SAMPLING RETURNS 16.2 G/T and 15.1 G/T GOLD IN OUTCROP
Power Nickel Inc. ("Power Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV:CMX)(OTCQB:CMETF) is pleased to report assay results from its summer 2021 Golden Ivan Property (the "Property") exploration. The highly successful 2021 prospecting and geologic mapping program has resulted in the discovery of two new high-grade gold zones yielding 16.2 grams-per-tonne (gt) gold (Au) and 15.1 gt Au in outcrop
The 2021 Golden Ivan Property campaign completed during July and August 2021, included the collection of 210 surface rock samples including 7 channel samples, in addition to reconnaissance geologic mapping and whole-rock geochemical analysis throughout the Property. A total of 17 of the 210 rock samples returned greater than 0.1 g/t Au, up to 16.2 g/t Au from the newly discovered Lone Goat Showing, and 15.1 g/t Au over 0.75 metres from a channel sample at the newly discovered Molly B. East showing in addition to significant silver and base metal values (Table 1).
Terry Lynch, CEO director of Power Nickel comments, "We are excited to announce the results of our 2021 field program at Golden Ivan, which resulted in the discovery of two new high-grade gold zones. Further defining the mineralization controls, lateral, and vertical continuity of these emerging precious metal trends will be the next steps as we continue to demonstrate the significant potential of the Golden Ivan property and move toward developing drill targets for testing during the 2022 season."
Table 1. 2021 Golden Ivan Project 2021 Prospecting - Significant Results
Sample ID
Showing
Material
Au (g/t)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
P385752
Gold Zones
Lone Goat (New)
Talus
16.2
25
1.56
-
P385831
Outcrop
-
47
0.18
-
P385732
Outcrop
3.41
14
-
-
P385774
Outcrop
0.76
176
0.64
-
P385703
Float
-
22
1.14
0.15
P385691
Float
-
31
0.82
-
P385857
Molly B. East (New)
Channel (0.75 m)*
15.1
12
0.10
-
P385801
Outcrop
1.43
39
0.16
-
P385809
Ice valley (New)
Outcrop
0.73
47
0.27
-
P385760
Outcrop
0.53
5
-
-
P385840
Silver Zones
Silverado No.4 East trend (Historic)
Outcrop
-
76
-
-
P385841
Outcrop
-
27
-
1.13
P385682
Float
-
30
-
0.73
P385739
Outcrop
-
19
1.82
-
P385693
Magge Sky Annex (Historic)
Outcrop
-
47
0.38
-
*The approximate true width of the channel sample is 80-100 sample width
Mineralization and Alteration of New Discoveries
The Molly B. East high-grade gold showing is associated with subvertical southeast tending quartz-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite veins hosted within andesitic volcanic rocks with fine-grained sulphide halos.
The Lone Goat high-grade gold showing comprises an approximately 700 x 200 metre NE-SW trending subvertical zone of multi-stage quartz-epidote-sericite-carbonate altered andesite that returned multiple anomalous (n=8 greater than 0.1 g/t Au) gold assays.
The newly discovered Lone Goat, Molly B. East gold showings, and the historical high-grade gold-silver Molly B trend to the south are coincident with northeast and northwest-trending airborne magnetic (low) lineaments respectively (Figure 1).
General Geology
The results of reconnaissance geologic mapping indicate the Golden Ivan Property is underlain by a layered sequence of andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks attributed to the Lower Jurassic Hazelton Group. The volcanic package is cut by late andesite dykes and rhyolite bodies, while the northeast area of the Property lies in faulted contact with interpreted Stuhini Group metasediments.
Figure 1. Golden Ivan Project 2021 Surface Rock Assay Results
Golden Ivan Historical Data Compilation
Prior to initiating the 2021 exploration, Power Nickel commissioned a digital historical data compilation with respect to the Golden Ivan Property. The compilation comprised publicly available mineral assessment reports and property files from as early as 1929 to date and as recently as 2020. Documented exploration within the Golden Ivan Property includes extensive prospecting, geochemical analysis of surface rock and chip/channel samples, trenching, small-scale underground development, and geophysical surveys (airborne magnetic, VLF-EM, multi-frequency EM, and magnetic/radiometric surveys).
A total of 124 rock and rock chip/channel samples were digitized, which returned an average grade of 2.45 g/t Au and 79.4 g/t Ag, up to a maximum of 118 g/t Au and 2,400 g/t Ag. Of the 124 rock samples, a total of 17 returned greater than 1 g/t Au and a total of 16 returned greater than 50 g/t Ag, including seven samples returning both greater than 1 g/t Au and 50 g/t Ag.
Several small-scale historical workings occur within the Golden Ivan claim group, comprising surface pits, trenches, and short adits. These include the Gold Ore, Eagle & Big Bell, Magee Sky Annex, and Molly-B prospects near the western claim boundary. Molly B prospect sampling returned an average grade of 9.2 g/t Au for 11 samples, and up 45.7 g/t Au and 90.2 g/t Ag collected intermittently over a 750 m NW trending zone. In addition, the area between the Silverado No. 4 and Magee Sky Annex shows a northeast trend returned assays including 6.2 g/t Au, 1,300 g/t Ag, and 1.4 g/t Au, 2,400 g/t Ag. The significant Silverado No. 4 workings, located to the south outside the Property, returned values up to 60 g/t Au and 90 g/t Ag.
The historical compilation results demonstrate the potential to expand and further delineate historical high-grade gold-silver mineralization with continued exploration.
Methodology and QA/QC
The analytical work reported herein was performed by ALS Global (ALS), Vancouver Canada. ALS is an ISO-IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 accredited geo analytical laboratory and is independent of Power Nickel Inc. Rock samples were subject to crushing at a minimum of 70% passing 2 mm, followed by pulverizing of a 250-gram split to 85% passing 75 microns. Gold determination was via standard atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish 30-gram fire-assay (FA) analysis, in addition to 48 element ICP-MS geochemistry.
