PCRCF Goldman Small Cap Issues $0.30 PT On High Cobalt Demand =====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1340
Investor Presentation
====================
EV battery industry doubles use of cobalt, nickel
Producers of electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries doubled their use of cobalt and nickel last year as auto manufacturing demand increased, according to South Korea's INI Research and Consulting.
The battery industry's cobalt demand last year rose by 102% from 2017 to 16,629t, while nickel use climbed by 101pc to 41,521t. Lithium use for EV batteries increased by 76% to 10,902t, while manganese demand rose by 36% to 17,673t, as a shift toward more high-capacity models pushed consumption toward cobalt and nickel that yield higher energy density.
Shipments of EVs with lithium secondary batteries last year rose by 71% by capacity to 95.7GWh, INI said. China remained the global leader in EV demand, accounting for 58PC of car shipments. China also had a 126% rise in cobalt use to 9,092t and a 123% gain in nickel consumption to 17,605t. Chinese lithium demand climbed by 78PC to 6,461t.
With Such a High Demand for Cobalt and Nickel, it’s No Surprise that Our Top Electronic Vehicle ( EV ) Play of 2019 Just Received a $0.30 Price Target from Research Analyst Goldman Small Cap Research.
This optimistic valuation represents an upside of over +129% from today’s closing price.
You Can Read the Highlights from the Goldman Small Cap Research Report Below:
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver.
With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Take
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTC – PCRCF) is a Canadian exploration company which focuses on the acquisition and development of production grade nickle and cobalt deposits along with raw material inputs for the growing lithium-ion battery industry. The companies flagship project is in Indonesia.Historically, when investors would seek a proxy or proxies for certain resource plays, companies with projects in Indonesia may not top their lists. However, in the case of Pacific Rim Cobalt, investors would be making a huge mistake.
PCRCF isn’t just a play on a resource or an industry, it is likely the best way to play the industry’s role and China’s role in nickel use for EVs given recent and future developments. Moreover, as a unique, near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a unique early mover, a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and of course, the EV battery market.
The background
The Company acquired 100% control of the Cyclops property in October 2017, with Mining and Environmental permits in place, was acquired in October 2017 following extensive due diligence on over 40 projects across Indonesia. This laterite nickel-cobalt project’s objective is to be part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure providing ease of access to a local skilled workforce and is adjacent to deep tide water. Moreover, strong exploration results to date confirm the Company’s initial observations of the project's exceptional potential.
The Cyclops Project area located in Papua Province, Indonesia, benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to a work force and supplies, sealed roads, ocean access, nearby port facility, and gentle topography. The road system enables year-round access to the project and connects it with the large town of Sentani, located about 15 kilometers (kms) to the east, and with Jayapura, the capital city of Papua province, located about 40 kms to the east.
Over the past 18 months, the Company has rolled out a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration and development program at Cyclops. This includes the launch of key initiatives within Indonesia and China, reinforcing the Company’s plan to become a key regional player in the battery metals supply chain. Perhaps the most significant developments related to this goal are the opening of a business development office in Shanghai, thus establishing a full-time presence in China, and signing a preliminary offtake agreement with China’s top battery metals supplier, Beijing Easpring Technology Material Co. Ltd.
One of the key recent milestones included September 2019 results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan. The latest round of drill results demonstrates elevated cobalt values of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. (More detail on these results can be found later in the report.
Nickel and EVs
Pacific Rim Cobalt benefits greatly from its Indonesia operations domicile as the nation is the largest producer of nickel and cobalt, its by-product, a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles. Moreover, the Company is a beneficiary of the nation’s status as a near shore provider of the resource to China, the world’s largest consumer of the metal. Hence, the business development and offtake relationships in China.
The near shore relationship status has become a boon to Indonesia and this will likely trickle down to companies such as Pacific Rim Cobalt as well. In the summer of 2019, Toyota announced it will spend $2 billion to develop EVs in the nation. This event follows other car and diversified manufacturers seeking access to the resource and a new, burgeoning domestic market that is increasingly improving its regulations and labor laws to foster major investment.
As a result, multinational industry powerhouses such as Honda, Vale, China’s Tsingshan Group, Hyundai and Hanwa have been pouring billions of dollars into the country in an effort to gain strategic advantage in the battery metals supply chain. The combination of the aforementioned fundamentals is placing Indonesia in the enviable position of potentially becoming the largest source of battery metals outside of Africa. Demand is high across the board and the metal could become scarce for its use in the EV market, making PCRCF’s opportunity and value that much greater.
Looking Ahead
PCFCF plans to commence sample production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt cathode material for marketing purposes.as well as develop process flow design criteria for subsequent mini-pilot/pilot plant testing. Management continues to discuss its initial offtake agreement with Beijing Easpring and plans to meet with representatives with the goal of finalizing the preliminary offtake agreement announced on July 11th, 2018. Importantly, sometime in the coming months, the Company will produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate. In the meantime, we believe that the stock will be news-driven with respect to Company news, industry ( resource and EV ), and could be driven by regional business developments as well.
There are sizable publicly traded pure plays in this sector that include companies such as Cobalt 27 Capital (OTC – CBLLF). This rapidly evolving investment environment has also created promising potential for Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp, being an early mover and uniquely positioned geographically against peers across the globe.
Also notable is Cobalt 27’s recent acquisition of Highlands Pacific Limited giving it an 8.56% interest in the $2.1 billion Ramu nickel mine located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The bottom line is that while a plethora of junior cobalt miners trade publicly at various market caps, most of which are markedly higher than PCRCF we believe that this under the radar firm offers unusual upside potential, vis-à-vis its publicly traded junior resource peers.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by milestone events such as the resource estimate, finalization of offtake agreement, future favorable test results, and the general rise in value of companies with operations in Indonesia, particularly with exposure to the EV market. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as investors actively seek early mover, overlooked opportunities with unique characteristics, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The View From 30,000 Feet
According to the Unites States Geological Survey (USGS), for 2018, Indonesia generated more mine production of nickel than any other country on earth---and it’s not even close. Indonesia’s estimated 560,000 mt total dwarfs the next nation’s output (Philippines @ 340,000). Plus, Indonesia boasts the largest estimated reserves of 21,000,000 mt as compared with Australia at 19,000,000 and Canada with an estimated 11,000,000 mt. (https://prd-wret.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws....).
China is a smaller producer of the metal with less than 2,500,000 metric tons of reserves. It its, however, the largest buyer of nickel. According to a report by the International Nickel Study Group, 75% of the world’s primary nickel consumed went into stainless and alloy steel products. Importantly, industry analysts project a significant increase in global nickel consumption in batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles—up from an estimated 4% in 2017, and it is this segment along with stainless steel products in which China is a major player.
Historically, nickel has always been a key cog in the industrial and commercial world. Today, nickel is used in over 300,000 products for consumers in the form of over 3000 alloys. It is also a high-end material used in construction, automobiles, petrochemicals, fabrication and welding, power and renewable energy, electronics, transportation and water sectors. In 2018, the estimated apparent primary nickel consumption stood at 124,000 mt and was valued at $1.57 billion while according to the USGS, 2.3 million mt were produced. Ores of nickel are mined in over 33 countries and are smelted or refined in 25 countries.
Key producing states are Indonesia, Russia, Canada, New Caledonia, Australia, China, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Botswana, Columbia, Greece and Brazil. In recent years, Asia has served as the engine for growth of the production and usage of nickel, with China accounting for 53%.
Nickel is primarily sold for first use as refined metal (cathode, powder, briquet, etc.) or ferronickel. Nickel’s biggest single use, about 65%, is in alloying - particularly with chromium and other metals to produce stainless and heat-resisting steels. Another 20% is used in other steels, non-ferrous alloys (mixed with metals other than steel) and super alloys (metal mixtures designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and/or pressures, or have high conductivity) often for highly specialized industrial, aerospace and military applications. About 9% is used in plating to slow down corrosion and 6% is for other uses, including printing coins. Rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries are used in cell phones, video cameras, and other electronic devices. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used to power cordless tools and appliances.
Nickel and the EV
Nickel used in the battery sector is growing rapidly and it is used in various types of battery forms. These include Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal-hydride, Nickel-iron, Nickel-zinc, Nickel-hydrogen and Lithium-ion batteries which are named for their active material but often contain nickel material in their cathodes. Nickel is currently the most widely used metal after lead for off-grid energy storage batteries. With a high recyclability, the use of nickel in batteries is expected to continue to grow.
One of the major drivers behind demand for batteries has been a global pivot toward renewable energy sources, including a major transformation toward electrification underway in the automotive industry. Nearly every major auto manufacturer on the globe has been pushing the EV agenda in an effort to compete in the race for electric vehicle domination.
The battery supply chain is dominated by lithium-ion batteries requiring Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt ( NMC ) chemistries. Due to fierce competition and the need to drive prices lower to meet mass consumer demand, battery manufacturers are constantly looking to improve economies of scale. This drive for cost efficiency is resulting in ever-increasing nickel content in battery chemistries. The industry is in the process of moving from composition of 5-3-2 NMC to 6-2-2 NMC , and eventually 8-1-1 NMC .
As mostly a byproduct in the production of copper and nickel, the pricing often follows the demand of these primary metals, which can lead to both over-supply and under-supply as the demand for large Li-ion batteries increases. Cobalt was the first cathode material for commercial Li-ion batteries, and its relatively high price entices manufacturers to blend it with nickel, manganese and aluminum--but with cobalt remaining a key cog and high demand material. In fact, over 42% of all cobalt today is used for battery production. Why? Lithium cobalt oxide-based batteries provide high energy density- even higher than other lithium batteries. In fact, each lithium-ion battery contains 15 kilograms of cobalt chemicals. Separately, there has been considerable demand for it as a power source for smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras and among others.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) accounted for over 58% of the worldwide production, which is par for the course, although China accounted for 80% of the world’s cobalt chemicals. Given the ongoing volatile geopolitical climate in the DRC , supply concerns weigh heavy on investors’ minds, which is great for Pacific Rim Cobalt.
Interestingly, in the next 20 years we could be nearing a nickel shortage—which is a major positive for Pacific Rim Cobalt. Here’s why.
Battery producers are migrating toward using more nickel (and cobalt) in EV batteries, because doing so increases the battery’s energy density, thereby extending the vehicle’s range, according to a recent article written by The Market Oracle . The article cites the following critical assumptions by major financial prognosticators.
“According to BloombergNEF’s new long-term Electric Vehicle May 2019 Outlook by 2025 consumers will be buying 10 million EV’s and by 2040, 56 million. Globally, more than half of all new car sales will be electric by 2040. Andrew Cosgrove, senior mining and metals analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence at a recent conference predicted that nickel demand in batteries could outpace that of stainless steel in absolute terms, adding as much as 900,000 additional tonnes per year by 2030. A June 2018 Wood Mackenzie report said EV batteries could consume 1.26 million tonnes of nickel by 2040, that’s 13.69 times more nickel needed for batteries in just 20 years.”
The bottom line is that since the majority of mined nickel today is used for stainless steel despite the fast-growing need in the battery segment, mined supply suitable for battery manufacture may fall woefully short, which is one of the primary reasons why nickel prices have been running significantly higher. As noted in the chart below, the most recent price for nickel is $17,750/t.
To this end, noted financial firm Wood Mackenzie believes we could see prices over $21,000/t by 2025 and we believe that it could happen sooner rather than later. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries containing cobalt are primed to continue to power EVs for the 5-10 years, which bodes well for cobalt, which is typically sourced as a by-product of nickel.
Indonesia & China: A Symbiotic Relationship
China’s involvement and influence in the Indonesian resource sector and economy is direct and largely intertwined to such a degree that we view resource companies based in Indonesia as a proxy for China—in fact it may be the best way to play China’s role in specific metals and the EV market. China has been locking up supply of the critical metals needed for the electrification of the global transportation system and building the necessary refining capabilities needed to produce advanced batteries.
At present, China controls over 50% of the world’s supply of lithium, and they refine at least 60% of the world’s cobalt and as the largest purchaser of nickel, controls most of the world’s supply of cobalt based lithium-ion batteries. In essence, China treats Indonesia as a near-shore, direct, primary source of both cobalt and nickel sulphide, which share the EV battery limelight. This is why Indonesia has been responsible for nearly 100% of the growth in exports since 2015 and has become the single largest exporter of charge nickel. It “all” goes to China. Evidence of this symbiotic relationship came to light recently when it was announced that China’s nickel imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% for the month of August alone.
Indonesia is the Go-to Source to Play the EV Market
Putting its stamp as the go-to force in the nickel and cobalt markets for EVs in the region, Toyota will bolster its electric efforts by investing $2 billion to develop electric vehicles ( EVs ) in Indonesia over the next four years. The country is a hotbed of EV activity, and Toyota could benefit from economies of scale. Other automakers, including Mitsubishi and Hyundai are also investing in Indonesia. Working in proximity to other automakers pursuing EV tech will lead to supply chain and infrastructure efficiencies than can drive down costs for components, such as batteries.
Clearly, Indonesia, not Canada or other regions, is the best way to play both China’s role in nickel use for EVs but the industry as well, given recent and future developments. While the geopolitical risk may be higher than in developed nations, it is likely no different and my be lower than other developing nations. Moreover, as a near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and the EV battery market.
