Marquee Resources Limited (“Marquee” or “Company”) (ASX:MQR) is pleased to update the market about the ongoing exploration activities at the West Spargoville Project (“WSP” or “Project”).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Results from aircore drilling confirm the presence of Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites as the source of surficial geochemical anomalism.
Large LCT halo (extending over 2km and up to 300m wide) identified in aircore drilling to be followed up with reverse-circulation drilling to test for bedrock mineralisation.
Follow-up mapping identifies outcropping, spodumene bearing pegmatite within an interpreted pegmatite dyke swarm. 10 reverse-circulation drillholes of the 57-hole program completed with drilling initially targeting the interpreted pegmatite dyke swarm.
The company has received results from a 93-hole, 5,470m aircore drilling program, which has confirmed the presence of highly fractionated LCT-type pegmatites as the source of surficial geochemical anomalism. Aircore drilling was completed in the eastern portion of the tenure, where the depth of weathering extends up to 60m deep, with elevated lithium-cesium-tantalum values in weathered material associated with elevated pathfinder elements (Table 1). A large geochemical halo (90th percentile Li > 64ppm) extending over 2 kilometres and up to 300m wide has been identified from the aircore drilling, with the bedrock source to be targeted in follow-up reverse-circulation (RC) drilling.
Table 1: Best assay result from aircore drilling.
In preparation for RC drilling further mapping was completed which identified a NE-striking, spodumene bearing pegmatite (Figure 1) in an area considered highly prospective due to the results from auger geochemistry and deep ground-penetrating radar (DGPR) (Refer: MQR ASX Release 21st April 2022). RC drilling has begun to test the NE-striking corridor with multiple pegmatites intersected in drilling thus far. The first batch of samples have been delivered to the laboratory with results expected in 4-6 weeks.
Figure 1: LEFT − Outcropping, spodumene bearing pegmatite. RIGHT − Grab sample collected from outcrop with abundant, elongate spodumene crystals.
In relation to the disclosure of visual mineralisation the Company cautions that visual estimates of spodumene abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the widths and the grade of visual mineralisation repo
Executive Chairman Comment:
Marquee Executive Chairman, Mr Charles Thomas, commented: “To identify pegmatites with clear LCT geochemical signatures is highly encouraging and confirms the prospectivity of the West Spargoville Project. There had been no lithium exploration completed at the Project 12 months ago so we are making great progress and look forward to keeping the market updated as more results come to light. We are currently systematically exploring the Project with RC drilling continuing for the forseeable future and will begin another round of aircore drilling in the last week of June so it is a very exciting time for the Company.”
Exploration Update & Forward Work Plan
Results have been received from a 93-hole, 5,470m aircore drilling program. The aircore program was completed in the eastern portion of the tenure where there is a well-developed weathering profile up to and beyond 60m deep. As such, the aircore results are from highly weathered material where geochemical dispersion is prevalent. The assay results show a clear LCT-pegmatite association with tantalum concentrated preferentially in the upper saprolite and lithium concentrated in the lower saprolite (Figure 2). Follow-up RC drilling is required to test for the bedrock source of the geochemical dispersion halo. The geological setting is analogous to the Cade Pegmatite at the Dome North Project where mineralised pegmatite is hosted within the Black Flag Beds beneath a well-developed weathering profile (Refer ESS ASX Release 14th January 2022).
RC drilling has begun to test multiple geochemical anomalies detected during the auger program (Refer: MQR ASX Release 21st April 2022). The first drillholes of the program have targeted an interpreted dyke swarm in the vicinity of recently mapped outcropping spodumene-bearing pegmatite dyke (Figure 3). Multiple pegmatitic dykes have been intersected of varying thicknesses (Figure 2), with the first batch of assays at the lab for analysis. Results are expected within 4-6 weeks.
This article includes content from Marquee Resources Limited (ASX: MQR), licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Marquee Resources (ASX:MQR) is a fully funded junior exploration company focused on its battery metals assets in Western Australia and the United States. Its diversified portfolio includes assets containing lithium, copper and rare earth elements - essential metals for battery manufacturing - as well as gold.
