Proactive - Interviews for investors

The FTSE 100 held flat this morning after a mixed bag of company results failed to push the blue-chip index in a specific direction.

Vodafone lifted slightly in early trades despite cutting its dividend, after management announced a €2 billion share buyback. Both sales and profits sank at the telecoms giant - no surprise to the market which had already forecast the slump.

Paddy Power owner Flutter dropped after reporting one of its last results as a London-listed company. Although it highlighted growth in its US sportsbook FanDuel and in company-wide sales, the group saw its losses widen due to higher non-cash charges.

Anglo American, which has been a takeover target for some weeks now, announced company-wide changes including the sale of its De Beers diamond business and the divestment of its steelmaking coal business.

#proactiveinvestors #marketreport #ftse #ftse100 #footsie #vodafone #paddypower #flutter #angloamerican #bhp #debeers #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) managing director Alex Biggs joins Proactive’s Jonathan Jackson to discuss promising results from aircore drilling at Dundas South, Western Australia. The exploration initiative, which concluded in February 2024, consisted of 96 holes totalling 3,820 metres, primarily targeting lithium and rubidium. Assay have confirmed significant occurrences of lithium (up to 994ppm) and rubidium (up to 1,834ppm) at depths reaching 26 metres. This work builds on and enhances the understanding of previously identified mineral anomalies.

Biggs expressed optimism about nearing a potential lithium source, citing the methodical exploration strategy encompassing geophysics, soil sampling and drilling as pivotal in pinpointing key areas. The company plans continued exploration to further these findings.

The recent drilling highlighted three key areas showing elevated lithium and pathfinder element levels, suggesting potential pegmatite systems that could support lithium enrichment. Specific drill sites have shown geological features indicative of hydrothermal activities favourable for lithium, with one drill hole displaying particularly high lithium concentrations in an unusual lithology, indicating further investigation is needed to understand the underlying causes of these anomalies.

Additionally, Lightning Minerals is expanding its footprint by acquiring new projects in Brazil’s Lithium Valley and Quebec, Canada, aiming to bolster its exploration strategy across globally significant lithium districts.

#ProactiveInvestors #LightningMinerals #ASX #DundasProject, #lithium, #rubidium, #WesternAustralia, #mining, #exploration, #geology, #minerals, #drilling, #pegmatite, #resource, #mineralExploration, #aircoreDrilling, #soilSampling, #geophysics, #hydrothermal, #lithiumValley, #Brazil, #Canada

#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Polymetals Resources Ltd (ASX: POL) executive chairman David Sproule sits down with Proactive’s Jonathan Jackson to discuss the acquisition of the Endeavor Silver, Zinc & Lead Mine. This revised acquisition, through Polymetals' subsidiary Cobar Metals Pty Ltd, ensures 100% ownership of the mine and its associated exploration tenements in NSW's Cobar Basin. The new agreements allow for a two-year deferral on the replacement of the approximately $28 million Endeavor Mine Rehabilitation Bond, originally due by April 2024, under the conditions of a prior agreement. This extension aids Polymetals in securing project financing and hastening the mine’s restart, with production aimed for the first half of 2025.

The updated deal not only transfers ownership but also positions Polymetals to enhance economic contributions to the local community by creating over 200 jobs and potentially increasing the mine's life through further exploration and treatment improvements. This acquisition, pending shareholder approval and compliance with several set conditions, marks a significant stride towards leveraging the favourable market conditions for base metals. Shareholder consent is particularly crucial for the grant of security over assets owned by Cobar Operations Pty Ltd and Endeavor Operations Pty Ltd, as required under the financial assistance provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

#ProactiveInvestors #ASX #Polymetals, #EndeavorMine, #SilverMining, #ZincMining, #LeadMining, #MiningAcquisition, #CBHResources, #TohoZinc, #MiningAustralia, #CobarNSW, #MiningJobs, #ResourceSector, #BaseMetals, #MineRehabilitation, #MiningEconomics, #ExplorationSuccess, #MiningOperations, #ASXPol, #MiningIndustry, #ResourceManagement

#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Mako Gold Ltd (ASX:MKG) managing director Peter Ledwidge sits down with Jonathan Jackson in the Proactive studio to chat through the completion of a mechanical trenching program at the Tchaga North prospect within the Napié Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, covering 762 metres with samples taken at 1-metre intervals.

