24 April 2024
Quarterly Activities and Cash
Flow Report
for the quarter ended 31 March 2024
Atlantic
Lithium looks ahead to major near-term value-drivers as it
advances
the Ewoyaa Lithium Project towards
shovel-readiness
The Board of Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM: ALL, ASX: A11, OTCQX:
ALLIF, "Atlantic Lithium" or the "Company"), the African-focused
lithium exploration and development company targeting to deliver
Ghana's first lithium mine, is pleased to announce
its Quarterly Activities and Cash Flow Report for the period ended
31 March 2024.
Highlights from the Reporting Period:
Project Development:
-
Overwhelmingly strong local
community support demonstrated at the Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") Scoping Public Hearing in respect of the Company's
Ewoyaa Lithium Project ("Ewoyaa" or "the Project") in
Ghana.
-
Completion and submission of Ewoyaa
Feldspar Study and Downstream Conversion Study to Ghana's Minerals
Commission, as agreed under the terms of the grant of the Mining
Lease for the Project.
-
Engagement with industry-leading
engineering firms with proven experience in Ghana ahead of tender
process for the award of the Engineering, Procurement, and
Construction Management ("EPCM") contract.
-
Further key strategic appointments
in support of mine development.
Exploration:
-
Assay results received for a total
of 9,734m of drilling completed in 2023 over the new Dog-Leg
target, Okwesi, Anokyi and Ewoyaa South-2 deposits, which sit
outside of the current JORC (2012) compliant 35.3Mt @ 1.25%
Li2O Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE")1 for
the Project.
·
Results reported during the period
represent the final results for the 2023 drilling season, with a
total of 25,898m drilled throughout the year.
·
Multiple high-grade and broad drill
intersections reported in results, including at Dog-Leg, where
drilling intersected a shallow-dipping, near surface mineralised
pegmatite body with true thicknesses of up to 35m.
·
Highlight intersections include 69m
at 1.25% Li2O from 45m and 83m at 1% Li2O
from 36m at Dog-Leg.
-
Completion of reverse circulation
("RC") and diamond core ("DD") resource growth drilling at the
Dog-Leg target, with assays pending.
-
Results of drilling completed in
2023 and results pending for 2024 to be incorporated into a MRE
upgrade, targeted during H2 2024.
-
Completion of 3,177m of plant site
sterilisation drilling, with no mineralisation intersected,
providing confidence in the proposed plant site
location.
Post-period end:
-
Final approval received to commence
field work at the newly-granted Senya Beraku prospecting
licence.
-
Promotion of Exploration Manager
Iwan Williams to General Manager, Exploration and Country Manager
Abdul Razak to Exploration Manager, Ghana following the decision of
Head of Business Development & Chief Geologist Len Kolff to
step down from his roles at the Company.
·
Changes to the exploration team
focused on enabling the advancement of the Company's exploration
asset pipeline and the evaluation of new value-accretive
opportunities to ensure the long-term growth of the
Company.
Corporate:
-
Completion of the Minerals Income
Investment Fund of Ghana's ("MIIF") Subscription for 19,245,574
Atlantic Lithium shares for a value of US$5m, representing Stage 1
of MIIF's agreed total US$32.9 million Strategic Investment to
expedite the development of the Project towards
production.
-
Strong interest for
spodumene concentrate to be produced at Ewoyaa continues to be
demonstrated from a range of industry players around the world
through the Company's ongoing competitive offtake partnering
process to secure funding for a portion of the remaining 50%
available feedstock from Ewoyaa.
·
Formal bids from remaining
interested parties expected to be received in the coming weeks
ahead of final negotiations.
-
Purchase of 24.3m
Atlantic Lithium shares at a premium by major shareholder Assore
International Holdings ("Assore") from strategic funding partner
Piedmont Lithium Inc. (NASDAQ: PLL; ASX: PLL,
"Piedmont").
-
Further purchase of the
Company's shares from members of the Company's senior leadership
team, equating to a total value of A$5,192,393 (£2,794,015) since
March 2023.
Commenting, Neil Herbert, Executive Chairman of Atlantic
Lithium, said:
"With our sights
firmly set on breaking ground at the Ewoyaa Lithium Project later
this year, Atlantic Lithium remains fully focused on activities
that de-risk the Project and move Ewoyaa closer to
shovel-readiness.
"Key to achieving
this milestone is the success of the ongoing permitting process,
which is advancing as anticipated. We are proud to note the
overwhelming support of our local communities, who, as demonstrated
during the recent EPA Scoping Public Hearing, are eager to see
Ewoyaa deliver the generational benefits expected to be brought
about from lithium production in their municipality.
"Following the
completion of its US$5m investment in the Company, we are delighted
to welcome the Minerals Income Investment Fund of Ghana to the
Atlantic Lithium share register as a highly valued local
stakeholder and key funding partner. MIIF's subscription represents
the first stage of its planned US$32.9m total investment, expected
to expedite the development of the Project. We continue to work
closely with MIIF to complete the remainder of its planned
Project-level investment in due course.
"Significant work in
respect of the agreed terms of the grant of the Mining Lease for
the Project has also been completed during the period. Both the
Feldspar Study and Downstream Study have been finalised and
submitted to the Minerals Commission, and we are working with the
Ghana Stock Exchange and associated parties to enable our listing
on the GSE as soon as possible.
"Concurrent to
these, we continue to enhance the value of the Project; both
through drilling completed in 2023 and planned for the remainder of
2024. Drilling completed in 2023 has delivered encouraging results,
including new targets for follow-on work, to be undertaken in H2
2024. We look forward to incorporating the 2023 results and results
to be received from drilling planned for H2 2024 into a MRE update
later this year.