Power Nickel Inc. follows industry standard procedures for the work carried out on the Golden Ivan Project, with a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program. For the rock channel samples, blank and standard samples were inserted into the sample sequence sent to the laboratory for analysis. With respect to prospecting rock grab samples, the QP's have relied on the internal quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measure of ALS which includes the insertion of standard, blank and duplicate samples into the sample stream to confirm the accuracy of the reported results. The QP detected no significant QA/QC issues during the review of the data, and is not aware of any sampling, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy of the results.
Nisk Update
Drilling at Nisk was completed before Christmas break and the Company is waiting on assay results which would be expected in mid-February.
"We were very pleased with what we saw in the drill core. The rock that historically carried the Nickel grade was present in all of our completed holes with encouraging widths. We are looking forward to getting the assays back. We believe these drill results will enable us to complete a new 43-101 Resource in early Q2"
Other Corporate Updates
The Company has retained the services of Trunice Capital as a strategic marketing consultant. In connection with this agreement, Trunice will be awarded 700,000 stock options under the Company's stockoption plan vesting immediately and expiring in two years. In addition, a further 800,000 options were granted to the four board members of Power Nickel, and 100,000 options granted to a consultant. The board options have a five-year term and the consultant options have a two-year term. The exercise price for the options is $0.14 which was the price at the close on Monday, February 1, 2022
The Company advises that it plans to spend a minimum of $150,000 and a maximum of $250,000 on paid advertising to market the Company's activities to a wider audience. These expenditures are expected to be concluded between now and the end of Q2 2022.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Golden Ivan Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant, and Alfonso Rodriguez, P.Geo. (BC) Senior Project Geologist of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, both "Qualified Persons" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosurefor Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle and Mr. Rodriguez verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein.
This news release may contain certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that PNPN expects to occur, including details related to the proposed spin out transactions, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding current and future exploration programs, activities and results. Although PNPN believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration success, continued availability of capital and financing, inability to obtain required regulatory or governmental approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. 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.
Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the agenda for the Metals and Mining Hybrid Virtual Investor Conference. Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.
The in-person and online event will showcase live company presentations and interactive discussions covering all areas of the metal industry, including gold, silver, copper and "cleantech metals" such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements and vanadium. Company executives and industry experts will present live from the OTC Markets Group headquarters at 300 Vesey Street in New York City. All presentations will be broadcast to the Virtual Investor Conferences community. For those who are interested in attending, there are two ways to register:
For individuals joining online, it is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to attend and schedule 1x1 meetings with management.
"We are thrilled to host this upcoming Metals and Mining Hybrid Investor Conference ," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "We look forward to hosting the participating companies and we thank Social Suite, Murdock Capital, TAA Advisory LLC and The Prospector News for their sponsorship of this exciting event."
May 11 th
Eastern Time (ET)
Presentation
Ticker(s)
9:30 AM
Keynote Presentation: "Toil & Trouble: Money Burn and Credit Bubble" Daniel Oliver, Manager Member Myrmikan Capital, LLC
To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .
About Virtual Investor Conferences ®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVVI) is pleased to announce it has closed the final tranche of the private placement previously announced on March 13, 2023 (the "Offering") for 1,032,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit") of the Company, at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of CAD $516,000. The Company has received conditional TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for the Private Placement
"We are pleased to close the final tranche of our previously announced Private Placement. It ended up at $4,810,000. We could have hung around for another week and closed more, but we just wanted to get this closed and focus on getting more great results out on our drilling and exploration program at Nisk," said Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch. "At the risk of being repetitive, we have benefited greatly by having our project in Quebec, where very favorable incentives exist for Critical Mineral projects like our NISK Nickel Sulfide project at Nemaska."
Lynch commented further, "Quebec, Canada is, in our opinion, the World's leading jurisdiction for exploration for Critical Minerals. This was further cemented by the recent Quebec and Canadian budgets, which provide substantial incentives to explore Critical Minerals and build mines. In our case, this financing is focused on exploration, and we were able to raise twice as much money with half the dilution. Going forward, the new, unappreciated by the market incentives, could, for example, advance as much as $200 Million USD to building a $400 Million Nickel Mine. While significant steps remain before determining if a mine would be viable and the budgets are not yet law, these are substantial incentives that de-risk projects for investors and enable governments to inspire investment and development in the critical mineral sector. We look forward to utilizing these incentives on our quest to build the world's first Carbon Neutral Nickel Mine."
The Company expects to have additional assays available for release next week and believes the next two months could be among the busiest and best for Power Nickel.
"We are planning to have multiple material releases coming on additional assay results, the results of the Airborne EM, the release of the results of the metallurgical study, The commencement of the Fleet Ambient Noise Tomography program, and some potential major surprises. Nisk is delivering the goods, and we will be working hard to get the word out via our appearances at multiple conferences and a heavy Podcast schedule," commented CEO Terry Lynch.
Each FT Unit is composed of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" (each, an "FT Share") for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one non-flow-through common share (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for five years from the date of issuance. All securities issued under the Private Placement, including the broker warrants (described below), are subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date the Company provides the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $1.00 for ten consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the Warrants.
The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares for exploration activities on the Company's NISK property located in Quebec and to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses, within the meaning of the ITA, that will qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.
The Company paid finder's fees of $30,960 in connection with the closing of the second tranche of the Offering. It issued 61,920 broker warrants enabling the broker to purchase common shares for $0.50 until November 4, 2024.
About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on high-potential copper, gold, and battery metal prospects in Canada and Chile. On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding its current high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization Ni 43- 101 resource with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.
Highlights
Recent assay results from the current drill program at the Nisk deposit continue to return high-grade Ni-Cu- Co sulfide and PGE mineralization.
Significant results from this batch of assays include:
Power Nickel announced on June 8th, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in a total of 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper. (Resource World) This property hosts two known mineral showings (Gold ore and Magee), and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, which was reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are described to be Polymetallic veins that contain quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.
Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit, which was sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $ 3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.
For further information, please contact: Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO 647-448-8044, terry@powernickel.com Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON
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.
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the NISK Property and for general working capital purposes; the timing for proposed closing of the Private Placement; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, including preparing the Amended Technical Report; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change.
