
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following:
Appointment of Officers
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC" or the "Company") announces the following:
Warrant Extension
VVC has applied to the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) for a 1-year extension for 57,567,800 Series AG share purchase warrants (“warrants”) presently expiring on September 30, 2024. The warrants, exercisable at $0.075 per share, were issued pursuant to a Private Placement in September 2020 with a 3-year expiry and were extended last September for an additional year. The warrants have been out-of-the-money for some time. If approved by the TSXV, the warrants will expire on September 30, 2025.
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
The Annual General Meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") will be held virtually on December 4, 2024, at 11:00 am (ET), with a Record Date of October 21, 2024. Following the mailing of Proxy Material to shareholders around October 29, shareholders will be able to download the Proxy Material, including the Information Circular Booklet, from www.sedarplus.ca and/or from the Company’s website at: www.vvcresources.com/shareholders-meeting.
The deadline for Proxy Voting will be 11:00 am (ET) on December 3, 2024, however shareholders are encouraged to vote early. Registered Shareholders will be allowed to vote in-person at the AGM using their Control Numbers. All other shareholders, NOBOs and OBOs, are required to vote by proxy at least 24 hours in advance.
Following the formal business session, management will update the Company’s activities and projects, and will be available to answer questions from shareholders, subject to Securities Laws regarding "Selective Disclosure".
"We look forward to meeting our shareholders at the AGM," said Terry Martell, Chairman of VVC. "We will be providing an update on our projects and investments."
About VVC Resources
VVC is engaged in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC) and on the OTC Market (OTCQB:VVCVF). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer
For further information, please contact: | ||
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727 | or | Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621 |
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com | E-mail: emily@vvcesources.com |
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
2369 Kingston Road, PO Box 28059 Terry Town, Scarborough, ON M1N 4E7 – Tel: 416-619-5304
Click here to connect with VVC Resources (TSXV:VVC), to receive an Investor Presentation
With a growing list of natural resources assets vital to growing global demand in the healthcare and technology sectors, VVC Resources presents an investment opportunity for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
The global helium market is expected to increase from $4.45 billion in 2022 to $5.03 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 12.9 percent driven by the growing demand for helium from the healthcare industry. Helium is important in medicine because this rare element is used in various ways, one of which is as a refrigerant capable of cooling the superconducting magnets in MRI scanners. This non-reactive, non-corrosive, non-flammable noble gas is not only used in diagnosis equipment but also as an adjunct therapy for certain diseases like COPD, asthma and bronchiolitis.
Although helium is the second most common element on earth, global helium supplies are running low. Resource companies that supply industries dependent on helium should explore potential helium reserves and evaluate data to come up with a unique strategy for increasing helium production.
VVC Resources (TSXV:VVC;OTCQB:VVCVF) engages in the exploration, development and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel and the expanding green economy.
The company’s portfolio includes a diverse set of assets and high-growth projects, comprising: helium and industrial gas production in the western US; copper and associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies.
VVC currently targets helium reserves in the US by reactivating old gas wells and drilling new wells. In January 2022, the company engaged Foreland Operating to manage the day-to-day helium operations going forward. In March 2022, VVC announced the successful completion and connection of its first helium well in the Syracuse Project. The well, known as the Levens #2, was connected to Tumbleweed Midstream’s Ladder Creek Pipeline, which transports gas to the Ladder Creek Helium Processing Plant in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. VVC further confirmed the presence of helium up to 1.14 percent from its second drilled well in the Syracuse Project.
VVC also acquired the Monarch Project to further capitalize on the growing demand for helium due to increased global usage. The Monarch Project consists of more than 1,700 acres of gas leases located in Greely County, Kansas with six existing wells. Minor repairs were made to five of the six wells, restoring electric power service, and began generating revenue from the natural gas and helium at low volumes. The focus of this project is the 14 additional potential well locations which are conveniently located for connection to the Tumbleweed pipeline.
VVC’s helium portfolio reached another significant milestone with the installation of 14 miles of its internal gathering system pipeline in the Syracuse Project. The major infrastructure will seamlessly transport gas produced by the company’s helium and natural gas wells to a nearby processing plant. The milestone increases the pipeline’s length from 7 to 14 miles and the project’s capacity from 50 to 100 wells.
VVC is advancing its Gloria copper property in Mexico towards production. The 4,055-acre Gloria property is situated in the northern part of Mexico’s Chihuahua state in the Sierra Madre region 60 kilometers southwest of El Paso, Texas. The project is also supported by infrastructure including an access road and an available mining workforce.
VVC Exploration is led by a management team with a wealth of mining experience and is supported by a board of directors with significant influence in both the mining and financial industries. The management and board are also notably invested in the company, with the CEO, members of management and the board of directors listed as top investors. As a whole, the company has a tight share structure with over 90 million shares held by the top 25 investors.
Helium, Natural Gas & Other Industrial Gases
Copper, Base & Precious Metals
Strategic Investments
Energy Transition & Carbon Capture
Helium & Natural Gas
As of Dec 2024
In January 2021, VVC Exploration acquired Plateau Helium Corporation (PHC), a Wyoming Corporation focused on helium exploration and development, primarily in the western US. PHC’s initial target project is located in Kansas and currently comprises 69 leases covering 16,371 acres known as the Syracuse Helium Project.