"I would like to
congratulate Iwan Williams and Abdul Razak on their promotions, to
General Manager, Exploration and Exploration Manager, Ghana,
respectively, following Len's decision to step down from his roles
at the Company. Iwan and Razak have led the Company's exploration
activities alongside Len since before the delivery of the Maiden
MRE at Ewoyaa in 2020, and are, therefore, well-credentialled to
lead the Company's exploration efforts, focused primarily on
advancing our current portfolio of assets in West Africa, as well
as assessing new opportunities in Ghana and elsewhere.
"On behalf of the
Board, I would also like to thank Len for his significant
contributions to the leadership of the Company throughout his nine
years with Atlantic Lithium. His expertise has been fundamental to
getting us to where we are today, notably his role in the discovery
of the Project and for stepping up to assume the role of Interim
Chief Executive Officer following the untimely passing of the
Company's founder, Vincent Mascolo. I wish him every success in his
future endeavours.
"Looking forward, we
have a number of other major catalysts in the months ahead of us.
These include the conclusion of the competitive offtake partnering
process for a portion of Ewoyaa's remaining offtake available,
which will serve as a major funding milestone for the Company, the
ratification of the Mining Lease by parliament and, in line with
the ongoing permitting process, the grant of the final permits;
namely the EPA Permit and Mine Operating Permit, which are required
by the Company to enable the commencement of construction at
Ewoyaa.
"We look forward to
updating the market on our progress in due course."
This announcement contains inside information for the
purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014
as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"), and is disclosed in accordance with
the Company's obligations under Article 17 of MAR.
Figures and Tables referred
to in this release can be viewed in the PDF version available via
this link:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7914L_1-2024-4-24.pdf
Ewoyaa Lithium Project, Ghana, West
Africa
During the period, the Company continued to advance
its flagship project, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, through the
permitting phase towards production. The Project is on track to
become Ghana's first operating lithium mine, and one of the largest
hard rock spodumene concentrate mines globally2.
The Project has secured project development funding
via an earn-in agreement with Piedmont. Ewoyaa, located in Ghana,
West Africa, approximately 100km southwest of the capital of Accra,
comprises eight main deposits, including Ewoyaa, Okwesi, Anokyi,
Grasscutter, Abonko, Kaampakrom, Sill and Bypass. The Project is
well located, being adjacent to operational infrastructure
including within 1km of the Takoradi - Accra N1 highway, 110km from
the Takoradi deep-sea port and adjacent to grid power, within the
pro-mining jurisdiction of Ghana (refer Figure
1).
Figure
1:
Location of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project
Interest in
Tenements
At the end of the quarter ending 31 March 2024, the Company had an
interest in the following tenements:
Tenement
Number
|
Tenement
Name
|
Principal
Holder
|
Grant Date/
Application Date
|
Expiry Date
|
Term
|
Change during
Quarter
|
Ghana
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PL3/67
|
Apam
East
|
Obotan
Minerals Company Limited
(JV MODA Minerals Limited)
|
06.11.23
|
05.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
PL3/92
|
Apam
West
|
Obotan
Minerals Company Limited
(JV MODA Minerals Limited)
|
06.11.23
|
05.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
RL
3/55
|
Mankessim
|
Barari DV
Ghana Limited
(90% Atlantic)
|
27.07.21
|
26.07.24
|
3
years
|
None
|
PL3/102
|
Saltpond
|
Joy
Transporters Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
06.11.23
|
05.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
PL3/109
|
Mankessim
South
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
06.11.23
|
05.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
PL3/106
|
Cape
Coast
|
Joy
Transporters Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
15.11.21
|
14.11.24
|
3
years
|
None
|
RML-N-3/181
|
Senya
Beraku
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited (100% Atlantic)
|
09.11.23
|
08.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
PL-I-3/15
|
Bewadze
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
09.11.23
|
08.11.26
|
3
years
|
None
|
ML-3/239
|
Mankessim
Mining Lease
|
Barari DV
Ghana Limited (90% Atlantic)
|
20.10.23
|
19.10.38
|
15
years
|
None
|
|
Ekrubaadze
PL
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
03.10.23
|
Application
|
|
None
|
|
Asebu
(Winneba North)
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited (100% Atlantic)
|
28.06.21
|
Application
|
|
None
|
|
Mankwadze
(Winneba South)
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited (100% Atlantic)
|
28.06.21
|
Application
|
|
None
|
|
Mankwadzi
|
Obotan
Minerals Company Limited
(JV MODA Minerals Limited)
|
15.03.18
|
Application
|
|
None
|
|
Onyadze
|
Green
Metals Resources Limited
(100% Atlantic)
|
23.08.21
|
Application
|
|
None
|
Ivory Coast
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PR695
|
Rubino
|
Khaleesi
Resources SARL
(100% Atlantic)
|
20.10.16
|
Application
|
|
None
|
PR694
|
Agboville
|
Khaleesi
Resources SARL
(100% Atlantic)
|
20.10.16
|
Application
|
|
None
|
March Quarter Activities
Project Development
EPA Public Hearing
In accordance with the Project's permitting process
and following the Company's submission of the Scoping Report to the
Ghana Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), in February 2024,
the EPA held the first public hearing (scoping) in respect of the
Ewoyaa Lithium Project.
The event, which was held in Ewoyaa and forms a key
part of the required Environmental Impact Statement approval
process, welcomed over 1,000 representatives, including Chiefs,
elders and community members of the Project's catchment area, plus
government officials and other key stakeholders.