Global demand for battery metals is projected to reach $20.5 billion by 2027, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 8.2 percent from 2020 to 2027, according to Allied Market Research, This growth is attributed to the exponential growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, with two million EVs sold worldwide just in the first quarter of 2022, up 75 percent compared to the same period in 2021, along with continued market demand for consumer electronic devices.
Many of Marquee Resources’ assets are in advanced exploration stages, with highly encouraging exploration results.
The company’s flagship project is the West Spargoville Lithium Project, located in the prolific Southern Yilgarn Lithium Belt in Western Australia, and contains hard-rock lithium deposits. Marquee Resources has partnered with Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) to explore and develop the project. Mineral Resources has extensive experience operating hard-rock lithium mines and brings technical and operational expertise to the project. The West Spargoville Lithium Project has already yielded encouraging exploration results.
Marquee’s other encouraging lithium assets include Clayton Valley Lithium and Kibby Basin Lithium projects, both containing lithium brine and building additional excitement for lithium potential. Results from the 2022 drill program at Kibby Basin have returned high levels of lithium-bearing sediments along with dissolved lithium in the groundwater, with up to 924 parts per million (ppm) lithium from the two exploration boreholes (KB 22-01 and KB 22- 02) that were completed.
The company’s additional projects target other critical battery metals such as rare earth elements and copper. Its Lone Star Copper-Gold project is currently undergoing a 6,000-meter diamond drilling program. Marquee’s 2022 drill campaign at Lone Star intersected a wide mineralised envelope of up to 150 meters at 0.5 percent copper, with high-grade mineralised zones up to 19.8 meters at 2 percent copper. As many zones in the deposit remain open and untested, there is significant potential for additional mineralization, combined with historical diamond and percussion drill hills indicating high-grade deposits of copper and gold.
In October 2022, Marquee announced its maiden mineral resource estimate for the Lone Star Copper-Gold Project containing indicated mineral resource of 9.7 Mt at 0.45 percent copper and 0.24 g/t gold, and inferred mineral resource of 3.5 Mt at 0.31 percent copper and 0.20 g/t gold.
Marquee Resources is led by strong management with experience in natural resources and corporate administration. Charles Thomas, executive chairman, has over 15 years of experience in capital markets and structuring corporate transactions. Dr. James Warren, chief technical officer, has worked in leadership roles managing technical operations. George Henderson, non-executive director, has extensive experience in equity capital markets dating back to 2004. Anna Mackintosh, company secretary, has 26 years of commercial experience in compliance and finance roles for natural resource companies.
Company Highlights
Marquee Resources is an Australian fully funded exploration company targeting battery metals with multiple assets in advanced exploration stages.
The company’s flagship project is the West Spargoville Lithium Project, which has already yielded encouraging exploration results.
Marquee Resources is in partnership with Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) to explore and develop the West Spargoville Lithium Project, and the companies have accelerated this farm-In agreement with MinRes acquiring an initial 25 percent interest in the lithium rights at WSP by funding $4.8 million on exploration activities at the project in less than 12 months.
The company’s Kibby Basin project is located near the only producing lithium mine in the United States and contains encouraging geologic properties that indicate the presence of lithium brine.
The company has additional projects that target lithium and other battery metals, such as copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Historical and current exploration assays indicate high-grade deposits of target metals.
A management team leads Marquee Resources with directly relevant experience in natural resource markets, corporate administration and corporate finance.
Key Projects
West Spargoville Lithium
The Western Australian flagship project is located in the prolific Southern Yilgarn Lithium Belt. The asset is near multiple producing lithium mines, including the Bald Hill Mine and Mt. Cattlin Mine. Historical exploration data indicates a 2.4 kilometer long anomaly rich in lithium deposits. The project has slated non-stop exploration drilling until the end of 2022.
Project Highlights:
Encouraging Exploration Results: Deep ground penetrating radar results indicated significant potential for lithium-bearing pegmatites. Interpretation of these has helped identify targets for follow-up drill testing.
Auger Program Awaiting Lab Results: An auger geochemistry drilling campaign consisting of approximately 3,200 holes was recently completed.
2022 Drill Campaign: A drilling campaign was conducted in 2022, with 122 holes of reverse circulation (RC) drilling completed for 18,687 meters, and 391 aircore drills (AC) for 19,156 meters. Assays are currently pending results. Drilling will recommence in early 2023, following up on anomalous intercepts.