Plateau Helium Corporation engaged Foreland Operating to manage the company’s helium production. Foreland Operating is a Texas-based upstream oil and gas operating company with a long-tenured team that has been operating in many of the premiere US basins including the Barnett Shale, the Marcellus Shale and the Permian Basin.
Syracuse is VVC’s helium project with 16,400 acres of contiguous oil and gas leases. The company has identified 16 identified well sites in the area with internal estimates of a future resource of 75 Bcf of gas. Currently, Syracuse has 22 well sites permitted or currently being permitted, each with the potential to produce over 1 billion cubic feet of gas.
In 2022, the company announced it successfully completed and connected its first helium well to the project. The well is known as the Levens #2 and was connected to Tumbleweed Midstream’s Ladder Creek Pipeline allowing the transport of gas to the Ladder Creek Helium Processing Plant in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. The Levens #2 was successfully drilled to a depth of 2,478 feet and encountered multiple gas zones.
As of Dec 2024
VVC purchased the Monarch Lease in April 2021, bolstering VVC’s ability to capitalize on the growing demand for helium, driven by increased global usage. The Monarch Lease is a 1,720-acre property that is located in the Byerly Field in Greely County, Kansas and includes six formerly producing gas wells that are still connected to the Tumbleweed Midstream pipeline. All wells produced both methane and helium. There is additional potential in the deeper zones of this property which VVC will explore.
The Stockholm project is VVC’s top drilling priority project in Wallace Kansas in an area with significant natural gas potential. Stockholm spans 3,000 acres of permitted jurisdiction targeted for helium, natural gas and hydrogen. VVC has commenced drilling activities at the Josephine Mack 1-18 well, marking the initiation of the company's first test well within the Stockholm project.The Josephine Mack 1-18 well is VVC's strategic entry into this geologically promising region which evaluates the hydrocarbon potential of the Morrow Zone. The Stockholm project shows potential for oil production as well.
VVC’s current copper focus project is Gloria in Northern Mexico which is a host to oxide copper mineralization with a copper resource of 59.4 million pounds, indicated (9.6 million tonnes grading 0.28 percent copper) and 89.33 million pounds, inferred (14.4 million tonnes grading 0.28 percent copper). The property spans 4,055 acres in Chihuahua State and drilling over the past two years has defined a significant copper mineralized zone over a 15-kilometer strike.
Gloria provides VVC with a unique exposure to the copper market. Approximately 100,000 tons of artisanal ore piles on site that have been high graded, hand cobbed (sorted), and can be utilized for pilot/test mining.
Located in Central Sonora Mexico is VVC’s 16,622-acre Cumeral gold/copper exploration project. Cumeral covers an epithermal style, mineralized gold/silver zone at least 3.6 kilometers long with geological structure and surface sampling suggest the potential for multi-million ounce gold deposit.
VVC recently made a strategic investment in Proton Green, an energy transition company poised to become one of the leading helium producers and carbon sequestration hubs in North America.
Proton Green, LLC, is a producer of helium and hydrogen and is building out its position as a large carbon sequestration operator in North America. With operating control over the St. Johns Field, a 152,000-acre property in Apache County, Arizona, Proton Green controls a helium reservoir and carbon storage basin.
Proton Green’s initial project is the St. Johns Field. The St. Johns Field is a massive helium reservoir and immense carbon storage basin located in Apache County, Arizona. Extensive third-party geological studies performed on the property indicate reserves of up to 33 billion cubic feet of helium in shallow, easily accessible reservoirs. Capable of producing one billion cubic feet of helium per year, it will be among the most prolific helium production sites in the world.
It is also projected to be among the largest carbon capture companies in North America, with 22 million metric tons of carbon sequestration per year, and a total storage capacity of over 1 billion metric tons.
Dr. Terrence Martell is the director of the Weissman Center for International Business at Baruch College and the Saxe Distinguished Professor of Finance where he oversees a myriad of international education programs and projects. He is also the chairperson of the University Faculty Senate and an ex-officio member of the board of trustees at The City University of New York. His area of expertise and research is international commodity markets.
He is a director of the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) where he serves on the audit committee and has many roles. He serves on the board of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and is a member of their executive committee. He is also a member of the New York City District Export Council of the US Department of Commerce and a member of the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index Oversight Committee. Dr. Martell received his BA in Economics from Iona College and his PhD in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. James Culver has spent over 40 years in the fields of commodities, international trade and trade finance, holding posts in government, academia and the private sector. For the last 20 years, he has focused on commodity finance and commodity project finance, primarily in mining and metals and agricultural products. He spent 22 years working in New York City where he most recently managed two private commodity asset-based lending companies and developed hedge funds to support their lending activities.
Previously, Dr. Culver served as chief economist and director of the Economics and Education Division for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He was responsible for market surveillance and new product approvals. He also served for five years on the staff of the Committee on Agriculture of the US House of Representatives. In addition, Culver has been an active participant in a family-owned and operated business, The Parsons Group International Education Inc., a for-profit educational services company. He earned his B.Sc. at the University of Tennessee Martin and his MSc. and PhD degrees from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
A Canadian mining engineer and geologist residing in Chihuahua, Mexico, Andre St-Michel has over 30 years of experience in the mining business with a focus on mine development, mill operation, administration and finance. He has spent the last 10 years working in Mexico where he currently serves as President and CEO of Freyja Resources.
