Samso Search Results

The global commodities market is witnessing notable changes, with significant price movements in copper and tin, signalling a potential shift in investment trends within the resources sector.   Copper, traditionally seen as an economic health indicator, has broken free from its previous price stagnation.   In the tin market, there is a quiet yet significant ascent in prices, reflecting its strategic importance, especially in the technology sector where it is used for soldering in circuit boards.  The International Tin Association has emphasised the urgent need for substantial investment in tin production to meet the forecasted demand surge, estimating a requirement of US$1.4 billion to augment annual tin output by 50,000 tonnes by 2030.  Furthermore, the price increase in tin is influenced by geopolitical tensions and production issues in major tin-producing areas, highlighting the metal's critical role in the global supply chain.  Tin prices have rebounded to around US$28795 a tonne, a 9.10% increase since the beginning of 2024, primarily due to threats to supplies from key producers and the demand outlook turning positive (Figure 1).  Figure 1: Tin prices (Source: Trading Economics)   In the spotlight: Venture Minerals   In the spotlight is Venture Minerals ’ Mount Lindsay Project in north-western Tasmania, hosting one of the largest undeveloped tin projects globally and boasting over 80,000 tonnes of tin metal and a significant tungsten resource.  Its strategic importance is amplified by the Australian Government's enhanced focus on critical minerals, demonstrated by the expansion of the critical minerals’ facility to A$4 billion and the inclusion of tin in the new strategic materials List.  Consequently, the Australian Government has recognised the project as a critical minerals project, underscoring its national and global significance, especially in light of the burgeoning demand for metals crucial to the technology and energy sectors.  This governmental support aligns with the growing acknowledgment of tin's vital role in the battery revolution and new technological applications (Figure 2)  Figure 2: Metals most impacted by new technology (Source: International Tin Association)   About the project   Venture owns 100% of the tenure that hosts the Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten Deposit and the surrounding prospects.   The project sits between the world-class Renison Bell Tin Mine (Metals X Ltd/Yunnan Tin Group) and the Savage River Magnetite Mine, which has been operating for more than 50 years, currently producing approximately 2.5 Mtpa of iron pellets (Figure 2).  Mount Lindsay has excellent access to existing infrastructure, including hydropower, wind power, water, sealed roads, and rail and port facilities.  The Mount Lindsay deposits and the surrounding exploration target areas are all defined as skarn-style mineralisation and are closely analogous to well-known large skarn deposits in Russia and China, which contain the same borates that exist at Mount Lindsay.  Figure 3: Location map of Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten Deposit, Riley Iron Ore Mine & Livingstone DSO Deposit. (Source: Venture Minerals Limited) Moving forward    Venture has engaged Curtin University to kick off the next stage of metallurgical test work on the Mount Lindsay tin-rich borates.  The program will investigate the extraction of tin, boron, and iron from tin-iron borates, potentially significantly increasing the tin recovery and producing a high-value boron by-product, resulting in another revenue stream for the Mount Lindsay project (Figure 4)  Venture believes the inclusion of tin-rich borates into the current Underground Feasibility Study could deliver a major economic benefit, through the recovery of boron and additional tin and iron.  Boron is now included in the European Commission’s Critical Raw Material Act and is considered vital to the green energy transition.   In addition to boron’s use in solar panels, up to 50kg of boron material is required in the construction of Electric Vehicles.  Figure 4: Mount Lindsey Geology map (Source: Venture Minerals Limited) A word From Samso The Venture Minerals story is one that is well known to anyone who has been following the Coffee with Samso  series. Andrew Radonjic, the Managing Director of Venture Minerals has been a recurring guest on the Coffee with Samso series of videos. Coffee with Samso: Venture Minerals Limited (ASX: VMS) - Jupiter REE Deposit: April 2024 Update Venture Minerals Limited (ASX: VMS) - Jupiter REE Deposit: the next Mt. Weld? Venture Minerals Limited (ASX: VMS) - A Different Australian Rare Earth Story - The Jupiter Project. The Mt Lindsay project has been the main focus for the company and there is a great amount of value in the project. The tin price falling back from a sharp rise in 2022 (Figure 5) has given tin companies a shock to the system. However, there does appear to be some resemblance of a recovery. Figure 5: Tin prices over a 25-year range in USD/T. (Source: Trading Economics) The consensus within the commodity and mining fraternity is that the next boom in pricing is near and the next growth will be more sustainable. I am one with these narratives and I do feel that the next period of growth will be from the "New Age" related metals. I don't want to call them EV metals as I am a firm believer that the metals that will make a difference in the new Clean Energy Environment are the metals that have been largely ignored during the "lithium" time. My thoughts are that the new age metals are all about the new technology and a revolution to go from the "Old Ways" to the "New Ways" in terms of transportation and infrastructure. The need to be more efficient is also going to be a driver in terms of stronger and lighter materials etc. If the tin price starts to come back, Venture is going to have two fronts running in the New Age environment. Get Deeper Insights The latest and most reliable information from experienced sources, that are completely unbiased are now available through a Paid Membership. Sign up here  for a more trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors.  ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. ------ About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research. Coffee with Samso Experience

The Puxiong deposit in Southwest China represents a significant shift in the exploration of regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits, traditionally dominated by granites and felsic volcanic substrates. Recent discoveries and studies, such as those at Puxiong, underscore the potential of silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks like nepheline syenite in contributing to REE resources [1].   Geology and mineralogy of the Puxiong deposit Located in Southwest China, the Puxiong deposit is notable for its formation through the weathering of nepheline syenite, which has undergone partial hydrothermal enrichment in REEs. This syenite registers REE concentrations that range dramatically from 177 to 9,336 parts per million (ppm). The mineralogical composition includes significant percentages of REEs hosted in minerals such as britholite-(Ce), tritomite-(Ce), and cerite-(Ce), which collectively contribute to approximately 60% of the total REE content. Additional REEs are found in secondary minerals within the K-feldspar and less abundantly in other minerals like titanite and hiortdahlite. Figure 1: Puxiong Geology (Source: Economic Geology)   Weathering and REE Mobilisation The weathering process is critical in the formation of regolith hosted REE deposits.  