30 July 2024
Quarterly Activities and Cash
Flow Report
for the quarter ended 30 June 2024
Atlantic
Lithium nears shovel-readiness following the completion
of several major permitting milestones at the
Ewoyaa Lithium Project
Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM: ALL, ASX: A11, GSE: ALLGH, 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
30 June 2024.
Highlights from the Reporting Period:
Project Development:
-
Completion of several key milestones
in the permitting process for the advancement of the Company's
flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project ("Ewoyaa" or "the Project") in
Ghana.
o Successful completion of the second and final
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") public hearing in respect
of the Project.
o Submission of draft Environment Impact Statement
("EIS") to the EPA.
o Admission of the Company's entire share capital
by introduction and commencement of trading on the Main Market of
the Ghana Stock Exchange, as agreed under the terms of the grant of
the Ewoyaa Mining Lease.
-
Post period-end, the Mining Lease in
respect of the Project was submitted to parliament to undergo the
necessary ratification process.
Exploration:
-
Commencement of field work at the
newly-granted Senya Beraku prospecting licence in the east of the
Company's Cape Coast Lithium Portfolio in Ghana.
-
High-grade assay results reported
from the Dog-Leg target, with highlights including hole
GRC0177: 27m at 1.85% Li2O from 126m and hole GRC1059: 15m at 1.08% Li2O from 126m.
-
Completion of sterilisation reverse
circulation ("RC") drilling at the proposed plant site, with no
mineralisation reported, providing increased confidence in the
proposed site location.
-
Post-period end, Mineral Resource
Estimate increase reported for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project to 36.8Mt
at 1.24% Li2O, reported in accordance with the JORC Code
(2012).
Corporate:
-
Appointment of Minerals Income
Investment Fund ("MIIF") Chief Executive Officer Edward Nana Yaw
Koranteng to the Company's Board of Directors as Non-Executive
Director, in line with the completion of MIIF's US$5m subscription
in the Company.
-
The Company has progressed
negotiations on key agreements as part of the ongoing competitive
offtake partnering process for spodumene concentrate produced at
Ewoyaa to secure funding expected to sufficiently cover the
Company's allocation of the development expenditure for the
Project.
-
Cash on hand at end of quarter was
A$12.7m.
Commenting, Neil Herbert, Executive Chairman of Atlantic
Lithium, said:
"Considerable
progress has been made towards advancing the Company's flagship
Ewoyaa Lithium Project towards shovel-readiness. The Project is set
to be one of the leading hard rock lithium projects, expected to
generate significant benefits to the local communities in which we
operate in the Central Region, and to Ghana more
broadly.
"Following the grant
of the Mining Lease in October 2023, we received notification this
month that the Mining Lease had been submitted to parliament to
undergo the necessary approval process to enable the advancement of
the Project towards construction and operation.
"It is expected that
the Mining Lease will be ratified in the current parliamentary
sitting or in the next parliamentary session, expected to commence
in October. We are prepared for all eventualities and will
adapt plans as events unfold.
"We continue to make
strong progress through permitting hurdles, with the recent
submission of the draft Environment Impact Statement and subsequent
completion of the second and final EPA public hearing in respect of
the Project; both representing major events on the road to
production.
"In June, we were
delighted to list the Company's shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange,
providing Ghanaians the opportunity to share ownership in the
development of the country's first lithium mine. We also welcomed
the appointment of Edward Koranteng, the CEO of MIIF, the sovereign
wealth fund of Ghana, to the Company's Board as Non-Executive
Director. This follows the completion of MIIF's US$5m subscription
in the Company early in the year.
"We are busy working
to conclude several major landmark events, including the
completion of the ongoing offtake partnering process, MIIF's
Project-level investment and the grant of the remaining permits as
required for the advancement of the Project.
"We appreciate
shareholders patience and support and look forward to providing
further updates on our progress."
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/3568Y_1-2024-7-30.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 globally.2 The
Definitive Feasibility Study for Ewoyaa outlines a low capital and
operating cost profile, with globally significant, near-term
production potential.
Ewoyaa, located in the pro-mining jurisdiction of
Ghana, West Africa, approximately 100km southwest of the capital of
Accra, comprises eight main deposits, including Ewoyaa, Okwesikrom,
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 (refer Figure 1).
