Annual Report to shareholders - 30 June 2024
Summary
- Viridis Mining reported a net loss after tax of $8,314,168 for the year ended 30 June 2024, compared to a loss of $814,226 in 2023.
- The company's cash balance increased significantly from $1,241,233 to $5,231,182 during the year.
- Viridis acquired the Colossus Rare Earths project in Brazil on August 1, 2023, and has since completed over 15,000 meters of drilling.
- The Colossus project's maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) is 201Mt @ 2,590ppm TREO, with 668ppm Magnet REO (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb).
- Metallurgical testing at Colossus yielded impressive recoveries of Neodymium & Praseodymium (76%) and Dysprosium & Terbium (65%).
- Viridis has signed two MOUs with Brazilian governments to expedite permitting and production at Colossus.
- The company has a joint venture with Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) to develop downstream processing for Colossus.
- Viridis also holds interests in other projects in Australia and Canada, but these are less advanced than Colossus.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: While the company highlights significant progress on its flagship project, the substantial net loss overshadows the positive developments, resulting in a moderate sentiment score.
Positives
- Significant increase in cash balance from $1,241,233 to $5,231,182.
- Impressive results from the Colossus project's maiden MRE.
- Strong metallurgical test results showing high recoveries of key rare earth elements.
- Strategic MOUs with Brazilian governments to accelerate project development.
- Successful joint venture with Ionic Rare Earths Limited for downstream processing.
Negatives
- Substantial net loss after tax of $8,314,168 for FY2024.
- Material uncertainty related to the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Risks
- Material uncertainty exists regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern due to significant losses and cash outflows.
- The company's projects are subject to various operational risks, including exploration failures, technical difficulties, and infrastructure limitations.
- Additional funding may be required to progress projects, and there's no guarantee that such funding will be available on favorable terms.
- The company's operations are subject to government regulations and approvals, which could change and impact viability.
- General economic conditions, interest rates, inflation, and currency exchange rates could negatively affect operations and funding.
- Native title and Aboriginal heritage issues could impede project progress.
- The success of the Colossus project depends on obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
Future Outlook
The Board is confident that 2025 will be even more significant in terms of accomplishments as we transition from an explorer to a developer within the Rare Earths sector. The Colossus Ionic mineralisation with such high grades offers us a disruptive opportunity to potentially become a major player in this sector in the foreseeable future.
Management Comments
- On behalf of my fellow Board members, I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report for Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd and extend our gratitude for your ongoing support of our endeavours in Brazil.
- As we reflect on the last financial year, despite challenging market conditions, we are motivated by the critical role the Rare Earths sector will play in global decarbonisation.
- The transition to electric vehicles and wind energy is an inevitable next step in addressing the need for a green economy around the globe, driven by a robust Rare Earths supply chain.
- Through our acquisition of the Colossus project, we have undergone a transformational financial year, aligning our project with the net zero emission target set by the European Parliament for 2050.
- With 201Mt @ 2,590ppm TREO and an outstanding Magnet REO (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb) content of 668 ppm, the Colossus resource ranks among the highest graded Ionic Adsorption Clay projects globally.
- Viridis is the only company which has successfully signed two MOUs with both local and state governments to fast-track its Rare Earth project through permitting and towards production, putting Colossus in a uniquely favourable position.
- The Board is excited to report our maiden Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate with comprehensive recoveries across the flowsheet.
- We intend to maintain consistent drilling and reporting of results throughout the year while simultaneously advancing our development pathway to unlock the full potential of Colossus.
- With only ~7% of the Colossus area explored to date and already generating remarkable results, we have merely scratched the surface of this project's true scale and quality.
- We eagerly anticipate unveiling the full potential of the Colossus Ionic Adsorption Clay Project in the upcoming financial year.
- While the past 12 months have been filled with successes for Viridis, the Board is confident that 2025 will be even more significant in terms of accomplishments as we transition from an explorer to a developer within the Rare Earths sector.
- The Rare Earths market, though critical for the global green energy transition, has traditionally presented a high barrier to entry, leading to rigid supply chains and a limited number of players.
- However, the Colossus Ionic mineralisation with such high grades offers us a disruptive opportunity to potentially become a major player in this sector in the foreseeable future.
Industry Context
The announcement positions Viridis as a potential major player in the growing rare earths market, driven by the global transition to green energy. The high grades and strategic location of the Colossus project, coupled with government support and downstream processing plans, differentiate Viridis from competitors.
Next Steps
- Build on the June 2024 Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Colossus.
- Continue deeper RC drilling across concessions and consolidate land position.
- Continue large-scale metallurgical testing in partnership with ANSTO.
- Advance development pathway to unlock the full potential of Colossus.
- Implement partnership with Ionic Rare Earths Limited to develop downstream processing.