At Puxiong, REEs are released from primary minerals into soil solutions. Subsequently, they adsorb onto clay minerals or precipitate as supergene phases such as rhabdophane. The clay minerals, particularly illite and halloysite, exhibit higher ion exchange capacities than those derived from granitic sources, enhancing their ability to capture and concentrate REEs. Figure 2: Photographs of the regolith and parent nepheline syenite (Source: Economic Geology) Spatial distribution of REEs   The spatial distribution of REEs within the deposit reveals that the highest concentrations of heavy REEs (HREEs) occur at the footslope, averaging 110 ppm.  Meanwhile, the lighter REEs (LREEs) are more abundant in the B horizon at hilltops.   This distribution pattern is influenced by the topographical features and the mobility of REEs within the weathering profile, driven by groundwater and soil solutions.    Strategic Significance and Environmental Considerations   REEs are increasingly crucial due to their applications in high-technology and defence industries.   The ease of mining and processing regolith-hosted deposits, such as those at Puxiong, offers a strategic advantage over more conventional hard-rock mining methods.  Moreover, the development of new mining technologies, such as electrokinetic mining, promises to enhance REE recovery while minimising environmental impacts.  Global Implications   The Puxiong deposit provides a new perspective on the potential for nepheline syenite-derived regolith-hosted REE deposits.  it also invites further exploration and study in other regions with similar geological settings.   Understanding the geochemical behaviour of REEs in these unique environments can guide future exploration and exploitation strategies, potentially leading to the discovery of new economically viable deposits.  Conclusion   The study of the Puxiong REE deposit not only expands the geological understanding of regolith hosted REE deposits but also underscores the importance of alternative sources for these critical materials.   As global demand for REEs continues to rise, the insights gained from Puxiong and similar deposits are crucial for securing a sustainable supply of these indispensable elements.  Get Deeper Insights The latest and most reliable information from experienced sources, that are completely unbiased are now available through a Paid Membership. Sign up here  for a more trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors.  ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. ------ About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research. Coffee with Samso Experience ------ References:   [1} Min Wang, Martin Yan Hei Li, Mei-Fu Zhou, Jia-Xi Zhou, Guotao Sun, Ye Zhou, Yin Li; Enrichment of Rare Earth Elements During the Weathering of Alkaline Igneous Systems: Insights from the Puxiong Regolith-Hosted Rare Earth Element Deposit, SW China.  Economic Geology  2024;; 119 (1): 161–187. doi:  https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.5024

Founded in 2004 by Peter Van Der Made, BrainChip Holdings Ltd  (ASX: BRN) stands out as an innovative force in the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, especially in the realm of neuromorphic computing. The company claims to be the world's first commercial producer of neuromorphic processors that can mimic the way the human brain processes sensory inputs. Over the past six months, BrainChip shares have appreciated more than 70% backed by the company’s renewed focus on the Edge AI “explosion” (Figure 1). The company’s shares are currently trading at A$0.29 with a market cap of $A517 million.     Figure 1: BRN share price chart (Source: ASX.com )   Cutting-edge products set the stage   At the core of BrainChip's product line are the MetaTF development environment and the AKD1000 neuromorphic processor (Figure 2).  MetaTF facilitates the training and deployment of spiking neural networks (SNNs), accommodating a broad spectrum of data inputs, such as images and videos, across diverse applications like security and industrial automation.  The AKD1000 processor itself is a marvel of engineering, featuring 1.2 million artificial neurons and 10 billion synapses, which operate on an event-based processing paradigm.   This design ensures highly efficient data processing with minimal power consumption, making it ideal for edge devices.  Figure 2: Brainchip products. Expansion and Evolution   Throughout 2021 and 2022, BrainChip expanded its market reach by launching development kits for its Akida AI processor and forging strategic partnerships, including a notable collaboration with NVISO and incorporating the Rochester Institute of Technology into its University AI accelerator program.  2023 marked a significant transition, fueled by industry shifts towards generative AI and fluctuating market demands. Despite these challenges, BrainChip seized the opportunity to advance its technology and enhance its market positioning.   The launch of the AKD1500, a refined reference chip design, underscored the company's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge.  What is Edge AI?   Edge artificial intelligence (AI) refers to systems that process and analyse data at the site where it is generated, rather than transmitting it to a centralised server or cloud for processing.   This approach is used in devices that operate at the "edge" of the network, such as smartphones, industrial robots, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices.   Edge AI has the advantage of reducing latency, as the data does not have to travel over a network to a data centre.  It enhances privacy, by processing sensitive data locally rather than sending it to the cloud; and it can reduce bandwidth requirements and operational costs.   Common applications include real-time data processing in autonomous vehicles, on-device speech recognition, and security systems.  Strategic Strides in 2024   In 2024, BrainChip's strategy pivoted towards capitalising on the burgeoning demand for Edge AI, which promises optimised, cost-effective computing solutions tailored to specific applications, from automotive to consumer electronics.   The company's proactive approach is evident in its expansion into new sectors such as SpaceTech and Healthcare, driven by a blend of strategic partnerships and innovative product development.  BrainChip's leadership, underpinned by the arrival of Dr Anthony Lewis as the new CTO, a neuromorphic technology trailblazer, is focused on harnessing the potential of Temporal Event Based Neural Nets (TENNs) and other advanced features.   This strategic direction not only aims to elevate the company's technological footprint but also to fortify its standing in a competitive market.  A Future Shaped by Agility and Innovation   The ongoing transformation within BrainChip reflects a broader industry trend towards agile, adaptive business models that prioritise rapid innovation and market responsiveness.  By investing in domain-specific expertise and fostering robust industry partnerships, BrainChip is not just reacting to market trends but actively shaping them.  This strategy extends beyond technology development to encompass comprehensive market engagement, ensuring that BrainChip remains at the forefront of the AI revolution.  