*REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE HERE*

It is the hot new oil frontier and you will be hearing a lot more about it in the next 12 months. But never forget who first told you about the Duvernay shale play in Alberta, Canada.

Hoping to ride the wave of excitement is Mako Energy (ASX:MKE), which with two other partners, holds 90,000 acres of prime land right at the heart of the area.

The investment bank Macquarie, which recently published a report on the play, its economics and its geology, has already dubbed it the new Eagle Ford, drawing parallels with the hugely prolific south Texas formation.

If this analogy is correct then brace yourself. Eagle Ford has gone from nought to 140 rigs in a little over two years, while attracting all the big hitters in shale.

But where the Duvernay differs from its Texas cousin is that it has so far failed to draw the interest from the shale majors mentioned earlier.
I say so far, because there are rumblings that the big boys are on their way. However, with most of Duvernay acreage taken in the land grab, the only way in will be to buy a slice of the action.

Mako and its partners, Kilgore and Transerv, expect to farm down their Duvernay acreage following a blue-print deployed with great effect by Aussie compatriot Aurora Energy.

Its deal with Hilcorp, now part of Marathon Oil, was in the Eagle Ford area. And it transformed Aurora from a small-cap to a billion-dollar enterprise that last year ranked as the ASX’s fastest growing company.

It must be remembered, however, that Aurora’s land package was smaller than that held by Mako and its partners and did not contain an additional productive zone such as Rock Creek.

So there is plenty to discuss when Mako joins us on the 14th.

We stay in Canada with Avalon Rare Metals (CVE:AVL), which owns the Nechalacho heavy rare earths project in Thor Lake, Northwest Territories.

NWT is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world.

Its exceptional enrichment in the more valuable 'heavy' rare earths means it is one of the few potential sources of these critical elements outside of China, home to 95 per cent of world supply.

Avalon is well funded, has no debt and its work programmes are progressing steadily.

Moving several thousand miles south and east, but staying on the same continent, and we find the Mustang gas and gas condensate field in which our next guest, Silvermere Energy (LON:SLME), is a 33 per cent shareholder.

Situated in the shallow waters off the coast of Texas, it is operated by Dominion Production.

Silvermere acquired the Mustang asset for £2.8 million and future royalties. Respected industry consultants RPS Energy values the project – based on the proven and probable reserves – at £18.4 million.

But it also identified a further £59 million of possible reserves – giving a total potential valuation for the Mustang asset of over £75 million.  
If Dominion is successful in unlocking Mustang’s potential, then Silvermere investors will immediately feel the benefit. 

Finishing off this Cook’s Tour of the investing world we have Fluormin (LON:FLOR), which owns the Witkop fluorspar mine in South Africa.
Very few people will have heard of fluorspar, fewer still will understand its importance in the modern world.

However it is all around us. The mineral, also known as calcium fluoride, is used in the manufacture of aluminium, to produce Teflon that coats non-stick pans and to create the fluorocarbons used in fridges and freezers.

Fluormin is developing its business with the intention of becoming a major mover in the market for fluorspar.

Formerly called Maghreb Minerals, its focus was lead and zinc mining until the sale of those assets to Glencore over the summer.

Fluormin is now the embodiment of a strategy put together by the American hedge fund Firebird, which has spotted an opportunity in the fluorspar market.

Major shareholder Firebird is hoping to emulate the success it had in uranium where it bought companies, private and quoted, as well as positions in the physical material itself.

It was one of the first to spot that uranium stockpiles were being depleted and demand was outstripping supply.

Chief executive Al Gourley, who will be presenting, told Proactive recently: “I think when the world normalises, when the European crisis is behind us, when GDP growth returns, I think we could see a dramatic spike in the fluorspar price.

“I think the next 18 months should be exciting for the company and we will likely see, as with rare earth minerals, more and more investors coming to understand fluorspar and the investment opportunity.”

I’m sure you will agree we have lined up four real firecrackers, which we expect to explode into life in 2012. Places are at a premium for this our last get together of 2011. So to avoid disappointment register now.

Spaces are limited and registration is essential  *REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE HERE*

Wednesday the 14th December 2011. Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB (Charles Suite). The presentations will start at 6:00pm and finish at approx 8:00pm. After the presentations are complete the directors will also be available to take questions during a free canapé and wine reception with Christmassy treats! More details on the presenting companies can be found on www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk.

Proactive Investors have run over 250 investor presentations across all the key financial centres.

According to the latest economics assessment, the project is now estimated to yield a 34 percent internal rate of return, on an after-tax basis, compared to the prior estimate of 12 percent. The after-tax net present value also rose to C$1.27 billion, at a 10 percent discount rate, versus the earlier C$97 million.

The deposit's 20-year mine life is based on a probable mineral reserve estimate of 14.5 million tonnes of 1.53% total rare earth oxides (TREO), 2.90% zirconium oxide (ZrO2), 0.38% niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and 0.04% tantalum oxide (Ta2O5).

REITA is focused on addressing issues with the global supply chain, in terms of rare earth products.

Based in Toronto, Avalon is a mineral exploration company, focused on rare earth elements throughout Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit at Thor Lake in the North West Territories, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world.

The Thor Lake property is expected to have a bankable feasibility study completed during 2012. It is projected to produce separated heavy and light rare earth oxides, as well as niobium, zirconium, and tantalum by-products by late 2015.

Avalon's project is enriched in the more valuable "heavy" rare earth elements, which are key to enabling advances in green energy technology and other growing high-tech applications.

