Agoracom Blog Home

Posts Tagged ‘Lithium Brine’

Pacific North West Capital Acquires 100% of Strageic Lithium Brine Project Clayton Valley, Nevada $PFN.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:30 AM on Monday, May 9th, 2016

  • Option to acquire 100% of a Clayton Valley Fork Li ProjectClayton Valley hosts North America’s largest Lithium
  • Carbonate production evaporation operations derived from Lithium Brines
  • Potential for fault derived structural traps that may contain lithium rich brine
  • Objective to develop an economic Lithium Brine Project
  • Exploration planning in progress
  • The company has a well-diversified project portfolio of Platinum Group Metals and Lithium Projects
  • The company’s 100% owned River Valley PGM resources is one of the largest undeveloped primary PGM resources in Canada (http://pfncapital.com/s/Home.asp)

May 9th, 2016, Vancouver, Canada – Pacific North West Capital Corp. (“PFN”, the “Company”) (TSX.V: PFN; Frankfurt: P7J.F; OTCQX: PAWEF further to the previous company’s news release (PFN April 25th, 2016 News Release), the Clayton Valley Forks Li Project (“CVF”) is comprised of 73 claims for a total of approximately 583 hectares (1440 acres) and is located on the west side of Lithium X’s South Expansion Project in Clayton Valley.


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: Company claim blocks in the Clayton Valley area of Nevada

(Figure is a company made composite and not intended for redistribution. The company accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of other claim blocks other than the claim block associated with the Clayton Valley Forks Li Project)

Mr Barr Chairmen and CEO of PFN stated “That with the completion of this acquisition, our company has acquired its first strategic USA lithium brine asset. The Clayton Valley Fork Li Project is situated in North America’s only Lithium Brine producing area where approximately 4% of the world’s supply of Lithium Brine is produced. Due to growing demand, decreasing supply and increasing price of Lithium, Clayton Valley has become host to one of the largest project acquisitions and staking rushes in recent Nevada history. We look forward to developing and implementing an aggressive exploration and development program on this strategic project.”

The Project is strategically located south of the Silver Peak Lithium Mine operated by Albemarle Corp. Pure Energy Minerals Limited’s Clayton Valley South project is situated on the east side of Clayton Valley and the Clayton Valley Forks Li Project is situated on the opposite side of the valley, the west side.

The company plans to test for lithium-bearing aquifers thru the Project Area. The company’s technical team believes that geological structures of the sediment-filled Clayton Valley basin underlying the claims contains sediments, based on previous work in the area, have the potential to lead to new Li discoveries. The geological environment appears similar throughout the basin and with respect to the other leading exploration company’s projects in the basin.

The project is situated over an area that is believed to contain favorable geology, faults, ground water and possible lithium bearing source rocks. The west side of the north-south trending Clayton Valley Basin lies within a geological belt of right lateral deformation, near the western edge of the Basin and Range geological province. The project area also straddles the Walker Lane wrench fault zone, which is still active today. Aerial photos reveal strong faults on the mountains west of the project that roughly trend northerly-southerly. This faulting system may have formed structural traps which could contain accumulated lithium rich brines. Upcoming exploration programs will focus on geophysics and drilling.

Further announcements will be forthcoming with regard to the projects exploration and development plan, as well as other acquisitions in Canada and the United States.

Clayton Valley Forks Li Project Terms of Option Agreement

The Optionors (Thomas Evans (60%) and Robert Weicker (40%)) have agreed to grant an option to the Company to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Clayton Valley Forks Li Project. In order to acquire a 100% interest in the Clayton Valley Forks Li Project (subject to the Production Royalty), the Company will issue up to 400,000 shares in 10 days another 400,000 shares by the first anniversary date. As well the company has agreed to cover recording fees up to a maximum of $25,00 (US), $15,000 (US) after regulatory approval and $15,000 (US) after 90 days of the approval. If the company begins commercial production on the project, a production royalty (calculated at 2% of the Net Smelter Returns) will be granted to the optionors. The company has the right to buy back the entire royalty at any time for $1,000,000 (US). The Agreement is subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”).