- Conduct a scoping study utilizing SST to assess economic implications of integrating this technology.
Key Dates
- 2020-06-30: Financial year end
- 2021-04-30: Options granted
- 2021-06-30: Financial year end
- 2022-01-24: Options granted
- 2022-05-03: Agha Shahzad Pervez's agreement commenced
- 2022-01-17: Christopher Gerteisen's agreement commenced
- 2022-02-17: Timothy Harrison's agreement commenced
- 2022-06-30: Financial year end
- 2023-02-13: Michael Melamed resigned
- 2023-03-17: Faheem Ahmed's agreement commenced
- 2023-04-26: ASX release on Philips Kaolin Deposits
- 2023-05-22: Company announced successful staking of Ytterby and Star Lake claims
- 2023-07-14: ASX release on successful earn-in of South Kitikmeot Gold Project
- 2023-08-01: Company announced securing of Colossus project
- 2023-08-14: ASX release on additional land acquisition for Colossus
- 2023-10-26: Shannon Robinson resigned as Joint Company Secretary
- 2023-11-10: ASX release on additional land acquisition for Colossus
- 2023-12-06: Rafael Moreno appointed CEO
- 2023-12-20: ASX release on Smoky Project assay results
- 2024-01-24: Options granted
- 2024-02-20: Jose Carlos Guedes Rosado appointed to the Board
- 2024-03-06: ASX release on additional land acquisition for Colossus
- 2024-03-20: ASX release on ANSTO metallurgical test results
- 2024-04-06: ASX release on Colossus MRE
- 2024-04-18: ASX release on significant breakthrough in metallurgical results
- 2024-06-14: Viridis announced the resignation of Hall Chadwick WA Audit Pty Ltd and appointment of RSM Australia Partners as the Companys auditor
- 2024-06-30: Financial year end
- 2024-07-16: Company issued performance rights and shares to project vendors
- 2024-08-13: Company announced acquisition of new tenement
- 2024-09-20: Financial statements authorised for issue
- 2024-09-20: Auditor's independence declaration dated
- 2024-11-29: Annual General Meeting held
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Operational Update
- Viridis and Viridion are well-placed to capitalize on significant funding opportunities provided by two FINEP / BNDES Public Calls, which total R$8 Billion (approximately US $1.4 Billion) for strategic mineral transformation and R&D centers.
- The potential funding available will fast-track the Colossus and Viridion development timelines, indicating a future capital injection to accelerate project progress.
Operational Update
- The document highlights 'exceptional project economics even at todays cyclical low rare earth prices', indicating strong performance despite challenging market conditions.
- The successful delivery of the first locally sourced rare earth oxides to Latin America's only magnet manufacturer is described as a 'significant milestone', surpassing typical expectations for project development.
- The unique positioning of Viridion as the 'only local source of oxides to Brazil and broader Latin America' provides a strategic advantage that exceeds standard market positioning.
Quarterly Activity Report
- The JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the Colossus Project increased by 140%, reaching 493Mt @ 2,508ppm TREO and 601ppm MREO, which is better than previous estimates.
Interim Financial Report
- The company completed a $3.5 million placement on February 4, 2025, at $0.33 per share.
- The company completed a placement to raise A$4 million through an equity issue at $0.52 per share in October 2024.
Interim Financial Report
- The company's net loss after tax decreased compared to the previous year, indicating improved financial performance.
Scoping Study Announcement
- The Colossus project's economics, including a pre-tax NPV8 of US$1.43 billion and an IRR of 43%, suggest better than expected results.
Project Update
- The Colossus project boasts the largest and highest-grade MREO Measured & Indicated IAC resource globally.
- Metallurgical testing shows industry-leading MREO recoveries of 76-78% using a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly process.
Reinstatement Announcement
- The reinstatement of trading is directly linked to an announcement regarding a capital raising.
- The company is expected to announce details of the capital raising soon.
Trading Halt Request
- The company has requested a trading halt pending an announcement regarding a capital raising.
Environmental and Regulatory Update
- The company is continuing to focus on project financing discussions.
Resource Upgrade Announcement
- The resource size increased by 140%, which is significantly better than expected.
- The Measured & Indicated resource is now the largest and highest grade globally, which is better than industry standards.
Exploration Update
- The resource estimate has increased by 140%, which is better than expected.
- The project has the largest and highest-grade MREO resource in the Measured & Indicated categories globally, which is better than expected.
- Metallurgical recoveries are industry-leading, which is better than expected.
Exploration Update
- The results are better than expected due to the industry-leading 78% MREO recoveries, which exceed typical recoveries in similar projects.
- The low impurity level of approximately 0.7% is significantly better than global benchmarks for public IAC projects.