Executive Director of REITA, Keith Delaney, said: "Avalon typifies the breadth of critical Clean Energy supply chains that REITA members represent.

"From rare earth resource companies and processors - downstream to the Original Equipment Manufacturers of advanced auto, lighting and renewable energy applications - we are working to create internationally competitive and diverse supply chains for rare earth products for Clean Energy."

In late September, Avalon attended the Metal-Pages Minor Metals and Rare Earth Conference held in Beijing, China, where VP of Sales & Marketing, Pierre Neatby, gave an update on the rapid progress Avalon is making at Nechalacho.

One theme that came up at the conference was that hundreds of new rare earth exploration projects are being promoted around the world. Several of the speakers at the conference noted that, regardless of their size and grade, very few new deposits discovered would ever achieve production due to the relatively small size of the global market outside China - which is 50,000 tonnes in 2015 according to independent rare earth market analyst Dudley Kingsnorth.

The consensus view was that perhaps four to six new producers might emerge outside China to serve this demand over the next five to ten years.

In a recent media interview, Avalon's president Don Bubar reminded viewers that given the small size of the rare earths market outside China, the opportunity to serve this market is really only open to the few first producers or early movers to bring new supply to the market.

In this regard, Avalon is well positioned, having the most advanced heavy rare earth development project in the world outside China, with the potential to bring a significant new supply to the market by 2015, it said.

Bubar added: "Much of the recent research commentary published on the rare earths industry does not discuss the importance of early mover advantage to the business opportunity nor highlight it as a risk factor for investors."

The company recently delivered bulk samples from both properties for evaluation of its market potential, after receiving an 'expression of interest' from a major minerals company.

The samples were taken from inventories that were collected during work programs in 2006 and 2007.  If the results from the bulk sample testing are positive, Avalon said it would contemplate partnering with this unnamed company.

"We are pleased with the new interest in these rare minerals products which we have long believed would eventually have new demand growth," said Avalon president and CEO, Don Bubar.

"Avalon has held on to these properties for a very long time and it is gratifying to see that our patience may finally be rewarded. Both properties offer Avalon potential for near term production and cash flow compared to the Thor Lake project, and at a much lower capital investment."

As of last month, Avalon had spent a total of more than $38 million in exploration drilling at its wholly owned Thor Lake property in the Northwest Territories. But earlier this year, the company said it was still in negotiations with the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nations community regarding the company's developments on the property.

Meanwhile, the Separation Rapids property is located about 70 kilometres north of Kenora, Ontario, and hosts a large resource of the rare lithium mineral, petalite, which is used in certain glass and ceramic products to boost strength and thermal resistance. Associated tantalum and rubidium minerals were also discovered.

In 2009, Avalon secured a mining lease over the Separation Rapids property. Ongoing work involves a review of local infrastructure and preparation work for the applications of various operating permits.

The Warren Township property is located near the Village of Foleyet, about 100 kilometres west of Timmins, Ontario. It hosts a large resource of pure calcium feldspar, which is used in textile fiberglass, and certain ceramic products.

A bulk sample program was carried out at Warren Township in 2007. The new interest in the property has prompted Avalon to restart the process of securing an operating permit, it said. It expects to receive the permit in the coming months.

Morland, who brings 30 years of experience in the mining industry in Australia and Canada, spent 16 years of his career at Mount Isa Mines, where he held the position of manager in mining and smelting operations, in Australia.

He has also held positions including vice president of operations for the Ekati Diamond Mine, as well as chief operating officer of BHP Billiton (NYSE:BBL) Diamonds, the owner of the Ekati Diamond Mine.

Morland is a graduate of the University of Queensland where he obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1981, and is now a resident of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

In a statement, Avalon’s President, Don Bubar, said: “Richard brings experience in underground and open pit mining in a variety of mineral processing and smelting environments, in large and small scale operations."

Avalon Rare Metals is a mineral explorer and developer focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, located in Thor Lake, Northwest Territories, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world.

Toronto-based Avalon Rare Metals sold 7.69 million shares for US$6.15 per share, or C$5.81 per share, which includes 592,000 shares issued pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to buy an extra one million shares at the offering price to cover over-allotments.

The initial offering, which Avalon announced on July 26, was set at seven million shares. The offer was increased to 7.1 million shares on July 27, set at a price of US$6.15 per share, or C$5.81 per share. 

The company, whose peers include Molycorp, Inc. (NYSE: MCP), said it intends to use profits to complete a bankable feasibility study on the Thor Lake Rare Metals Project, working capital and general corporate purposes. 

Avalon Rare Metals is a mineral explorer and developer focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake, in the Northwest Territories, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world.

On Thursday, the company announced the results of an updated prefeasibility study, which was prepared to reflect a new mine plan based on Avalon's latest January mineral resource report, as well as higher product prices than those used in the study from June 2010. 

According to the latest economics assessment, the project is now estimated to yield a 34% internal rate of return, on an after-tax basis, compared to the prior estimate of 12%. The after-tax net present value also rose to C$1.27 billion, at a 10% discount rate, versus the earlier C$97 million. 

The company said it has already entered into non-binding, or memorandum of understanding, agreements with three Asian industrial companies seeking to get in on the action, by investing or providing technical expertise in exchange for off-take rights. Terms have not been announced as no definitive agreements have yet been completed. 