Robust Foundation    BrainChip's journey began with a pivotal acquisition by Aziana, an Australian mining company, in March 2015, which subsequently led to a reverse merger placing BrainChip on the Australian Securities Exchange.   This strategic move was complemented by leadership shifts, with Louis Di Nardo stepping in as CEO and Van Der Made transitioning to Chief Technology Officer.    The company's focus then sharpened on commercialising Van Der Made's pioneering AI processor hardware concept.  In Conclusion   As BrainChip stands poised at the brink of a new era in AI and computing, the journey from a visionary concept in 2004 to a market-driven enterprise in 2024 highlights a saga of perseverance, innovation, and strategic acumen.   With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, BrainChip is set to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the AI domain, ensuring its place as a leader in the Edge AI revolution.  Get Deeper Insights The latest and most reliable information from experienced sources, that are completely unbiased are now available through a Paid Membership. Sign up here  for a more trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. ------ About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research. Coffee with Samso Experience

The global molybdenum market is poised to hit US$466.2 Billion with a CAGR of 4.5% in the next decade (Figure 1).  Essential for enhancing the strength and resistance of steel, this transition metal is invaluable for construction and manufacturing.  Additionally, molybdenum serves as a crucial catalyst in various chemical processes, further strengthening its role in the current world.  This increased demand from these industries is driving the global market, highlighting molybdenum's pivotal role in modern industrial applications.  However, the current market sentiment suggests a scarcity of material, with the index hovering around US$22 per pound of molybdenum.  Pundits are concerned about looming supply deficits as mining operations struggle to ramp up production.  Figure 1: Global Molybdenum Market ( Source: Acumen Research)  Structural Shifts In Emerging Economies   Emerging economies such as China and India are undergoing structural shifts that are set to boost steel demand.   Rapid urbanisation in China and extensive infrastructure development in India are primary drivers.   These shifts create a robust need for steel-reinforced construction materials, directly impacting the molybdenum market.   As these economies continue to grow, the demand for steel and, consequently, molybdenum, is expected to rise significantly over the forecast period.  Deceleration Of Demand In China's Oil And Gas Sector   Despite the positive outlook, the molybdenum market faces challenges from the Chinese oil and gas sector.   There has been a noticeable deceleration in demand due to a decline in exploration and production activities.   Molybdenum steel bearings, heavily used in these sectors, are seeing reduced demand.   This slowdown in one of the largest consumers of molybdenum creates a mixed outlook for the metal's future, tempering market enthusiasm.  Price Fluctuations And Supply Constraints   In late 2022 and early 2023, molybdenum prices surged to levels reminiscent of the 2005-2008 period, clocking above $US 35/pound (Figure 2).  This price hike was driven by robust demand and tight supply conditions.   However, mid-2023 saw prices ease due to decreasing demand and increased production from Chinese mines.   The market remains vulnerable to supply shocks due to persistently low inventory levels.   Despite weak demand outside China in 2023, strong Chinese demand provided a significant offset, maintaining market stability.  Figure 2: Molybdenum prices since 2022 (Source: Red Door Research)  Rising Production Costs   Production costs for molybdenum have been rising, affecting the overall market dynamics.   Freeport-McMoRan, a major player, reported that primary mine costs have doubled since 2021 (Figure 3).  In China, rising costs are notable due to falling ore grades and increased environmental expenses.   From 2020 to 2023, global demand grew by 18%, driven primarily by China and Indonesia.   This demand surge, coupled with underperformance in by-product supply from copper mines in Chile,Peru and the USA, has led to low stocks, making the market susceptible to supply disruptions.  Figure 3: Molybdenum mine operating profit (Source: Freeport-McMoRan)  Chinese Market Influence   China has been a net importer of molybdenum since 2020, with import levels balancing out in 2021/22 but surging again in 2023.   The country's steady domestic demand growth and fluctuating primary supply are key market factors.  Despite declines in non-Chinese production, Chinese production continues to grow, accounting for over 45% of global output in the second half of 2023.   By-product supply showed growth in 2023 after two years of decline, and this trend is expected to accelerate this year.  Future Outlook   World molybdenum consumption is projected to grow by 4.8% in 2024, with significant recovery in Europe, North America, and Japan.   Since 2020, China and Indonesia have dominated growth, now accounting for nearly 75% of total usage.   Strong demand recovery, combined with declining supply, pushed the market into a deficit from 2021 to 2023.   While the deficit is shrinking as supply grows, the market is expected to balance in 2024/25. However, project delays remain a significant risk.  Industry Challenges And Concerns   The future output of molybdenum faces challenges, particularly from regions like Chile and Peru, due to declining ore grades and geopolitical instability.   North American producers such as Climax, Rio Tinto, and Thompson Creek/Centerra are facing several challenges as well, says analysts.   While summer activity typically remains stagnant, there is a prevailing belief that price increases are more likely than decreases.  Get Deeper Insights The latest and most reliable information from experienced sources, that are completely unbiased are now available through a Paid Membership. Sign up here  for a more trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors.  ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. ------ About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research. Coffee with Samso Experience

I have known about Cobra Resources Plc 's story for a while, but as they are listed in the UK, it is hard to learn what they are doing to advance their projects in Australia. The gold explorer turned Rare Earth player has some interesting points for their Rare Earth story. I met Rupert Verco at the beginning of 2023, and he struck me as a guy who had a firm understanding of his project in South Australia. He has a good view of the direction his REE project needs to take and the technical milestones. As I am always learning and turning myself into an expert by talking to industry experts, I was impressed to learn his thoughts. The Rare Earth industry is unique, and I am sure to many investors, as it is a new concept (for us anyway) and it isn't very easy. Market dynamics are not simple, and they are changing beasts. What is Cobra Resources story? Cobra Resources is a UK-listed exploration company focused on advancing the discovery of the Boland ionic REE. It is currently Australia’s only ionic rare earth project within situ recovery (ISR) potential. Through ISR, we aspire to define a magnet and heavy REE project that can