Figure
2:
General Manager, Operations, Ahmed-Salim Adam
presenting at the EPA Scoping Public Hearing
During the hearing, members of the Company's project
leadership team provided further detail to the planned activities
at Ewoyaa, as well as outlining the considerable socio-economic
benefits that the Project is expected to bring to the Central
Region, while pledging to maintain close collaboration with all
local stakeholders to ensure that their best interests are acted
upon. EPA Deputy Executive Director, Mr Ransford Sekyi, explained
the permitting processes and invited attendees to present any
queries or concerns they may have, which were addressed by the
Company in the public forum. The overwhelmingly positive engagement
demonstrated at the hearing indicated the strong support for the
Project within the local community.
Earlier in the quarter, in an engagement led by Deputy
Minister George Duker with local traditional leaders and a
delegation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the
Minerals Commission, the Central Regional House of Chiefs also
provided its endorsement for the advancement of the Project.
Following the completion of impact studies during the
period, the Company remains on schedule to submit the Environmental
Impact Statement before the end of Q2 2024, following which the EPA
is expected to organise a second and final public hearing.
The Company is also currently working to finalise the
Mine Operating Plan, which is a requirement for the grant of the
Mine Operating Permit, in advance of parliamentary ratification of
the Mining Lease and the grant of the EPA Permit.
Project Studies
In satisfaction with the terms of the grant of the
Ewoyaa Mining Lease, the Company has now completed and submitted to
the Minerals Commission both i) the Feasibility Study ("Feldspar
Study") to assess the viability of producing and processing
feldspar feedstock as by-product of spodumene concentrate
production at the Project, and ii) the Scoping study ("Downstream
Conversion Study") to evaluate the economic benefits and viability
of downstream lithium conversion in Ghana.
The Company confirms that the results of the Feldspar
Study support its current intentions to produce feldspar at Ewoyaa,
which the Company plans to supply to the local Ghanaian ceramics
market. The Company believes Ewoyaa represents a major source of
domestic feldspar in Ghana. Through the supply of feldspar produced
at Ewoyaa to the local market, Atlantic Lithium aims to support the
growth of Ghanaian businesses associated with the industry, and the
local economy as a whole.
Following the submission of the Downstream Conversion
Study to the Minerals Commission, the Company continues to closely
collaborate with the key parties in Ghana, including the Minerals
Commission, with regards to supporting Ghana's objectives of
developing lithium resources of sufficient scale and longevity to
facilitate downstream processing.
In addition, as also agreed under the terms of the
Mining Lease, the Company continues to advance the necessary
proceedings with the intention to list the Company's shares to
trading on the Ghana Stock Exchange as soon as practicable.
Project Engineering
As per the terms of its engagement, multi-disciplinary
engineering, project delivery and operations management group DRA
Projects ("DRA") is currently in the process of finalising its
value-engineering reports on the Front-End Engineering Design
("FEED") package undertaken for the Ewoyaa Definitive Feasibility
Study ("DFS") and is preparing an Engineering, Procurement,
Construction, and Management ("EPCM") contract, and the associated
individual packages, which will serve as the foundation for the
execution of the Project.
Australian-based engineering firm Primero Group
("Primero") was previously providing Front-End Engineering Design
("FEED") services to the Company in respect of the proposed
processing plant at Ewoyaa, following the award of the FEED
contract in December 2022. Primero was selected for the FEED on the
basis of the firm's experience in delivering Dense Media Separation
("DMS") processing plants with comparable flow sheets to Ewoyaa's
and the close proximity of the company's office with the Atlantic
Lithium team in Perth, Australia.
Ahead of the tender process for the award of the EPCM
contract for the construction of the Project, the Company has
decided to now engage with engineering houses with proven EPCM
experience in Ghana specifically. The Company intends to commence
the tender process following the receipt of the reports from DRA,
which is expected to enable the award of the EPCM contract post
ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease.
With stand-out industry experience of DMS processing
plant construction in Ghana, West Africa and internationally,
spanning several decades, DRA is expected to be among the companies
participating in the EPCM tender process.
Project Funding
Under the Project's current funding arrangements, and
considering a total development expenditure of US$185m for the
Project, as indicated in the DFS, Piedmont is required to
contribute the first US$70m of development expenditure as sole
funding, and 50% of all development expenditure thereafter.
A portion of Piedmont's expenditure obligations across
certain categories of development expenditure relating to the
Project remains outstanding (US$2.1m for the period from October to
March 2024; refer Company's
previous Quarterly Activities and Cash Flow Report, announced on
31 January 2024).
Piedmont has contributed 50% of the development expenditure across
these categories for the same period. The Company remains actively
engaged in discussions with Piedmont concerning these amounts and
an established process exists for resolution.
Exploration and studies activities are currently
jointly funded by the Company and Piedmont, with neither party
having any outstanding expenditure obligations.
During the period of January to March 2024, Piedmont
contributed a total of US$7.0m towards the funding of the
Project.
Strategic Hires
The Company continues to recruit actively for
positions, both in Ghana and in Australia, across all elements of
the business, deepening the expertise within the team and intended
to support the Company's objectives. For its activities in Ghana,
across all functions, Atlantic Lithium is focused on prioritising
local recruitment, which it considers as a key means to ensure
maximum benefit generated by the Project is delivered to the
Central Region and to Ghana more broadly.
Exploration
Results from Drilling Completed in
2023
During the period, the Company received assay results
for a total of 9,734m of extensional resource reverse circulation
("RC") drilling completed at the new Dog-Leg target, Okwesi, Anokyi
and Ewoyaa-South 2 deposits, which sit outside of the current
35.3Mt @ 1.25% Li2O MRE1. These represent the
final results from drilling undertaken during 2023, with a total of
25,898m drilled.
Broad and high-grade intersections were reported, with
new mineralisation defined at the Dog-Leg target and mineralisation
extended at depth, outside of the current MRE, at the Okwesi,
Anokyi and Ewoyaa-South 2 deposits, respectively (refer Table
1).
