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Ioneer’s Lithium Project in Nevada Gets $700M Boost
ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR, Nasdaq:IONR) received approval for up to $700 million conditional loan from the US Department of Energy to finance the construction of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA.
According to an article published by 2news.com, the loan is the latest indication of the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening the nation's battery supply chain, electrifying the transportation sector and cutting reliance on fossil fuels and foreign supplies of raw materials.
Rhyolite Ridge is the most advanced undeveloped US lithium project with a definitive feasibility study modeled on a 26-year mine life. The project has progressed into the final stage of
federal permitting with the decision by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to publish a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register.
The loan from the DOE is contingent on the completion of an environmental impact statement, as Ioneer works to minimize the project’s impact on an endangered Nevada wildflower, Tiehm's buckwheat, which the Fish and Wildlife Service has said is on the brink of extinction, the article said.
To read the full article, click here.
Click here to connect with ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR, Nasdaq:IONR) for an Investor Presentation.
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Source Rock Royalties
Overview
Source Rock Royalties (TSXV:SRR) is a Calgary, Canada based company exclusively focused on oil & gas royalties in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Source Rock's portfolio primarily consists of royalty interests focused on oil, with concentrations in southeast Saskatchewan, central Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan. The portfolio comprises:
- Various gross overriding royalty interests in southeast Saskatchewan.
- A gross overriding royalty in largely contiguous Clearwater interests in Central Alberta.
- A production volume royalty in Viking mineral rights in east-central Alberta.
- Various gross overriding royalties in central Alberta.
- Various gross overriding royalties in the west-central Saskatchewan Viking light oil play.
Source Rock Royalties offers investors low-risk and low-capital-cost exposure to the oil & gas sector in western Canada. The royalty business model offers the benefit of sharing in production revenue without exposure to the capital costs associated with drilling, development, maintenance, abandonment, environmental and other obligations.
Since its inception, Source Rock Royalties has consistently pursued royalty acquisitions, even amidst significant energy market fluctuations. The company has primarily concentrated on non-marketed royalty acquisitions rather than opportunities marketed through formal third-party processes. Leveraging strong relationships within the oil and gas sector in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Source Rock identifies and accesses niche royalty acquisitions.
Source Rock acquired new royalties worth nearly C$13 million in 2023 and a total of C$16.5 million since its IPO in March 2022. These acquisitions effectively doubled Source Rock’s royalty acreage, significantly enhancing both its current royalty production and its exposure to potential undeveloped drill locations. Source Rock generated C$6.6 million in royalty revenue in 2023, the highest in its 11-year history.
Source Rock endeavors to keep costs low, thereby maximizing cash flows. Aside from the CEO and CFO, additional technical oil and gas professionals are engaged by Source Rock as consultants on an as-needed basis. Currently, Source Rock Royalties employs only one full-time staff member. The low-cost base ensures consistent cash flows as evidenced by its more than 11-year track record of delivering positive funds from operations.
Strong cash flow allows the company to consistently pay and increase dividends. Source Rock has paid ~$17 million in dividends to shareholders since 2014. Source Rock increased its dividend twice in 2023, for a total increase of 20 percent.
The current monthly dividend is $0.006 and is sustainable given that it can comfortably be funded by current operations even at a lower oil price scenario of C$60/bbl (or US$50/bbl WTI).
The management and board of directors have a proven track record of creating value in the oil & gas industry. The insiders own 9.5 percent of Source Rock’s common shares, aligning their interest to that of the shareholders by directly participating in the same financings as outside shareholders since inception. The company has a strong institutional shareholder base with CN Rail Pension Fund owning approximately 21 percent of Source Rock’s common shares. Source Rock Royalties has a clean capital structure with only ~45 million common shares issued and outstanding.
Source Rock focuses on a balanced growth and yield model, limiting volatility in returns for shareholders. Source Rock offers investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the oil & gas sector.
Company Highlights
- Source Rock Royalties is a Calgary, Canada based pure-play oil and gas royalty company, with a focus on Alberta and Saskatchewan; the only junior oil and gas royalty company listed on the TSXV.
- Source Rock concentrates on acquiring royalties in areas with proved reserves, foreseeable future high rate-of-return drilling upside, and partnering with operators that are financially and operationally prudent.
- Owning and managing royalties is a capital-light business model offering the benefit of sharing in production revenue without exposure to the capital costs associated with drilling, development, maintenance, abandonment, environmental and other obligations.
- Source Rock Royalties has a diversified oil-focused portfolio of royalty interests concentrated in southeast Saskatchewan, central Alberta, and west-central Saskatchewan with well-positioned royalty payors. Oil exposure allows for a strong netback (profit) per barrel even during periods of lower commodity prices.
- Source Rock Royalties has a proven track record of executing on its balanced growth and yield business model. The company has achieved 11 years of positive cash flow and provided ~$17 million in dividends back to shareholders since 2014.
- Source Rock Royalties anticipates its current monthly dividend of $0.006 to be comfortably funded with cash flow by current operations down to oil prices of C$60/bbl (or US$50/bbl WTI).
