purified graphite (“SPG”) producer to build and operate an SPG facility in Uganda within a Joint Venture, to deliver upgraded 99.95% SPG. As one of the first operations of this kind in the world outside of China, this proposed facility already has huge interest from OEMs who want to de-risk their purchase of purified graphite solely coming from China. This SPG facility will become an offtaker for life for approximately half of Orom-Cross’s output as concentrate and will be located near to the mine, thus substantially reducing the transport cost of moving lower value concentrate all the way to the end user as previously anticipated.
On top of requiring an experienced partner to succeed, this SPG facility requires abundant low cost power as it is highly energy intensive, and Uganda provides that; hence another advantage to locate this facility in-country.
Furthermore, Blencowe will benefit from half of the profits within the SPG facility as a Joint Venture partner, providing dramatically improved returns for investors.
This strategy sets Blencowe apart as it will deliver higher value products and greater returns, and it provides differentiation from other graphite peers who would struggle to replicate this elsewhere.
What key relationships does Blencowe have that sets apart Orom-Cross from other market participants?
Blencowe received a US$5 million technical assistance grant from the US Government in September 2023 via its private sector funding arm, the Development Finance Corporation (“DFC”), to assist with the DFS costs. Blencowe is the first pre-production graphite company in the world to receive such support and the credibility DFC provides through its participation is enormous.
Looking ahead DFC has first rights to provide the debt funding for Orom-Cross project implementation and Blencowe is confident that DFC will become its cornerstone funding partner for production. Recently DFC announced they were providing a +US$150 million funding facility for Syrah Resources (graphite peer located in Mozambique) which underlines DFC’s ongoing commitment to support the graphite sector.
In September Blencowe was awarded full accreditation by the Minerals Security Partnership, an influential, high level, quasi-Government body that seeks to overcome dependence on China for all critical minerals via tangible MSP support programmes. This is a rare and very prestigious award and it highlights the value of Orom-Cross and its potential role in the global energy transition ahead.
As noted in the previous question, Blencowe has created an alliance with one of the largest and most experienced SPG producers in the world to produce purified graphite within Uganda. Yet another example of a unique relationship that underpins the Project’s investment thesis.
What is the funding status of the DFS and how does Blencowe see Orom-Cross being funded into production?
The DFS strategy has been optimised to incorporate two important value-adding components, being downstream processing to further purify graphite beyond concentrate and a drill programme to increase the current 24.5Mt at 6.0% TC JORC Standard Resource, to provide important geotechnical information for mine designs and further infill to add to current Reserves. These value-adding components are included in the DFS to maximise the potential value of the Project.
To date the Company has raised ~£5m (including the most recent £1.6m) for DFS work, on top of the US$5m (£4m) grant received from the US Government via their private sector lending arm, the Development Finance Corporation. At this point US$1.5 million of the DFC grant funds remain undrawn but will be accessed as DFS work completes. The latest capital raise included £500,000 from senior management which is a significant commitment, as was the £1.2 million in fees taken as shares by key project partners including the Orom-Cross drillers. Additionally, the Company is in advanced discussions with selected strategic investors who have expressed interest in providing capital to secure exposure to the Project. The Company is seeking to complete the DFS as soon as possible and move thereafter to decision to mine.
A combination of debt and equity will fund Orom-Cross project implementation, with majority as debt. It is envisaged that once the DFS is completed the DFC will cornerstone a funding solution via debt and one or more other financial institutions will combine to deliver the remaining debt and equity. Discussions are already underway on this with several interested parties to deliver this strategy.
The unique factors within the Orom-Cross project as noted in this Q&A, together with the differentiated strategy and the tier one relationships, will all contribute towards delivering this funding solution.
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn |
www.blencoweresourcesplc.com Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
|
Investor Relations Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
|
Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733
|
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes
Cadence Minerals #KDNC – EverGreen – RC Drilling Commenced at Bynoe Project
Cadence Minerals (AIM: KDNC) is pleased to announce the start of RC drilling at the Bynoe Project by ASX-listed Evergreen Lithium Limited (“EverGreen”) (ASX: EG1). Cadence is an 8.74% shareholder in EverGreen. Link here to view the full Evergreen ASX announcement.
Highlights:
• Following a successful Aircore drilling campaign, RC drilling has commenced at Bynoe, targeting deeper lithium mineralisation
• Recent AC drilling results confirmed multiple priority targets for deeper drilling
• Initial interpretations indicate the presence of multiple stacked, shallow-dipping pegmatites, resembling prominent lithium-bearing systems in the area, highlighting Bynoe’s potential in this region
Following the encouraging initial air-core (AC) drilling results, a Reverse Circulation (RC) rig has been deployed to the site.
