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Uragold Starts Work On Quartz Deposit To Validate Historical Estimate For Potential Order From Major Silicon Producer

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:01 AM on Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

Uragold_logo

  • Fieldwork to confirm resource is capable of fulfilling potential order
  • Anzaplan to test for potential high value applications, including ultra high purity quartz sand
  • Major Silicon Metal Producer expressed interest in purchasing between 20,000 to 50,000 tons annually of High Purity Lump Quartz material (see Mar 2, 2015 release)

Montreal, Quebec / August 19 2015 – Uragold Bay Resources Inc. (“Uragold”) (TSX Venture: UBR) is pleased to announce that fieldwork on the Roncevaux quartz property located in the Matapedia Valley in the Gaspe region of Quebec has started for the purpose of achieving two objectives.

FIELDWORK TO CONFIRM RESOURCE IS CAPABLE OF FULFILLING POTENTIAL ORDER

Per the Company’s announcement on March 2, 2015, a major Silicon Metal Producer has expressed interest in purchasing between 20,000 to 50,000 tons annually of High Purity Lump Quartz material from our Roncevaux property, after our material successfully passed their rigorous testing protocols. This requires Uragold to validate if the historical estimates of 414,700 tons of High Purity Quartz; contained in the V1 vein structure calculated in 2003 (grading @ 99.20% of SiO2), will be sufficient to fulfil the potential order. (GM60610: Barrette, Jean-Paul. 2003. Rapport des travaux d’exploration miniere sur la veine de quartz pur. Projet Silice Roncevaux, Canton Roncevaux, Gaspesie), (press release December 16, 2014).

All information such as resources estimates and grades herewith presented is historical in nature and while relevant, the information was obtained before the implementation of National Instrument 43-101 and as such does not meet National Instrument 43-101 reporting standards. The historical estimate should not be relied upon until the Company can confirm them.

ANZAPLAN TO TEST FOR POTENTIAL HIGH VALUE APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING ULTRA HIGH PURITY QUARTZ SAND

Pursuant to our MOU announced April 13, 2015, a second objective of the program is to collect 150 kg of sample material from the V1 vein structure ANZAPLAN will then complete quartz processing and beneficiation tests to characterize the quartz potential for high value applications, including Ultra High Purity Quartz Sands. The leading consultancy and engineering company in high purity quartz project valuation, ANZAPLAN has a wide range of international clients in the mining, engineering, and production industries. The company’s’ renowned international reputation in the glass and ceramics industry has steadily extended into the high purity market sectors.

Dr. Marc Richer-LaFleche, Ph.D. (Geo) will be leading the Institut National de la Recherche et des Sciences (INRS, Eau Terre Environnement) team retained by the Corporation to complete the program. The work will also allow the planning of a subsequent drilling program to be complete before the end of the year.

INRS is a university dedicated to fundamental and applied research, graduate studies and the training of researchers in its four research Centres in Quebec City, Laval, Montreal and Varennes. Part of the Universite du Quebec network, INRS University ranks first in Canada in terms of research intensity. Located in Quebec City, the INRS Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre is a world class research facility that brings together 40 professors, over 200 graduate and postgraduate students, and about 20 postdoctoral researchers.

Dr. Marc Richer-LaFleche, Ph.D., is professor of geology and research scientist at INRS. He is a renowned geologist with special interest in clays and silica. Dr. Richer-LaFleche completed his doctoral studies with Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France (CNRS) and at Universite de Montpellier II. He also completed his post-graduate with the National Geological Commission of Canada.

Private Placement

Uragold announces its intention to proceed with a new non-brokered private placement of 6,619,000 units (“Unit”) at $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of $330,950. Insider participation in this placement could accounts up to 49% of the total amount subscribed. The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general corporate expenditures and to enhance the Company’s balance sheet.

Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.07 during a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month holding period from the date of closing of the placement. The placement is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

Shares For Services Program

In accordance with the agreement between Uragold and AGORACOM (see Uragold press release July 18, 2014) Uragold Board has approved the issuance of 565,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.05 per share for the outstanding debt of $28,250 for services rendered during the period from January 16, 2015 ending July 15, 2015.

Mr Levasseur stated, “With this additional private placement, insiders are continuing the demonstration of their belief that 2015 will be an exciting year for Uragold as we continue to develop our exciting high purity quartz projects.”

About Uragold– Quebec Quartz

Uragold – Quebec Quartz is the largest holder of distinct High Purity Quartz properties in Quebec, with over 3,500 Ha under claims. Despite the abundance of quartz, very few deposits are suitable for high purity applications. High Purity Quartz supplies are tightening, prices are rising, exponential growth forecasted. Quartz from the Roncevaux property successfully passed rigorous testing protocols of a major silicon metal producer confirming that our material is highly suited for their silicon metal production.

In addition to becoming a supplier of lump quartz for silicon metal production, Quebec Quartz’s objective is to transform its High Purity Quartz into Ultra High Purity Quartz Sands to generate significantly greater profits and become a leading supplier of Ultra High Purity Quartz.