- The management and board of directors have a proven track record of creating value in the oil & gas industry. The insiders own 9.5 percent of Source Rock’s common shares, aligning their interests to that of the shareholders.
- The company has a strong institutional shareholder base with CN Rail Pension Fund owning approximately 21 percent of Source Rock’s common shares.
- Insiders and key shareholders have an average cost on their shares of ~$0.90 (there were never any cheap Founders or seed shares issued).
- Source Rock Royalties does not use debt in its business and always maintains a cash balance (currently ~$2.2 million).
Royalty Assets
Source Rock's current portfolio comprises royalties primarily focused on oil (95 percent), spread across southeast Saskatchewan, central Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan. The company holds varying gross overriding royalties in more than 150,000 gross acres of land. Additionally, Source Rock owns a production volume royalty in Viking mineral interests situated in lands in east-central Alberta.
The majority of Source Rock's royalties are derived from top-line revenue, resulting in minimal exposure to deductions linked to production costs from wellbores and the sale of various commodities. Also, the majority of its current royalty payors are financially stable and possess robust capabilities to efficiently operate and enhance the value of the lands in which Source Rock holds royalties. Some of the key royalty payors include Whitecap Resources (TSX:WCP), Rubellite Energy (TSX:RBY), Surge Energy (TSX:SGY), Crescent Point Energy (TSX:CPG) and Anova Resources (Private), among many others.
1. SE Saskatchewan Light Oil Gross Overriding Royalties
The company holds gross overriding royalties in approximately 35,000 gross acres of land in southeast Saskatchewan. The key operators include Whitecap Resources, Vermilion Energy (TSX:VET), Anova Resources (Private), Crescent Point Energy, Tundra Oil & Gas (Private), ROK Resources (TSXV:ROK), Woodland Development (Private) and Saturn Oil & Gas (TSX:SOIL). Future development activities on gross overriding royalty lands will be focused on the Frobisher Formation. The Frobisher Formation, characterized by shallow depths and conventional light oil, does not necessitate hydraulic fracturing, making it one of Canada's most economically viable light oil plays.
2. Clearwater Heavy Oil Gross Overriding Royalty
The company holds a gross overriding royalty in approximately 61,440 net acres of land in the Figure Lake area of central Alberta. Rubellite Energy is the operator of gross overriding royalty lands and the production is entirely from the Clearwater Formation. The gross overriding royalty initially carries a royalty rate of 1.5 percent until the cumulative royalty revenue received by Source Rock matches the purchase price. At that point, the royalty rate decreases to 1 percent. The operator has committed to drill 59 horizontal wells on the lands by June 2026.
3. Hamilton Lake Unit Viking Light Oil Royalty
Source Rock earns a production volume royalty supported by production from Hamilton Lake Unit and Viking lands of Axiom Oil & Gas. Pursuant to the production volume royalty agreement, Source Rock's remaining entitlement to royalty volumes from the Hamilton Lake Unit is as follows:
- 2024 – 75 bbl/d; 2025 – 70 bbl/d; 2026 – 39 bbl/d
- 2027 to 2034 – 20 percent lower on a per-day basis than the prior calendar year; and
- January 1, 2035 – conversion to a 0.50 percent gross overriding royalty in the Hamilton Lake Unit or a $500,000 pay-out, at the discretion of the royalty payor.
4. Central Alberta and Saskatchewan Gross Overriding Royalties
Source Rock owns varying gross overriding royalties in approximately 60,000 gross acres of land located in west-central Saskatchewan and central Alberta. The west-central Saskatchewan gross overriding royalty lands produce predominantly light oil from the Viking and Mannville formations. The Central Alberta gross overriding royalties produce from various formations and include exposure to several low-decline properties that are under waterflood.
Management Team
Brad Docherty – President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Brad Docherty is the Founder of Source Rock Royalties, and has held the positions of president, chief executive officer and chairman of the company since its incorporation. Previously, he was a corporate finance & securities lawyer at Gowlings and served as the president, CEO and director of Exito Energy and Exitio Energy II, both capital pool companies on the TSXV.
Cheryne Lowe – Chief Financial Officer
Cheryne Lowe is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience in companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange. She also brings a background in the upstream oil and gas industry and the Canadian capital markets. Her most recent role was interim CFO at AgJunction (TSX:AJX), an agriculture technology company, which was acquired in late 2021. Previously, she served as CFO and corporate secretary at Pine Cliff Energy (TSX:PNE), and as vice-president finance and CFO at Orlen Upstream Canada and its predecessor, TriOil Resources. Lowe began her career with KPMG and later worked as an Institutional Research Associate with Tristone Capital.
John Bell – Director
John Bell is the president and chief financial officer at WCSB Blockchain Infrastructure. Prior to this, he served as the director of finance at Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure (TSX:TWM).
Dean Potter – Director
Dean Potter serves as the executive chairman and CEO of Burgess Creek Exploration. Additionally, he is the president at DPX, a private company engaged in petroleum exploration and development. He is a member of the Saskatchewan oil and gas Hall of Fame and has more than 40 years of geological expertise that has been focused on making discoveries in SE Saskatchewan.