From 2003 to 2008, he was a senior executive of Dia Bras (now Sierra Metals), responsible for its exploration programs and the start-up of its Bolivar copper and zinc mine. From the initial start-up of the mine in 2005, production reached 450 tons per day in 2006 with annual projected revenues of approximately $27 million and cash flows of approximately $10 million. Prior to 2003, he served as president of ECU Silver Mining, developing programs and properties in the US, Brazil and Mexico. He holds a degree from the Laval University Engineering School and a Master’s degree in Project Management from University du Quebec. He is a professional engineer.
Michael Lafrance has been VVC Exploration’s secretary and treasurer and geological consultant since December 2012. Since 1980, he has served in similar roles with many other publicly-traded exploration companies. He is also the corporate secretary of POET Technologies Inc. (formerly Opel Technologies), a pioneer in the field of integrated circuits. He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.
Kevin Barnes has served as the corporate controller and CFO of various public and private companies over the last 12 years. He also served in the role of IT manager and senior accountant with Duguay and Ringler Corporate Services, a firm which provides corporate accounting and secretarial services to publicly-traded companies. He served as the controller of Canada’s Choice Spring Water, one of Canada’s first publicly traded bottled water companies.
He currently serves as CFO of Poet Technologies, a pioneer in the field of integrated circuits and Controller of an international training institute with revenues of $100 million. Barnes received a computer operations diploma from the Careers Development Institute and has a Certified Management Accountant designation from the ICMA Australia. In 2006, he became a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Canada.
Peter Dimmell is a geologist and prospector who has been involved in mineral exploration in Canada, the United States and overseas for 38 years. He is experienced in all aspects of the mining industry and has guided on-site operations from exploration through to production. He is a past president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), a director and former chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chamber of Mineral Resources and a councilor and member of the Geological Association of Canada. He sits on the Board of Directors of four other public companies: Arehada Mining, Linear Gold, Pele Mountain Resources and Silver Spruce Resources, for which he also serves as CEO.
Bruno Dumais is vice-president of finance, for BroadSign International, a Montreal-based provider of digital signage solutions. He possesses over 20 years of experience in financial, forecast and strategic planning and is responsible for overseeing global financial activities. Before joining BroadSign, he was the chief financial officer, vice-president of finance and a consultant at Mitec Telecom for seven years. He has also held senior level positions in companies crossing a variety of sectors, such as Gestion Exponent, Nortel Networks and Premier Tech. Dumais is a chartered professional accountant and holds both a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Quebec in Rimouski and an International MBA from the University of Ottawa.
Patrick Fernet is a legal, operations, and corporate governance expert with more than twelve years’ experience in Canadian small-cap public corporations. He serves as a consultant to VVC on a variety of corporate matters. He has more than 15 years of governance experience with small-cap Canadian corporations.
Scott Hill has served as chief financial officer of Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE) since May 2007. He is responsible for all aspects of ICE’s finance and accounting functions, treasury, tax, audit and controls, business development, human resources and investor relations. Hill also oversees ICE’s global clearing operations. Prior to joining ICE, Hill was assistant controller for Financial Forecasts and Measurements at IBM, where he oversaw worldwide financial performance and worked with all global business units and geographies. Hill began his career at IBM and held various accounting and financial positions in the US, Europe, and Japan, including vice-president and controller of IBM Japan, and assistant controller, financial strategy and budgets..
Leon Shivamber is a transformation leader with more than three decades of successful transformations under his belt. He learned about strategy and business integrity during his years at McKinsey & Company, change management, and rapid transformation during his New York Consulting Partners years and high-performance acquisitions during his years at Arrow Electronics. He spent five years leading the prize-winning supply chain and operations transformation at the then Harris Corporation (now L3 Harris Technologies). For three years after that role, Leon extended and applied his transformation experience as a leader and general manager building an international joint venture in the Middle East.
Thereafter, Leon spent three years as CEO leading the vibrant UAE headquartered Atlas Group with strategic businesses in communications, defense, energy, food, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, and security. He also spent two additional years advising Atlas Group and other Middle-East-based corporations on their transformation efforts. Since that time, Leon has returned to the United States and has been acting as a senior advisor to several corporate transformations. He is a fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI), and a trustee of the board of directors of Baruch College Fund.
Engaging in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following:
Appointment of Officers
The Directors appointed Mr. Bill Kerrigan as President and Chief Operating Officer of VVC. Mr. Kerrigan will continue to be President of Plateau Helium Corporation. Mr. James A. Culver will remain as CEO of VVC.
VVC Chairman, Terrence Martell, commented, " As a representative of Management and the Board, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Culver for his years of service as President. I also welcome Mr. Kerrigan to his new role as President and I am confident that he will provide positive momentum for VVC."
Option Grant
The Directors also granted incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 15,700,000 common shares, representing 2.74% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring March 17, 2035. 25% of the options granted will vest immediately with the remaining vesting at 25% every six months. The exercise price was fixed at the minimum allowable price by the TSX Venture Exchange policies. The options, granted in accordance with the provisions of the Company's stock option plan, are subject to the TSX Venture Exchange policies and the applicable securities laws. Of the Options granted, 41.1% were to Directors, 30.3% to Officers and 28.7% to Employees/Consultants of the Company.
About VVC Resources
VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com .