Near World-Class Lithium Deposit: The Earl Grey deposit is located west of the deposit and contains similar geological formations as the primary West Spargoville project area.
In 2022, Marquee Resources entered into a binding term sheet with Mineral Resources Limited (ASX:MIN) to explore and develop lithium deposits in a joint venture across the West Spargoville project. The companies have agreed to accelerate the farm-In agreement with MinRes acquiring an initial 25 percent interest in the lithium rights at WSP by funding $4.8 million on exploration activities at the project in less than 12 months. MinRes also funded $500,000 to exercise the Fyfehill option. MinRes can also earn an additional 26 percent interest (MQR 49 percent/MinRes 51 percent) in the lithium rights at the project by funding the project until the development, construction and commissioning of a mine and related facilities for the conduct of mining operations on the project within five years.
Lone Star Copper & Gold
The company's copper and gold project is located in Washington State and contains a 3-kilometer-long mineralization trend of copper-gold deposits. The project has multiple past-producing mines and previous exploratory drill holes. Following the completion of the approximately 6,000-meter Phase 1 diamond drill program, Marquee Resources announced maiden mineral resource estimate for the Lone Star Copper-Gold Project containing indicated mineral resource of 9.7 Mt at 0.45 percent copper and 0.24 g/t gold, and inferred mineral resource of 3.5 Mt at 0.31 percent copper and 0.20 g/t gold.
Project Highlights:
Robust Infrastructure: The project has road access and water access and is located only minutes away from a community.
Exiting Mill Being Refurbished: A mill located 11 kilometers away is undergoing refurbishment before commencing operations.
Encouraging Historical Data: Previous exploration data indicates copper deposits up to 2.4% from 19 meters and 1.4 g/t gold at 7.6 meters.
2022 Drill Program: Intersected a wide mineralised envelope of up to 150 meters at 0.5 percent copper, with high-grade mineralised zones up to 19.8 meters at 2 percent copper.
Kibby Basin Lithium
Kibby Basin is located in Nevada, 60 kilometers north of Ablemarle's operating lithium mine. The project covers 2,560 acres, and Marquee has full water extraction permits necessary for lithium-brine extraction. The project is in advanced exploration stages and has a drill rig carrying out 24/7 exploration currently.
Project Highlights:
Geological Structure Indicative of Lithium Brine Deposits: Kibby Basin contains a 7.4 kilometer long structure with a similar geological structure as Ablermarle’s prolific lithium mine.
Basin May Contain Layers: Early exploration results indicated an extensive enough basin to potentially contain multiple layers of aquifers, which is favorable for high-grade lithium brine. Additionally, the project has substantial water resources available.
Fully Permitted and Exploration Underway: The project has received all necessary permits, and the company is currently carrying out a robust drilling program. The company suspects that this project will complement its nearby Clayton Valley Lithium Project.
2022 Drill Program Results: High levels of lithium-bearing sediments along with dissolved lithium in the groundwater, with up to 924 parts per million (ppm) lithium from the two exploration boreholes (KB 22-01 and KB 22- 02) that were completed.
Clayton Valley Lithium
Clayton Valley covers 12 square kilometers in Nevada and contains both lithium brine and clay. Like Kibby Basin, Clayton Valley is near Albemarle’s productive lithium mine. Kangari Consulting LLC completed a comprehensive review of the project and surrounding area, prompting Marquee to commence a two-phase exploration project. Marquee will commence a two-phase exploration program in the first half of 2023, consisting of detailed geological mapping and drilling.
Project Highlights:
Cater to U.S. Lithium Consumption: The asset is located in a great location to service the U.S. domestic market with scalable, staged development that can be developed to cater to increasing demand.
Near Tesla’s Gigafactory: Clayton Valley is 3.5 hours away from Tesla’s Gigafactory Number 1, a significant producer of lithium-ion batteries.
Encouraging Exploration Results: Existing data indicates the presence of high-grade lithium ranging from 2.9 mg/l at 10 feet to 11.6 mg/l at 110 feet. Additionally, the project has substantial water resources to support lithium extraction and processing.
Redlings Rare Earths
The Redlings Project is located in Western Australia, 150 kilometers away from Lynas’ (ASX:LYC) Mount Weld Project. The 100-percent-owned project covers an area of approximately 108 square kilometres of tenure with historical samples of up to 7.8 percent TREO.