About Uragold

Uragold Bay Resources is a TSX-V listed Gold and High Purity Quartz exploration junior focused on generating free cash flow from mining operations. Our business model is centered on developing mining projects suited for smaller-scale start-up and that could potentially generate high yield returns. Uragold will reach these goals by developing Quebec’s first paleoplacer mine in 50 years, the Beauce Placer Project and, in partnership with Golden Hope Mines, the Bellechasse-Timmins Gold Deposit.

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.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S un der the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

For further information contact

Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO
Patrick Levasseur, President and COO

Tel: (514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271
www.uragold.com

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CLIENT FEATURE: Dusolo (DSF: TSX-V) Capitalizing on Brazil’s Growing Demand for Fertilizer

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:58 PM on Monday, August 17th, 2015

BY BEING A DOMESTIC FERTILIZER PRODUCER, DUSOLO IS ABLE TO OFFER A PREMIUM PRODUCT AT A SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER COST

  • Direct Application Natural Fertilizer (DANF) product is in demand in the region
  • Flagship asset, the Bomfim Project, is 100% owned and located in one of the world’s fastest growing agrarian regions
  • Bomfim Processing Plant operating at full capacity
  • On track to produce at least ~100,000 tonnes of DANF in 2015
  • Sales contracts in place for 2015 planting season: 81,100 tonnes for ~C$8.5 million
  • Starting to generate revenue

MANY NEAR TERM CATALYSTS EXPECTED

  • Entering into additional DANF product sales contracts
  • Doubling capacity at our processing facility to 160,000 tonnes per year
  • Updating the National Instrument 43-101 Resource Estimate to include results from the 2015 drill campaign – Recent drill results confirm presence of additional high-grade phosphate mineralization beyond areas identified in initial resource estimate
  • Third Party Economic Evaluation of Operations Planned for 2015
  • Strong Financial Backing

BRAZIL’S DOMESTIC FERTILIZER SUPPLY DOES NOT MEET CURRENT DEMANDS

  • World’s largest exporter of sugar, coffee and orange juice and the 2nd largest in soybean exports
  • Brazil imports more than 50% of phosphate fertilizers used overseas
  • Significant transportation and logistic-related costs are added to imported fertilizers
  • DuSolo’s is increasing the supply of domestically produced fertilizers
  • Helping the country achieve agricultural self-sufficiency

FLAGSHIP ASSET LOCATED IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST AGRICULTURAL REGIONS

  • The Cerrado region is home to one of the largest arable landmasses in the world
  • Majority of future increases in global food production is expected to come from this region
  • The tropical rains in the Cerrado wash away nutrients, leaving the soil poor for farming and needing to be fertilized frequently
  • Cerrado is land locked, therefore making fertilizer imports very expensive

 

STRONG DEMAND FOR DANF EXISTS IN THE REGION

Within a 500 km radius of DuSolo’s processing facility:

  • 1.2 million tonnes of phosrock is being consumed every year
  • 585 farms and agricultural centres exist
  • DANF consumption is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6%
  • No domestic production

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Avalon Announces Start of 2015 Pilot Plant Program on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:50 AM on Monday, August 17th, 2015

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  • $750,000 pilot plant program has commenced on the Company’s Separation Rapids Lithium Project
  • Will provide a trial of the new lithium minerals process flow sheet developed at the bench scale over the past year
  • Project hosts an exceptionally large deposit of the rare lithium mineral petalite, which is noted for its lack of contained impurities

Toronto, Ontario–(August 17, 2015) – Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSX: AVL) (NYSE MKT: AVL) (“Avalon” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that a $750,000 pilot plant program has commenced on the Company’s Separation Rapids Lithium Project (“Separation Rapids Project” or “the Project”) located near Kenora, Ontario. The 2015 pilot plant program will provide a trial of the new lithium minerals process flow sheet developed at the bench scale over the past year under the direction of SVP, Metallurgy and Technology Development, David Marsh. A total of 30 tonnes of crushed ore will be shipped to a laboratory in Germany for processing to produce a minimum of 1 tonne of pure lithium mineral (petalite) concentrate.

This petalite concentrate will be used for two purposes: 1) to provide product samples to potential customers in the glass—ceramics industry who have expressed interest in evaluating these samples and 2) to provide concentrate for additional process development toward producing a high purity lithium chemical product for use by customers in the lithium ion rechargeable battery manufacturing business. The lithium chemicals work will be done at the laboratories of the Saskatchewan Research Council (“SRC”) in Saskatoon. The entire program is expected to be completed over the next 6-8 months.

The Opportunity

The Separation Rapids Project hosts an exceptionally large deposit of the rare lithium mineral petalite, which is noted for its lack of contained impurities. For this reason, petalite has a long history of use in specialty glass-ceramic products that require raw materials with a high degree of purity. Demand for petalite in this application has been growing steadily, with users now looking for new long term sources of supply. Avalon re-activated the Project in 2013 after receiving a number of expressions of interest from glass-ceramic manufacturers. In 2014, the Company successfully re-established and improved upon its original process flowsheet at the bench scale to produce high purity petalite concentrate containing an average of 4.2% lithium oxide and less than 0.01% iron oxide (a glass contaminant). Small samples of this material were subsequently analyzed and approved for further evaluation by a number of glass-ceramic end-users, leading to the decision to proceed with a larger scale pilot plant trial in 2015.