The trenching targeted new high-grade gold zones identified by recent field mapping and rock chip sampling, yielding high gold concentrations (79.50 g/t, 76.10 g/t, 60.66 g/t). The zones examined included the Ladder Zone, Central Zone, Double Zone and other newly mapped areas. Mako is now awaiting assay results to further evaluate the trenches and plan subsequent drilling operations.

The trenches revealed numerous east-west oriented quartz veins and stringers in stockworks, which have not yet been tested by drilling.

Additionally, Mako continues to explore strategic partnership opportunities for its Korhogo Manganese Project, also in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to secure third-party funding to focus more on the Napié Gold Project. Management has noted increased interest in this project and is planning site visits soon.

Ledwidge noted the resilience of the company’s low-cost exploration strategy amid market fluctuations and the impact of Cyclone Megan on manganese prices, which has also seen increased demand due to its use in electric vehicles. Mako remains optimistic about leveraging rising prices for both gold and manganese.

Furthermore, Mako concluded its due diligence for the potential acquisition of Goldridge, having previously signed an Exclusivity Deed with Goldridge. While this deed has expired, Mako awaits further assay results from Goldridge’s ongoing 4,000-metre diamond drilling program before making final acquisition decisions.

#ProactiveInvestors #MakoGoldLtd #ASX #NapiéGoldProject, #TchagaNorth, #goldmining, #CotedIvoire, #KorhogoManganeseProject, #strategicpartnership, #mining, #geology, #goldexploration, #manganese, #EVmaterials, #CycloneMegan, #mineralprices, #GoldridgeAcquisition, #drillingprogram, #quartzveins, #miningstocks, #MKG

#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Sarytogan Graphite Ltd (ASX: SGA) managing director Sean Gregory sits down with Proactive’s Jonathan Jackson to discuss how its high-purity graphite, previously verified at above 99.999% carbon purity, has achieved an impressive Equivalent Boron Content (EBC) assay of 1.1 ppm.

This result is well below the 2 ppm maximum required for nuclear-grade graphite, confirming its suitability for high-specification applications such as nuclear reactors. This benchmark was achieved through independent assays performed in the USA, highlighting the graphite's compliance with stringent international standards.

Gregory says that this achievement adds a super-premium aspect to their product range, enhancing its appeal in various markets, including lithium-ion batteries and advanced industrial applications. He also notes that the pre-feasibility study is progressing as planned, with publication expected in the third quarter of the year.

Graphite's essential role in nuclear reactors as a moderator, which helps maintain a continuous chain reaction, is underscored by the necessity for high purity to avoid neutron absorption by impurities like boron. The global demand for nuclear graphite, driven by renewed investment in nuclear power, underscores the strategic importance of Sarytogan's developments in this area.

In addition to nuclear uses, Sarytogan is expanding its product line to include three main types - microcrystalline graphite for traditional uses, Uncoated Spherical Purified Graphite (USPG) for lithium-ion batteries and Ultra High Purity Fines (UHPF) for advanced industrial applications.