All shares issued in connection with the acquisition are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance.

Nevada the Lithium Hub

Clayton Valley is located in Esmeralda county of Nevada, host to the Albemarle Corporation’s Silver Peak Lithium Mine and brine processing operations. The mine has been in operation since 1967 and remains the only brine based Lithium Producer in North America. The new project acquisition in Nevada will allow the company a project in an area that is well known for its Lithium Carbonate production. Clayton Valley is a centralized location in Nevada with highway access, power infrastructure, water and local labor. The company’s new lithium brine project will be approximately 3.5 hours away from Tesla’s Gigafactory, which has a planned annual lithium-ion battery production capacity of 35 gigawatt-hours per year by 2020. The Clayton Valley Forks Li Project is located approximately 3 hours north of the Faraday Electric Car Factory to be operated in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Clayton Valley was one of the few locations globally known to contain commercial-grade lithium-enriched brines.

Nevada Building a Future for Green Energy Manufacturing

The Nevada government is actively embracing the Lithium Energy market and future ventures. In March 2016 the Nevada Board gave final approval to the Faraday Futures $1 Billion dollar electric car factory in North Las Vegas. Once this plant is operating it is estimated that it will create over 4500 jobs for the area. Tesla received over $1.25 Billion in tax incentives from the Nevada government to start up their $5 Billion Giga-factory in Reno, Nevada. The Nevada government is backing the new growth in the lithium- ion battery and electric car market. Future projected market growth will also increase the need for lithium-ion batteries. At present, the Clayton Valley area produces 4% of the world’s Lithium Carbonate production.

About The Company’s Lithium Division

The company’s new Lithium Division will focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Lithium Projects in Canada. In the United States the company will use its wholly owned U.S.A subsidiary to acquire and develop projects in active mining camps in Nevada, Arizona and California.

Management believes that these new age metals, Lithium, PGM’s and Rare Earths, have robust macro trends with surging demands and limited supply. Going forward, this new division will explore for the minerals needed to fuel the demand for energy storage and other core 21st Century Technologies.

In addition to the lithium brine potential of the CV West Li Project in Nevada, the company has and is developing hard rock lithium projects in Canada (PFN April 24th, 2016 news release). The Lithium One Project in southeast Manitoba is located 8.5 kilometers south of the Tanco Mine Site, North America’s richest and longest operating hard rock mine for tantalum, lithium and cesium.

Lithium and Platinum group metal prices have improved dramatically in recent months. Lithium supplies remain in deficit relative to their demand. Both metals groups are used for the expanding worldwide automobile industry (conventional and electric). In the case of PGM’s, demand is increasing for autocatalysts, a key component for reducing toxic emissions for automotive, gasoline and diesel engines. In regards to Lithium, there is an ever increasing demand for batteries in cellphones, laptops, electric cars, solar storage, wireless charging and renewable energy products.

About the company’s Platinum Group Metals Division

Achievements to date and future plans for River Valley are outlined below as follows:

  1. 1.PFN currently has 100% ownership in the River Valley Project, subject to a 3% NSR, with options to buy down
  2. 2.Completed exploration and development programs on the River Valley property include more than 600 holes drilled since year 2000 and several mineral resource estimates and metallurgical studies;
  3. 3.Results for the current (2012) mineral resource estimate are below;
  4. 4.2015 drill program confirms new high grade T2 discovery
  1. 5.Exploration and development plans outlined for 2016
  2. 6.Ongoing strategic partner search for River Valley project
  3. 7.Results for the most recent Metallurgical Testwork Study are summarized below:

– Prepared by Tetra Tech (Wardrop)

