SP Angel . Morning View . Tuesday 22 02 22
Oil and gold surge as Russian troops enter DNR/LNR
AngloGold (Angling Direct PLC (AIM:ANG)) – Full-year profit drops on raising costs & lower output
Antofagasta (Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO)) – Strong 2021 reflects buoyant copper prices despite Chilean drought and Covid19
BlueRock Diamonds* (Bluerock Diamonds PLC (AIM:BRD)) – Recovery of 11.95ct diamond worth >$100,000
Caledonia Mining* (Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (AIM:CMCL, NYSE-A:CMCL)) – Fatality at the Blanket mine
Cornish Lithium (Private) - IGAS Energy (IGAS LN)– Heads of Terms signed with Cornish Lithium to develop geothermal heat projects
Petra Diamonds (Petra Diamonds Limited (LSE:PDL, OTC:PDLMF)) – Diamond price recovery helps deliver a strong interim performance
Tesoro Resources (Tesoro Resources Ltd (ASX:TSO, OTCQB:TSORF)) – Latest drill results extend mineralisation at Ternera
Versarien* (Versarien PLC (AIM:VRS, OTC:VRSRF)) – Versarien to supply graphene enhanced elastomers to Flux Footware for new model ‘Adapt’ shoe
IGTV: Are commodities becoming weaponised? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCoPpdNPMpQ
IG Outlook 2022, China new year, winter Olympics may see metals prices soften: (12/01/2022): https://youtu.be/vNqDh74zW5I
VOX Markets: 10/02/22: https://audioboom.com/posts/8028992-john-meyer-talks-about-copper-gold-plus-atlantic-lithium-bluejay-empire-metals-rainbow-rare
*SP Angel almost invariably acts as nomad or broker or nomad and broker to companies mentioned in the above videos and podcasts.
We speak more about these companies as we have a good understanding of their business and can talk with a greater degree of confidence. As ever, however, it should be noted that our views do not take into account the circumstances and needs of any particular investor or investor type. So enjoy the talks, but please do your own research, including other companies not mentioned by us but operating in the same areas, and get professional advice where appropriate.
Russia – President Putin recognised breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states which was shortly followed by deployment of Russian troops in the area.
The decision sent the rouble to record lows as investors shunned jurisdiction risk with local equity market indices hitting multi year lows as well.
The decision followed an hour long televised speech in which President Putin questioned Ukraine’s statehood and accused the west of using it as a tool to breakup Russia.
Under the agreement offering economic and military support to newly recognised states, Russian troops may remain in the Donbas region indefinitely.
President Zelensky said the decision was “a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our (Ukraine) state” and argued Ukraine will remain committed to address the crisis diplomatically avoiding direct military confrontation with Russia.
Concerns are Russia may use the troops to create a pretext to attack Ukrainian forces and move further out of areas of breakout states.
That may in turn may see more sanctions placed on Russia.
Meanwhile, Russia reported 135k new Covid cases and nearly 800 in daily deaths on Tuesday based on official numbers.
The official Covid-related deathrate never gone below 600 since August last year and held above 1,000 through Q4/21.
The Russian invasion of the Donbas region and even Ukraine may unsettle markets but looks unlikely to spark wider contagion
The West does not want a war and particularly doesn’t want a fight with Russia.
EU and US threats of sanctions tell us that a wider war is not on the cards.
A few extra troops in Germany and Poland are a bit of a stop sign and maybe more for a show of unity though many in the region may feel they have old scores to settle.
We also note the US, UK and EU have not overly armed the Ukraine troops either which indicates the West doesn’t trust its fearful weapons in other hands – a wise move.
Nickel, aluminium soar on Russian supply concerns as prospect of sanctions heightens
Nickel up 1.6% to $24,790/t, nearing its August 2011 peak.
Russia accounts for 7% of global nickel production.
Aluminium up 2.1% to $3,350/t.
Rusal is the world’s 2nd largest aluminium producer ex-China at 70mt pa.
Both metals are particularly vulnerable to sanctions on Russia, with already tight supplies adding further strain.
Cash nickel premiums are at a 3-week high of $522.
Analysts expect more clarification on sanctions to potentially cool prices.
