News Release
S&U's resilient performance and growth strategy amidst economic and regulatory headwinds
S & U PLC
S&U PLC chairman Anthony Coombs discusses the company's full-year performance and outlook in an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. Despite facing significant headwinds, especially in the latter half of the period, Coombs noted that S&U demonstrated robust trading, underpinned by the strong demand for its motor finance and property bridging products. Aspen, its property bridging division, achieved a significant milestone, hitting the half-billion lending mark. However, profit growth at motor finance division Advantage was held back by higher interest rates and increased regulatory activity from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) concerning forbearance, affordability, and vulnerable customers. Coombs highlighted the company's adaptability and ongoing cooperation with the FCA to maintain best-in-class procedures. Despite the economic challenges and regulatory pressures, customer numbers at Advantage reached record levels. Coombs also addressed the impact of the current economic situation, including recession fears and cost of living pressures, on the company's lending practices. He expressed neutrality towards the potential change in government, emphasizing the company's resilience and long-term customer service focus. On the property market, Coombs noted the resilience of house prices and a long-term supply shortage, which he believes presents a substantial opportunity for Aspen. He highlighted the division's focus on lending to individuals refurbishing or building properties, a sector underserved by traditional banks. S&U declared a final dividend of 50 pence per share and Coombs expressed confidence in the company's ability to resume sustainable profit growth, maintaining a balance between capital appreciation and dividend yield for shareholders. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
TNR Gold reaches milestone with Gangeng's Mariana lithium project on track for first production
TNR Gold Corp
TNR Gold Corp executive chairman Kirill Klip tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion the company will start generating its first royalty stream once the Mariana lithium project in Argentina commences production later this year, marking a major milestone for TNR Gold Corp. This development is pivotal as the company aims to establish itself within the green energy metals royalty and gold sector, Klip added. The Mariana lithium project has been operational since January 2023. Owner Ganfeng Lithium has focused on increasing lithium concentration and constructing facilities capable of producing lithium chloride, targeting an annual output of 20,000 tonnes. Moreover, the operations are set to be entirely powered by renewable energy, with a 120-megawatt solar power plant being developed, expected to expand to 150 megawatts. Klip also highlighted the positive shift in Argentina's business environment under the new presidency, emphasizing the country's growing attractiveness for mining investments. TNR Gold benefits from Argentina's enhanced business-friendly initiatives, alongside having a royalty on another significant project in the country, Klip said. Addressing the lithium market, Klip noted the fluctuating prices but stressed the anticipated recovery and structural deficit due to the underestimation of supply by significant analysts. He underscored the strategic positioning of the Mariana lithium project, particularly for the production of lithium chloride, which is essential for the next generation of lithium solid-state batteries. These batteries are expected to enhance the efficiency and range of electric vehicles significantly. Contact Details v +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
Helium One Global on track with Itumbula West-1 extended well test, commences ESIA study
Helium One Global Ltd
Helium One Global Ltd CEO Lorna Blaisse and director of operations Mike Williams take Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through the latest progress on the company's Rukwa project in Tanzania. Blaisse told Proactive Helium One has initiated an environmental and social impact assessment study (ESIA), essential for converting its prospecting licence to a full mining licence, marking a significant advancement. This step follows the success of the Phase Two drilling campaign, where it achieved a 4.7% helium flow from the Itumbula West-1 well. The upcoming extended well test (EWT) is crucial for evaluating the project's value in the Rukwa Basin, facilitating the licence conversion process. The assessment, expected to take six months, is underway, running in parallel with preparations for the extended well test and a feasibility study. Williams said the company has appointed a production facilities management company and started a design study for a helium production plant. This plant aims to refine helium and manage logistics for transporting the product. The modular design will accommodate varying production rates, ensuring value for stakeholders. Preparations for the extended well test in the third quarter are on schedule, involving significant logistical and engineering efforts due to the importation of equipment from outside Tanzania, Williams added. Behind the scenes, work on converting the mining licence continues, encompassing a comprehensive feasibility report integrating various company departments. Close collaboration with the Tanzanian government and stakeholders is ongoing, with recent positive meetings with the Mining Commission highlighting the government's support for the project. With the acceleration of the project, Blaisse Helium One is expanding its team to manage the increasing workload and ensure the delivery of all project components, including the crucial feasibility study. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
