First Helium Inc. ("First Helium" or the "Company") (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced that it has completed surveying its proven undeveloped ("PUD") 7-30 location and is advancing through the licensing process for both the 7-30 and 7-15 locations, respectively. The 7-30 PUD well will be drilled on an existing surface location which will enable the Company to expedite drilling. The PUD well has been assigned proved plus probable undeveloped reserves of 196,700 barrels 2 by Sproule Associates Limited ("Sproule") 1 the Company's independent evaluator, and will be drilled in conjunction with the recently identified 7-15 Leduc anomaly.
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HyProMag USA Feasibility Study Demonstrates Robust Economics and the Opportunity to Develop a Major New, Domestic Source of Recycled Rare Earths Magnets for the United States
CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) ("CoTec") and Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM:MKA)(TSX-V:MKA) ("Mkango") are pleased to announce the results of an independent Feasibility Study (the "Feasibility Study") for HyProMag USA, LLC, ("HyProMag USA or the Project") on the development of a state-of-the art rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing operation in the United States.
The Project is underpinned by the patented Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap ("HPMS") technology developed at the University of Birmingham Magnetic Materials Group and being commercialized by HyProMag in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. The HPMS process recovers neodymium iron boron ("NdFeB") permanent magnets from end-of-life scrap streams in the form of a demagnetized NdFeB metallized alloy powder for remanufacture into recycled NdFeB magnets with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, and has major competitive advantages versus other magnet recycling methods using chemical processes.
Sintered NdFeB magnets will be produced in the United States using materials sourced in the United States, contributing to security of NdFeB permanent magnet supply and enabling economical, traceable, domestic U.S. production of recycled NdFeB magnets (DFARS compliant [1] ) supporting the defense, aerospace, automotive, medical science, hyperscale data centers, robotics, and energy transition industries.
Highlights
- Positive Feasibility Study results for state-of-the art rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing operation in the United States (the "Project"), with a central Dallas Fort Worth ("DFW"), Texas hub supported by two pre-processing spoke sites in the eastern and western regions of the United States:
- US$262 million post-tax Net Present Value (NPV) [2] and 23% real internal rate of return (IRR) based on current market prices [3],[4]
- US$503 million post-tax NPV [2] and 31% real IRR based on forecast market Prices [5],[4]
- Low all-in sustaining Cost (AISC) of US$19.6 per kg of NdFeB product which compares to current weighted average market prices of US$55 per kg of NdFeB products, the latter reflects underlying prevailing low rare earth prices with significant scope for price recovery
- Expansion potential with the inclusion of a third HPMS vessel within three years following commissioning for an additional capital cost of approximately US$7 million
- A 3D fly through of the Project feasibility design can be found at HyProMag USA Facility Flythrough
- Production of 750 metric tons per annum of recycled sintered NdFeB magnets and 291 metric tons per annum of associated NdFeB co-products (total payable capacity - 1,041 metric tons NdFeB) over a 40 year operating life
- Up-front capital cost of the Project is US$125 million (inclusive of a 10% contingency margin and Class 3 AACE estimated detailed design study and engineering costs) over a 1.7 year construction phase
- Payback [6] is achieved at current market prices in 3.9 years at a profitability index ("PI") [7] of 2.1, at forecast market prices payback is achieved in 3.1 years at a PI of 4.0
- First Revenue targeted in Q1 2027 with a Notice to Proceed ("NTP") expected in mid-2025 following completion of Detailed Engineering Design and Value Engineering phase, which will commence shortly and include:
- Evaluation of significant opportunities to optimize construction and operational efficiency, and to reduce capital expenditure and operating costs, as well as to expand production
- Parallel product and operational testing in the UK at the University of Birmingham Magnetic Materials Group ("MMG") pilot plant and in conjunction with HyProMag commercial developments in UK and Germany
- Completion of commercial arrangements with potential feed supply and product off taker - discussions with several potential parties underway
- Continued discussions with federal, state and municipal governments, in relation to financing opportunities and other economic incentives including carbon price premiums which could improve economics
- Project will help secure the re-vitalization of NdFeB magnet production in the United States with the creation of approximately 90 jobs across Texas, South Carolina and Nevada
- Minviro Limited [8] has been commissioned to complete an ISO-14067 compliant "Product Carbon Footprint" analysis of sintered materials by the end of Q4 2024 using the results of the Feasibility Study
- HyProMag USA is targeting 10% of U.S domestic demand for NdFeB magnets within five years of commissioning - design is modular, can be replicated and accelerated to facilities in eastern and western United States
- The Feasibility Study was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team appointed by CoTec and Mkango and led by independent engineers, Canada-based BBA USA Inc. ("BBA") and U.S. based PegasusTSI Inc. ("PegasusTSI") with other independent experts and support from University of Birmingham, HyProMag Ltd and HyProMag GmbH
Julian Treger, CoTec CEO commented: "We are very pleased with the results of the independent Feasibility Study, which further demonstrates the advanced commercialization potential of HyProMag's technology. HyProMag has the capacity to provide the United States with a secure domestic source of permanent magnets to accelerate the revitalizing of U.S. magnet production, metallization, and skills development, a strategic priority for the U.S. Government."
"The Detailed Engineering Design phase is expected to deliver further cost savings and design improvements which should enhance the project's metrics even further. The company is now focused on securing funding from the U.S. Government, financing, off-take and feed supply. The end-to-end process of recycling end-of-life NdFeB magnets into new sintered NdFeB magnets is supported by the Minerals Security Partnership [9] which aims to accelerate the development of secure, diverse, and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals. We are very excited the business can be used as a platform to create a market leading position for low cost, low carbon magnet recycling."
Will Dawes, Mkango CEO commented: "This is a major milestone for HyProMag, further validating the HPMS technology and opportunity to roll-out into the United States. Our strategy to develop rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing hubs in the United States, UK, Germany and, in the future, Asia, is aligned with the evolving geopolitical environment through the development of more robust rare earth supply chains for the respective domestic markets, while catalyzing new centers of excellence in magnetic materials and cross-fertilization of skills across jurisdictions and between industry and academia."