Auger sampling recently completed identified additional rare earth element bearing dykes. According to executive chairman Charles Thomas, "There is a very good potential to identify a part of the system that hosts an economic deposit."
Exploration drilling is set to restart in the first quarter of 2023, to follow up on targets generated by the successful 2022 auger program.
Project Highlights:
Historic sampling results: Rock-chip samples up to 7.8 percent TREO.
Location: In proximity to Lynas’ Mount Weld Mine where a new exploration program has been established after samples returned high grade REE assays.
Promising exploration strategy: Recent drilling identified structures on the location of known REE-bearing carbonatitic dykes; drilling intersected a 25km structural zone of pink, frenetic, alteration intruded by multiple carbonatitic dykes.
Mt Clement Gold & Antimony Project
The Mt Clement Project is located 30 kilometers southwest of Black Cats (ASX:BC8) Paulsens gold mine, at the western end of the Ashburton Basin in the northern Capricorn Orogen of Western Australia. The project represents a genuine greenfield opportunity in one of Australia’s most underexplored regions.
Project Highlights:
Underexplored Region: Consists of 360 square kilometers of tenure prospective for syngenetic gold antimony mineralisation, a poorly understood and underexplored mineralisation style in Ashburton Basic, Western Australia.
Geological team recently completed a field mapping and reconnaissance expedition with a more extensive exploration program planned for 2023.
Management Team
Charles Thomas - Executive Chairman
Charles Thomas is the founding director of Marquee Resources and was the managing director of the company until 2019, when he then assumed the role of executive chairman. Thomas is also an executive director and founding partner of GTT Ventures, a leading boutique corporate advisory firm based in Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UWA majoring in corporate finance. Thomas has worked in the financial service industry for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in capital markets as well as the structuring of corporate transactions. Thomas has sat on numerous ASX boards spanning the mining, resources and technology space. His previous directorships include, among others, AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX:AVZ), Force Commodities Ltd (ASX:4CE) and Liberty Resources Ltd (ASX:LBY), where he was responsible for the sourcing and funding of numerous projects. Thomas is currently the non-executive chairman of Viking Mines Ltd (ASX:VKA), non-executive chairman of High Tech Metals Ltd (ASX:HTM) and non-executive director of Chase Mining Corporation Ltd (ASX:CML).
Dr. James Warren - Chief Technical Officer
Dr. James Warren is a geologist with extensive experience in the mineral resources sector and has held a variety of technical, operational and leadership roles spanning from greenfield target generation to production. Warren commenced his career in the Eastern Goldfields working at Gold Fields’ ST Ives operation in exploration and underground positions. He then completed his PhD, focusing on Kunanalling and Zulieska shear zones, while working at Phoenix Gold Limited (previously ASX: PXG). Warren was a key member of their exploration team until their takeover by Evolution Mining Limited. Warren then worked in the Mineral and Hydrothermal Geochemistry team at the CSIRO, when he was appointed as exploration manager of Echo Resources Ltd (Echo). At Echo, Warren oversaw the exploration strategy and growth of Echo’s resource base to over 1.8 Moz and was involved in the development of their corporate strategy and promotion.
George Henderson - Non-Executive Director
George Henderson is a corporate lawyer and founding partner of AGH Law. Henderson primarily acts for clients in relation to capital raisings (including IPOs, back door listings and secondary offerings), mergers and acquisitions (including takeovers and private share or asset sales), and ASIC and ASX compliance. He has particular experience in the resources and technology sectors, for both local and international clients. Henderson graduated from the University of Western Australia with degrees in law and commerce (corporate finance and financial accounting). Since graduating, Henderson has also obtained a graduate certificate in applied finance at Kaplan Higher Education.
Daniel Moore - Non-Executive Director
Daniel Moore (BEcon/LLB) was formally the CEO of Centenario Lithium. He has extensive experience in equity capital markets since 2004, previously with Wilson HTM and Morgan Stanley, focused on emerging companies. He has held non-executive director roles at iCollege (ASX:ICT), Coronado Resources during its RTO with Race Oncology (ASX:RAC), and Stratum Metals during its RTO with Locality Planning Energy (ASX:LPE).