Gary McMurren – Director
Gary McMurren is the vice-president of engineering at Southern Energy (TSXV:SOU). He was previously the vice-president of engineering at Gulf Pine Energy Partners. Formerly, he held various engineering roles with Athabasca Oil (TSX:ATH).
Shaun Thiessen – Director
Shaun Thiessen is vice-president of land and business development at Astara Oil. Prior to this, he held the same title at Astra Oil from inception until its sale. Formerly, he was the director of land at PrairieSky Royalty (TSX:PSK).
Scott Rideout – Director
Scott Rideout is vice-president of land at Headwater Exploration (TSX:HWX). He was previously vice-president of land at both Baytex Energy (TSX:BTE) and Raging River Exploration (Private).
June-Marie Innes – Director
June-Marie Innes is currently CFO at Thread Innovations. She previously held progressively more senior roles at Tamarack Valley Energy (TSX:TVE).
Jordan Kevol – Director
Jordan Kevol is currently involved with Westgate Energy, a private oil and gas producer undertaking a listing on the TSXV. Previously, he was the president & CEO of Blackspur Oil.
This profile was written in collaboration with Couloir Capital.
Top 3 ASX Lithium Stocks of 2024
Global demand for lithium-based power presents a significant opportunity for Australia, the top lithium-producing nation. As countries and companies establish their positions in the battery value chain, Australia has the ability to leverage its strong output and vast reserves to shape the industry landscape into the 2030s.
The future of lithium demand relies heavily on the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, and in recent years its rapid expansion has led to much higher mining of the commodity — so much so that the market has entered a surplus.
This oversupply kept lithium prices subdued in the first half of 2024, but experts continue to forecast a bright long-term outlook for the essential battery material as countries around the world pursue net-zero goals.
Here the Investing News Network looks at the top three ASX-listed lithium companies by year-to-date gains. The list below was generated using TradingView’s stock screener on July 16, 2024, and includes companies that had market caps above AU$10 million at that time. Read on to learn more about their activities over the past year.
1. Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC)
Year-to-date gain: 57.38 percent; market cap: AU$64.62 million; share price: AU$0.14
Africa-focused explorer Prospect Resources holds a diversified portfolio of assets located in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. The company’s lithium projects, Omaruru and Step Aside, are in Namibia and Zimbabwe, respectively.
In late June, Prospect released an update on its exploration activities at the projects. The company reported strong assay results from Phase 4 diamond drilling at Step Aside, and shared results from follow-up Phase 2 drilling at Omaruru.
In a release, Managing Director Sam Hosack highlights the significant mineralisation potential at both projects.
Moving forward, Prospect plans to slow down spending at its lithium projects as it turns to its newly acquired Mumbezhi copper project. The company believes it can monetise Step Aside in the near term to aid in this goal.
Company shares rose to an H1 high of AU$2.05 on May 27.
2. Vulcan Energy Resources (ASX:VUL)
Year-to-date gain: 53.79 percent; market cap: AU$867.55 million; current share price: AU$4.46
Europe-focused Vulcan Energy Resources aims to support a carbon-neutral future by producing lithium and renewable energy from geothermal brine. The company is currently developing the Zero Carbon lithium project in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley. Vulcan is utilising a proprietary alumina-based adsorbent-type direct lithium extraction process to produce lithium with an end goal of supplying sustainable lithium for the European EV market.
On April 11, Vulcan announced the commencement of lithium chloride production at its lithium extraction optimisation plant in Germany. According to the company, the milestone marks the first lithium chemical production in Europe using local supply. The plant consistently exhibited over 90 percent lithium extraction efficiency.
Vulcan will now prepare the 40 million euro facility for commercial production. The company already has binding lithium offtake agreements in place with major automakers and battery manufacturers, and expects to supply enough lithium for 500,000 EVs during the first phase of production.
Shares of Vulcan marked an H1 high on May 22, trading for AU$5.54.
3. Anson Resources (ASX:ASN)
Year-to-date gain: 11.11 percent; market cap: AU$200.03 million; share price: AU$0.15
Anson Resources holds a portfolio of projects in the US and Western Australia. Its primary asset is the Paradox lithium project in Utah, which Anson is transforming into a major lithium production operation for the North American market.
On May 8, Anson received approval from Utah's Department of Natural Resources to source water, or brine, for lithium extraction at its Green River lithium project. The permit allows the non-consumptive use of 19 cubic feet of brine, which the company will process and then return to its original geological formation.
This is the company’s first permit approval for lithium production from brine in Utah.
In late June, Anson partnered with Koch Technology Solutions to use Koch's Li-Pro process for a pilot Lithium Selective Sorption unit at the Green River lithium project.
The pilot project, funded jointly by Anson Resources and Koch through a convertible note, will be used to collect data for the potential launch of a commercial-scale plant using the technology. It is expected to enter pilot production in July.
Shares of Anson marked a year-to-date high of AU$0.16 on July 10.
FAQs for investing in lithium
What is lithium?
Lithium is the lightest metal on the periodic table, and it is used in a wide variety of applications, including lithium-ion batteries, pharmaceuticals and industrial applications like glass and steel.
How do lithium-ion batteries work?