Gold extends gains to 9-month high on combination of geopolitical and fiscal concerns
Gold climbed to $1,913/oz, its highest since June 1st.
The deteriorating situation on the Ukrainian border with Russia has provided a major catalyst for the metal following months of rangebound trading.
Putin’s recognition of the Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent yesterday was a major blow to peacemakers, triggering an upward move in the gold price.
The decline in US 10-year Treasury yields from 2% on the 15th Feb to 1.89% helped drive gold higher.
The dollar index is also 1.3% lower than Jan. 28th highs despite its safe-haven demand, further supporting gold.
Nickel demand surges on growing EV battery demand, pressuring tight supplies
Alongside prospects of Russian sanctions, Nickel’s 10-year high is being driven by a rapid rise in battery demand.
286.2GWh of passenger EV battery capacity was deployed in 2021 with 54% of this provided by high-nickel content cathode chemistry. (Adamas)
19,651t of nickel was deployed in EVs in December, up 44% yoy and 29% mom as high-nickel chemistry jumps in popularity with automakers. (Reuters)
Shanghai inventories for Class 1 nickel currently sits at 5,301t and has been nearing empty consistently.
52% of the 84kt nickel stocks at LME warehouses has been cancelled.
A mere 600t of nickel has been delivered by LME warehouses this month.
Focus remains on China Tsingshan’s ability to convert Indonesian nickel matte to battery grade nickel, although this low-quality nickel will not affect LME warehouse supply.
China lithium discovery near Everest unlikely to be a major disruptor to the lithium market
Chinese geologists claim to have discovered a massive lithium spodumene hard rock lithium deposit near Mt Everest.
Very fortunately, the discovery is outside the Mt Everest nature reserve.
The scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences estimate the deposit has >1mt of contained lithium oxide.
The situation reminds us of Chinese news reports of news very large iron ore deposits some years ago before the iron ore price quadrupled to >$200/t.
For some reason Communist geologists are more interested in scale than in the economic viability of a discovery.
Maybe it’s because they are simply trained to find discoveries rather than to assess their viability for extraction.
Extracting any mineral at altitude and in a remote location raises its cost and spodumene concentrates can’t normally support high transport costs indicating this discovery maybe right on the edge of economic viability if at all.
The unintended consequence of this is that it might put some bankers off from lending on new lithium projects causing lithium prices to actually stay higher for longer.
Dow Jones Industrials CLOSED at 34,079
Nikkei 225 -1.71% at 26,450
HK Hang Seng -2.81% at 23,491
Shanghai Composite -0.96% at 3,457
Economics
China – China inc. looks to state-backed platform for iron ore purchases
Beijing is looking to centralise iron ore purchases on a single state-backed platform.
The move would limit steel mills etc from negotiating their prices independently.
The government is looking to gain more control over commodity prices, with iron ore a primary target considering China produces >50% of global steel.
China spent $180bn on iron ore imports in 2021. (Bloomberg)
Beijing plans 2022 tax cuts to encourage growth in slowing economy
Beijing will ramp up tax fee cuts in 2022 having made $174bn worth of reductions last year.
The central government will also boost transfer payments to local governments currently struggling with shrinking revenue from land sales and Covid disruptions.
Analysts also expect infrastructure investment to be frontloaded to help spur growth.
US - Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman backed a March interest-rate increase but says it’s too soon to tell If the Fed needs a 50bps rise in March.
The EU will agree sanctions on Russia “this afternoon” in response to President Putin’s decision to recognise the independence of two separatist states.
The UK will announce the £first barrage of UK economic sanctions against Russia” today.
“This is, I should stress, just the first barrage of UK economic sanctions against Russia because we expect, I’m afraid, that there is more Russian irrational behaviour to come,” PM Johnson said.
The US is about to issue its own list of sanctions that would prohibit new investment, trade and financing by US counterparties of DNR and LNR regions among other initiatives.
“To be clear: these measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine,” the statement from the White House read.
Germany – Economic sentiment improves in February matching evidence from positive PMI data released yesterday.
German businesses grew more confident as the nation moved past the worst of the latest Covid outbreak.
Both measures of current situation and expectations climbed this month beating market estimates.