The deposit's 20-year mine life was based on a new probable mineral reserve estimate of 14.5 million tonnes of 1.53% total rare earth oxides (TREO), 2.90% zirconium oxide (ZrO2), 0.38% niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and 0.04% tantalum oxide (Ta2O5). 

Indeed, the average TREO price used for the mine plan was also $46.33 per kilogram, a significant boost from the $21.94 per kilogram price used in June of last year. 

"While higher levels of profitability based on a higher price assumption was not an unexpected result, a significant part of the improved economics arises from the higher grade heavy rare earth subzones discovered in 2010, which result in substantially increased revenues during the early years of production," said president and CEO, Don Bubar.

"Furthermore, we continue to use a relatively conservative price assumption for rare earth oxides relative to current prices, on the expectation that prices will ultimately decrease from current record levels as new supply comes into the market. 

"Interestingly, if one applies current prices in our model, it generates an impressive 102% IRR pre-tax and 89% IRR after-tax. The NPV at a 10% discount rate would be CAD$7.65 billion pre-tax and CAD $5.59 billion after-tax."

The 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world. Its enrichment in the more valuable 'heavy' rare earth elements, which are key to advancing green energy technology, is one of the few potential sources of these elements outside of China, currently the source of 95% of world supply. 

Avalon expects to put the project into production by 2015, with an anticipated year one 1,833 tonne per day production schedule, ramping up to 2,000 tonnes per day in year two. Total capital costs are estimated at $902 million. 

The company has already completed and filed its environmental impact statement for the project, reducing the potential for delays in the permitting process, and also said that further metallurgical testing is underway, with pilot scale work expected to begin later this fall. 

In addition, geotechnical drilling is currently being completed to test the proposed route for the production ramp from the planned plant site, with a second rig focused on upgrading resources to the measured category. Updating of mineral resources is not expected to begin before September, the company said. 

The mineral reserve estimate used in the latest report was based on indicated resources of 57.486 million tonnes of 1.56% TREO and 0.33% HREO (heavy rare earth oxides).

The Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation resides 100 kilometres east of Thor Lake, in the Northwest Territories, which is within Lutsel K’e traditional territory. Avalon’s discussions with the community are regarding the development of the Nechalacho rare earth elements deposit, which is known for its enrichment in the more valuable heavy rare earths, at the company’s wholly owned Thor Lake site.

The negotiations will outline broad principles for co-operation, Avalon said, and will provide a structure for the Accommodation Agreement, which outlines the adverse impacts of project development and defines the benefits to both parties involved, among other things.

Avalon said it hopes to conclude the agreement by the end of the year.

“We have already established strong business relationships with the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation and we are very pleased to have reached initial agreement on how we can further build and strengthen these relationships,” said Avalon president and CEO, Don Bubar.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Avalon saw its stock jump 0.66% on the NYSE Amex Exchange, trading at $6.13.

Brian Chandler will be Avalon's new senior vice president and COO as of August 15, with more than 30 years of experience in project development, working in a variety of countries across North America, Europe and Asia.

Most recently, Chandler, who will be based in the company's office in Delta, British Columbia, served as managing director for the African operations of IAMGOLD Corp (TSE:IMG), where he led the establishment of the company's corporate presence in West Africa.

In his new role at Avalon, he will be responsible for managing operations and development projects at the Thor Lake project, and its mineral processing and refining operations.

The Nechalacho Rare Earth Element project is located in Thor Lake, Northwest Territories, and is Avalon's 100% owned flagship project.

The second appointee, Richard Pratt, will come on as general counsel and corporate secretary effective August 1, with over 20 years of experience in the private legal practice.

Since 2008, Pratt served as general counsel for MagIndustries Corp (TSE:MAA), a mineral explorer with assets in the Republic of Congo, which is the subject of a take-over bid by China's Evergreen Industries Group.

At Avalon's Toronto office, Pratt's work will be focused on regulatory and legal affairs relating to the development of the company's Thor Lake project, and other business development work.

President of Avalon, Don Bubar, said: "The addition of these two seasoned mining executives greatly strengthens our management team as the company continues its transition from an exploration and development company to a profitable producer of rare metals and minerals."

Nolans Bore is a world class deposit.  Exposed at surface it has a JORC resource estimate of 30.3 million tonnes, at a grade of 2.8% rare earth oxide, 12.9% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and 0.44 lbs/tonne of uranium oxide (U3O8), equivalent to an in situ resource of 848,000 tonnes of rare earths, 3.9 million tonnes of phosphorus pentoxide and 13.3 million pounds of uranium oxide.  The mix of rare earths includes a relatively high proportion of neodymium; the average price of the Nolans Rare Earth mix is currently $79/kg. 

The deposit, which covers an area roughly two by two kilometres, is located 5km from a gas pipeline, 10km west of the Stuart Highway, (the principal north-south route through Central Australia), and 135km from Alice Springs.  Ore from the open pit will be transferred to an on-site beneficiation plant for upgrading to a concentrate. It will then be trucked 65km by private road to a rail siding on the Darwin-Adelaide railway and thence taken 1400km by rail to the Rare Earths processing and separation complex to be built at Whyalla.  The process flow sheets for the complex have already been extensively tested and refined at the ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) facility in Sydney; recovery rates are now expected to be high.

Whyalla was recently announced as the chosen site following a two and a half year site selection survey.  It was picked as it is a brownfield site, has good access to a skilled labour force, is well serviced by road, rail and port facilities, the seawater can be used for a desalination plant, and as the community and State Government are supportive; the South Australian government has announced that it will declare the Complex a 'major project', thus according it the same status as BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam project.