0.57% Ni, 0.17% Cu, 0.04% Co, 0.47 g/t Palladium, 0.18g/t Platinum over 14.8m in Hole PN-23-024 Including
0.92% Ni, 0.32% Cu, 0.06% Co, 0.59 g/t Palladium, 0.34g/t Platinum over 4.85m And
1.03% Ni, 0.17% Cu, 0.07% Co, 1.13 g/t Palladium, 0.1g/t Platinum over 2.3m in Hole PN-23-024
Drilling has completed for the winter season, and will resume in the summer. Holes PN-23-025 to PN-23-035 are awaiting assay results, and several have encountered significant intervals of massive sulfides.
Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVVI) continues to confirm the presence of high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralization in the Main Zone of its Nisk project near James Bay, Quebec. In addition, step out exploration drilling 800m east of the Main Zone shows indications of a new Ni-Cu-Co-PGE zone within the same ultramafic sequence of rocks. The Main Zone drill results for holes PN-23-23 and PN-23-24 extend mineralization up dip from previous high-grade holes into an area previously believed to be a low grade zone between two high grade lodes (Figure 1
New Discovery 800m east of Main Zone 0.22% Ni, 0.42% Cu, 0.01% Co, 0.71 g/t Palladium, 0.31 g/t Platinum over 4.9m Hole PN-22-020
Late in the fall 2022 drill program, two holes (PN-22-020 and PN-22-021) tested an exploration target at shallow depths approximately 800m and 600m respectively east of the high-grade Main Zone (Figure 1). Hole PN-22-021 did not intersect sulphide mineralization, but further to the east hole PN-22-020 intersected three (3) zones of sulphides with significant Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralization (Table 1). This hole contained low amounts of sulphides but with a high ratio of Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralization. The area will require further testing for potential massive sulphide zones, and both holes are good candidates for downhole EM surveying to look for off-hole EM conductors.
In a March 1 news release, hole PN-22-018 was listed as NSR (no significant results), but further analysis of initial assay results from this hole revealed a low-grade Ni/PGE zone over 7.5m and it is reported here (Table 1).
Table 1 below presents the significant results received from the remaining fall 2022 program and the initial holes from the winter 2023 program.
Table 1: Significant results from the 2022 drilling program.
Hole ID
UTM E1
UTM N1
Length (m)
Azimuth (°)
Dip (°)
From (m)
To (m)
Interval Length2 (m)
Au (g/t)
Ni (%)
Cu (%)
Co (%)
Pd (g/t)
Pt (g/t)
PN-22-015
460176
5728829
544.4
157.3
-76
NSR - hole was lost in ultramafic host rocks
PN-22-016
460313
5728831
321
152.9
-58
Hole lost 1m of core in mineralized zone
PN-22-018
459537
5728552
465
180.4
-70
427.00
434.50
7.50
0.01
0.29
0.01
0.02
0.37
0.09
PN-22-019
459802
5728686
262.74
152.2
-66
Hole lost short of target
PN-22-020
460917
5728876
219.07
161.1
-61
85.00
86.50
1.50
0.01
0.81
0.09
0.04
1.00
0.03
And
100.00
102.25
2.25
0.13
0.13
0.35
0.01
0.74
0.30
And
112.60
117.50
4.90
0.05
0.22
0.42
0.01
0.71
0.31
PN-22-021
460722
5728815
178.24
162
-61
NSR
PN-23-022
460238
5728735
315
164.9
-66
208.46
208.96
0.50
3.75
0.33
0.04
2.95
0.04
0.03
Including
238.95
241.15
2.20
0.01
0.40
0.20
0.03
0.55
0.21
PN-23-023
459658
5728641
423.02
158.1
-67
358.65
375.05
16.40
0.02
0.97
0.45
0.07
0.80
0.27
Including
360.65
374.15
13.50
0.03
1.08
0.50
0.08
0.91
0.31
Including
360.65
366.25
5.60
0.03
1.37
0.44
0.10
1.11
0.57
PN-23-024
459746
5728651
433.03
162.9
-70
315.00
316.00
1.00
0.26
0.15
0.33
0.02
1.03
0.29
And
345.00
359.80
14.80
0.01
0.57
0.17
0.04
0.47
0.18
Including
345.00
349.85
4.85
0.02
0.92
0.32
0.06
0.59
0.34
And Including
357.50
359.80
2.30
0.01
1.03
0.17
0.07
1.13
0.01
UTM NAD83, Zone 18N.
True widths are estimated to be 70% of the Interval Length.
Fourteen (14) holes totaling 5370.67 metres were completed in the fall of 2022 for the second phase of drilling at Nisk. At the time of writing, an additional fifteen (15) holes totalling 5210 m have been completed in the winter 2023 drill program.
Figure 1 - Longitudinal view of the Nisk Main presenting the currently available assay results.
Figure 2 - Cross section view presenting current assay results in hole PN-23-023
"We are very pleased with the ongoing success of our exploration drilling at Nisk. Hole PN-23-023 assays were as pretty as its PICTURE (Figures 2 & 3). It was another excellent intersection. The team has done an amazing job piecing together the underground mystery of this deposit and we believe we have learned some invaluable clues both with our East and West exploration away from the main zone on where our next Pod like Nisk main may lie," commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch
Figure 3 - Picture of massive sulphides in drill core from hole PN-23-023
In order to help our investors and interesting parties review the work being done, we have created some images to help with the visualization of our project (Figures 4 & 5). Below is a side view of how Power Nickel conceptualize the River of Nickel flowing within the green outline below to the surface and back down to a depth of about 400 metres over almost a kilometre.
Figure 4 - Conceptual ‘River of Nickel' at Nisk outlined in long section.
Looking at the top view, we can see both the flow of the river of nickel and the width of mineralization we have discovered.
Figure 5 - Conceptual ‘River of Nickel' in plan view at Nisk Main Zone.
Promotion & Communication Expense
Recent changes in guidance on IR and Communication spending require BC Reporting issuers to comment on their program spending in this respect. We have committed to the following programs.
