Interview with Chris Stevens, CEO of Coda Minerals Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/coda-minerals-cod-robust-npv-in-south-australia-copper-scoping-study-3044

Recording date: 16th April 2024

Coda Minerals (ASX:COD) is an emerging copper-cobalt developer focused on the Elizabeth Creek project in the heart of South Australia's copper country. With a large resource base, compelling project economics, and multiple avenues for value creation, Coda offers investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the strong long-term fundamentals of the copper and cobalt markets.

Elizabeth Creek is a significant copper-cobalt deposit, with a JORC resource of over 500,000 tonnes of contained copper and 23,000 tonnes of contained cobalt. A recent Scoping Study outlined an 11-year mine life operation producing 25,000-27,000 tonnes of copper and 1,300 tonnes of cobalt per annum, with robust economics including a pre-tax NPV of A$735 million and IRR of 31%.

Importantly, the study results are considered conservative, with multiple opportunities identified to further optimize and enhance returns. Since the initial study, Coda has undertaken optimization work focused on the underground portion of the mine plan, delivering an impressive 30% increase in NPV. CEO Chris Stevens sees significant potential for additional improvements through resource growth, metallurgical optimization, and mine scheduling.

A key point of differentiation for Elizabeth Creek is the unique nature of its cobalt endowment. The cobalt is hosted in a rare mineral called Carrollite, which is amenable to conventional processing through flotation and pressure oxidation, with recoveries of over 90%. This is a major advantage over other Australian cobalt projects, which typically face technical challenges in extracting the cobalt. The cobalt component of Elizabeth Creek could therefore command a strategic premium, particularly given concerns around security of cobalt supply.

As a junior company, the key challenge for Coda is funding the development of Elizabeth Creek. Management's preferred pathway is to secure a strategic partner to finance the project through to production. Discussions are ongoing with a range of potential counterparties, and the company has prepared a comprehensive data room. Alternative funding options, such as a partial asset sale or joint venture, are also being evaluated. Importantly, Coda is not currently contemplating a highly dilutive equity raise.

In the near term, Coda will continue to focus on optimization work to enhance the project economics and further de-risk the development. Key upcoming catalysts include drill results, updated resource estimates, metallurgical test work, and release of the Pre-Feasibility Study. As these milestones are delivered, Coda should be well positioned to secure an attractive funding package and advance Elizabeth Creek towards development.

With a market capitalization of just A$20 million, Coda trades at a deep discount to the NPV of its flagship asset and to comparable peers in the copper space. As the company continues to systematically derisk and add value to Elizabeth Creek, there is potential for significant share price upside. For investors looking for exposure to the compelling long-term fundamentals of copper and cobalt, Coda Minerals presents a unique opportunity.

View Coda Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/coda-minerals-ltd

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