The economics of the project look favourable. Although the initial capital cost may be in the order of A$950M operating costs will be relatively low, recovery rates should be high and there will be significant by-product credits.  At current commodity prices ($79/kg for the Nolans Rare Earth mix which is considerably above even the high scenario) Arafura could generate more than A$1B in revenue each year with a mine life of at least 20 years, more if the current drilling programme is successful in expanding the resource.

Arafura's priorities in the short to medium term are to complete the bankable feasibility study, to finalise the processing technology, to continue the drilling programme to increase the resource base/reduce risk, to complete the community engagement, social impact and environmental assessments and gain the necessary approvals, and to seek appropriate financing and marketing arrangements.  Construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 with production beginning in late 2013.

Arafura owns several other exploration projects for various commodities in the Northern Territory ranging from early to advanced exploration stage.  It is seeking to joint venture all the non-REE projects.  In January 2011 it sold its Mount Porter gold project to Global Mineral Resources for A$1.5M cash, 7.5M shares and 7.5M options exercisable at A$0.25.

Arafura raised $90M from institutional and sophisticated investors in December 2010.  At the year-end it held A$97M in cash. Arafura's share price appreciated by 108% during 2010 while its market capitalisation, following two capital raisings rose from A$184M to A$542M.

Avalon Rare Metals [TSX & NYSE AMEX:AVL]

Avalon Rare Metals is developing several rare metals projects in Canada. Its flagship, the 100%-owned Thor Lake project, located 100km south west of Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories hosts the Nechalacho deposit, one of the world's largest deposits both of rare earths and niobium. Besides being large the deposit is high grade, exceptionally well enriched with valuable heavy rare earth elements (which account for 22% of its total rare earths), and amenable to low cost mining methods. Access to the project is currently by air, but there will be ice road access in winter and summer access by barge across the Great Slave Lake to a railhead.

So far Avalon has spent six-years and $27M exploring the project, drilling 59,000 metres in 266 holes along the way.  The pre-feasibility study published in June 2010 and updated in September confirmed the positive economics for the project despite the remote location; the base case NPV (at an 8% discount rate) was estimated at $428M after tax rising to $1.05B once a number of optimisation opportunities, (all of which are already in progress), are included. Since the PFS was published the economics have become even more positive; a new, significantly larger resource estimate was released in January 2011 and the Avalon concentrate price by January 2011 was $45/kg TREO compared with the assumed $22/kg in the PFS. 

The PFS recommended constructing an underground room and pillar mine with an expected life of 18 years to process 2,000 tonnes per day of ore to produce 10,000tpa of mixed rare earth oxides.  The plan is to transport the ore to a hydrometallurgical plant, probably at Pine Point, some 8km from the southern shore of Great Slave Lake, where it would be processed into a mixed rare earth oxide product and separate zirconium oxide, niobium oxide and tantalum oxide products.  The total capital cost for the mine, plant and associated infrastructure would be $900M (allowing for a 22% contingency).  Production is scheduled to start in 2015. 

Avalon also recently published results from a scoping study into the construction of a separation plant to separate out the various rare earth oxides (there is currently no plant outside China capable of separating out the heavy rare earths on a large scale).  The study concluded it would cost $346M to build a 25,000tpa plant (which would thus be big enough to process all planned Nechalacho production plus further significant increases plus material from other producers).

A fully-funded bankable feasibility study is now underway for completion in 2012.  Other priorities include updating the pre-feasibility model, negotiating offtake agreements, attracting one or more consumers as strategic partners, further metallurgical work, planning the proposed separation plant, expanding the investor audience and research analyst coverage, and concluding agreements with the First Nations communities – a Negotiation Agreement has already been signed with the Yellowknives Dene and Deninu K'ue First Nations laying out the broad principles for eventual Accommodation Agreements which will cover impact and benefit issues.

Avalon's other projects include the Separation Rapids lithium project, the Lilypads tantalum project and the Warren Township calcium feldspar project in Ontario, (though Warren Township is currently inactive pending resolution of a permitting issue).  It also owns the East Kemptville tin-indium-gallium-germanium project in Nova Scotia where large inferred resources have been identified.
 
The company thus offers a number of competitive advantages including:

•    a rich endowment of heavy rare earths
•    development stage; Nechalacho is already 5-6 years down a 10 year development scale.
•    favourable metallurgy:  which has been shown to have no deleterious contaminants and exhibit good recoveries. Moreover there should be significant by-product revenues from zirconium, niobium and tantalum.
•    a pre-feasibility study "in the bag": enabling Avalon to begin offtake discussions with potential customers and for customers to know that the there is no risk of running out of resources.
•    considerable potential to increase the resource
•    strong management expertise in the sector
•    strong corporate ethics and CSR policies and good relations with the local First Nations communities; 40% of employment at the site is aboriginal. 
•    operations in politically stable jurisdictions.
•    strong balance sheet:  the company had no debt and $37m cash in December 2010.

The company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2010 and was added to three S&P indices that month; Standard & Poor's Canadian Index Operations, the S&P-TSX Global Mining Index and the S&P-TSX Base Metals Index.

