Interview with Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/canada-nickel-tsxvcnc-secures-billion-funding-5990

Recording date: 14th November 2024

Canada Nickel (TSXV:CNC) is rapidly advancing the Crawford project toward becoming the Western world's largest nickel sulfide operation, with recent developments substantially de-risking both the project's funding and permitting pathway.

The company has secured significant funding commitments toward the $2 billion project cost, including $500 million US from Export Development Canada (EDC) and another $500 million from a leading financial institution. Additionally, the project qualifies for approximately $600 million in Canadian government tax credits related to critical minerals and carbon capture storage.

CEO Mark Selby outlines that of the total $2.5 billion funding requirement ($1.5B debt, $1B equity), the company has visibility on most of the debt package, with EDC's role as lead arranger crucial in attracting other government credit agencies and commercial banks. On the equity side, after accounting for tax credits and Samsung's $100 million commitment, the company only needs to secure approximately $300 million, with discussions ongoing with battery supply chain participants and private equity groups.

The project's timeline is clearly defined, with several near-term catalysts:
Environmental Impact Statement filing completion within days
Federal permitting decision expected by summer/fall 2025
Construction decision targeted for fall 2025
30-month construction period to production

The project economics are compelling, with an NPV of $2.5 billion US. The company expects to retain 60-70% ownership post-funding, representing significant potential value for shareholders. Recent exploration success has enhanced the project's potential, with high-grade discoveries at Bannockburn showing 4% nickel over 4 meters and 12 meters of 1.6%.

The macro environment strongly supports the project's development. Critical minerals security has become a national security priority for both the US and Europe, with strong bipartisan support in the US regardless of administration changes. As Selby notes, "Critical minerals are really a national security issue for both the US and Europe. Those of us who are going to be inside the fence are going to benefit from whatever tariffs end up being placed on Chinese production."

Beyond Crawford, the company controls multiple regional targets, with several showing potential to exceed Crawford's scale. An initial resource for the Reid property, which may be larger than Crawford, is expected before year-end. The company is also developing downstream processing opportunities, recently strengthened by key appointments including Julian Ovens, former Chief of Staff to senior ministers and executive at BHP and Rio Tinto.

For investors, Canada Nickel offers exposure to World's largest western nickel sulfide project, strong government support and funding commitments, clear timeline to construction decision, multiple near-term catalysts, regional exploration upside, and strategic positioning in critical minerals space.

With major milestones approaching and significant funding secured, Canada Nickel appears well-positioned to advance Crawford toward production while maintaining majority ownership for shareholders.

View Canada Nickel's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/canada-nickel

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