Anna Mackintosh - Company Secretary
Anna Mackintosh, B.Com (UWA) CPA, also serves as company secretary of TAO Commodities Ltd (ASX:TAO) and Global Vanadium Ltd (ASX:GLV). Mackintosh has over 26 years of commercial experience including 11 years with BHP, 10 years with AFSL holder Kirke Securities Ltd as compliance manager, finance manager and responsible executive. Mackintosh was previously the company secretary/CFO of Kalia Limited (ASX:KLH) (2009 -2018 formerly GB Energy Limited) and Applabs Technologies Ltd, and financial controller at Force Commodities Ltd.
Emerging silica sands developer, Diatreme Resources Limited (ASX:DRX) announced today a significant upgrade to the estimated Si2 Mineral Resource at the Company’s Northern Silica Project (NSP) in Far North Queensland, highlighting the critical mineral project’s potential amid an accelerating solar energy boom.
Significant 17% increase in Indicated Resource and establishment of maiden 49.5 Mt Measured Mineral
Resource for Diatreme’s flagship Northern Silica Project (NSP) in Far North Queensland
Results provide strong Resource foundation for upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and maiden Ore Reserve
Bulk sample testing and further specialist metallurgical testwork currently underway at external laboratories
NSP on track for development amid increasing demand for critical mineral key to solar energy industry.
In the last two months Diatreme has advanced the NSP significantly, with results from the 2023 infill drilling program delivered in late February 2024, through to Particle Size Distribution results arriving in late March 2024, and a deposit scale bulk density program completed in early April 2024. Each phase was designed to enhance the precision of Resource modelling and to enhance project confidence.
The latest data has shown an increase in both the estimated Mineral Resource categories, with the inclusion of a maiden Measured Resource of 49.5 Mt, as well as increasing the size of the Indicated Resource to 120.5 Mt (up 17% from the previous estimate). Diatreme’s total low iron, high purity silica sand resource base exceeds 402 Mt, an extremely strategic and highly valuable resource that is well positioned to supply the fast-growing solar PV market.
Diatreme’s CEO, Neil McIntyre commented: “It is pleasing to report a further enhancement in the quality of the resource estimate for our flagship NSP, with the establishment of its first Measured category Mineral Resource and significant increase in its Indicated category Mineral Resource.
“The enhanced resource allows us to advance our PFS with greater confidence, providing a deeper understanding of the extraordinary potential for commercialisation contained within the Si2 dune complex at the NSP.
“We look forward to delivering the project’s PFS by mid-2024, together with a maiden Ore Reserve, as we ramp up development of this asset vital to the clean energy revolution, both in Australia and internationally.”
The resource upgrade follows moves by the Australian Government to promote the domestic manufacturing of solar panels under its $1 billion “Solar Sunshot” program. Low iron, high purity silica sand is a key ingredient in the solar PV manufacturing process (solar glass), which is currently dominated by China.
The NSP is also located near Cape Flattery, an area identified as a potential critical minerals hub for silica sand by the Queensland Government in its 2023 “Critical Minerals Strategy.”
This article includes content from Diatreme Resources Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Conquest Resources Limited (TSXV: CQR) ("Conquest" or the "Company") has entered into a Royalty Purchase and Sale Agreement with VDI Resources LLC (VDI), a subsidiary of VerAI Discoveries Inc. (VerAI), an artificial intelligence (AI) powered mineral discovery generator, pursuant to which the Company agrees to grant to VDI a 1.5% net smelter return royalty on certain target areas with recommended drilling locations generated by VerAI utilizing its proprietary AI technology. The Company agrees to grant VDI an additional 1.5% NSR in return for funding a drill program for testing of the targets identified by VerAI on the Belfast TeckMag Project, a 350 sq. km. land package located northeast of Sudbury, Ontario.
Tom Obradovich, CEO of Conquest stated, "It has been a unique experience working with the VerAI team to integrate their AI technology as another layer of targeting, which enhances our ability to potentially discover subsurface mineral deposits at the Belfast TeckMag Project. This area of Canada is one of the most cost-effective exploration regions and mineral-endowed belts in the world."