Ownership
HyProMag is 100 per cent owned by Maginito Limited ("Maginito"), which is owned on a 79.4/20.6 per cent basis by Mkango and CoTec. HyProMag USA is owned 50:50 by CoTec and Maginito.
Detailed Engineering Design and Value Engineering
Following completion of the Feasibility Study, the Project will now proceed to the Detailed Engineering Design and Value Engineering phases.
The Detailed Engineering Design will include the completion of sufficient engineering design works to support a AACE Class 1 capital estimate, as well as final site selection is expected to be completed in H1 2025 and site permitting targeted for completion by Q4 2025 in line with the initial project schedule. This targets initial revenue in Q1 2027. Environmental and permitting studies are supported by U.S. based Weston Solutions, Inc. Following completion of the Detailed Engineering Design, a NTP decision will be taken mid-2025 as to whether HyProMag USA will proceed with the construction of the Project.
Detailed Engineering Design will focus on optimization of construction and operational efficiency and identifying potential improvements that could lead to substantial capital expenditure and operating cost savings. It will also encompass definition and optimization of the third HPMS expansion case. In parallel with Detailed Engineering Design and Value Engineering, product and operational testing will continue in the UK at the University of Birmingham Magnetic Materials Group (MMG) pilot plant in conjunction with HyProMag commercial developments in UK and Germany.
The data used to develop the processing flowsheet is based on historical test work and magnet production at the HPMS Pilot vessel through the MMG at the University of Birmingham in the UK, which developed the HPMS technology being commercialized by HyProMag. Additional test work will be undertaken to further optimise the flowsheet, particularly in the HPMS operations. The capital and operating costs will be refined in line with the expected improvements to the overall process flowsheet, which will influence long-lead capital items. A formal request for proposal ("RfP") process will also be undertaken as part of the Detailed Engineering Design phase of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management ("EPCM") contract to solicit final vendor quotes to improve the accuracy of the capital cost estimate. The detailed engineering considers a "one contractor" approach who is appointed to develop and build the complete process plants.
In parallel, HyProMag USA is working towards securing potential U.S. Government funding, U.S. State financial grants and incentives and strategic partnerships with U.S. companies. Significant progress was achieved in the areas of feed supply and recycled NdFeB magnet offtake during the Feasibility Study and the Project is now able to proceed with securing long term commercial agreements.
CoTec is responsible for funding the Detailed Engineering Design, Value Engineering and the project development costs. Funding provided by CoTec would be in the form of shareholder loans to HyProMag USA.
The Feasibility Study
The Project will use a "hub-and-spoke" operational model, with the central, DFW, Texas hub supported by two pre-processing spoke sites in eastern and western United States.
The Feasibility Study is based on the development of a state-of-the-art 40-year magnet manufacturing facility in DFW, Texas, capable of producing up to 750 metric tons payable of sintered NdFeB magnets and 291 metric tons of associated NdFeB co-products (total payable capacity - 1,041 metric tons NdFeB) annually. First Revenue is targeted in Q1 2027 with a Notice to Proceed (the "NTP") expected in mid- 2025 following completion of the Detailed Engineering Design phase.
The Feasibility Study demonstrates robust economics at Current Prices and indicates a significant upside based on the forecast recovery in the rare earths market. Based on a current market prices, derived from current market pricing for the various products, the Feasibility Study indicates a post-tax NPV[ 10] of US$262 million and real IRR of 23% (pre-tax NPV US$343 million and real IRR of 27%) at a real discount rate of 7.0%. Based on forecast market prices, the Feasibility Study indicates an post-tax NPV of US$503 million and real IRR of 31% (pre-tax NPV of US$647 milliion and real IRR of 36%) at a real discount rate of 7.0%.
The up-front capital cost of the Project is US$125 million (inclusive of a 10% contingency margin and Class 3 AACE [11] estimated detailed design study and engineering costs). The current market price payback [12] is achieved in 3.9 years at a profitability index ("PI") of 2.1 [13] , whilst at Forecast Prices, payback is achieved in 3.1 years at a PI of 4.0.
The Project has a low all-in Sustaining Cost of cost production at US$19.6 per kg of NdFeB which compares to current market prices of US$55 per kg of NdFeB product.
Production at the hub facility is readily expandable with the inclusion of a third HPMS vessel within three years following commissioning for an additional capital cost of approximately US$7 million - the third HPMS vessel is expected to supply excess HPMS NdFeB payable powder to the U.S market for the developing domestic magnet production industry.
The main products are sintered magnet materials split between blocks and finished magnets at magnet grades that have been previously demonstrated at the University of Birmingham pilot facility [14] . These include DFARS compliant products and will support a closed loop system in the United States whereby end-of-life U.S.-sourced NdFeB magnets are recycled into new magnets via HyProMag's short-loop process.
The Project will therefore provide a long-term, traceable source of permanent magnets for U.S industry including applications for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and many electronic devices critical for U.S. critical mineral supply chains and the energy transition. Furthermore, the Project will help secure the re-vitalization of NdFeB magnet production in the United States with the creation of approximately 90 jobs in relation to magnet manufacturing, further catalyzing the developing rare earth industry ecosystem in Texas and the cross fertilization of skills, training and R&D between the United States, UK and Europe.
The key Feasibility Study metrics of the Project are summarized in Table 1. The Feasibility Study did not incorporate prospects for potential economic support from governments, funding opportunities, or other economic incentives which could improve the economics and influence a future updated detailed design engineering and investment decision.