be cost-competitive with the Rare Earth Mines of China. Over the last two years, the company has been advancing the Wudinna project, located in the Gawler Craton in South Australia. Two years ago, we identified rare earth elements (REEs) within Saprolite directly above our defined gold resources. As we worked to grow the gold resource, which now sits at 279,000 ounces, we spent much time understanding the geological, chemical, and environmental catalysts that influence REE mineralogy. Through this work, we identified relationships between mobility and acidity that had some influence on metallurgical recovery. We re-tested a significant number of historic drill samples, which enabled us to define a complimentary 41.6Mt REE resource that overlies the existing gold resource. Through considerable testing, we determined the primary enrichment of REEs and demonstrated relationships between chemistry and secondary enrichment in saprolite clays. Last year, we tested an alternate model for ionic REE, believing they could achieve superior metallurgy under different geological conditions without overcoming costly metallurgical processing challenges. The Boland prospect is a younger Palaeosystem that hosts interlayers of permeable sands and reduced, organic-rich clays. Drilling in 2023 confirmed grades within these sediments with heavy rare earth enrichment. Subsequent Metallurgy testing by ANSTO yielded recoveries of magnet REEs of up to 79% Tb, 67% Dy, 60% Nd and 47% Pr via a simple AMSUL wash at a pH3, confirming the ionic nature of mineralisation. What challenges do you face regarding your REE strategy, and how do you plan to overcome them? Cobra’s strategy is to focus on three key components that will demonstrate the value of the boland discovery: scale, grade concentration, and in-situ recovery. Scale:  We are re-assaying historic uranium-focused drilling for REEs. This demonstrates ionic REEs across massive scales within these paleo systems and enables us to identify higher-grade targets over our >4,000km3 landholding. Grade Concentration:  Initial results support high grades concentrated within or in contact with geology with high permeability. This is important as it enables efficiency in insitu mining and reduces acid consumption. Derisking mining via ISR:  Earlier this year, we completed a sonic core programme to improve our understanding of mineralogy and the geology's amenability to ISR. We were so encouraged by what we saw that we screened and cased the holes in a wellfield configuration (see Figure 1 below). We are currently gathering environmental and hydrology data from these holes to support an infield pilot ISR study—a world first. Figure 1:   Overview of the wellfield infrastructure that is intended to be used for a near term ISR pilot study. We currently have core samples at ANSTO, who are performing column leach tests under ISR conditions. These tests will go a long way toward demonstrating the value of ISR and enabling us to commence the process of defining a flow sheet to produce a saleable product. We plan to partner with water-cycle technologies and their membrane desorption technology. Figure 2: Mineralised core from recent sonic drilling, where high grades occur within highly permeable geology amendable to cost-effective in-situ recovery mining.   Which exchange are you listed on in the UK? What are the advantages of listing in the UK, and what are the challenges? UK main market listed – Our advantage is that we are the only ionic rare earth company listed in the UK, which gives us good reach into Europe. Our challenge is that liquidity and investment into mining equities within the UK have not had the same success as ASX-listed resources stocks in the last ten years. Our market valuation hasn’t had a re-rate on the back of the Boland discovery comparable to the market success of the Brazilian-focused companies. We hope to address this by delivering exploration success that yields scale, concentrated grades and de-risks in situ recovery.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Can you give us a Geology 101 on your REE project? The project sits within the southern Gawler craton – Hiltaba suite intrusives are directly related to IOCG mineralisation. We spent a lot of time understanding the process and mechanisms for ionic rare earth mineralisation. This was gained through identifying REE enrichment within Hiltaba suite granites, the catalysts for mobilisation, and the chemistry that promoted enrichment within clay horizons. Figure 3: Cobra's geology model for paleochannel hosted ionic rare earth mineralisation – where mother nature has completed the expensive process of hard rock rare earth extraction and mobilised valuable REEs to an accessible storage bank, allowing for a simple and cost-effective withdrawal What we found within the saprolite: There were correlations between REE enrichment and changes in acidity/alkalinity; however, there was little improvement in ionic desorption metallurgy. REEs were not present in highly acidic saprolites. The primary and secondary bearing REE mineral phases were low in quantity, and therefore, the majority of REEs were likely colloidally bound within clays. This leads us to theorise that: REE mineralisation within kaolin saprolites was unlikely to be retained in ionic phases under current environmental conditions. Due to extremely acidic ground waters, REEs were likely mobilised elsewhere. Younger sediments hosted within the Paleosystems were likely anoxic, had large changes in chemistry, and retained the right conditions for REE mineralisation in ionic form. Are there other commodities in your portfolio? A 279,000 Oz JORC gold MRE overlain by a 41.6Mt 699ppm TREO clay-hosted REE JORC MRE. There is 4km of defined sandstone-hosted Uranium at the Yarranna SE prospect, where there are numerous intersections above 500ppm U3O8. What is the News Flow for Cobra for 2024? Sonic Core drilling results (March) Modelling of Mineralised Scale (March) Re-analysis of 240 historic drill samples (April) confirming scale at Boland ISR column leach tests (ANSTO) late April-May Additional historic drill hole re-analysis  (May) Aircore drilling – Resource focused (June-July) What can you say to convince investors to position themselves in Cobra Resources? Cobra has demonstrated technical excellence in discovery while diligently using capital and preserving its share value through tight placings and sourcing non-diluting funding. We have de-risked ionic metallurgy, with initial metallurgical results comparable to highly valued Brazilian ionic projects (such as the Meteorics Caledria project). By demonstrating Scale, Grade Concentration, and in situ recovery, we believe we can demonstrate the world-class significance of this new style of ionic rare earth mineralisation as a low-cost, environmentally superior source of heavy and magnet rare earths. Unlike Meteoric, the valuation upside to this discovery has yet to be realised! A Word From Samso Cobra is very different from the typical Rare Earth story that is currently being told. Readers will know that Samso has a few clients in the REE industry, and over the last two years, they have been evolving in many ways. I have learnt that every project has a different component that makes it different. The Clay Rare Earth scene is relatively young for the industry. China has been working on these deposits for a while, but the flow of information has been limited. We also understand that the extraction