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries work by using the flow of lithium ions in the battery's cell to power a device.
A lithium-ion battery has one or more cells, depending on the amount of energy storage it is capable of, and each cell has a positive electrode and negative electrode with an electrolyte separating them. When the battery is in use, lithium ions flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, running out of power once all have transferred. When the battery is charging, ions flow the opposite way.
Where is lithium mined?
Lithium is mined from two types of deposits, hard rock and evaporated brines. Most of the world's lithium production comes out of Australia, which hosts the Greenbushes hard-rock lithium mine. The next-largest producing country is Chile, which like Argentina and Bolivia is located in South America's Lithium Triangle.
Lithium in this famed area comes from evaporated brines, including the Salar de Atacama. Lithium can also be found in sedimentary deposits, but currently none are producing.
Where is lithium found in Australia?
Australia is the world’s top producer of lithium, and its lithium mines are all located in Western Australia except for one, which is Core Lithium’s (ASX:CXO,OTC Pink:CXOXF) Finniss mine in the Northern Territory. Western Australia accounts for around half of global lithium production, and the state is looking to become a hub for critical elements.
Who owns lithium mines in Australia?
Several companies own lithium mines in Australia, including some of the biggest ASX lithium stocks. In addition to the entities discussed above, others include: Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS,OTC Pink:PILBF) with its Pilgangoora operations; Arcadium Lithium with the Mount Cattlin mine; Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium (HKEX:0358), which owns the Mount Marion mine alongside Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF); and Tianqi Lithium (SZSE:002466), which is a partial owner of Greenbushes via its stake in operator Talison Lithium.
Who is Australia’s largest lithium producer?
Australia’s largest lithium producer is Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), which has interests in both the Greenbushes and Wodgina hard-rock lithium mines. Greenbushes is the world’s largest lithium mine, and Albemarle holds 49 percent ownership of operator Talison Lithium’s parent company.
Albermarle also has 60 percent ownership of Mineral Resources’ Wodgina mine, and owns the Kemerton lithium production facility as part of a 60/40 joint venture with Mineral Resources.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, currently hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Further IOCG, Copper and Epithermal Mineralisation Discovered at Great Bear Lake U-Cu-Ag-Au Project
Works commence at Nunavut Cu-Ag-Au Project
White Cliff Minerals Limited (“WCN” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that further widespread, IOCG-U polymetallic, mineralisation has been visually observed during the maiden fieldwork program at the 100% owned Great Bear Lake U-Cu- Au-Ag Project in northern Canada and that works have now commenced at the 100% owned Nunavut Cu-Ag-Au Project.
- A total of 4 large IOCG hydrothermal systems now identified and sampled within the Project area, all prospects are visibly mineralised with chalcopyrite +/- bornite and associated copper secondary minerals
- Newly discovered “Cleaver” project, a broad zone of chalcopyrite bearing alteration at surface indicating a large and fertile IOCG system is in place.
- Cleaver includes large scale deep seated structures with widespread earthy hematite alteration (including Uranium up to 4000 counts per second (CPS)) and secondary copper
- Further groundwork at Spud Bay (north) has identified widespread copper mineralisation along a structural corridor that can be traced for 450m N/S before disappearing under cover that including surficial bornite
- This newly identified structure at Spud Bay adds to the existing 700 m E/W trend and native silver occurrence discovered just 530 meters along strike from the historic Bonanza and El Bonanza silver mines
- The Company’s subcontractor Expert Geophysics has completed the MobileMT airborne geophysical program at Great Bear Lake and has now mobilised and will commence work at the Nunavut Cu-Ag-Au Project.
- Assay results from the sampling program to follow with all samples now with the Laboratories for multi- element analysis with results expected in the coming weeks
“The IOCG potential of this project continues to grow. As we have seen from this latest round of exploration, we continue to discover targets that represent newly identified, spatially separate mineralised systems, indicating the opportunity for multiple discoveries.
The completion of MobileMT survey delivers another significant milestone for stakeholders. The Data returned from this detailed survey is expected to work well given the outcropping mineralisation fresh rock and lack of overburden. We will, integrate this information into our planning and in conjunction with the field observations and having a clear understanding of the topography and local onsite conditions we will have a complete and detailed understanding in readiness for our upcoming drilling campaign and various site visits that are planned.
Adding to the excitement of these discoveries at Great Bear Lake - works will shortly commence in Nunavut where we are targeting high-grade, volcanic hosted copper-silver lodes which are prospective for high grade vein fill and bulk tonne sedimentary hosted copper deposits. To date we have executed a seamless and zero injury first pass programme at Great Bear thanks to our highly professional consultants as well as our staff. Next is planning and preparations for drilling at Great Bear and the completion of the first pass field activities and surveys at Nunavut. All in all things could not have gone better and we look forward to drilling later this season”
Troy Whittaker - Managing Director
In relation to the disclosure of visual mineralisation, the Company cautions that visual estimates of sulphide and oxide material abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the widths and grade of visible mineralisation reported in sampling. The Company will update the market when laboratory analytical results become available, which are expected within 3-5 weeks.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from White Cliff Minerals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Top 6 Lithium Stocks of 2024
Now that Q2 has come to a close, it's time to look at the year's best-performing lithium stocks on Canadian, US and Australian exchanges.