Table 1: Drill intersection
highlights at greater than 10 Li x m, reported at a 0.4%
Li2O cut-off and maximum of 4m of internal
dilution
Hole_ID
|
From_m
|
To_m
|
Interval_m
|
Hole
depth_m
|
Li2O%
|
Intersection
|
Comment
|
metal content Li x
m
|
Hole
Purpose
|
Deposit
|
GRC1024
|
45
|
114
|
69
|
250
|
1.25
|
GRC1024:
69m at 1.25% Li2O from 45m
|
|
86.25
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC1020
|
36
|
119
|
83
|
250
|
1.00
|
GRC1020:83m at 1% Li20 from 36m
|
|
83.00
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC1017
|
87
|
134
|
47
|
156
|
1.05
|
GRC1017:
47m at 1.05% Li2O from 87m
|
|
49.35
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC1027
|
160
|
194
|
34
|
230
|
1.02
|
GRC1027:
34m at 1.02% Li2O from 160m
|
|
34.68
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC0996
|
29
|
53
|
24
|
80
|
1.21
|
GRC0996:
24m at 1.21% Li2O from 29m
|
|
29.04
|
Resource
Drilling
|
EWY_Sth2
|
GRC0994
|
105
|
116
|
11
|
135
|
1.89
|
GRC0994:
11m at 1.9% Li2O from 105m
|
|
20.82
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC1023
|
159
|
183
|
24
|
212
|
0.81
|
GRC1023:
24m at 0.81% Li2O from 159m
|
|
19.44
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC1024
|
141
|
163
|
22
|
250
|
0.85
|
GRC1024:
22m at 0.85% Li2O from 141m
|
|
18.78
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC1020
|
139
|
160
|
21
|
250
|
0.87
|
GRC1020:
21m at 0.87% Li2O from 139m
|
|
18.27
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC0989
|
108
|
120
|
12
|
140
|
1.48
|
GRC0989:
12m at 1.49% Li2O from 108m
|
|
17.79
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC1030
|
111
|
127
|
16
|
200
|
1.08
|
GRC1030:
16m at 1.08% Li2O from 111m
|
|
17.27
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC0983
|
38
|
50
|
12
|
120
|
1.33
|
GRC0983:
12m at 1.34% Li2O from 38m
|
|
16.01
|
Resource
Drilling
|
EWY_Sth2
|
GRC1000
|
22
|
31
|
9
|
120
|
1.68
|
GRC1000:
9m at 1.68% Li2O from 22m
|
weathered
pegmatite
|
15.08
|
Resource
Drilling
|
EWY_Sth2
|
GRC1005
|
135
|
143
|
8
|
160
|
1.74
|
GRC1005:
8m at 1.75% Li2O from 135m
|
|
13.95
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC0986
|
122
|
131
|
9
|
150
|
1.50
|
GRC0986:
9m at 1.51% Li2O from 122m
|
|
13.54
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC1032
|
83
|
95
|
12
|
180
|
1.11
|
GRC1032:
12m at 1.11% Li2O from 83m
|
|
13.29
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Dog
Leg
|
GRC0990
|
142
|
151
|
9
|
170
|
1.39
|
GRC0990:
9m at 1.39% Li2O from 142m
|
|
12.48
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC0991
|
150
|
160
|
10
|
180
|
1.19
|
GRC0991:
10m at 1.2% Li2O from 150m
|
|
11.93
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Okwesi
|
GRC0992
|
148
|
158
|
10
|
175
|
1.13
|
GRC0992:
10m at 1.14% Li2O from 148m
|
|
11.32
|
Resource
Drilling
|
Anokyi
|
Note:
Metal content is
based on intercept rather than estimated true width. For estimated
true widths, refer to announcements of 5 February 2024 and 19 March 2024.
The results at the Dog-Leg target, in particular, are
note-worthy as they define a new, shallow-dipping, near surface
mineralised pegmatite body outside of the current MRE1
with true thicknesses up to 35m, providing potential to add
significant near surface resource tonnes below the current pit
shells, with likely low stripping ratios (refer Figure
3).
Figure
3:
Near-surface mineralised pegmatite body
interpreted in drilling just below the current pit floor, as per
the mine plan developed for the DFS for the Project, and as an
extension outside of the current MRE1 at the new Dog-Leg
target
Figure
4:
Location of the new Dog-Leg target and planned
2024 drilling within the 13km strike Mine Corridor
In addition, the Company continues to advance its
in-house geochemical analysis and review of the 20,000m auger
drilling and soils programme completed in 2023 over the extensions
to the known pegmatite swarm, exploration targets within the
Saltpond licence and the Cape Coast licence.
Ongoing 2024 Drilling Programme
With current activities focused on supporting the mine
build, the Company intends to recommence resource extension and
exploration drilling in H2 2024 through a total 7,372m drilling
programme, comprising 5,982m of resource extension drilling and
1,390m of exploration drilling.
During the period, to follow up on the encouraging
results from drilling completed in 2023, the Company completed 804m
of RC drilling and 70m of diamond core drilling at Dog-Leg, with
assays pending, expected in Q2 2024.
The Company also completed plant site sterilisation
drilling for a total of 3,177m in 21 holes, with no mineralisation
intersected, providing confidence in the proposed plant site
location.
Included in the drilling programme for the remainder
of 2024, the Company intends to RC drill test the new Otsir target,
which was defined in auger drilling completed in 2023 (refer Figure
4).
The Company intends to incorporate the results of
drilling completed in 2023 and results pending for 2024 into a MRE
upgrade for the Project, targeted during H2 2024.
Concurrently, the Company is continuing its regional
exploration programmes to advance the exploration project pipeline,
with mapping and rock chip sampling now underway over the Cape
Coast licence and detailed surface mapping of access roads and
drill pads underway over the 13km 'mine corridor' (refer Figure
4).