Winning Media - $60,000 USD for digital marketing services in compliance with the Policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation, Virtus Media Group -$50,000 USD for digital marketing services in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation from now until the end of June. Machai Capital Inc - $100,000 CAD for digital marketing services in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation.
About the Nisk Project
The Nisk Project is located in the southern portion of the Eeyo Istchee James Bay territory, Québec, the site of a number of mining projects improving infrastructure (Figure 6).
Power Nickel completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk Project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE:TSXV). The Nisk Project comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade Nickel intercepts.
Figure 6 - Location of the Nisk Project with respect the current infrastructure available in the area.
QAQC and SAMPLING
GeoVector Management Inc is the Consulting Company retained to oversee the drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.
All samples were submitted to and analyzed at ALS Global ("ALS"), an independent commercial laboratory located in Val-d'Or, Québec for both the sample preparation and assaying. ALS is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Nisk Project. ALS is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory. Samples submitted through ALS are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using ME-ICP61a (33 element Suite; 0.4g sample; Intermediate Level Four Acid Digestion) and PGM-ICP27 (Pt, Pd, and Au; 30g fire assay and ICP-AES Finish) methods. ALS also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.
GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.
The results presented in the current Press Release are complete. QAQC and data validation was performed on these holes and no material errors were observed.
Qualified Person
Eric Hébert, Géo, Ph.D. from GeoVector Management Inc and consultant to Power Nickel, is the independent qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.
Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on high-potential copper, gold and battery metal prospects in Canada and Chile.
On February 1, 2021 Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE:TSXV)
The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.1
Power Nickel announced on June 8th, 2021 that an agreement has been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in total of 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and magee), and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, which was reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are described to be Polymetallic veins that contain quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.
Power Nickel is also 100-per-cent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit, that was sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3-million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.
For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:
For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:
Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON
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.
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the NISK Property and for general working capital purposes; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
1The resource estimates at Nisk are historical in nature and the Company's geology team has not completed sufficient work to confirm an NI 43-101 mineral resource. Mineral resource information is derived from the technical report titled "Resource Estimate for the NISK-1 Deposit, Lac Levac Property, Nemiscau, Québec" dated December 2009. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the mineral resource estimates are set out in the technical report. This report, prepared by RSW Inc in 2009, can be found on the SEDAR website.
Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVVI) is pleased to announce it has closed the 1st tranche of the private placement previously announced on March 13, 2023 (the "Offering") for 3,418,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit") of the Company, at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of CAD $1,709,000. The Company has received conditional TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for the Private Placement
"We are pleased to close the first Tranche of our previously announced $5,000,000 Private Placement. We expect to close the transaction balance in the next week, " said Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch. "Once again, we have benefited greatly by having our project in Quebec, where very favorable incentives exist for Critical Mineral projects like our NISK Nickel Sulfide project at Nemaska." Lynch commented further, "Quebec, Canada is the World's leading jurisdiction for exploration for Critical Minerals. This was further cemented by the recent Quebec and Canadian budgets, which provide substantial incentives to explore Critical Minerals and build mines. We look forward to utilizing these incentives to build the world's first Carbon Neutral Nickel Mine at Nemaska".
Each FT Unit is composed of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" (each, an "FT Share") for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one non-flow-through common share (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for five years from the date of issuance. All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period.
The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date the Company provides the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $1.00 for 10 consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the Warrants.
The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares for exploration activities on the Company's NISK property located in Quebec and to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses, within the meaning of the ITA, that will qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.
The Company paid finder's fees of $102,500 in connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering. It issued 205,080 broker warrants enabling the broker to purchase each unit for $.50 until September 30, 2024.
Early Warning Disclosure
In the context of the Offering and as a part of a structured flow-through share arrangement, Critical Elements Lithium Corporation ("CRE") acquired 948,230 Units at a price of $0.25 per Unit from initial subscribers.
Immediately before closing the Offering, CRE owned and controlled 12,051,770 common shares, representing approximately 10.03% of the outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Immediately following to the closing of the Offering, CRE now beneficially owns and controls 13,000,000 common shares representing approximately 10.5% of the outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis and 10.8% of the outstanding common shares on a partially-diluted basis.
CRE proceeded with the aforementioned acquisition for investment purposes and to maintain its equity participation in the Company in accordance with an option agreement relationship between CRE and the Company dated December 22, 2020 (the "Agreement"). In accordance with applicable securities laws, CRE may, from time to time and at any time, acquire additional shares of the Company in the open market or otherwise. It reserves the right to dispose of any or all of its shares in the open market or otherwise at any time and from time to time and to engage in similar transactions with respect to the shares, the whole depending on market conditions, the business, and prospects of the Company and other relevant factors.
Pursuant to the Agreement, CRE was granted a participation right in the securities of the Company to the extent that its equity participation is not less than 5% of the issued and outstanding Shares of the Company]. Such participation right grants CRE the right to participate in any public offering, private placement or otherwise (with exception to Shares issued by the Company pursuant to warrants and incentive stock options outstanding as at December 22, 2020, or share issuance commitments to Granby Gold Inc.) in such amounts as to allow CRE to maintain a percentage ownership interest in the Shares that is the same as CRE's equity participation percentage as at the close of the last equity financing of the Company.
information contained under the heading "Early Warning Disclosure" contained in this news release is being issued in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report. The early warning report respecting the acquisition will be filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com under the Company's profile. To obtain a copy of the early warning report filed by CRE, please contact Nathalie Laurin, CFO of Critical Elements Lithium Corporation, at nlaurin@cecorp.ca.
About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on high-potential copper, gold, and battery metal prospects in Canada and Chile.
On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV)
The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding its current high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization Ni 43- 101 resource with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.
Highlights
Recent assay results from the current drill program at the Nisk deposit continue to return high-grade Ni-Cu- Co sulfide and PGE mineralization.
Significant results from this batch of assays include:
Power Nickel announced on June 8th, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in a total of 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper.(Resource World) This property hosts two known mineral showings (Gold ore and Magee), and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, which was reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are described to be Polymetallic veins that contain quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.
Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit, which was sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $ 3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.
For further information, please contact: Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO 647-448-8044, terry@powernickel.com Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON
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.
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the NISK Property and for general working capital purposes; the timing for proposed closing of the Private Placement; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, including preparing the Amended Technical Report; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change.
Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVVI) is pleased to announce it has received commitments to over subscribe the previously announced private placement (the "Offering") of up to 10,000,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit") of the Company, at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CAD $5,000,000
"Despite Challenging market conditions our Offering was extremely well received and we are pleased to advise that we will over subscribe the financing. Nisk has been such a great project to work on and our advances at Nisk are recognized by the investment community. We would like to thank both old and new shareholders for their support." Commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch.
The Placement is scheduled to close on or about March 30th 2023.
Each FT Unit will be composed of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" (each, a "FT Share"), for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into one non-flow-through common share (each, a "Warrant Share") at exercise price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. All securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period.
The Warrants will be subject to an acceleration clause which entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date the Company provides the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is equal to or greater than $1.00 for 10 consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the Warrants.
The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from sale of the FT Shares for exploration activities on the Company's NISK property located in Quebec and to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses, within the meaning of the ITA, that will qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.
The Private Placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval. The Company may pay finder's fees as permitted by applicable securities laws and the rules of the TSXV.
For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:
For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON
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.
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the NISK Property and for general working capital purposes; the timing for proposed closing of the Private Placement; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, including preparing the Amended Technical Report; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.
In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.
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The shareholders of Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) together with BHP Group Limited and Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) have agreed to the terms of a Plan of Arrangement resulting in the combination of the two companies. Each share of Filo Corp. will be exchanged for 2.3578 shares of Lundin Mining or C$33.00 cash subject to proration of a max cash of C$2,767 million and maximum share consideration of 92.1 million Lundin Mining shares.
In expectation of the arrangement closing, Filo Corp. will be removed from the S&P/TSX Composite Index prior to the open of trading on January 15, 2025 . The shares outstanding of Lundin Mining will be increased at the same time to reflect the issuance of shares.
For more information about S&P Dow Jones Indices, please visit www.spdji.com
ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES
S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500 ® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® . More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has become home to over 1,000,000 indices across the spectrum of asset classes that have helped define the way investors measure and trade the markets.
S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spdji.com .
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Copper was trading on the COMEX at under US$4 per pound at the beginning of 2024, but by May 21, the red metal's price had surged to a record high of US$5.11 per pound.
Price momentum at the start of the year was owed to several factors, including increasing demand from energy transition sectors, bottlenecks at Chinese refiners and near-zero copper treatment charges.
The price was volatile through the second and third quarters, slipping back below US$4 per pound before soaring above US$4.50 at the end of Q3. Read on for more on how copper performed in 2024, from prices to supply and demand.
Copper price in Q4
Copper started the fourth quarter of the year on a strong note. On October 2, the metal reached its quarterly high of US$4.60 before starting a month-long slide to US$4.31 on October 31.
Volatility was the story at the start of November. Copper soared to US$4.45 on November 5 before dropping to US$4.22 on November 6, then spiked to US$4.41 on November 7; finally, it crashed to US$4.05 on November 15.
While copper did see a couple of rallies as the year ended, it only briefly broke through resistance of US$4.20 from December 9 to 11 before settling toward the US$4 mark at the end of the month.
As of December 23, the copper price was sitting at US$4.02.
Copper concentrate market to stay tight
In an October report, Fastmarkets predicts that the concentrate market will remain tight in 2025.
This tightness will continue to impact refiner treatment charges. Though they are expected to rebound to around US$20 to US$30 per metric ton (MT), they will still be short of the US$80 mark reached in 2023.
The situation has become more challenging as new operations, particularly in China, expand capacity in 2024. Fastmarkets anticipates no change in the situation in 2025, as new smelters are set to come online in China, Indonesia and India. The additional capacity will see more refiners fighting for the available supply.
The research firm says several other factors are contributing to copper concentrate shortages, including the loss of material from First Quantum Minerals' (TSX:FM,NYSE:FM) Cobre Panama mine after it was ordered shut down in November 2023. Other miners that have cut their production forecasts are also adding to supply woes.
For example, Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) revised its copper production guidance when it released its third quarter results on October 23. In its release, Teck indicates that the updated range now stands at 420,000 to 455,000 MT, down from the 435,000 to 500,000 MT estimated at the start of the year.
The company said the reduction was due to challenges with labor availability and problems with autonomous systems in its new haul trucks at its Highland Valley mine in BC, Canada.
China’s economy dragging on copper
A significant headwind for copper at the end of 2024 has been the continued challenges posed by China’s faltering economy. Although the country has introduced stimulus measures, they have made little difference.
The most recent stimulus announcement came on December 24, when the Chinese government announced it would issue US$411 billion worth of special treasury bonds in 2025. This package would be the highest on record, and would represent an increase over the US$137 billion issued in the past year.
The move follows President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the country’s annual economic policy meeting on December 11 and 12. Xi said at the time that the economy was stable, and that the government would be working to boost consumption through looser monetary policy and more active fiscal policy. Few details were given on how the country would achieve its goals, and the US$411 billion debt injection could be the first sign of that policy.
In addition, in September, the Chinese government announced measures to increase credit, support cities in purchasing unsold homes and restructure debt. These efforts have failed to turn around the world’s second largest economy.
China is the world’s largest copper consumer, and any shift in the strength of the nation's economy will have implications for the price trajectory of base metal.
Copper supply was in focus in Q1 as First Quantum provided an update on its Cobre Panama mine.
The mine was forced to close at the end of 2023 after the Panamanian Supreme Court walked back a company-friendly deal initially approved in October 2023.
At the beginning of 2024, First Quantum pursued several avenues to resolve the issue and reopen the mine, including arbitration. It also waited for the results of Panama’s May election in hopes of more mining-friendly leadership.
The second quarter was dominated by news of output curtailments at Chinese smelting operations.
The cuts came as lower production levels from copper miners began to stress treatment charges at refiners as they competed for the limited availability of copper concentrate.