methods in China are not best practice and will never pass the environmental test in our jurisdiction. To top all that off, the Chinese market is pretty much controlled, and it is the kingmaker for the REE market to the world. Recently, the world has woken up to the need for a second source of raw REE, which has created more confusion. There appears to be a knight in shining armour, but people can't seem to feel that the knight is there permanently or that perhaps it's a mirage. There is an increasing demand for REE, so there must be a source for these materials. Like all commodities, the supply needs to meet demand. There is no such thing as something so rare that demand will drive pricing to high levels. There is a thing called affordability, which I feel is the overwhelming driver for the equilibrium of demand vs. supply. Affordability is also the driver for the question of for economic viability, a deposit needs to become viable. What Cobra is proposing and driving towards may be the difference between the Cobra deposit and those promoting better numbers. Time will tell, but this allows potential investors like us time to DYOR. Cobra will need to raise more money to operate, and I would assume that, based on Rupert's comments, a listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) looks to be on the table. Get Deeper Insights The latest and most reliable information from experienced sources, that are completely unbiased are now available through a Paid Membership. Sign up here  for a more trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors.  ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. ------ About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research. Coffee with Samso Experience

In this episode of Samso’s Exploration Discovery Series, Jon Hronsky OAM of Western Mining Services shares insights into the groundbreaking discovery of the West Musgraves nickel-copper-PGE district. More than just a discovery, this marked a paradigm shift in mineral exploration, driven by innovative thinking and a new approach to identifying large deposits. The release of geophysical data by the government played a crucial role in understanding deep-seated structures and their mineralisation potential. The West Musgraves discovery is a powerful example of how exploration techniques have evolved, making this one of the most exciting discoveries in recent times. Jon's discussion offers a detailed exploration of the challenges, strategies, and the critical role of innovation in mineral exploration. Sign up for your membership on Samso Insights on Patreon now to access more exciting investment stories. Three types of membership on Samso Insights Choose one or more: FREE : These insights  are free and available to all investors. Subscribe here  for free. PAID MEMBERSHIP : If you are a bold investor and want more, you get access to the latest and most reliable information from experienced sources that are completely unbiased starting from US$10/month. Start accessing our exclusive content to help with your investment research . PAID ARTICLES : Trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. Choose what interests you and unlock your choice of article from US$10. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso

Sun Silver Rises on ASX Debut as Maverick Springs Shines Fresh from its IPO, which raised A$13 million, Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) is pushing forward with its Maverick Springs Silver-Gold Project in Nevada. The project boasts an inferred mineral resource of 292 million ounces of silver equivalent, positioning it as one of the largest silver resources on the ASX. Since listing, Sun Silver’s shares surged 175%, reflecting investor confidence. The company’s immediate focus includes resource development through infill and extensional drilling, aiming to upgrade the resource classification and expand the current resource. Nevada’s top-tier mining environment reinforces Sun Silver’s strategy, especially as global demand for silver, driven by industrial uses like solar energy, continues to grow. For investors keen on silver’s critical role in renewable energy, Sun Silver’s well-positioned assets offer an exciting opportunity. Sign up for your membership on Samso Insights on Patreon now to learn more. Three types of membership on Samso Insights Choose one or more: FREE : These insights  are free and available to all investors. Subscribe here  for free. PAID MEMBERSHIP : If you are a bold investor and want more, you get access to the latest and most reliable information from experienced sources that are completely unbiased starting from US$10/month. Start accessing our exclusive content to help with your investment research . PAID ARTICLES : Trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. Choose what interests you and unlock your choice of article from US$10. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso

Axel REE Set to Unlock Brazil’s Rare Earth Potential Brazil-focused explorer Axel REE Ltd is preparing for its ASX debut on July 27, 2024, following a successful IPO that raised up to A$15 million. Axel’s focus is on advancing rare earth element (REE) exploration across its extensive 1,100 square kilometer portfolio, which includes four key projects in Brazil, a country poised to become a major player in the global REE market. Axel's flagship projects, Caladão and Caldas, are located in mineral-rich regions, with promising early results from soil and rock chip sampling. Investors will find Axel’s strategic focus on high-priority, drill-ready targets exciting, especially as Brazil competes with China in the REE space, with vast reserves yet to be fully explored. Looking to tap into the future of REE exploration in Brazil? Sign up for your membership on Samso Insights on Patreon now to read the full article. Three types of membership on Samso Insights Choose one or more: FREE : These insights  are free and available to all investors. Subscribe here  for free. PAID MEMBERSHIP : If you are a bold investor and want more, you get access to the latest and most reliable information from experienced sources that are completely unbiased starting from US$10/month. Start accessing our exclusive content to help with your investment research . PAID ARTICLES : Trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. Choose what interests you and unlock your choice of article from US$10. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso

Ordell Minerals: A New Opportunity in a Bearish Market Ordell Minerals Ltd is aiming to raise up to A$6 million through an IPO, targeting gold, lithium, and base metal exploration in Western Australia. The funds will focus on advancing the Barimaia JV project, a strategically located gold exploration asset, alongside new ventures like the Goodia and Fisher South projects. The company is led by a seasoned board, including key figures from Genesis Minerals, renowned for their track record of value creation in the mining industry. With exploration set to begin shortly after ASX listing, Ordell is poised to capitalize on its prospective assets and experienced leadership. Need support with Doing Your Own Research? Sign up for your membership on Samso Insights on Patreon now. Three types of membership on Samso Insights Choose one or more: FREE : These insights  are free and available to all investors. Subscribe here  for free. PAID MEMBERSHIP : If you are a bold investor and want more, you get access to the latest and most reliable information from experienced sources that are completely unbiased starting from US$10/month. Start accessing our exclusive content to help with your investment research . PAID ARTICLES : Trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. Choose what interests you and unlock your choice of article from US$10. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso

Could Siguiri be the "Safe" investment for Investors? Siguiri Gold Corp , an African-focused gold explorer, is preparing for an ASX listing after launching an IPO to raise between A$8 million and A$10 million. The funds will accelerate the development of its exploration permits in the highly prospective Siguiri Basin, Guinea, which is part of the gold-rich Birimian Greenstone belt. The company is led by an experienced management team and has completed significant drilling, with promising high-grade gold intersections. Dive deeper into the risks and potential of this near-mine story—ideal for those looking for strategic gold investments in emerging markets. Eager to dig deeper into this story? Sign up for your membership on Samso Insights on Patreon now. Three types of membership on Samso Insights Choose one or more: FREE : These insights  are free and available to all investors. Subscribe here  for free. PAID MEMBERSHIP : If you are a bold investor and want more, you get access to the latest and most reliable information from experienced sources that are completely unbiased starting from US$10/month. Start accessing our exclusive content to help with your investment research . PAID ARTICLES : Trustworthy source of well-researched and independent information for investors. Choose what interests you and unlock your choice of article from US$10. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso

Coffee with Samso Episode 199 is all about the meaning of Critical Minerals for Australia. Are we spending the right amount of money? The low-emission world loves these two words and in resource-rich Australia where we are world leaders in supplying the feedstock for the world, are we sheep or should we start to be smarter with our fund allocation? Should we play our own game and be one controlling the weather and be smart with our resources? Should we be asking, are all metals critical and who are the beneficiaries of the critical nature of these metals? Should Australia be a more important part of the future Clean Energy Revolution? In today's episode, we talk to a man who gives us thoughts to ponder and maybe actions to take. Are all metals critical and what does critical really mean? Do we look at the real meaning and outcome of the term Critical Metals? Tim Craske is here because I read his abstract for the recent AUSIMM Conference on Critical Minerals. Australia’s list of critical minerals all occur in abundance. As a nation of suppliers of raw materials, are these metals critical at all for Australians? Or are they just critical for the commodity markets that we deliver into? As we have seen recently with external pressures on commodity prices, lithium and nickel can be critical EV battery components yet be subject to more cyclical price volatility than major metals. This makes Australian scoping and feasibility studies fragile, and investors nervous. According to Tim, by taking a complex-systems thinking approach to modelling these new resources, we can have better outcomes. However, a systems-thinking approach will only be truly transformational if we develop downstream processing and manufacturing industries here in Australia. This is described by CSIRO as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to reinvigorate our manufacturing and technology sectors. Get yourself a coffee or your favourite beverage and watch or listen and see if Tim Craske makes any sense: Chapters: 00:00 Start. 04:00 Introduction. 04:46 All about Tim Craske. 07:11 Did Western Mining influence your thinking today? 09:38 What does Critical Metals mean to Tim Craske? 10:39 Australia's List of Critical Metals is too long. 11:54 The problem with the Critical Metals List - Not Everything is Critical. 12:27 The One and Only Critical Metal - Copper. 13:09 Is Coal a Critical Metal? 13:42 The UK Coking Coal Public Impression. 15:07 The Disconnect of the Carbon Footprint Discussion. 16:07 Changing Lithium Story. 16:42 Why Australia should recreate the Iluka Anomaly. 17:10 Understanding the Long Term Marginal Lithium Market. 18:55 Should Australia adopt an Indonesian model of investing a Downstream Process? 20:59 What is Australia willing to do to compete? 21:27 Do you think the recent discussion of banning "Dirty" nickel could happen? 22:40 An example of why banning "Dirty" Nickel will not work. 24:30 What should Australia be focusing on? 26:11 Understanding the China - Chinese Competitive Business Strategy. 27:24 Why does ASEAN embrace China while the West has an Anti-Chinese Perception? 29:48 Is there a colonisation concept being played out in the Critical Metals Story? 31:08 Where should Australia focus on with Critical Metals? 33:37 Mining of Copper is not that Green. 34:27 Nett Zero Emission. 35:30 Is Zero Emission a Fantasy? 36:48 The Indonesian Nickel Business. 38:00 What would Nuclear Power do for the Australian Mining Industry. 38:35 Should Australia chase Tier 1 projects for sustainability of the industry? 40:53 The Power of Tier 1 Deposits. 41:57 The Need for Governments to be more Understanding on the Process of Mining. 42:35 Can Small Explorers explore Tier 1 Deposits? 44:02 The lack of New Mines. 45:34 Raising money from the market to test geological concepts is hard. 47:06 Can Australia develop a Downstream Resource Industry? 51:05 Difficulties of the REE Industry. 51:53 What could spark a mineral exploration bull run. 54:26 China needs Critical Metals more than anyone else. 55:09 Understanding the Chinese Thinking. 55:40 The Government Loan is a Red Herring. 56:30 Dangers for the mining industry with regards to the way we treat Critical Metals. 57:12 Tim's last words. 59:22 What weather will do to solar and wind farms. 59:54 The Nuclear Solution. 1:00:33 Conclusion. PODCAST About Tim Craske Tim Craske is a skilled and successful mineral explorer and mentor with over 40 years’ experience in project generation, exploration management and technical innovation gained in Australia, North and South America, Asia and East Africa. He spent his first 20 years with WMC Resources during which he discovered the Ernest Henry and E1 iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in the Cloncurry district, northwest Queensland. He was also involved in the targeting of the West Musgraves province for copper and nickel pegging the core licences on which all the deposits (Nebo, Babel and Succoth) have been found.  Since leaving WMC Tim has worked in both the junior and major company sectors including Exploration Manager for Sirius Resources up to the establishing of Nova as a prime prospect. General Manager Exploration Consulting at Vale and Exploration Manager - New Commodities at Iluka Resources.  Tim Craske is Managing Director and Chief Facilitator for Thinker.Events and also a director of Thinkercafé.org that specialises in developing innovative thinkers, thinking organisations, and disruptive technology solutions for industry, education and government sectors. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso ASX stories are also through the Brilliant-Online channels. Subscribe to Brilliant Investments.