PACIFIC RIM COBALT: RECENT DATA
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well-endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China. In addition to its recent shallow drilling test results, some of the key initiatives include:
• Commenced the first work program since historical operators completed 856 holes and 26 test pits
• Completed 60+ drill holes to date which consistently demonstrate strong mineralization occurring from surface (up to 12m depth) with highlight intercepts such as; including intervals of; 6 meters of 2.28% Ni and 0.03% Co, 5 meters of 1.91% Ni and 0.03% Co, and 6 meters of 1.78% Ni and 0.06% Co.
• The Company’s processing partner completed successful phase 1 and have commenced phase 2 of a bench-scale scoping program for the selection of a suitable process for recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite material.
• Completed Nine test pits, ranging in depth from 1.7 meters to 6 meters, confirming elevated nickel mineralization.
However, in recent weeks, Pacific Rim Cobalt drilling confirmed significant, near surface Cobalt and nickel mineralization. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
The total program involved the following:
• 75 drill holes varying in depth from 10 -29 meters
• 1019.5 meters drilled
• 898 samples assayed to date
• 51 Auger holes drilled to a depth of between 1 – 3 meters
• 11 test-pits completed for bulk sampling ranging in depth from 2 – 6 meters
Highlight Intersections include:
11 meters @ 0.89% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.03% nickel, 0.29% cobalt; from surface
7 meters @ 1.19% nickel, 0.20% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.42% nickel, 0.16% cobalt; 2 meters from surface
10 meters @ 1.31% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 0.80% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 1.65% nickel, 0.12% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 0.96% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 meter x 300 meter area drilled. This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 meters and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.
THE PACIFIC RIM COBALT EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ranjeet Sundher – President, CEO & Director
Mr. Sundher is the President of Canrim Ventures Ltd., a Singaporean advisory firm specializing in early stage project finance and structure and has raised over $40 million for companies in which he was a founder/partner. Ranjeet has over 20 years of capital markets experience and has developed and sold several successful private and public companies. Previously founded Indogold Exploration, a Jakarta-based mining service firm.
Steve Vanry, CFA – CFO & Director
Mr. Vanry has 25-years professional experience in senior management positions with public and private companies, providing expertise in capital markets, strategic planning, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, accounting and financial reporting. His breadth of experience spans various industries, including; mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, high-technology and manufacturing. Mr. Vanry regularly consults for other listed companies in the role of director and/or senior executive. He holds the right to use the Chartered Finance Analyst ( CFA ) and Canadian Investment Manager ( CIM ) designations and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Vancouver Society of Financial Analysts.
Andre Talaska – Country Manager and Technical Supervisor
Mr. Talaska has over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry. He has held senior positions with several companies both in Australia and SE Asia. In these roles he has extensive experience in project identification, open pit and underground mining, value adding and optimizing of mining operations and management of geological teams in the production and exploration environment. The above included the sourcing of cobalt rich ore suitable for direct feed to the Kambalda Nickel Smelter and led to the discovery of multiple Ni-Co laterites including the Bulong Ni-Co project.
Alwi Nabil – Country Financial Controller
Mr. Nabil has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting with multinational and local indonesian companies with a strong focus on the resources industry.
Dina Zaenab – Project Administrator of Geological Activities
Ms . Zaenab has over 10 years of experience in all aspects of explorations for a variety of mineral commodities . She specializes in administration data base management and information technology.
Garry Clark – Director
Mr. Clark is the Executive Director of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA). He has been a Director, Vice President or President of OPA since its formation in the early 1990s. Mr. Clark currently serves on the Minister of Mines Mining Act Advisory Committee (Ontario) and the Ontario Geological Survey Advisory Board. He graduated with an HBSc (Geology) from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. Mr. Clark brings to the company extensive experience in managing large scale exploration and development programs internationally including Asia and North America. In addition to over 30 years of consulting experience, he held geological positions with a number of mining companies and has served as a director of other TSX Venture Exchange listed companies including his current position and NexOptic Technology Corp. and US Cobalt Inc. (USCO.V)
Tim Johnston – Director
Mr. Johnston is President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Lion Energy, a company developing the first large scale lithium mine in Namibia. He was formerly Hatch’s specialist in project management and transactional analysis for their global lithium and battery business. During his time with Hatch, he evaluated hundreds of battery metals projects, and managed the development of battery metals projects around the world for Lion Ore, Vale, Xstrata, SQM , Rockwood Lithium ( Albemarle ), Bacanora Minerals, AMG-NV, Rio Tinto, Galaxy Resources and other key developers. He has co-authored 7 technical publications with a focus on project execution. Mr. Johnston is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and CFA charter holder.
Sean Bromley – Director
Mr. Bromley works in corporate finance at a boutique merchant bank. A former investment advisor with experience working with public companies, he is currently a director of White Gold Resources ( WGO .V).
Geoffrey Baille Fielding – Director
Geoffrey was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris and has an LLB from the Faculty of Law at the London School of Economics. He was an equity partner at Grenfell & Colegrave, one of the oldest City of London Stockholding firms before the company was acquired by CIBC, Canada’s largest retail bank. As a London Director of CIBC’s Investment Division, Geoffrey founded up the overseas investment division in the Caribbean where he built up and managed funds of over US$ 1 billion in 3 years. In 2007, Geoffrey moved to Southeast Asia where he is now based. He is currently President and CEO of All State Asset Management in Asia, a Chinese asset investment management company. And is Chairman of Wealth Technology Limited, A Malaysian wealth fund. Mr. Fielding advises both these companies on investment opportunities as well as several other Hong Kong and International clients.
FINANCIALS
Interestingly, investors should feel confident regarding the Company’s prospects based on financial management alone. Management has been very prudent with spending and based on drilling and other results they are clearly maximizing its funding. For example, quarterly spending on operating expenses for the last four quarters have stayed generally the same, averaging roughly $763,000 per period, with a high of $987,000 and low of $590,000. In our view, this approach demonstrates that leadership is taking a staged approach with the knowledge that meaningful returns are around the corner. To underscore our thesis on this subject, Pacific Rim Cobalt has essentially no long-term debt and little debt at all aside from typical accounts payable. This is a huge plus and an extremely rare occurrence for junior miners. Of course, just about everything with Pacific Rim Cobalt is unique, from geography, positioning, post-mining relationships, leadership, to financial management. Thus, our investment thesis continues to be bolstered and confirmed.
RISK FACTORS
In our view, FE’s biggest risks relate to exploration and development including results from future nickel and cobalt capital project programs, resource estimates and technical/economic studies. However, in our view, this risk is largely mitigated by the historical and initial cobalt discovery and mineralization in the Cyclops Project, along with the experience of PCRCF’s leadership team and history of successes. Changes in supply/demand/pricing are typical future concerns and are also consistent with firms of PCRCF’s size and standing.
Investing in companies whose operations are in developing nations always carry varying levels of geopolitical risk. In our view, given the recent developments with Toyota and other car manufacturers, along with its world-leading nickel production status and high exports, the risk is mitigated and likely carries the same or less risk as most other developing nations.
Volatility and liquidity are typical concerns for microcap stocks that trade on the stock market, especially those that are not generating revenue. Finally, the shares outstanding of this stock could increase due to potential capital and exploration needs or to execute future property acquisitions. However, since the proceeds of any future funding would be used in large part to advance exploration and development efforts, we believe that any dilutive effect from such a funding would be more than offset by related increases in market value.
CONCLUSION
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver. With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
Source: www.goldmanresearch.com
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
BOLT trade ideas
PCRCF Goldman Small Cap Issues $0.30 PT On High Cobalt Demand=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.12
Investor Presentation
====================
EV battery industry doubles use of cobalt, nickel
Producers of electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries doubled their use of cobalt and nickel last year as auto manufacturing demand increased, according to South Korea's INI Research and Consulting.
The battery industry's cobalt demand last year rose by 102% from 2017 to 16,629t, while nickel use climbed by 101pc to 41,521t. Lithium use for EV batteries increased by 76% to 10,902t, while manganese demand rose by 36% to 17,673t, as a shift toward more high-capacity models pushed consumption toward cobalt and nickel that yield higher energy density.
Shipments of EVs with lithium secondary batteries last year rose by 71% by capacity to 95.7GWh, INI said. China remained the global leader in EV demand, accounting for 58PC of car shipments. China also had a 126% rise in cobalt use to 9,092t and a 123% gain in nickel consumption to 17,605t. Chinese lithium demand climbed by 78PC to 6,461t.
With Such a High Demand for Cobalt and Nickel, it’s No Surprise that Our Top Electronic Vehicle ( EV ) Play of 2019 Just Received a $0.30 Price Target from Research Analyst Goldman Small Cap Research.
This optimistic valuation represents an upside of over +129% from today’s closing price.
You Can Read the Highlights from the Goldman Small Cap Research Report Below:
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver.
With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Take
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTC – PCRCF) is a Canadian exploration company which focuses on the acquisition and development of production grade nickle and cobalt deposits along with raw material inputs for the growing lithium-ion battery industry. The companies flagship project is in Indonesia.Historically, when investors would seek a proxy or proxies for certain resource plays, companies with projects in Indonesia may not top their lists. However, in the case of Pacific Rim Cobalt, investors would be making a huge mistake.
PCRCF isn’t just a play on a resource or an industry, it is likely the best way to play the industry’s role and China’s role in nickel use for EVs given recent and future developments. Moreover, as a unique, near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a unique early mover, a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and of course, the EV battery market.
The background
The Company acquired 100% control of the Cyclops property in October 2017, with Mining and Environmental permits in place, was acquired in October 2017 following extensive due diligence on over 40 projects across Indonesia. This laterite nickel-cobalt project’s objective is to be part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure providing ease of access to a local skilled workforce and is adjacent to deep tide water. Moreover, strong exploration results to date confirm the Company’s initial observations of the project's exceptional potential.
The Cyclops Project area located in Papua Province, Indonesia, benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to a work force and supplies, sealed roads, ocean access, nearby port facility, and gentle topography. The road system enables year-round access to the project and connects it with the large town of Sentani, located about 15 kilometers (kms) to the east, and with Jayapura, the capital city of Papua province, located about 40 kms to the east.
Over the past 18 months, the Company has rolled out a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration and development program at Cyclops. This includes the launch of key initiatives within Indonesia and China, reinforcing the Company’s plan to become a key regional player in the battery metals supply chain. Perhaps the most significant developments related to this goal are the opening of a business development office in Shanghai, thus establishing a full-time presence in China, and signing a preliminary offtake agreement with China’s top battery metals supplier, Beijing Easpring Technology Material Co. Ltd.
One of the key recent milestones included September 2019 results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan. The latest round of drill results demonstrates elevated cobalt values of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. (More detail on these results can be found later in the report.
Nickel and EVs
Pacific Rim Cobalt benefits greatly from its Indonesia operations domicile as the nation is the largest producer of nickel and cobalt, its by-product, a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles. Moreover, the Company is a beneficiary of the nation’s status as a near shore provider of the resource to China, the world’s largest consumer of the metal. Hence, the business development and offtake relationships in China.
The near shore relationship status has become a boon to Indonesia and this will likely trickle down to companies such as Pacific Rim Cobalt as well. In the summer of 2019, Toyota announced it will spend $2 billion to develop EVs in the nation. This event follows other car and diversified manufacturers seeking access to the resource and a new, burgeoning domestic market that is increasingly improving its regulations and labor laws to foster major investment.
As a result, multinational industry powerhouses such as Honda, Vale, China’s Tsingshan Group, Hyundai and Hanwa have been pouring billions of dollars into the country in an effort to gain strategic advantage in the battery metals supply chain. The combination of the aforementioned fundamentals is placing Indonesia in the enviable position of potentially becoming the largest source of battery metals outside of Africa. Demand is high across the board and the metal could become scarce for its use in the EV market, making PCRCF’s opportunity and value that much greater.
Looking Ahead
PCFCF plans to commence sample production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt cathode material for marketing purposes.as well as develop process flow design criteria for subsequent mini-pilot/pilot plant testing. Management continues to discuss its initial offtake agreement with Beijing Easpring and plans to meet with representatives with the goal of finalizing the preliminary offtake agreement announced on July 11th, 2018. Importantly, sometime in the coming months, the Company will produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate. In the meantime, we believe that the stock will be news-driven with respect to Company news, industry ( resource and EV ), and could be driven by regional business developments as well.
There are sizable publicly traded pure plays in this sector that include companies such as Cobalt 27 Capital (OTC – CBLLF). This rapidly evolving investment environment has also created promising potential for Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp, being an early mover and uniquely positioned geographically against peers across the globe.
Also notable is Cobalt 27’s recent acquisition of Highlands Pacific Limited giving it an 8.56% interest in the $2.1 billion Ramu nickel mine located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The bottom line is that while a plethora of junior cobalt miners trade publicly at various market caps, most of which are markedly higher than PCRCF we believe that this under the radar firm offers unusual upside potential, vis-à-vis its publicly traded junior resource peers.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by milestone events such as the resource estimate, finalization of offtake agreement, future favorable test results, and the general rise in value of companies with operations in Indonesia, particularly with exposure to the EV market. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as investors actively seek early mover, overlooked opportunities with unique characteristics, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The View From 30,000 Feet
According to the Unites States Geological Survey (USGS), for 2018, Indonesia generated more mine production of nickel than any other country on earth---and it’s not even close. Indonesia’s estimated 560,000 mt total dwarfs the next nation’s output (Philippines @ 340,000). Plus, Indonesia boasts the largest estimated reserves of 21,000,000 mt as compared with Australia at 19,000,000 and Canada with an estimated 11,000,000 mt. (https://prd-wret.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws....).