Speaking to the Investing News Network at the time, Joe Mazumdar, editor of Exploration Insights, said that 50 percent of the world’s smelting capacity is in China. For that reason, the end price is dictated by treatment and refining charges, which nearly turned negative due to the lack of available concentrate.
In turn, this pushed the price of copper prices higher at major exchanges.
“So there’s the cathode price. That’s stated in the LME, and Shanghai and the COMEX in the states. But if the market is tight in any of those regions locally, you will see a cathode premium … over the price of the copper,” he said. “People are willing to pay more to incentivize people that have copper inventory to release it into the market."
Copper supply and demand both saw growth during Q3.
The International Copper Study Group reported in an October 21 release that mined production of copper had increased by 2 percent year-on-year to 14.86 million MT during the first eight months of 2024.
Much was owed to 3 percent growth from Chile, with increases at BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Escondida mine, as well as the Collahausi mine, which is a joint venture between Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF), Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) and Mitsui (OTC Pink:MITSF,TSE:8031).
Output from the Democratic Republic of Congo increased 11 percent, while Indonesia's production rose 22 percent.
At the same time, demand increased slightly by 2.5 percent. Much of the additional demand came from 2.7 percent growth in Asian markets, which includes a 0.5 percent increase in Chinese refined copper imports.
Investor takeaway
The copper market has been tight all year, with new demand accelerating beyond new mine supply.
This demand growth is expected to continue as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable technologies that require more copper, like wind and solar. However, copper demand is still constrained by weakness in the Chinese economy, particularly in its housing sector, which is an important driver of global demand for the metal.
Ultimately, in the longer term, copper supply will be lacking from new projects and expanded production to meet demand. The base metal is expected enter a supply deficit over the next few years.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2025
Copper prices saw impressive gains in 2024, even breaking the US$5 per pound mark in May. However, the red metal's gains didn't last, and by the end of the year copper had retreated back to the US$4 range.
The start of 2025 could be eventful, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, a new stimulus package coming into effect in China and a continued push for greener technologies around the world.
What will these factors mean for copper prices in the new year? Will they rise, or can investors expect the base metal to remain rangebound? Here's a look at what experts see coming for the important commodity.0
How will Trump's presidency impact US copper projects?
Trump will be sworn in for his second term as US president on January 20.
During his campaign, he made bold promises that could shake up the American resource sector, pushing a "drill, baby, drill" mantra and committing to increasing oil production in the country.
When it comes to copper, Trump's proposed changes to environmental regulations could have key implications. While the Biden administration has sought to toughen these rules, Trump will look to relax them.
In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Eleni Joannides, Wood Mackenzie's research director for copper, said changes to environmental regulations are likely to benefit the mining sector overall.
“The former president has already pledged to overturn a 20 year moratorium on mining in Northern Minnesota. This pro-mining approach means more mines could be permitted and put into production,” she said.
One project that was being planned before the Biden administration restricted access to federal lands in the Superior National Forest belongs to Twin Metals Minnesota, a subsidiary of Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO,OTC Pink:ANFGF). The company has been working to advance its underground copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-metals group project since 2006, and has submitted plans to state and federal regulatory agencies.
Another copper-focused project that may benefit from the incoming Trump administration is Northern Dynasty Minerals' (TSX:NDM,NYSEAMERICAN:NAK) controversial Pebble project in Alaska.
The company has been exploring the Bristol Bay region since acquiring the property in 2001, but the US Army Corps of Engineers denied approval in 2020; the Environmental Protection Agency did the same in 2021.
Northern Dynasty has been fighting these decisions at both the state and federal level. It reached the Supreme Court in January 2024, but was denied a hearing until the dispute is examined at the state level.
On December 20, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy added his support for the project when he petitioned the incoming president to issue an Alaska-specific executive order on his first day in office. The order would effectively reverse decisions made by the Biden administration, including the permitting of the Pebble project.
In addition to Pebble, projects like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and BHP’s (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) Resolution, and Hudbay Minerals' (TSX:HBM,NYSE:HBM) Copper World, both of which are in Arizona, may benefit from Trump’s plan to reduce permitting times on projects worth over US$1 billion.
Currently, large-scale operations like these can take up to 20 years to move from exploration to production in the US. Copper is considered a critical mineral for the energy transition, and is increasingly becoming a security concern as the US is largely dependent on China for its supply of copper.
Copper price volatility expected under Trump tariff turmoil
As tensions continue to grow between the west and eastern nations like China and Russia, it may not take much to threaten markets for critical materials, including copper.
Trump has already promised to impose a 60 percent tariff on all goods coming from China.
A tariff on copper imports could upend the president-elect's plans for the resource sector. It would increase the prices of copper imports and disrupt the overall economy.
“The risk is that the president-elect’s threatened tariffs, including 60 percent on China and 20 percent on all other nations, could derail global economic growth, lead to higher inflation and, with that, tighten monetary policy and also lead to a change in trade flows. Copper will suffer if demand takes a hit," Joannides said.
"In addition, there is likely to be continued volatility in prices,” she added.
In its recent analysis of Trump’s policies, ING sees an overall negative impact on global metals demand.
The firm believes that many of his plans, including tariffs, will cause the US Federal Reserve take a longer-term approach to reducing interest rates, which could affect investment in large-scale copper projects.
S&P Global expressed a similar view after Trump's win. Immediately after the election, copper prices sank 4 percent to fall under US$4.30, with the firm suggesting that is likely just the beginning. The organization notes that while the market may have already priced in Trump’s tariffs, a larger trade war could impact prices even further.
Economic recovery in China could further boost copper prices
China's faltering economy has been a major headwind for copper over the past several years.
The country's housing market accounts for roughly 30 percent of global demand for the red metal, meaning that any shifts could have significant implications for the copper market.
The sector has been struggling for the past few years as the country deals with economic issues, including fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to supply chains and a spike in unemployment.
Ultimately, economic factors struck China's real estate sector, an important driver of the country’s gross domestic product; this caused the collapse of the nation's top two developers, China Evergrande Group and Country Garden.