High purities have also been increasingly required for lithium chemicals used in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries. Accordingly, the Company is now investigating how its high purity mineral can be used to make ultra-high purity lithium chemicals relatively inexpensively compared to other existing alternative lithium source materials. Laboratory test work performed earlier this year at SRC provided encouraging results with a battery-grade lithium carbonate (>99.5% pure) being produced using proven leaching and precipitation technologies. Further, there is the potential to produce an enhanced grade product, achieving greater than 99.9% purity, with relatively few additional impurity removal steps. The potential for production of high grade lithium hydroxide was also demonstrated during this work.

The opportunity now exists for Avalon to uniquely position itself as a long term supplier of both high purity lithium minerals to the glass ceramics market and lithium chemicals to the rapidly growing lithium ion rechargeable battery market.

Project Background

The Separation Rapids Project is located approximately 70 km north of Kenora, Ontario in the traditional territory of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations. The Project is 100% owned by the Company, with the deposit held under a 21 year Mining Lease. Avalon has worked on the Project intermittently since 1996, first completing a Pre-feasibility Study in 1999. Expenditures to date total approximately $6.2 million. In 2006, the Company extracted a 250 tonne bulk sample for new market development purposes. This material is being used for the current bulk sample test program, and earlier in 2015, Avalon shipped 2 tonnes of crushed ore to a potential customer in China for independent analysis and market evaluation. No feedback has been received to date.

Lithium Markets

Over the 5 year period ending in 2014, global consumption of lithium increased 80% while consumption of lithium for battery applications (the largest single market segment) grew by 166%, according to independent industrial minerals market analyst, Roskill Information Services.

Growing demand for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and home energy storage is expected to result in continued growth in consumption of lithium which is estimated by industry analyst Stormcrow Capital to reach 410,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent per year in 2025. This translates into an impressive compounded annual growth rate of a 7.8%. In their May 2015 Industry Report, Stormcrow further predicts that a supply deficit will emerge in the market as existing producers struggle to meet the rapidly growing demand.

Avalon has commissioned a market study to gain a better understanding of how it can use its unique high purity petalite resource to best serve the rapidly evolving market in energy storage technology. This study will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Future Plans

Avalon is also preparing for a large scale pilot plant trial involving the processing of over 5,000 tonnes of ore to produce several hundred tonnes of petalite concentrate for full scale production trials by prospective customers in the glass-ceramics industry. Some of the petalite concentrate produced would also be utilized for a pilot plant trial of the lithium chemical production process to be designed over the next 12 months. The lithium chemicals produced from this trial would also be used for market development purposes.

To complete the bulk sampling program Avalon will need to rehabilitate its 2003 access road to the site. Avalon has applied for the necessary work permit and expects to complete this work in September 2015. The timing for the bulk sampling program is still to be finalized and is subject to arranging necessary financing. Avalon is also looking at potential sites for establishing future production facilities in the Kenora area, including at the Separation Rapids Project site itself.

The current pilot plant program will provide the Company with the engineering and design information needed to prepare an updated Pre-feasibility Study in 2016.

The technical information included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the Company’s Senior Vice President Metallurgy and Technology Development, Mr. David Marsh, FAusIMM (CP), who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

About Avalon Rare Metals Inc.

Avalon Rare Metals Inc. is a mineral development company focused on rare metal deposits in Canada, with three advanced stage projects. Its 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake, NWT is exceptional in its large size and enrichment in the scarce “heavy” rare earth elements, key to enabling advances in clean technology and other growing high-tech applications. Avalon is also advancing its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.

For questions or feedback, please email the Company at [email protected], or phone Don Bubar, President & CEO, at 416-364-4938416-364-4938416-364-4938416-364-4938 .

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the commencement and completion of its work programs, that the 2015 pilot plant program will provide a trial of the new lithium minerals process flow sheet, that a total of 30 tonnes of crushed ore will be shipped to a laboratory in Germany for processing, that the petalite concentrate will be used for two purposes, that the lithium chemicals work will be done at the laboratories of SRC, that the entire program is expected to be completed over the next 6-8 months, that there is the potential to produce an enhanced grade product achieving greater than 99.9% purity with relatively few additional impurity removal steps, that growing demand for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and home energy storage is expected to result in continued growth in consumption of lithium, that the market study will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2015, that some of the petalite concentrate produced would also be utilized for a pilot plant trial of the lithium chemical production process to be designed over the next 12 months, that the lithium chemicals produced from this trial would also be used for market development purposes, that to complete the bulk sampling program Avalon will need to rehabilitate its 2003 access road to the site and that the current pilot plant program will provide the Company with the engineering and design information needed to prepare an updated Pre-feasibility Study, in 2016. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “potential”, “scheduled”, “anticipates”, “continues”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “scheduled”, “targeted”, “planned”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be” or “will not be” taken, reached or result, “will occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Avalon to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. Although Avalon has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to market conditions, the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, and unanticipated results from the work programs, as well as those risk factors set out in the Company’s current Annual Information Form, Management’s Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company’s profile at www.SEDAR.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements have been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Avalon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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Garibaldi advances La Patilla, crews mobilize for Grizzly Program