Senya Beraku Prospecting Licence
Following the grant of the Senya Beraku prospecting
licence (refer Figure 5) to the Company's
subsidiary Green Metals Resources Limited in Q4 2023, the Company
was granted, post-period, final approval required to enable the
commencement of field work over the licence.
The Company is currently undertaking a community
engagement programme to inform the community of the Company's
planned activities, after which field programmes, including soil
sampling, mapping and rock chip sampling, are expected to
commence.
The award of the Senya Beraku licence provides the
Company with exclusive access to explore 82.11km2 of
new, prospective, under-explored tenure.
Figure
5:
Atlantic Lithium granted and under-application
tenure in Ghana
Exploration Team Changes
After nine years with the Company, Head of Business Development and Chief Geologist Len
Kolff has taken the decision to step down from his roles and will
leave Atlantic Lithium to pursue other business interests.
The Board and Management team would like to thank Len
for his extensive input throughout his time working with Atlantic
Lithium, which have played a significant role in advancing the
Company to where it is today. Notably, this includes leading the
exploration team to make the initial discovery of the Project in
2018; subsequently driving the Company's exploration and evaluation
programmes across Ghana to de-risk and add value to the Project;
and establishing the Company's portfolio of exploration assets and
further value addition opportunities, in Ghana and elsewhere.
Len also assumed the role of Interim Chief Executive
Officer in 2022, stepping up at a crucial time in the Company's
history following the untimely passing of its founder. His
leadership during this challenging period was fundamental in
ensuring the continued success of the Company. The Board and
Management team wish him every success in his future
endeavours.
In line with Len's departure, Iwan Williams, who has
spent over five years of his 25+ year career as Exploration Manager
with Atlantic Lithium, during which time he had overseen the
delivery of the Project's Maiden MRE in January 2020 and subsequent
MRE upgrades at Ewoyaa, will assume the role of General Manager,
Exploration. In this role, Iwan will be responsible for advancing
the Company's exploration portfolio in West Africa and the
evaluation and generation of new value-accretive opportunities to
support the long-term growth of the Company. His focus will be
primarily on Ghana, while also assessing hard rock lithium
opportunities outside of Ghana.
Country Manager Abdul Razak, who has also been
responsible, alongside Len and Iwan, for leading the Company's
in-country exploration team in the discovery and development of the
Ewoyaa Lithium Project over the past eight years, will assume the
role of Exploration Manager, Ghana. Abdul Razak has considerable
exploration, resource evaluation and project management experience
in Ghana, having worked with a number of the gold majors operating
in the country over the course of his 20+ year career.
Atlantic Lithium is proud to have a fully Ghanaian
in-country team, which demonstrates the Company's commitment to
maintaining the highest possible levels of local employment.
Corporate
MIIF Strategic Investment
Stage 1 - Completion of US$5m Subscription
During the period, the Minerals Income Investment Fund
of Ghana ("MIIF") subscribed for 19,245,574 Atlantic Lithium shares
at a price of US$0.2598 (A$0.39 / £0.20) per share
("Subscription"), for a total consideration of US$5m, intended to
be used towards development funding for the Project.
The completion of the Subscription represents Stage 1
of MIIF's agreed US$32.9m total investment ("Strategic Investment")
in the Company and its Ghanaian Subsidiaries to expedite the
development of the Project and the broader Cape Coast Lithium
Portfolio in Ghana ("Ghana Portfolio") towards production.
As agreed under the terms of the Subscription,
9,622,787 options were granted to MIIF with an exercise price of
US$0.3637 and an expiry date of 23 July 2025.
MIIF is also entitled to nominate one person to the
Company's Board of Directors.
Stage 2 - US$27.9m Project-level Investment
Under the terms of Stage 2 of its Strategic
Investment, and subject to the Company reaching a binding agreement
with MIIF, MIIF has agreed to invest a further US$27.9m in the
Company's Ghanaian subsidiaries to acquire a 6% contributing
interest in the Ghana Portfolio, inclusive of the Project.
The US$27.9m Project-level investment and the
contributing interest is expected to take the form of funding of
development, exploration and studies expenditure to support the
advancement of the Project.
The Company is currently working closely with MIIF to
finalise the Project-level investment.
Competitive Offtake Partnering
Process
The Company has continued to advance the competitive
offtake partnering process, which is being led by global investment
bank Macquarie Capital, to secure funding for a portion of the
remaining 50% available feedstock from Ewoyaa.
The objective of the process is to attract funding
offers to sufficiently cover the Company's allocation of
development expenditure for the Project, to expedite and de-risk
the development of the Project, realise attractive terms for any
offtake contracted and secure a well credentialled partner that
will support the Company's and Ghana's objectives of supplying
lithium into the global electric vehicle market.
Following the completion of Stage 1 of the process in
January 2024, which comprised early preparation and initial
engagement with over 80 interested parties, the Company is
advancing a more detailed Stage 2 due diligence phase with its
preferred parties.
Through the process, the Company has indicated its
preferred terms of up to 500,000t of spodumene concentrate to be
contracted over a 3-5-year period, using a favourable market-based
pricing mechanism, for a consideration of up to US$100m in the form
of a pre-payment arrangement, which would be expected by the
Company to sufficiently cover its allocation of development
expenditure for the Project.
Terms of the non-binding indicative offers proposed by
the parties that were taken forward into Stage 2 all meet the
Company's expressed criteria.
Formal bids from the remaining interested parties are
expected to be received in the coming weeks for consideration,
ahead of final negotiations, which forms Stage 3, the final phase
of the process.
The Company remains on track to announce the outcome
of the process and its preferred offtake partner in the coming
months.