Belfast TeckMag Project MIAC Investigation
Over the past several years, Conquest has completed airborne electromagnetic and magnetic geophysical surveys, Mobile MT surveys, ground gravity surveys and regional drill programs. Recent examination of drill core by Dr. JF Montreuil, in particular diamond drill hole BC21-05, has indicated that mineralization and alteration facies are related to hydrothermal systems capable of forming IOCG and affiliated deposits. These systems are referred to as Metasomatic Iron and Alkali-Calcic systems or MIAC. The identified alteration types are similar to the Cloncurry region of Australia which hosts the Earnest Henry Mine in addition to other notable deposits. An exploration program beginning with prospecting and geological mapping of the areas of interest identified by VerAI and compiled with previous data will be conducted this spring under the direction of Joerg Kleinboeck, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration for Conquest. A program of diamond drilling is intended to commence later this year on VerAI targets as well as additional targets established by previous programs.
Yair Frastai, CEO of VerAI, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating, "It's a privilege to work with Conquest, a well-experienced explorer in the region. Our team is committed to maximizing the chance of discovery by using our AI technology to provide Conquest with higher-probability drilling locations, calibrated from the ongoing drilling inputs."
ABOUT VERAI DISCOVERIES, INC.
VerAI Discoveries ("VerAI") is an AI-powered mineral discovery generator focused on uncovering essential critical minerals for the green energy transition and a sustainable future. Their mission involves working with mining partners to target new mineral discoveries in covered areas in mature mining jurisdictions that remain largely unexplored. By deploying their novel proprietary AI/ML Discovery Platform, VerAI significantly increases the probability of discovering economic mineral deposits of different commodities and in various geological jurisdictions, shortens targeting time, and reduces exploration costs. For more information, visit https://ver-ai.com/.
ABOUT CONQUEST
Conquest Resources Limited, incorporated in 1945, is a mineral exploration company that is exploring for base metals and gold on mineral properties in Ontario.
Conquest holds a 100% interest in the Belfast-TeckMag Project, located in the Temagami Mining Camp at Emerald Lake, Ontario, which is believed to have exceptional exploration upside for magmatic sulphide deposits (Cu-Ni-PGE), VMS, IOCG, Iron formation hosted Au and Paleo-placer Au. The Belfast-TeckMag Project is the Company's flagship property, evolved from the Golden Rose Project, which was initially acquired in December 2017, and significantly augmented through the acquisition of Canadian Continental Exploration Corp. ("CCEC") in 2020 and subsequent additional claim staking and purchases in its adjacent Belfast Copper Project and TeckMag Property.
Conquest now controls over 300 square kilometers of underexplored territory in the Temagami Mining Camp, including the past producing Golden Rose Mine at Emerald Lake.
Conquest also holds a 100% interest in the Alexander Gold Property located immediately east of the Red Lake and Campbell mines in the heart of the Red Lake Gold Camp along the important "Mine Trend" regional structure. Conquest's property is almost entirely surrounded by Evolution Mining landholdings.
In addition, the Company holds interests in the Smith Lake Gold Property, Lake Nipigon Basin Property, and the Marr Lake Property.
/Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the U.S./
Source Rock Royalties Ltd. ("Source Rock") (TSXV: SRR), a pure-play oil and gas royalty company with an established portfolio of oil royalties, announces that its board of directors has declared a monthly dividend of $0.0065 per common share, payable in cash on May 15, 2024 to shareholders of record on April 30, 2024 . This represents an increase of 8% to the monthly dividend. Source Rock has now increased its monthly dividend by 30% since March 2023 .
This dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes.
Source Rock is a pure-play oil and gas royalty company with an existing portfolio of oil royalties in southeast Saskatchewan , central Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan . Source Rock targets a balanced growth and yield business model, using funds from operations to pursue accretive royalty acquisitions and to pay dividends. By leveraging its niche industry relationships, Source Rock identifies and acquires both existing royalty interests and newly created royalties through collaboration with industry partners. Source Rock's strategy is premised on maintaining a low-cost corporate structure and achieving a sustainable and scalable business, measured by growing funds from operations per share and maintaining a strong netback on its royalty production.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.
Rimfire Pacific Mining (ASX: RIM, “Rimfire” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that multiple cobalt, copper, and Rare Earth Element [REE] targets have been identified at its recently expanded 100% - owned Broken Hill Project which is located 17-30 kilometres west of Broken Hill, NSW (Figures 1 and 2).