IFO Business Climate: 98.9 v 96.0 (revised from 95.7) in January and 96.5 est.
South Korea – Parliament passes a larger-than-expected first extra budget to shore up the economy from the biggest coronavirus outbreak of the pandemic so far.
The 16.9tn won (US$14.2bn) budget was approved on Monday compared to initially proposed 14tn won plan.
Currencies
US$1.1311/eur vs 1.1381/eur yesterday. Yen 114.81/$ vs 114.94/$. SAr 15.168/$ vs 15.108/$. $1.357/gbp vs $1.363/gbp. 0.720/aud vs 0.722/aud. CNY 6.338/$ vs 6.332/$.
Commodity News
Precious metals:
Gold US$1,911/oz vs US$1,892/oz yesterday
Gold ETFs 100.0moz vs US$100.0moz yesterday
Platinum US$1,094/oz vs US$1,078/oz yesterday
Palladium US$2,432/oz vs US$2,326/oz yesterday
Silver US$24.24/oz vs US$23.81/oz yesterday
Rhodium US$18,400/oz vs US$18,300/oz yesterday
Base metals:
Copper US$ 9,872/t vs US$9,987/t yesterday
Aluminium US$ 3,364/t vs US$3,271/t yesterday
Nickel US$ 24,790/t vs US$24,530/t yesterday
Zinc US$ 3,559/t vs US$3,578/t yesterday
Lead US$ 2,315/t vs US$2,325/t yesterday
Tin US$ 44,300/t vs US$44,100/t yesterday
Energy:
Oil US$97.8/bbl vs US$93.0/bbl yesterday
Concerns of possible disruption of exports from major oil producer Russia as it masses troops on neighbouring Ukraine's border has already helped to push oil prices to their highest since 2014
However, as in 2008, when it took only five months to soar from roughly current levels to the record, the world is seeing fast economic growth, tight supplies and a lack of spare capacity to provide a cushion against geopolitical shocks
This morning’s news that Russia has sent troops into two regions of Ukraine in a ‘peace keeping’ mission has sent Brent to near US$100/bbl
Ministers of Arab oil-producing countries announced that OPEC+ should stick to its current agreement to add 400,000bopd each month to output, rejecting calls to pump more to ease pressure on prices
Tight supply was seen in US crude oil stockpiles which unexpectedly fell 4.8MMbbls in the week to 4 February to 410.4MMbbls as overall refined product demand reached an all-time record
This compares with a consensus forecast of a 369kbbl rise
OPEC has forecasted that world oil demand might rise even more steeply this year
The group has forecast an increase of 4.15MMbopd this year, as the global economy posts a strong recovery from the pandemic
Natural Gas US$4.612/mmbtu vs US$4.630/mmbtu yesterday
Natural gas futures are up 6% on news that Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a speech on Monday, said that he recognised the independence of pro-Moscow separatist factions in Luhansk and Donetsk, Ukraine and was ordering troops into the breakaway regions as what he referred to as peacekeepers
UK Natural Gas prices have risen to 3.3% to £1.87/therm, after weeks of stagnation, while the Dutch TTF Futures benchmark has increased a similar 3% to €78.50/MwH
Prices spiked after data from German network operator Gascade showed that flows on the Yamal-Europe pipeline were suspended
Uranium UXC US$44.05/lb vs $44.05/lb yesterday
Bulk:
Iron ore 62% Fe spot (cfr Tianjin) US$128.8/t vs US$128.8/t
Chinese steel rebar 25mm US$769.9/t vs US$771.1/t
Thermal coal (1st year forward cif ARA) US$119.0/t vs US$111.0/t
Thermal coal swap Australia FOB US$206.0/t vs US$206.0/t
Coking coal swap Australia FOB US$390.0/t vs US$390.0/t
Other:
Cobalt LME 3m US$72,780/t vs US$72,780/t
NdPr Rare Earth Oxide (China) US$175,148/t vs US$173,060/t
Lithium carbonate 99% (China) US$68,245/t vs US$68,355/t
China Spodumene Li2O 5%min CIF US$2,710/t vs US$2,710/t
Ferro-Manganese European Mn78% min US$1,804/t vs US$1,815/t
China Tungsten APT 88.5% FOB US$333/t vs US$333/t
China Graphite Flake -194 FOB US$805/t vs US$805/t
Europe Vanadium Pentoxide 98% 10.6/lb vs US$10.6/lb
Europe Ferro-Vanadium 80% 42.75/kg vs US$42.75/kg
China Ilmenite Concentrate TiO2 US$395/t vs US$396/t
Spot CO2 Emissions EUA Price US$97.1/t vs US$97.7/t
Brazil Potash CFR Granular Spot US$815/t vs US$815/t
Renewable News
Hydrogen sector is projected to reach $286bn by 2027 from >$187bn in 2022 according to MarketWatch.