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer
For further information, please contact:
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com
Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621
E-mail: emily@vvcresources.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC") or (the "Company"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the completion of Levens 4-31 well in the Syracuse Project as well as the commencement of drilling activities at the Josephine Mack 1-18 well, marking the initiation of the Company's first test well within the Stockholm Project located in Wallace County, Kansas.
Progress In Syracuse Project With Completion of Levens 4-31
The Company has finished the completion work of Levens 4-31, bringing the total number of producing wells in the Syracuse Project to five. The Company is committed to completing three more wells in Syracuse.
Spudding of Josephine Mack 1-18 Well
On May 31st, drilling crews broke ground with the spudding of Josephine Mack 1-18. Spudding is the process of beginning to drill a well in the oil and gas industry, marking the start of the actual drilling operation. This well represents the first exploratory effort under the Stockholm Project's scope, targeting the Morrow Zone at a proposed depth of 5,300 feet. This initiative underscores VVC's strategic entry into this geologically promising region. The Company has positioned the Josephine Mack 1-18 to thoroughly evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Morrow Zone.
Exploration Strategy and Economic Significance
The Company's Stockholm Project is in the Morrow Zone, known for its stratigraphy and potential as a hydrocarbon reservoir. The data from the Josephine Mack 1-18 well will help determine the feasibility of further development in this area. This project is located an hour north of the Syracuse Project, which will allow the Company to utilize existing relationships with favorable vendors and operators.
Jim Culver, CEO & President of VVC, stated, "The initiation of drilling at the Josephine Mack 1-18 well is the logical next step in broadening our operational footprint, particularly within the promising economic Morrow Zone of Kansas."
A Continued Commitment to Sustainable Practices
VVC remains dedicated to environmentally responsible practices. The Company's operations are conducted with the utmost regard to ensuring sustainability, minimal environmental impact and adherence to the highest industry standards and best practices.
About VVC Resources
VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC) and on the OTC Market (OTCQB:VVCVF). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com .
On behalf of the Board of Directors | |
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer | |
For further information, please contact: | |
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727 (FR) | or Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621 (EN) |
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com | E-mail: info@vvcresources.com |
Emily@VVCResources.com |
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
2369 Kingston Road, PO Box 28059 Terry Town, Scarborough, ON M1N 4E7 – Tel: 416-619-5304
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC") or (the "Company"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the rework of a pre-existing oil well in southwest Kansas as a test for oil production in the region.
Initiation of Ardery Oil Well Rework
Building on its experience in natural resource management, especially recent work in Kansas, VVC has leveraged its subsurface mineral rights to examine the feasibility of oil production in an area where the Company is already involved in helium and natural gas production. Through geological due diligence, VVC has confirmed the potential for oil production within the area. This confirmation aligns with historic data indicating over 12 million barrels of oil production directly north of Ardery well site.
Operational Strategy and Zonal Potential
The Ardery test is distinguished by its multi-zone production potential, comprising the Morrow Sandstone and the underlying St. Louis Limestone "B" & "C" zones. This project, if successful will enhance the economic outlook of VVC's Kansas projects.
Jim Culver, CEO & President of VVC, stated, "The initiation of the Ardery oil well rework offers significant opportunity for VVC to test the potential for oil production in the areas where the Company is involved with helium and natural gas exploration and production at a relatively low cost."
A Continued Commitment to Sustainable Practices
VVC remains dedicated to environmentally responsible practices. The Company's operations are conducted with the utmost regard to ensuring sustainability, minimal environmental impact and adherence to the highest industry standards and best practices.
About VVC Resources
VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC) and on the OTC Market (OTCQB:VVCVF). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com .
On behalf of the Board of Directors | |||
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer | |||
For further information, please contact: | |||
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727 (FR) | or | Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621 (EN) | |
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com | E-mail: info@vvcresources.com |
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
2369 Kingston Road, PO Box 28059 Terry Town, Scarborough, ON M1N 4E7 – Tel: 416-619-5304
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC") or (the "Company"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following update on its ongoing Syracuse HeliumNatural Gas Project in Kansas:
Completion and Operational Status of Syracuse Gas Gathering System
The Company has completed and is operating its Syracuse Gas Gathering system. This state-of-the-art pipeline infrastructure is designed to service the entire 16,000-acre project and is pivotal in the Company's ability to efficiently market its natural gas. Now that the core system is in place, only lateral lines will need to be added to this system. The system facilitates a robust connection to the Tumbleweed pipeline, where the Company has secured a sale contract for helium, natural gas, and other valuable natural gas liquids. The operationalization of this system underscores the Company's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for optimized resource management and market responsiveness.
Completion of Saltwater Disposal System and Enhancement of Economics
Furthering its dedication to sustainable and economical operations, the Company is pleased to report the completion of its saltwater disposal system. This system represents a significant step forward in the Company's natural gas development strategy. This saltwater disposal system results in a higher profitability per well and reflects the Company's approach in ensuring economic efficiency in its operations.
VVC President Jim Culver commented, "The operational commencement of the Syracuse Gas Gathering System and the completion of our saltwater disposal system are key drivers in bolstering VVC's Syracuse Project profitability. These advancements significantly reduce operational expenses and enhance potential profitability of the Syracuse Project, underpinning VVC's strategy. "
Addition of John Virgil to the Leadership Team
VVC Resources has announced the appointment of John Virgil to direct all helium and natural gas project engineering. John Virgil brings a wealth of experience and expertise in project management and will play a crucial role in steering the Syracuse Project and the success of additional projects in Western Kansas. John will report to Bill Kerrigan, who will now be able to focus on the development of VVC's additional helium and natural gas projects, further strengthening our project portfolio and driving our strategic objectives forward.