Highlights
Detailed ground magnetics identifies a potential extension to high grade cobalt mineralisation drilled by Rimfire at Bald Hill last year, including;
125m @ 0.13% Co from 198 metres in FI2470 including 97m @ 0.15% Co
Bald Hill Extension magnetic anomaly which has not been drilled present over 450 x 400m to a vertical depth of ~300m
Additional magnetic anomalies identified 2km northeast of Bald Hill with initial rock chip samples up to 0.72% cobalt and 0.46% copper
Rimfire will shortly commence reconnaissance mapping & sampling to refine new targets and plan for drilling in 2H CY24
Commenting on the announcement, Rimfire’s Managing Director Mr David Hutton said: “Rimfire is exploring throughout New South Wales for critical minerals that are associated with global decarbonisation strategies, such as scandium, PGEs, copper, and cobalt.
While we remain firmly focussed on the scandium exploration program currently underway at Fifield and Avondale, we are also keen to advance our recently expanded Broken Hill Project.
Broken Hill is shaping up as a compelling exploration opportunity for Rimfire with ground magnetics highlighting a potential extension to high grade cobalt sulphides drilled last year at Bald Hill, as well as the cobalt, copper and REE targets outlined in this announcement.
With executed Access Agreements in place, we will shortly commence a ground inspection of the targets with a view to drill testing during the second half of 2024 and look forward to further market updates as new information comes to hand.”
This article includes content from Rimfire Pacific Mining Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Reach Resources Limited (ASX: RR1 & RR1O) (“Reach” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has received $822,595 from the recently completed non-renounceable rights issue.
As announced on 21 February 2024, eligible shareholders who participated will receive 1 fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company (“Share”) for every 3 Shares held, at an issue price of $0.002 per Share (pre-consolidation) (or $0.01 on a post-consolidation basis), together with 1 free attaching option to acquire a Share (“Option”) for every 2 Shares subscribed for and issued (“Rights Issue”).
Each Option issued under the Rights Issue will be exercisable within 3 years from the date of issue with an exercise price of $0.003 (pre-consolidation) (or $0.015 on a post-consolidation basis) (“New Options”). Participants in the Rights Issue will be issued Shares and New Options prior to 10am AWST, this morning.
In addition to the Rights Issue, the Company will be offering eligible holders of the existing RR1O listed Options (“RR1O Options”) a non-renounceable priority offer to subscribe for 1 New Option for every 1 RR1O held at an issue price of $0.0002 (pre-consolidation) or $0.001 (post-consolidation) per New Option, to raise up to approximately a further $0.26 million (“Priority Offer”). The issue of the New Options under the Priority Offer is subject to shareholder approval at the meeting to be held at 9:30 am AWST on the date of this announcement.
The Company intends to apply for the quotation of the New Options to be issued under the Rights Issue and the Priority Offer (together, the “Offers”).
Funds raised under the Offers will be allocated towards funding the exploration of the Company’s projects and for general working capital purposes.
The Company engaged Westar Capital Limited (AFSL 255789) (“Westar”) to act as lead manager for the Offers. In consultation with the Company, Westar has the exclusive right to the placement of any shortfall under the Rights Issue (ASX Announcement 14 March 2024 – Entitlement Issue Prospectus) (“Shortfall Offer”). Westar have been advised of the shortfall and the Company looks forward to providing an update to shareholders regarding the placement of the shortfall, in the short term.
Consolidation
Subject to receipt of shareholder approval at this morning’s General Meeting, the Company plans to consolidate its issued capital on a 1 for 5 basis (“Consolidation”).
The Consolidation will apply equally to all shareholders, individual shareholdings will be reduced in the same ratio as the total number of shares (subject to rounding of fractions). The Consolidation will have no material effect on the percentage interest in the Company of each shareholder from a pre- consolidation basis to a post-consolidation basis.
This article includes content from Reach Resources, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
The document shows that despite global uncertainty, commodities trading generated over US$100 billion in earnings before interest and taxes in 2023, translating into more than US$150 billion in gross margin.
McKinsey mentions challenges related to COVID-19 and geopolitical conflicts, such as increased price volatility and supply chain disruptions, but notes that commodities trading value pools have show resilience.
Total trading values remained relatively stable in 2023 following rapid growth from 2021 to 2022.
