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February 05, 2025
Orbminco Limited (ASX: OB1) (“Orbminco”, “the Company”), is pleased to announce results of recent trench sampling at its Bronze Fox Project located in the Southern Gobi Copper-Gold belt of Mongolia.
Highlights
- Sampling of an historic trench (Figure 1) at the Company’s Bronze Fox Project in Mongolia has returned high-grade copper-gold results on the western margin of the West Kasulu resource1. Better intersects include:
- 17m of 0.5% Cu and 0.34g/t Au including 6m of 1.0 % Cu and 0.6g/t Au
- 4m @ 0.6% Cu and 0.2g/t Au
- The trench remains largely unsampled (Table 1) with only visible mineralisation sampled to date
- The West Kasulu resource is open to the west, beneath shallow cover, where a review of an Induced Polaristion (IP) survey completed in 2018 has defined a number of strong, untested chargeability anomalies2
- Further IP surveying and geological mapping will be completed across the interpreted western extension of the West Kasulu resource to prioritise targets for drilling in Q2 2025
- Rock chip sampling also indicates that mineralisation extends to the northwest with numerous >0.5% Cu values recorded (Figure 1).
- IP surveys will also be completed at the Shuteen North target (Figure 2) ahead of a proposed maiden drilling program in Q2 2025 seeking to confirm the discovery of a new, and third, intrusive complex at the Bronze Fox project, which is interpreted to be related to the extensive Shuteen lithocap
Managing Director, Ralf Kriege, commented:
“The new trench results, coupled with drilling results from the 2024 drilling program, including 26m at 0.91% CuEq from 14 in hole F111, and review of existing chargeability anomalies supports an extension of existing geophysical coverage and a proposed high priority drilling program to better understand the higher-grade potential of the open western strike of the Bronze Fox Intrusive Complex.
The Shuteen North target has the potential to be the third intrusive complex at Bronze Fox and is a compelling, near surface and new large-scale target interpreted to be associated with the Shuteen lithocap, the largest lithocap in the Southern Gobi. The importance of this conceptual geological setting is significant given the lithocap at the Oyu Tolgoi project was an important early-stage exploration marker.
Preparations are taking place to undertake geophysical surveys and surface field activities early in the next quarter, to refine existing and generate new targets ahead of drilling at both the western extension of the Bronze Fox Intrusive Complex and at the Shuteen North Intrusive Complex.”
Exploration Update
The trench sampling took place in November 2024 during Orbminco’s maiden drill campaign and provides strong encouragement that the West Kasulu resource continues westward beneath shallow cover (Figure 1) with potentially higher copper and gold grades. This interpretation is further supported by 2024 drill hole F111, which returned 26m at 0.91% CuEq from 14m, including 2m at 8.29% CuEq from 24m (see OB1 ASX announcement from 14 January 2025 for further details 3).
A subsequent review of an IP geophysical survey completed by Joint Venture partner Kincora Copper Limited (Kincora) at West Kasulu in 20182, has also identified a number of significant and untested chargeable IP anomalies which will be targeted by drilling in 2025. The IP surveying along with geological mapping will be extended to the west prior to the drilling to determine the potential for further extensions to the resource, higher grade zones and open pit potential.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Orbminco 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.
07 March
Australia’s Mining Gender Pay Gap Shrinks, Women Still Earn Less
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has released an updated Employer Gender Pay Gaps report covering 7,800 employers and 1,700 groups.
The gender pay gap is defined by the agency as “the difference between the average or median remuneration of men and the average or median remuneration of women, expressed as a percentage of men’s remuneration.” This differs from equal pay for the same or similar roles.
“(We focus) on the total remuneration gender pay gaps that include payments above base salary such as superannuation, performance bonuses, overtime and allowances, as this gives a more accurate representation of the real differences in earnings between men and women,” WGEA said.
The agency started by illustrating the general pay situation in the nation, which is evidently unequal. WGEA reported that on average, for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 78 cents.