China is a smaller producer of the metal with less than 2,500,000 metric tons of reserves. It its, however, the largest buyer of nickel. According to a report by the International Nickel Study Group, 75% of the world’s primary nickel consumed went into stainless and alloy steel products. Importantly, industry analysts project a significant increase in global nickel consumption in batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles—up from an estimated 4% in 2017, and it is this segment along with stainless steel products in which China is a major player.
Historically, nickel has always been a key cog in the industrial and commercial world. Today, nickel is used in over 300,000 products for consumers in the form of over 3000 alloys. It is also a high-end material used in construction, automobiles, petrochemicals, fabrication and welding, power and renewable energy, electronics, transportation and water sectors. In 2018, the estimated apparent primary nickel consumption stood at 124,000 mt and was valued at $1.57 billion while according to the USGS, 2.3 million mt were produced. Ores of nickel are mined in over 33 countries and are smelted or refined in 25 countries.
Key producing states are Indonesia, Russia, Canada, New Caledonia, Australia, China, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Botswana, Columbia, Greece and Brazil. In recent years, Asia has served as the engine for growth of the production and usage of nickel, with China accounting for 53%.
Nickel is primarily sold for first use as refined metal (cathode, powder, briquet, etc.) or ferronickel. Nickel’s biggest single use, about 65%, is in alloying - particularly with chromium and other metals to produce stainless and heat-resisting steels. Another 20% is used in other steels, non-ferrous alloys (mixed with metals other than steel) and super alloys (metal mixtures designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and/or pressures, or have high conductivity) often for highly specialized industrial, aerospace and military applications. About 9% is used in plating to slow down corrosion and 6% is for other uses, including printing coins. Rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries are used in cell phones, video cameras, and other electronic devices. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used to power cordless tools and appliances.
Nickel and the EV
Nickel used in the battery sector is growing rapidly and it is used in various types of battery forms. These include Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal-hydride, Nickel-iron, Nickel-zinc, Nickel-hydrogen and Lithium-ion batteries which are named for their active material but often contain nickel material in their cathodes. Nickel is currently the most widely used metal after lead for off-grid energy storage batteries. With a high recyclability, the use of nickel in batteries is expected to continue to grow.
One of the major drivers behind demand for batteries has been a global pivot toward renewable energy sources, including a major transformation toward electrification underway in the automotive industry. Nearly every major auto manufacturer on the globe has been pushing the EV agenda in an effort to compete in the race for electric vehicle domination.
The battery supply chain is dominated by lithium-ion batteries requiring Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt ( NMC ) chemistries. Due to fierce competition and the need to drive prices lower to meet mass consumer demand, battery manufacturers are constantly looking to improve economies of scale. This drive for cost efficiency is resulting in ever-increasing nickel content in battery chemistries. The industry is in the process of moving from composition of 5-3-2 NMC to 6-2-2 NMC , and eventually 8-1-1 NMC .
As mostly a byproduct in the production of copper and nickel, the pricing often follows the demand of these primary metals, which can lead to both over-supply and under-supply as the demand for large Li-ion batteries increases. Cobalt was the first cathode material for commercial Li-ion batteries, and its relatively high price entices manufacturers to blend it with nickel, manganese and aluminum--but with cobalt remaining a key cog and high demand material. In fact, over 42% of all cobalt today is used for battery production. Why? Lithium cobalt oxide-based batteries provide high energy density- even higher than other lithium batteries. In fact, each lithium-ion battery contains 15 kilograms of cobalt chemicals. Separately, there has been considerable demand for it as a power source for smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras and among others.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) accounted for over 58% of the worldwide production, which is par for the course, although China accounted for 80% of the world’s cobalt chemicals. Given the ongoing volatile geopolitical climate in the DRC , supply concerns weigh heavy on investors’ minds, which is great for Pacific Rim Cobalt.
Interestingly, in the next 20 years we could be nearing a nickel shortage—which is a major positive for Pacific Rim Cobalt. Here’s why.
Battery producers are migrating toward using more nickel (and cobalt) in EV batteries, because doing so increases the battery’s energy density, thereby extending the vehicle’s range, according to a recent article written by The Market Oracle . The article cites the following critical assumptions by major financial prognosticators.
“According to BloombergNEF’s new long-term Electric Vehicle May 2019 Outlook by 2025 consumers will be buying 10 million EV’s and by 2040, 56 million. Globally, more than half of all new car sales will be electric by 2040. Andrew Cosgrove, senior mining and metals analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence at a recent conference predicted that nickel demand in batteries could outpace that of stainless steel in absolute terms, adding as much as 900,000 additional tonnes per year by 2030. A June 2018 Wood Mackenzie report said EV batteries could consume 1.26 million tonnes of nickel by 2040, that’s 13.69 times more nickel needed for batteries in just 20 years.”
The bottom line is that since the majority of mined nickel today is used for stainless steel despite the fast-growing need in the battery segment, mined supply suitable for battery manufacture may fall woefully short, which is one of the primary reasons why nickel prices have been running significantly higher. As noted in the chart below, the most recent price for nickel is $17,750/t.
To this end, noted financial firm Wood Mackenzie believes we could see prices over $21,000/t by 2025 and we believe that it could happen sooner rather than later. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries containing cobalt are primed to continue to power EVs for the 5-10 years, which bodes well for cobalt, which is typically sourced as a by-product of nickel.
Indonesia & China: A Symbiotic Relationship
China’s involvement and influence in the Indonesian resource sector and economy is direct and largely intertwined to such a degree that we view resource companies based in Indonesia as a proxy for China—in fact it may be the best way to play China’s role in specific metals and the EV market. China has been locking up supply of the critical metals needed for the electrification of the global transportation system and building the necessary refining capabilities needed to produce advanced batteries.
At present, China controls over 50% of the world’s supply of lithium, and they refine at least 60% of the world’s cobalt and as the largest purchaser of nickel, controls most of the world’s supply of cobalt based lithium-ion batteries. In essence, China treats Indonesia as a near-shore, direct, primary source of both cobalt and nickel sulphide, which share the EV battery limelight. This is why Indonesia has been responsible for nearly 100% of the growth in exports since 2015 and has become the single largest exporter of charge nickel. It “all” goes to China. Evidence of this symbiotic relationship came to light recently when it was announced that China’s nickel imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% for the month of August alone.
Indonesia is the Go-to Source to Play the EV Market
Putting its stamp as the go-to force in the nickel and cobalt markets for EVs in the region, Toyota will bolster its electric efforts by investing $2 billion to develop electric vehicles ( EVs ) in Indonesia over the next four years. The country is a hotbed of EV activity, and Toyota could benefit from economies of scale. Other automakers, including Mitsubishi and Hyundai are also investing in Indonesia. Working in proximity to other automakers pursuing EV tech will lead to supply chain and infrastructure efficiencies than can drive down costs for components, such as batteries.
Clearly, Indonesia, not Canada or other regions, is the best way to play both China’s role in nickel use for EVs but the industry as well, given recent and future developments. While the geopolitical risk may be higher than in developed nations, it is likely no different and my be lower than other developing nations. Moreover, as a near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and the EV battery market.
PACIFIC RIM COBALT: RECENT DATA
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well-endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China. In addition to its recent shallow drilling test results, some of the key initiatives include:
• Commenced the first work program since historical operators completed 856 holes and 26 test pits
• Completed 60+ drill holes to date which consistently demonstrate strong mineralization occurring from surface (up to 12m depth) with highlight intercepts such as; including intervals of; 6 meters of 2.28% Ni and 0.03% Co, 5 meters of 1.91% Ni and 0.03% Co, and 6 meters of 1.78% Ni and 0.06% Co.
• The Company’s processing partner completed successful phase 1 and have commenced phase 2 of a bench-scale scoping program for the selection of a suitable process for recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite material.
• Completed Nine test pits, ranging in depth from 1.7 meters to 6 meters, confirming elevated nickel mineralization.
However, in recent weeks, Pacific Rim Cobalt drilling confirmed significant, near surface Cobalt and nickel mineralization. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
The total program involved the following:
• 75 drill holes varying in depth from 10 -29 meters
• 1019.5 meters drilled
• 898 samples assayed to date
• 51 Auger holes drilled to a depth of between 1 – 3 meters
• 11 test-pits completed for bulk sampling ranging in depth from 2 – 6 meters
Highlight Intersections include:
11 meters @ 0.89% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.03% nickel, 0.29% cobalt; from surface
7 meters @ 1.19% nickel, 0.20% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.42% nickel, 0.16% cobalt; 2 meters from surface
10 meters @ 1.31% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 0.80% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 1.65% nickel, 0.12% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 0.96% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 meter x 300 meter area drilled. This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 meters and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.
THE PACIFIC RIM COBALT EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ranjeet Sundher – President, CEO & Director
Mr. Sundher is the President of Canrim Ventures Ltd., a Singaporean advisory firm specializing in early stage project finance and structure and has raised over $40 million for companies in which he was a founder/partner. Ranjeet has over 20 years of capital markets experience and has developed and sold several successful private and public companies. Previously founded Indogold Exploration, a Jakarta-based mining service firm.
Steve Vanry, CFA – CFO & Director
Mr. Vanry has 25-years professional experience in senior management positions with public and private companies, providing expertise in capital markets, strategic planning, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, accounting and financial reporting. His breadth of experience spans various industries, including; mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, high-technology and manufacturing. Mr. Vanry regularly consults for other listed companies in the role of director and/or senior executive. He holds the right to use the Chartered Finance Analyst ( CFA ) and Canadian Investment Manager ( CIM ) designations and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Vancouver Society of Financial Analysts.
Andre Talaska – Country Manager and Technical Supervisor
Mr. Talaska has over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry. He has held senior positions with several companies both in Australia and SE Asia. In these roles he has extensive experience in project identification, open pit and underground mining, value adding and optimizing of mining operations and management of geological teams in the production and exploration environment. The above included the sourcing of cobalt rich ore suitable for direct feed to the Kambalda Nickel Smelter and led to the discovery of multiple Ni-Co laterites including the Bulong Ni-Co project.
Alwi Nabil – Country Financial Controller
Mr. Nabil has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting with multinational and local indonesian companies with a strong focus on the resources industry.
Dina Zaenab – Project Administrator of Geological Activities
Ms . Zaenab has over 10 years of experience in all aspects of explorations for a variety of mineral commodities . She specializes in administration data base management and information technology.
Garry Clark – Director
Mr. Clark is the Executive Director of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA). He has been a Director, Vice President or President of OPA since its formation in the early 1990s. Mr. Clark currently serves on the Minister of Mines Mining Act Advisory Committee (Ontario) and the Ontario Geological Survey Advisory Board. He graduated with an HBSc (Geology) from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. Mr. Clark brings to the company extensive experience in managing large scale exploration and development programs internationally including Asia and North America. In addition to over 30 years of consulting experience, he held geological positions with a number of mining companies and has served as a director of other TSX Venture Exchange listed companies including his current position and NexOptic Technology Corp. and US Cobalt Inc. (USCO.V)
Tim Johnston – Director
Mr. Johnston is President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Lion Energy, a company developing the first large scale lithium mine in Namibia. He was formerly Hatch’s specialist in project management and transactional analysis for their global lithium and battery business. During his time with Hatch, he evaluated hundreds of battery metals projects, and managed the development of battery metals projects around the world for Lion Ore, Vale, Xstrata, SQM , Rockwood Lithium ( Albemarle ), Bacanora Minerals, AMG-NV, Rio Tinto, Galaxy Resources and other key developers. He has co-authored 7 technical publications with a focus on project execution. Mr. Johnston is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and CFA charter holder.
Sean Bromley – Director
Mr. Bromley works in corporate finance at a boutique merchant bank. A former investment advisor with experience working with public companies, he is currently a director of White Gold Resources ( WGO .V).
Geoffrey Baille Fielding – Director
Geoffrey was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris and has an LLB from the Faculty of Law at the London School of Economics. He was an equity partner at Grenfell & Colegrave, one of the oldest City of London Stockholding firms before the company was acquired by CIBC, Canada’s largest retail bank. As a London Director of CIBC’s Investment Division, Geoffrey founded up the overseas investment division in the Caribbean where he built up and managed funds of over US$ 1 billion in 3 years. In 2007, Geoffrey moved to Southeast Asia where he is now based. He is currently President and CEO of All State Asset Management in Asia, a Chinese asset investment management company. And is Chairman of Wealth Technology Limited, A Malaysian wealth fund. Mr. Fielding advises both these companies on investment opportunities as well as several other Hong Kong and International clients.
FINANCIALS
Interestingly, investors should feel confident regarding the Company’s prospects based on financial management alone. Management has been very prudent with spending and based on drilling and other results they are clearly maximizing its funding. For example, quarterly spending on operating expenses for the last four quarters have stayed generally the same, averaging roughly $763,000 per period, with a high of $987,000 and low of $590,000. In our view, this approach demonstrates that leadership is taking a staged approach with the knowledge that meaningful returns are around the corner. To underscore our thesis on this subject, Pacific Rim Cobalt has essentially no long-term debt and little debt at all aside from typical accounts payable. This is a huge plus and an extremely rare occurrence for junior miners. Of course, just about everything with Pacific Rim Cobalt is unique, from geography, positioning, post-mining relationships, leadership, to financial management. Thus, our investment thesis continues to be bolstered and confirmed.
RISK FACTORS
In our view, FE’s biggest risks relate to exploration and development including results from future nickel and cobalt capital project programs, resource estimates and technical/economic studies. However, in our view, this risk is largely mitigated by the historical and initial cobalt discovery and mineralization in the Cyclops Project, along with the experience of PCRCF’s leadership team and history of successes. Changes in supply/demand/pricing are typical future concerns and are also consistent with firms of PCRCF’s size and standing.