– High Confidence: Measured plus Indicated = 72% of total

– Reported on PdEq basis: Pd=40% & Pt=20% of the payable metals

– Pd to Pt ratio = 2.5:1; Cu to Ni ratio = 3:1

– High Grade potential, particularly in the north part of River Valley deposit

– Resources under evaluation for development potential as open pit mining operation


Click Image To View Full Size


Click Image To View Full Size

  1. 8.Results for the 2015 discovery drill program on the T2 target are as follows:

-Drill hole intercepts much higher than the average grade of current mineral resource estimate

-Possible new mineralized zone at the north end of the River Valley deposit

-Show potential to take the River Valley PGM Project in a new direction

-More drilling required


Click Image To View Full Size

  1. 9. Exploration and Development Plans for 2016
  • -Mineral prospecting and geological mapping on surface-Drill programs targeted to add more higher grade-Geological interpretation and 2D/3D modelling of all drill and surface results-Application to the OPA’s Junior Exploration Assistance Program (JEAP) for 33% refund of all exploration expenditures up to $300,000.-Strategic Partner Search for River Valley

QUALIFIED PERSON

The contents contained herein that relates to Exploration Results or Mineral Resources is based on information compiled, reviewed or prepared by Dr. Bill Stone, Principal Consulting Geoscientist for Pacific Northwest Capital. Dr. Stone is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Harry Barr ” Further Information: Tel: +1.604.685.1870 Fax: +1.604.685.8045

Email: [email protected], or visit www.pfncapital.com

Harry Barr Suite 101 – 2148 West 38th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V6M 1R9

Chairman and CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements. This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results and are based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements include statements in which the Company uses words such as “continue”, “efforts”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “confident”, “intend”, “strategy”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “project”, “goal”, “target”, “prospects”, “optimistic” or similar expressions. These statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others, the Company’s ability and continuation of efforts to timely and completely make available adequate current public information, additional or different regulatory and legal requirements and restrictions that may be imposed, and other factors as may be discussed in the documents filed by the Company on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), including the most recent reports that identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Nevada Energy Metals – Playing the Lithium Boom $BFF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:20 PM on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016

Bff_hub-2_copy

  • As prices soar and the lithium space becomes a frantic game to secure future supply to feed the lithium-dependent energy revolution, a new entrant is betting that Nevada has much more to offer beyond the obvious Clayton Valley basin
  • While the lithium boom unfolds in Nevada–the only state with brine-based lithium resources in production–Nevada Energy Metals (TSX-V:BFF) is scooping up acreage, eyeing a boom to rival that of US shale

LONDON, May 3, 2016 — As prices soar and the lithium space becomes a frantic game to secure future supply to feed the lithium-dependent energy revolution, a new entrant is betting that Nevada has much more to offer beyond the obvious Clayton Valley basin.

While the lithium boom unfolds in Nevada–the only state with brine-based lithium resources in production–Nevada Energy Metals (TSX-V:BFF) is scooping up acreage, eyeing a boom to rival that of US shale.

“The lithium business is not a flash in the pan; it is here to stay, and I am looking at it like the start of the oil boom in the U.S. when there were oil derricks up to every 50 feet,” industry veteran Malcolm Bell, Nevada Energy Metals’ (OTC Pink: SSMLF; Frankfurt: A2AFBV) advisory board member, told Oilprice.com.

The company is setting itself up as a project generator and incubator of lithium resources, casting a much wider net over future lithium resources and building a diversified portfolio that reduces risk.

Geology has everything to do with it, and the geothermal footprints are large.

“There are enough locations that have geological similarities to Clayton Valley in other parts of Nevada State,” Bell says.

Nevada Energy Metals has four properties: Clayton Valley BFF-1, Alkali Lake, San Emidio, and Teels Marsh West. Its Clayton Valley project abuts Albermarle’s Silver Peak Mine-the only producing mine in America, right in Tesla’s gigafactory backyard.

Its Alkali Lake earn-in agreement with Dajin Resources Corp. is one of the big trump cards, and Nevada Energy is fully funded to tap into this.