This drives the entire gap regardless of industry and sets a precedent for calculating pay.
WGEA also highlighted that employers in male-dominated industries, including the mining sector, are more likely to pay male workers more.
According to the report, “4 out of 5 employers in men-dominated industries have a gender pay gap in favour of men.” Across 248 mining employers, 92 percent of the total average remuneration gender pay gap favours men.
Employee ratio and roles
WGEA’s analysis considered several factors affecting the disparity. Among these is the ratio of male to female workers, which is evident in the mining sector.
The report stated that women make up 22 percent of the mining employee population, but this isn't spread evenly across pay quartiles. In the upper and upper middle pay quartiles, women are just 16 and 15 percent of workers respectively. According to the WGEA, the over-representation of men in the upper quartile of earners drives two-thirds of the gender pay gap. In the lowest pay quartile, women make up 35 percent of the mining workforce — significantly higher than their presence in other pay groups.
“Employers with the highest gender pay gaps show the greatest disparity between the proportion of women in the upper quartile, compared to the proportion of women in the workforce. In general, the greater the difference, the higher the gender pay gap.”
Women, according to WGEA, are less likely to work in the highest paying jobs in the economy. This applies to mining, which ranked as the highest paid industry assessed under the report, having an average salary of AU$195,141 across pay quartiles.
Mining engineers and the like placed ninth in Monarch’s top 10 list of the highest paying jobs in Australia in 2024 with AU$196,178.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CMEWA) recognised this key point in a commentary on the report, with chief executive officer Rebecca Tomkinson agreeing that men still outnumber women in the sector.
“Closing the pay gap in a traditionally male-dominated industry like mining will not be achieved overnight but women are increasingly voting with their feet to join a sector that has demonstrated its commitment to boosting female participation.”
Another aspect mentioned in the report is additional payments on top of base salary, such as superannuation, overtime and performance bonuses.
Nationally, these discretionary payments often go to the higher earners or those up in the corporate ladder, which are, more often than not, male employees.
WGEA reported these payments averaged at least AU$11,204 annually across all industries. Mining saw the highest gap between average base salary and average total remuneration at AU$55,281.
Mining sector, unions making strides
The mining sector and mining unions have been making progress in recent years with regards to improving the pay gap and increasing the portion of women in the workforce.
The WGEA said that the mining industry’s mid-point of median gender pay gap decreased by 1.6 percent from 2023 to 2024. This is a significant number, as the national decrease is only at 0.2 percent.
In a separate report called 2024 Diversity and Inclusion in the Western Australian Resources Sector, the CMEWA found that the proportion of women employees in the mining and resources has increased from 18.8 per cent to 24.8 per cent over the last decade.
On the topic of childcare, Tomkinson of the CMEWA said, “Women remain the predominant caregivers for their children and in many instances stop working for a period to raise young children. This can contribute to the pay gap for women across all industries, but the resources sector has some of corporate Australia’s most accommodating policies and practices in place to encourage retention and to create a more family-friendly work structure.”
The sector is still facing difficulties, though. Last November, mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) released its 2024 Everyday Respect report, an external review of the company's progress on lowering workplace harassment and discrimination. While there was progress in some areas, the report showed that women were disproportionately affected by harmful behaviours in the workforce. Additionally, in December 2024, a class action sexual harassment lawsuit was filed against Rio Tinto and BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP).
Efforts to improve conditions and pay are also being made by workers and unions, including the Electrical Trades Union of Australia’s (ETU) recruitment of members large miners such as Rio Tinto and BHP. The ETU stated on its website that its campaign is to raise wages, improve conditions, secure safety and improve life for all Australians.
There is also the Western Mine Workers Alliance (WMWA), a partnership of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) and Australian Workers Union. The WMWA recently called for improved conditions and an annual raise for workers at Rio Tinto's iron ore operations around Paraburdoo.