Table 1: Feasibility Study Key Metrics in US$
Assumptions | Unit | Current Prices | Forecast Prices |
Project Duration (Life of Asset) | Years | 40 | 40 |
Average annual system capacity | Metric tons NdFeB per annum | 1,147 | 1,147 |
Average annual payable production | Metric tons NdFeB per annum | 1,041 | 1,041 |
Average total payable Sintered Magnets | Metric tons NdFeB per annum | 750 | 750 |
Average total payable co-products excluding residual scrap | Metric tons NdFeB per annum | 291 | 291 |
Economic Assumptions | |||
Weighted average price (Life of Asset) | US$/Kg | 55 | 94 |
Capital Cost | |||
Construction period | Years | 1.7 | 1.7 |
Initial CAPEX (excl. closure and sustaining) | US$ million | 125.3 | 125.3 |
Sustaining CAPEX | US$ million per annum | 0.21 | 0.21 |
Operating cost per metric ton | |||
Transport Cost (Spoke to Hub) | US$/kg NdFeB | 0.46 | 0.46 |
Royalty Cost | US$/kg NdFeB | 0.23 | 0.69 |
TOTAL AISC [15] LIFE OF ASSET | US$/kg NdFeB | 19.63 | 31.86 |
Basis of Feasibility Study
Feasibility design and economic analysis thereof was undertaken for the Project. A system capacity of 1,147 metric tons per annum has been used as a basis for the Feasibility Study.
The process begins with scrap pre-processing at the spoke facilities located in the eastern and western United States, where electronic and industrial scrap containing NdFeB magnets is pre-processed, sorted, and prepared for HPMS at the hub. This pre-processed material is then transported to the central hub in DFW for HPMS and magnet manufacturing.
At the DFW hub in Texas, the HPMS system uses hydrogen to extract NdFeB powder from the scrap material in a series of controlled reactions that occur at near atmospheric pressure. This method minimizes energy consumption and reduces environmental impact compared to conventional extraction methods. Following extraction, the NdFeB alloy powder undergoes conventional magnet manufacturing to produce high-performance magnets that meet industry standards.
Economic analysis has been performed in accordance with the process design and schedule, metallurgical testing, and product payability analysis developed in the study, and the estimates and analyses therein have been prepared to a Class 3 AACE Feasibility level.
Processing Design
The proposed plant is based on both historical, and 2022 to 2024 pilot test work at the University of Birmingham together with the approximate US$100 million of historical R&D expenditure and the significant know-how and related intellectual property for HPMS.
HyProMag USA will produce NdFeB permanent magnets in the United States using recycled end of life NdFeB magnets embedded in electronic and industrial scrap as the source material. The HPMS process liberates embedded rare earth permanent magnets, in the form of a demagnetised NdFeB powder, from any electrical drive, be it including hard disk drives ("HDD"), electric motors, MRI magnetic units, speakers and other end-of-life assemblies containing NdFeB, enabling recovery of the NdFeB whilst leaving behind the associated casing materials. These casing materials are recovered and sent to any suitable scrap recycling plant for processing. The recovered NdFeB magnet material can be fed back into any point in the rare earth supply chain, the preferred and principal route for HyProMag being short-loop magnet manufacturing which is facilitated by HPMS. In the short-loop magnet manufacturing process, the recovered NdFeB magnet material is treated and reformed into blocks that can then be shaped and magnetized for use in equipment requiring permanent rare earth magnets of the NdFeB composition. Any scrap material produced from the shaping of the magnet blocks will be recycled for use within the plant or sold to third parties. The only waste products from the process are the casing materials housing the rare earth magnets, which are recycled, and minor discharges of steam and inert gases.
Figure 1: A simple Block Flow Diagram of the magnet recycling and production operation
Pre-Processing technology
Maginito and Inserma Anoia S.L ("Inserma") have entered into a binding and exclusive agreement to collaborate on the optimization, commercialization and roll-out of pre-processing technologies for HyProMag in the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States and other regions. The technologies autonomously pre-process scrap such as hard disk drives to remove the NdFeB magnet containing component which can be processed via HPMS to deliver purified alloy powder on a very large scale.
The latest mobile Inserma unit for HDD can be co-located at hyperscale data centers, shredding, recycling or HyProMag facilities. These Inserma units rapidly remove (at <3 seconds per HDD) the Voice Coil Motor ("VCM") containing the rare earth magnet, providing a highly concentrated feed for subsequent HPMS by HyProMag - the simultaneous removal of the center spindle also facilitates downstream shredding of the rest of the HDD. A 3D flythrough of the Inserma units both in the HyProMag USA facility and also within a United Sates hyperscale data center can be found at HyProMag USA with Inserma HDD Pre Processing Fly Through , Data Center with HyProMag USA + Inserma Technology
The goal of the collaboration is to enable deployment of hundreds of pre-processing units, across multiple jurisdictions, providing pre-processing solutions for a range of end-of-life applications, including HDDs, loudspeakers and electric motors, and generating feed for HyProMag's short loop rare earth magnet recycling process.
Project Site, Infrastructure and Services
Site selection was focused on locating a site in DFW, Texas for the hub. DFW was identified as a suitable location to build the magnet recycling operation based on its central location in the U.S., its sizable e-waste recycling activities, proximity to national rail roads and interstate highways and ease of doing business there. DFW also has other existing and developing magnet and rare earth related businesses in the area.
A selection criteria approach was used to determine potential site locations within the DFW area. The potential site is approximately 100,000 square feet in area, 36 feet in height and utilizes a pre-existing factory storage unit with basic utilities fully installed. The Project design assumes the site will be secured through long term leases in Q1 2025.
The logistics for the project include two main satellite spokes: Satellite Spoke 1, potentially located in Las Vegas, or Reno, Nevada and a Satellite Spoke 2, potentially located in South Carolina. The transportation process from each Satellite Spoke to the hub employs intermodal (truck and rail) transportation.
Power supply will be provided through local utility providers. The current Project design is assuming grid sourced power, however where possible the Project will contract renewably sourced power when it is available.
Supply of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Argon at the DFW hub will be provided through specialized companies which provide industrial gases in liquid form. These gases will be delivered and stored on-site in dedicated tanks equipped with vaporizers to ensure the conversion from liquid to gas as needed for the operations in a "over the fence" solution.
Figure 2: Map of the United States showing planned locations of HyProMag USA's operations and functions.
Capital Costs
Initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs for the Project are based on a system capacity of 1,147 metric tons per annum with a nominal payable production capacity of approximately 1,041 metric tons per annum of which 750 metric tons per annum are sintered blocks and finished magnets. CAPEX costs are estimated at US$125 million, including EPCM costs, future Detailed Engineering Design study costs and a 10% contingency.