#proactiveinvestors #SarytoganGraphite #ASX #NuclearGraphite, #HighPurityGraphite, #GraphiteMining, #ASXSGA, #GraphiteMarkets, #LithiumIonBatteries, #NuclearEnergy, #GraphiteProducts, #IndustrialGraphite, #BatteryTechnology, #AdvancedMaterials, #NuclearApplications, #GraphitePurification, #GraphiteAssay, #SarytoganLimited, #GraphiteIndustry, #RenewableEnergy, #CleanEnergy, #NuclearReactors

#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Peninsula Energy CEO Wayne Heili joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share significant updates regarding the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the company's Lance Projects situated in Wyoming, USA, a region renowned for its prominence in uranium mining. The MRE, calculated based on In-situ Recovery methods, has undergone a substantial increase, now standing at 58.0 million pounds U3O8. This represents a noteworthy 7.8% uptick from the previous estimate of 53.8 Mlbs, attributable to the fruitful drilling campaigns conducted in 2023 within the Ross and Kendrick Areas of the Project.

Heili underscored the strategic significance of this augmented resource base, particularly in light of ongoing initiatives by the United States government aimed at revitalizing domestic uranium production and bolstering the nation's nuclear fuel cycle capacity. As Peninsula Energy prepares for the resumption of commercial production at its Lance Projects, the timing of this resource enhancement couldn't be more opportune.

Furthermore, the MRE expansion isn't merely confined to overall estimates but extends to specific areas earmarked for the Life-of-Mine economic study. In these designated zones, the Mineral Resource Estimate surged by a remarkable 19.6%, signaling promising prospects for sustained growth and operational viability.

Looking ahead, Peninsula Energy has outlined comprehensive plans for additional delineation and development drilling endeavors across the Ross and Kendrick areas throughout the current calendar year. These initiatives will serve as crucial precursors to the preparation and dissemination of future updates to the JORC Code compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for the Lance Projects.

#proactiveinvestors #peninsulaenergylimited #asx #pen #uranium #mining

#PeninsulaEnergy, #UraniumMining, #WayneHeili, #MineralResources, #WyomingMining, #LanceProjects, #ResourceEstimate, #MiningExploration, #DrillingProgram, #ResourceIncrease, #UraniumMarket, #EnergySector, #NuclearEnergy, #USMining, #ResourceManagement, #MiningDevelopment, #ProductionRestart, #UraniumProduction, #MiningIndustry, #SustainableMining#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Avation PLC executive chairman Jeff Chatfield joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with more on the company that that specialises in leasing modern commercial passenger aircraft to global airlines.

The company's business model involves purchasing, financing, and trading aircraft, with customers including EasyJet, AirBaltic, and several others across various continents. Avation's fleet comprises three main sectors: widebody, narrowbody, and regional aircraft, with a focus on low CO2 emission models adaptable to sustainable aviation fuel.

Chatfield said Avation has exercised purchase rights for ten new ATR aircraft with plans for future deliveries spread over the next ten years. This move aligns with their environmental strategy, emphasising aircraft that support reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, the company manages a young fleet, which contributes to its market strength, particularly as industry demand surges post-COVID due to supply constraints from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.

Chatfield noted that Avation is also restructuring its capital by repurchasing bonds and reducing debt, aiming to optimise its financial leverage and benefit shareholders.

#AvationPLC, #JeffChatfield, #AircraftLeasing, #SustainableAviation, #CommercialAircraft, #AirlineIndustry, #EnvironmentalStrategy, #FleetManagement, #AviationSector, #CO2Reduction, #AircraftFinance, #AircraftTrade, #GlobalAirlines, #ModernAircraft, #LowEmission, #SustainableFuel, #AircraftDemand, #PostCovidRecovery, #DebtManagement, #ShareholderValue #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

NetScientific PLC (AIM:NSCI) CEO Dr Ilian Iliev takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through a transaction that will see NetScientific company EMV Capital become the investment advisor to Martlet Capital's portfolio of 53 investments while acquiring its operational venture capital business.

Iliev said the transaction is part of NetScientific's strategic goal to become a leading deep tech and life sciences venture capital investor in the UK and Europe, employing a differentiated investment strategy characterised by proactive value creation and capital-light approaches. The deal notably expands NetScientific's assets under management by nearly doubling them with the addition of a £23 million portfolio from Marlet Capital and includes the acquisition of Martlet Capital’s operational team, forming a new entity under NetScientific.