A Continued Commitment to Sustainable Practices
VVC remains dedicated to environmentally responsible practices. The Company's operations are conducted with the utmost regard to ensuring sustainability, minimal environmental impact and adherence to the highest industry standards and best practices.
About VVC Resources
VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC) and on the OTC Market (OTCQB:VVCVF). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com .
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer
For further information, please contact: | ||||
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727 | or | Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621 | ||
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com | E-mail: info@vvcresources.com | |||
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
2369 Kingston Road, PO Box 28059 Terry Town, Scarborough, ON M1N 4E7 – Tel: 416-619-5304
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, ("VVC") or (the "Company"), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following update on its ongoing Syracuse HeliumNatural Gas Project in Kansas:
Successful Production Commencement at Durler 2-21
Following our previous announcement on November 16, 2023, we are pleased to report that the Durler 2-21 well has transitioned from successful completion to active production. This milestone signifies a stable economic output, marking Durler 2-21 a key contributor in the Company's portfolio. The well's performance continues to be closely monitored and adjusted to optimize its output and efficiency. The objective of the optimization is to reach the maximum stable production level without negatively impacting total production of the well. The gas quality is as expected: helium content is 1.2%, natural gas content is 35.949%, with a heat content of 438 BTU.
Hodgson 1-17 & C Double D 1-16: Completion and Analysis Phase
The Hodgson 1-17 & C Double D 1-16 wells are now completed and producing. These two wells are in the output analysis phase. This stage is crucial for understanding the wells' production capacities, optimal settings for both immediate and long-term production and potential contributions to the overall project.
Preparations Complete for Levens 4-31, Weaver 1-15, T Spiker 1-7
The team has also readied the Levens 4-31, Weaver 1-15, and T Spiker 1-7 wells for completion. Next steps for these wells await the analysis of the Durler, Hodgson and C Double wells. Each helium/natural gas project has its idiosyncrasies and every time a new well is completed, introduced into production, and optimized, the more information the team has for the next wells. This thorough preparatory plan and step by step optimization of these wells increases the probability for successful integration into the production line-up, at the most reasonable cost, underscoring the team's commitment to thoughtful strategic growth and resource optimization.
VVC President Jim Culver commented, "While the process may seem unusually deliberate, every time a well is drilled, perforated, or completed in the Syracuse Project, the more information the team gains about how to succeed with the next well or wells. This knowledge gives us a better chance of optimum success for the whole project."
A Continued Commitment to Sustainable Practices
VVC remains dedicated to environmentally responsible practices. The Company's operations are conducted with the utmost regard to ensuring sustainability, minimal environmental impact and adherence to the highest industry standards and best practices.
About VVC Resources
VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC) and on the OTC Market (OTCQB:VVCVF). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com .
On behalf of the Board of Directors | ||
Michel J. Lafrance, Secretary-Treasurer | ||
For further information, please contact: | ||
Patrick Fernet - (514) 631-2727 | or | Emily Bigelow - (615) 504-4621 |
E-mail: pfernet@vvcexploration.com | E-mail: info@vvcresources.com |
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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Welcome to the Investing News Network's weekly look at the best-performing Canadian mining stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE, starting with a round-up of Canadian and US news impacting the resource sector.
The big news of the week came on Wednesday (March 19) when the US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened for its March decision on whether to adjust its benchmark Federal Funds rate.
Given the economic uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s economic and trade policies, it has been widely expected that the FOMC would maintain the rate at 4.25 to 4.5 percent, which is what they did.
In his press statements, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said inflationary numbers were somewhat stuck, citing tariffs raising consumer prices as a reason for the stagnant figures. However, he also indicated that the committee believed the effect would be largely transitory and that data showed the economy was strong and job markets were balanced. Because of this, he expects that the FOMC will still make two rate cuts in 2025 as previously planned.
Sticky inflation isn’t limited to the United States. North of the border, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday (March 18) that the consumer price index ticked up to 2.6 percent in February, versus a more modest 1.9 percent increase in January.
The agency cited the end of the tax holiday implemented by the federal government in December as the primary source of the rise, as tax is included in CPI data. It also indicated the rise was moderated by slower price increases in gasoline.
Newly sworn-in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaced former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is expected to dissolve parliament this Sunday (March 23) and announce an election for April 28 or May 5. The election would occur amid a growing trade war between the US and Canada and shortly after a new round of global tariffs from the US is set to take effect on April 2.
For his part, Carney met with the premiers on Friday (March 21) to discuss opening up trade between the provinces and working to create a more unified Canadian economy. Currently, trade between provinces faces restrictions on many goods, from natural resources to alcohol and dairy products.
In Canada, markets were largely positive this week. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) gained 2.57 percent during the week to close at 637.79 on Friday (March 14), the S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) was up 1.7 percent to 24,968.49 and the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) dropped 0.4 percent to 123.20.
After seeing sharp declines in recent weeks, US equity markets were up slightly this week. The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) gained 0.6 percent to close the week at 5,667.57 and the Nasdaq 100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) rose 0.42 percent to 19,753.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) saw the largest gains adding 1.27 percent to 41,985.36.