On the federal level, the Australian government implemented the Same Job, Same Pay law, which mandates that labor hire workers receive wages equivalent to their permanent counterparts. This law has already led to significant pay increases for over 4,000 workers, with more expected to benefit as enforcement continues.
"Same Job, Same Pay is driving pay rises for labour hire workers as intended. It is also leading to mining companies hiring more permanent workers as their financial incentive to outsource is removed,” said MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly, as quoted in Mirage News.
The WGEA reminded readers of its report that behind the bigger picture and statistics are the actions of employers, which ultimately drive the pay adjustments in every sector.
“As more employers take action, based on evidence of what does work to improve workplace gender equality, this will help close the gender pay gap and improve workplaces for all employees.”
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia 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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06 March
Ontario Premier Pushes to Fast Track Mining as Industry Grows to C$64 Billion
A new report from the Ontario Mining Association reveals that the province's mineral exports reached C$64 billion in 2023, accounting for more than 25 percent of Ontario’s total goods exports.
Of that amount, C$42 billion worth of minerals were shipped to the US, including C$5.7 billion in critical minerals such as platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, uranium and zinc.
More than half — or 57 percent — of Ontario’s critical mineral exports were destined for the US.
The State of the Ontario Mining Sector report highlights the industry's profound impact on the provincial economy.
Ontario remains Canada’s top gold producer, home to 18 operating gold mines that yielded approximately 2.9 million troy ounces of gold in 2023, valued at C$6.5 billion. The province also boasts nine active critical mineral mines and 10 processing facilities, feeding industries such as aerospace, defense and electric vehicle production.
The report underscores mining’s economic contributions, including a C$23.8 billion injection into Ontario’s GDP in 2023 — nearly 3 percent of the province’s total GDP. Mining investments reached C$5.2 billion in capital expenditures, directly employing 22,000 workers with an average salary of C$150,000 — almost double the provincial average.
The industry also supports 126,000 indirect jobs, and 12 percent of its workforce identifies as Indigenous, significantly higher than the 3 percent Indigenous participation across Ontario’s overall workforce.
"Ontario’s mining sector is a cornerstone of our technology-driven economy, delivering well-paying jobs, producing essential inputs to North America’s manufacturing supply chain, and plays a vital role in our continental security,” said Ontario Mining Association President Priya Tandon in a Tuesday (March 4) press release.
Ontario’s mineral production reached C$15.7 billion in 2023, a 50 percent increase over the past decade. Between 2019 and 2024, four new mines opened in Northern Ontario, with six new projects and four expansions underway.
Ontario remains a global leader in mining finance, with the TSX and TSXV listing 40 percent of the world’s publicly traded mining companies, valued at C$603 billion by the end of 2024 — more than triple their market value in 2015.
However, exploration spending — key to ensuring long-term commodities supply — was C$976 million in 2023, representing 23 percent of Canada’s total, but highlighting the need for continued investment.
The sector also faces labor shortages, with 21 percent of its workforce over the age of 55 and declining enrollment in mining-related educational programs. The Ontario Mining Association's "This is Mine Life" campaign, funded in part by the provincial and federal governments, is working to attract young people and newcomers to Canada to mining careers.
Ontario's push to accelerate mining development
Ontario Premier Doug Ford used his speech at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention to reaffirm his commitment to fast tracking mineral extraction projects.
In particular, he highlighted the Ring of Fire, a region known for its vast nickel, copper and chromite deposits.
At the event, Ford reiterated his pledge to streamline resource development approvals and create special zones where critical minerals projects can move forward with expedited timelines.
“Together, we need to build the most competitive economy in the G7 to invest, create jobs, and do business,” Ford told attendees, warning that Ontario must be prepared for "anything and everything" in response to US tariffs.