This new drilling phase aims to explore priority targets identified through Aircore drilling, with particular interest in the recently announced Line 6 target, which has demonstrated significant lithium potential.
The deployment of the RC rig marks a major step forward in EverGreen’s exploration strategy. The recent phase of air-core drilling at Byone is complete, with 297 drill holes covering 6,456 meters. Initial results were encouraging, with interpretation indicating multiple stacked, shallow-dipping pegmatites, similar to lithium-bearing systems like Hang Gong and Lees Booth.
For further information contact:
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Cadence Minerals plc |
+44 (0) 20 3582 6636 |
Andrew Suckling |
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Kiran Morzaria |
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Zeus Capital Limited (NOMAD & Broker) |
+44 (0) 20 3829 5000 |
James Joyce |
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Darshan Patel Isaac Hooper |
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Fortified Securities – Joint Broker |
+44 (0) 20 3411 7773 |
Guy Wheatley |
|
Brand Communications |
+44 (0) 7976 431608 |
Public & Investor Relations |
|
Alan Green |
Qualified Person
Kiran Morzaria B.Eng. (ACSM), MBA, has reviewed and approved the information contained in this announcement. Kiran holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Geology) from the Camborne School of Mines and an MBA (Finance) from CASS Business School.
Quoted Micro 18 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Exchange (AQX), which operates the Aquis Stock Exchange, is recommending a bid from rival exchange trading business SIX Exchange. SIX is mainly interested in the technology that Aquis has developed, but it suggests that there is potential to develop the Aquis Stock Exchange as a pan-European market. The offer for Aquis Exchange is 727p/share in cash, which values the company at £225m. There had been several previous proposals from SIX.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) says delays in orders mean that 2024 revenues will be lower than expected. Dowgate forecasts a drop from £4.4m to £3.1m (previously £4.2m) this year and a £1.8m loss, up from £1.2m in 2023. There should still be net cash of £100,000 by the end of the year. The orders should fall into 2025. Costs continue to be reduced and annualised savings of £500,000 have been made. The board is seeking shareholder approval to leave Aquis.
Pubs operator Daniel Thwaites (THW) increased interim revenues by 5% to £63.5m and although pre-tax profit declined, excluding gains on interest rate swaps and property disposals or income on pension assets, it improved from £6m to £6.7m. Net debt was £71.2m at the end of September 2024 and it continues to invest in its pubs and hotels. The dividend was raised from 0.85p/share to 0.9p/share. There has been weaker consumer confidence since the summer. The National Living Wage and National Insurance hikes, along with the reduction in business rate relief, will hit the business and there is limited scope to increase prices. That is a problem for the next financial year.
Crypto app developer Tap Global Group (TAP) has appointed Peter Wall as strategic adviser, and it is intended that he will become chairman. He used to be chief executive of Argo Blockchain. In the year to June 2024, unaudited revenues were £2.67m and they continue to rise. Chief executive Arsen Torosian will take on the same role at the Gibraltar-based subsidiary once regulatory approval is received.
Asia Wealth Group (AWLP) moved back into profit in the first half. A loss of $94,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of $13,000. The company is seeking investment opportunities in the UK and Asia.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has completed the sale of health business. M3 Helium, which Mendell Helium has an option to acquire, says the potential flow rates from the Rost 1-26 well in Kansas could exceed previous expectations.
Ananda Developments (ANA) chief executive Melissa Sturgess bought 2.02 million shares at an average price of 0.32p each. She has a 9.92% shareholding.
Transport electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) says Tony Ratcliffe will leave his role of finance director at the end of the month.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (EO.P) had net assets of 294.9p/share at the end of October 2024.
AIM
Film vehicles and services provider Facilities by ADF (ADF) has been hit by filming delays and the cancelation of projects. It had appeared that there would a strong recovery in the second half following the Hollywood writers’ strike. Revenues have been reduced from £48.6m to £35.1m and margins have been hit by competition for limited contracts. This means that Facilities by ADF will not do much better than breakeven in 2024. There should be a recovery in 2025, but revenues have been cut from £67.3m to £56.8m – including a 12-month contribution from Autotrak. Rockwood Strategic has a 3.7% stake and related investment entities have a further 7.6%, while Octopus has taken a 6.49% stake. Downing and Otus have reduced their holdings. Chairman John Richards bought 200,000 shares at 30.5p each.
Duke Capital (DUKE) is asking for more money from shareholders. A placing has raised £17.2m at 27.5p/share, which is more than the initial amount sought. A retail offer could raise up to £3m more. The cash will be used for new and follow-on investments. There could also be some stakebuilding in existing investee companies. There will also be additional debt funds that can be used. The retail offer closes on 22 November.