Investing in companies whose operations are in developing nations always carry varying levels of geopolitical risk. In our view, given the recent developments with Toyota and other car manufacturers, along with its world-leading nickel production status and high exports, the risk is mitigated and likely carries the same or less risk as most other developing nations.
Volatility and liquidity are typical concerns for microcap stocks that trade on the stock market, especially those that are not generating revenue. Finally, the shares outstanding of this stock could increase due to potential capital and exploration needs or to execute future property acquisitions. However, since the proceeds of any future funding would be used in large part to advance exploration and development efforts, we believe that any dilutive effect from such a funding would be more than offset by related increases in market value.
CONCLUSION
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver. With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
Source: www.goldmanresearch.com
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF Goldman Small Cap Issues $0.30 PT On High Cobalt Demand=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1035
Investor Presentation
====================
EV battery industry doubles use of cobalt, nickel
Producers of electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries doubled their use of cobalt and nickel last year as auto manufacturing demand increased, according to South Korea's INI Research and Consulting.
The battery industry's cobalt demand last year rose by 102% from 2017 to 16,629t, while nickel use climbed by 101pc to 41,521t. Lithium use for EV batteries increased by 76% to 10,902t, while manganese demand rose by 36% to 17,673t, as a shift toward more high-capacity models pushed consumption toward cobalt and nickel that yield higher energy density.
Shipments of EVs with lithium secondary batteries last year rose by 71% by capacity to 95.7GWh, INI said. China remained the global leader in EV demand, accounting for 58PC of car shipments. China also had a 126% rise in cobalt use to 9,092t and a 123% gain in nickel consumption to 17,605t. Chinese lithium demand climbed by 78PC to 6,461t.
With Such a High Demand for Cobalt and Nickel, it’s No Surprise that Our Top Electronic Vehicle ( EV ) Play of 2019 Just Received a $0.30 Price Target from Research Analyst Goldman Small Cap Research.
This optimistic valuation represents an upside of over +129% from today’s closing price.
You Can Read the Highlights from the Goldman Small Cap Research Report Below:
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver.
With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Take
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTC – PCRCF) is a Canadian exploration company which focuses on the acquisition and development of production grade nickle and cobalt deposits along with raw material inputs for the growing lithium-ion battery industry. The companies flagship project is in Indonesia.Historically, when investors would seek a proxy or proxies for certain resource plays, companies with projects in Indonesia may not top their lists. However, in the case of Pacific Rim Cobalt, investors would be making a huge mistake.
PCRCF isn’t just a play on a resource or an industry, it is likely the best way to play the industry’s role and China’s role in nickel use for EVs given recent and future developments. Moreover, as a unique, near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a unique early mover, a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and of course, the EV battery market.
The background
The Company acquired 100% control of the Cyclops property in October 2017, with Mining and Environmental permits in place, was acquired in October 2017 following extensive due diligence on over 40 projects across Indonesia. This laterite nickel-cobalt project’s objective is to be part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure providing ease of access to a local skilled workforce and is adjacent to deep tide water. Moreover, strong exploration results to date confirm the Company’s initial observations of the project's exceptional potential.
The Cyclops Project area located in Papua Province, Indonesia, benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to a work force and supplies, sealed roads, ocean access, nearby port facility, and gentle topography. The road system enables year-round access to the project and connects it with the large town of Sentani, located about 15 kilometers (kms) to the east, and with Jayapura, the capital city of Papua province, located about 40 kms to the east.
Over the past 18 months, the Company has rolled out a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration and development program at Cyclops. This includes the launch of key initiatives within Indonesia and China, reinforcing the Company’s plan to become a key regional player in the battery metals supply chain. Perhaps the most significant developments related to this goal are the opening of a business development office in Shanghai, thus establishing a full-time presence in China, and signing a preliminary offtake agreement with China’s top battery metals supplier, Beijing Easpring Technology Material Co. Ltd.
One of the key recent milestones included September 2019 results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan. The latest round of drill results demonstrates elevated cobalt values of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. (More detail on these results can be found later in the report.
Nickel and EVs
Pacific Rim Cobalt benefits greatly from its Indonesia operations domicile as the nation is the largest producer of nickel and cobalt, its by-product, a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles. Moreover, the Company is a beneficiary of the nation’s status as a near shore provider of the resource to China, the world’s largest consumer of the metal. Hence, the business development and offtake relationships in China.
The near shore relationship status has become a boon to Indonesia and this will likely trickle down to companies such as Pacific Rim Cobalt as well. In the summer of 2019, Toyota announced it will spend $2 billion to develop EVs in the nation. This event follows other car and diversified manufacturers seeking access to the resource and a new, burgeoning domestic market that is increasingly improving its regulations and labor laws to foster major investment.
As a result, multinational industry powerhouses such as Honda, Vale, China’s Tsingshan Group, Hyundai and Hanwa have been pouring billions of dollars into the country in an effort to gain strategic advantage in the battery metals supply chain. The combination of the aforementioned fundamentals is placing Indonesia in the enviable position of potentially becoming the largest source of battery metals outside of Africa. Demand is high across the board and the metal could become scarce for its use in the EV market, making PCRCF’s opportunity and value that much greater.
Looking Ahead
PCFCF plans to commence sample production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt cathode material for marketing purposes.as well as develop process flow design criteria for subsequent mini-pilot/pilot plant testing. Management continues to discuss its initial offtake agreement with Beijing Easpring and plans to meet with representatives with the goal of finalizing the preliminary offtake agreement announced on July 11th, 2018. Importantly, sometime in the coming months, the Company will produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate. In the meantime, we believe that the stock will be news-driven with respect to Company news, industry ( resource and EV ), and could be driven by regional business developments as well.
There are sizable publicly traded pure plays in this sector that include companies such as Cobalt 27 Capital (OTC – CBLLF). This rapidly evolving investment environment has also created promising potential for Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp, being an early mover and uniquely positioned geographically against peers across the globe.
Also notable is Cobalt 27’s recent acquisition of Highlands Pacific Limited giving it an 8.56% interest in the $2.1 billion Ramu nickel mine located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The bottom line is that while a plethora of junior cobalt miners trade publicly at various market caps, most of which are markedly higher than PCRCF we believe that this under the radar firm offers unusual upside potential, vis-à-vis its publicly traded junior resource peers.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by milestone events such as the resource estimate, finalization of offtake agreement, future favorable test results, and the general rise in value of companies with operations in Indonesia, particularly with exposure to the EV market. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as investors actively seek early mover, overlooked opportunities with unique characteristics, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The View From 30,000 Feet
According to the Unites States Geological Survey (USGS), for 2018, Indonesia generated more mine production of nickel than any other country on earth---and it’s not even close. Indonesia’s estimated 560,000 mt total dwarfs the next nation’s output (Philippines @ 340,000). Plus, Indonesia boasts the largest estimated reserves of 21,000,000 mt as compared with Australia at 19,000,000 and Canada with an estimated 11,000,000 mt. (https://prd-wret.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws....).
China is a smaller producer of the metal with less than 2,500,000 metric tons of reserves. It its, however, the largest buyer of nickel. According to a report by the International Nickel Study Group, 75% of the world’s primary nickel consumed went into stainless and alloy steel products. Importantly, industry analysts project a significant increase in global nickel consumption in batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles—up from an estimated 4% in 2017, and it is this segment along with stainless steel products in which China is a major player.
Historically, nickel has always been a key cog in the industrial and commercial world. Today, nickel is used in over 300,000 products for consumers in the form of over 3000 alloys. It is also a high-end material used in construction, automobiles, petrochemicals, fabrication and welding, power and renewable energy, electronics, transportation and water sectors. In 2018, the estimated apparent primary nickel consumption stood at 124,000 mt and was valued at $1.57 billion while according to the USGS, 2.3 million mt were produced. Ores of nickel are mined in over 33 countries and are smelted or refined in 25 countries.
Key producing states are Indonesia, Russia, Canada, New Caledonia, Australia, China, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Botswana, Columbia, Greece and Brazil. In recent years, Asia has served as the engine for growth of the production and usage of nickel, with China accounting for 53%.
Nickel is primarily sold for first use as refined metal (cathode, powder, briquet, etc.) or ferronickel. Nickel’s biggest single use, about 65%, is in alloying - particularly with chromium and other metals to produce stainless and heat-resisting steels. Another 20% is used in other steels, non-ferrous alloys (mixed with metals other than steel) and super alloys (metal mixtures designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and/or pressures, or have high conductivity) often for highly specialized industrial, aerospace and military applications. About 9% is used in plating to slow down corrosion and 6% is for other uses, including printing coins. Rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries are used in cell phones, video cameras, and other electronic devices. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used to power cordless tools and appliances.
Nickel and the EV
Nickel used in the battery sector is growing rapidly and it is used in various types of battery forms. These include Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal-hydride, Nickel-iron, Nickel-zinc, Nickel-hydrogen and Lithium-ion batteries which are named for their active material but often contain nickel material in their cathodes. Nickel is currently the most widely used metal after lead for off-grid energy storage batteries. With a high recyclability, the use of nickel in batteries is expected to continue to grow.
One of the major drivers behind demand for batteries has been a global pivot toward renewable energy sources, including a major transformation toward electrification underway in the automotive industry. Nearly every major auto manufacturer on the globe has been pushing the EV agenda in an effort to compete in the race for electric vehicle domination.
The battery supply chain is dominated by lithium-ion batteries requiring Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt ( NMC ) chemistries. Due to fierce competition and the need to drive prices lower to meet mass consumer demand, battery manufacturers are constantly looking to improve economies of scale. This drive for cost efficiency is resulting in ever-increasing nickel content in battery chemistries. The industry is in the process of moving from composition of 5-3-2 NMC to 6-2-2 NMC , and eventually 8-1-1 NMC .
As mostly a byproduct in the production of copper and nickel, the pricing often follows the demand of these primary metals, which can lead to both over-supply and under-supply as the demand for large Li-ion batteries increases. Cobalt was the first cathode material for commercial Li-ion batteries, and its relatively high price entices manufacturers to blend it with nickel, manganese and aluminum--but with cobalt remaining a key cog and high demand material. In fact, over 42% of all cobalt today is used for battery production. Why? Lithium cobalt oxide-based batteries provide high energy density- even higher than other lithium batteries. In fact, each lithium-ion battery contains 15 kilograms of cobalt chemicals. Separately, there has been considerable demand for it as a power source for smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras and among others.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) accounted for over 58% of the worldwide production, which is par for the course, although China accounted for 80% of the world’s cobalt chemicals. Given the ongoing volatile geopolitical climate in the DRC , supply concerns weigh heavy on investors’ minds, which is great for Pacific Rim Cobalt.
Interestingly, in the next 20 years we could be nearing a nickel shortage—which is a major positive for Pacific Rim Cobalt. Here’s why.
Battery producers are migrating toward using more nickel (and cobalt) in EV batteries, because doing so increases the battery’s energy density, thereby extending the vehicle’s range, according to a recent article written by The Market Oracle . The article cites the following critical assumptions by major financial prognosticators.
“According to BloombergNEF’s new long-term Electric Vehicle May 2019 Outlook by 2025 consumers will be buying 10 million EV’s and by 2040, 56 million. Globally, more than half of all new car sales will be electric by 2040. Andrew Cosgrove, senior mining and metals analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence at a recent conference predicted that nickel demand in batteries could outpace that of stainless steel in absolute terms, adding as much as 900,000 additional tonnes per year by 2030. A June 2018 Wood Mackenzie report said EV batteries could consume 1.26 million tonnes of nickel by 2040, that’s 13.69 times more nickel needed for batteries in just 20 years.”
The bottom line is that since the majority of mined nickel today is used for stainless steel despite the fast-growing need in the battery segment, mined supply suitable for battery manufacture may fall woefully short, which is one of the primary reasons why nickel prices have been running significantly higher. As noted in the chart below, the most recent price for nickel is $17,750/t.
To this end, noted financial firm Wood Mackenzie believes we could see prices over $21,000/t by 2025 and we believe that it could happen sooner rather than later. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries containing cobalt are primed to continue to power EVs for the 5-10 years, which bodes well for cobalt, which is typically sourced as a by-product of nickel.
Indonesia & China: A Symbiotic Relationship
China’s involvement and influence in the Indonesian resource sector and economy is direct and largely intertwined to such a degree that we view resource companies based in Indonesia as a proxy for China—in fact it may be the best way to play China’s role in specific metals and the EV market. China has been locking up supply of the critical metals needed for the electrification of the global transportation system and building the necessary refining capabilities needed to produce advanced batteries.
At present, China controls over 50% of the world’s supply of lithium, and they refine at least 60% of the world’s cobalt and as the largest purchaser of nickel, controls most of the world’s supply of cobalt based lithium-ion batteries. In essence, China treats Indonesia as a near-shore, direct, primary source of both cobalt and nickel sulphide, which share the EV battery limelight. This is why Indonesia has been responsible for nearly 100% of the growth in exports since 2015 and has become the single largest exporter of charge nickel. It “all” goes to China. Evidence of this symbiotic relationship came to light recently when it was announced that China’s nickel imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% for the month of August alone.
Indonesia is the Go-to Source to Play the EV Market
Putting its stamp as the go-to force in the nickel and cobalt markets for EVs in the region, Toyota will bolster its electric efforts by investing $2 billion to develop electric vehicles ( EVs ) in Indonesia over the next four years. The country is a hotbed of EV activity, and Toyota could benefit from economies of scale. Other automakers, including Mitsubishi and Hyundai are also investing in Indonesia. Working in proximity to other automakers pursuing EV tech will lead to supply chain and infrastructure efficiencies than can drive down costs for components, such as batteries.