Gold held above the US$3,000 mark this week and set a new all time high at US$3,053 following the Fed’s rate announcement. Overall, the gold price gained 1.23 percent over the week to US$3,021.85 per ounce at 4:00 p.m. EDT Friday. The silver price went the opposite direction, losing 2.35 percent during the period to US$33.03.
In base metals, the copper price broke through US$5 per pound this week, gaining 4.69 percent to close out Friday at US$5.12 per pound on the COMEX. Meanwhile, the S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) was up 1.18 percent to close at 558.21.
So how did mining stocks perform against this backdrop? We break down this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.
Data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView's stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market capitalizations greater than C$10 million are included. Companies within the non-energy minerals and energy minerals sectors were considered.
Weekly gain: 136.36 percent
Market cap: C$12.99 million
Share price: C$0.13
BCM Resources is an exploration company working to advance its flagship Thompson Knolls project in Utah, United States.
The greenfield copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver project in Utah's Great Basin consists of 225 federal unpatented lode mining claims and two state section leases covering an area of 2,242 hectares.
Exploration of the project area began in the 1970s, when a US Geological Survey aerial survey identified a prominent magnetic anomaly. In the 1990s, follow-up work was conducted at the target.
BCM carried out its last drill program at the property in 2023. At the time, the company announced that one drill hole encountered a significant mineral intercept of 0.66 percent copper, 0.12 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold and 7.4 g/t silver over 155.4 meters starting at a depth of 621.8 meters. The sample also contained eight intervals with greater than 1 percent copper over 24.3 meters.
The company received approval from the Bureau of Land Management for a plan of operation to continue drilling at the project. In a July 2024 update, the company released data from an analysis of the project’s porphyry-skarn system by the Colorado School of Mines, which it plans to use to prepare for the drilling at the site.
Although the company did not release news this week, shares were up alongside a surging copper price.
Weekly gain: 100 percent
Market cap: C$31.99 million
Share price: C$0.03
KWG Resources is a chromite and base metals exploration company focused on moving forward at its Ring of Fire assets in Northern Ontario, Canada. It does business as the Canadian Chrome Company.
The firm's properties consist of the Fancamp and Big Daddy claims, along with the Mcfaulds Lake, Koper Lake and Fishtrap Lake projects. All are located within a 40 kilometer radius, and according to the company are home to feeder magma chambers containing chromite, nickel and copper deposits.
KWG is currently working with local First Nations to improve transportation to the region through the development of road and rail links. The company announced on November 7 that it had signed a memorandum of agreement with AtkinsRealis Canada in its capacity as a contractor representing the Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations.
The agreement will allow AtkinsRealis temporary access rights over some mineral exploration claims in support of work permits for an environmental assessment for the design, construction and operation of a multi-use, all-season road between the proposed Marten Falls community access road and the proposed Webequie supply road.
Once completed, the link will provide improved access to communities and mining companies in the region.
KWG released a pair of news releases this week. On Tuesday, the company announced the closing of the second tranche of a private placement; the company raised gross aggregate proceeds of C$422,614.32 between the two rounds. It followed the news on Friday with the announcement of a proposed private placement for proceeds of up to C$5 million.
Weekly gain: 60 percent
Market cap: C$33.97 million
Share price: C$0.08
Sterling Metals is an exploration company working to advance a trio of projects in Canada.
Over the past year, its primary focus has been on exploration at its brownfield Copper Road project in Ontario. The 25,000 hectare property has hosted two past-producing copper mines and has the potential for larger intrusion-related copper mineralization.
On January 15, Sterling announced results from a 3D induced polarization and resistivity survey that covered an area of 5 kilometers by 3 kilometers and revealed multiple high-priority drill-ready targets.
The company intends to use the survey results, along with historical exploration, to inform a drill program at the site.
The company’s other two projects consist of Adeline, a 297 square kilometer district-scale property with sediment-hosted copper and silver mineralization along 44 kilometers of the strike, and Sail Pond, a silver, copper, lead and zinc project that hosts a 16 kilometer long linear soil anomaly and has seen 16,000 meters of drilling. Both properties are located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The most recent news came on Monday (March 17), when Sterling announced it had upsized its private placement for the second time. The expanded round will see gross proceeds of up to C$1.6 million.
Weekly gain: 60 percent
Market cap: C$33.97 million
Share price: C$0.08
Star Diamond is an exploration and development company working to advance its flagship Fort à la Corne diamond district in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The property is located 60 kilometers east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Previously a joint venture with Rio Tinto, Star Diamond acquired Rio Tinto’s stake in the project in March 2024 in exchange for 119.32 million shares in Star Diamond, resulting in Rio Tinto holding a 19.9 percent ownership position in the diamond junior.
Fort à la Corne has seen extensive exploration of kimberlite deposits, including geophysical surveys, large-diameter drilling and micro- and macro-diamond analyses.
The Star-Orion South diamond project, the most advanced project area in Star Diamonds' portfolio, is located within the district.
In 2018, the company released a PEA for Star-Orion South, which reported a resource of 27.15 million carats of diamonds from 200.16 million metric tons with an average grade of 14 carats per 100 metric tons. The inferred resource is 5.18 million carats from 72.08 million metric tons, with an average grade of 7 carats per 100 metric tons.
At the time, the company estimated a post-tax NPV of C$2 billion, an IRR of 19 percent and a payback period of 3 years and 5 months.
