Company Presentation - May 2024
Summary
- Viridis Mining & Minerals Ltd is focused on developing the Colossus Ionic Clay Project in the Poos De Caldas Alkaline Complex, Brazil.
- The company has increased its landholding to 239 km2, with a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) covering 16 km2 expected by the end of Q2 2024.
- Initial metallurgical testing shows high recoveries using standard Ammonium Sulfate (AMSUL) wash.
- Viridis has signed MOUs with local and state governments to support project development.
- The company has a JV with Ionic Rare Earths (IXR) for REO separation and refining technology.
- The project benefits from homogenous mineralization, high individual grades (over 27,000ppm), and significant Heavy Rare Earth Oxide (HREO) content from the surface.
- Exploration at Fazenda Mining License has uncovered shallow Dysprosium and Terbium potential, with intercepts up to 23,556ppm TREO.
- Cupim South shows mega growth potential with zones up to 24,894ppm TREO and 80% Magnet REE recoveries.
- The company is conducting further metallurgical drilling and leaching optimization testing with ANSTO.
- A Scoping Study is expected in Q3 2024, with a Pre-Feasibility Study to follow, focusing on the Northern Concessions.
- Construction approval is targeted by Q2 2026.
Sentiment
Score: 8
Explanation: The document presents a highly positive outlook for the Colossus project, emphasizing its strategic advantages, high-grade mineralization, and strong government support. The focus on rapid development and partnerships further contributes to the positive sentiment.
Positives
- The Colossus project has homogenous mineralization and high grades.
- The company has secured a strategic land position in an ideal location.
- Initial metallurgical testing shows high recoveries.
- The project has local and state government support through signed MOUs.
- The company has an experienced board and management team.
- The project has a JV with a leading REO separation and refining technology provider (IXR).
- The project has a rapid pathway to production due to government agreements, an experienced team, and mature technology.
- The Fazenda Mining License has high-grade HREOs near the surface.
- Cupim South has large unexplored land package and minimal permitting risk.
Risks
- Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties.
- The company relies on third-party sources for some information, which has not been independently verified.
- Environmental approvals are required from the State and Local governments.
Future Outlook
Viridis aims to progress rapidly from explorer to producer, with a focus on resource development, metallurgical testing, engineering studies, and environmental licensing, targeting initial production in the coming years.
Management Comments
- The selection by Invest Minas at such an early stage in our development journey highlights the importance of Colossus at local, state and federal levels.
- The Agreement through Invest Minas will facilitate and fast track regulatory and environmental approvals between Viridis and government departments.
- MoU with Poos De Caldas solidifies the commitment from the local government to support the development of the Colossus Project through supply of power, water, sewage to our future Production and Mining facilities.
- The local Secretariat of the Environment will assist Viridis to obtain authorisation and/or environmental license from the State of Minas Gerais to carry out interventions in the area, as well as operating authorisation.
Industry Context
The presentation highlights the race to develop a Western supply chain for rare earths, positioning the Poos De Caldas Alkaline Complex as a potential alternative to China's dominance in the market. The project aims to supply critical metals for green technologies, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The Colossus project is compared to other ionic clay deposits, emphasizing its advantages such as simple processing, low environmental impact, and high-value chemical carbonate product.
- The project's high recoveries in metallurgical testing are claimed to be among the highest worldwide.
- The presentation mentions Lynas Corp as one of the leading Rare Earths businesses outside of China.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Potential for increased value through successful project development and rare earth production.
- Employees: Creation of jobs and opportunities in the mining and processing sectors.
- Customers: A potential new source of refined Rare Earth Oxides (REO) in Brazil.
- Suppliers: Opportunities for businesses providing equipment, services, and materials to the project.
- Creditors: Potential for future financing opportunities as the project progresses.
- Local Community: Support for the local economy in a sustainable manner.
Next Steps
- Complete the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) by the end of Q2 2024.
- Conduct further metallurgical drilling and leaching optimization testing with ANSTO.
- Complete the Scoping Study in Q3 2024, focusing on the Northern Concessions.
- Commence the Pre-Feasibility Study in Q3 2024, focusing on the Northern Concessions.
- Deliver an Updated Resource Estimate in Q4 2024.
- Obtain Construction approval by Q2 2026.
Key Dates
- Since 1965: Largest plant in the Complex operating since 1965, located 2km away from the Northern Concessions.
- 8 May 2024: Share price and market capitalization data as of this date.
- End of Q2 2024: Expected issue of Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) covering 16km2.
- June 2024: Leaching optimisation testing to commence.
- Q3 2024: Scoping Study to be completed, focusing on the Northern Concessions.
- Q3 2024: Pre-Feasibility Study to commence, focusing on the Northern Concessions.
- Q4 2024: Updated Resource Estimate to be delivered.
- Q2 2026: Alger aim to deliver Construction approval.
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.