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:40 AM on Friday, August 14th, 2015

Ggi

  • Seven RC holes have been completed at the Company’s 100%-owned La Patilla Gold Property
  • Assays are pending, and results will guide the next phase of exploration at this property where a shallow high-grade zone was discovered last year
  • Five of the seven holes targeted the La Patilla vein system, to test for continuity of high-grade mineralization along strike and down dip in the vein area as cut in several holes in 2014, while two holes were successfully completed at the adjacent Murcielago breccia.

VANCOUVER, Aug. 14, 2015 /CNW/ – Garibaldi Resources Corp. (TSX.V: GGI) (the “Company” or “Garibaldi”) is pleased to report that seven RC holes have been completed by Layne Drilling at the Company’s 100%-owned La Patilla Gold Property in Sinaloa State, Mexico.  Assays are pending, and results will guide the next phase of exploration at this property where a shallow high-grade zone was discovered last year (10.4 g/t Au over 8.5 meters in LP-14).

Five of the seven holes targeted the La Patilla vein system, to test for continuity of high-grade mineralization along strike and down dip in the vein area as cut in several holes in 2014, while two holes were successfully completed at the adjacent Murcielago breccia.

Meanwhile, in advance of delivering stockpiled material from the vein system to the nearby Gainey Capital Corp. mill, Garibaldi has received highly encouraging metallurgical results with a recovery rate of 95% for a flotation test carried out by the Servicio Geologico Mexico (Mexican Geological Survey) in Chihuahua City.

The analyzed head grade for the sample (7.9 kg) was 17.7 g/t Au. The sample was taken from surface exposures in the La Patilla vein system where previous drilling reported high-grade gold values. Garibaldi cautions that the head grade is not necessarily representative of mineralization at La Patilla in general or, specifically, within the zones, structures or geological features that were sampled for the metallurgical testing.

Steve Regoci, Garibaldi President and CEO, commented: “The high gold recovery rate from the metallurgical work helps confirm that the mineralized material from the La Patilla veins is very amenable to the flotation system used at Gainey’s processing center. We’re continuing preparation work to advance this important part of the project at La Patilla.

“We are active on several fronts and we look forward to providing shareholders with additional updates on developments at our key projects in Mexico and British Columbia over the next few weeks.”

British Columbia Update – Grizzly Project

Crews are mobilizing for a fresh round of surface exploration, commencing in the next few days, that will determine final drill targets at the 270 sq. km Grizzly Project in northwest B.C.’s prolific Sheslay district.

Crews will be focusing on the highly promising Grizzly Central area as well as the newly-acquired Golden Bear claims, featuring an historical high-grade gold showing, adjoining the Grizzly to the south.

“Indeed this will be a busy and exciting summer at the Grizzly as productive discussions with all stakeholders concerning this emerging world class district are giving us great encouragement,” stated Regoci.

Qualified Person

Dr. Craig Gibson, Certified Professional Geologist and a director of Garibaldi, is a non-arms-length Qualified Person for the Company’s Mexico projects and the direct manager of the technical programs operated under contract by Prospeccion Y Desarrollo Minero del Norte (ProDeMin). Dr. Gibson has reviewed this news release and approved the contents thereof.

About Garibaldi

Garibaldi Resources Corp. is an active Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on creating shareholder value through discoveries and strategic development of its assets in some of the most prolific mining regions in Mexico and British Columbia.

We seek safe harbor.

GARIBALDI RESOURCES CORP.

Per: “Steve Regoci”

Steve Regoci, President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Garibaldi Resources Corp.

GARIBALDI RESOURCES CORP., 1150 – 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2, Telephone: (604) 488-8851(604) 488-8851(604) 488-8851(604) 488-8851, Website: GaribaldiResources.comCopyright CNW Group 2015

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CLIENT FEATURE: Urban Barns (URBF: OTCQB) Capitalizing on Evolution of Cubic Farming

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:47 AM on Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

 

What is Cubic Farming?

 

 

  • A revolution in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
  • Propriety, patent-pending, looped conveyer growing system
  • Advanced uniform LED technology
  • Automated watering and nutrients
  • Optimal conditions for crops to transition from seeds to maturity through pre-set germination, growing and harvesting phases.

Why Urban Barns Foods?