Frontier Rare Earths [TSX:FRO]

Frontier Rare Earths listed in an oversubscribed IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange in November 2010 raising net proceeds of C$58M to advance the Zandkopsdrift rare earth deposit some 450km north of Cape Town in South Africa.  The company believes that Zandkopsdrift has the potential to be a world class project as the geology is favourable, with a large, good grade outcropping deposit which has several high grade zones, low thorium and uranium content and a favourable distribution of the rare earth elements.  Moreover transport links and infrastructure near the projects are good, the climate is favourable year-round, and the region, (which hosts several base metal, mineral sands, iron ore and diamond mines), is mining-friendly and low cost.  Importantly too commercial processes to extract the rare earth oxides already exist as the majority of the rare earth content in the deposit is hosted in supergene monazite which is similar to Lynas' Mount Weld project.  In short Frontier believes that the deposit could be large enough to supply at a rate of 20,000tpa which is comparable with some of the largest rare earth projects outside China, and it could be relatively straightforward, low cost and quick to develop.

Zandkopsdrift hosts a carbonatite which is exposed as a well-defined, outcropping hill some 40 metres above the surrounding plain.  It has been intermittently explored for manganese, phosphate, niobium and rare earths since the 1950s, particularly by Anglo American.  Frontier acquired all Anglo's data and samples in 2008, (including results from 3,400 metres drilled in 54 holes), and has since validated the data and drilled a further 13 holes and 1,000 metres.  In October 2010 Frontier published an NI43-101 resource estimating total indicated and inferred resources of 43.7M tonnes at a grade of 2.2% containing 946,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides (with more than half at the indicated level).  Three higher grade zones (A, B, and C) have been identified within the resources which are of sufficient size to be exploited as discrete units; note that Zone C, referred to as ZC1-C below with a grade of 4.6% is contained within B which is itself within A.  The deposit remains open both at depth and laterally so there is potential to increase the resource.

The mineralisation at Zandkopsdrift, similar to Lynas' Mount Weld deposit, has relatively elevated levels of certain key rare earths, including neodymium, terbium, dysprosium and praseodymium which are used in magnets, and europium for phosphors.  Frontier's calculations comparing grades between deposits on a neodymium equivalent basis are shown below.

The low levels of thorium (225ppm) and uranium (65ppm) relative to other rare earth deposits will reduce the potential environmental implications of the mine.  Preliminary studies into the metallurgy have already been undertaken by SGS Mineral Services who concluded that recoveries by flotation should be good, and that the rare earth bearing minerals are likely to be amenable to conventional extractive processes.

Zandkopsdrift is connected by gravel road to the tarred N7 which runs from Cape Town to Namibia.  Two towns lie within 30km and there are several closer settlements.  Springbok, the regional capital with an airport and a source of skilled labour and engineering expertise lies less than 140km away while the nearest railhead is 44km.  The rail connects with Saldanha Bay deep water port 230km to the south which handles the majority of South Africa's iron ore exports.  At present the nearest high voltage (400kV) power line is 100km away, though if plans by Eskom, the state electricity authority, to develop a power station at Oranjemund come to fruition a high voltage power line would pass through or close to the project area.  There are several seasonal rivers which flow west through the area.  A detailed hydrographical survey will be required but it was noted in the recent resource estimate that the "anticipated scale of possible mining operations are reasonably expected to be adequately supplied by available water sources".

Rights to the deposit are 74% owned by Frontier and 26% owned by Black Economic Empowerment shareholders.  The latter are carried to BFS but must pay 21% of the market valuation at that time so Frontier effectively has 95% economic interest in the project at present.  The company has no debt.  Completion of the pre-feasibility study is scheduled for end-2011/early 2012, the bankable feasibility study for end-2012 and production, if all goes well, for end-2014/early 2015.  The conceptual mining plan is to produce 20,000 tonnes of separated REO per annum with mining, flotation and potentially a cracking plant on site at Zandkopsdrift, and, possibly, a rare earth separation plant at Saldanha Bay.

The Management team has considerable experience of exploration, development and mining in the region.

Great Western Minerals Group [TSX.V: GWG]

Saskatchewan-based Great Western Minerals has a fully integrated rare earths mine to market (M2M) strategy.  The company's aim is to become the first vertically integrated rare earth elements producer in North America, a leader in the industry outside of China, and to create certainty of supply for its customers. To that end the company is investing in three stages in the rare earths supply chain: exploration, mining and processing.

Working backwards down the chain, the company already processes rare earths through two of its subsidiaries; Less Common Metals (LCM) based in Birkenhead, England and Great Western Technologies Inc in Troy, Michigan, USA.   LCM has been highly profitable for 18 years supplying customers globally with a wide range of rare earth based alloys and metals.  Its specialities include neodymium iron boron and samarium cobalt alloys for supermagnets, supplying 20% of the world demand of samarium cobalt.  Great Western Technologies is a leading production facility in North America for rare earth materials, powders, and custom vacuum-grade specialty alloys. Both companies aim to be leading-edge, innovative and high quality offering flexible customised approaches to their customers.  Great Western has just signed a letter of intent to supply samarium, gadolinium and samarium-cobalt alloys to the Pennsylvania-based Electron Energy Corporation to manufacture magnets.

Great Western will source its feedstock from the former-producing Steenkampskraal Mine in South Africa, located 350km north west of Cape Town. The mine was operated by Anglo American from 1952-63 producing rare earths and thorium (it was then the world's largest producer of thorium). It was eventually acquired by Rare Earth Extraction Co ("Rareco"), and in January 2009 GWT entered into an option agreement with Rareco to refurbish and recommission the mine and to have exclusive access to 100% of the rare earth elements mined there for a ten-year period. The New Order Mining Right was granted in June 2010, and in September 2010 GWT acquired a 20.8% equity interest in Rareco.  In December GWMG offered to purchase all the remaining Rareco shares at 3 South African Rand, an offer which Rareco Directors recommended accepting.  By 24 January the company had acquired about 70% of the outstanding shares.  The offer remains open until 28th February.