US government reveal details of EV charging plan
Last year the federal government passed a law to provide $7.5bn for the construction of 500,000 EV charging stations across the US.
The Department of Energy (DoE) has now released information about how the process will work.
Of the $7.5bn, $5bn will be given to states to complete their EV networks with 10% of that $5bn held back to fill gaps after plans have been completed.
The other $2.5bn will go towards more targeted grant programs to meet climate goals, etc. – including for hydrogen and alternative fuels.
States can submit plans for state-wide charging networks up until 1st August 2022, with final approvals to be made by 30th September – if a state does not submit a plan by the deadline, the federal government will have full control over the EV network in that state.
State plans must give priority to interstate highways, and to meet the requirements for financing states will have to make sure the interstate must have:
Gaps of no more than 50 miles between chargers, and chargers within a mile of the interstate.
At least four 150kW or higher rate chargers, with CCS connectors.
Ability to simultaneously charge four vehicles at that rate or greater.
Exceptions are available for any of these on a case-by-case basis (unavailability of electricity, etc.)
States will be allowed to use funds to generate electricity with renewables and add battery storage to stations if it will help lower charging costs or otherwise help improve the station work well.
France’s HDF sells stake in solar-hydrogen-battery project in Barbados
Hydrogene de France has sold a 51% in its solar-plus-hydrogen and battery project in Barbados.
HDF believe the project, the Renewstable Barbados, will be the largest hydrogen power project in the Caribbean – it will combine 50MW of solar with 128MWh of hydrogen and battery storage.
HDF are also holding discussions with the Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-operative Society to offer it a 30% stake in the project.
It is estimated that the project will cost around $100m and produce enough power for around 16,000 Barbadians.
OX2 submit plans for 1.8GW Swedish offshore wind farm
Renewables developer OX2 has announced that it has applied for a permit to construct the 1.8GW Triton offshore wind farm in Swedish waters.
The company has said it submitted a permit application under the act of Sweden’s Exclusive Economic Zone to construct the 129-turbine complex in the Swedish Economic Zone off the coast of Skåne in the south of Sweden.
Upon completion, the project will generate around 7.5TWh of electricity per year, enough to power approx. 1.5m homes.
Company News
AngloGold (Angling Direct PLC (AIM:ANG)) ZAR33,408, Mkt cap ZAR140bn – Full-year profit drops on raising costs & lower output
AngloGold Ashanti (ASX:AGG) reported a drop in full-year profit on rising costs and lower output following a temporary halt to operations at Obuasi.
Net profit fell 35% to $622m due to Obuasi halting and higher costs as a result of a restructuring.
Headline earnings dropped to $612m from $1bn.
Gold production fell 12% to 2.47Moz.
Expenses rose 31% to $1,355/oz.
AngloGold declared a final dividend of 14c per share, raising the full year pay out to 20c.
AngloGold forecasts output of 2.55 – 2.8Moz this year as production from Obuasi gradually recovers.
As part of a cost saving move, the company cut 215 jobs across all of its operations, while the COO Africa and CFO also departed.
Antofagasta (Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO)) 1,416p, Mkt Cap £14bn – Strong 2021 reflects buoyant copper prices despite Chilean drought and Covid19
In its preliminary report for 2021, Antofagasta reports a 46% rise in in revenue to US$7.47bn resulting from 47% higher copper prices.