Sustaining capital over the life of asset (40 years) is estimated at US$9.4 million. Closure cost is estimated at $1M resulting in total life of asset CAPEX cost of US$134.8 million.
Table 2: Capital Costs
Description | US$ (M) |
Hub Plant | 95.0 |
Spoke Pre-Processing | 6.0 |
Indirect Costs (DE Study and EPCM) | 13.5 |
Estimated Sub-Total Cost | 114.5 |
Contingency 10% | 10.9 |
Total Estimated Initial CAPEX | 125.4 |
Sustaining (over life of asset) | 8.4 |
Closure cost | 1.0 |
ESTIMATED TOTAL CAPEX OF LIFE OF ASSET | 134.8 |
Operating Costs
The operating costs include manpower to run the overall operations, power and utilities, materials handling, scrap feed, transport of the scrap materials from the Spoke pre-processing sites to the Hub in DFW, Texas and G&A.
Table 3: Operating costs
Area | US$/kg (current prices) [16] | US$/kg (Forecast Prices) [ 4] |
Pre-processing - Spokes x2 | 1.84 | 1.84 |
Processing - Hub (includes feed supply) | 16.23 | 28.00 |
Transport from Spoke to Hub | 0.46 | 0.46 |
G&A | 0.67 | 0.67 |
Royalty | 0.23 | 0.69 |
ESTIMATED TOTAL AVE. OPEX US$/kg (LIFE OF ASSET) | 19.43 | 31.66 |
Economic Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis
Table 4: Economic Results
Economic Assumptions | Unit | Current Prices | Forecast Prices |
Weighted average price (Life of Asset) | US$/kg NdFeB | 55 | 94 |
Revenue (Life of Asset) | US$M | 2,325 | 3,941 |
EBITDA (Life of Asset) | US$M | 1,528 | 2,642 |
Pre-Tax NPV at 7% discount rate | US$M | 343 | 647 |
Pre-Tax real IRR | % | 27% | 36% |
Post-Tax NPV 7% discount rate | US$M | 262 | 503 |
Post-Tax real IRR | % | 23% | 31% |
Payback | years | 3.9 | 3.1 |
PI | 2.1 | 4.0 |
A sensitivity analysis was performed whereby initial infrastructure capital cost, annual operating costs and product selling price were individually varied between +/-15% to determine the impact on Project IRR and NPV between 0 and 10 % discount rates.
Results are presented in Table 5 and 6. The project financials are most sensitive to the product selling price followed by operating costs and finally initial capital expenditures.
Table 5: Sensitivity Analysis (US$, Million, Post Tax) - Current Prices
Base Case | CAPEX | Current prices | LOA OPEX | |||||
15% | -15% | 15% | -15% | 15% | -15% | |||
IRR | 23% | 20% | 26% | 27% | 19% | 22% | 24% | |
NPV | ||||||||
0% | 1,113 | 1,097 | 1,128 | 1,362 | 864 | 1,049 | 1,177 | |
5% | 380 | 365 | 396 | 479 | 281 | 355 | 406 | |
7% | 262 | 246 | 277 | 336 | 187 | 243 | 281 | |
10% | 154 | 139 | 169 | 206 | 102 | 141 | 167 |
Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis (US$, Million, Post Tax) - Forecast Prices
Base Case | CAPEX | Forecast prices | LOA OPEX | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15% | -15% | 15% | -15% | 15% | -15% | |||
IRR | 31% | 28% | 35% | 36% | 26% | 30% | 32% | |
NPV | ||||||||
0% | 2,005 | 1,990 | 2,021 | 2,416 | 1,594 | 1,939 | 2,071 | |
5% | 711 | 695 | 726 | 870 | 552 | 684 | 737 | |
7% | 503 | 487 | 518 | 621 | 384 | 483 | 522 | |
10% | 314 | 299 | 330 | 396 | 233 | 300 | 328 |
Project Timeline and Phased Execution
The Project is strategically phased to ensure cost-effective development, operational efficiency, and flexibility for future expansion. Next steps:
- Detailed Design and Engineering (2025): The Detailed Engineering Design will include the completion of sufficient engineering design works to support a AACE Class 1 capital estimate to complete the bankable Feasibility Study as well as final site selection to be completed in H1 2025 and the commencement of site permitting.
- Site Development and Facility Construction (2025-2026): The initial phase includes site preparations and facility construction at the DFW hub and two spoke locations. The DFW hub will be equipped with purpose-built infrastructure for HPMS recycling, magnet alignment, and sintering operations. The modular layout supports scalability, allowing for future expansion as demand for NdFeB magnets grows. The spoke facilities in east and west United States will focus on sorting and initial processing of NdFeB-containing scrap to reduce transportation costs and streamline material flow to the DFW hub.
- Equipment Installation and Commissioning (2026): Construction will follow to equipment installation, including HPMS vessels, sintering furnaces, alignment presses, and auxiliary systems. Each piece of equipment will be tested and calibrated to meet quality and operational standards. The commissioning phase verifies that the facility operates as designed, ensuring smooth transitions between production stages and mitigating risks of downtime.
- Initial Production Ramp-Up (2027): The Project's first production phase is expected to begin Q1 2027, with a gradual increase in output to stabilize operations and optimize equipment performance. Initial production volumes will be dedicated to fulfilling contracts with key customers in sectors such as defense, renewable energy, and electronics.
- Full Operational Capacity and Modular Expansion (2027 Onward): By H2 2027, the Project aims to reach full capacity at 750 metric tons per year, positioning HyProMag USA as a major player in the U.S. NdFeB magnet market. The facility's modular design supports phased expansions, allowing for the addition of processing lines and spoke sites as demand increases. This flexible approach allows HyProMag to scale up with minimal disruption and align production with market growth, particularly in EVs, wind energy, and defense.
- Modular Expansion (2030 Onward): By 2030 potential installation of the third HPMS vessel, debottlenecking and expansion of system capacity.