As part of his efforts to strengthen Indigenous participation, Ford reiterated his commitment to adding C$70 million to the Aboriginal Participation Fund and to relaunching the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program as a C$3 billion First Nations Opportunities Financing Program. However, Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about the speed of development in the mining industry and potential infringement on treaty rights.
Ford, when asked whether his push for fast tracking mining development means bypassing environmental assessments, responded, "We’re going to sit down with (First Nations leaders) and have a great conversation."
Overall, the Ford government has committed C$500 million to a critical minerals processing fund, aiming to attract investors and establish Ontario as a hub for refining materials like nickel, copper and lithium. The initiative aligns with broader western efforts to counter China’s dominance in the global supply of refined metals.
“We have the critical minerals the world needs, and we have the workforce to get them out of the ground,” Ford stated in the same PDAC address. “But we don’t want to see those minerals ripped and shipped overseas or south of the border. We want Ontario’s critical minerals to be processed and refined right here by Ontario workers.”
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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05 March
Stock Markets Plunge as Trump’s New Tariffs Shake Global Trade; Canada and Mexico Retaliate
In a bold move that has already sent shockwaves through international markets, US President Donald Trump formalized his prior threats by imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
The White House has framed the tariffs as a necessary measure to combat the influx of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the US, citing national security concerns to utilize the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to Trump, both Canada and Mexico have failed to adequately curb cartel activity and drug trafficking networks that pose an “extraordinary threat” to American public health and security.
The administration shared statistics showing that 97 percent of fentanyl seizures occur at the US-Mexico border.
While Mexico remains the dominant source of illicit fentanyl production, there have been growing concerns about Canada-based trafficking networks. Studies indicate that Canada’s domestic fentanyl production is increasing, with so-called "super labs" capable of producing up to 66 pounds of the drug per week.
Trump officials argue that both nations have failed to take aggressive steps to dismantle these networks, citing weak enforcement and corruption as the primary obstacles.
Canada retaliates, Mexico vows to join the fight
The tariffs impose a 25 percent levy on all imports to the US from Canada and Mexico, a move that immediately drew harsh criticism from the governments of both affected countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariffs a "very dumb thing to do," vowing to retaliate with countermeasures. "This is an unacceptable attack on our economy," he said in a speech that slammed the tariffs. "We will not be bullied into submission. Canada will respond swiftly and decisively."
Canada's response includes a reciprocal 25 percent tariff on US goods totaling C$155 billion (US$107 billion).
The first round of tariffs, affecting C$30 billion worth of goods, is set to take effect immediately, with additional measures rolling out in the coming weeks. Trudeau warned that a prolonged trade war could put up to a million Canadian jobs at risk, given the deeply intertwined nature of North American trade.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also criticized the tariffs, calling them "unjustified and baseless."
She said Mexico will respond with its own set of trade restrictions, but refrained from providing specific details, stating that an official response will be outlined in the coming days.
Sheinbaum further emphasized that Mexico has made significant efforts to combat drug cartels, noting that blaming Mexico for the US fentanyl crisis ignores the role of American demand and distribution networks.
Markets slump following Trump's tariffs
The financial impact of Trump's announcement was immediate.
The Canadian stock market tumbled on Tuesday (March 4), with the S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) falling 1.54 percent (391.88 points) to close at 25,001.57.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) dropped 1.47 percent (649.67 points) to 43,191.24.
Economists have warned the tariffs could have significant consequences for both US consumers and businesses.
John Rogers, an economics professor at American International University, told the BBC that the first sector to feel the pinch will be food imports, particularly fruits and vegetables from Mexico.
He also warned that tariffs on the Canadian oil and gas could lead to higher energy costs in the US.
"Prices could go up pretty soon," Rogers said, though he admitted that the exact impact of the measures put in place by Trump remains difficult to predict. "We are in uncharted territory."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has emerged as one of Canada’s most vocal critics of Trump’s tariffs, warning that they will devastate key industries, including auto manufacturing and mining. Speaking at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention, Ford pledged to fight Trump’s tariffs "to the death."