Pre-tax profit increased by 146% to US$3,477m (2020 – US$1,413m) including an exceptional charge of US$177.6m relating to the impairment of Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project in Minnesota following last month’s decision by the US Government to cancel two of its leases and its US$40.2m share of impairment charges for the Hornitos coal-fired power station.
Antofagasta reports repayment of US$634m of borrowings during the year left it with year end net cash of US$540m.
Commenting on the copper market, Antofagasta says that “the outlook for copper remains positive, thanks to the continued decarbonisation of industrial activity and the growth of the clean energy sector and electromobility. Demand is expected to grow more slowly during 2022 than in 2021, but still at a high rate of about 2.5-3.0%, requiring an additional 600 to 700,000 tonnes of refined copper per year”.
The company confirms its 2022 production guidance of “660-690,000 tonnes of copper, 170-190,000 ounces of gold and 8,500-10,000 tonnes of molybdenum … [and says that] … copper and gold production reflect lower expected grades at Centinela Concentrates and throughput reduced at Los Pelambres to below plant capacity to reduce water usage until the desalination plant is completed in H2 2022”.
At Los Pelambres, “forecast production for 2022 is 290-300,000 tonnes of copper, 6.5-7,500 tonnes of molybdenum and 40-50,000 ounces of gold” and “Cash costs before by-product credits are forecast to be approximately $1.75/lb and net cash costs $1.25/lb, as throughput is temporarily reduced because of the drought”.
The company expects Centinella to produce “245-255,000 tonnes of copper, 130-140,000 ounces of gold and 2-2,500 tonnes of molybdenum” in 2022 at a cash cost, before by-product credits, of “approximately $2.30/lb and net cash costs $1.60/lb”.
Autocoya’s production “is forecast to be 75-80,000 tonnes of copper and cash costs are expected to be approximately $2.30/lb”.
Attributable 2022 production at Zaldivar is “forecast to be 50-55,000 tonnes at a cash cost of approximately $2.20/lb”.
The company explains that it has “a pipeline of embedded growth projects” including the Los Pelambres Expansion project, including the desalination plant, as well as “the Esperanza Sur pit and the Zaldívar Chloride Leach projects” and that although the Covid19 pandemic has affected the project schedules to a degree “The Zaldívar Chloride Leach project was completed in January 2022 and the Los Pelambres desalination plant and Esperanza Sur will be completed in 2022. The concentrator expansion at Los Pelambres will be completed in early 2023”.
Antofagasta also says that it “has discovered a significant greenfield manto type deposit in the coastal belt of the Antofagasta Region. The initial inferred resource of the Cachorro deposit is 142 million tonnes, with a copper grade of 1.2%, and represents just part of the potential resource. The resource is located near existing infrastructure. Further drilling will be carried out during 2022”.
BlueRock Diamonds* (Bluerock Diamonds PLC (AIM:BRD)) – 44.5p, Mkt cap £6.3m – Recovery of 11.95ct diamond worth >$100,000
BlueRock Diamonds report a 11.95ct diamond worth >US$100,000.
The discovery underpins Kareevlei’s ability to deliver large high value diamonds according to Chairman, Mike Houston
The team are looking forward to the February Kimberley diamond auction the given the stone’s size and quality and continuing market buoyancy.
The January tender achieved an average price of $565/ct vs an average $465/ct last year
*SP Angel act as Nomad and broker to Bluerock Diamonds
Caledonia Mining* (Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (AIM:CMCL, NYSE-A:CMCL)) 925p, Mkt Cap £120m – Fatality at the Blanket mine
We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of a mineworker at Caledonia’s Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe.
The accident “involved a LHD loader in one of Blanket's underground haulages” and the company explains that “details cannot be released pending the outcome of an ongoing enquiry into this incident by the relevant authorities”.
The Blanket mine has a laudable safety record and in January while announcing record annual gold production for 2021, the company said that it had “Achieved more than 2,4 million fatality free shifts since 2018”.
The unfortunate accident, which occurred yesterday morning, is a stark reminder of the inherent risks of mining and we express our condolences to the colleagues and family of the victim, Andrew Clydon Phiri.