  • Unknown story due to no previous IR = best opportunity to get in
  • Tier-1 Customers = Commercial Acceptance
  • 320 square feet = 3 acres of farm production
  • $6M Market Cap = Great Risk/Reward
  • Watch this video clip to see what production looks like
  • Watch this video clip to see what the Executive Chef at Chateau Frontenac has to say

Marquee Customers Include:

Strong Institutional Ownership, 39% Owned By:

Modern Agriculture Needs Green Innovation

The Cubic Farming Advantage

  • 100% controlled environment
  • Growing 365 days a year
  • No pesticides, herbicides or fungicides
  • No GMOs
  • Minimal water requirements
  • Superior nutritional values
  • Longer shelf life
  • Consistency

Consumers Demand Clean Food

  • Globally, the BFY (BETTER FOR YOU) food category is projected to grow by 25% to over $199.8 billion in 2015.
  • GMOs, a major concern for North American consumers
  • 72% of consumers say it is important to avoid GMOs when they shop
  • 40% of consumers say they look for non-GMO claims on food
  • Natural & clean foods are increasingly mainstream
  • Not only for higher income, most educated privileged segment. It is becoming a social movement.

Urban Barns Is the Solution


12 Month Stock Chart

 

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Medical marijuana could be covered by insurance, experts say

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:38 PM on Monday, July 27th, 2015

New rules allowing the sale of cannabis oil smooth way for more controlled prescription of drug

  • Canadians who have been prescribed medical marijuana could one day see their insurance company footing the bill, experts predict, following the introduction of new Health Canada rules that allow for the sale of cannabis oils.

By Alexandra Posadzki, The Canadian Press Posted: Jul 27, 2015 10:30 AM ET Last Updated: Jul 27, 2015 2:21 PM ET

If marijuana had a DIN number, like other drugs, insurance companies might cover the costs.If marijuana had a DIN number, like other drugs, insurance companies might cover the costs. (Siavash Dezvareh/CBC)

Health Canada announced revamped medical marijuana regulations earlier this month after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that users of the drug should be permitted to consume it in other forms, such as oils and edibles, rather than having to smoke dried buds.

“You’re going to see insurance companies slowly start to creep into the sector,” says Khurram Malik, an analyst at Jacob Securities Inc., noting that the new regulations will allow medical marijuana producers to sell gel caps similar to those made from cod liver oil.

That will allow for more precise dosing, Malik says.

“When you’re trying to smoke a plant you have no idea how much you’re consuming, so that makes doctors a little nervous,” he said.

Legitimizing the drug

Experts say the changes are a major step towards legitimizing the drug in the eyes of doctors and insurers.

“When something doesn’t look different than other medicines, it becomes much easier for people to get comfortable with the idea that this is, in fact, a possible treatment option for patients,” says Bruce Linton, the chief executive of Smiths Falls, Ont.-based Tweed Marijuana Inc.

However, medical marijuana producers still have one major hurdle to overcome before insurers begin routinely funding the drug — cannabis currently doesn’t have a drug identification number, known as a DIN.

“If it was issued a DIN by Health Canada, it’s quite likely that the insurance companies would cover it,” says Wendy Hope, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc.

“To obtain a DIN, the new form of medical marijuana would need to go through the full Health Canada approval process like any new drug.”

As it stands, most insurance companies don’t routinely cover medical marijuana. But some insurers, including Manulife, say they will consider making an exception if the employer has specifically requested it for one of its employees.

Up to the employer

“It’s up to the employer to ask if they want to have it covered,” says Hope.

Earlier this year, Sun Life agreed to pay for a University of Waterloo student’s medical marijuana prescription through his student health plan after the student union went to bat for him. Jonathan Zaid, 22, uses the drug to combat a syndrome called new daily persistent headache.

Some health insurance companies may pay for medical marijuana through a health spending account, says Hope. But, she adds, “my understanding is it doesn’t happen often.”

Malik says the primary reason why medical marijuana doesn’t have a DIN is a lack of rigorous, clinical research on its efficacy.

“The evidence is very circumstantial — not your typical 10-year, double-blind study that doctors and big pharmaceutical companies like to see,” Malik said.

He suspects that’s about to change.

Need for DIN numbers

“You’re going to see a lot of Canadian companies partnering up with universities overseas that are a little more progressive than the ones we have here, at least in this space, to drive this research forward and legitimize it in the eyes of doctors and get DIN numbers on these things,” Malik said.

Malik says there is a financial incentive for insurers to pay for medical marijuana, rather than shelling out for pricier chronic pain drugs such as opiates.

“From a dollars and cents standpoint, if marijuana is the same thing as a narcotic opiate, they would much rather cover marijuana because they’re in the business to make money,” Malik said.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/medical-marijuana-could-be-covered-by-insurance-experts-say-1.3168940

-by-insurance-experts-say-1.3168940

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Lithium demand from Electric Vehicles, “EVs,” alone could grow 30% annually for years to come

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:38 PM on Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

Lithium demand from Electric Vehicles, “EVs,” alone could grow 30% annually for years to come

Jul 17, 2015 | Posted by: Peter Epstein

 

  • Conventional wisdom seems to say that overall lithium demand will grow by 8%-12% annually
  • Everything’s going electric, lithium-ion batteries large & small will reign supreme

A short time ago, manufactures released hybrid gasoline-electric cars so that they could claim to be green companies. That has completely changed, now the race is on for market share, volumes and profits.