While oversupply and weak prices kept some companies from registering big gains during the first half of 2024, others like those below still saw share price grow.Unlike the fluctuations observed in 2023, the lithium market has exhibited greater stability during the first half of 2024.
However, influenced by weak prices in China, the lithium hydroxide market has seen prices remain lower than anticipated.
Market oversupply prompted some lithium producers to trim 2024 output targets in hopes that some of the excess would be absorbed in the market.
Spending for project expansions and new developments was also put on the back burner to allow the market to rebalance.
“Several factors will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of lithium hydroxide prices,” notes a June report from Fastmarkets. “These include the pace of EV adoption globally, advancements in battery technology that may affect lithium hydroxide demand, geopolitical tensions that could impact lithium supply chains and environmental policies that may influence mining and production practices."
Despite some of the challenges the lithium market faced in the first half of the year, the companies profiled below have all seen significant gains so far in 2024.
The list was generated using TradingView’s stock screener and data was gathered on July 16, 2024. While US lithium companies were considered for the list, none were up year-to-date at the time data was gathered. All top lithium stocks had market caps above $10 million in their respective currencies when data was gathered.
1. Lithium Chile (TSXV:LITH)
Year-to-date gains: 32.08 percent; market cap: C$148.56 million; share price: C$0.70
South America-focused Lithium Chile owns several lithium land packages in Chile and Argentina. Presently, the explorer is working to delineate the deposit at its Salar de Arizaro property in Argentina.
In early April, Lithium Chile announced a 24 percent increase in the resource estimate for its Salar de Arizaro project in Argentina, according to an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource report. The new total for the project is 4.12 million metric tons (MT) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), categorized as follows: 261,000 MT in the measured category, 2.24 million MT in the indicated category and 1.62 million MT in the inferred category.
On April 18, the company reported the creation of two wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries, Lithium Chile 2.0 and Kairos Gold, as part of a spinout to separate its Chilean and Argentinian assets. Lithium Chile will retain its Argentinian lithium projects, and transfer its 111,978 hectares of Chilean lithium properties to Lithium Chile 2.0 and its portfolio of gold assets in Chile to Kairos Gold.
After trending upwards through Q1, shares of Lithium Chile reached a year-to-date high of C$0.88 on March 21.
2. Q2 Metals (TSXV:QTWO)
Year-to-date gain: 32 percent; market cap: C$28.46 million; current share price: C$0.325
Exploration firm Q2 Metals is exploring its flagship Mia lithium property in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada. The property contains the Mia trend, which spans over 10 kilometers. Also included in Q2's portfolio is the Stellar lithium property, comprising 77 claims and located 6 kilometers north of the Mia property.
This year, Q2 has also focused on exploring the Cisco lithium property, located in the same region, after entering into an option agreement on February 29. The news caused Q2's share price to skyrocket, and it reached a year-to-date high of C$0.54 on March 4.
In mid-May, Q2 released re-assayed results from 2023 drilling conducted at Cisco by the property's vendors using the analytical method Q2 applies to its Mia drill cores.
“We are pleased with the positive outcome of the re-analysis of the Cisco drill results,” said Q2 Metals VP of Exploration Neil McCallum. “A thorough review of the quality control measures has solidified that the new results are more accurate than the original results previously announced. It’s not an unexpected change as the analytical methods now used are more accurate at higher grades above roughly 1.5 percent Li2O and we have several samples above that range.”
Later that month the company announced the start of its summer drill program at the Cisco property, and has since released multiple significant updates, including the confirmation of eight new mineralized zones on July 8.
Q2 closed the acquisition in June and now owns a 100 percent interest in Cisco.
3. Rock Tech Lithium (TSXV:RCK)
Year-to-date gain: 14.81 percent; market cap: C$163.05 million; current share price: C$1.55
Rock Tech Lithium is developing upstream and downstream lithium capabilities. The company’s approach includes the production of sustainably sourced spodumene feedstock from its Ontario-based Georgia Lake project, as well as the construction of lithium hydroxide converters starting with its Guben Converter in Brandenburg, Germany.
In May, Rock Tech received its construction and operations permits for Guben, which has a planned annual capacity of 24,000 MT of lithium hydroxide monohydrate. In the years to come, the company expects to source raw material from recycling discarded batteries, pledging to have 50 percent of its feedstock at its German convertors come from recycled lithium by 2030.
On June 24, Rock Tech received a binding letter of intent from Brandenburg's Minister for Economic Affairs for up to 90 million euros in subsidies for its Guben Convertor.
Additionally, the company’s application for federal funding from the German Railway Authority is progressing well, potentially securing another 10 million euros in grants. Rock Tech plans to use this funding to help shift transport from road to rail.
Shares of Rock Tech reached a H1 high of C$2.01 on June 5.
1. Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC)
Year-to-date gain: 57.38 percent; market cap: AU$64.62 million; share price: AU$0.14
Africa-focused explorer Prospect Resources holds a diversified portfolio of assets located in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. The company’s lithium projects, Omaruru and Step Aside, are in Namibia and Zimbabwe, respectively.