As we look back on the last twelve months, it is bewildering how and why a world pandemic could create one of the strongest moves in commodity pricing for decades. Will the Bull keep the Bear in hibernation or is the Bear starting to wake up? Or has the Bear entered the woods already? This commodity price movement has made the mineral exploration sector so hot that you could cook an egg on it. That was how I used to describe the current state of the market to some associates in Singapore. I think this is not too far from the truth as you look at the series of price charts in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: A summary of metal pricing since the Covid-induced crash in March 2020. (Source: www.lme.com) I remember prior to March 2020, the common narrative on metals such as nickel and copper was that there was a shortage on at the LME (London Metals Exchange) and hence the pricing must soon reflect deficit. However, the price increase never materialised which got a lot of commentators wondering. The excitement that is in the market is best represented when you look at the ASX 200 (Figure 2), which is now currently higher than the high prior to COVID, at the time of writing this article. The recovery was observed in all sectors. Even the great Rick Rule was surprised at the rate of recovery. My last conversation with Rick was published on March 5th 2021 Commodities and Equities: Advice from Rick Rule . In this episode, Rick talked about what had happened since our first conversation twelve months before when we had our first two conversations. Gold, Equities, Sprott Management and Australian Gold Exploration - Rick Rule Markets and Commodities with Rick Rule Rick mentioned that he had underestimated the rate of recovery but I think that readers should take note of his initial reservation on the market. Rick may have been wrong on his initial thought in May 2020 but I think the pull back in gold price earlier this year shows that even the market knows that things are moving too fast for its liking. Figure 2: ASX 200 chart for the last 5 years. The S&P/ASX 200 (XJO) is Australia’s leading share market index and contains the top 200 ASX listed companies by float-adjusted market capitalisation. It accounts for 88% (December 2020) of Australia's equity market. (Source: www.marketindex.com) Today, when you talk to industry people, the mood is that the market is slowing down. The hype is lesser talked about and this is certainly a good sign. Why would that be a good sign, you may ask. Let´s see how I can make it clearer. Why is a "slow down" in the resource market a good thing for investors? Over the last twelve months, there has been an increased wave of noise on the ASX being generated by social media and publishers of investor relation products. Samso can be counted as being one of the contributors of the noise. However, Samso would like to think that we are trying to create content that attempts to reduce the noise. The results of our approach can be argued but the point of the statement is that there are many investors out in the market now that have very little understanding. As the market created so much momentum, investors were looking at a 500% or a 1000% gain as an acceptable investment. Anything short of that was looked upon as selling out too low or the trade underperforming. To me, these kinds of news are short of being dangerous. For those that have been following Samso, you would have noticed that we have mentioned continuously that investors should understand the story and not to just base their investment solely on someone's narrated version of investment attributes. Hence, this slow down in the market, or a sense of slowness in the market is a good thing. There was a pull back for many companies and even one of my favourite explorer-turned-potential miner came back (Figure 3). Figure 3: The share price chart for Musgrave Resources Limited (ASX: MGV). (Source: www.commsec.com.au) This pull back all happened across the board in this sector. As you can see, the recovery was imminent but not at the break neck speed from the last twelve months. I and many observers have said that a slow rise is many times better than one that climbs vertically. Hence, the gentle recovery from these stocks are great. Those companies that did not have a strong story behind the rise are now having to work hard to regain some momentum. Don't get me wrong, speculation is still around, but they are not indiscriminate like the previous months. What does all this mean? When you look at the path forward in terms of world economic growth, one has to feel the optimism that is in all miners. Almost everything that you read or watch involves the electrification of the world. I wonder if the "Green Movement" realises that to make the world "Electric" there is going to be a lot of pivoting of businesses. Hence, one would think that the need of the basic building blocks of mining and changing the way we do things now will create more anti-electric actions. When people think of the EV revolution, they think of Lithium, Cobalt, Graphite, REE and recently Nickel. When you think about my earlier statement that to make the EV revolution a reality, the metals that build the infrastructure to create this new world are the not-so-sexy metals such as Molybdenum, Nickel, Copper, Aluminium and Silver (Figure 4). There are more metals involved in the new EV movement than Lithium, Cobalt and Graphite. If you look at Figure 4, you will see the limited roles of these minerals. They may be the VIP guest but if the room is empty, these VIP guests will not be able to do too much by themselves. Figure 4: This graphic takes the data from the World Bank’s Climate Smart Report and outlines what metals each renewable technology will require and their overlapping uses. (Source: www.elements.visualcapitalist.com) There is no denying that there will be an increased need for all the metals that are shown in Figure 4 but the greater spread of needs in all forms of "clean energy" will require a greater expense of metals than most people would realise. I suspect that this will create a greater demand than supply can provide. Mining is not like Baking Bread The process of mining is complicated. It is made even more complicated by the process of proving the viability to mine and then to maintain the sustainability to mine. As we know, the demand-supply curve is the ultimate determinant for the viability of any business but when you add factors such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), Sovereign Issue and lastly an artificial demand to make the EV revolution happen, there is going to be a big strain on supply. Figure 5: The raw material demand of the EV Revolution. (Source: www.elements.visualcapitalist.com) As you look at both Figure 4 and Figure 5, one will notice that there are a lot of minerals being used over a range of products. The process of clean energy is more mineral intensive than the old fossil