Figure
1: Location of the
Ewoyaa Lithium Project
Interest in
Tenements
At the end of the quarter ending 30 June 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)
|
08.05.24
|
07.05.28
|
4
years
|
Granted
|
PR694
|
Agboville
|
Khaleesi
Resources SARL
(100% Atlantic)
|
22.05.24
|
21.05.28
|
4
years
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June Quarter Activities
Project Development
Permitting
EPA Public Hearing
In June 2024, in Krofu, in Ghana's Central Region, a
second and final public hearing was successfully held by the Ghana
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") in respect of the Ewoyaa
Lithium Project, as required under the permitting process for the
Project.
The event was attended, as it was for the first
hearing in February 2024, by over 1,000 key local stakeholders,
comprising members of local and regional governments, paramount and
divisional chiefs, representatives of the Project's catchment area
communities, representatives of the Minerals Commission, and the
EPA.
During the event, EPA Deputy Executive Director, Mr
Ransford Sekyi, reassured attendees that the EPA would hold the
Company to its commitments to mitigate the impacts of its proposed
mining activities through its adherence to modern mining practices.
He also stated that all concerns received from local community
members would be addressed through the permitting process before
the issue of the EPA permit.
For his part, General Manager, Operations Ahmed-Salim
Adam reiterated the Company's firm commitment to generating value
for the local community through the production of lithium at
Ewoyaa, notably through the creation of jobs and the establishment
of training programmes for those living within the Project's
catchment area. The Company's Community Relations and Social
Performance Manager, Dr. Millicent Aning-Agyei, detailed the
Company's Local Employment Framework, which has been established to
ensure that roles are appropriately advertised within the local
communities, calling upon those attending the hearing to join the
journey to deliver first production of lithium in Ghana. The
overwhelming turnout and active participation of respective
community chiefs and elders again demonstrated the immense support
from the Project-affected communities.
Following the completion of the second hearing, the
Company awaits feedback from the EPA; both with regards to queries
raised by members of the Project-affected communities during the
hearing and to the Draft Mine and Process Environment Impact
Statement ("EIS"), which the Company submitted to the EPA in May
2024. Feedback will then be incorporated into the Company's final
EIS, which will be resubmitted to the EPA, as required for the
grant of the EPA permit.
Additional Project Permits
Only following the grant of the EPA permit can the
Company obtain the other permits it requires. A proactive approach
has been undertaken by the Company, with internal preparations well
underway, to ensure that the Company can complete these steps and
meet all regulatory requirements in line with the permitting
schedule for the Project.
To expedite the grant of the Mine Operating Permit and
associated approvals, the Company has finalised its draft Mine
Operating Plan and Emergency Response Plan, adhering to the
guidance and support provided by the Minerals Commission.
Comprehensive crop and land surveys for compensation
purposes have also been completed, enabling land acquisition ahead
of breaking ground at the Project.
All supplementary permits, including those for water
use and explosive procurement and utilisation, are also progressing
as anticipated, enabling their completion upon receipt of the EPA
Permit.
Project Engineering
Through the period, DRA Projects ("DRA") has continued
its work to prepare value-engineering reports on the Front-End
Engineering Design ("FEED") package undertaken for the Ewoyaa
Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") and deliver 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.
The Company expects to receive the reports from DRA in
the current quarter, which will enable the award of the EPCM
contract post-ratification of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease.
Feldspar By-Product
The Company believes that the Project represents a
major source of domestic feldspar in Ghana, which is widely used in
the ceramics industry.
As reported in the March 2024 Quarterly Report
(refer announcement of
24 April 2024), the
Feldspar Study undertaken by the Company confirms the viability of
producing and processing feldspar feedstock as by-product of
spodumene concentrate production at Ewoyaa and supports the
Company's plans of supplying feldspar produced at Ewoyaa into the
local Ghanaian market.
While expected to generate a modest revenue stream for
the Company, the Company believes that the supply of feldspar
produced at Ewoyaa will provide a significant industrialisation
opportunity for its Project-affected communities, generating
long-term value for businesses within the Central Region and
driving the local economy.
Following the submission of the Feldspar Study to the
Minerals Commission, as required under the terms agreed in the
grant of the Mining Lease for the Project, the Company has begun
engaging local parties in Ghana to seek expressions of interest for
the feldspar by-product.
The Company is currently working with these parties to
establish a preferred route to market for the feldspar, aimed at
maximising benefits to the local industry. Among these
considerations are means to maximise job creation and enhance
value, by establishing, for example, new feldspar processing
facilities or factories.
The Company believes that the supply of feldspar
produced at Ewoyaa further strengthens its social licence to
operate with the communities in which it operates and reflects its
commitment to support the long-term socio-economic development of
the Central Region and Ghana more broadly.
Modular DMS Processing
The Company has taken the decision to remove early ore
processing using a modular Dense Media Separation ("DMS") unit,
which had been previously included in the Ewoyaa Definitive
Feasibility Study ("DFS"), from the development schedule for the
Project.
The modular DMS unit had initially been identified by
the Company as an opportunity to capitalise on heightened lithium
prices to generate early cashflow ahead of achieving full
production from the main DMS plant in H1 2026, as well as a means
to train staff on the operation of a smaller-scale plant and test
the Project's logistics before the commencement of full operations
at the main plant.
Considering a median consensus price of US$3,000/t FOB
Ghana for spodumene concentrate (SC6) in 2025, the DFS indicated
attractive margins to be generated through production from the
modular DMS unit, easily justifying its inclusion in the Project's
development. At current spodumene concentrate prices below
US$1,000/t, however, margins would be cut significantly.
While the Board believes that lithium prices will
recover from current lows, it is considered unlikely that they will
rebound to the highs experienced in late 2022 in the short term. As
such, the Board believes it to be more prudent to conserve cash and
focus on delivery of the main DMS processing plant, rather than
committing it to delivering the modular DMS unit.
In addition, with the Mining Lease yet to be ratified
by parliament, the window of time between the ratification of the
Mining Lease and intended initial production from the modular DMS
unit, as indicated in the DFS, continues to shorten. This not only
means less time for the Company to deliver the modular DMS unit and
for staff to train on the smaller plant, but also a diminishing
timeframe of early cashflow being generated from the unit.
With all this being considered, the option to exclude
Modular DMS unit processing from the Project's planned development
now outweighs its inclusion.
Subject to the Mining Lease being ratified by
parliament in line with the current schedule for the development of
the Project, the Company remains on track to commission the main
DMS plant at Ewoyaa in H1 2026, as detailed in the DFS.
Mining Lease Submitted to
Parliament
Post-period end, the Company received notification
that the Mining Lease in respect of the Project, granted by the
Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural
Resources to the Company's subsidiary Barari DV Ghana Limited in
October 2023, had been submitted to Ghana's parliament to undergo
the necessary processes in order for parliament to ratify the
Mining Lease.
The Company currently awaits the ratification of the
Mining Lease, which is required for the Company to advance the
Project towards construction and operation, and continues to
undertake activities on the critical path to deliver the main DMS
processing plant.
Fatal Incident at the Ewoyaa Project
Site
Post-period end, on 9 July 2024, the Company reported
a tragic incident on the Project site, which sadly resulted in the
death of a member of the Company's workforce.
In accordance with regulations and Company policy,
which mandated a work stand-down, the site has since been cleared
for work to resume. This follows several site visits by the
Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, as part of its
investigation into the incident. The Company commits to ensuring
that relevant learnings from the investigation are integrated into
its operations and systems enhanced accordingly.
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of our
teammate, and we continue to offer our full support to all those
affected.
Exploration
Increased Ewoyaa Mineral Resource
Estimate
Post-period end, the Company announced an increase in
the total Mineral Resource Estimate1 ("MRE" or
"Resource") at Ewoyaa to 36.8Mt at 1.24% Li2O, reported
in accordance with the JORC Code (2012).
The MRE1 increase follows a targeted
drilling programme aimed at supporting the mine build activities at
the Project. This included sterilisation drilling to support the
plant and haul road design and resource conversion drilling to
convert Inferred resources to Indicated and Measured to provide
mine plan optionality. The drilling programme resulted in the
combined Measured and Indicated resource increasing to 81% of the
total Mineral Resource1 (to 29.8 Mt at 1.26%
Li2O).
During the drilling programme, the Dog-Leg target was
identified, with prioritised drilling subsequently undertaken,
which returned multiple broad and high-grade intersections, from
which the Company has identified a shallow-dipping, near-surface
mineralised pegmatite body with true thickness up to 35m. The
Dog-Leg target contributed 890,892 tonnes, comprising 332,100
tonnes at 1.01% Li2O Indicated and 558,792 tonnes at
1.13% Li2O Inferred, of the increase in resources to
36.8Mt at 1.24% Li2O1.
The increased MRE1 was based on 168,015m of
drilling completed at the Project to date, inclusive of infill and
extensional drilling undertaken since the February 2023 Resource
Estimate reported by the Company, comprising 148,865m of reverse
circulation ("RC"), 12,639m of diamond core ("DD"), 5,311m of
reverse circulation with diamond tail ("RCD") and 1,200m of reverse
circulation hydrology holes ("RCH").
The MRE1 includes a total of 3.7Mt at 1.37%
Li2O in the Measured category, 26.1Mt at 1.24%
Li2O in the Indicated category and 7.0Mt at 1.15%
Li2O in the Inferred category (refer Table
1).
Table 1: Ewoyaa Mineral Resource
Estimate1 (0.5% Li2O Cut-off)
|
Measured Mineral Resource
|
Type
|
Tonnage
|
Li2O
|
Cont. Lithium Oxide
|
|
Mt
|
%
|
kt
|
Primary
|
3.7
|
1.37
|
51
|
Total
|
3.7
|
1.37
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indicated Mineral Resource
|
Type
|
Tonnage
|
Li2O
|
Cont. Lithium Oxide
|
|
Mt
|
%
|
kt
|
Weathered
|
0.5
|
1.08
|
5
|
Primary
|
25.6
|
1.25
|
319
|
Total
|
26.1
|
1.24
|
324
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred Mineral Resource
|
Type
|
Tonnage
|
Li2O
|
Cont. Lithium Oxide
|
|
Mt
|
%
|
kt
|
Weathered
|
1.8
|
1.12
|
20
|
Primary
|
5.2
|
1.16
|
60
|
Total
|
7.0
|
1.15
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mineral Resource
|
Type
|
Tonnage
|
Li2O
|
Cont. Lithium Oxide
|
|
Mt
|
%
|
kt
|
Weathered
|
2.3
|
1.11
|
25
|
Primary
|
34.5
|
1.25
|
430
|
Total
|
36.8
|
1.24
|
455
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
The Mineral Resource has been compiled under the supervision of Mr.
Shaun Searle who is a director of Ashmore Advisory Pty Ltd and a
Registered 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 that he has undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as
defined in the JORC Code.
All Mineral Resources figures reported in the table above
represent estimates at June 2024. Mineral Resource estimates are
not precise calculations, being dependent on the interpretation of
limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the
occurrence and on the available sampling results. The totals
contained in the above table have been rounded to reflect the
relative uncertainty of the estimate. Rounding may cause some
computational discrepancies.
Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with the
Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves (The Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code -
JORC 2012 Edition).
Following the upgrade, 81% of the Total
Resource1 now sits in the higher confidence Measured and
Indicated categories (3.7Mt at 1.37% in the Measured category,
26.1Mt at 1.24% in the Indicated category and 7.0Mt @ 1.15% Li₂O in
the Inferred category).
With the Company's exploration portfolio still vastly
unexplored, the Company believes there remains significant
potential to grow the Resource1 further. While the
Company's current focus remains on advancing the Project towards
shovel-readiness, step-out drilling at five priority deposits is
planned, as well as one new exploration target identified for
initial reverse circulation ("RC") evaluation.
Assay Results from Q1 2024
Drilling
During the period, the Company announced assay results
for resource extension drilling at the Dog-Leg target and reverse
circulation ("RC") sterilisation drilling undertaken at the
proposed plant site, together totalling 4,101m, completed in H1
2024.
Dog-Leg
Drilling at the Dog-Leg target delivered high-grade
and broad extensional drill intersections including highlights at a
0.4% Li2O cut-off and a maximum 4m of internal dilution
of 27m at 1.85% Li2O from 126m; 15m at 1.08%
Li2O from 126m; and GRC1058: 8m at 0.93% Li2O
from 88m.
Figure 2: Location of reported assay results with highlight
drill intersections on greyscale topography
background
The results are significant in that a
shallow-dipping, mineralised pegmatite body has been intersected in
multiple drill holes with true thickness of up to 35m, which added
890,892 near-surface resource tonnes (332,100 tonnes at 1.01%
Li2O Indicated and 558,792 tonnes at 1.13%
Li2O Inferred) to the increased MRE1
(refer announcement of
30 July 2024).
Sterilisation Drilling
In addition to the drilling at Dog-Leg, the Company
completed 3,177m of sterilisation drilling in 21 holes at the
proposed plant site. No mineralisation was reported in drilling,
providing confidence in the proposed plant site location.
Senya Beraku
Following the grant of the Senya Beraku prospecting
licence to the Company's wholly-owned Ghanaian subsidiary Green
Metals Resources ("GMR") in November 2023, the Company commenced
field work at the licence during the period, representing the first
lithium exploration to be completed over the licence.
The licence, located 20km east of the known
Egyasimanku Hill-Winneba spodumene pegmatite field and within 70km
of the footprint of the Company's flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project
(refer Figure 3), represents
82.11km2 of highly prospective, unexplored tenure
offering considerable value upside to the Company through
successful exploration.
Figure 3: Field work underway at the Senya Beraku licence,
located in the east of the Company's Cape Coast Lithium Portfolio
in Ghana
The Company's field teams completed the soil
geochemical sampling programme across the licence area post-period
end, collecting 5,237 samples from the planned 5,405-sample
programme (the lower number of actual samples collected is not
unexpected and reflects unsuitable sites encountered due to
geomorphology and anthropomorphic activities).
Figure 4: Map indicating the location of soil
geochemistry samples collected and selected first pass mapping
observations over the Senya Beraku prospecting licence (base map is
regional geology by Ghana Geological Survey
Authority)
Soil samples collected have been submitted for
in-house processing and analysis at the Company's Mankessim
facility using pXRF (portable X-Ray Fluorescence) and LiBS
(Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) analysers.
Undertaken concurrent with the soil sampling
programme, the Company has completed first pass surface geological
mapping across the prospective Birimian geology within the licence.
Weathered, coarse-grained pegmatite units have been mapped (no
spodumene mineralisation observed), with rock chip samples being
collected and submitted for assay by Intertek (sample preparation
in Tarkwa, Ghana and analysis in Perth, Australia).
All the soil samples will be processed and analysed,
following which data interpretation will be undertaken on the
entire tenement area, with a view to identifying geochemical
anomalies for detailed follow-up mapping and possible auger
drilling evaluation and ultimately reverse circulation drill
testing, where warranted.
Corporate
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$1.4m for the period from
October to June 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 April to June 2024, Piedmont
contributed a total of US$$3.0m (A$4.4m) towards the funding of the
Project.
Cash Flow
Figure 5: Net
cash flows for June 2024 quarter (AUD)
Ghana Stock Exchange Listing
As agreed under the terms of the Mining Lease for the
Project and following the approval of the Ghana Stock Exchange's
("GSE") Listing Committee and Ghana's Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), the Company completed the listing of its entire
share capital, being 649,669,053 Ordinary Shares, by introduction
on the Main Market of the GSE on 13 May 2024. No new shares were
issued in connection with the listing.
The listing ceremony, held at Cedi House in Accra,
celebrated Atlantic Lithium becoming the first lithium company to
list on the GSE, reflecting the beginning of a significant new
chapter in Ghana's long-term mining history. The event welcomed key
representatives of Ghana's mining industry, including Honourable
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel A. Jinapor and
leading figures from the Minerals Commission, the Minerals Income
Investment Fund ("MIIF"), the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the GSE, the
SEC, and the Australian High Commission to Ghana.
The ceremony demonstrated the strong ongoing support
from key local stakeholders for the continued advancement of the
Project towards construction and operation.
The Company believes that the GSE listing represents
its firm commitment to the long-term development of the Ghanaian
economy by providing greater wealth creation opportunities for
Ghanaians and financial institutions in Ghana, as well as the
closer alignment of the Company's objectives with the best
interests of its local stakeholders, who now have the opportunity
to share ownership in the Company's lithium ambitions.
Atlantic Lithium shares trade on the GSE under the
ticker "ALLGH".
Board Appointment
In line with the agreed terms of the Minerals Income
Investment Fund's ("MIIF") US$5m subscription in the Company
("Subscription"), in May 2024, the Company appointed MIIF Chief
Executive Officer Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng to the Board of
Directors as Non-Executive Director.
Edward Koranteng is a lawyer and corporate and
investment banker with over 23 years of experience. He has held the
position of Chief Executive Officer of MIIF since 2021, in which
role he oversees the management of Ghana's equity interest in
mining companies, manages all royalties paid to the state from
mining activities and supports the growth of the mining industry
through long-term, sustainable investments in the sector.
Through his appointment, Atlantic Lithium welcomes
greater Ghanaian representation in the direction of the Company,
which it believes is of paramount importance for the long-term
success of the Company.
MIIF's US$5m Subscription, which forms part of its
planned US$32.9m total investment in Atlantic Lithium and its
Ghanaian subsidiaries ("Strategic Investment") to expedite the
development of the Company's flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project, was
completed in January 2024.
The Company is currently working closely with MIIF to
finalise the second part of the Strategic Investment, comprising a
US$27.9m Project-level investment to acquire a 6% contributing
interest in the Company's lithium interests in Ghana ("Ghana
Portfolio").
Offtake Partnering Process
During the period, the Company continued to progress
its ongoing competitive offtake partnering process 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.
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 market-based pricing
mechanism in exchange for competitive funding.
As part of Stage 2 of the process, the Company has
received and reviewed formal proposals from the parties that were
taken forward from Stage 1, completed more detailed due diligence
into the remaining parties and, where appropriate, completed site
visits to the respective project sites and/or offices of the
remaining parties.
The Company is now progressing negotiations on key
agreements and will update shareholders in due course.
MIIF Project-level Investment
Under the terms of Stage 2 of MIIF's Strategic
Investment, and subject to the Company reaching a binding agreement
with MIIF, MIIF has agreed to invest 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.
This follows the completion of Stage 1 in January
2024, comprising MIIF's subscription for 19,245,574 Atlantic
Lithium shares for a value of US$5m.
Conferences Attended
The Company attended the following conferences and
events during the period:
- Fastmarkets, Las
Vegas (24-27 June)
- West African
Mining & Power Conference, Accra (5-7 June)
- Canaccord Genuity
Global Metals & Mining Conference, Palm Desert, California (7-9
May)
- Paydirt Battery
Minerals Conference, Perth (16-17 April)
Sustainability
Donations to Mfantsiman and Abura-Asebu
Kwamankese District Assembly Schools
During the period, the Company was proud to make
donations to the Mfantsiman Municipal Assembly and the Abura-Asebu
Kwamankese District Assembly to support the rebuilding of several
schools that had been damaged as a result of heavy rainfall in the
Central Region.
Alongside its aim to build the first major mine in the
Region, the Company believes it is important to support the local
communities in which the Company operates to ensure the Project
delivers a positive impact that lasts long after the life of the
mine. In this way, the Company hopes to maintain a close
collaboration with local residents throughout its operations.
Share Capital Changes - Ordinary Shares,
Options and Performance Rights
Between 1 April and the date of this report, a total
of 16,500,000 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 the date of this report is as
follows:
|
Ordinary Shares
|
Unquoted Options
|
Unquoted performance rights
|
On issue at start of
Quarter
|
649,669,053
|
41,822,787
|
9,298,935
|
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
|
Compliance
During the quarter, the Company spent A$5.7m on its
exploration, feasibility, and development activities for its Ewoyaa
Lithium Project in Ghana. In accordance with the agreement
announced on 1 July 2021, exploration and feasibility activities
are 50% funded by Piedmont Lithium Inc. ("Piedmont"), with Piedmont
sole funding the first US$70m towards the total US$185m of
development expenditure forecasted in the DFS for the Project.
Funding is shared equally thereafter.
Appendix 5B expenditure disclosure
As at end 30 June 2024, the Company had cash resources
of A$12.7m and no debt. Exploration, feasibility, and development
activities cash expenditure on the Project during the quarter was
A$5.7m. Piedmont Lithium Inc. funded A$4.4m in the quarter.