At Teels Marsh West, about 48 miles from Clayton Valley, the company has staked 100 pacer claims covering 2,000 acres-all 100% fully owned, with no royalties.

It’s also just expanded its portfolio in the San Emidio Desert, adding 69 claims to its land position, which now boasts 155 claims.

This isn’t a one-trick pony-it’s a unique junior exploration company with a number of diverse exploration targets to reduce investor risk. And it’s got the management experience to see its lithium incubation plans through.

Many believe Nevada is over-flowing with lithium-and this new entrant is positioning itself for a large share of our future’s “white petroleum” market.

By. James Burgess of Oilprice.com

SOURCE Nevada Energy Metals Inc.

#Lithium you Say? Look no Further Than Lithium-Brine Project Generator, Nevada Energy Metals Inc. $BFF

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:52 AM on Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

Bff_hub-2_copy

#Lithium you Say? Look no Further Than Lithium-Brine Project Generator, Nevada Energy Metals Inc.

A rising tide is lifting many boats, still plenty of tide to ride

Are the stars and planets aligned in the global emerging lithium sector? One would certainly think so, when looking at the performance of Australian-listed companies. Seven non-producers, one-year stock returns ranging from 257% to 1,369%, averaging 810%! However, most, but not all, are relatively advanced, as far as juniors go.

A few are slated to reach initial production this year or next. On the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V), things have been heating up as well. In the past 3 months, a group of 4 have soared between 106% to 266%, averaging about 180%. [Source: Google Finance]. How crazy are these astonishing moves? Crazy for sure, but how crazy is it really? I mean, could the electric transportation market be any stronger? Did anyone expect that lithium prices would triple from just 6 months ago?

In budding bull markets, things move fast…. Are we in a lithium bull market?

Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 8.04.34 AM

Spot prices in excess of 130,000 Yuan (US$20,000/Mt) [Source: 4/12/16 article on ChinaDaily.com.cn] proves  the existence of a pronounced undersupply in the market, if not a longer-lasting paradigm shift in Li-ion battery demand. In an interview I conducted a few weeks ago of Malcolm Bell, one of the Company’s Technical Advisors, he described how Nevada Energy Metals‘ TSX-V:BFF (OTC: SSMLF) (Frankfurt: A2AFBV) team sees remarkable opportunities to stake and acquire prospective properties. A key takeaway shared by Mr. Bell and management is that other “Clayton Valley-like” closed basins containing enriched brines could still be found. It’s not the zip code that matters most, but the geological setting and history of volcanic activity. 

Staking ground is highly cost-effective, it conserves cash liquidity. Staking also sidesteps onerous third-party directed exploration and work requirements. The Company’s growing portfolio of lithium assets diversifies exploration risk. Low cash burn and business plan flexibility are hallmarks of a successful prospect generator model. Make no mistake, this Company is highly speculative, but it’s unassuming market cap and tremendous exposure to lithium prices, makes it a compelling risk-adjusted vehicle for those bullish on the industry.

The prospect generator model works in both bull & bear markets

These days, many companies are masquerading as lithium plays, but really they’re just squatting on land, hoping to sell or joint venture it ASAP. Perhaps not a bad idea, but the clock is ticking, there are holding costs involved. Many do not have the financial means, managerial experience or a competent business strategy to create shareholder value. That’s clearly not the case here. Look no further than yesterday’s announced acquisition of 60 claims (approximately 1,200 acres/484 hectares) in Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Clayton Valley BFF-1 Lithium Project’s (“BFF-1”) southern boarder is 250 meters from Albemarle Corporation’s Silver Peak lithium brine operations.

Another promising exploration target

Clayton Valley is an internally drained, closed-basin, surrounded on all sides by mountains, hills & ridges. It contains an underground aquifer system which is host to trapped lithium-enriched brines. The decision to acquire BFF-1 was based on descriptions of geological modeling & historical drill results contained in a report by J.B. Hulen, PG, (July 31, 2008), in which he concluded that the area underlying the acquired portion had its highest subsurface temperatures.