- The high TREO content of 58% in the final MREC product, along with a 38% MREO/TREO ratio, surpasses expected values and indicates a high-quality deposit.
Exploration Update
- The drill results were significantly better than expected due to the discovery of multiple exceptionally thick and high-grade rare earth intercepts, exceeding previous expectations for both grade and width.
Annual General Meeting Results
- Approval of a 10% placement facility was granted.
- Ratification of prior share issues (April and October placements) was approved.
Investor Presentation
- The high-grade nature of the MRE, exceeding expectations, and the exceptional metallurgical recoveries are significantly better than anticipated.
Investor Presentation
- $4 million capital raise completed on 14 October 2024
Metallurgical Test Results
- The ionic recoveries achieved at the Southern Complex significantly exceeded expectations, surpassing all previous results at the Colossus project and demonstrating a superior economic profile.
Annual General Meeting Notice
- Resolution 4 seeks shareholder approval for a 10% placement facility, potentially raising additional capital.
- Resolution 10 seeks approval to issue 1,712,308 October Placement Shares to Tranche 2 participants, potentially raising approximately $0.9 million.
Exploration Update
- The drilling results significantly exceeded expectations, with multiple intersections revealing exceptionally high grades and thicknesses of rare earth elements, particularly MREOs, far surpassing previous models.
Capital Raise Announcement
- The successful A$4 million placement exceeded expectations, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the company and its Colossus project.
- The exceptional maiden MREC results from the Colossus project significantly exceeded expectations, showcasing superior economics and potential to disrupt the industry.
Trading Halt Announcement
- The company is undertaking a capital raising.
Annual Report
- The company's ability to issue additional shares under the Corporation Act 2001 to raise further capital. The Group has a history of successfully raising funds from equity raisings in the past
Annual Report
- The company reported a significant net loss after tax of $8,314,168 for FY2024, substantially exceeding the previous year's loss of $814,226, indicating worse than expected financial performance.
Exploration Update
- The company acquired new tenements at a low cost, expanding its landholding in key prospects.
- Drilling results indicate high-grade mineralisation in the Cupim South Extension.
Quarterly Activity Report
- The company announced a globally significant maiden MRE for the Colossus IAC Project of 201Mt @ 2,590ppm TREO with 668ppm MREO.
- Metallurgical test work at the Colossus IAC Project achieved high bulk composite sample recoveries globally, averaging 79% recovery in a 30-minute leach cycle.
Exploration Update
- The drilling results are better than expected due to the high TREO grades and MREO concentrations discovered at the Cupim South extension.
- The infill drilling at the Northern Concessions returned grades over twice the block model estimates, indicating a significant improvement in the resource potential.
Missing type for ID: 2009
- ASX:VMM announces better than expected results.
Missing type for ID: 3480
- ASX:VMM announces worse than expected results.
Market Announcement
- The granting of the Cupim South mining licenses and Centro Sul exploration licenses is better than expected as it secures critical tenements for the company's development strategy.
Exploration Update
- The drilling results have exceeded expectations by discovering higher grades and extending the mineralized zones beyond the previously known resource area.
Mineral Resource Estimate
- The Colossus project has a high MREO content compared to its peers.
Investor Presentation
- The document highlights better than expected results due to the high grades of rare earth elements found near the surface.
- The document highlights better than expected results due to the high recoveries achieved in initial metallurgical testing.
- The document highlights better than expected results due to the strategic partnerships and government support secured.
Exploration Update
- The drilling results at Ribeirao encountered significantly higher grades than previously anticipated, improving the potential resource estimate.
- The mineralized footprint at Cupim South has doubled, indicating a larger resource potential than initially expected.
Quarterly Activity Report
- The drilling results exceeded expectations with high-grade zones and new discoveries.
- Metallurgical testing showed exceptional ionic adsorption recoveries.
- The company secured additional mining rights and expanded its land position.
Trading Halt Request
- The company is undertaking a capital raising.
- The details of the capital raising will be released in a subsequent announcement.
Metallurgical Test Results Announcement
- The maiden bulk met test work completed at Colossus exceeded expectations.
- The average ionic recoveries of magnet rare earth elements (MREE), including Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr), Dysprosium (Dy), and Terbium (Tb), outperformed every publicly known IAC prospect and deposit globally.
Exploration Update
- The discovery of the highest peak grade publicly reported by any company within the entire Complex of 27,087ppm TREO is better than expected.
Joint Venture Announcement
- The Parties acknowledge and agree that on and from the Commencement Date (being the date the JV Co is incorporated), a detailed budget and funding model will be developed to inform future funding requirements, which must be agreed by both Parties.
Joint Venture Announcement
- The joint venture aims to be the first producer of refined Rare Earth Oxides (REO) in Brazil, utilizing innovative separation and recycling technologies, which is better than the current industry standard.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.