Clearly, Indonesia, not Canada or other regions, is the best way to play both China’s role in nickel use for EVs but the industry as well, given recent and future developments. While the geopolitical risk may be higher than in developed nations, it is likely no different and my be lower than other developing nations. Moreover, as a near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and the EV battery market.
PACIFIC RIM COBALT: RECENT DATA
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well-endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China. In addition to its recent shallow drilling test results, some of the key initiatives include:
• Commenced the first work program since historical operators completed 856 holes and 26 test pits
• Completed 60+ drill holes to date which consistently demonstrate strong mineralization occurring from surface (up to 12m depth) with highlight intercepts such as; including intervals of; 6 meters of 2.28% Ni and 0.03% Co, 5 meters of 1.91% Ni and 0.03% Co, and 6 meters of 1.78% Ni and 0.06% Co.
• The Company’s processing partner completed successful phase 1 and have commenced phase 2 of a bench-scale scoping program for the selection of a suitable process for recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite material.
• Completed Nine test pits, ranging in depth from 1.7 meters to 6 meters, confirming elevated nickel mineralization.
However, in recent weeks, Pacific Rim Cobalt drilling confirmed significant, near surface Cobalt and nickel mineralization. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
The total program involved the following:
• 75 drill holes varying in depth from 10 -29 meters
• 1019.5 meters drilled
• 898 samples assayed to date
• 51 Auger holes drilled to a depth of between 1 – 3 meters
• 11 test-pits completed for bulk sampling ranging in depth from 2 – 6 meters
Highlight Intersections include:
11 meters @ 0.89% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.03% nickel, 0.29% cobalt; from surface
7 meters @ 1.19% nickel, 0.20% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.42% nickel, 0.16% cobalt; 2 meters from surface
10 meters @ 1.31% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 0.80% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 1.65% nickel, 0.12% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 0.96% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 meter x 300 meter area drilled. This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 meters and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.
THE PACIFIC RIM COBALT EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ranjeet Sundher – President, CEO & Director
Mr. Sundher is the President of Canrim Ventures Ltd., a Singaporean advisory firm specializing in early stage project finance and structure and has raised over $40 million for companies in which he was a founder/partner. Ranjeet has over 20 years of capital markets experience and has developed and sold several successful private and public companies. Previously founded Indogold Exploration, a Jakarta-based mining service firm.
Steve Vanry, CFA – CFO & Director
Mr. Vanry has 25-years professional experience in senior management positions with public and private companies, providing expertise in capital markets, strategic planning, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, accounting and financial reporting. His breadth of experience spans various industries, including; mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, high-technology and manufacturing. Mr. Vanry regularly consults for other listed companies in the role of director and/or senior executive. He holds the right to use the Chartered Finance Analyst ( CFA ) and Canadian Investment Manager ( CIM ) designations and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Vancouver Society of Financial Analysts.
Andre Talaska – Country Manager and Technical Supervisor
Mr. Talaska has over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry. He has held senior positions with several companies both in Australia and SE Asia. In these roles he has extensive experience in project identification, open pit and underground mining, value adding and optimizing of mining operations and management of geological teams in the production and exploration environment. The above included the sourcing of cobalt rich ore suitable for direct feed to the Kambalda Nickel Smelter and led to the discovery of multiple Ni-Co laterites including the Bulong Ni-Co project.
Alwi Nabil – Country Financial Controller
Mr. Nabil has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting with multinational and local indonesian companies with a strong focus on the resources industry.
Dina Zaenab – Project Administrator of Geological Activities
Ms . Zaenab has over 10 years of experience in all aspects of explorations for a variety of mineral commodities . She specializes in administration data base management and information technology.
Garry Clark – Director
Mr. Clark is the Executive Director of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA). He has been a Director, Vice President or President of OPA since its formation in the early 1990s. Mr. Clark currently serves on the Minister of Mines Mining Act Advisory Committee (Ontario) and the Ontario Geological Survey Advisory Board. He graduated with an HBSc (Geology) from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. Mr. Clark brings to the company extensive experience in managing large scale exploration and development programs internationally including Asia and North America. In addition to over 30 years of consulting experience, he held geological positions with a number of mining companies and has served as a director of other TSX Venture Exchange listed companies including his current position and NexOptic Technology Corp. and US Cobalt Inc. (USCO.V)
Tim Johnston – Director
Mr. Johnston is President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Lion Energy, a company developing the first large scale lithium mine in Namibia. He was formerly Hatch’s specialist in project management and transactional analysis for their global lithium and battery business. During his time with Hatch, he evaluated hundreds of battery metals projects, and managed the development of battery metals projects around the world for Lion Ore, Vale, Xstrata, SQM , Rockwood Lithium ( Albemarle ), Bacanora Minerals, AMG-NV, Rio Tinto, Galaxy Resources and other key developers. He has co-authored 7 technical publications with a focus on project execution. Mr. Johnston is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and CFA charter holder.
Sean Bromley – Director
Mr. Bromley works in corporate finance at a boutique merchant bank. A former investment advisor with experience working with public companies, he is currently a director of White Gold Resources ( WGO .V).
Geoffrey Baille Fielding – Director
Geoffrey was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris and has an LLB from the Faculty of Law at the London School of Economics. He was an equity partner at Grenfell & Colegrave, one of the oldest City of London Stockholding firms before the company was acquired by CIBC, Canada’s largest retail bank. As a London Director of CIBC’s Investment Division, Geoffrey founded up the overseas investment division in the Caribbean where he built up and managed funds of over US$ 1 billion in 3 years. In 2007, Geoffrey moved to Southeast Asia where he is now based. He is currently President and CEO of All State Asset Management in Asia, a Chinese asset investment management company. And is Chairman of Wealth Technology Limited, A Malaysian wealth fund. Mr. Fielding advises both these companies on investment opportunities as well as several other Hong Kong and International clients.
FINANCIALS
Interestingly, investors should feel confident regarding the Company’s prospects based on financial management alone. Management has been very prudent with spending and based on drilling and other results they are clearly maximizing its funding. For example, quarterly spending on operating expenses for the last four quarters have stayed generally the same, averaging roughly $763,000 per period, with a high of $987,000 and low of $590,000. In our view, this approach demonstrates that leadership is taking a staged approach with the knowledge that meaningful returns are around the corner. To underscore our thesis on this subject, Pacific Rim Cobalt has essentially no long-term debt and little debt at all aside from typical accounts payable. This is a huge plus and an extremely rare occurrence for junior miners. Of course, just about everything with Pacific Rim Cobalt is unique, from geography, positioning, post-mining relationships, leadership, to financial management. Thus, our investment thesis continues to be bolstered and confirmed.
RISK FACTORS
In our view, FE’s biggest risks relate to exploration and development including results from future nickel and cobalt capital project programs, resource estimates and technical/economic studies. However, in our view, this risk is largely mitigated by the historical and initial cobalt discovery and mineralization in the Cyclops Project, along with the experience of PCRCF’s leadership team and history of successes. Changes in supply/demand/pricing are typical future concerns and are also consistent with firms of PCRCF’s size and standing.
Investing in companies whose operations are in developing nations always carry varying levels of geopolitical risk. In our view, given the recent developments with Toyota and other car manufacturers, along with its world-leading nickel production status and high exports, the risk is mitigated and likely carries the same or less risk as most other developing nations.
Volatility and liquidity are typical concerns for microcap stocks that trade on the stock market, especially those that are not generating revenue. Finally, the shares outstanding of this stock could increase due to potential capital and exploration needs or to execute future property acquisitions. However, since the proceeds of any future funding would be used in large part to advance exploration and development efforts, we believe that any dilutive effect from such a funding would be more than offset by related increases in market value.
CONCLUSION
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle ( EV ) batteries, a huge growth driver. With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs , China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
Source: www.goldmanresearch.com
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF Receives $0.30 PT On High Cobalt/Nickel Demand=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1309
Investor Presentation
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EV battery industry doubles use of cobalt, nickel
Producers of electric vehicle (EV) batteries doubled their use of cobalt and nickel last year as auto manufacturing demand increased, according to South Korea's INI Research and Consulting.
The battery industry's cobalt demand last year rose by 102% from 2017 to 16,629t, while nickel use climbed by 101pc to 41,521t. Lithium use for EV batteries increased by 76% to 10,902t, while manganese demand rose by 36% to 17,673t, as a shift toward more high-capacity models pushed consumption toward cobalt and nickel that yield higher energy density.
Shipments of EVs with lithium secondary batteries last year rose by 71% by capacity to 95.7GWh, INI said. China remained the global leader in EV demand, accounting for 58PC of car shipments. China also had a 126% rise in cobalt use to 9,092t and a 123% gain in nickel consumption to 17,605t. Chinese lithium demand climbed by 78PC to 6,461t.
With Such a High Demand for Cobalt and Nickel, it’s No Surprise that Our Top Electronic Vehicle (EV) Play of 2019 Just Received a $0.30 Price Target from Research Analyst Goldman Small Cap Research.
This optimistic valuation represents an upside of over +129% from today’s closing price.
You Can Read the Highlights from the Goldman Small Cap Research Report Below:
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a huge growth driver.
With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs, China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Take
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTC – PCRCF) is a Canadian exploration company which focuses on the acquisition and development of production grade nickle and cobalt deposits along with raw material inputs for the growing lithium-ion battery industry. The companies flagship project is in Indonesia.Historically, when investors would seek a proxy or proxies for certain resource plays, companies with projects in Indonesia may not top their lists. However, in the case of Pacific Rim Cobalt, investors would be making a huge mistake.
PCRCF isn’t just a play on a resource or an industry, it is likely the best way to play the industry’s role and China’s role in nickel use for EVs given recent and future developments. Moreover, as a unique, near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a unique early mover, a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and of course, the EV battery market.
The background
The Company acquired 100% control of the Cyclops property in October 2017, with Mining and Environmental permits in place, was acquired in October 2017 following extensive due diligence on over 40 projects across Indonesia. This laterite nickel-cobalt project’s objective is to be part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure providing ease of access to a local skilled workforce and is adjacent to deep tide water. Moreover, strong exploration results to date confirm the Company’s initial observations of the project's exceptional potential.
The Cyclops Project area located in Papua Province, Indonesia, benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to a work force and supplies, sealed roads, ocean access, nearby port facility, and gentle topography. The road system enables year-round access to the project and connects it with the large town of Sentani, located about 15 kilometers (kms) to the east, and with Jayapura, the capital city of Papua province, located about 40 kms to the east.
Over the past 18 months, the Company has rolled out a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration and development program at Cyclops. This includes the launch of key initiatives within Indonesia and China, reinforcing the Company’s plan to become a key regional player in the battery metals supply chain. Perhaps the most significant developments related to this goal are the opening of a business development office in Shanghai, thus establishing a full-time presence in China, and signing a preliminary offtake agreement with China’s top battery metals supplier, Beijing Easpring Technology Material Co. Ltd.
One of the key recent milestones included September 2019 results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan. The latest round of drill results demonstrates elevated cobalt values of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. (More detail on these results can be found later in the report.
Nickel and EVs
Pacific Rim Cobalt benefits greatly from its Indonesia operations domicile as the nation is the largest producer of nickel and cobalt, its by-product, a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles. Moreover, the Company is a beneficiary of the nation’s status as a near shore provider of the resource to China, the world’s largest consumer of the metal. Hence, the business development and offtake relationships in China.
The near shore relationship status has become a boon to Indonesia and this will likely trickle down to companies such as Pacific Rim Cobalt as well. In the summer of 2019, Toyota announced it will spend $2 billion to develop EVs in the nation. This event follows other car and diversified manufacturers seeking access to the resource and a new, burgeoning domestic market that is increasingly improving its regulations and labor laws to foster major investment.
As a result, multinational industry powerhouses such as Honda, Vale, China’s Tsingshan Group, Hyundai and Hanwa have been pouring billions of dollars into the country in an effort to gain strategic advantage in the battery metals supply chain. The combination of the aforementioned fundamentals is placing Indonesia in the enviable position of potentially becoming the largest source of battery metals outside of Africa. Demand is high across the board and the metal could become scarce for its use in the EV market, making PCRCF’s opportunity and value that much greater.
Looking Ahead
PCFCF plans to commence sample production of battery-grade nickel and cobalt cathode material for marketing purposes.as well as develop process flow design criteria for subsequent mini-pilot/pilot plant testing. Management continues to discuss its initial offtake agreement with Beijing Easpring and plans to meet with representatives with the goal of finalizing the preliminary offtake agreement announced on July 11th, 2018. Importantly, sometime in the coming months, the Company will produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate. In the meantime, we believe that the stock will be news-driven with respect to Company news, industry (resource and EV), and could be driven by regional business developments as well.
There are sizable publicly traded pure plays in this sector that include companies such as Cobalt 27 Capital (OTC – CBLLF). This rapidly evolving investment environment has also created promising potential for Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp, being an early mover and uniquely positioned geographically against peers across the globe.