"We’re not going to roll over and get annihilated," Ford said during a press conference at the event. "If Trump wants a trade war, he’s going to get one. We will fight this dollar for dollar."
Ford also used the opportunity to push for faster approvals for mining projects in Ontario, particularly in the Ring of Fire region, which is rich in critical minerals. He announced a new US$500 million fund to accelerate mineral processing, arguing that Ontario must become less reliant on the US market.
A trade war with no winners
While Trump insists the tariffs will protect US jobs and combat drug trafficking, experts warn they could backfire.
"There's no way you can win a trade war," Rogers maintained. "Everybody suffers, because everybody's just going to wind up paying higher prices and sacrificing quality."
Trump, however, remains undeterred. In a post on Truth Social, his social media network, he warned that if Canada retaliates, the US will respond with even higher tariffs.
"Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a retaliatory tariff on the US, our reciprocal tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!" Trump wrote.
Trudeau and Trump are expected to a have phone meeting on Wednesday (March 5) to discuss the tariff situation.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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04 March
CNN Fear and Greed Index Plunges to "Extreme Fear" — What it Means for Global Markets
Fear is gripping the financial markets in 2025. CNN’s Fear and Greed Index, a widely followed gauge of investor sentiment, has plunged into the "Extreme Fear" zone.
After dipping to 22 at the end of February, the index had fallen to 20 as of March 4, reflecting deep unease among traders and institutional investors alike.
This shift comes amid a mix of economic uncertainties and global geopolitical tensions that have left investors skittish. This includes the US Trump administration enacting tariffs on allies Canada and Mexico on March 4, as well as the administration pulling away from Ukraine and towards Russia.
While market sentiment indicators don’t dictate future price movements, they provide insight into the emotional state of the market — often a contrarian signal for savvy investors. When fear reaches extreme levels, it has historically marked moments of potential opportunity or further market turbulence.
But what does this drop into Extreme Fear really mean? How is the index calculated? And how have past instances of such extreme sentiment played out in the markets?
This article explores the significance of the CNN Fear and Greed Index, its historical context and what investors should watch for next.
What is CNN's Fear and Greed Index?
CNN’s Fear and Greed Index is a tool designed to measure the prevailing emotions influencing the stock market by weighing seven key indicators.
The Fear and Greed Index operates on a scale from 0 to 100, with a score under 45 indicating fear, a score of 55 and above signifying greed, and one in between marked as neutral. Scores of under 25 and above 75 are labeled Extreme Fear and Extreme Greed, respectively.
How is CNN's Fear and Greed Index calculated?
The index aggregates seven key indicators, each reflecting different aspects of market sentiment:
- Stock Price Momentum – Compares the S&P 500's (INDEXSP:INX) current value to its 125-day moving average.
- Stock Price Strength – Tracks the number of stocks hitting 52-week highs versus those reaching 52-week lows.
- Stock Price Breadth – Examines trading volume in advancing versus declining stocks.
- Put and Call Options – Analyzes the ratio of bearish (put) options to bullish (call) options.
- Junk Bond Demand – Measures the yield spread between high-yield (junk) bonds and safer investment-grade bonds.
- Market Volatility (VIX) – Follows the CBOE Volatility Index, often called the "fear gauge."
- Safe Haven Demand – Assesses the relative performance of stocks versus government bonds.
When these indicators collectively signal heightened caution, the Fear and Greed Index falls into the fear zone, with Extreme Fear indicating widespread pessimism in the markets.
Other instances of Extreme Fear
Understanding past instances of Extreme Fear can provide insights into current market conditions. The last two notable times the index hit Extreme Fear were August 5, 2024, and December 19, 2024.
1. August 5, 2024: Global selloff and economic uncertainty
On August 5, 2024, markets saw a sharp decline following weak tech earnings and US employment data, accelerated by an unexpected interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan resulting in investors trying to unwind their yen carry trades. This caused a ripple effect across global markets:
- Japan’s Nikkei index plummeted 12 percent in a single session.