*SP Angel mining analysts have visited Caledonia’s mining operations in Zimbabwe
Cornish Lithium (Private) – Heads of Terms signed with Cornish Lithium to develop geothermal heat projects
IGAS Energy (IGas Energy Plc (AIM:IGAS)): - 17p, Mkt Cap: £21m -
Cornish Lithium has agreed Heads of Terms with GT Energy UK Ltd (IGas Energy) to work together on suitable sites for geothermal development.
The two companies will work together to develop shallow geothermal projects in Cornwall to supply geothermal heat to industrial end users.
Cornish Lithium is also evaluating the potential to extract lithium from the geothermal brines.
IGas will bring its experience of well design, drilling and operational management to the projects.
Cornish Lithium is well placed to assist in the development of geothermal energy projects through its licenses and geological knowhow in the region.
The company also has a hard rock lithium project in Cornwall which it is developing and has collected mineral licenses for other metals in the region.
Petra Diamonds (Petra Diamonds Limited (LSE:PDL, OTC:PDLMF)) 97p, Mkt Cap £200m – Diamond price recovery helps deliver a strong interim performance
In its interim report on the six months to 31st December 2021, Petra Diamonds reports a 49% improvement revenue (to US$264.7m) and an 87% rise in adjusted EBITDA (to US$150.9m) as the benefits of operational improvements combine with recovering diamond prices.
Production of 1,777,424 carats of diamonds was “in line with guidance” and the company confirms that “FY 2022 production is on track to meet guidance of 3.3 to 3.6 Mcts, and Capex is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance of US$78 to US$92 million”.
Petra Diamonds continues to report the sale of ‘Exceptional’ diamonds which contributed US$77.9m of revenue including diamonds from the Cullinan mine. These include US$40.2m from the sale of a 39.34 carat blue diamond, an 18.3 carat type IIb blue diamond, and a 342.92 carat type IIa white diamond which sold for US$10m and a US$13.9m sale of a 295.79 carat white stone.
A 32.32 carat pink diamond from the Williamson mine sold for US$13.9m.
The company says that the “diamond market ended the calendar year in a strong state, with evidence of buoyant jewellery sales during the important festive retail period as consumers released pent-up demand for luxury items”.
Petra Diamonds also alludes to “the compelling fundamentals of the diamond market, where the supply side is characterised by a small and depleting number of producing mines globally, with very limited exploration and new projects in the pipeline” alongside continued demand growth “driven by growing middle classes worldwide and the broadening of opportunities to give and receive diamonds to mark the most important milestones in our lives”.
The company reports “Further strengthening of the Balance Sheet” with a reduction of US$75.9m in net debt to US$152.3m and says that “costs remained within expectations despite inflationary pressures”.
Providing guidance on future production, Petra Diamonds indicates that it will produce between 3.3-3.6m carats annually for its 2022-2024 financial years with 3.6-3.9 carats expected in FY 2025.
Costs are expected in the range US$300-310m in FY 2022 and US$300-320m for each of the financial years 2023-2025.
Chief Executive, Richard Duffy, explained that “We have benefitted from the recovery in rough diamond prices, record proceeds from the sale of Exceptional Stones, and the improvements we have made in our operations, resulting in significantly improved safety levels, profitability and cash flow. Our strengthened operating platform and balance sheet coupled with the robust rough diamond market, sets us well for the second half of the year and we are well on track to meet FY 2022 operational guidance”.
Tesoro Resources (Tesoro Resources Ltd (ASX:TSO, OTCQB:TSORF)) A$0.070, Mkt cap A$47m – Latest drill results extend mineralisation at Ternera
Tesoro reports its latest round of drill results from the Ternera gold deposit and the El Zorro Gold Project in Chile.
The company has received assays for 10 diamond drill holes completed as part of the current extensional and infill drilling program at El Zorro.
Highlights from the latest drilling include:
ZDDH0268 - 2.70m @ 6.76g/t Au from 188.30m; and
3.00m @ 6.30g/t Au from 197.00m;
ZDDH0271: 1.45m @ 9.69g/t Au from 414.50m; and
22.00m @ 1.15g/t Au from 457.00m; Contained within 91.20m @ 0.54g/t Au from 388.00m
ZDDH0273: 1.66m @ 5.04g/t Au from 29.04m; and
5.65m @ 4.08g/t Au from 118.70m;
ZDDH0274: 274: 2.00m @ 7.24g/t Au from 321.00m; and
43.00m @ 1.14g/t Au from 303.00m.