On January 9, Star Diamond announced that a 70.7 million share block held by a former project partner had been sold, with 61.12 million shares purchased by an international investor interested in diamonds.
The company’s most recent news came on February 27, when it announced that it had closed the second tranche of its private placement for gross proceeds of C$230,000, adding to the C$335,000 from the first tranche it closed on February 18. The funds will be used as working capital. According to the announcement, Star Diamond is discussing funding for a pre-feasibility study with potential investors.
Weekly gain: 58.62 percent
Market cap: C$35.01 million
Share price: C$0.46
Cordoba Minerals is an exploration company working to advance its flagship Alacran project in Colombia.
The 20,000 hectare property hosts copper, gold and silver mineralization across five deposits: Alacran, Alacran North, Montiel East, Montiel West and Costa Azul. The project is a 50/50 joint venture with JCHX Mining Management (SHA:603979).
A feasibility study for the project released in February 2024 demonstrated an after-tax net present value of US$360 million with an internal rate of return of 23.8 percent and a payback period of three years.
The mineral resource estimate for the Alacran deposit and historical tailings reported an indicated resource of 99.46 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 0.41 percent copper, 0.24 g/t gold and 2.65 g/t silver. Contained metal totals 904.53 million pounds of copper, 765,400 ounces of gold and 8.47 million ounces of silver.
The company’s most recent news came on January 10, when it reported that it had closed a US$10 million bridge financing deal with JCHX.
The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.
As of June 2024, there were 1,630 companies listed on the TSXV, 925 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,806 companies, with 188 of those being mining companies.
Together the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.
There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.
The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.
These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.
Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange's trading hours.
Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Copper prices surged past US$10,000 per metric ton on Thursday (March 20), hitting a five month high as traders scrambled to secure supply ahead of potential US tariffs on the base metal.
London Metal Exchange (LME) copper futures climbed sharply in early trading, reflecting a combination of supply constraints, rising demand and uncertainty surrounding trade policy.
US President Donald Trump has ordered a probe into the national security implications of copper imports, raising concerns that a 25 percent tariff could be imposed, similar to levies already placed on aluminum and steel.
The potential for such tariffs has triggered a wave of preemptive buying, particularly in the US, where traders are paying record premiums to acquire copper before any duties take effect. The spread between New York Comex futures and LME prices widened to more than US$1,254 this week, exceeding February’s high of US$1,149.
If the US imposes a 25 percent tariff on copper imports, analysts say the price gap between Comex and LME copper could widen even further, potentially surpassing US$2,000.
StoneX analyst Natalie Scott-Gray told the Financial Times that this would further distort global copper trade, creating strong incentives for suppliers to shift even more metal to the US market.
Wei Lai, deputy trading head at Zijin Mining Investment Shanghai, told Bloomberg that “a round of cross-regional repricing triggered by potential US tariffs" is unfolding. The rush to divert supply to the US is leaving other regions short of the metal, while also boosting investor confidence in copper as a lucrative commodity.
Beyond tariffs, the copper market is facing broader supply-side challenges. Processing fees for copper smelters have reached historic lows, raising concerns about the long-term viability of some refining operations. An oversupply of smelting capacity — particularly in China — has made it difficult for copper smelters to maintain profitability.
Commodities trading giant Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) recently announced it would halt operations at its Philippine copper smelter, citing “increasingly challenging market conditions” as processing fees collapsed.
More smelters could shut down if the situation persists, further tightening copper supply and boosting prices.
While trade policy is a key factor driving copper’s price surge, broader macroeconomic trends are also playing a role. Expectations of rising demand from Germany’s major infrastructure and military spending initiatives, as well as stimulus measures in China, are supporting bullish sentiment for the metal. Furthermore, some investors are diversifying away from US tech stocks, shifting funds into gold and industrial metals as a hedge against economic volatility.
During the recent Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention, Adrian Day, president of Adrian Day Asset Management, explained why US tariffs on copper imports would be a bad idea.
"Logically, if you're worried that we need a lot of copper in the US and we're not producing enough, the last thing you want to do is put tariffs on shipments from abroad," Day explained. "I suspect that the people making a recommendation will recommend no tariffs, and they'll recommend encouraging domestic production, and so on."
The positive impact of higher copper prices is already being felt across the mining sector.
Zijin Mining Group (OTC Pink:ZIJMF,SHA:601899), China’s largest metals producer, reported a 52 percent jump in profit last year, driven by increased output and soaring prices for copper and gold. The company posted net income of 32.1 billion yuan (US$4.4 billion), with revenue climbing 3.5 percent to 303.6 billion yuan.
Despite these gains, Zijin recently lowered its copper output target for 2025 by about 6 percent to 1.15 million metric tons, citing regulatory hurdles and geopolitical challenges that have slowed its overseas expansion. Resistance to Chinese acquisitions in western markets has also played a role in the company’s revised projections.
For now, the outlook for copper is uncertain as traders await the results of the US tariff investigation.
While final recommendations are unlikely to come until later this year, major investment banks, including Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Citigroup (NYSE:C), expect 25 percent import duties on copper by the end of 2025.
In the meantime, copper prices are likely to remain volatile.
As of midday on Thursday (March 20), LME copper was trading just below US$10,000, with other base metals showing mixed performance. Aluminum remained slightly higher, while nickel was steady.