The process has demonstrated the resoundingly strong
demand for Ewoyaa's lithium products globally, with interest
received from all types of industry players, including OEMs,
traders, chemical converters and battery gigafactories.
Investors should note that, until a formal agreement
is made and announced to the market, there can be no guarantee that
an agreement of any sort will be signed as a result of the ongoing
process.
Assore Share Purchase
During the period, the Company's largest shareholder,
Assore Interntional Holdings ("Assore"), increased its stake in
Atlantic Lithium through the purchase of 24.3m Atlantic Lithium shares from the Company's
strategic funding partner, Piedmont, at a premium to the share
price at the time. Assore's and Piedmont's holdings now sit at
27.6% and 5%, respectively, following the transaction.
The Company believes that Assore's purchase of
Atlantic Lithium shares at a premium reflects their inherent belief
in the Company's substantial value potential, which is yet to be
realised.
Director Purchases
Post-period, Executive Chairman Neil Herbert purchased
in the market a total of 133,000 ordinary shares in the Company of
no par value each, equating to a value of £24,771 (A$47,590).
Following the share purchase, Directors and persons
discharging managerial responsibilities ("PDMR"; or Key Management
Personnel, "KMP") of the Company have purchased a total of
10,152,227 shares equating to a value of A$5,192,393 (£2,794,015)
since March 2023.
Conferences Attended
The Company attended the following conferences and
events during the period:
-
Mining Indaba, Cape Town (5-8
February)
-
Red Cloud's Pre-PDAC Mining
Showcase, Toronto (29 February - 1 March)
-
PDAC, Toronto (3-6 March)
Exploration-focused Webinar
On 23 April 2024, the Company held an investor webinar
focused on its exploration activities, entitled, "Exploration: A Deep Dive into
Ewoyaa", consisting of i) an overview of the Company's
exploration methodology and how it made the initial discovery of
and has since developed the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana
ii) a summary of
exploration activities undertaken across the Cape Coast Lithium
Portfolio to-date; and iii)
an outline of near-term opportunities at the Project that present
potential value drivers for the Company.
A recording of the webinar will shortly be made
available on the Company's website.
Sustainability
International Women's Day
Acknowledging the immense contributions that women
make every day to communities, workplaces and economies, Atlantic
Lithium was proud to celebrate International Women's Day through
its attendance at events in Australia and Ghana.
Atlantic Lithium is committed to being an equal
opportunity employer and is proactive in its efforts to drive
inclusion, empowerment and women's advancement in the mining
sector.
Members of the Atlantic Lithium team, with guest of
honour Mrs. Alexandra Amoako-Mensah, attended the International
Women's Day event hosted by the Australian High Commission in
Accra. During the event, Communication and Corporate Affairs
Manager Florence Bossman-Ammah spoke on a panel highlighting the
Atlantic Lithium's efforts towards enabling greater inclusion of
women in the industry.
Meanwhile, members of the team in Perth, Australia,
were proud to attend an event hosted by the Australasian Institute
of Mining and Metallurgy ("AusIMM"), aimed at fostering
collaboration, celebrating women's achievements, and driving
meaningful conversations around gender equality and
empowerment.
Figure
6:
Mrs. Amoako-Mensah joins Australian High
Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Berenice Owen-Jones (left image);
Members of the Atlantic Lithium team in Perth, celebrating
International Women's Day at the AusIMM event (right
image)
Eid-ul Fitr
Post-period end, through an initiative led by
Community Relations & Social Performance Manager Dr Millicent
Aning-Agyei, with support from the Company's Marketing and
Communications team, Atlantic Lithium made donations of food items
to five local, under-privileged Muslim communities ahead of Eid-ul
Fitr celebrations.
The Company prides itself on working in the best
interests of the communities in which it operates and recognises
the significant potential positive impact that it can have
locally.
Share Capital Changes - Ordinary Shares,
Options and Performance Rights
On 24 January 2024, 19,245,574 fully paid ordinary
shares of USD0.2598 (A$0.39) were issued as a result of a
subscription for shares by the Minerals Income Investment Fund of
Ghana.
On 24 January 2024, 9,622,787 unlisted options were
granted to Minerals Income Investment Fund of Ghana with an
exercise price of USD0.3637 and an expiry date of 25 July 2025.
Between 1 January and the date of this report, a total
of 16,950,000 options, that had been granted under the Company's
Employee Share Option Plan, lapsed unexercised.
A summary of movement and balances of equity
securities between 1 January 2024 and date of this report is as
follows:
|
Ordinary Shares
|
Unquoted Options
|
Unquoted performance rights
|
On issue at start of
Quarter
|
630,423,479
|
32,650,000
|
-
|
Shares issued to Minerals Income Investment Fund of Ghana (24 January
2024)
|
19,245,574
|
|
|
Unlisted options issued to
Minerals Income Investment Fund of Ghana (24
January 2024)
|
|
9,622,787
|
|
Employee Share Options lapsed
(5 February 2024)
|
|
(450,000)
|
|
Employee Share Options lapsed
(02 April 2024)
|
|
(500,000)
|
|
Employee Share Options lapsed
(23 April 2024)
|
|
(16,000,000)
|
|
Total Securities on issue at
date of this report
|
649,669,053
|
25,322,787
|
9,298,935
|
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or
oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report
Name of
entity: ATLANTIC LITHIUM LIMITED
|
ABN:
17 127 215
132
|
|
Quarter
ended ("current quarter"): 31 March
2024
|
Consolidated statement of cash
flows
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
Year to date (9 months)
$A'000
|
1.