So far, the government’s attempts to stimulate the economy and jumpstart the beleaguered real estate sector have largely failed. In September, it announced measures aimed at property buyers, such as reducing interest rates for existing mortgages by 50 points and cutting the minimum downpayment requirement for homes to 15 percent.
Other changes introduced at the time include more help from the People’s Bank of China, which will provide a lending facility for state-owned firms to acquire unsold flats for affordable housing.
China followed this up with an announcement in November that it will provide additional support for local governments by increasing their debt-raising capacity by 6 trillion yuan over the next six years.
While these measures may not be felt for some time, kickstarting the Asian nation's real estate sector could be a boon for copper producers and investors.
“If the Chinese real estate market were to post a recovery, this would see domestic demand for copper tick higher and could lead to a tighter supply and demand balance overall, assuming all other things remain unchanged. This would underpin even higher prices than we are currently projecting,” said Joannides.
Copper industry needs more investment dollars
With copper demand projected to grow long term, supply-side concerns are rising. According to Joannides, there is already recognition that copper exploration has been underinvested over the past few years.
“We are seeing signs this could change. Much of the growth over the last five years has come from brownfield expansions rather than greenfield/new discoveries," she explained to INN.
"Technology will likely help increase the chance of discovery, and broadly I would say that policymakers are now more supportive of mineral exploration as the push to secure critical raw materials supply has moved up the agenda."
Joannides pointed to greenfield projects already in the pipeline, including Capstone Copper’s (TSX:CS,OTC Pink:CSCCF) Santo Domingo in Chile, Southern Copper’s (NYSE:SCCO) Tia Maria in Peru and Teck Resources' (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) Zarfanal in Peru.
There's also Northmet, a Teck and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) joint venture in Minnesota.
Rising copper prices could also increase the flow of money from the major companies into the junior space, where most of the exploration is currently occurring.
“Copper has become the standout strategic preference for the major mining companies. The risk-adjusted cost of developing organic copper assets is higher than the cost of acquiring them,” Joannides said.
This kind of acquisition activity could help reduce the development time of assets compared to companies starting exploration from scratch.
Investor takeaway
While copper supply and demand conditions are expected to remain tight in 2025, competing forces are at play.
One of the biggest factors is Trump’s return to the White House. If the president-elect takes action as quickly as he has promised, investors could soon gain insight on the long-term implications of his policies.
In terms of China, it will take time to get the property sector back to where it was before the pandemic; however, there may be sparks early in the year as new measures start to work their way through the market.
During 2025 it may be even more prudent than usual for investors to do their due diligence on copper and keep an eye on the forces that may affect the market.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals.
Editorial Disclosure: Dore Copper is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Lobo Tiggre: Copper is My Highest-Confidence Trade for 2025 — Here's Why
Lobo Tiggre, CEO of IndependentSpeculator.com, gave the Investing News Network his updated thoughts on the US economy, as well as his outlook for gold, silver and uranium in 2025.
However, he said his highest-confidence trade for next year is copper.
"I think that it's easier to see — and highly likely to see — copper moving higher next year," Tiggre explained.
That said, he's not quite ready to pull the trigger on copper stock purchases.
"I'm not rushing out to buy yet, because I think even in the little time we have left this year we're going to see more bad economic news, and Dr. Copper with a PhD in economics always goes down with that sort of news. So I'm looking to that as a buying opportunity — I'm looking to maximize my upside by taking advantage of that."
Watch the interview above for more from Tiggre on copper, plus gold, silver and uranium. You can also click here to view the Investing News Network's New Orleans Investment Conference playlist on YouTube.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
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Gianni Kovacevic: 3 Copper Stocks for Speculators, Watch These Metals Under Trump
Investor and author Gianni Kovacevic shared his thoughts on copper market dynamics, saying that while the long-term trend is up, speculators can create significant shorter-term prices moves.
He also mentioned three copper companies he's interested in right now: CopperNico Metals (TSX:COPR,OTCQB:CPPMF), Entree Resources (TSX:ETG,OTCQB:ERLFF) and Horizon Copper (TSXV:HCU,OTCQX:HNCUF).
In addition to copper, Kovacevic spoke about the growing opportunity he sees in lithium, highlighting how major miners like Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) are increasing their exposure to this important battery metal.
"We are going to have a supply shortage. Not in the distant future — in the next 18 to 36 months it'll be a front-page story, and it will be dovetailed with ... oil and gas. And with that comes the oil and gas investor," he said.
Explaining his view, Kovacevic said oil and gas companies are becoming interested in direct lithium extraction.
"(The oil and gas investors) are the ones that are going to really take the speculation in lithium to the next level once again. It'll be 'lithium mania 3.0' coming to a screen near you," he told the Investing News Network.
Watch the interview above for more from Kovacevic on copper and lithium, as well as Donald Trump's second term.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Mining giant BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) introduced its Xplor 2025 cohort on Monday (January 6), choosing eight out of hundreds of applicants worldwide.
Under Xplor 2025’s terms, each of the companies is entitled to receive an equity-free grant of up to US$500,000 and access to a network of BHP and external industry experts to build out and accelerate their exploration concepts.
The selected companies and the countries they focus on are as follows:
“As the energy transition gathers pace it becomes more urgent that we can identify, develop and commercialize the discoveries required to support the transition,” BHP’s Group Exploration Officer Tim O’Connor said. “The 2025 Xplor cohort are the sorts of explorers that naturally embrace innovation in bringing promising new projects to life.”
BHP opened applications for the 2025 Xplor program last September, once again “seeking visionary teams focused on uncovering new sources of critical minerals crucial for a sustainable future.”
The eight successful applicants are focused on critical metals needed for electrification, with many targeting copper.
Now in its third edition, Xplor helps accelerate the work of promising mineral companies.
The program is often set on a six-month period, with each of the companies collaborating with BHP Xplor to expedite their geological concepts and position the projects for potential further investment and partnership with BHP.
“We were delighted with the strength of applications — the quality of exploration projects was extremely high … Successful applicants demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to innovation in their exploration programs, and a willingness to push industry boundaries in applying new concepts, data and testing techniques,” BHP Xplor Head Marley Palin said.
