Interview with Graham Donald Carman, President & CEO of Tinka Resources Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/tinka-resources-tk-large-scale-zinc-financed-for-feasibility-study-2714

Recording date: 30th April 2024

Tinka Resources (TSXV:TK) presents a compelling opportunity for investors to gain exposure to one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc projects as the metal approaches a forecast supply deficit. The company's flagship Ayawilca zinc-tin-silver project located in central Peru boasts impressive economics and significant exploration upside.

A 2024 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) showcased the project's potential, including a 21-year mine life producing an average of 90,000 tonnes zinc, 1,500 tonnes tin , 560,000 ounces silver and over 2,500 tonnes lead.

The study outlined an after-tax NPV(8%) of US$434 million and IRR of 26% using conservative metal price assumptions, with highly competitive cash costs of US$0.40/lb zinc net of by-products. The initial capex of US$382 million is expected to be paid back within 2.9 years.

CEO Dr. Graham Carman emphasized the substantial potential to expand the resource and extend the mine life. The company plans to advance Ayawilca to a pre-feasibility study (PFS) over the next 12 months, focusing on infill drilling to expand Indicated zinc and tin resources, further metallurgical optimization, and initiating the permitting process.

Tinka benefits from a strong leadership team with extensive experience in South American mineral discoveries and the backing of major zinc miners Buenaventura and Nexa Resources as strategic shareholders. The project boasts excellent infrastructure, including access roads, power lines, and water supply, and the company has fostered strong relationships with local communities.

The Ayawilca project is well-positioned to capitalize on the impending zinc supply deficit, as demand gradually increases and existing mines face depletion. With limited new zinc projects in the pipeline, Ayawilca represents a scarce and strategically valuable asset. As Tinka continues to de-risk and advance the project, it has the potential to attract significant interest from mid-tier and major zinc producers seeking to secure future supply.

Investors can anticipate a range of catalysts in the coming months, including exploration results, metallurgical optimizations, and the delivery of a PFS. As the zinc market moves into undersupply, Tinka Resources offers a unique opportunity to invest in a high-quality, advanced-stage zinc asset with a clear path to value creation.
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Interview with Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ionic-rare-earths-asxixr-european-recycling-and-african-production-4944

Recording date: 30th April 2024

Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) is positioning itself to become a key supplier of critical magnet rare earths through its pioneering recycling technology and the development of the Makuutu heavy rare earths project in Uganda.

The company's primary growth driver is its 100%-owned Ionic Technologies business, which has developed a unique process to recycle end-of-life magnets into new magnetic materials. With £3.5 million funding secured from the UK government, Ionic Technologies is currently operating a demonstration plant in Belfast and working towards a commercial-scale feasibility study.

Ionic Rare Earths is targeting first production from a commercial recycling plant in Belfast by 2026, with an initial output of 200 tonnes per annum of magnet rare earth oxides. This would be sufficient to supply a significant portion of the UK's rapidly growing EV motor manufacturing sector. The company is also in discussions with potential offtake partners in Europe.

The company is also pursuing similar partnerships in the U.S., Asia, and Brazil to expand its recycling business globally. A recently formed joint venture with Viridis Mining and Metals aims to establish a rare earths refining and recycling business in Brazil, a key growth market for EVs and renewable energy.

Importantly, the recycling process developed by Ionic Technologies can produce the full suite of magnet rare earths, including the highly valuable heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium. These elements are essential for high-strength permanent magnets used in EV motors and wind turbines, and are projected to be in deficit as electrification accelerates.

In parallel with its recycling initiatives, Ionic Rare Earths is advancing the 60%-owned Makuutu project in Uganda, which is considered highly prospective for heavy rare earths. The company is currently producing a mixed rare earth carbonate from a demonstration plant for evaluation by potential offtake partners.

The investment case for Ionic Rare Earths rests on its exposure to the exponential growth in demand for magnet rare earths, driven by electrification and decarbonization. With a proven recycling technology, first-mover advantage, and a clear path to commercialization, the company is well placed to become a major supplier of recycled magnet rare earths outside of China. In addition, the Makuutu primary development project provides direct exposure to critical heavy rare earths, diversifying the company's supply sources and mitigating development risks.

Key catalysts for Ionic Rare Earths over the coming year include the completion of the Belfast commercial feasibility study, the signing of offtake and funding agreements for both the recycling and primary development businesses, and further progress on global expansion opportunities. With a strong macro tailwind, experienced management team, and government and industry support, Ionic Rare Earths represents a compelling opportunity for investors to gain exposure to the rare earths sector and the global energy transition.
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Interview with Terry Holohan, CEO & Managing Director of Resolute Mining.

Recording date: 1st May 2024

Resolute Mining, a gold producer operating in West Africa, has undergone a transformative three-year turnaround under CEO Terry Holohan. Despite inheriting significant operational challenges at the company's flagship Syama mine in Mali, Holohan and his team have systematically worked to stabilize and optimize the asset, positioning Resolute for profitable growth.

When Holohan took the helm in 2021, the Syama underground mine and sulphide processing plant were struggling with inconsistent performance. Suboptimal mine sequencing and design issues had hampered a transition to automation, while the processing plant battled frequent roaster instability due to variable ore feed. Holohan's first priority was assembling a team of technical experts to tackle these issues head-on.

"We had to essentially rebuild the plant over a quarter," Holohan recounted. "It was back to basics and joined up thinking required."

With the operation stabilized, Holohan turned to aggressive exploration to drive organic growth. Resolute has added 3 million ounces of gold reserves over the past three years, bringing the total to 10 million ounces. This reserve growth has underpinned an expansion project at Syama that will lift annual production from 200,000 ounces to over 230,000 ounces, utilizing latent capacity in the mill.

Crucially, this growth is being self-funded by Resolute's improving cash generation. The company has eliminated its debt balance and is generating net cash even after funding $20 million in annual exploration. As Syama's expansion lifts production, unit costs are forecast to continue trending lower, significantly expanding margins.

Holohan's turnaround strategy has not been without risks, including a dilutive equity raising early on. However, he emphasized that the raising facilitated vital investments and attracted key North American shareholders who "really bought into the idea that we've got a growing asset here." Holohan sees further potential to scale Resolute into a larger, multi-asset producer over time.

"Over the next five years, everybody internally and with the fund managers and the shareholders, we all know that there's a tier one mine in the making," he stated, referencing the industry's classification for mines producing over 500,000 ounces annually.

Resolute also appears well-positioned to navigate the challenging jurisdictional landscape in West Africa. While Mali has suffered instability and terrorism threats in recent years, Resolute's operations are located in the far southwest of the country near the Cote d'Ivoire border, an area that has remained secure and calm.

While Resolute's turnaround is not yet complete, the company has already demonstrated its ability to deliver operational consistency, with 11 straight quarters of improving production and costs. As it brings additional production online at better margins, Resolute is well-positioned to create value for shareholders in the coming years.

With a proven management team, robust balance sheet, organic growth pipeline, and long-term optionality for further value-accretive M&A, Resolute presents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to gain exposure to an under-the-radar gold producer in the early innings of an operational turnaround.

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