|
Cash flows from
operating activities
|
-
|
-
|
1.1
|
Receipts from customers
|
1.2
|
Payments for
|
-
|
-
|
|
(a)
exploration & evaluation
|
|
(b)
development
|
-
|
-
|
|
(c)
production
|
-
|
-
|
|
(d) staff
costs
|
(303)
|
(2,420)
|
|
(e)
administration and corporate costs
|
(1,352)
|
(5,679)
|
1.3
|
Dividends received (see
note 3)
|
-
|
-
|
1.4
|
Interest received
|
-
|
-
|
1.5
|
Interest and other costs of
finance paid
|
-
|
-
|
1.6
|
Income taxes paid
|
-
|
-
|
1.7
|
Government grants and tax
incentives
|
-
|
-
|
1.8
|
Other Income
|
99
|
99
|
1.9
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities
|
(1,556)
|
(8,000)
|
|
2.
|
Cash flows from investing
activities
|
-
|
-
|
2.1
|
Payments to acquire or
for:
|
|
(a)
entities
|
|
(b)
tenements
|
-
|
-
|
|
(c)
property, plant and equipment
|
(195)
|
(485)
|
|
(d) exploration,
feasibility, and development
|
(5,402)
|
(18,716)
|
|
(e)
investments
|
-
|
(154)
|
|
(f) other
non-current assets
|
-
|
-
|
2.2
|
Proceeds from the disposal
of:
|
-
|
-
|
|
(a)
entities
|
|
(b)
tenements
|
-
|
10
|
|
(c)
property, plant and equipment
|
-
|
-
|
|
(d)
investments
|
-
|
-
|
|
(e) other
non-current assets
|
-
|
-
|
2.3
|
Cash flows from loans to
other entities
|
-
|
-
|
2.4
|
Dividends received (see
note 3)
|
-
|
|
2.5
|
Other - Piedmont
Contributions from farm-in arrangement
|
6,955
|
13,840
|
2.6
|
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities
|
1,358
|
(5,505)
|
|
3.
|
Cash flows from financing
activities
|
7,605
|
15,605
|
3.1
|
Proceeds from issues of
equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities)
|
3.2
|
Proceeds from issue of
convertible debt securities
|
-
|
-
|
3.3
|
Proceeds from exercise of
options
|
-
|
-
|
3.4
|
Transaction costs related to
issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities
|
(75)
|
(551)
|
3.5
|
Proceeds from borrowings
|
-
|
-
|
3.6
|
Repayment of borrowings
|
-
|
-
|
3.7
|
Transaction costs related to
loans and borrowings
|
-
|
-
|
3.8
|
Dividends paid
|
-
|
-
|
3.9
|
Other (provide details if
material)
|
-
|
-
|
3.10
|
Net cash from / (used in) financing
activities
|
7,530
|
15,054
|
|
4.
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents for the period
|
|
|
4.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
|
9,664
|
15,346
|
4.2
|
Net cash from / (used in)
operating activities (item 1.9 above)
|
(1,556)
|
(8,000)
|
4.3
|
Net cash from / (used in)
investing activities (item 2.6 above)
|
1,358
|
(5,505)
|
4.4
|
Net cash from / (used in)
financing activities (item 3.10 above)
|
7,530
|
15,054
|
4.5
|
Effect of movement in
exchange rates on cash held
|
102
|
203
|
4.6
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
|
17,098
|
17,098
|
5.
|
Reconciliation of cash and cash
equivalents at the end of the quarter (as shown in the
consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the
accounts
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
Previous quarter
$A'000
|
5.1
|
Bank balances
|
17,088
|
9,661
|
5.2
|
Call deposits
|
-
|
-
|
5.3
|
Bank overdrafts
|
-
|
-
|
5.4
|
Other - Petty Cash
|
10
|
4
|
5.5
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
(should equal item 4.6 above)
|
17,098
|
9,664
|
6.
|
Payments to related parties of the entity and
their associates
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
6.1
|
Aggregate amount of payments
to related parties and their associates included in item 1
|
97
|
6.2
|
Aggregate amount of payments
to related parties and their associates included in item 2
|
105
|
6.1 & 6.2 are payments of
salaries/bonuses/fees (including superannuation) to related
parties.
|
7.
|
Financing facilities
NOTE: the term "facility'
includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the
entity.
Add notes as necessary for
an understanding of the sources of finance available to the
entity.
|
Total facility amount at quarter end
$A'000
|
Amount drawn at quarter end
$A'000
|
7.1
|
Loan facilities
|
-
|
-
|
7.2
|
Credit standby
arrangements
|
-
|
-
|
7.3
|
Other
|
-
|
-
|
7.4
|
Total financing facilities
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
Unused financing
facilities available at quarter end
|
-
|
7.6
|
Include in the box below a
description of each facility above, including the lender, interest
rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any
additional financing facilities have been entered into or are
proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note
providing details of those facilities as well.
|
|
8.
|
Estimated cash
available for future operating activities
|
$A'000
|
8.1
|
Net cash from / (used in)
operating activities (item 1.9)
|
(1,556)
|
8.2
|
(Payments for exploration
& evaluation classified as investing activities) (item
2.1(d))
|
(5,402)
|
8.3
|
Total relevant outgoings
(item 8.1 + item 8.2)
|
(6,958)
|
8.4
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
quarter end (item 4.6)
|
17,098
|
8.5
|
Unused finance facilities
available at quarter end (item 7.5)
|
-
|
8.6
|
Total available funding
(item 8.4 + item 8.5)
|
17,098
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
Estimated quarters of funding available
(item 8.6 divided by item 8.3)
|
2.45
|
NOTE:
if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings (ie a net
cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as "N/A".
Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available
must be included in item 8.7.
|
8.8
|
If item 8.7 is less
than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following
questions:
|
|
8.8.1 Does the entity expect that it
will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows
for the time being and, if not, why not?
|
|
Answer: N/A
|
|
8.8.2 Has the entity taken any steps,
or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund
its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does
it believe that they will be successful?
|
|
Answer: N/A
|
|
8.8.3 Does the entity expect to be
able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives
and, if so, on what basis?
|
|
Answer: N/A
|
|
NOTE:
where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions
8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be answered.
|
Compliance
statement
1 This
statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards
and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.