According to BHP, this edition holds the most geographically diverse cohort yet. Xplor 2024 had teams focused on Botswana, Australia and Kazakhstan, while Xplor 2023 included companies working in Africa, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, Norway and Finland.
Xplor 2025 also has the highest number of successful applicants at eight; Xplor 2023 included seven companies and 2024 had six.
This month, the 2025 cohort is set to gather in Perth for Bootcamp Week. BHP said the bootcamp will teach them key strategy, operational and technical frameworks that will set them up for success over the next six months.
Filo Corp. (TSX: FIL) (Nasdaq First North Growth Market: FIL) (OTCQX: FLMMF) (" Filo " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that the deadline for registered shareholders (the " Registered Shareholders ") of the issued and outstanding common shares of Filo (the " Filo Shares ") and for holders of stock options of Filo (the " Optionholders ") to make elections in respect of the consideration receivable pursuant to the Arrangement (as defined below) is 5:00 P.M. (Toronto Time) on January 9, 2025 (the " Election Deadline "). PDF Version
The letter of transmittal and election form (the " Letter of Transmittal ") outlines the necessary documentation and information required to be sent to the depositary for the Arrangement, Computershare Investor Services Inc. (the " Depositary "), by each Registered Shareholder and Optionholder in order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled under the Arrangement, and make an election with respect to the form of consideration they wish to receive. For complete instructions, please refer to the Letter of Transmittal previously mailed to Registered Shareholders and Optionholders on December 12, 2024 and also available under Filo's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's corporate website at http://filocorp.com/investors/corporate-filings/ .
All elections and deposits made under a Letter of Transmittal are irrevocable and may not be withdrawn. However, an election made under a Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the Election Deadline may be changed by depositing a new Letter of Transmittal with the Depositary on or prior to the Election Deadline. Should the Arrangement not proceed for any reason, the deposited certificates and/or DRS advices representing Filo Shares (if applicable) and other relevant documents shall be returned.
The Letter of Transmittal is for use by Registered Shareholders and Optionholders only. Beneficial (nonregistered) shareholders whose Filo Shares are registered in the name of a broker, investment bank, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary (each, an " Intermediary ") should contact that Intermediary for instructions and assistance in making an election.
Shareholders who hold Filo Shares directly or indirectly through the central securities depository in Sweden run by Euroclear Sweden AB (" Euroclear Holders ") do not need to submit a Letter of Transmittal. For complete instructions for Euroclear Holders, please refer to the press release of the Company dated December 11, 2024 .
Filo is also pleased to announce that it has obtained all key regulatory approvals required to complete the previously announced arrangement involving, among others, the Company, BHP Investments Canada Inc. (" BHP "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHP Group Limited, and Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) (OMX: LUMI) (" Lundin Mining ", and together with BHP, the " Purchaser Parties "), pursuant to which the Purchaser Parties will, among other things, acquire all of the Filo Shares not already owned by the Purchaser Parties and their respective affiliates (the " Arrangement ").
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to implementing the Arrangement, it is expected that the Arrangement will close on or about January 15, 2025 .
Following completion of the Arrangement, the Filo Shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. An application will also be made for the Company to cease to be a reporting issuer in the applicable jurisdictions following completion of the Arrangement.
About Filo Corp.
Filo is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100% owned Filo del Sol copper-gold-silver deposit located in San Juan Province, Argentina and adjacent Region III, Chile . The Company's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq First North Growth Market under the trading symbol "FIL", and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FLMMF".
Additional Information
The Company's certified adviser on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market is Bergs Securities AB, +46 8 506 51703, rutger.ahlerup@bergssecurities.se .
The information contained in this news release was accurate at the time of dissemination, but may be superseded by subsequent news release(s).
The information was submitted for publication by the contact persons below on January 6, 2025 at 1:00 am EST .
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the consummation and timing of the Arrangement; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement; the expected timing of closing of the Arrangement; and the expected timing of delisting from stock exchanges, may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include failure to satisfy or waive the closing conditions to the Arrangement; changes in laws, regulations and government practices; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including the Company's Annual Information Form available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The Company's forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Mining said on Wednesday (January 1) that they have completed their merger.
The combined entity will be a critical minerals explorer and developer with two core assets in Québec, Canada.
Cygnus acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Doré on Tuesday (December 31) through a Canadian statutory plan of arrangement, finalizing the deal. Cygnus shares are listed on the ASX under the symbol CY5, and are expected to start trading on the TSXV under the symbol CYG on or about Friday (January 3).
The company has also applied to list on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol CYGGF.
The merger of equals between Cygnus and Doré was announced this past October, with the companies emphasizing at the time that the deal would create value for shareholders on both sides. Under the agreement, each former Doré shareholder will receive 1.8297 Cygnus shares for each share they held before the transaction was finalised.
"By combining the proven exploration and management skills of the Cygnus team with the high-grade resource and immense upside at the Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project, we have the potential to unlock substantial value," Cygnus Executive Chair David Southam said at the time, adding that plans for "aggressive exploration" were in the works.
The new company's two main assets are the Chibougamau copper-gold project and the James Bay lithium project.
Chibougamau currently has a measured and indicated resource of 3.6 million metric tons at 3 percent copper equivalent, and an inferred resource of 7.2 million metric tons at 3.8 percent copper equivalent.
James Bay's Pontax project holds a resource of 10.1 million metric tons at 1.04 percent lithium oxide.
Doré brought the Chibougamau asset to the table, and in Wednesday's release former President and CEO Ernest Mast said the Cygnus team has the ability to maximize the value of the project.
“This merger will provide the funding, additional expertise and the strategy aimed at generating superior shareholder returns with an exciting exploration program at Chibougamau,” he noted.
Southam will now act as executive chair of the new company, while Mast will hold the position of president and managing director in Canada. The board will also have two non-executive directors from each of the merged companies.
Cygnus said that results from a pre-Christmas drill program at Chibougamau are expected to be released early this quarter. Following on from that, the company will begin a drilling and geophysics program at the site.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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