- Regional expansion (2030 Onward): HyProMag USA is targeting 10% of the U.S domestic demand [17] within five years of commissioning - design is modular, can be replicated and accelerated to facilities on eastern and western United States. Any legislation to support recycling will further accelerate expansion.
Qualified Persons and Data Verification
The independent Qualified Persons are Professional Engineers employed by BBA, Pegasus TSI and Weston Solutions who are responsible for Engineering Design, Processing, Infrastructure, Transportation, Services, Capital Costs, Operating Costs, Project Timeline, Permitting and Economic Analysis and Sensitivity.
The Qualified Persons have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release.
About HyProMag
HyProMag is commercializing HPMS recycling technology in the UK, Germany and United States. HyProMag is also evaluating other jurisdictions, and in mid-2024 launched a collaboration with Envipro on rare earth magnet recycling in Japan. HPMS technology was developed at the Magnetic Materials Group (MMG) at University of Birmingham, underpinned by approximately US$100 million of research and development funding, and has major competitive advantages versus other rare earth magnet recycling technologies, which are largely focused on chemical processes but do not solve the challenges of liberating magnets from end-of-life scrap streams - HPMS provides this solution.
The MMG is internationally recognized for its work on the circular economy of rare earth magnets. The group has made major contributions to research and industrial application of hydrogen for processing of magnets. Professor Emeritus Harris pioneered the initial work on hydrogen decrepitation (HD), currently used worldwide to produce magnets, and co-authored the 1986 paper on the world's first hydrogen based sintered magnet. Today, almost all NdFeB magnet production and recycling methods take advantage of the HD process.
About CoTec Holdings Corp.
CoTec is a publicly traded investment issuer listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange ("TSX- V") and the OTCQB and trades under the symbol CTH and CTHCF respectively. CoTec is an environment, social, and governance ("ESG")-focused company investing in innovative technologies that have the potential to fundamentally change the way metals and minerals can be extracted and processed for the purpose of applying those technologies to undervalued operating assets and recycling opportunities, as it transitions into a mid-tier mineral resource producer.
CoTec is committed to supporting the transition to a lower carbon future for the extraction industry, a sector on the cusp of a green revolution as it embraces technology and innovation. It has made four investments to date and is actively pursuing operating opportunities where current technology investments could be deployed.
For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca .
About Mkango Resources Ltd.
Mkango is listed on the AIM and the TSX-V. Mkango's corporate strategy is to become a market leader in the production of recycled rare earth magnets, alloys and oxides, through its interest in Maginito Limited ("Maginito"), which is owned 79.4 per cent by Mkango and 20.6 per cent by CoTec, and to develop new sustainable sources of neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium to supply accelerating demand from electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies.
Maginito holds a 100 per cent interest in HyProMag and a 90 per cent direct and indirect interest (assuming conversion of Maginito's convertible loan) in HyProMag GmbH, focused on short loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK and Germany, respectively, and a 100 per cent interest in Mkango Rare Earths UK Ltd ("Mkango UK"), focused on long loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK via a chemical route.
Maginito and CoTec are also rolling out HyProMag's recycling technology into the United States via the 50/50 owned HyProMag USA LLC joint venture company. HyProMag is also evaluating other jurisdictions, and recently launched a collaboration with Envipro on rare earth magnet recycling in Japan.
Mkango also owns the advanced stage Songwe Hill rare earths project and an extensive rare earths, uranium, tantalum, niobium, rutile, nickel and cobalt exploration portfolio in Malawi, and the Pulawy rare earths separation project in Poland.
For more information, please visit www.mkango.ca
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations(EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of that term under applicable securities laws) with respect to Mkango and CoTec. Generally, forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "is expected to", "scheduled", "estimates" "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "can", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will", occur or be achieved, or the negative connotations thereof. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, the availability of (or delays in obtaining) financing to develop the Recycling Plants being developed by Maginito in the UK, Germany and the US (the "Maginito Recycling Plants"), the implementation of matters set out in the Feasibility Study, governmental action and other market effects on global demand and pricing for the metals and associated downstream products for which Mkango is exploring, researching and developing, the ability to scale the HPMS and chemical recycling technologies to commercial scale, competitors having greater financial capability and effective competing technologies in the recycling and separation business of Maginito and Mkango, availability of scrap supplies for Maginito's recycling activities, government regulation (including the impact of environmental and other regulations) on and the economics in relation to recycling and the development of the Maginito Recycling Plants and future investments in the United States pursuant to the proposed cooperation agreement between Maginito and CoTec, the outcome and timing of the completion of the feasibility studies, cost overruns, complexities in building and operating the plants, and the positive results of feasibility studies on the various proposed aspects of Mkango's, Maginito's and CoTec's activities. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company and CoTec disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company and CoTec undertake no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.
For further information on Mkango, please contact:
Mkango Resources Limited
William Dawes
Chief Executive
will@mkango.ca
Canada: +1 403 444 5979
www.mkango.ca
@MkaResource
Alexander Lemon
President
alex@mkango.ca
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker
Jeff Keating, Caroline Rowe
UK: +44 20 3470 0470
Alternative Resource Capital
Joint Broker
Alex Wood, Keith Dowsing
UK: +44 20 7186 9004/5
For further information on CoTec, please contract:
CoTec Holdings Corp.
Braam Jonker
Chief Financial Officer
braam.jonker@cotec.ca
Canada: +1 604 992-5600
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 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 or accuracy of this release.
China Restricts Key Critical Minerals Exports in Response to US Chip Controls
China has set new US export restrictions on essential minerals, including gallium, germanium and antimony.
The measures, announced on Tuesday (December 3) are seen as a direct response to US export controls aimed at limiting China's access to advanced semiconductor technology.
Citing national security concerns, the US recently expanded its list of companies subject to export controls to include 140 Chinese entities connected to semiconductor development.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the US measures are excessive and undermine global trade norms.