Investment manager Tatton Asset Management (TAM) increased assets under management and influence by 13% to £19.9bn. It will be difficult to continue this momentum. Pre-tax profit was 29% ahead at £11.4m. This was held back by additional investment in mortgage business Paradigm. The interim dividend was raised by 19% to 9.5p/share.
Programmatic advertising services provider Nexxen International (NEXN) plans ask shareholder permission at its AGM for a departure from AIM and change its Nasdaq listing from ADRs to ordinary shares. Third quarter figures show 12% growth in revenues, while EBITDA is 49% ahead at $31.6m. The 2024 EBITDA forecast has been raised by 7% to $107m, which is still well below the 2022 level.
Phoenix Copper (PXC) says NIU Invest is reviewing the Empire mine project ahead of setting out a new drawdown schedule for the $80m corporate copper bond. So far, $5m has been drawn down. The company is talking to other potential bond investors. There is enough cash to reach the second quarter of 2025.
SRT Marine Systems (SRT) is raising £8.5m at 35p/share, including £5.36m from Ocean Infinity, which has also underwritten a retail offer to raise £2m of the cash. Ocean Infinity is providing a $21.4m guarantee for the performance bond relating to a $213m marine systems contract. There are other potential contracts in the pipeline and management says that SRT Marine Systems should be significantly profitable in 2025-26.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) says the anomalous copper zone at the West Huntoon porphyry copper prospect has been expanded from 2 square km to over 3 square km. There have been some high grades of copper, gold and silver in samples. The anomalous zone appears to trend towards the company’s M2 copper resource.
Deltic Energy (DELT) says Shell has provided an updated total well cost estimate of $48m for the Selene well site in the North Sea. Deltic Energy is carried for costs of up to $49m. There are plans for a second licence term as the partners move towards a final investment decision. This news and the full inclusion of tax losses has led Canaccord Genuity to increase its NPV10 share price target from 30p to 38p.
Gold explorer and producer Ariana Resources (AAU) has secured a $5m financing agreement with RiverFort Global Partners and $2m has been received. No new shares will be issued. This will fund feasibility studies for the Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. RiverFort Global Partners will be the cornerstone investor for the ASX listing.
There has been plenty of news from cancer diagnostics developer Angle (AGL) this week. The DNA analysis of circulating tumour cells using Parsortix has been shown to identify EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients that are developing resistance to treatment with AstraZeneca drug Osimertinib. Uses of the Parsortix technology are being showcased at an American Association for Cancer Research special conference. Angle is presenting a talk on PD-L1 status in circulating tumour cells isolated by its Parsortix diagnostics technology from blood samples of lung cancer patients. Data produced has high analytical sensitivity and specificity and suggests that this technology can be used for personalised treatment of lung cancer patients. Additionally, there is a report on progress of developing a system to classify HER2 protein expression for breast cancer. This is being developed with BioView. Parsortix-based assays were showcased at the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) Liquid Biopsies Conference in France.
Delays to defence orders have hit Solid State (SOLI) and profit will be much lower than expected this year. Cavendish has downgraded 2024-25 earnings by 58% to 5.5p/share and next year’s by 48% to 7.9p/share because it is uncertain when the order will come through. The UK government has paused spending on a major defence order ahead of a strategic defence review next summer. The dividend could be maintained at 4.3p/share.
Touch sensors manufacturer Zytronic (ZYT) has completed a strategic review and decided to sell assets and return any cash to shareholders. This might involve the sale of the trading subsidiary Zytronic Displays or its assets. Net cash was £3.3m at13 November. The share price
Power generator OPG Power Ventures (OPG) is being investigated by the Indian authorities for alleged non-compliance relating to the Foreign Exchange Management Act. This regulates foreign exchange transactions. Management believes that everything they have done have been in compliance with laws. The power plants continue to operate.
MAIN MARKET
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) is trading in line with expectations, but it is cautious about European operations. Competitive pricing means that profitability has been hit. There is still one loss making problem contract. North America and Asia Pacific remain strong regions in most sectors.
Critical Metals (CRTM) says copper ore off-taker OM Metals has sent the first truck load of ore to its processing plant. Critical Metals has further extended the repayment of its loan facility. A $646,000 payment has ben deferred to 20 December and could be further extended until the end of January. Cost savings, including a voluntary salary deferrals of 25% for executives, are being undertaken.