A drill hole in 2007 by Western Geothermal Partners, returned 25 feet (from 280 to 305 feet) of volcanic ash. According to the press release, 

“This unit may be correlative to the Main Ash Aquifer, which is a marker bed in other areas of the Clayton Valley Basin.”

So, here we have it, proof positive that promising properties are still available for those smart and nimble enough to take action. Management is actively pursuing additional exploration targets in the state.

Could Nevada Energy Metals be the next high-flying lithium stock?

Over the past 3 months, Nevada Energy Metals’ stock is up a healthy 60%, but that’s just a third as much as the TSX-V group mentioned above. Yet, this Company embodies the true essence of a (high risk/high reward) emerging lithium company; a pure-play Nevada project generator of lithium-brine assets, with valuable long-term optionally on lithium pricing, demonstrated strong financial backing and a cheap valuation.

While hard rock spodumene, mostly in Australia, is a big part of the market’s near-term supply growth, concentrated lithium brines, mostly found in the, “Lithium Triangle” of Argentina, Chile & Bolivia, AND Nevada …. are expected  to meaningfully contribute to longer-term supply. New processing technologies in the works today, could make brine harvesting even cheaper than it already is compared to hard rock mining.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 11.00.40 PM

At the very center of any bullish lithium-brine thesis, is the great State of Nevada, USA, host to one of the very few known economic brine concentrations outside of South America. Nevada is the 3rd best mining jurisdiction on the planet. [Source: “Fraser Institute Mining Survey,” 2015] It offers a lithium triad of geographic & geopolitical diversification away from Australia, Argentina Chile & China, as well as geological / processing diversification in the form of brines vs hard rock.

Nevada, a combination of geopolitical + geographic + geological diversification = Security of Supply

Like very successful newcomer Lithium X Energy, management intends to raise capital to execute even more ambitious corporate initiatives. A successful raise would enable it to have the best shot possible of locking down promising properties and pursing prospective tuck-in acquisitions. Each asset owned, controlled and optioned, stands to benefit from company-wide infrastructure and corporate overhead synergies, a key characteristic of the project generator model. 

If Nevada’s, “Lithium Hub” hosts an economically viable source of new supply, it would be impossible to ignore a company like Nevada Energy Metals. In addition to the favorable attributes already mentioned, the Company would offer something even greater, Security of Supply in the U.S. market.

With this in mind, readers should take a closer look at the Company. As yesterday’s press release demonstrates, management is aggressively, yet prudently, building its lithium portfolio in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Company’s project generator model involves the active pursuit of not just potential lithium-bearing properties, but also mutually beneficial joint ventures and farm-outs, serving to minimize cash burn. This strategy is a tried and true one among emerging natural resource companies around the world. 

Valuation

Speaking of relative valuation, unlike some companies that have already exploded higher by hundreds & hundreds of percent, the Company still offers an attractive risk/reward proposition. Perhaps under appreciated here is the strong financial backing of shareholders, most notably, Ron Loewen. I conducted an interview of Mr. Loewen in mid-March. [See interview here]. Reasoning that January 20th marked the low in the cycle, Loewen recommended taking on more risk, especially in emerging lithium companies.  

This is hugely important, it’s what separates the wheat from the chaff, or potentially, the lithium from the ground. Without demonstrated financial resources, even the best prospects are dead in the water, awaiting an opportunistic takeout at a mediocre valuation or worse. By contrast, with each acquired property, Nevada Energy Metals’ fundamental valuation is increasing. And, the share price is likely (in my opinion, not a forecast by the author or management team) to catch up in due course. 

Nevada Energy Metals has 72.4 million shares outstanding, for a market cap of roughly [C$11.9 million / US$9.3 million]. Compare that to 3 pure-play, Nevada focused  TSX-V listed companies (not including Lithium Americas, as its primary asset is in Argentina) with an average market cap of about [C$45 million / US$35 million]. Should Nevada Energy Metals be trading at nearly a 75% discount to the average? I think this relative valuation could change in a heartbeat, especially if additional acquisitions and staking is in the pipeline. 