fuel source of energy. So without getting into a debate about which source of energy is cleaner, we can all agree that we are going to need more minerals than the fossil-fuel revolution. Molybdenum, which has been one of the quietest metals in the recent commodity rush is now treading at levels near the last iron ore boom of 2010. Figure 6: Molybdenum price over the last 15 years. (Source: www.tradingeconomics.com) General investors would not look at Molybdenum as being part of the commodity rush but it is actually a critical component of steel making. It has just been listed on the LME (London Metals Exchange) but the pricing is still strongly controlled by contractual buyers. China is the main player and the price is typically aligned to the perceived demand for steel. Hence, like Dr Copper, it does give an impression that the market players may be indicating an increased demand for steel. The recent rise in the fortunes of Molybdenum is important as it may give a clue to the coming fortunes for the steel making process. This is another clue to the potential of the coming commodity market. If something like Molybdenum is moving in such leap and bounds, what would the rest of the list of metals be doing? Market Prices Are Aligned for Growth The market indicator of progress has been Copper. The term Dr Copper is coined to say that if the good Doctor is up, then the world economy is doing well or going to do well. Copper price has seen some good movement lately with a short hiatus when it lost traction. The drop in price occurred around the same time that iron price dropped to USD180 from a high of USD200+. This has been short lived and it looks like the prices of both commodities have since recovered to their recent levels. Figure 7: (1) Copper price from June 2016 to July 2021. (2) Historical copper price from since 1960. (source: www.macrotrends.net) In 2015, we saw the bottoming of commodity prices in unison. This also followed a unison rise in pricing following the bottom. I uses to tell people that I have not seen minerals and oil all moving in the same direction and many people at that time was saying metals were rising due to a shortage on the LME. Although this was in general correct, the real shift in pricing did not really happen till the end of the COVID crash of March 2020. If you look at Figure 1, you will see the alignment of metal pricing. It looks as if the metal pricing are all being chased by something. What is not so apparent is the mix of metals that are experiencing such attention. Tin is another one of the forgotten metals from the past. Even this humble little metal has taken a leap in its price (Figure 8). An article by Wood MacKenzie entitled - Tin – the forgotten foot soldier of the energy transition tells a great story about why Tin may become the next Cobalt (remember when it ran to USD92K). It is a great read which basically says that up to 90% of the world´s supply may be affected by ESG. If that is the case, the current high price of USD32K could be sustained or may even reach a much higher price. Figure 8: (1) Tin pricing from June 2016 to July 2021. (2) Historical Tin pricing from 1973 to 2021. (Source www.lme.com and www.tradingeconomics.com ) So What Does All this Mean? I have to say that in my 30 years in the mineral resource industry, I have never felt that this continuing run of good fortunes in my industry may actually have very long legs. When you have seen as many boom-bust cycles as an exploration geologist, you are constantly in disbelief of any market rise. The need to execute the EV revolution will create the situation for a greater need for all metals. In Figure 4, we see that there are five metals that are spread over a minimum of 5 sources of renewable energy. The fact that we are needing more Nickel, Copper, Aluminium, Molybdenum and Silver tells me that the shortage that was been narrated in the last 7 years will get worse. The shortage of base metals such as Nickel and Copper is well known and there are no arguments, but now the equation will be significantly and critically imbalanced. The recent dip in copper and iron ore price was very short lived as we are now seeing that the price is near or as high. There were talks that the Chinese government was trying to instigate selling pressure to decrease the price of metals but it seems that has not happened. If the Chinese selling theory was correct, then potential rise of future metal prices will be a matter of fact. I don't think Lithium supply will be a driver as there is no shortage of Lithium. If the world needs more supply, there will be investment and producers will just produce more to meet the demand. Nobody needs to find more Lithium. Now, Nickel Sulphides is another story. There is actually a problem with finding more metal and because of that, the price of Nickel will rise. An additional factor for pushing nickel prices up is the projected demand. If you cannot find more and you cannot feed supply, you have a growing problem. The issue with Copper is not a lack of supply. It is a lack of mines and mining grades. The current mines are all mining lower grades and hence the cost of production will rise. Similarly, like the search for nickel sulphides, projected demand and the slow process of market equilibrium will create tension in price and supply. As the world wakes up from a pandemic, the increasing need to revitalise the world economy itself will make the need for metals a priority. In my opinion, there is ample evidence to support a continued run on commodity prices. Another reason why I think this market is here to stay is that brokers are telling me that a portion of the industry will only look at AUD10M to AUD15M raise for new IPO. The other half of the broking industry is telling me that they can do the small AUD6M raise but also to get in the back of the line of six other companies waiting. All this work and money, coupled with an extremely tight labour market, is why I cannot see a slow down anytime soon. Gratitude Patreon : This is a platform for supporting creators like me. Please consider helping out and pick your reward here: If you would spend some time and support Samso Insights, I would be totally appreciative. So please feel free to pick a reward, or simply chip in any amount that tickles your fancy :-) https://patreon.com/samsomedia Brilliant-Online: Our investment articles are also shared across Brilliant-Online magazine . Check out their investment column. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try to write topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . Download our eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Keep us informed too! Please let us know your thoughts and send us any comments to info@samso.com.au . Remember to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel , Samso Media and our mail list to stay informed and make comments where appropriate. Other than that, you can also give us a Review on Google .