Iliev emphasised the alignment in ethos between NetScientific and Martlet Capital, rooted in long-term relationships and mutual commitment to the sectors. He also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including the launch of new funds aimed at investing in early-stage companies and growth opportunities within the UK, specifically in the Cambridge cluster.

#NetScientificPLC, #DrIlianIliev, #VentureCapital, #LifeSciences, #DeepTech, #UKInvestment, #EuropeInvestment, #MartletCapital, #InvestmentManagement, #CapitalGrowth, #TechInvestment, #Biotech, #Innovation, #StartupFunding, #InvestmentStrategy, #AssetManagement, #UKTech, #CambridgeCluster, #GrowthFunding, #StrategicInvestment #ProactiveInvestors ##invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Pan African Resources PLC (AIM:PAF, OTCQX:PAFRY, JSE:PAN, OTCQX:PAFRF) CEO Cobus Loots tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion the company is expected to meet the upper end of its production guidance for the year ending in June. This outcome could have been surpassed if not for a reduction in marginal surface throughput at its Evander operation, a decision driven by economic factors related to third-party tolling material. Additionally, progress continues on the construction of the Mintails tailings project, set to be commissioned later this year, with steady-state production anticipated by December.

Loots also touched on developments at the Soweto cluster, part of the company's longer-term strategy at MTR. This cluster, along with the Mogale cluster, is expected to significantly extend the life and production capabilities of the mine. Initial estimates project a life span of over 20 years for the mine, with production cost-effectively under $1,000 per ounce, enhancing profitability, especially in the current favourable gold price environment.

Loots also noted that while the company is focusing on completing the Mintails project, the final investment decision for the Soweto cluster will not be rushed, with further studies and permitting still pending. Overall, operations across the company’s portfolio are progressing well and in line with guidance.

#PanAfricanResources, #Mining, #GoldProduction, #ElikhuluProject, #SowetoCluster, #EconomicDecision, #MiningIndustry, #ProductionGuidance, #CEOInterview, #ResourceManagement, #MiningOperations, #GoldMarket, #InvestmentDecision, #CorporateStrategy, #EconomicOutlook, #MiningEngineering, #ResourceDevelopment, #FinancialPerformance, #IndustryLeaders, #EconomicTrends #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Foresight Solar Fund Ltd (LSE:FSFL) fund manager Ross Driver joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion ahead of a capital markets days with an overview of the company's strategy and performance.

Driver outlined the company's initiatives, such as reducing debt, executing a share buyback programme, and investing in developmental stage assets to stimulate future growth. Despite a challenging 2023, the company reported a record year for cash generation, benefiting from high price fixes. Additionally, it utilised significant cash reserves to further the buyback, utilising £30 million of the allocated £40 million.

Driver highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the UK and Spanish energy markets. In the UK, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market has faced issues like reduced wholesale revenues and project overlooks by system operators, necessitating adjustments. Conversely, Spain offers a nascent market, promising due to its high solar penetration and favourable conditions for battery storage.

Driver said Foresight Solar Fund aims to leverage early mover advantages in Spain, developing projects that fit well into the existing grid and anticipating double-digit returns from these initiatives.

Overall, Foresight Solar Fund is focusing on maintaining strong yield and net asset value (NAV) preservation while looking for growth opportunities through development, targeting a 1-2% NAV increase over time.

#ForesightSolarFund, #RenewableEnergy, #SolarPower, #EnergyStorage, #RossDriver, #UKEnergyMarket, #SpainEnergyMarket, #InvestmentOpportunities, #GreenEnergy, #NetAssetValue, #CashGeneration, #ShareBuyback, #DebtReduction, #EnergyTransition, #BatteryStorage, #SustainableInvesting, #SolarInvestments, #DevelopmentProjects, #EnergySector, #CleanEnergy, #EnvironmentalImpact #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews