Elcora options to join forces with Gold Lion to begin exploitation of a Manganese Mining License in Morocco

Rhea-AI Summary

Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. (ECORF) announced a letter of intent with Gold Lion Resources Inc. to exploit a Manganese mining license in Morocco. Gold Lion will acquire a 50% interest in the property, while Elcora plans to use the proceeds for ore production once the exploitation license is granted. The site, a former French mine, has significant infrastructure and raw ore ready for processing. The transaction terms include cash payments totaling $250,000 and share issuances, subject to regulatory approval. This development aligns with Elcora's strategy to supply battery metals amid rising demand for EVs.

Positive

• Partnership with Gold Lion enhances resource development potential.
• Access to existing infrastructure and raw ore may reduce initial production costs.
• Manganese demand is expected to rise significantly due to its use in EV batteries.

Negative

• Dependence on regulatory approval for the exploitation license may delay production.
• Market volatility in Manganese prices could impact profitability.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Aug. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELCORA ADVANCED MATERIALS CORP. (TSX.V:ERA | Frankfurt:ELM | OTCQB – ECORF), (the "Company" or "Elcora"), announced today that it has signed an LOI with Gold Lion Resources Inc. (“Gold Lion”), to start exploitation on its Manganese mining license in Morocco.

The Manganese research mining license in Morocco (the “Property”) is held by Ermazon SARL (“Ermazon”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elcora. Gold Lion will acquire 50% interest in the Property and Elcora will use the proceeds from the transaction to initiate the ore production on the Manganese concession once the Exploitation license has been granted. Profits from the production will be shared accordingly.

The Manganese site is a former French mine that was in operation for decades, therefore Elcora will leverage on-site infrastructure, facilities and up to 600 tonnes of raw ore ready for processing. Furthermore, this development and exploration project will determine whether an open pit or underground mining operation will be used in the future.

Ermazon has applied for the exploitation license of the Manganese concession which will strengthen its ongoing strategy to supply battery and electric vehicles (EV) end-users.

Manganese is used, among other things, to produce batteries for EVs and other renewable energy applications such as electricity grid storage batteries. Its status as a battery metal is expected to propel its demand in the wake of what experts predict will be a widespread transition to EVs driven by lofty climate policy goals and zero-emission targets.

This metal represents a critical link in the Lithium-ion battery supply chain. Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD) is an upgraded form of Manganese that serves as a key ingredient of Lithium-ion, Alkaline and Zinc-Manganese batteries.

The Manganese battery supply chain will experience the strongest growth through 2030, with the market increasing in size by a factor of 9. Manganese sulfate spot prices* in July and August 2022 have hovered between approximately $900 USD and $1,050 USD per tonne and are expected to continue to reinforce over the next decade. “Prices are likely to keep rising in the second half of the year as demand for batteries is projected to grow. With the Manganese sulfate market currently projected to be in a deficit, prices are likely to rise to support new refinery projects in order to meet demand by 2024.” (Bloomberg NEF).

“Market Reports World” has been monitoring the global Manganese mining market and it is poised to grow by 5,385.13 k tons during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period.

Terms of the transaction

For 50% interest in the Property, Gold Lion will pay the following consideration in tranches to Elcora: (i) a cash payment of $75,000 and the issuance of common shares of Gold Lion (the “Shares”) equal to $250,000 for 25% interest in the Property; (ii) a cash payment of $125,000 for 15% interest in the Property; and (iii) a cash payment of $50,000 for 10% interest in the Property.

The Shares will be subject to a minimum hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the signing of a definitive agreement and final acceptance from the applicable regulatory authorities.

Troy Grant, Elcora CEO commented, “Elcora is pleased to join forces with Gold Lion to develop the Manganese site. Manganese is a critical metal used in the EV battery industry and is an important piece of our strategy to supply the increasing global demand for both Manganese and Vanadium. We look forward to updating investors on our achievements and execution of our strategy to become a significant battery metals supplier.”

* Manganese Sulfate( Battery Level) today | Minor Metals | SMM - China Metal Market

About Elcora Advanced Materials Corp.

Elcora was founded in 2011 and has been structured to become a vertically integrated battery material company. Elcora can process, refine, and produce battery related minerals and metals. As part of the vertical integration strategy Elcora has developed a cost-effective process to purify high-quality battery metals and minerals that are commercially scalable. This combination means that Elcora has the tools and resources for vertical integration of the battery minerals and metals industry.

For further information please visit the company's website at:

http://www.elcoracorp.com 

For further information please contact: Troy Grant, Director, President & CEO, Elcora Advanced Materials Corp., T: +1 902 802-8847

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock Exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

This News Release includes certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Elcora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Elcora’s expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Elcora with securities regulators.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

FAQ

What is the recent partnership announced by Elcora Advanced Materials Corp (ECORF)?

Elcora signed a letter of intent with Gold Lion Resources Inc. to collaborate on the exploitation of a Manganese mining license in Morocco.

How does the Manganese mining project benefit Elcora (ECORF)?

The project will leverage existing infrastructure and raw ore, aiming to meet rising demand for Manganese in battery production for electric vehicles.

What are the financial terms of the agreement between Elcora and Gold Lion (ECORF)?

Gold Lion will pay $250,000 in cash and issue shares for a 50% interest in the Manganese Property, with payments structured in tranches.

What impact does Manganese mining have on Elcora's strategy?

Manganese mining aligns with Elcora's strategy to become a significant supplier of battery metals amid growing EV market demand.

What challenges does Elcora (ECORF) face with the Manganese project?

Challenges include the need for regulatory approval for the exploitation license and potential market volatility in Manganese prices.