Commodities trading trends in 2023
Looking at specific commodities, McKinsey notes that oil and oil-based products remain the largest value pool, although their profitability decreased in 2023. The firm also notes that the year brought physical volatility.
Total demand for oil is seen growing for the majority of this decade, followed by a decline after 2030. Demand for the commodity is forecast to decrease by nearly 50 percent by 2050.
Until then, competition is anticipated to escalate as more large players enter the fray. According to McKinsey, national oil companies and legacy oil marketers are already bolstering their trading capabilities.
For power and gas, trading pool value saw a bump in 2023, with markets seeing above-average volatility.
New opportunities are emerging in power and gas trading, particularly around entering new markets, data-driven trading and investments in new assets like battery energy storage systems.
The liquefied natural gas (LNG) market continued to grow in 2023, playing a crucial role in maintaining energy security in Europe. Similar to oil, market competition is poised to escalate as players that traditionally relied on long-term pipeline gas contracts, particularly in Europe, can now leverage their existing customer base to bolster their trading capabilities.
For metals and mining, trading profitability decreased in 2023, driven by elevated energy prices and lower commodities prices. Even so, nickel production saw a notable upsurge, largely driven by Indonesia, while lithium output experienced only modest growth. McKinsey sees the energy transition driving metals demand in the years to come.
Commodities sector increasingly interconnected
Aside from that, the McKinsey report highlights two major trends shaping commodities markets today.
The first is increasing interconnectedness. According to McKinsey, the average correlation between commodities vital to the energy transition has doubled, reaching 56 percent from 2015 to 2019.
Part of the reason for that is increased diversification of supply, which has led to a decrease in long-term relationships and a surge in short-term contracts. The LNG market exemplifies this shift, notes McKinsey, with approximately 100 new LNG tankers launched in the past three years, poised to surpass oil carriers by 2028.
Similarly, flexible contracts are gaining traction as buyers seek to mitigate risk. This shift often leads to higher exposure to global prices, as residual volumes are typically priced based on current market levels. The competition between Asia and Europe for additional LNG volumes highlights the growing preference for spot or indexed contracts.
However, not all markets follow this pattern. Critical industries like agriculture and certain metals, where supply chain security is paramount, often enjoy protection from local authorities.
Power to play a key role in the energy transition
The second major trend McKinsey mentions is the growing role of power in the energy transition.
The firm notes that power will be key to meeting the net-zero goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, and states that the power sector's value is anticipated to grow by up to 5 percent annually, reaching US$1.3 trillion to US$2.4 trillion by 2040.
However, the road to a sustainable energy future is not straightforward. Unlike other commodities, power demands immediate generation and consumption in close proximity. While solar and wind have spearheaded initial efforts in the energy transition, the journey to achieving the next 50 percent reduction in emissions presents complex hurdles.
Solutions such as nuclear, hydrogen and carbon capture necessitate substantial investments, alongside urgent grid expansions to accommodate evolving demands.
In Germany alone, the annual buildout of the transmission grid is projected to skyrocket by a factor of five, with approximately 1,900 kilometers added per annum by 2035, compared to a mere 400 kilometers previously.
Renewables, particularly wind and solar, are also set to dominate the power mix from 2030 to 2050. Yet this reliance on renewables introduces dependencies on other commodities. For instance, wind turbines, which are integral to renewable energy infrastructure, heavily rely on materials like steel, copper and aluminum.
Investor takeaway
As uncertainty drives large value pools in commodities trading, McKinsey is suggesting that players in this market embrace data-driven trading, which involves artificial intelligence.
The firm believes this approach can give commodities traders an advantage, particularly in power and gas.
"To expand capabilities and agility, players will need to think through the macrotrends to determine which cross-commodity opportunities are the best fit, what role traders can play in power, and how to differentiate across managing illiquid risks, data-driven trading, and having deep capabilities in niche commodities," states McKinsey.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Table 1: Best assay result from aircore drilling.
Figure 1: LEFT − Outcropping, spodumene bearing pegmatite. RIGHT − Grab sample collected from outcrop with abundant, elongate spodumene crystals.
In relation to the disclosure of visual mineralisation the Company cautions that visual estimates of spodumene abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the widths and the grade of visual mineralisation repo
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