ZDDH0275: 5.40m @ 7.91g/t Au from 165.00m;
Hole ZDDH0269 extends the Ternera gold system 400m south with a result of 0.41m @ 2.6 g/t Au.
Assay results remain outstanding for 18 additional holes, which will be announced in due course.
Tesoro currently has a maiden mineral resource estimate of 25.1 Mt @ 0.8g/t Au for 661 koz of gold at 0.3g/t Au cut-off including 15.4Mt @ 1.1g/t Au for 540koz at 0.5g/t Au cut-off, defined by 148 drill holes.
The board expect to grow this resource with the drilling currently underway and expect to provide an updated MRE in the coming weeks.
Versarien* (Versarien PLC (AIM:VRS, OTC:VRSRF)) 25.6p, Mkt cap £50m – Versarien to supply graphene enhanced elastomers to Flux Footware for new model ‘Adapt’ shoe
Versarien report on the development and supply of graphene enhanced elastomers to Flux Footwear for an improved model of Flux's 'Adapt' shoe.
The new 'AdaptMid' shoe has been enhanced with Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ technology to improve the rubber outsole and augment the shoe's mechanical and physical properties.
“The new model, the 'AdaptMid', provides greater durability through improved abrasion resistance whilst maintaining the shoe's traction characteristics.“
Flux is launching the 'AdaptMid' model in Autumn/Winter 2022 with a limited number of shoes available for pre-order in the UK directly through the Versarien website at: www.versarienproducts.co.uk
The graphene enhanced elastomers have been developed by Versarien’s teams at University of Manchester and University of Cambridge as part of the GSCALE project which offers potential for multiple elastomer projects.
This follows on from Versarien’s commercial collaboration agreement with the worldwide wholesale distribution subsidiary of Superdry PLC (LSE:SDRY) for its GRAPHENE-WEARTM technology.
The GRAPHENE-WEARTM technology is seen as improving thermal and moisture management properties in garments.
*SP Angel acts as nomad and broker to Versarien
No.1 in Copper: “The winner of the 2020 Fastmarkets Apex contest for copper was the team at SP Angel comprising John Meyer, Sergey Raevskiy and Simon Beardsmore, with an accuracy score of 93.8%”
No1. In Gold: “SP Angel’s trio took the top spot for the gold price prediction throughout the year, with an accuracy score of 97.59%”
The SP Angel team also ranked 1st in Palladium, 3rd in Tin and 5th in Silver in the fourth quarter of 2020
Analysts
John Meyer – John.Meyer@spangel.co.uk – 0203 470 0490
Simon Beardsmore – Simon.Beardsmore@spangel.co.uk – 0203 470 0484
Sergey Raevskiy –Sergey.Raevskiy@spangel.co.uk - 0203 470 0474
Joe Rowbottom – Joe.Rowbottom@spangel.co.uk - 0203 470 0486
Sales
Richard Parlons –Richard.Parlons@spangel.co.uk - 0203 470 0472
Abigail Wayne – Abigail.Wayne@spangel.co.uk - 0203 470 0534
Rob Rees – Rob.Rees@spangel.co.uk - 0203 470 0535
Grant Barker – Grant.Barker@spangel.co.uk – 0203 470 0471
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*SP Angel are the No1 integrated nomad and broker by number of mining brokerage clients on AIM according to the AIM Advisers Ranking Guide (joint brokerships excluded)
+SP Angel employees may have previously held, or currently hold, shares in the companies mentioned in this note.
Sources of commodity prices
Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver
BGNL (Bloomberg Generic Composite rate, London)
Gold ETFs, Steel
Bloomberg
Copper, Aluminium, Nickel, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Cobalt
LME
Oil Brent
ICE
Natural Gas, Uranium, Iron Ore
NYMEX
Thermal Coal
Bloomberg OTC Composite
Coking Coal
SSY
RRE
Steelhome
Lithium Carbonate, Ferro Vanadium, Tungsten, Spodumene, Ferro-Manganese, Graphite
Asian Metal