Like-for-like foundry sales volumes were one-fifth lower at Castings (CGS) as European heavy truck sales declined. Interim revenues also fell by one-fifth to £89.2m and cost savings are not fully showing through so pre-tax profit was three-fifths down at £4.1m. The interim dividend is 2% ahead at 4.21p/share. There are opportunities in off-highway, wind energy and infrastructure and that would reduce reliance on heavy truck demand. The assets acquired from Chamberlin are profitable.
Andrew Hore
#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – 6,700m Drilling Programme to Commence
Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) is pleased to announce that it has commenced the 6,700 metre resource drilling programme, marking the final major workstream required for the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) for the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda.
With the funding received from the recent capital raise the Company has now triggered the drilling programme, seeking a significant expansion of the JORC Standard Resource and Reserves for Orom-Cross. The drill programme will target extensions to the existing Northern Syncline and Camp Lode deposits as well as upgrading the overall Resource classification. There will also be a step-out campaign to outline additional resources in a nearby target zone which, if successful, will add an exciting new high grade deposit into the Orom-Cross Resource.
The additional Reserves will allow Blencowe to both increase the scale of production tonnage earlier in the mine life and to extend the life of mine, delivering a substantial impact on project economics and the final DFS results.
Highlights:
· Value Addition: Additional resources will underscore the scale and continuity of the graphite deposit at Orom-Cross, estimated at 2-3 billion tonnes overall.
· Step-Out: Drilling in new target areas within the tenement aims to increase mineral resource and confirm extensions within this vast graphite deposit.
· Further Resources and Reserves: Incremental drilling on the existing deposits can significantly increase the JORC Standard Reserve, translating to higher production volumes and an extended life of mine
· Enhanced DFS Economics: Increased production volumes and longer life of mine would have a materially positive impact on the DFS result.
Blencowe has commenced mobilisation and execution for its latest drilling campaign at the Orom-Cross project. Experienced drilling partner ADT Africa (www.adtafrica.com) will once again undertake this programme, under the guidance of Minrom Consulting (www.minrom.com), Blencowe’s geological and technical partner.
The programme aims to expand both the JORC Standard Resource and Reserves, which currently stand at 24.5Mt at 6.0%TC (total carbon). Drilling will also support data required for geotechnical design confirmation for pit designs, as well as material strength characteristics for crushing and milling designs within the DFS.
ADT Africa will now mobilise drill rigs and personnel to site shortly and commence drilling thereafter. The entire programme is scheduled to span approximately 2-3 months, with regular market updates to follow. A revised JORC Resource is anticipated after drilling and assays are completed. Additionally, Blencowe will establish the first permanent camp at Orom-Cross, in preparation for the construction phase, targeted for 2H 2025.
Cameron Pearce, Executive Chairman, commented;
“We are confident this programme will significantly extend our JORC Resource and Reserve base and we will be working closely with our technical partners to deliver the best results possible in the shortest timeframe, feeding directly into the DFS. We are especially excited to be drilling a new deposit which may ultimately deliver further higher grade tonnes into our project. Higher production volumes will make a substantial difference to the NPV within the DFS modelling.”
“As a result of successfully completing bulk sample test work over the past 12 months to become pre-qualified, combined with our evolving downstream SPG strategy that will give Orom-Cross a nearby offtaker for life of mine, we can now expect sell more product than we originally believed was possible within the PFS. This increase in demand supports our decision to build up Reserves beyond initial PFS expectations, aligning with the significant market need for high-quality graphite.”
For further information please contact:
Blencowe Resources Plc Sam Quinn |
www.blencoweresourcesplc.com Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
|
Investor Relations Sasha Sethi |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
|
Tavira Financial Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733
|
Twitter https://twitter.com/BlencoweRes
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/72382491/admin/
Background
Orom-Cross Graphite Project
Orom-Cross is a potential world class graphite project both by size and end-product quality, with a high component of more valuable larger coarse flakes within the deposit.
A 21-year Mining Licence for the project was issued by the Ugandan Government in 2019 following extensive historical work on the deposit. Blencowe completed a successful Pre-Feasibility Study on the Project in July 2022 and is now within the Definitive Feasibility Study phase as it drives towards first production.
Orom-Cross presents as a large, shallow open-pitable deposit, with an initial JORC Indicated & Inferred Mineral Resource of 24.5Mt @ 6.0% TGC (Total Graphite Content). This Resource has been defined from only ~2% of the total tenement area which presents considerable upside potential ahead. Development of the resource is expected to benefit from a low strip ratio and free dig operations together with abundant inexpensive hydro-electric power off the national grid, thereby ensuring low operating costs. With all major infrastructure available at or near to site the capital costs will also be relatively low in comparison to most graphite peers.