Ballymore Resources unveils promising results from Dittmer gold project in Queensland
Ballymore Resources Ltd
Ballymore Resources Ltd (ASX:BMR) technical director David A-Izzeddin tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion that initial assay results from a Stage 4 drilling program at the company's Dittmer gold project in north Queensland are very encouraging. The company has a number of projects in the area, which A-Izzeddin said is "remarkably under-explored," despite significant gold findings in the 1990s. Dittmer stands out for its history as a high-grade gold mining area in the late 1800s to early 1900s, with the Dittmer mine noted for its extraordinary gold yield. Ballymore's recent drilling programs have uncovered evidence suggesting the potential for substantial mineral deposits near the historic mine sites, with results indicating the presence of high-grade gold within a shear zone that appears to widen with depth. Further exploration and drilling efforts have identified promising structures and anomalies, suggesting an extensive mineralisation that remains open for exploration. The company plans to continue its exploration activities with surface drilling programs aimed at revealing the full potential of these areas, including the possibility of encountering porphyry copper systems as indicated by geochemical anomalies and historical data from nearby locations. With a recent $5 million investment from the Taurus Mining Royalty Fund, A-Izzeddin said Ballymore Resources is well-funded to advance its ambitious exploration projects. This financial support, part of an $11 million funding effort, enables the company to explore not only the promising targets at Dittmer but also other locations like Cedar Ridge. Although the primary focus remains on discovering significant mineral deposits, there's also the potential for initiating small-scale mining operations in the near term, leveraging the high-grade findings and proximity to existing infrastructure. Contact Details Proactive Australia Pty Ltd Proactive Australia Pty Ltd +61 431 597 771 writers.australia@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
Altona Rare Earths announces strategic diversification with Botswana copper licence option agreement
Altona Rare Earths PLC
Altona Rare Earths PLC (LSE:REE) chief executive Cédric Simonet discusses the company's binding option agreements on the Sesana copper-silver project in Botswana with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. The project is situated within the Kalahari Copper Belt, close to the recently opened Khoemacau copper-silver mine. The licence spans approximately 274 square kilometres and is in a promising location given its proximity to other significant discoveries in a relatively underexplored belt. Simonet noted that the Kalahari Copper Belt shares similarities with the Central African Copperbelt but has been less explored due to its coverage by the Kalahari sands. Recent advancements in geophysical and geochemical investigation methods now allow for effective exploration in this region. Airborne geophysical surveys conducted around the Sesana project have identified promising geological formations indicative of potential mineral deposits. These findings have positioned the project as a key component of Altona's diversification strategy, aimed at stabilising the portfolio amidst fluctuating rare earths markets. The diversification includes a focus on copper due to its market stability and the maturity of the copper industry, which offers better valuation and investor understanding compared to rare earths. The option agreement for the Sesana project is structured in three phases, starting with a one-year exploration phase leading to potential drilling activities aimed at resource definition. This strategic move is part of Altona's broader efforts to manage market risks associated with rare earths by incorporating copper into its portfolio, alongside continuing its commitment to the Monte Muambe rare earths project in Mozambique. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
Futura Medical targets global expansion with Eroxon, eyeing profitability in 2024
Futura Medical PLC
Futura Medical PLC (AIM:FUM, OTC:FAMDF) CEO James Barder tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about a strategic shift and refresh for the company in 2023, marked by the successful launch of Eroxon in the UK and Belgium, generating £3.1 million in revenues, FDA marketing authorisation in the US, and an exclusive marketing rights deal with Haleon for Eroxon in America. These achievements have broadened Futura's global distribution network to approximately 80%, excluding China. The company aims to establish a new sexual health category within the OTC market, leveraging Futura's R&D expertise. The specific launch date in the US with Haleon remains undisclosed due to competitive sensitivities, targeted within a year from the end of February. Pre-launch processes involve ensuring manufacturing capacity, engaging key opinion leaders, product positioning considering cultural sensitivities, and aligning with retailer schedules. Objectives for this year include expanding into at least 14 new countries in the first half, exploring opportunities in Asia, particularly China, and extending Eroxon's product range while focusing on cost management. Barder, reflecting on Futura's transition from a loss-making R&D firm to a pathway towards profitability, expresses optimism for continued progress in 2024. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