Speaking after China's retaliatory ban was made public, spokesperson Lin Jian said the Asian nation will take "resolute measures" to safeguard the interests of its companies, framing the export curbs as necessary to protect national security and counteract what it considers the malicious suppression of its technological progress.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the export of the affected minerals, which are critical to the production of semiconductors, electric vehicles and other high-tech applications, will now require specific approval.
Gallium and germanium are indispensable for the production of semiconductors used in mobile devices, solar panels and military applications. Antimony is utilized in flame retardants, batteries and certain weapons systems.
Graphite is also mentioned in the ministry's order, with stricter reviews of end usage needed for items sent to the US.
China is the leading global supplier of these materials, dominating their production and export markets.
China's restrictions seen as retaliatory
China's decision intensifies a series of tit-for-tat actions between itself and the US.
In mid-2023, China imposed licensing requirements for exporting gallium and germanium. US companies rely heavily on these minerals, with about half of the country’s gallium and germanium imports originating from China.
This past August, China announced new export restrictions on antimony, effective in mid-September.
The new US measures include controls on chip-making equipment, software tools and high-bandwidth memory chips — all aimed at curtailing China's ability to develop advanced technologies with military applications.
The Chinese government has labeled these actions as an abuse of national security considerations. Both sides justify their respective controls as necessary for safeguarding national security.
Supply chain resiliency in focus
Analysts anticipate that China's critical minerals export ban will push businesses in the US to accelerate efforts to diversify their supply chains and explore alternative sources for these materials.
The semiconductor, automotive and renewable energy sectors are expected to be most directly impacted.
The US Geological Survey notes that while the US holds deposits of these critical minerals, domestic mining and production have been limited. Efforts to develop local sources are underway, but remain in the early stages.
Ongoing tensions between the US and China have already influenced market dynamics, with prices for some minerals, including antimony, more than doubling this year.
The US Department of Commerce has yet to issue a detailed response. However, previous statements highlight the Biden administration's focus on securing supply chains for critical minerals.
Recent initiatives, including the CHIPS and Science Act, aim to bolster domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
First Helium Advances Licensing of Strategic 7-15 and 7-30 Leduc Wells Targeting Light Oil
"We are pleased to be driving forward with our 7-30 PUD drilling location in conjunction with our high impact Leduc anomaly, 7-15, which on seismic is approximately five times the areal extent of our successful 1-30 light oil pool discovery," said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium. "If successful, the combined oil potential from these two operations will provide immediate cash flow and meaningful near-term value for our shareholders," added Mr. Bereznicki.
Worsley Leduc Formation – 12 Primary Targets Identified on Proprietary 3D Seismic
Based on historical successful drilling results from the 1-30 and 4-29 Leduc oil wells, which together have produced more than 113,000 barrels of light oil and generated more than $13 million in revenue and $8 million in cash flow, the Company has achieved a direct correlation between its Leduc seismic interpretation and the potential for economic quantities of producible hydrocarbons. Notably, this same seismic signature is seen across all additional drilling locations.
As highlighted recently, the Company has identified 10 additional Leduc locations based on the same seismic interpretation over its proprietary 3D data that identified the 7-30 and the 7-15 locations (See Figure 1). Continued success through drilling the 7-30 PUD well, and 7-15 anomaly, will result in an immediate low risk 10 well scalable project. This vertical Leduc play provides an opportunity for potential growth of the Company's oil production, all located on existing (100 per cent) Company held lands.
Figure 1:
Worsley Project Inventory
The vertical Leduc play provides an opportunity for potential growth of the Company's oil production, all located on existing (100 per cent) Company held lands. Given the large potential opportunity of the Worsley project, the Company will continue to explore potential partnerships to accelerate the development of its rich asset base.
Notes:
(1) Prepared by Sproule Associates Limited ("Sproule"), independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with COGE Handbook.
(2) Gross Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, per Sproule, Evaluation of the P&NG Reserves of First Helium Inc. in the Beaton Area of Alberta (as of March 31, 2023). See First Helium's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .
ABOUT First Helium
Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.
First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.
Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium's ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company's Worsley land base.
For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.
Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
SOURCE: First Helium Inc.
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Norway Suspends Deep-Sea Mining Plans as Environmental Concerns Rise
Norway suspended its plans to open vast areas of its seabed for deep-sea mining on Sunday (December 1), reacting to pressure from environmental groups and political negotiations.
The original proposal from the Norwegian government would have allowed companies to apply for licenses to mine around 280,000 square kilometers of seabed for minerals critical to modern technologies.
The plan, which targeted areas containing resources like cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements, faced strong opposition from conservation groups, researchers and multiple governments.
The policy shift occurred after the Socialist Left Party made its support for the government’s budget contingent on halting the mining initiative. Leader Kristi Bergstø said during budget talks that preventing the opening of the seabed for mineral extraction was a key condition, emphasizing the need to prioritize environmental considerations.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre referred to the decision as a "postponement," indicating that preparatory work on regulations and environmental studies will continue. However, marine conservation organizations have described the move as a significant victory, with some calling it a decisive setback for deep-sea mining in Norway.
Criticism of Norway's deep-sea mining plans
Norway’s initial decision to pursue deep-sea mining attracted criticism both domestically and internationally.
Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, warned of the potential destruction of fragile ecosystems and the disruption of marine biodiversity. Researchers noted that mining activities could irreversibly damage seabed habitats and release toxic sediments into the water column, with cascading effects on the marine food chain.
Norway’s proposal also faced resistance from international stakeholders. More than 30 countries, including France, Germany and Canada, have expressed opposition to seabed mining without comprehensive safeguards.
The Nordic Council, a regional intergovernmental body, earlier passed a resolution supporting a moratorium on the practice. While non-binding, the resolution highlighted growing regional discontent with seabed mineral extraction.
The suspension has halted initial government consultations for the first round of licences for the extraction of seabed minerals. Lithium, scandium and cobalt were included, spanning across 386 blocks.
The combined area of all the blocks corresponds to an area twice the size of Denmark.
Loke Marine Minerals, Green Minerals (FWB:5lP) and Adepth Minerals are three Norwegian companies that had expressed plans to apply for mining licenses.