- The S&P 500 fell over 4 percent amid investor concerns about an economic slowdown.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the volatility could be a precursor to prolonged instability.
2. December 19, 2024: Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance
Investor fears resurfaced in mid-December when the US Federal Reserve signaled that interest rates would likely remain elevated longer than expected. The announcement sent shockwaves through the markets:
- The US dollar surged to a two-year high, weighing heavily on emerging markets.
- Cryptocurrencies took a hit, with Bitcoin dropping over 15 percent in a week.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) fell over 1,200 points as investors reassessed their outlook for rate cuts in 2025.
How do other fear-based indices compare?
While CNN’s Fear and Greed Index is a popular barometer of market sentiment, it isn’t the only fear-based indicator worth watching. Here’s how other major sentiment gauges compare:
Crypto Fear & Greed Index
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index tracks investor sentiment in the cryptocurrency market. Crypto markets are particularly sensitive to risk-off sentiment, making this index an important measure for digital asset investors.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has also dropped into Extreme Fear with a score of 15 on March 4. This decline coincided with continued geopolitical tensions, particularly US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico that day.
Doomsday Clock
Though not a financial index, the Doomsday Clock, updated annually by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, reflects global existential risks, including nuclear tensions, climate change and geopolitical instability.
As of January 28, 2025, the clock is at 89 seconds to midnight, signaling heightened global uncertainty, which can influence investor sentiment in risk assets like equities and cryptocurrencies.
What Extreme Fear means for investors
The plunge of CNN’s Fear and Greed Index into Extreme Fear territory signals widespread investor anxiety. But is this a warning of further declines, or a contrarian buy signal?
Historically, moments of extreme fear have often preceded strong market rebounds, as panicked selling creates opportunities for value investors. However, not all instances lead to immediate recoveries — some mark the beginning of prolonged downturns.
Key considerations for investors:
- Economic data: Keep an eye on employment reports, inflation data and GDP growth figures.
- Federal Reserve policy: Interest rate decisions will continue to be a key driver of market sentiment.
- Corporate earnings: Weak earnings reports could exacerbate investor fears, while strong results may signal resilience.
- Geopolitical developments: Trade tensions, global conflicts and macroeconomic policies can shift market sentiment quickly.
While fear-based indicators provide valuable insights, investors should use them alongside fundamental and technical analysis to make informed decisions.
Whether this moment marks a temporary panic or the start of a broader downturn remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: investors should be prepared for volatility in the weeks or months ahead.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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04 March
Firebird Produces LMFP Batteries
Australian-owned Firebird Metals Limited (ASX: FRB, Firebird or the Company) is pleased to announce that subsequent to entering into a binding strategic collaboration agreement with Central South University (CSU) of Hunan in October 2024, Firebird and CSU have commenced testing of a combination of solid and co-precipitation methods for the production of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode active material (CAM).
HIGHLIGHTS
- LMFP cathode material testwork is underway at Firebird’s state-of-the-art R&D centre, located in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China. Five batches have been completed, with LMFP button batteries already produced from this early round of testing.
- 100 batches expected to be completed - each batch to be turned into button batteries for full evaluation and analysis. Program being completed with Central South University (CSU) of Hunan, under a binding strategic collaboration agreement.1
- Production of LMFP fits within Firebirds growth strategy of becoming a near-term, low-cost manganese-based cathode material business, to deliver products into the growing electric vehicle battery market.
- Substantial cost advantages expected to flow through to manganese sulphate operating costs through this innovative LMFP production process, which retains manganese sulphate in solution, eliminating the need for sulphate crystallisation, packaging and other ancillary costs.