I’m on record as stating that demand for lithium will grow faster than most believe. Conventional wisdom seems to say that overall lithium demand will grow by 8%-12% annually. I understand why that range has been adopted, it’s already a fast growth rate by historical standards. Commodity and natural resource demand is frequently said to increase at, “the rate of GDP growth.” I wonder which country’s GDP rate is being referred to, hopefully not the U.S. A prime reason for my bullishness on lithium demand, with overall growth closer to 20% a year, is that Tesla is attracting A LOT of attention and competition. I will spare readers the obligatory rattling off a list of Tesla’s growing competition. But there’s much more to the story than Tesla.

I believe that hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be phased out sooner rather than later. Any manufacturer that can’t deliver a full EV within the next 2-4 years might as well start working on flying cars, previously known as airplanes. This paradigm shift to EVs is not 5-10 years away, it’s right around the corner. Hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars are deployed on new car platforms, why would it be any different for the builders of EVs? A short time ago, manufactures released hybrid gasoline-electric cars so that they could claim to be, “green” companies. That’s completely changed, now the race is on for market share, volumes and profits.

RANGE ANXIETY!!

“Range anxiety.” That’s the cool way of saying that prospective buyers of EVs are on the fence, until they’re confident that a massive infrastructure of electric charging stations is in place. Guess what? That’s nonsense. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, average daily driving per capita is about 40 miles. Commuters that drive 100-150 miles or more round trip are the exception, not the rule. Does 40 miles per day sound too low? That’s the U.S. average, the range around that average is probably fairly large. Take for example city dwellers that don’t drive daily.

If one were talking about natural gas stations, “range anxiety” would be a serious concern. Recall that T. Boone Pickens has been calling for the replacement of gasoline and diesel fueled cars with cleaner burning natural gas. In that highly unlikely scenario there would have to be a huge build out of natural gas stations. Not so with EVs. Electric Vehicles won’t require an epic rollout of thousands upon thousands of charging stations. As EVs evolve, there will be dozens of models with driving ranges in excess of 100 miles. By then, range anxiety will disappear. Instead of searching for a charging station, one’s garage electricity outlet will do the trick.

Everything’s going electric, lithium-ion batteries large & small will reign supreme

Admittedly there are occasions when long distances are called for. In this circumstance, let’s assume that a gasoline powered vehicle remains the best alternative. That still allows for EVs to potentially become 1 of the 2 vehicles in a suburban family. That equates to a staggering amount of lithium demand without the need of ubiquitous charging stations. The same will be the case for bikes, motorcycles, mail delivery vehicles and buses, (among others). That’s why I believe that the annual growth rate of lithium demand for EVs alone could be as high as 30%, a tripling in 5 years. If the fastest growing segment were to triple (30% growth annually from 2016-2020), that suggests 20% overall demand growth for lithium is not a crazy assumption.

Without range anxiety, EVs will become ubiquitous, not charging stations! This is especially true given that Nissan, Ford, GM and Toyota, (among others) will be coming out with a number of inexpensive EVs with price tags in the $20k-$25k range sooner rather than later. That’s before considering favorable State and/or Federal tax treatment. Importantly, the lower price point EVs will not necessarily use less lithium. Not if they want to achieve high milage per charge. Miles per charge will be a key determinate of customer preference. Note that inexpensive EVs will benefit as much as high end EVs, from lower annual operating expenses by plugging in instead of filling up.

Dajin Resources Corp. (DJI.V) / (DJIFF) a high risk / high return opportunity

While the available supply of lithium is difficult to forecast, and will come on-stream unevenly, demand growth for EVs alone could be two or three times that of today’s consensus. Clearly, the demand for lithium will be lower or higher than expected. Readers probably know which side of the coin I’m betting on. That’s why I like a small cap, pure-play lithium company named Dajin Resources Corp. (DJI.V) (DJIFF). Combined U.S. and Canadian trading volume is averaging roughly 625,000 shares per day. The company has no debt and a solid balance sheet. Warrant exercises have been helping to maintain adequate cash balances.

Taking a contrarian view by being substantially more bullish on lithium demand from EVs, calls for an investment approach that differs from those who follow the crowd. Following the crowd is prudent if conventional wisdom prevails. However, for those like me who believe overall demand for lithium could grow by 20% annually, (30% for EVs alone), a way to articulate a bullish position is through juniors such as Dajin Resources. Taking a contrarian view entails both higher risk and higher reward. Unlike following the crowd though, an investment in Dajin Resources could play off quite handsomely. With properties in both Nevada’s Lithium Hub, located approximately 12 km northeast of Rockwood’s decades long Nevada operations and a very large land position in Argentina’s, Lithium Triangle. This company’s tock is strongly positioned to move considerably higher upon an increase in lithium prices and/or a rebound in the morbid TSX Venture Exchange.