EARNZ targets decarbonisation opportunities under turnaround expert Bob Holt
Earnz PLC
Earnz PLC (AIM:EARN) executive chairman Bob Holt tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion that the company aims to position itself in the energy services sector with a focus on energy advisory, regeneration, and net zero (EARNZ). Holt, known for his success in building companies such as Mears Group and turning around businesses in the energy sector, took control of a cash shell recently to establish Earnz. The company’s strategy revolves around capitalising on decarbonization and carbon capture opportunities, with Holt already having invested in related ventures before acquiring the shell. Earnz is eyeing investments and acquisitions in the energy services and Net Zero sectors, specifically targeting businesses that align with the transition from gas to alternative heating solutions and broader decarbonization efforts. Holt, emphasizing his history of success in "man in a van" businesses, suggests Earnz will likely pursue acquisitions that fit this successful model. While Earnz is currently a cash shell and cannot disclose specific targets, Holt mentions ongoing discussions with a number of businesses. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
Helix Exploration's David Minchin eyes helium riches in Montana after oversubscribed IPO
Helix Exploration PLC
HeLIX Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) chairman David Minchin joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion following the company's listing on London's AIM market, a significant milestone for the company. Minchin told Proactive that Helix Exploration is engaged in helium exploration in Montana, focusing on the Ingomar Dome, spanning over 16,500 acres. The company boasts a P50 resource estimate of 2.3 billion cubic feet of helium, with potential upside exceeding 6 billion cubic feet. This venture is substantially de-risked by historical drilling evidence of gas across target reservoir horizons. Notably, several formations have shown promising gas presence, setting a solid foundation for drilling activities slated for the third quarter of this year as the company aims for first production by end-2025. Minchin said the Initial Public Offering (IPO) was notably oversubscribed, raising £7.5 million against a target of £3.5 to £5 million, leading to a market capitalisation of approximately £12 million. This capital will finance the drilling and appraisal of a well, alongside an extended flow test. The significant interest is partly attributed to CEO and founder Bo Sears, a renowned figure in helium exploration with over 25 years of experience in the field. HeLIX Exploration aims to leverage the helium market's robust dynamics, highlighted by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% in helium prices over the past decade and high demand from both Chinese importers and US end-users, Minchin said. The company plans to position itself advantageously within this market, particularly benefiting from the US Chips Act, which is expected to boost domestic demand for helium due to increased semiconductor manufacturing. Investors can anticipate several milestones in the near term, including the commencement of a scoping study, drilling activities in Q3, and the initiation of an extended flow test. These efforts are expected to culminate in significant developments towards the construction phase and the enhancement of HeLIX Exploration's project pipeline within the Montana helium fairway. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
News Release
European Green Transition debuts on London Stock Exchange with strong investor support
European Green Transition PLC
European Green Transition (LON: EGT) CEO Aiden Lavelle and CFO Jack Kelly joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion as the company started trading on the London Stock Exchange after raising over £6.45 million, surpassing its initial target. The funds are seen as a strong market endorsement of EGT's business model aimed at developing a green economy asset portfolio across Europe. This portfolio includes projects from metals refining and recycling to potential solar and wind assets, with a focus on acquiring distressed assets to complement their 100% owned projects. A key asset is the Olserum rare earth deposit in Sweden. Lavelle, a chartered geologist with 16 years of industry experience, particularly in Sweden, highlighted the significance of rare earth elements in the green transition, noting their crucial role in high-efficiency motors, electric vehicle motors, and wind turbines. The market for these elements is expected to double over the next decade. The Olserum asset, with an initial focus on a historic resource of 7.8 million tonnes at 8.6% rare earth dioxide, is part of this strategic positioning. Kelly outlined the company's M&A model focused on acquiring distressed and undervalued green economy assets in Europe, de-risking them, and then selling them with a structure that includes upfront cash and future royalty interests. The company has identified post-IPO M&A opportunities across critical minerals, wind, and solar projects, along with rehabilitation and processing projects. EGT is currently exploring a range of these opportunities, including a mine and processing facility currently in administration and a potential rehabilitation project in Western Europe. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com
April 11, 2024 07:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Video