Also notable is Cobalt 27’s recent acquisition of Highlands Pacific Limited giving it an 8.56% interest in the $2.1 billion Ramu nickel mine located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The bottom line is that while a plethora of junior cobalt miners trade publicly at various market caps, most of which are markedly higher than PCRCF we believe that this under the radar firm offers unusual upside potential, vis-à-vis its publicly traded junior resource peers.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by milestone events such as the resource estimate, finalization of offtake agreement, future favorable test results, and the general rise in value of companies with operations in Indonesia, particularly with exposure to the EV market. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as investors actively seek early mover, overlooked opportunities with unique characteristics, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The View From 30,000 Feet
According to the Unites States Geological Survey (USGS), for 2018, Indonesia generated more mine production of nickel than any other country on earth---and it’s not even close. Indonesia’s estimated 560,000 mt total dwarfs the next nation’s output (Philippines @ 340,000). Plus, Indonesia boasts the largest estimated reserves of 21,000,000 mt as compared with Australia at 19,000,000 and Canada with an estimated 11,000,000 mt. (prd-wret.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com).
China is a smaller producer of the metal with less than 2,500,000 metric tons of reserves. It its, however, the largest buyer of nickel. According to a report by the International Nickel Study Group, 75% of the world’s primary nickel consumed went into stainless and alloy steel products. Importantly, industry analysts project a significant increase in global nickel consumption in batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles—up from an estimated 4% in 2017, and it is this segment along with stainless steel products in which China is a major player.
Historically, nickel has always been a key cog in the industrial and commercial world. Today, nickel is used in over 300,000 products for consumers in the form of over 3000 alloys. It is also a high-end material used in construction, automobiles, petrochemicals, fabrication and welding, power and renewable energy, electronics, transportation and water sectors. In 2018, the estimated apparent primary nickel consumption stood at 124,000 mt and was valued at $1.57 billion while according to the USGS, 2.3 million mt were produced. Ores of nickel are mined in over 33 countries and are smelted or refined in 25 countries.
Key producing states are Indonesia, Russia, Canada, New Caledonia, Australia, China, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Botswana, Columbia, Greece and Brazil. In recent years, Asia has served as the engine for growth of the production and usage of nickel, with China accounting for 53%.
Nickel is primarily sold for first use as refined metal (cathode, powder, briquet, etc.) or ferronickel. Nickel’s biggest single use, about 65%, is in alloying - particularly with chromium and other metals to produce stainless and heat-resisting steels. Another 20% is used in other steels, non-ferrous alloys (mixed with metals other than steel) and super alloys (metal mixtures designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and/or pressures, or have high conductivity) often for highly specialized industrial, aerospace and military applications. About 9% is used in plating to slow down corrosion and 6% is for other uses, including printing coins. Rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries are used in cell phones, video cameras, and other electronic devices. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used to power cordless tools and appliances.
Nickel and the EV
Nickel used in the battery sector is growing rapidly and it is used in various types of battery forms. These include Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal-hydride, Nickel-iron, Nickel-zinc, Nickel-hydrogen and Lithium-ion batteries which are named for their active material but often contain nickel material in their cathodes. Nickel is currently the most widely used metal after lead for off-grid energy storage batteries. With a high recyclability, the use of nickel in batteries is expected to continue to grow.
One of the major drivers behind demand for batteries has been a global pivot toward renewable energy sources, including a major transformation toward electrification underway in the automotive industry. Nearly every major auto manufacturer on the globe has been pushing the EV agenda in an effort to compete in the race for electric vehicle domination.
The battery supply chain is dominated by lithium-ion batteries requiring Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) chemistries. Due to fierce competition and the need to drive prices lower to meet mass consumer demand, battery manufacturers are constantly looking to improve economies of scale. This drive for cost efficiency is resulting in ever-increasing nickel content in battery chemistries. The industry is in the process of moving from composition of 5-3-2 NMC to 6-2-2 NMC, and eventually 8-1-1 NMC.
As mostly a byproduct in the production of copper and nickel, the pricing often follows the demand of these primary metals, which can lead to both over-supply and under-supply as the demand for large Li-ion batteries increases. Cobalt was the first cathode material for commercial Li-ion batteries, and its relatively high price entices manufacturers to blend it with nickel, manganese and aluminum--but with cobalt remaining a key cog and high demand material. In fact, over 42% of all cobalt today is used for battery production. Why? Lithium cobalt oxide-based batteries provide high energy density- even higher than other lithium batteries. In fact, each lithium-ion battery contains 15 kilograms of cobalt chemicals. Separately, there has been considerable demand for it as a power source for smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras and among others.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounted for over 58% of the worldwide production, which is par for the course, although China accounted for 80% of the world’s cobalt chemicals. Given the ongoing volatile geopolitical climate in the DRC, supply concerns weigh heavy on investors’ minds, which is great for Pacific Rim Cobalt.
Interestingly, in the next 20 years we could be nearing a nickel shortage—which is a major positive for Pacific Rim Cobalt. Here’s why.
Battery producers are migrating toward using more nickel (and cobalt) in EV batteries, because doing so increases the battery’s energy density, thereby extending the vehicle’s range, according to a recent article written by The Market Oracle. The article cites the following critical assumptions by major financial prognosticators.
“According to BloombergNEF’s new long-term Electric Vehicle May 2019 Outlook by 2025 consumers will be buying 10 million EV’s and by 2040, 56 million. Globally, more than half of all new car sales will be electric by 2040. Andrew Cosgrove, senior mining and metals analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence at a recent conference predicted that nickel demand in batteries could outpace that of stainless steel in absolute terms, adding as much as 900,000 additional tonnes per year by 2030. A June 2018 Wood Mackenzie report said EV batteries could consume 1.26 million tonnes of nickel by 2040, that’s 13.69 times more nickel needed for batteries in just 20 years.”
The bottom line is that since the majority of mined nickel today is used for stainless steel despite the fast-growing need in the battery segment, mined supply suitable for battery manufacture may fall woefully short, which is one of the primary reasons why nickel prices have been running significantly higher. As noted in the chart below, the most recent price for nickel is $17,750/t.
To this end, noted financial firm Wood Mackenzie believes we could see prices over $21,000/t by 2025 and we believe that it could happen sooner rather than later. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries containing cobalt are primed to continue to power EVs for the 5-10 years, which bodes well for cobalt, which is typically sourced as a by-product of nickel.
Indonesia & China: A Symbiotic Relationship
China’s involvement and influence in the Indonesian resource sector and economy is direct and largely intertwined to such a degree that we view resource companies based in Indonesia as a proxy for China—in fact it may be the best way to play China’s role in specific metals and the EV market. China has been locking up supply of the critical metals needed for the electrification of the global transportation system and building the necessary refining capabilities needed to produce advanced batteries.
At present, China controls over 50% of the world’s supply of lithium, and they refine at least 60% of the world’s cobalt and as the largest purchaser of nickel, controls most of the world’s supply of cobalt based lithium-ion batteries. In essence, China treats Indonesia as a near-shore, direct, primary source of both cobalt and nickel sulphide, which share the EV battery limelight. This is why Indonesia has been responsible for nearly 100% of the growth in exports since 2015 and has become the single largest exporter of charge nickel. It “all” goes to China. Evidence of this symbiotic relationship came to light recently when it was announced that China’s nickel imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% for the month of August alone.
Indonesia is the Go-to Source to Play the EV Market
Putting its stamp as the go-to force in the nickel and cobalt markets for EVs in the region, Toyota will bolster its electric efforts by investing $2 billion to develop electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia over the next four years. The country is a hotbed of EV activity, and Toyota could benefit from economies of scale. Other automakers, including Mitsubishi and Hyundai are also investing in Indonesia. Working in proximity to other automakers pursuing EV tech will lead to supply chain and infrastructure efficiencies than can drive down costs for components, such as batteries.
Clearly, Indonesia, not Canada or other regions, is the best way to play both China’s role in nickel use for EVs but the industry as well, given recent and future developments. While the geopolitical risk may be higher than in developed nations, it is likely no different and my be lower than other developing nations. Moreover, as a near-shore partner for some of the world’s largest users of nickel, and on the ground partner for some of the largest automotive manufacturers, companies like Pacific Rim Cobalt represent the most direct yet overlooked pure resource plays. In our view, it is a regional play, a resource play, and a proxy for China and the EV battery market.
PACIFIC RIM COBALT: RECENT DATA
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well-endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China. In addition to its recent shallow drilling test results, some of the key initiatives include:
• Commenced the first work program since historical operators completed 856 holes and 26 test pits
• Completed 60+ drill holes to date which consistently demonstrate strong mineralization occurring from surface (up to 12m depth) with highlight intercepts such as; including intervals of; 6 meters of 2.28% Ni and 0.03% Co, 5 meters of 1.91% Ni and 0.03% Co, and 6 meters of 1.78% Ni and 0.06% Co.
• The Company’s processing partner completed successful phase 1 and have commenced phase 2 of a bench-scale scoping program for the selection of a suitable process for recovery of nickel and cobalt from laterite material.
• Completed Nine test pits, ranging in depth from 1.7 meters to 6 meters, confirming elevated nickel mineralization.
However, in recent weeks, Pacific Rim Cobalt drilling confirmed significant, near surface Cobalt and nickel mineralization. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
The total program involved the following:
• 75 drill holes varying in depth from 10 -29 meters
• 1019.5 meters drilled
• 898 samples assayed to date
• 51 Auger holes drilled to a depth of between 1 – 3 meters
• 11 test-pits completed for bulk sampling ranging in depth from 2 – 6 meters
Highlight Intersections include:
11 meters @ 0.89% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.03% nickel, 0.29% cobalt; from surface
7 meters @ 1.19% nickel, 0.20% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 1.42% nickel, 0.16% cobalt; 2 meters from surface
10 meters @ 1.31% nickel, 0.15% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 0.80% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
10 meters @ 1.65% nickel, 0.12% cobalt; from surface
8 meters @ 0.96% nickel, 0.14% cobalt; from surface
As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 meter x 300 meter area drilled. This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 meters and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.
THE PACIFIC RIM COBALT EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ranjeet Sundher – President, CEO & Director
Mr. Sundher is the President of Canrim Ventures Ltd., a Singaporean advisory firm specializing in early stage project finance and structure and has raised over $40 million for companies in which he was a founder/partner. Ranjeet has over 20 years of capital markets experience and has developed and sold several successful private and public companies. Previously founded Indogold Exploration, a Jakarta-based mining service firm.
Steve Vanry, CFA – CFO & Director
Mr. Vanry has 25-years professional experience in senior management positions with public and private companies, providing expertise in capital markets, strategic planning, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, accounting and financial reporting. His breadth of experience spans various industries, including; mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, high-technology and manufacturing. Mr. Vanry regularly consults for other listed companies in the role of director and/or senior executive. He holds the right to use the Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) and Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designations and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Vancouver Society of Financial Analysts.
Andre Talaska – Country Manager and Technical Supervisor
Mr. Talaska has over 30 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry. He has held senior positions with several companies both in Australia and SE Asia. In these roles he has extensive experience in project identification, open pit and underground mining, value adding and optimizing of mining operations and management of geological teams in the production and exploration environment. The above included the sourcing of cobalt rich ore suitable for direct feed to the Kambalda Nickel Smelter and led to the discovery of multiple Ni-Co laterites including the Bulong Ni-Co project.
Alwi Nabil – Country Financial Controller
Mr. Nabil has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting with multinational and local indonesian companies with a strong focus on the resources industry.
Dina Zaenab – Project Administrator of Geological Activities
Ms. Zaenab has over 10 years of experience in all aspects of explorations for a variety of mineral commodities. She specializes in administration data base management and information technology.
Garry Clark – Director
Mr. Clark is the Executive Director of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA). He has been a Director, Vice President or President of OPA since its formation in the early 1990s. Mr. Clark currently serves on the Minister of Mines Mining Act Advisory Committee (Ontario) and the Ontario Geological Survey Advisory Board. He graduated with an HBSc (Geology) from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. Mr. Clark brings to the company extensive experience in managing large scale exploration and development programs internationally including Asia and North America. In addition to over 30 years of consulting experience, he held geological positions with a number of mining companies and has served as a director of other TSX Venture Exchange listed companies including his current position and NexOptic Technology Corp. and US Cobalt Inc. (USCO.V)
Tim Johnston – Director
Mr. Johnston is President and Chief Executive Officer of Desert Lion Energy, a company developing the first large scale lithium mine in Namibia. He was formerly Hatch’s specialist in project management and transactional analysis for their global lithium and battery business. During his time with Hatch, he evaluated hundreds of battery metals projects, and managed the development of battery metals projects around the world for Lion Ore, Vale, Xstrata, SQM, Rockwood Lithium (Albemarle), Bacanora Minerals, AMG-NV, Rio Tinto, Galaxy Resources and other key developers. He has co-authored 7 technical publications with a focus on project execution. Mr. Johnston is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and CFA charter holder.
Sean Bromley – Director
Mr. Bromley works in corporate finance at a boutique merchant bank. A former investment advisor with experience working with public companies, he is currently a director of White Gold Resources (WGO.V).
Geoffrey Baille Fielding – Director
Geoffrey was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris and has an LLB from the Faculty of Law at the London School of Economics. He was an equity partner at Grenfell & Colegrave, one of the oldest City of London Stockholding firms before the company was acquired by CIBC, Canada’s largest retail bank. As a London Director of CIBC’s Investment Division, Geoffrey founded up the overseas investment division in the Caribbean where he built up and managed funds of over US$ 1 billion in 3 years. In 2007, Geoffrey moved to Southeast Asia where he is now based. He is currently President and CEO of All State Asset Management in Asia, a Chinese asset investment management company. And is Chairman of Wealth Technology Limited, A Malaysian wealth fund. Mr. Fielding advises both these companies on investment opportunities as well as several other Hong Kong and International clients.