Small cap natural resource companies coming back into favor?

Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 8.01.05 AM

Many companies are enjoying April-to-date stock price returns like nothing I’ve seen in quite some time. Just a few examples, in sectors other then lithium. NuLegacy Gold +85%, SantaCruz Silver +77%, Lucas Energy +82%, Alabama Graphite +58% and NexGen Energy (uranium) +50%. Stock price performance has little bearing on fundamental trends, but to the extent that speculative small-cap stocks frequently spike higher in short periods of time, the market might be signaling a window of opportunity. Caveat emptor, my technical analysis skills are non-existent, and my investment horizon is months, not days. 

With the 4+ year bear market in natural resource stocks possibly ending, new money earmarked for well positioned companies could pour in sooner rather than later. Will Nevada Energy Metals’ TSX-V:BFF (OTC: SSMLF) (Frankfurt: A2AFBV) be a recipient of a wave of investment dollars?

Conclusion

Nevada Energy Metals is a pure-play, Nevada focused, lithium-brine exploration company operating as a project generator, with a market cap of just [C$11.9 million / US$9.3 million]. The Company has accumulated 4 distinct lithium targets, prudently diversifying the early-stage exploration risk of its Nevada portfolio. Yet, this is just the beginning. The Company has proven again and again the ability to move quickly and cost effectively. Management plans to raise capital to continue its successful growth, and pursue larger opportunities. 

Besides Argentina & Chile, there are very few enriched lithium-brine operators or explorers. Given incredibly robust Li-ion battery demand, as evidenced by soaring prices, Nevada’s Lithium Hub could become a meaningful supplier. If one believes strongly in the future of electrified transportation and residential, commercial & grid-scale energy storage systems, then Nevada Energy Metals is a compelling way to articulate that investment view.  

sp-banner

For more information, about Nevada Energy Metals:

Company website: http://www.nevadaenergymetals.com

Trading Symbols: TSX-V: BFF  OTC Markets: SSMLF Frankfurt/Xetra: A2AFBV

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NVEnergyMetals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NevadaEnergyMetals/

Disclosures: Readers are charged with conducting their own investment due diligence and recognize that small cap stocks can deliver a 100% loss of one’s investment capital. The author or interviewer as the case may be, Peter Epstein, CFA, MBA, believes that he’s diligent and prudent in screening out companies that, for any reasons whatsoever, are unattractive investment opportunities. However, he cannot guarantee that his efforts will (or have been) successful. Readers understand that Mr. Epstein cannot be held accountable or responsible for the accuracy of opinions, facts, estimates, forecasts and assumptions conveyed herein, or for investment actions taken by readers.

At the time this interview was published, Nevada Energy Metals was a sponsor of EpsteinResearch.com. Mr. Epstein owns stock in the Company. Mr. Epstein is not a registered or licensed financial advisor. His article(s) on Nevada Energy Metals and other small cap companies should be considered very carefully in this context. Readers are urged to consult with their own financial advisors before making investment decisions. This company, and all small cap companies, are highly speculative, not suitable for all investors. 

Any commentary suggesting that a particular stock is, “under valued,” “over-sold,” a “compelling opportunity,” is “de-risked,” could be “re-rated,” or similar words and phrases, are not directed at any individual or group, and do not constitute investment advice. Each individual and group must make their own determination regarding the suitability of any stock mentioned herein. Any comparisons between or among stocks are for illustrative purposes only and are not be taken as fact or relied upon. Nothing herein is to be considered explicitly or implicitly a part of full and proper due diligence.

Source: http://epsteinresearch.com/2016/04/13/lithium-you-say-look-no-further-than-lithium-brine-project-generator-nevada-energy-metals-inc/