SRK Consulting is conducting a feasibility study on the project with the aim of resuming production as quickly as possible; the target is the second half of 2013.  Infrastructure is excellent, with access to the site by paved and gravel roads and close proximity to rail and sea-port; the government is pro-development, and there is technical expertise and a trainable workforce at hand.
 
GWMG is also looking to the long term by investing in 7 exploration projects in Canada and the USA all focussed to heavy rare earths; four of these are 100% owned and three are joint ventures.  Hoidas Lake in Saskatchewan some 50km north of Uranium City is the most advanced with an NI43-101 compliant measured and indicated resource of 2.6M tonnes at an average grade of 2.43% TREO plus yttrium oxide.  The endowment of neodymium is particularly high.

Greenland Minerals and Energy [ASX:GGG]

Perth-based Greenland Minerals and Energy is exploring and developing the giant multi-element rare earths/uranium/sodium fluoride Kvanefjeld Project.  This is located on deep fjords which run directly to the North Atlantic Ocean 8km from the port of Narsaq on the southern tip of Greenland and 45km from an international airport.  The company has conducted an aggressive exploration programme since acquiring 61% of the project in 2007 (with an option to acquire the remaining 39%). In February 2010 it published an interim report on the pre-feasibility study which indicated that the project has the potential to become a highly profitable world class mine.  Certainly the resource is massive, totalling 457M tonnes containing 4.91M tonnes of rare earth oxides, 283M lbs of uranium, 0.99M tonnes of zinc and 3.0M tonnes of sodium fluoride.  It is mostly outcropping and lies within 300 metres of the surface.

The mining studies have indicated the potential for a large open pit operation with a low stripping ratio.  The highest grades are to be found nearest to the surface and there is significant potential for new multi-element deposits.  The capital cost for the mine and processing plant capable of treating 10.8Mtpa is $2.3B. Construction could begin in 2013 and first production in 2015.  The projected mine life is over 23 years with the pre-tax NPV estimated at US$2.18N and the ungeared IRR 24%.

Greenland is an emerging mineral province.  It is highly prospective, underexplored, politically stable and open to investment.  However a key issue for GMEL has been the Greenlandic government stance on uranium exploration which until recently was a zero tolerance approach. In December however the company received approval from the government to fully evaluate the project including the radioactive component.  This was an important milestone; the share price has since risen 50% though there have been other contributory factors.  The company is now ramping up the work programs and has expanded the team with a view to finishing the pre-feasibility study later this year, beginning the definitive feasibility study and producing a new higher quality resource estimate by the end of Q1.  It is working closely with local communities on its environmental and social impact assessments which will be key in the permitting process.

Following the approval GMEL was able to announce drilling results from ten holes drilled during 2008 and 2009 in three new target areas in the northern Ilimaussaq Complex, each up to 7km or so from Kvanefjeld.  The results confirm the presence of widespread REE‐uranium‐zinc mineralization.  Results from the 2010 drilling season will be announced shortly.

Shaw Research recently published a buy recommendation for GMEL with a target price of A$2.50, up from the current level of A$1.13.

The directors of Greenland Minerals and Energy, Ram Resources, Avalon Rare Metals and Rare Element Resources will be presenting.

Please arrive at 7.15am for a prompt 7.30am start. There will be a complementary continental breakfast available from 7.00am.

This event is free to attend, but places will be limited to 75. Priority will be given to analysts, brokers, fund managers and retail investors.

TO ATTEND CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, OR EMAIL:  events@proactiveinvestors.com

Greenland Minerals and Energy (ASX:GGG) is a mineral exploration and development company, focused on unlocking the mineral riches of Greenland, one of the world’s last natural resource frontiers. Our aim is simple; to identify large mineral deposits with the potential to underpin long term, economically robust mining operations. This is achieved through technically-focused exploration, aggressive resource development programs, and a strong understanding of the fundamentals that drive the business of mineral exploration and development globally.

Ram Resources (ASX:RMR) is an Australian company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. In June 2010 the Company announced its intent to acquire the Motzfeldt multi element (Ta-Nb-REE) Project in Southern Greenland.  Ram also has  exploration projets in Western Australia which include Fallows Field and the Dome Triangle which are located near to Newcrest Limited’s Telfer Gold Mine and which are prospective for gold.

Avalon Rare Metals (TSX:AVL) . is a mineral exploration and development company focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake, NWT, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world. Its exceptional enrichment in the more valuable 'heavy' rare earth elements, which are key to enabling advances in green energy technology and other growing high-tech applications Avalon is well funded, has no debt and its work programs are progressing steadily.

Rare Element Resources (AMEX:REE, TSX-V:RES) has 100% interest in two exciting opportunities on its Bear Lodge Property in Wyoming – rare earths and gold. Rare earths are the primary target being explored and evaluated by the Company. T he Bear Lodge alkaline-igneous complex hosts one of the largest disseminated (low-grade) rare-earth element (REE) deposits in North America (USGS Professional Paper 1049D). The Company is focused on exploring high-grade rare-earth zones within this system, which are naturally enriched in some of the most widely used and more valuable REEs. In addition, extensive gold mineralization that surrounds the rare-earth core area is being explored with goals to estimate gold resources and to discover a larger gold system.