Global push for deep-sea critical minerals
Norway’s decision comes as countries around the world explore ways to secure access to critical minerals.
Deep-sea mining is often presented as an alternative to land-based mining, with proponents arguing that it could minimize the environmental damage associated with terrestrial operations.
However, critics argue that the risks to marine ecosystems far outweigh potential benefits.
India, for example, is advancing plans to explore the Pacific Ocean for seabed minerals.
The Clarion-Clipperton zone, a region rich in polymetallic nodules, has attracted interest from India and other countries that are seeking materials essential for renewable energy technologies.
Earlier this year, India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences outlined plans to apply for exploration licenses through the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which oversees mining activities in international waters.
India already holds two ISA exploration permits, but has yet to begin operations due to pending regulations.
The country’s broader strategy includes securing exploration rights in other areas, such as the Indian Ocean’s Carlsberg Ridge and Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount. These sites contain valuable deposits of polymetallic sulfides and ferromanganese crusts, which hold metals key for technologies like batteries, electric vehicles and solar panels.
Scientists warn against deep-sea mining
Marine scientists have warned that ecosystems in the deep ocean are poorly understood and highly sensitive. Species adapted to cold, nutrient-rich waters could face extinction if mining disrupts their habitats.
In fact, Norway’s own Institute of Marine Research has recommended a pause of five to 10 years on seabed mining to allow for more comprehensive studies. As mentioned, while the Norwegian government is framing the current suspension as temporary, activists view the delay as a critical opportunity to build opposition against seabed mining.
They emphasize the importance of alternative strategies, such as improving recycling and circular economy practices, to reduce reliance on newly mined resources.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Madison Metals Secures Rights to Ontario Antimony-Gold Project
Madison Metals (CSE:GREN,OTCQB:MMTLF) has entered into binding letters of intent to acquire the Howells Lake antimony-gold project, a 13,990 hectare property in Ontario's Thunder Bay area.
A historic resource estimate suggests that the site contains approximately 1.7 million metric tons at 1.7 percent antimony, representing around 51 million pounds of contained antimony.
Chairman and CEO Duane Parnham underscored the project's strategic importance in a company release.
“The Howells Lake Project has enormous potential to have real economic significance, and Madison is seizing this rare opportunity to discover new areas of antimony-gold mineralization as well as define the known areas of antimony and gold mineralization on this very large, underexplored land position,” he said on Monday (December 2).
Parnham also spoke about antimony's strong supply/demand fundamentals, saying it has tripled in price this year largely due to China's export restrictions. The metal is currently trading above US$16 per pound.
Antimony is considered critical in various industries, including defense, electronics and renewable energy technologies.
Howells Lake has a diverse geological profile, with antimony and gold mineralization identified from surface levels to depths of 150 meters. It is located in what Madison is calling a "Hemlo Gold Camp setting."
Exploration activity in the region peaked during the 1970s and 1980s, with over US$2 million invested in drilling and geophysical surveys. Mineralization remains open for expansion both laterally and at depth.
Madison has made acquisition agreements with three separate vendors for Howells Lake. The company intends to commence exploration activities aimed at delineating resources and expanding known mineralized zones.
No significant work has occurred on the property for over four decades, leaving much of its potential untapped.
Madison has brought on Bruce Durham as a technical advisor and lead manager for Howells Lake. Durham, a veteran in mineral exploration, will guide the company's efforts to advance the site.
Antimony's role as a critical mineral has grown in recent years. It is vital for applications ranging from fire retardants and semiconductors to defense technologies. It also plays a role in the production of solar panels and high-tech screens.
Despite its importance, global supply faces challenges. China, which accounted for nearly half of global antimony production in 2023, implemented export restrictions earlier this year.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Madagascar Government Lifts Suspension on Energy Fuels' Toliara Critical Minerals Project
Council of Ministers gives U.S.-based Energy Fuels the 'green light' to continue development of its world-class Toliara titanium, zirconium and rare earth elements project
Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (" Energy Fuels " or the " Company "), a leading U.S. producer of uranium, rare earth elements (" REEs "), and critical minerals, is pleased to announce that today the Madagascar Council of Ministers, as Chaired by the President of the Republic of Madagascar has lifted the suspension (the " Suspension ") of the Company's 100%-owned Toliara critical minerals project (the " Toliara Project "). The Suspension was imposed by the Government in November 2019 . In October 2024 Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources and the Toliara Project.
Mark S. Chalmers , President and CEO of Energy Fuels stated:
"The lifting of the suspension by the Malagasy Government is a very significant step in the development of the Toliara rare earths, titanium, and zirconium project. The Company can now re-commence development and other technical activities on the ground, which are expected to include the re-establishment of the Company's social programs, additional mine planning and engineering, expanding the critical mineral resource base, as well as progressing any other legal activities necessary to progress the Toliara Project and achieve a positive financial investment decision.
"Having closely evaluated countless mining projects around the world during my 45-year career, I believe the Toliara Project is truly a 'generational' mining project, having the potential to provide the U.S. and the rest of the world with large quantities of critical minerals for many decades, including rare earth elements which we plan to process at our existing facility in the U.S.
"We also believe the Toliara Project has the strong potential to be a 'crown jewel' of Madagascar's future economy, a leader in the global clean energy transition, and a model for sustainable mining in Africa , harnessing the principles and practices established and refined by Base Resources over 11 years operating the Kwale titanium and zirconium operation in Kenya . Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources this past October, including its well-regarded management and operations team which remains in place.
"We look forward to growing our partnership with the Government of Madagascar as we formalize the fiscal and other terms applicable to the project, move forward with development activities, and rapidly progress Toliara towards operation for the benefit of our host communities, the nation of Madagascar , and our shareholders."
Lifting the Suspension
The Toliara Project currently holds a mining permit that allows production of titanium and zirconium minerals, including ilmenite, rutile and zircon. In 2019, development activities at the Project were suspended by the Government of Madagascar , pending negotiation of fiscal and other terms applicable to the Toliara Project.