In 3Q 2024 Blencowe introduced a Joint Venture concept with experienced downstream graphite processing partners to ultimately produce upgraded 99.95% SPG in Uganda. This strategy has several key advantages plus substantial cost savings which will assist deliver a world class project once DFS is completed.
Mendell Helium #MDH – Result of General Meeting and Completion of Disposal
The General Meeting of the Shareholders of Mendell Helium was held today at 11.30 am (UK) at Arran House, Arran Road, Perth, Perthshire PH1 3DZ. The Company is pleased to confirm that the resolution was duly passed.
This was the final condition for the disposal (“Disposal”) by the Company of its plant based health & wellness business (“Voyager”) to Orsus Therapeutics plc (“Orsus”) announced on 14 October 2024. The Company is therefore pleased to confirm that the Disposal has completed and the business and assets of Voyager have been transferred to Orsus.
Eric Boyle, Chairman of Mendell Helium, said: “We are pleased to confirm the completion of the sale of our plant based health & wellness business to Orsus. Over the past four years, we have developed several high profile and substantial customers in our manufacturing division alongside three brands with over 100 product formulations. We wish Orsus well in the next phase of building the Voyager business.”
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the release of this announcement.
ENDS
Enquiries:
Mendell Helium plc
Nick Tulloch, CEO
|
Tel: +44 (0) 1738 317 693
nick@mendellhelium.com https://mendellhelium.com/ |
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (AQSE Corporate Adviser)
Ludovico Lazzaretti/Liam Murray
|
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7213 0880 |
SI Capital Limited (Broker)
Nick Emerson |
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 413500 |
Stanford Capital Partners Ltd (Broker)
Patrick Claridge/Bob Pountney
|
Tel: +44 (0) 203 3650 3650/51
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Brand Communications (Public & Investor Relations)
Alan Green
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Tel: +44 (0) 7976 431608
|
Overview of M3 Helium and the Hugoton North Play
Mendell Helium, formerly Voyager Life plc, announced on 27 June 2024 that it has entered into an option agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of M3 Helium through the issue of 57,611,552 new ordinary shares in Mendell Helium to M3 Helium’s shareholders. The exercise of the option will constitute a reverse takeover pursuant to AQSE Rule 3.6 of the Access Rule Book and is subject to, inter alia, publication of an admission document.
M3 Helium has interests in nine wells in South-Western Kansas of which five (Peyton, Smith, Nilson, Bearman and Demmit) are in production. Eight of the company’s wells are within the Hugoton gas field, one of the largest natural gas fields in North America. Significantly these wells are in the proximity of a gathering network and the Jayhawk gas processing plant meaning that producing wells can quickly be tied into the infrastructure.
The ninth well is in Fort Dodge and was tested in July 2024 as containing 5.1% helium composition. Although not within direct access to the gathering network, M3 Helium owns a mobile Pressure Swing Adsorption production plant which could be used to purify the helium on site.
Anglesey Mining #AYM – Issue of Equity
Anglesey Mining plc (AIM:AYM), announces that it has issued a total of 1,229,238 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company (“New Ordinary Shares”) in satisfaction of amounts owing to certain suppliers, at a price of 1p per share.
Application has been made for the New Ordinary Shares, which will rank pari passu with all existing ordinary shares in the Company, to be admitted to trading on AIM (“Admission”). Admission is expected to take place on 14 November 2024.
The Company has no ordinary shares held in treasury and, as a result, the total number of voting rights in the Company following Admission will be 484,822,255.
For further information, please contact:
Anglesey Mining plc
Rob Marsden, Chief Executive Officer – Tel: +44 (0)7531 475111
Andrew King, Interim-Chairman – Tel: +44 (0)7825 963700
Davy
Nominated Adviser & Joint Corporate Broker
Brian Garrahy / Daragh O’Reilly – Tel: +353 1 679 6363
Zeus Capital Limited
Joint Corporate Broker
Katy Mitchell / Harry Ansell – Tel: +44 (0)161 831 1512
LEI: 213800X8BO8EK2B4HQ71
About Anglesey Mining plc:
Anglesey is developing the 100% owned Parys Mountain Cu-Zn-Pb-Ag-Au VMS deposit in North Wales, UK with a reported resource of 5.3 million tonnes at over 4.0% combined base metals in the Measured and Indicated categories and 10.8 million tonnes at over 2.5% combined base metals in the Inferred category.
Anglesey also holds a 49.75% interest in the Grängesberg iron ore project in Sweden and 12% of Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited, which through its 52% owned subsidiaries, is engaged in the exploration and development of direct shipping iron ore deposits in Labrador and Quebec.