2 This
statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.
Date:
24 April 2024
Authorised
by: Authorised by the Board of Atlantic Lithium
Limited
Notes
1.
This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity
report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity's
activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and
the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes
to disclose additional information over and above the minimum
required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.
2.
If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance
with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and
provisions of, AASB 6:
Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and
AASB 107: Statement of Cash
Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow
report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting
standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the
corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.
3.
Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from
operating activities or cash flows from investing activities,
depending on the accounting policy of the entity.
4.
If this report has been authorised for release to the market by
your board of directors, you can insert here: "By the board". If it
has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of
your board of directors, you can insert here: "By the [name of board committee - eg Audit and Risk Committee]". If it
has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure
committee, you can insert here: "By the Disclosure
Committee".
5.
If this report has been authorised for release to the market by
your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as
complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate
Governance Council's Corporate
Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should
have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their
opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly
maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate
accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash
flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the
basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control
which is operating effectively.
End Note
1 Ore Reserves, Mineral
Resources and Production Targets
The information in this half-year
report that relates to Ore Reserves, Mineral Resources and
Production Targets complies with the 2012 Edition of the
Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). The information in this
half-year report relating to Ore Reserves of 25.6Mt @ 1.22%
Li₂O and Production
Targets is extracted from the Ewoyaa Lithium Project Definitive
Feasibility Study ("DFS"), announced by the Company on 29 June
2023, and information in this announcement relating to the Mineral
Resource Estimate ("MRE") of 35.3Mt @ 1.25% Li₂O for Ewoyaa is extracted from the
Company's announcement dated 1 February 2023, both of which are
available at www.atlanticlithium.com.au.
The MRE includes a total of 3.5Mt @ 1.37% Li₂O in the Measured category, 24.5Mt @
1.25% Li₂O in the
Indicated category and 7.4Mt @ 1.16% Li₂O in the Inferred category. The
Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical
parameters underpinning the MRE and DFS continue to apply. Material
assumptions for the Project have been revised on grant of the
Mining Lease for the Project, announced by the Company on 20
October 2023. The Company is not aware of any new information or
data that materially affects the information included in this
half-year report or the announcements dated 1 February 2023, 29
June 2023 and 20 October 2023.
2 Ewoyaa to become one of
the largest spodumene concentrate producers globally - Based on a
comparison of targeted spodumene concentrate production capacity
(ktpa, 100% basis) of select hard rock spodumene projects globally
(refer Company presentation dated 8 September 2023).
Competent Persons
Information in this report relating
to the exploration results is based on data reviewed by Mr Lennard
Kolff (MEcon. Geol., BSc. Hons ARSM), Chief Geologist of the
Company. Mr Kolff is a Member of the Australian Institute of
Geoscientists who has in excess of 20 years' experience in mineral
exploration and is a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules. Mr Kolff
consents to the inclusion of the information in the form and
context in which it appears.
Information in this report relating
to Mineral Resources was compiled by Shaun Searle, a Member of the
Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Searle has
sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the
activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as
defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting
of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' and is
a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules. Mr Searle is a director of
Ashmore. Ashmore and the Competent Person are independent of the
Company and other than being paid fees for services in compiling
this report, neither has any financial interest (direct or
contingent) in the Company. Mr Searle consents to the inclusion in
the report of the matters based upon the information in the form
and context in which it appears.
The reported Ore Reserves have been
compiled by Mr Harry Warries. Mr Warries is a Fellow of the
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and an employee of
Mining Focus Consultants Pty Ltd. He has sufficient
experience, relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of
deposit under consideration and to the activity he is undertaking,
to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 'Australasian
Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' of
December 2012 ("JORC Code") as prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves
Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy,
the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and the Minerals Council
of Australia and is a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules.
Mr Warries gives Atlantic Lithium Limited consent to use this
reserve estimate in reports.
For any further information, please
contact:
Atlantic Lithium Limited
Neil Herbert (Executive Chairman)
Amanda Harsas (Finance Director and Company
Secretary)
|
www.atlanticlithium.com.au
|
|
IR@atlanticlithium.com.au
|
|
Tel: +61 2 8072
0640
|
SP
Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Nominated Adviser
Jeff Keating
Charlie Bouverat
Tel: +44 (0)20 3470 0470
|
Yellow Jersey PR Limited
Charles
Goodwin
Bessie
Elliot atlantic@yellowjerseypr.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 3004
9512
|
Canaccord Genuity Limited
Financial Adviser:
Raj Khatri (UK) /
Duncan St John, Christian
Calabrese (Australia)
Corporate Broking:
James
Asensio
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7523
4500
|
|
Notes to Editors:
About Atlantic
Lithium
www.atlanticlithium.com.au
Atlantic Lithium is an AIM and ASX-listed lithium
company advancing its flagship project, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project,
a significant lithium spodumene pegmatite discovery in Ghana,
through to production to become the country's first
lithium-producing mine.
The Definitive Feasibility Study for the Project
indicates the production of 3.6Mt of spodumene concentrate over a
12-year mine life, making it one of the largest spodumene
concentrate mines in the world.
The Project, which was awarded a Mining Lease in
October 2023, is being developed under an earn-in agreement with
Piedmont Lithium Inc.
Atlantic Lithium holds a portfolio of lithium projects
within 509km2 and 774km2 of granted and
under-application tenure across Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire
respectively, which, in addition to the Project, comprises
significantly under-explored, highly prospective licences.