FINANCIALS
Interestingly, investors should feel confident regarding the Company’s prospects based on financial management alone. Management has been very prudent with spending and based on drilling and other results they are clearly maximizing its funding. For example, quarterly spending on operating expenses for the last four quarters have stayed generally the same, averaging roughly $763,000 per period, with a high of $987,000 and low of $590,000. In our view, this approach demonstrates that leadership is taking a staged approach with the knowledge that meaningful returns are around the corner. To underscore our thesis on this subject, Pacific Rim Cobalt has essentially no long-term debt and little debt at all aside from typical accounts payable. This is a huge plus and an extremely rare occurrence for junior miners. Of course, just about everything with Pacific Rim Cobalt is unique, from geography, positioning, post-mining relationships, leadership, to financial management. Thus, our investment thesis continues to be bolstered and confirmed.
RISK FACTORS
In our view, FE’s biggest risks relate to exploration and development including results from future nickel and cobalt capital project programs, resource estimates and technical/economic studies. However, in our view, this risk is largely mitigated by the historical and initial cobalt discovery and mineralization in the Cyclops Project, along with the experience of PCRCF’s leadership team and history of successes. Changes in supply/demand/pricing are typical future concerns and are also consistent with firms of PCRCF’s size and standing.
Investing in companies whose operations are in developing nations always carry varying levels of geopolitical risk. In our view, given the recent developments with Toyota and other car manufacturers, along with its world-leading nickel production status and high exports, the risk is mitigated and likely carries the same or less risk as most other developing nations.
Volatility and liquidity are typical concerns for microcap stocks that trade on the stock market, especially those that are not generating revenue. Finally, the shares outstanding of this stock could increase due to potential capital and exploration needs or to execute future property acquisitions. However, since the proceeds of any future funding would be used in large part to advance exploration and development efforts, we believe that any dilutive effect from such a funding would be more than offset by related increases in market value.
CONCLUSION
PCRCF represents an early mover and pure play on some of the largest and most important themes in the resource industry. For example, the Company is a play on the use of nickel/cobalt in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a huge growth driver. With a project in Indonesia, the home of the world’s largest production of nickel, PCRCF offers investors a unique opportunity with reduced geopolitical risk than is found in other developing nations. Toyota is spending $2B to build EVs in the nation and that follows a major presence on the ground by other auto producers.
PCRCF could be viewed as a proxy for the symbiotic near shore relationship between Indonesia and China, the biggest buyer of nickel, Management has opened a biz dev office in Shanghai and signed a preliminary offtake agreement with a major player in China.
The flagship Cyclops project’s shallow drilling program has already confirmed strong nickel and cobalt mineralization. PCRCF shall produce a maiden 43-101 resource estimate in the coming months, serving as a driver for the stock.
Our $0.30 price target reflects the growth in the value of PCRCF’s shares driven by a series of diverse milestone events in drilling, EVs, China, and growth in Indonesia. This figure also correlates with other junior resource companies in a similar stage as PCRCF. Moreover, we believe that as an early mover in a huge market, PCRCF could emerge as a classic takeover candidate.
Source: www.goldmanresearch.com
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
Nickel At 5-Year High. PCRCF Is Our Top Nickel Stock=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1283
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
Shares of PCRCF have rallied as much +13.56% off yesterday's lows, and could continue to move much higher from here.
Here's why..
Growing Demand for Nickel Drives Could Send Nickel Stocks Soaring
Let us tell you why we believe that Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF) is your best bet on capitalizing on the Nickel Boom!
Current Catalysts Driving The Nickel Boom
Nickel skyrockets to 5-year high on Jakarta’s move to build up local resources and smelter capacity.
China’s August nickel ore imports from Indonesia surge 26.5% year-on-year.
Cobalt rallies 30% as Glencore announced plans to shutter it’s massive Mutanda cobalt mine in the DRC.
In the next five to ten years, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution will likely dominate the nickel space and will be sending prices much higher, this according to Alex Laugharne, principal consultant of CRU Group.
As the world’s leading source of nickel, and proximal to the largest “Gigafactory” in the world (China), Indonesia is seeing serious investments from multinational tech and mining corporations.
Why Is PCRCF Your Best Bet In The Nickel Space
Pacific Rim Cobalt Is already Well Positioned To Take Advantage of Surging Demand for Nickel and Cobalt Throughout Asia.
With shares trading in Canada (CSE: BOLT) and the U.S. (OTCQB: PCRCF) Pacific Rim Cobalt controls 100% of a large, well mineralized nickel and cobalt property in Indonesia, the #1 nickel producing country on the planet.
Location, Location, Location
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp’s flagship nickel and cobalt asset is uniquely positioned within Indonesia with the eventual goal of being part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector.
Two days ago, Reuters reported that China's August nickel ore imports from Indonesia surged 26.5% ahead of ban
China’s nickel ore imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% year-on-year in August, customs data showed on Wednesday, as stainless steel producers stocked up on raw materials ahead of a ban on exports from the Southeast Asian country.
There are more than 500 mining projects and operating properties making the country the most important mining country in the region.
There are three large international mining companies with long term operating experience in Indonesia: Vale, Newmont & Freeport McMoRan.
Many Canadian mining engineering and supply companies are entrenched in Indonesia.
Cobalt 27 Capital Corporation (TSX-V: KBLT) (OTC: CBLLF) has recently invested in the $2.1B (US) Ramu nickel mine in Papua New Guinea that, like Indonesia, offers good access to customers in Chinese industry.
Bullish Catalysts For PCRCF
Batteries powering our modern society increasingly need nickel and cobalt to function safely.
Clean energy legislation, especially in Asia and India, are driving strong demand for batteries, thus driving demand for these metals.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China.
As the global leader in nickel production, the need for nickel for batteries is driving massive investment in mines in Indonesia, offering shareholders in Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp a unique opportunity in the global rush to secure critical metal supply.
Momentum Is On Their Side
Shares of Pacific Rim Cobalt have rallied 58% since Sept 1st.
The Bullish Trend appears intact, and we see plenty more upside from here.
PCRCF's Continued Drilling Success Is Grabbing The Attention of Wall St.
Pacific Rim Cobalt has investors buzzing as the company continues to demonstrate successful results from the phase II drilling campaign on it’s 100% controlled Cyclops nickel-cobalt project in Indonesia.
Highlights from recent press releases:
Sept 10th “Results continue to confirm the continuity of high-grade nickel mineralization over an area of 600 metres x 300 metres”.
Sept 17th “The company announced impressive Mineral Process Recovery test results, averaging 99.6% nickel and 98.4% cobalt.”
Sept 24th “Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization.”
The latest results are part of an integrated program being implemented by the Company to develop a critical path for processing nickel and cobalt laterites found across their 5,000 hectare property.
With these results Pacific Rim Cobalt is one step closer toward their goal of becoming a key player in the global battery material supply chain.
The latest string of results from the Company’s aggressive drilling and development program indicate widespread mineralization of high grade nickel and cobalt located near the surface.
Drilling and testing has been focused on only one area of the large property, where a total of 9 known nickel and cobalt prospects currently exist.
This is significant during a time where nickel is experiencing a sustained bull market run, given increased demand from the burgeoning battery material’s sector.
The ongoing drilling and development program aims to build on strong assay results already announced from Phase I drilling, and is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and producing a maiden 43-101 compliant resource estimate in late 2019.
About The Company
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities. Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
If you thought Pacific Rim Cobalt was a one trick pony, you couldn't be more wrong.
PCRCF Is Ready For The Next Cobalt Boom
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle (EV) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) from around 20-33kgs (NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt (NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1.NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Investors are taking note of ongoing success coming out of the Company’s large, strategically situated nickel and cobalt prospect, located in proximity to the world’s largest critical metals and battery consumer, China.
Commenting on the news, CEO Ranjeet Sundher states “With the commencement of our phase two program guided by historical data, we are optimistic about the unique possibility of developing this project into an asset that will add shareholder value and position the company to play a future role in the battery metals supply chain.”
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5,000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PC. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
LONG Nickel At 5-Year High. PCRCF Is Our Top Nickel Stock=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1283
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
Shares of PCRCF have rallied as much +13.56% off yesterday's lows, and could continue to move much higher from here.
Here's why..
Growing Demand for Nickel Drives Could Send Nickel Stocks Soaring
Let us tell you why we believe that Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF) is your best bet on capitalizing on the Nickel Boom!
Current Catalysts Driving The Nickel Boom
Nickel skyrockets to 5-year high on Jakarta’s move to build up local resources and smelter capacity.
China’s August nickel ore imports from Indonesia surge 26.5% year-on-year.
Cobalt rallies 30% as Glencore announced plans to shutter it’s massive Mutanda cobalt mine in the DRC .
In the next five to ten years, the electric vehicle ( EV ) revolution will likely dominate the nickel space and will be sending prices much higher, this according to Alex Laugharne, principal consultant of CRU Group.
As the world’s leading source of nickel, and proximal to the largest “Gigafactory” in the world (China), Indonesia is seeing serious investments from multinational tech and mining corporations.
Why Is PCRCF Your Best Bet In The Nickel Space
Pacific Rim Cobalt Is already Well Positioned To Take Advantage of Surging Demand for Nickel and Cobalt Throughout Asia.
With shares trading in Canada (CSE: BOLT) and the U.S. (OTCQB: PCRCF) Pacific Rim Cobalt controls 100% of a large, well mineralized nickel and cobalt property in Indonesia, the #1 nickel producing country on the planet.
Location, Location, Location
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp’s flagship nickel and cobalt asset is uniquely positioned within Indonesia with the eventual goal of being part of the cathode material supply chain for the burgeoning battery manufacturing sector.
Two days ago, Reuters reported that China's August nickel ore imports from Indonesia surged 26.5% ahead of ban
China’s nickel ore imports from Indonesia rose 26.5% year-on-year in August, customs data showed on Wednesday, as stainless steel producers stocked up on raw materials ahead of a ban on exports from the Southeast Asian country.
There are more than 500 mining projects and operating properties making the country the most important mining country in the region.
There are three large international mining companies with long term operating experience in Indonesia: Vale, Newmont & Freeport McMoRan.
Many Canadian mining engineering and supply companies are entrenched in Indonesia.
Cobalt 27 Capital Corporation (TSX-V: KBLT) (OTC: CBLLF) has recently invested in the $2.1B (US) Ramu nickel mine in Papua New Guinea that, like Indonesia, offers good access to customers in Chinese industry.
Bullish Catalysts For PCRCF
Batteries powering our modern society increasingly need nickel and cobalt to function safely.
Clean energy legislation, especially in Asia and India, are driving strong demand for batteries, thus driving demand for these metals.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. continues to release impressive assay and test pit results confirming strong nickel and cobalt mineralization from its Cyclops Project, strategically located in a well endowed nickel region of Indonesia, and in proximity to the world’s largest battery market, China.
As the global leader in nickel production, the need for nickel for batteries is driving massive investment in mines in Indonesia, offering shareholders in Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp a unique opportunity in the global rush to secure critical metal supply.
Momentum Is On Their Side
Shares of Pacific Rim Cobalt have rallied 58% since Sept 1st.
The Bullish Trend appears intact, and we see plenty more upside from here.
PCRCF's Continued Drilling Success Is Grabbing The Attention of Wall St .
Pacific Rim Cobalt has investors buzzing as the company continues to demonstrate successful results from the phase II drilling campaign on it’s 100% controlled Cyclops nickel-cobalt project in Indonesia.
Highlights from recent press releases:
Sept 10th “Results continue to confirm the continuity of high-grade nickel mineralization over an area of 600 metres x 300 metres”.
Sept 17th “The company announced impressive Mineral Process Recovery test results, averaging 99.6% nickel and 98.4% cobalt.”
Sept 24th “Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization.”
The latest results are part of an integrated program being implemented by the Company to develop a critical path for processing nickel and cobalt laterites found across their 5,000 hectare property.
With these results Pacific Rim Cobalt is one step closer toward their goal of becoming a key player in the global battery material supply chain.
The latest string of results from the Company’s aggressive drilling and development program indicate widespread mineralization of high grade nickel and cobalt located near the surface.
Drilling and testing has been focused on only one area of the large property, where a total of 9 known nickel and cobalt prospects currently exist.
This is significant during a time where nickel is experiencing a sustained bull market run, given increased demand from the burgeoning battery material’s sector.
The ongoing drilling and development program aims to build on strong assay results already announced from Phase I drilling, and is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and producing a maiden 43-101 compliant resource estimate in late 2019.
About The Company
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities . Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
If you thought Pacific Rim Cobalt was a one trick pony, you couldn't be more wrong.
PCRCF Is Ready For The Next Cobalt Boom
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle ( EV ) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle ( BEV ) from around 20-33kgs ( NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt ( NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1. NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Investors are taking note of ongoing success coming out of the Company’s large, strategically situated nickel and cobalt prospect, located in proximity to the world’s largest critical metals and battery consumer, China.
Commenting on the news, CEO Ranjeet Sundher states “With the commencement of our phase two program guided by historical data, we are optimistic about the unique possibility of developing this project into an asset that will add shareholder value and position the company to play a future role in the battery metals supply chain.”
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $12,5,000 cash for a 1-week marketing contract for PC . Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF Pacific Rim Cobalt breaking out on new Drill Results.Multiple bullish signals on the chart as a result of positive drill data.
Bullish RSI reversal
MACD bullish cross on reversal.
Histogram ticking green
Huge volume spike
Possible Cup & Handle forming
Bull flag developed
Stoch has bottomed ready to move higher.