The increase follows the inclusion of data from last year's summer definition drilling program  into the deposit block model.

Rare earth metals is a term used to refer to 17 metals including the 15 lathanides, yttrium and scandium.  The metals, which have a plethora of important magnetic, electrical, chemical, metallurgical and catalytic properties, are vital components in many new and environmentally friendly technologies. They are used in super-magnets, wind turbines, MRI scanners, LEDs, energy efficient light bulbs, glass, ceramics, super-alloys, aerospace and a whole host of consumer electronics such as Ipods, monitors, hard disk drives, laptops and cellphones.

China is the world's major supplier of these metals, but supply in the country is fragile and diminishing, with the country having recently introduced a host of measures to protect its resources. The Asian powerhouse also recently declared that it only has 15 years of heavy rare earth metals (refers to the elements europium to lutetium, plus yttrium that are considered more valuable) resources left. As such, the number of North American companies exploring for rare earths has rocketed recently as has the price of these metals.

Avalon's news is therefore more than welcome, as the company's flagship Nechalacho deposit is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth deposits in the world. The company said today that its updated NI 43-101 estimate for the key Basal zone part of the deposit has resulted in a boost to indicated resources to 57.40 million tonnes grading 1.56% TREO (total rare earth oxides), with 20.7% HREO (heavy rare earth oxides)/TREO, using the base case $260 net metallurgical return (NMR) cut-off.

This compares with the previous estimate of 20.45 million tonnes of indicated resources grading 1.75% TREO, with 23% HREO/TREO, reported in the Basal zone last September.

At the much higher $600 NMR cut-off, the proportion of indicated mineral resources estimated now totals 14.67 million tonnes at 2.19% TREO, with 24.68% HREO/TREO.

The company said the higher cut-off estimate confirms the Basal zone has high grade sub-zones of sufficient size to allow for mining at higher cut-off grades during early years of production. At the 2,000 tonnes per day production rate assumed in the prefeasibility study, the tonnage would be sufficient, once converted to mining reserves, to support an extended mine life of 20 years.

"The definition of high grade sub-zones for selective mining will certainly have a beneficial effect on the project economics by increasing revenues during the early years of production," said president and CEO Don Bubar.

"The results also confirm the high rate of conversion of inferred resources to indicated resources, and the excellent internal continuity of the Basal Zone mineralization."

Indeed, total inferred mineral resources for the Upper and Basal zones also grew to an estimated 226.88 million tonnes, grading 1.3% TREO, with 14.33% HREO/TREO. This is up from the September estimate of 182.56 million tonnes of inferred grading 1.4% TREO, with 15% HREO/TREO.

Avalon said two drill holes from the summer program were not included in the updated inferred resource estimate due to the distance from existing resources. Assuming continuity, these holes would have extended the limits of the Basal zone some 500 metres further north.

At Nechalacho, a 29,000 metre definition drill program is currently underway to further upgrade the resources at the Basal zone from the indicated to measured category.

The shares will begin trading on the NYSE Amex on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Meanwhile, the company will also retain its primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"Listing our shares on the NYSE Amex represents another significant milestone in the growth of the Company. We believe that this listing will provide better liquidity for our US investors and broaden our exposure to institutional investors both in the US and around the world," said president and CEO Don Bubar.

Avalon's flagship project is the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit in Thor Lake, NWT. Its  enrichment in the more valuable 'heavy' rare earth elements is key to enabling advances in green energy technology and other high-tech applications.

The Toronto-based explorer said that the additions will assist the company in advancing its Nechalacho rare earth element deposit in Thor Lake, Northwest Territories through to production.

Avalon hired Harry Burgess as technical advisor, Brian Delaney as senior project manager and Dezhi Qi as process engineer.
Burgess is a mining engineer, a founder, and currently a vice president of Micon International, mineral industry consultants. As part of the technical advisory committee, he will ensure that all development aspects of the Thor Lake Project are accounted for and considered.

Delaney, who has held a number of supervisory and leadership positions such as general mine manager, has been appointed with the primary responsibility of overseeing the development and completion of the bankable feasibility study for the Nechalacho REE deposit. In this role, he will focus on engineering design, scheduling, mine planning, cost tracking, engineering and construction contract negotiations, and will oversee the activities of contractors and vendors involved in the project.

Lastly, Qi has the initial responsibility for overseeing all metallurgical functions relating to Avalon's bench-scale and pilot plants for the hydrometallurgical and rare earth separation facilities. He will also provide engineering and planning support for incorporation into Avalon's feasibility study.

Qi has held positions for a range of companies including, Shougang Technology Center, AREVA Resources, SGS Lakefield Research and Unimin Canada.

Avalon Rare Metals' flagship Thor Lake project is enriched with more valuable 'heavy' rare earth elements, which are key to enabling advances in green energy technology.

Yesterday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce indicated that its rare earth elements reserves will only last another 10-15 years. With China currently the source of 95% of the world's supply of rare earth elements, Avalon is one of a handful of juniors outside of China poised to benefit.  The company is getting ready to develop a mine at Thor Lake as early as 2015.

Each unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrent. Each whole warrent entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of C$3.60 for a period of 12 months from the closing date of the offering.

The net proceeds from the placement will be used to continue the exploration and development of the company's Thor Lake project in the Northwest Territories and for general working capital purposes.