In late June, Prospect released an update on its exploration activities at the projects. The company reported strong assay results from Phase 4 diamond drilling at Step Aside, and shared results from follow-up Phase 2 drilling at Omaruru.
In a release, Managing Director Sam Hosack highlights the significant mineralization potential at both projects.
Moving forward, Prospect plans to slow down spending at its lithium projects as it turns to its newly acquired Mumbezhi copper project. The company believes it can monetize Step Aside in the near term to aid in this goal.
Company shares rose to an H1 high of AU$2.05 on May 27.
2. Vulcan Energy Resources (ASX:VUL)
Year-to-date gain: 53.79 percent; market cap: AU$867.55 million; current share price: AU$4.46
Europe-focused Vulcan Energy Resources aims to support a carbon-neutral future by producing lithium and renewable energy from geothermal brine. The company is currently developing the Zero Carbon lithium project in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley. Vulcan is utilizing a proprietary alumina-based adsorbent-type direct lithium extraction process to produce lithium with an end goal of supplying sustainable lithium for the European EV market.
On April 11, Vulcan announced the commencement of lithium chloride production at its lithium extraction optimization plant in Germany. According to the company, the milestone marks the first lithium chemical production in Europe using local supply. The plant consistently exhibited over 90 percent lithium extraction efficiency.
Vulcan will now prepare the 40 million euro facility for commercial production. The company already has binding lithium offtake agreements in place with major automakers and battery manufacturers, and expects to supply enough lithium for 500,000 EVs during the first phase of production.
Shares of Vulcan marked an H1 high on May 22, trading for AU$5.54.
3. Anson Resources (ASX:ASN)
Year-to-date gain: 11.11 percent; market cap: AU$200.03 million; share price: AU$0.15
Anson Resources holds a portfolio of projects in the US and Western Australia. Its primary asset is the Paradox lithium project in Utah, which Anson is transforming into a major lithium production operation for the North American market.
On May 8, Anson received approval from Utah's Department of Natural Resources to source water, or brine, for lithium extraction at its Green River lithium project. The permit allows the non-consumptive use of 19 cubic feet of brine, which the company will process and then return to its original geological formation.
This is the company’s first permit approval for lithium production from brine in Utah.
In late June, Anson partnered with Koch Technology Solutions to use Koch's Li-Pro process for a pilot Lithium Selective Sorption unit at the Green River lithium project.
The pilot project, funded jointly by Anson Resources and Koch through a convertible note, will be used to collect data for the potential launch of a commercial-scale plant using the technology. It is expected to enter pilot production in July.
Shares of Anson marked a year-to-date high of AU$0.16 on July 10.
FAQs for investing in lithium
How much lithium is on Earth?
While we don't know how much total lithium is on Earth, the US Geological Survey estimates that global reserves stand at 22 billion MT. Of that, 9.2 billion MT are located in Chile, and 5.7 billion MT are in Australia.
Where is lithium mined?
Lithium is mined throughout the world, but the two countries that produce the most are Australia and Chile. Australia's lithium comes from primarily hard-rock deposits, while Chile's comes from lithium brines. Chile is part of the Lithium Triangle alongside Argentina and Bolivia, although those two countries have a lower annual output.
Rounding out the top five lithium-producing countries behind Australia and Chile are China, Argentina and Brazil.
What is lithium used for?
While the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, smartphones and other tech have been making waves, it is also used in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, grease, lubricants and heat-resistant glass. Still, it is largely the electric vehicle industry that is boosting demand.
How to invest in lithium?
Unlike many commodities, investors cannot physically hold lithium due to its dangerous properties. However, those looking to get into the lithium market have many options when it comes to how to invest in lithium.
Lithium stocks like those mentioned above could be a good option for investors interested in the space. If you’re looking to diversify instead of focusing on one stock, there is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:LIT), an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on the metal. Experienced investors can also look at lithium futures.
How to buy lithium stocks?
Lithium stocks can be found globally on various exchanges. Through the use of a broker or an investing service such as an app, investors can purchase individual stocks and ETFs that match their investing outlook.
Before buying a lithium stock, potential investors should take time to research the companies they’re considering; they should also decide how many shares will be purchased, and what price they are willing to pay. With many options on the market, it's critical to complete due diligence before making any investment decisions.
It's also important for investors to keep their goals in mind when choosing their investing method. There are many factors to consider when choosing a broker, as well as when looking at investing apps — a few of these include the broker or app's reputation, their fee structure and investment style.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Top 5 Canadian Lithium Stocks of 2024
Continued surpluses in the lithium market have weighed down prices and impeded the sector’s growth during the second quarter of 2024. The excess has been attributed to heightened production in 2021 and 2022 amid higher lithium prices.
According to a July Fastmarkets report, increased lithium demand is fully priced into the market. China's lithium carbonate equivalent production from lepidolite rose by 126 percent year-over-year in April, while spodumene production increased by 109 percent. The accumulation of inventory suggests that there is no immediate supply shortage, but time is needed for demand to absorb the surplus.