"The Company is very pleased with this latest round of drill results. The elevated cobalt values are of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. Both our cobalt and nickel results continue to add to our optimism that the Cyclops project will create shareholder value," remarked Ranjeet Sundher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Rim Cobalt.
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. engages in the acquisition and development of production grade cobalt deposits. Its project include Pacific Cobalt Corp's Cyclops property. The company was founded on June 6, 2017 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
PCRCF Positive Drilling Data Confirms Significant Mineralization=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1198
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
If you missed out on the Cobalt Boom of 2017, you now have a chance for redemption.
Experts are calling for another Cobalt boom in 2020, and we have found the perfect junior mining company to ride the anticipated rally with.
Please turn your immediate attention to PCRCF.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities . Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
Pacific Rim Cobalt Drilling Confirms Significant, Near Surface Cobalt and Nickel Mineralization
Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization
Today, the Company announced results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project, Indonesia. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 metres and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 metre x 300 metre area drilled.
"The Company is very pleased with this latest round of drill results. The elevated cobalt values are of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. Both our cobalt and nickel results continue to add to our optimism that the Cyclops project will create shareholder value," remarked Ranjeet Sundher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Rim Cobalt.
This month, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo said the country should process more of its own natural resources, such as coal, bauxite, palm oil and nickel, rather than just exporting them. Indonesia has said it wants to use its abundant nickel reserves to build an electric car industry. Last year, Chinese battery materials company, GEM, said it would work with battery giant CATL and stainless steel producer Tsingshan, to build a US$700 million plant in Indonesia to produce nickel for batteries.
The zone has been bulk sampled for follow up metallurgical test work in the current on-going bench scale program. This style of mineralisation from previous scoping test work is amenable to processing by acid leach for the recovery of cobalt and nickel and will be subject to further test work in the current detail bench scale work.
The program was completed on the target plateau area developed over a lateritized upfaulted block of peridotite in order to test the continuity of the mineralized laterite profiles.
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle ( EV ) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle ( BEV ) from around 20-33kgs ( NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt ( NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1. NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $5,000 cash for a 2-day marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF Positive Drilling Data Confirms Significant Mineralization=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1198
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
If you missed out on the Cobalt Boom of 2017, you now have a chance for redemption.
Experts are calling for another Cobalt boom in 2020, and we have found the perfect junior mining company to ride the anticipated rally with.
Please turn your immediate attention to PCRCF.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities . Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
Pacific Rim Cobalt Drilling Confirms Significant, Near Surface Cobalt and Nickel Mineralization
Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization
Today, the Company announced results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project, Indonesia. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 metres and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 metre x 300 metre area drilled.
"The Company is very pleased with this latest round of drill results. The elevated cobalt values are of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. Both our cobalt and nickel results continue to add to our optimism that the Cyclops project will create shareholder value," remarked Ranjeet Sundher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Rim Cobalt.
This month, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo said the country should process more of its own natural resources, such as coal, bauxite, palm oil and nickel, rather than just exporting them. Indonesia has said it wants to use its abundant nickel reserves to build an electric car industry. Last year, Chinese battery materials company, GEM, said it would work with battery giant CATL and stainless steel producer Tsingshan, to build a US$700 million plant in Indonesia to produce nickel for batteries.
The zone has been bulk sampled for follow up metallurgical test work in the current on-going bench scale program. This style of mineralisation from previous scoping test work is amenable to processing by acid leach for the recovery of cobalt and nickel and will be subject to further test work in the current detail bench scale work.
The program was completed on the target plateau area developed over a lateritized upfaulted block of peridotite in order to test the continuity of the mineralized laterite profiles.
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle ( EV ) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle ( BEV ) from around 20-33kgs ( NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt ( NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1. NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $5,000 cash for a 2-day marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF, Positive Drilling Data Confirms Significant Deposits=====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1198
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
If you missed out on the Cobalt Boom of 2017, you now have a chance for redemption.
Experts are calling for another Cobalt boom in 2020, and we have found the perfect junior mining company to ride the anticipated rally with.
Please turn your immediate attention to PCRCF.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities . Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
Pacific Rim Cobalt Drilling Confirms Significant, Near Surface Cobalt and Nickel Mineralization
Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization
Today, the Company announced results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project, Indonesia. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 metres and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 metre x 300 metre area drilled.
"The Company is very pleased with this latest round of drill results. The elevated cobalt values are of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. Both our cobalt and nickel results continue to add to our optimism that the Cyclops project will create shareholder value," remarked Ranjeet Sundher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Rim Cobalt.
This month, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo said the country should process more of its own natural resources, such as coal, bauxite, palm oil and nickel, rather than just exporting them. Indonesia has said it wants to use its abundant nickel reserves to build an electric car industry. Last year, Chinese battery materials company, GEM, said it would work with battery giant CATL and stainless steel producer Tsingshan, to build a US$700 million plant in Indonesia to produce nickel for batteries.
The zone has been bulk sampled for follow up metallurgical test work in the current on-going bench scale program. This style of mineralisation from previous scoping test work is amenable to processing by acid leach for the recovery of cobalt and nickel and will be subject to further test work in the current detail bench scale work.
The program was completed on the target plateau area developed over a lateritized upfaulted block of peridotite in order to test the continuity of the mineralized laterite profiles.
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle ( EV ) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle ( BEV ) from around 20-33kgs ( NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt ( NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1. NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $5,000 cash for a 2-day marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.
PCRCF, Positive Drilling Data Confirms Significant Deposits =====================
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (PCRCF)
Current Price: $0.1198
Investor Presentation
Company Website | Recent News
========================
If you missed out on the Cobalt Boom of 2017, you now have a chance for redemption.
Experts are calling for another Cobalt boom in 2020, and we have found the perfect junior mining company to ride the anticipated rally with.
Please turn your immediate attention to PCRCF.
Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is focused on the development of nickel-cobalt projects ideally located close to China, the world’s first & largest “Gigafactory.” Nickel and cobalt are critical components of lithium-ion batteries and are currently in a global supply deficit.
Their key asset, the Cyclops nickel-cobalt project, has over 850 historical drill holes, numerous test-pits, as well as production and environmental permits in place. With a historic estimate of 37MM tonnes of 1.31% nickel and 0.11% cobalt, Cyclops contains significant nickel and cobalt mineralization as well as excellent infrastructure for year-round development activities.
Company Highlights
100 percent ownership of the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in strategic location along northern coast of Indonesia
Strategically located near China, the world’s largest cobalt buyer
Cobalt in supply deficit that is expected to increase over the next years. Cobalt spot price expected to be one of the best performing commodities. Auditable supply chains are becoming necessary for corporations as they seek ethical cobalt supply
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Preliminary Offtake Agreement signed with China’s top battery materials supplier, Beijing Easpring
Significant, shallow, historical estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31% Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade.
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike (See addendum for historical drill results).
Pacific Rim Cobalt is priced at a significant discount to its pre-production and late-stage exploration peer group and there remains potential for upside valuation adjustment.
A rapid path to development. Use of proceeds will focus on exploration and development planning.
Infrastructure in place, including airport, roads, and ocean port. Will aggressively pursue off-take agreements and strategic partners looking to secure cobalt.
Management team with experience in Indonesia for the last 20+ years. Numerous successful exits from public and private companies
Production/mining permits issued along with environmental (AMDAL) permit issued
Significant, shallow mineralization at project site with a historical* estimate of 37Mt @ 0.11% Co and 1.31%Ni at 0.8% Ni cut-off grade
Significant potential for expansion as mineralization is open at depth and on-strike
Estimate based on over 856 shallow drill holes and 26 test pits
Historical* high-grade drill intercepts of 8m @ 0.18% Co; 13m @ 0.15% Co; and 10m @ 0.19% Co
Cyclops Project Area covers 5,000 hectares with 9 prospects including 5 drill-tested and known cobalt-nickel prospects
Pacific Rim Cobalt Drilling Confirms Significant, Near Surface Cobalt and Nickel Mineralization
Shallow intersections with highly anomalous cobalt and nickel encountered in a continuous zone overlying the previously reported nickel saprolite mineralization
Today, the Company announced results from its ongoing 2019 shallow drilling program at its flagship Cyclops, nickel/cobalt development project, Indonesia. The drilling is part of a multi-faceted exploration program aimed at confirming historical results and guiding a project development plan.
This zone varies in thickness from 2 to 11 metres and immediately overlies previously reported nickel values in the saprolite zone and considerably enhances the potential size of the mineralized body of material.As previously announced highly anomalous cobalt values together with elevated nickel were intersected in the near surface zone. These intersections were encountered in the limonite zone and form a continuous blanket over the entire 600 metre x 300 metre area drilled.
"The Company is very pleased with this latest round of drill results. The elevated cobalt values are of significant importance, considering the commodity’s recent price increase and the role it plays in the battery metals supply chain. Both our cobalt and nickel results continue to add to our optimism that the Cyclops project will create shareholder value," remarked Ranjeet Sundher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Rim Cobalt.
This month, Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo said the country should process more of its own natural resources, such as coal, bauxite, palm oil and nickel, rather than just exporting them. Indonesia has said it wants to use its abundant nickel reserves to build an electric car industry. Last year, Chinese battery materials company, GEM, said it would work with battery giant CATL and stainless steel producer Tsingshan, to build a US$700 million plant in Indonesia to produce nickel for batteries.
The zone has been bulk sampled for follow up metallurgical test work in the current on-going bench scale program. This style of mineralisation from previous scoping test work is amenable to processing by acid leach for the recovery of cobalt and nickel and will be subject to further test work in the current detail bench scale work.
The program was completed on the target plateau area developed over a lateritized upfaulted block of peridotite in order to test the continuity of the mineralized laterite profiles.
Experts Predict The Next Cobalt Boom Will Be In 2020
George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
Cobalt investors have had a wild ride the past 3 years, as prices soared in 2017 then crashed in 2018/2019. For those investors with a longer time frame, the long term demand/supply opportunity remains intact. That is, post 2022 we may start to see increasing cobalt deficits as the electric vehicle (EV) boom takes off. One reason 2022 is significant is that is when electric vehicles are forecast to cost the same as conventional cars. At this point, the demand for electric cars should explode. And speaking of ‘explode’, cobalt is an essential part of the lithium-ion battery that stops thermal runway and explosion.
Cobalt Demand Could Skyrocket
Almost all industry experts agree cobalt will be needed in future lithium-ion batteries and in increasing volumes. Industry expert Benchmark Minerals say cobalt demand will outstrip the decline from cobalt thrifting. Experts agree cobalt thrifting will reduce the amount of cobalt in a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) from around 20-33kgs (NMC 1:1:1 chemistry) to around 8-12kgs cobalt (NMC 6:2:2 chemistry) over the next 5-10 years. Tesla’s low cobalt NCA battery is alleged to have as little as 6kgs cobalt, but as we know Tesla’s have also had several issues with battery fires. Most large car OEMs will not want to risk large scale battery recalls and fire risk, and hence will go with NMC 6:2:2, and possibly in some cases NMC 8:1:1.NMC refers to nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The NMC 6:2:2 cathode is 2 parts cobalt or 20% cobalt. Again most experts see solid state batteries in electric cars as not likely in the next decade. All of this means cobalt is most likely here to stay for the next decade at least and possibly many decades beyond that, as the NMC battery is the battery of choice. The NMC lithium-ion battery is improving each year with lower costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), thereby lowering the costs of EVs each year.
Beat The Rush For The Next Cobalt Boom
Despite thrifting, cobalt demand is set to surge driven mostly by the EV boom. The forecast suggests by as early as 2022 or 2023 we will start to see cobalt deficits. Furthermore, the deficits are forecast to grow substantially each year.
The key take away here is that should the EV boom continue to grow rapidly, cobalt is likely to go into deficit again as soon as 2022/23.
Cobalt supply
The cobalt swing producers right now are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) artisanal miners and Glencore (including their 86% owned Katanga Mining). Given the recent oversupply from the DRC (and the onerous new DRC cobalt royalties and profit tax) swing producers have reduced supply. In fact, just last week Glencore announced it plans to put its massive DRC Mutanda copper-cobalt mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2019, which will take out ~25,000 tonnes or ~20% of global supply from the market. This latest news is positive for cobalt prices which reacted by rising about 8% from their recent lows.
CRU’s view
CRU’s George Heppel, head of cobalt and lithium analysis at CRU International, recently stated: “When we look at the EV market over the next 10 years, we see the big increase coming in 2020 to 2021. That will be the crunch time for global demand for cobalt as the big car companies, the BMWs, the VWs, Ford, and Daimler are set to increase production.” He estimates demand for cobalt for car batteries will grow by between 24% and 35% every year from 2020 to 2023. Even if Glencore brings Mutanda back on stream (the shutdown is for “care and maintenance”), and with the artisanal miners producing anything up to 40,000 tonnes a year, Mr Heppel believes it won’t be sufficient to meet demand. “There needs to be new supply of cobalt.”
In conclusion, cobalt is now set for a mild come back in the years 2020-2022; but by 2022/23 we may see a new cobalt boom that will be longer and stronger than the 2017 cobalt boom. Naturally, this will be very positive for cobalt junior miners wanting to enter the market.
Savvy traders should add PCRCF to the top of their watchlists immediately.
*Past performance is not an indicator of future returns. The publishers of this report are not investment advisors and does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research and make your own investment decisions. This message is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. The publishers of this report have received compensation from a third party of USD $5,000 cash for a 2-day marketing contract for PCRCF. Never make investment decisions based on anything the publisher of this report says. This message is meant for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide investment advice.