The syndicate of underwriters was led by CIBC World Markets, and included Laurentian Bank Securities, Stonecap Securities and Canaccord Genuity.

The deal is expected to close on September 30, 2010, and is subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

Avalon Rare Metals is focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake, NWT, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world.

'Heavy' rare earth elements are key to allowing advances in green energy technology and other growing high-tech applications,

The area owned by Avalon is one of the few potential sources of these elements outside of China, currently the source of 95% of world supply.

It’s very significant to our customers who want to know, once we achieve commercial production and start producing product for them, that we’ll be around in the longer term, in other words we’re not at risk of running out of resources and product going forward.
Most rare earth resources tend to be fairly large, what's really key to the economics is the grade or the concentration at which the rare earth elements occur in that or under ground. At Nechalacho we’re blessed with a relatively high grade and also a relatively favourable distribution of the heavy rare earths verses the light rare earths.
As you will recall, Harry, most deposits tend to be dominated by the light rare earths, the heavy rare earths occurring in only trace amounts. So, that makes them scarcer as a whole and they tend to attract much higher prices. At Nechalacho, our resource there contains over 20% of the heavier rare earths, making for a more valuable ore in the ground and ultimately, we believe, a more profitable operation going forward.

What are your thoughts on the results of the 2010 winter drill program at Nechalacho, Don?

It’s a very large program, we did over 11,000 metres of drilling and I had a couple of main objectives. The main one was to do what's called infill drilling, or definition drilling, where we drill between earlier holes to prove up the continuity of resource between holes and I was very successful in that regard. There are very few gaps in the mineralisation and it’s remarkably consistent and continuous over the area that we have explored to date.
This is allowing us to increase the confidence level on the resource from a mine development planning standpoint. Effectively we drilled a number of holes outside of the area where we had already drilled, to see if there might be further extensions of the zone outside of the known area.
We were successful in a number of those holes and intersecting the zone, well outside of the previously drilled area, and demonstrating considerable potential for further expansion of the resource, further additions to the existing resource inventory. So, it confirms that it is indeed a very large deposit, with room for further growth and excellent continuity.
We will be reporting on how those results impact on the resource before too long here. We are now compiling all of the analytical data that was reported earlier into our block model and will be able to report to the market how has impacted on our resource estimates, so hopefully within the next few weeks.

Please will you talk investors through the pre-feasibility study for the Nechalacho deposit, published by Avalon Rare Metals in June?

The pre-feasibility study was an important milestone in the advancement of this project. It was the first full blown analysis of how this project would develop and the first analysis on the costs and revenues and profitability of it.
We were really pleased that we were able to report to the market a positive result and it was confirmed to be an attractive investment opportunity. Furthermore, as we've discussed since then, we were able to readily identify lots of opportunities for further optimisation of the project going forward.
As most of your listeners will know, from a pre-feasibility level analysis tends to be very conservative analysis. In other words you apply the most conservative assumptions possible on costs and revenues and to see if it stands up under a very conservative scenarios, as with positive economics, which indeed this project did. Given those conservative assumptions we see lots of room for optimisation here.
For example, because of the increasing demand for the rare earths now we see the opportunity to increase the production rate in the early years, which would generally increase revenues and improve the overall profitability. We're seeing areas with much higher grade or higher valued rock in the ground, than any new mining operation.
Those higher grades areas tend to be mined first to increase the revenues in the early years as well, which also positively impacts on the economics, assurance, the payback period on capital costs etc.
There are lots of opportunities here to benefit from higher prices and make this an even more attractive opportunity once we complete our bankable feasibility study, which is the next major step moving forward in the project.

How are the prices of rare earth metals holding up and where do you think they're heading, Don?

Well, they're holding up really well. As I said earlier, they've actually increased quite a bit over the last six months as the demand continues to outstrip supply. Virtually everyone is forecasting a higher price still in the short to medium term, as it's going to take time before new production can come on stream to bring that market back into balance.
Prospects are for further constraints on supply out of China, that’s likely to put further upward pressure on prices over the short to medium term. Really, I think, most people believe are catching up to where they probably should be.

What is Avalon Rare Metals’ financial situation, Don?

It's pretty good, we have about $8 million in the treasury right now, more than adequate for our current needs although we will need to access additional capital before too long to ensure we are adequately funded to complete our bankable feasibility study.
Fortunately market conditions appear favourable for attracting additional capital. Recently Molycorp Minerals, the US producer or the Mountain Pass mine in California, completed a successful initial public offering and raised some $390 million in equity financing to allow them to refurbish their facility there and restart full production within the next couple of years.
It demonstrates there's a lot of interest from investors around the world in the rare earths business and opportunities for other emerging producers, like us, to attract capital for good projects like our Nechalacho is going forward.

What can investors expect from Avalon Rare Metals over the next 12 to 18 months, Don?

We'll have a steady stream of news as the project advances here. Coming up next will be an announcement on the impact of our recent drilling through the winter on the resources in the deposit, or an updated resource estimate for the deposit should be available to report within the next few weeks. We are drilling still there now, so there will be additional results from the summer drilling program to reports on through the fall.
We're also starting our pilot plant work sample, we’re we’ve got bulk sample ready to start processing, to test the process flow sheet that we developed last year and start producing some of the actual products. So, we’ll be reporting on the progress of that work as it advances over the next 6 to 12 months.
Lastly we've already initiated our environmental impact assessment, a key step in securing our operating permits going forward and we’ll be reporting on the progress on that front as well, as that advances over the next 12 months.