Disclosure:

Dajin Resources (ticker DJI.V) (DJIFF) – Mr. Epstein owns shares of this company. Investors should consult with their own advisors before making investment decisions. Mr. Epstein is not an investment advisor. The article on this company on EpsteinResearch.com should be viewed in this context. This company is highly speculative and not suitable for all investors. As of [5/1/15] Dajin Resources is a Sponsor of EpsteinResearch.com on a month-to-month basis.

Read more at: http://www.miningfeeds.com/2015/07/17/lithium-demand-from-electric-vehicles-evs-alone-could-grow-30-annually-for-years-to-come/#sthash.qvlZyaHW.dpuf

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Brazilian and North American fertilizer demand to rally

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:56 PM on Monday, July 20th, 2015

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  • Global fertilizer demand set to recover in the second half of 2015
  • PotashCorp reported that it expects the recent rise of global planted acreages to slow
  • Brazilian fertilizer purchases “are expected to accelerate in the third quarter and could lead to a more condensed delivery period”

Global fertilizer demand is set to recover in the second half of 2015, as farmer demand from North America and Brazil recovers, Canadian producer PotashCorp has said.

PotashCorp also reported that it expects the recent rise of global planted acreages to slow, as agricultural commodity markets cool.

North American potash demand is expected to rise as farmers address a mounting deficit in application.

Brazilian potash demand is expected to accelerate ahead of the country’s main planting season, helped by a recent improvement in crop prices, and a recently announced farm credit programme.

Improved demand

“Following a slower start in Brazil, we anticipate potash imports will accelerate during the third quarter,” PotashCorp said.

Brazilian fertilizer purchases “are expected to accelerate in the third quarter and could lead to a more condensed delivery period,” PotashCorp Said.

“Potash demand in Brazil slowed in first-half 2015 as farmers were concerned about weaker crop prices, the lower purchasing power of the Real and delayed credit availability from the government,” the report said.

The same dynamics will be seen in urea, with imports improving in the third quarter of 2015, in line with the same time last year, when imports reached a record 4m tonnes over the year. Brazilian phosphate imports are also seen rising next quarter.

Tentative buyers

North American demand is also expected to rise against the first half of the year, leaving full year sales down from the record 63m tonnes achieved in 2014 but remaining “at historically strong levels”.

“In North America, demand was lower in the first half of 2015 but is expected to be similar to historical levels in the second half”, the report said.

“Buyers were tentative in the first half as the spring application window was shortened and farmers weighed the impact of lower crop prices,” the report said, also noting record offshore imports pressuring North American producer sales.

“We expect healthy demand in the second half as crop prices have improved and farmers look to replenish soil nutrients after recent large harvests,” said PotashCorp.

Mounting deficit

The increased North American demand is driven by a mounting potash deficit.

PotashCorp notes that application rates have held steady in North America over the past 30 years, while yields per acre have increased significantly thanks to the use of higher-yield cultivars.

As a result of this, PotashCorp estimates that since 2010, the depletion of potash in US farmland soil has exceeded application by more than 7m short tons per year.

“Closing this gap would require farmers to nearly double application rates compared to current levels,” PotashCorp said.

The group notes application deficits across US growing regions, with the largest in the Central Plains.

“Relatively large potash application deficits were found in most major crop producing regions of the US,” the report said.

Farmland growth to ease

PotashCorp also noted that expects the rate of increase in global planted acreages to slow.

By breaking new ground, and by double and triple cropping existing ground, PotashCorp reports that farmers have added over 160 million planted acres to agricultural production in the past ten years, “an area similar to that of the US corn and soybean crop”.

“In response to rising global demand and higher crop prices, farmers have increased planted acreage over the past decade,” PotashCorp said.

As global commodity prices slow, PotashCorp expects that the rate of increase in planted area could slow, and “some marginal acreage could be removed from production”.

Chinese demand

In China, PotashCorp expects “strong farmer affordability and agronomic need will continue to have a positive impact on potash demand in 2015”.

Supply contracts to China have already been negotiated by the North American potash cartel Canpotex, of with PotashCorp is a member.

Canpotex has also signed supply deals to Indian groups, where PotashCorp expects “continued growth in 2015”.

PotashCorp estimates Indian imports at 5m tonnes over the whole 2015.

Kharif planting

The group reports that India’s monsoon “got off to a strong start in June, which supported Kharif crop planting and fertilizer demand”.

Kharif crops, usually grains and pulses, are planted with the start of the monsoon rains.

PotashCorp expects Indian urea imports to slow from the recent rapid pace, but leaving 2015 purchases well above last year.

India is expected to import over 5m tonnes of diammonium phosphate in 2015, compared to 3.6m in 2014.