- Bypassing the packaging and crystallisation steps, combined with reduced handling within sulphate process, will yield a ~32% or US$167/t saving in the projected manganese sulphate operating cost. 2
- Leveraging its unique processing methods and technology, Firebird expects this streamlined approach will not only significantly reduce costs but will result in a higher-quality LMFP product, strengthening Firebird's position in the market.
- Testwork results will be used to undertake a Scoping Study and, once completed, Firebird will assess options to expand the current pilot plant to produce approximately one metric tonne per day of LMFP.
Image 1: Button batteries made with Firebird LMFP. Note: Battery industry standard to conduct battery testing on button batteries
Firebird Managing Director Mr Peter Allen commented:“The commencement of testwork and first production of LMFP batteries with CSU is an exciting and transformative step forward for Firebird in the commercialisation of our LMFP cathode materials, which will ultimately be distributed directly into global battery markets.
“This achievement places Firebird in a very small select group of non-Chinese owned companies (first Australian company) to have produced LMFP batteries. Manganese sulphate is a critical element within LMFP and our manganese processing knowledge and IP enables Firebird to drive significant value by co-precipitation.
“We expect our process to translate into substantial cost advantages in sulphate production by bypassing the manganese sulphate crystallisation process, which is the largest component of our operating cost. This streamlined approach not only reduces costs but also results in a superior quality LMFP product, strengthening our position as a cost-effective, high-quality leader in the market.
“The progress we have made in a short period of time is testament to our dedicated and innovative team and partners who have been instrumental in fast-tracking our journey toward becoming a leading manganese chemical business.
“The production of LMFP batteries is aligned with our growth strategy of establishing Firebird as a leading and low-cost manganese-based cathode material business. We are well-positioned to deliver on this strategy and through our sector leading manganese team and proposed, tier-one manganese sulphate plant, the Company is fully focused on establishing operations and continuing to innovate through our leading technology processes to generate strong stakeholder returns.
“The future for Firebird is very exciting and we look forward to delivering on a busy 2025.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Firebird Metals 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.
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28 February
2024 Annual Results - Capacity ramp-up, economies of scale and market conditions combine to deliver record margins
Metro Mining Limited (ASX: MMI) (Metro or the Company) is pleased to announce the release of its annual results for 2024, in which the Ikamba Offshore Floating Terminal (OFT) and port infrastructure upgrades were commissioned.
- 24% increase in shipped production to 5.7 million WMT
- 30% increase in revenue to $307 million
- 100% increase in Underlying EBITDA to $37 million
- 35% reduction in net debt1
- Production and shipment guidance for 2025 set at 6.5 to 7.0 million WMT
Following commissioning in quarter 2, in the final quarter of the year, the Bauxite Hills Mine demonstrated its capacity to consistently operate at the expansion project target rate of 7 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) per annum, culminating in total shipped production of 5.7 million WMT, a 24% year-on-year increase.
Record shipments and a strong pricing environment contributed to a 30% year-on-year revenue increase to $307 million. Site EBITDA margins were $13.8 /WMT and $17.4 /WMT in Q3 and Q4, respectively resulting in a 100% increase in underlying group earnings (EBITDA) to $37 million. 100% of the junior debt of $39 million was paid down, resulting in a 35% reduction in net debt to $44 million including $31 million of cash at year end.
The $36 million expansion is complete with the full flow sheet in place including new haulage fleet, upgraded loading capacity at pit and port, new wobbler screening circuit, 2 additional tugs and the OFT. Following the pause for major maintenance in the wet season, Metro expects to recommence operations in the second half of March with shipment guidance of 6.5 to 7.0 million WMT for 2025.
Simon Wensley, CEO & MD of Metro Mining said:“Metro has turned in a combination of record results for 2024, especially in the second half, as we ramped up the expansion. I expect to see further economies of scale flowing through in 2025 as we lift production by a further 20%, with continued strong traded bauxite demand flowing through to improved margins”.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Metro Mining 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.
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Aion Therapeutic0.10-0.01
Cybin Corp2.140.00
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