With so much excess in the market, many lithium producers and explorers have struggled to see positive share price activity. However, several Canadian-listed lithium companies were able to see some growth during the first half of the year.
The Investing News Network has created an overview of the top 5 Canadian lithium stocks listed on the TSX, TSXV and CSE. This list was created on July 16, 2024, using TradingView‘s stock screener, and all data was current at that time. Only companies with market caps above C$10 million for TSX and TSXV and above C$5 million for CSE are included.
1. Volt Lithium (TSXV:VLT)
Year-to-date gains: 36.96 percent; market cap: C$31.41 million; share price: C$0.315
Volt Lithium is a lithium development and technology company aiming to become a premier North American lithium producer utilizing its unique technology to extract lithium from oilfield brine.
Shares of Volt Lithium reached an H1 high of C$0.36 on April 25, 2024.
On April 29, Volt announced a strategic investment of US$1.5 million by an unnamed company operating in the Delaware Basin in West Texas. This investment is earmarked for the deployment of a field unit to produce lithium hydroxide monohydrate using Volt's proprietary direct lithium extraction technology.
The company's share price retreated in the second half of Q2, but July 17 news that Volt increased its processing capacity at its operations in Alberta, Canada, by 100 fold to 96,000 liters per day caused its price to shoot up more than C$0.08 during trading that day.
Volt stated in the press release that it is on track to deploy its first field unit at its Canadian operations in Q3.
2. Lithium Chile (TSXV:LITH)
Year-to-date gains: 32.08 percent; market cap: C$144.43 million; share price: C$0.70
South America-focused Lithium Chile owns several lithium land packages in Chile and Argentina. Presently, the explorer is working to delineate the deposit at its Salar de Arizaro property in Argentina.
In early April, Lithium Chile announced a 24 percent increase in the resource estimate for its Salar de Arizaro project in Argentina, according to an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource report. The new total for the project is 4.12 million metric tons (MT) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), categorized as follows: 261,000 MT in the measured category, 2.24 million MT in the indicated category and 1.62 million MT in the inferred category.
On April 18, the company reported the creation of two wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries, Lithium Chile 2.0 and Kairos Gold, as part of a spinout to separate its Chilean and Argentinian assets. Lithium Chile will retain its Argentinian lithium projects, and transfer its 111,978 hectares of Chilean lithium properties to Lithium Chile 2.0 and its portfolio of gold assets in Chile to Kairos Gold.
After trending upwards through Q1, shares of Lithium Chile reached a year-to-date high of C$0.88 on March 21.
3. Foremost Lithium (CSE:FAT)
Year-to-date gains: 18.99 percent; market cap: C$22.49 million; share price: C$4.01
Foremost Lithium is an exploration company with several hard rock lithium properties, which it calls the Lithium Lane projects, in the Snow Lake district of Manitoba, Canada, as well as the Lac Simard South project in Québec, Canada.
In January, Foremost received its third C$300,000 grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund. The funds have been earmarked for continued exploration and drilling at the Snow Lake property.
Shares of the company hit a year-to-date high of C$4.51 in late February, when Foremost released promising intercepts from its winter drill program at its Zoro lithium project in Manitoba.
In May, the company completed the winter drill program at the Zoro project, which encompassed 21 diamond drill holes. According to the statement, the preliminary results “demonstrated the continuity of lithium mineralization along Dyke 1.”
In early June, Foremost announced plans to spin out its Winston gold-silver project in New Mexico, US, into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Rio Grande Resources. Winston includes three historic mine sites.
4. Q2 Metals (TSXV:QTWO)
Year-to-date gain: 18 percent; market cap: C$36.12 million; share price: C$0.295
Exploration firm Q2 Metals is exploring its flagship Mia lithium property in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada. The property contains the Mia trend, which spans over 10 kilometers. Also included in Q2's portfolio is the Stellar lithium property, comprising 77 claims and located 6 kilometers north of the Mia property.
This year, Q2 has also focused on exploring the Cisco lithium property, located in the same region, after entering into an option agreement on February 29. The news caused Q2's share price to skyrocket, and it reached a year-to-date high of C$0.54 on March 4.
In mid-May, Q2 released re-assayed results from 2023 drilling conducted at Cisco by the property's vendors using the analytical method Q2 applies to its Mia drill cores.
“We are pleased with the positive outcome of the re-analysis of the Cisco drill results,” said Q2 Metals VP of Exploration Neil McCallum. “A thorough review of the quality control measures has solidified that the new results are more accurate than the original results previously announced. It’s not an unexpected change as the analytical methods now used are more accurate at higher grades above roughly 1.5 percent Li2O and we have several samples above that range.”
Later that month the company announced the start of its summer drill program at the Cisco property, and has since released multiple significant updates, including the confirmation of eight new mineralized zones on July 8.
Q2 closed the acquisition in June and now owns a 100 percent interest in Cisco.
5. Rock Tech Lithium (TSXV:RCK)
Year-to-date gain: 8.89 percent; market cap: C$156.98 million; share price: C$1.47
Rock Tech Lithium is developing upstream and downstream lithium capabilities. The company’s approach includes the production of sustainably sourced spodumene feedstock from its Ontario-based Georgia Lake project, as well as the construction of lithium hydroxide converters in Europe.