Now that the Government has lifted the suspension, the Company can recommence development and investment in the Project, re-establish community and social programs, and advance the technical, environmental and social activities necessary to achieve a positive Financial Investment Decision (" FID "), which the Company expects to make in early 2026.
While the Project is progressing towards a FID, the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize the fiscal, stability and other terms applicable to the project, including the addition of rare-earth element production to the existing mining permit, through a memorandum of understanding, an investment agreement, amendments to existing laws and other mechanisms as appropriate.
ABOUT Energy Fuels
Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company, focused on uranium, REEs, heavy mineral sands (" HMS "), vanadium and medical isotopes. The Company has been the leading U.S. producer of natural uranium concentrate for the past several years, which is sold to nuclear utilities that process it further for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy and owns and operates several conventional and in situ recovery uranium projects in the western United States. The Company also owns the White Mesa Mill in Utah, which is the only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium processing facility in the United States. At the Mill, the Company also produces advanced REE products, vanadium oxide (when market conditions warrant), and is preparing to begin pilot-scale recovery of certain medical isotopes from existing uranium process streams needed for emerging cancer treatments. The Company also owns the operating Kwale HMS project in Kenya which is nearing the end of its life and is developing three (3) additional HMS projects, including the Toliara Project in Madagascar, the Bahia Project in Brazil, and the Donald Project in Australia in which the Company has the right to earn up to a 49% interest in a joint venture with Astron Corporation Limited. The Company is based in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, with its heavy mineral sands operations primarily managed from Perth, Australia. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." For more information on all we do, please visit http://www.energyfuels.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based uranium and critical minerals company or as the leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation that the Company will re-commence development activities on the ground, re-establish the Company's community programs or progress the other activities necessary to achieve a positive FID for the Toliara Project; any expectation that the Toliara Project is a 'generational' critical minerals project or that it has the potential to provide the U.S. and the rest of the world with large quantities of titanium, zirconium, REEs and other materials for decades or at all; any expectation that the Toliara Project has the strong potential to be a 'crown jewel' of Madagascar's future economy, a leader in the global clean energy transition or a model for sustainable mining in Africa , or that it will adopt the proven approaches from the Company's Kwale Operation in Kenya ; any expectation that the Company will continue working with the Government of Madagascar to formalize fiscal and other terms applicable to the project through a memorandum of understanding, an investment agreement, amendments to existing laws and other mechanisms as appropriate; any expectation that rare-earth element production will be added to the existing mining permit; any expectation that the financial and legal stability of the Toliara Project will be maintained; any expectation that a positive FID will be made for the Toliara Project and the timing of any such positive FID; and any expectation that the Toliara Project will be developed. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; legal challenges; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; the failure of the Company to provide or obtain the necessary financing required to develop the Project; market factors, including future demand for REEs; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml , on SEDAR at www.sedar.com , and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com . Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.
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SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.
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First Helium Confirms Plans for Sequential Drilling of Two Oil Targets - Proven Undeveloped Oil Location and Large Leduc Anomaly
First Helium Inc. ("First Helium" or the "Company") (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced plans to drill two complementary vertical Leduc oil targets at its Worsley property. The program will include drilling two strategic targets: the Company's proven undeveloped ("PUD") location at 7-30, which has been assigned proved plus probable undeveloped reserves of 196,700 barrels 2 by Sproule Associates Limited ("Sproule") 1 the Company's independent evaluator, and the recently identified 7-15 Leduc anomaly. The Company has initiated licensing for both locations and intends to optimize drilling costs by executing a two-well drilling program in succession.
"Given our focus on near-term cash flow opportunities, we are excited to be proceeding with a two-well program targeting proven undeveloped oil reserves at our 7-30 location and exploring the large Leduc anomaly, 7-15, which is approximately five times the areal extent of our successful 1-30 light oil pool discovery," said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium. "This strategic approach allows us to efficiently develop both a proven undeveloped oil opportunity and potentially make a significant discovery at a high-impact exploration oil target while maintaining operational efficiency," added Mr. Bereznicki.
7-15 Leduc Anomaly
The 7-15 well will target a large structure in the Leduc Formation that is on trend with and approximately 5X greater in areal extent than the Company's initial 1-30 Leduc oil pool discovery. Upon completion, the 1-30 well flowed 419 barrels per day ("bbl/d") of 35-degree API light oil from the Leduc Formation over a test period of 72 hours on a minimal drawdown. Given its premium light oil pricing, attractive vertical well drill costs and lower initial royalty rates, the 1-30 well paid out in less than 4 months.
7-30 PUD Location
The PUD 7-30 well directly offsets the previously discussed 1-30 well. The 7-30 location was identified using the same Seismic interpretation technique as used for the previously successfully drilled offset wells 1-30, and 4-29. Together, the successful 1-30 and 4-29 Leduc oil wells have produced 113,000 barrels of light oil and generated in excess of $13 million in revenue and $8 million in cash flow to date.
Worsley Leduc Formation – 12 Primary Targets
In addition to the 7-30 and the 7-15 location on the Leduc Anomaly, the Company has identified 10 further Leduc locations based on the same interpretation over existing proprietary 3D seismic (See Figure 1). Through the 1-30 and 4-29 drilling success, the company has achieved a direct correlation of its Leduc seismic interpretation. Continued success through drilling the 7-30 PUD well, and 7-15 will result in an immediate low risk 10 well scalable project.
Figure 1:
Worsley Project Inventory
The vertical Leduc play provides a tremendous opportunity for potential growth of the Company's oil production, all located on existing (100 per cent) Company held lands. Given the large potential opportunity of the Worsley project, the Company will continue to explore potential partnerships to accelerate the development of its rich asset base.
Notes:
(1) Prepared by Sproule Associates Limited ("Sproule"), independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with COGE Handbook.
(2) Gross Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, per Sproule, Evaluation of the P&NG Reserves of First Helium Inc. in the Beaton Area of Alberta (as of March 31, 2023). See First Helium's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .
ABOUT First Helium
Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.
First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.
Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium's ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company's Worsley land base.
For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.
Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
SOURCE: First Helium Inc.
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