Source: http://www.agrimoney.com/news/brazilian-and-north-american-fertilizer-demand-to-rally–8586.html

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UBR Closes Additional Financing for Work Program to Evaluate Potential of its High Purity Quartz Deposits

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:10 PM on Thursday, July 16th, 2015

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  • Announced that it has closed on July 16, 2015 an additional non-brokered private placement comprised of 1,238,012 Flow-Though Units at $0.055 per Unit for gross proceeds of $68,090.66.
  • Net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to finance the implementation of the Corporation’s go forward plan for Q1/Q2 2015 and was predicated by our press release on March 2, 2015 in which we announced “Major Producer Confirms Interest in Purchasing Significant Tonnage of High Purity Quartz From Uragold Quartz Property in Quebec”

Montreal, Quebec / July 16 2015 – Uragold Bay Resources Inc. (“Uragold”) (TSX Venture: UBR) is pleased to announce that it has closed on July 16, 2015 an additional non-brokered private placement comprised of 1,238,012 Flow-Though Units (“Unit”) at $0.055 per Unit for gross proceeds of $68,090.66. The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to finance the implementation of the Corporation’s go forward plan for Q1/Q2 2015 and was predicated by our press release on March 2, 2015 in which we announced “Major Producer Confirms Interest in Purchasing Significant Tonnage of High Purity Quartz From Uragold Quartz Property in Quebec” and our press release on April 13, 2015 in which announced “Uragold subsidiary, Quebec Quartz, signs MOU with Dorfner Anzaplan to evaluate potential of its high purity quartz deposit.”

Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and a half (1/2) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.10 during a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month holding period until November 17, 2015.

The Company paid a cash finder’s fee of $6,809.06 and issued 123,801 warrants to Dundee Capital Market. Each warrants will give the right to purchase one (1) common share at 5.5 cents for 24 months.

Patrick Levasseur, President and COO of UBR stated, “We are extremely please that the developments of Quebec Quartz’s high purity quartz projects continue attracting investors interest. Our recent announcement regarding interest from a major producer in purchasing significant tonnage of our high purity quartz and our collaboration with Anzaplan are major milestones in our quartz strategy. We have started the field work required to start determining the full potential of our industry leading quartz properties.”

About UBR- Quebec Quartz

UBR- Quebec Quartz is the largest holder of distinct High Purity Quartz properties in Quebec, with over 3,500 Ha under claims. Despite the abundance of quartz, very few deposits are suitable for high purity applications. High Purity Quartz supplies are tightening, Prices are rising, Exponential growth forecasted;

Quartz from the Roncevaux property successfully passed rigorous testing protocols of a major silicon metal producer confirming that our material is highly suited for their silicon metal production.

In addition to becoming a supplier of lump quartz for silicon metal production, Quebec Quartz’s objective is to transform its High Purity Quartz into Ultra High Purity Quartz Sands to generate significantly greater profits and become a leading supplier of Ultra High Purity Quartz.

About Uragold Bay Resources Inc.

Uragold Bay Resources is a TSX-V listed Gold and High Purity Quartz exploration junior focused on generating free cash flow from mining operations. Our business model is centered on developing mining projects suited for smaller-scale start-up and that could potentially generate high yield returns. Uragold will reach these goals by developing Quebec’s first paleoplacer mine in 50 years, the Beauce Placer Project and, in partnership with Golden Hope Mines, the Bellechasse-Timmins Gold Deposit.

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.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S un der the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.

For further information contact

Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO
Patrick Levasseur, President and COO

Tel: (514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271(514) 846-3271
www.uragold.com

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Urban Barns Announces Management Changes

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:55 PM on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015

  • Mr. Horst Hueniken has stepped down as Chairman of the Board, although he remains a Director of the Company. Existing Director Mr. Jeremy Kendall, who takes on the additional responsibility of Chairman, replaces him.
  • Mr. Richard Groome has resigned as President and CEO but remains a Director of Urban Barns.
  • Mr. Hueniken has replaced Mr. Groome in those roles with a mandate to re-focus Urban Barns on selling premium priced Kosher-certified product and to improve the Company’s financial performance. Mr. Hueniken will also continue to act as the Company’s Secretary and Treasurer.

MIRABEL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 2, 2015 / Urban Barns Foods Inc. (OTCQB: URBF) (“Urban Barns” or “the Company”), a vertical farming company that produces Kosher-certified leafy vegetables using its proprietary Cubic Farming(TM) technology, has made the following changes to the Company’s management.

Mr. Horst Hueniken has stepped down as Chairman of the Board, although he remains a Director of the Company. Existing Director Mr. Jeremy Kendall, who takes on the additional responsibility of Chairman, replaces him. Mr. Richard Groome has resigned as President and CEO but remains a Director of Urban Barns. Mr. Hueniken has replaced Mr. Groome in those roles with a mandate to re-focus Urban Barns on selling premium priced Kosher-certified product and to improve the Company’s financial performance. Mr. Hueniken will also continue to act as the Company’s Secretary and Treasurer.

About Urban Barns Foods Inc.

Urban Barns uses patent pending and proprietary growing equipment to produce premium quality, chemical-free and non-GMO leafy vegetables in a secure and controlled indoor environment, including lettuce and basil that is Kosher-certified.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may include forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. Words such as “may”, “could”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements and cautions investors to consider all other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in Urban Barns’ filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

For further information, contact:

Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Horst Hueniken, President and CEO
[email protected]
Tel: +1 (416) 569-5810
www.urbanbarns.com

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