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.
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.
Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO,OTC Pink:HLGVF) said on Monday (March 17) that it is accelerating development of the Nugent deposit at its Kanmantoo copper mine after raising AU$16 million.
The company secured AU$13 million through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors, and raised AU$3 million via a share purchase plan that was open to existing shareholders.
"Following the success of the recent excellent Nugent drilling results, our technical team have identified a path to accelerate the Nugent production profile,” said CEO and Managing Director Bob Fulker in a March 5 release.
Fulker was referring to results from a recent drilling program at the South Australia-based operation, including 18.55 metres at 5.69 percent copper and 1.02 grams per tonne gold — significantly higher than the resource grade.
“This acceleration will allow the Kanmantoo underground mine to increase production up to 1.8Mtpa, with increased production of copper units and a material consequential decrease in our unit costs," he added.
The company said the target expansion for the mining and processing rate is approximately 25 percent, noting that it expects to see changes within the first six months of 2026.
Hillgrove also said it has entered into relevant key contracts to start work on the decline to access ore.
Its existing contractor, PJL, will supply and maintain the requisite mining equipment, while construction engineering company Redpath will provide labour for the project. Both contractors are scheduled to start work in April.
Located approximately 55 kilometres from Adelaide, Kanmantoo operated as a series of open pits from 2010 to 2020. Hillgrove began underground mining at the site in May 2023, declaring commercial production in July 2024.
The project has three production areas: Kavanagh, Spitfire and Nugent. The first two are currently in operation.
“Having three active mining areas will increase the efficiency and flexibility of underground mining operations at Kanmantoo as well as providing a more diversified base of feed to our plant,” Fulker added.
Hillgrove successfully restarted the 3.6 million tonne per year processing plant at the site in 2018.
First ore processing from Nugent is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025, while ore from the deposit is expected to be delivered to the plant in the first half of 2026. It plans to complete 60,000 metres of drilling at the site this year.
In an interview with the Investing News Network, Guy Le Page, director at RM Corporate Finance, said that copper, uranium and select critical minerals are currently gaining attention in Australia.
The red metal is a strategic element in the country's road to net zero, as it is often used for renewable energy innovations such as electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels.
Mining giant BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) is projecting a 70 percent increase in copper demand by 2050, giving Hillgrove and other companies more reasons to boost their output of the key commodity.
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.
Kiribati is reportedly in discussions with China to explore deep-sea mining opportunities, signaling a potential shift in its approach to tapping into its vast offshore mineral resources.
The Pacific island nation holds the exploration rights to a 75,000 square kilometer area in the Pacific Ocean, a region believed to contain valuable deposits of cobalt, nickel, and copper — key materials for the global battery industry.
The talks between Kiribati and Chinese officials come after the collapse of a previous agreement with the Metals Company (TMC) (NASDAQ:TMC), a Canada-based deep-sea mining outfit.
TMC confirmed that the contract was terminated "mutually" at the end of 2024, stating that Kiribati's mining rights were "less commercially favourable than (its) other projects" with Nauru and Tonga.
In a Monday (March 17) statement, the Kiribati government described discussions with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Limin as "an exciting opportunity" to explore ways to potentially collaborate on exploring Kiribati's deep-ocean resources.
A fisheries official confirmed the government is seeking new foreign partners to advance its deep-sea mining ambitions.
Kiribati's engagement with China aligns with Beijing's broader push to secure access to critical minerals in the Pacific.
In February, China struck a five year deal with the Cook Islands to cooperate on seabed exploration, although the agreement does not include any mining or exploration licenses.
For its part, Kiribati has taken steps to deepen its ties with China in recent years, severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2019. Since then, Chinese companies have gained rights to exploit Kiribati's profitable fisheries, and Chinese police personnel have visited Tarawa, the country's capital, to train local security forces.
Opposition leader Tessie Lambourne has expressed concerns about China's growing influence on Kiribati, stating, "I always say that our government is bending over backwards to please China."
While Kiribati and other Pacific island nations, such as Nauru, view deep-sea mining as a potential economic boon, opposition remains strong among some regional neighbors.
Palau, Fiji and Samoa have called for a moratorium on the industry, citing significant environmental concerns.
Companies looking to exploit the seabed are targeting polymetallic nodules — rock-like formations rich in manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel. However, scientists warn that large-scale mining could have irreversible consequences for marine ecosystems, potentially disrupting poorly understood habitats.
The future of deep-sea mining is currently under debate at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations-affiliated body responsible for regulating seabed resources beyond national jurisdictions.
The Council of the ISA convened on Monday in Kingston, Jamaica, for two weeks of intensive negotiations aimed at finalizing regulations that would govern seabed mineral exploitation.
One key agenda item involves determining regulatory scenarios in case a country submits an application for seabed exploitation before formal rules are established. Delegations from Nauru and Chile were given additional time to agree on this issue, with discussions scheduled for March 28.
The Council of the ISA is also reviewing a revised draft of the exploitation regulations, focusing on environmental standards and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
A high-level discussion on the draft standards and guidelines is set for March 27. It will help determine which documents are ready for finalization, and which require further updates from the Legal and Technical Commission.
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.
Red Metal Resources (CSE:RMES,OTC Pink:RMESF) President and CEO Caitlin Jeffs underscores the importance of copper and hydrogen amid global developments in artificial intelligence and the future of technology.
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