In the years to come, the company expects to source raw material from recycling discarded batteries, pledging to have 50 percent of its feedstock at its German converters come from recycled lithium by 2030.
On June 24, Rock Tech received a binding letter of intent from Brandenburg's Minister for Economic Affairs, Joerg Steinbach, for up to 90 million Euros in subsidies for the Guben project located in Germany.
Additionally, the company’s application for federal funding from the German Railway Authority is progressing well, potentially securing another 10 million Euros in grants. This funding, expected under the "Anschlussbahnförderung," will aid in shifting transport from road to rail, a key element of the project's logistics strategy.
Shares of Rock Tech reached a H1 high of C$2.01 on June 5, 2024.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
At-The-Market Raise
The 7,050,000 Galan shares will be issued out of the Company’s LR7.1A capacity. The issue price of $0.156 represents a discount of 8.8% to the 15-day VWAP of $0.171 to Friday 12 July 2024 (inclusive).
The funds raised will be put towards the further development of its Hombre Muerto West lithium brine project in Argentina and working capital.
In addition, Galan is pleased to advise that in accordance with Resolution 10 at its General Meeting held on Friday 12 July 2024 it has placed an additional 7,950,000 fully paid ordinary shares to Acuity Capital to top up the shares held as security against the ATM. The shares were issued for nil cash consideration and bring the total number of shares held as security held by Acuity Capital to 15,000,000 (“Collateral Shares”).
Galan has to date utilised the ATM to raise a total of $3,350,000 (see announcement dates above). The remaining standby equity capital available under the ATM is $11,650,000 and the ATM expiry date is 31 January 2029.
Please note there is no requirement on Galan to utilise the ATM and there were no fees or costs associated with the increase in Collateral Shares. The Company may at any time cancel the ATM, including buying back and cancelling the Collateral Shares for nil cash consideration (subject to shareholder approval).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Galan Lithium, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
HMW Project Update
Galan Lithium Limited (ASX: GLN) (Galan or the Company) is pleased to provide a further update on the progress at its 100% owned Hombre Muerto West (HMW) Phase 1 lithium brine project. Lithium inventories continue to build in the HMW Phase 1 ponds, in line with Feasibility Study expectations, which will provide the feedstock for the HMW processing plant. Over the last month, Galan has re-worked its construction activities to preserve cash with a view to procuring both a definitive sales agreement and an associated funding package for the Project in the short term.
- In situ lithium mining inventory continues to build with over 2,800t LCE accumulating in ponds.
- Overall project completion is close to 40%.
- Project construction continues to advance at a pace commensurate with preserving cash. First production from HMW is now targeted for H2 2025.
- Average brine flow rate, well lithium grade and evaporation rates are in line with or better than those utilised in the Phase 1 Feasibility Study.
- Pond inventory management system in place to protect inventory and optimise evaporation process.
- Offtake partners shortlisted with Galan progressing towards a definitive sales agreement and associated funding package.
First 3 ponds completed, filled and evaporating
Overall completion of the HMW Phase 1 project now sits at approximately 40% with the ponds system at 60% capacity. The designed ponds system can allow an inventory, until H2 2025, of up to 10,000tpa LCE without the need for processing. Approximately 750,000 m2 of evaporation area has now been built, currently housing 2,800t LCE contained inventory. This current evaporation area is sufficient to produce a lithium chloride volume of approximately 3.0 ktpa LCE. The key processing parameters, including brine well average flow rates, lithium grades and evaporation rates are all aligned with the Phase 1 DFS. Due to the slower pace of construction activities, first production from HMW is now expected to be within H2 2025.
As previously announced, the HMW project was separated into four production phases. The initial Phase 1 Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) focused on the production of 5.4ktpa LCE of a lithium chloride concentrate by H2 2025, as governed by the approved production permits. The Phase 2 DFS targets 21ktpa LCE of a lithium chloride concentrate in 2026, followed by Phase 3 production of 40ktpa LCE by 2028 and finally a Phase 4 production target of 60ktpa LCE by 2030. Phase 4 will include lithium brine sourced from both HMW and Galan’s other 100% owned project in Argentina, Candelas. The positive Phase 2 DFS results were announced on 3 October 2023 (https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/GLN/02720109.pdf).
HMW Project looking south
Galan’s Managing Director, Juan Pablo (JP) Vargas de la Vega, commented:
“We are very proud of the solid progress made to date especially in light of current market conditions. During this time, the Board also made the prudent decision to strategically slow construction activities so as to preserve our cash.
Our current in situ inventory of 2,800t LCE has been the first step of our production pathway. Our inventory will continue to increase as we have a low energy cost operation that only requires brine pumps to operate. As a result, once Galan finalises sales and funding arrangements, which are progressing well, the Company will be in a strong position to produce a competitive low-cost lithium product.
It should also be noted that we have received strong international market interest in our HMW lithium concentrate. In our view, this evidence indicates that the current lithium pricing environment and market oversupply is not expected to be a long term trend.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Galan Lithium, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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