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"): 30 June
2024
|
Consolidated statement of cash
flows
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
Year to date (12 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
|
(308)
|
(2,445)
|
|
(e)
administration and corporate costs
|
(2,146)
|
(6,786)
|
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
|
1.9
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities
|
(2,454)
|
(9,132)
|
|
2.
|
Cash flows from investing
activities
|
-
|
-
|
2.1
|
Payments to acquire or
for:
|
|
(a)
entities
|
|
(b)
tenements
|
-
|
-
|
|
(c)
property, plant and equipment
|
(236)
|
(722)
|
|
(d) exploration,
feasibility, and development
|
(5,716)
|
(24,432)
|
|
(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
|
4,380
|
16,899
|
2.6
|
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities
|
(1,572)
|
(8,399)
|
|
3.
|
Cash flows from financing
activities
|
-
|
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
|
-
|
(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
|
-
|
15,054
|
|
4.
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents for the period
|
|
|
4.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
|
17,098
|
15,346
|
4.2
|
Net cash from / (used in)
operating activities (item 1.9 above)
|
(2,454)
|
(9,132)
|
4.3
|
Net cash from / (used in)
investing activities (item 2.6 above)
|
(1,572)
|
(8,399)
|
4.4
|
Net cash from / (used in)
financing activities (item 3.10 above)
|
-
|
15,054
|
4.5
|
Effect of movement in
exchange rates on cash held
|
(393)
|
(190)
|
4.6
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
|
12,679
|
12,679
|
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
|
12,673
|
17,088
|
5.2
|
Call deposits
|
-
|
-
|
5.3
|
Bank overdrafts
|
-
|
-
|
5.4
|
Other - Petty Cash
|
6
|
10
|
5.5
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
(should equal item 4.6 above)
|
12,679
|
17,098
|
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
|
644
|
6.2
|
Aggregate amount of payments
to related parties and their associates included in item 2
|
128
|
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)
|
(2,454)
|
8.2
|
(Payments for exploration
& evaluation classified as investing activities) (item
2.1(d))
|
(5,716)
|
8.3
|
Total relevant outgoings
(item 8.1 + item 8.2)
|
(8,170)
|
8.4
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
quarter end (item 4.6)
|
12,679
|
8.5
|
Unused finance facilities
available at quarter end (item 7.5)
|
-
|
8.6
|
Total available funding
(item 8.4 + item 8.5)
|
12,679
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
Estimated quarters of funding available
(item 8.6 divided by item 8.3)
|
1.6
|
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: Yes
|
|
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:
· The Ewoyaa Lithium
Project is funded under a co-development agreement with Piedmont
Lithium Inc. During July 2024, Piedmont contributed a total of
US$1.5m under the co-development agreement.
· Atlantic Lithium has
agreed non-binding Heads of Terms with the Minerals Income
Investment Fund of Ghana ("MIIF") to invest in its Ghana
subsidiaries. The proposed investment will support the development
of the Project and the broader Cape Coast Lithium Portfolio in
Ghana. Under the terms of the non-binding agreement, MIIF intends
to invest an initial US$27.9m to acquire a 6% contributing interest
in the Company's Ghana Portfolio and will make ongoing
contributions through monthly cash calls as the Project
develops.
· Completion of Stage 2 of the ongoing competitive offtake
partnering process for a portion of the remaining 50% offtake from
Ewoyaa to secure funding to sufficiently cover the Company's
allocation of the development expenditure for the
Project.
|
|
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: Yes. The Company has
funding available (see 8.8.2).
|
|
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:
30 July 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 quarterly
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
announcement relating to the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") of
36.8Mt @ 1.24% Li₂O
for Ewoyaa is extracted from the Company's announcement dated 30
July 2024, which is available at www.atlanticlithium.com.au.
The MRE includes a total of 3.7Mt @ 1.37% Li₂O in the Measured category, 26.1Mt @
1.24% Li₂O in the
Indicated category and 7.0Mt @ 1.15% Li₂O in the Inferred category. The
Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical
parameters underpinning the MRE 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
quarterly report, the MRE announcement, dated 30 July 2024,
the Ewoyaa Lithium Project Definitive Feasibility
Study announcement, dated 29 June 2023 (in which the Company
reported Ore Reserves and Production Targets in respect of the
Project), or the Grant of the Ewoyaa Mining Lease announcement,
dated 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 I. Iwan
Williams (BSc. Hons Geology), General Manager - Exploration of the
Company. Mr Williams is a Member of the Australian Institute of
Geoscientists (#9088) who has in excess of 30 years' experience in
mineral exploration and is a Qualified Person under the AIM Rules.
Mr Williams 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.
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, ASX, GSE and OTCQX-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.