Weekly Brief 18th September
This week WWII veteran and national treasure Captain Sir Tom Moore, who stole the nation’s heart by raising £33million for the NHS by walking laps in his garden, has returned to the headlines by setting up a mental health foundation in memory of his late wife in his unfaltering dedication to giving people “a little bit of hope”.
After years of visiting and caring for his wife Pamela in a care home everyday, he would notice many of the residents would have very few visitors or none at all and considered how lonely they must be. So in setting up his foundation, its core theme is “to help lonely people and people who are in difficulties”, and emphasises that it is not only for older people but those of all ages who need help combatting loneliness. With lockdown restrictions and this week’s new limits on social gatherings, Sir Tom once again comes during our hardest times to gift us that ray of hope. As we enjoy these last moments of summer before autumn begins by relaxing in the garden whilst sipping on a John Collins (Sir Tom’s favourite cocktail), let us look forward with his same optimism, that is now the title of his biography: “Tomorrow will be a good day”.
Client News
Jangada Mines Plc (AIM: JAN) commissioned GE21 Consultoria Mineral to produce a Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) report on the Pitombeiras Vanadium Project in Brazil, which will be funded out of existing cash resources. Marking a key step in the project’s development, this work programme follows the positive initial resource estimate of 5.70Mt at an average grade of 0.51% vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), 10.09% titanium dioxide and 50.42% of ferric oxide for a contained resource of 28,990 tonnes V2O5. Further drilling is also due to commence later this month to delineate a further approximately 10 million tonnes at key targets.
Vast Resources Plc (AIM: VAST) updated the market on its progress at the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania. Activities for the new steel bridge installation process are on schedule and is being installed today ahead of first concentrate sales next month.
Emmerson Plc (LSE: EML) provided an update on the significant progress being made at the Khemisset Potash Project in Morocco. The permitting process is on track with its main permits targeted to be in place by H1 2021 and multiple work streams are in progress to de-risk the project further in order to provide confidence in the project’s finance and due diligence processes. Furthermore, Emmerson announced its interim results for the six month period ended 30 June 2020. During this key period, a number of significant developments have been moved closer to production and have enhanced shareholder value. This includes the confirmation of the Feasibility Study at Khemisset Potash Project, which is now moving towards ‘shovel ready’ status, and the published socio-economic study results showed the project’s impact on increasing the local GDP per capita by an estimated 40%.
Cora Gold Limited (AIM: CORA) appointed Mr Norman Bailie as Head of Exploration with immediate effect, assuming the position previously held by Dr Jonathan Forster who will continue as an adviser to the company. Mr Bailie’s significant experience in gold mining and exploration across Africa is ideally suited to help take Cora to the next stage in its development and in its next field season as it works towards completing the DFS at Sanankoro by the end of 2021.
Papillon Holdings Plc (LSE: PPHP) is making good progress towards completing the transaction with Mayflower Capital Investments Pty Limited announced on 3 September 2020, which will see Papillon acquiring some or all of the interest of two gold assets in Kenya and Congo Brazzaville and being renamed Gold Mines of Africa Plc on readmission. Mayflower has confirmed that technical and legal due diligence has been completed positively on these assets. Moreover, the Kenyan asset, Kilimapesa, has successfully recommenced gold production with the first smelt having taken place on 14 September 2020 yielding a 3,377g gold bar. At a corporate level, as part of the transaction further updates have been made on the planned Board restructuring. Lord Monson, who is currently Non-Executive Director, will become Non-Executive Chairman and replace James Longley in the position, who remains as CFO and Non-Executive Director. Three new directors will be joining: Robbie McCrae as Executive Director, and both Dr Elena Clarici and Gerard Kisby-Green as Non-Executive Directors. These appointments are subject to the standard director checks and the completion of the transaction. Mayflower will continue to serve in an advisory capacity to identify and negotiate the potential acquisitions of advanced and producing gold projects as part of its strategy.
Ferro Alloy Resources (LSE: FAR) raised c. £733,000 via an equity subscription and an issue of bonds on the Astana Stock Exchange in Kazakhstan. The funds will be used in part to further build connection to the adjacent high voltage power line for greater reliability and cost effectiveness, and omplete the installation of the equipment to convert ammonium metavanadate (AMV) to vanadium pentoxide.
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CEO of Oracle Power Plc (AIM: ORCP) Naheed Memon spoke with Proactive Investors on last Friday’s meeting with top-level government and business delegations.
CEO of Kodal Minerals (AIM: KOD) Bernard Aylward spoke with Jeune Afrique Business on the evaluation of Bougouni Lithium Project with Power China.
In the news this week…
Read more about Captain Sir Tom Moore’s new foundation.
This week commemorated the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s historic voyage in 1620 from Plymouth to what is now Massachusetts – around 30 million Americans can trace their inheritance to those 130 passengers.
The family of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police in her home in March, will receive a settlement of $12m from Louisville’s officials.
The Royal Mint is to stop producing 2p and £2 coins due to excess stock for at least a decade.
A potential biological signature for life has been discovered on Venus.
Britain sells the first ever bonds with negative interest rates.
Psychologists confirm that anticipating a holiday can be a form of self-care and there are ways to recreate that positive pre-holiday feeling whilst travel restrictions continue.
Police back Uber’s bid to maintain its UK operating licence because it shares information with the police on drivers, passengers and journeys – sharing around 2,000 pieces of ‘vital’ information in London alone.
Stan, the most complete T-Rex skeleton to be discovered, is up for auction at Christie’s in New York City for $8 million.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography award 2020 finalists can be seen here for a quick pick me up!