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As the world hunts for sustainable solutions to climate-smart agriculture and plant-based protein, a little-known legume is stepping into the global spotlight: the lupin. Long treasured in Australia and just beginning to take root in China, this high-protein, soil-healing seed may be the agricultural game-changer we didn't know we needed. Why Lupins Matter Lupins (genus Lupinus ) are a hardy, nitrogen-fixing crop with an impressive resume. They thrive in poor soils, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and offer nutritional benefits for both humans and animals. With their low glycemic index and high fibre and protein content, lupins are increasingly considered a "super pulse" in sustainable farming circles. Western Australia alone cultivates roughly 85% of the world's narrow-leafed lupins  ( Lupinus angustifolius ) (Figure 1), exporting much of it to Asia, particularly China. Now, thanks to growing demand and increasing research, both regions are poised to benefit from the bean’s full potential. Figure 1: (a) Lupin plant; (b) Seeds of white lupins. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)   The Nutritional Power of the Australian Lupin Australia’s sweet lupin is unique. Unlike typical legumes, it's virtually starch-free  and boasts a protein content of around 40% , higher than most other commonly consumed legumes. Rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, and healthy oils, lupins can improve gut health, regulate blood sugar, and support cardiovascular wellbeing (Table 1).   Table 1: Nutritional and bioactive properties of white lupin (L. albus) (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025) Australian Lupin Bean kernels contain around 40% protein—making them the highest among commonly consumed legumes. Their cotyledon cells feature protein bodies 5 to 25 µm in size, composed of about 73% protein dry solids, distributed throughout the cytosol (Figure 2).   Their protein bodies are composed mainly of α and β conglutin, while a special variant, γ conglutin , shows promise as an insulin-mimetic—suggesting a role in diabetes management. This biochemical makeup not only makes lupins nutritionally superior but also opens doors to functional food applications.   Figure 2: Periodic acid schiff (a) and toluidine blue (b) stained sections of Australian Lupin Bean cotyledon showing thickened cell walls of the mesophyll cells [pink in (a), blue in (b)] and protein bodies within these cells [blue in (a), faint translucent in (b)]. (source: ©2023 Sweet Lupin Western Australia Inc.)   China’s Soil and the Lupin Opportunity Faced with increasing soil degradation and an urgent need for sustainable protein, China is eyeing lupins as a dual-purpose crop—for both soil regeneration and food production. Trials of L. angustifolius  in various Chinese provinces show potential, though challenges Among the hurdles: alkaline soils, sensitivity to temperature extremes, and diseases like anthracnose  (Figure 3a) and phomopsis blight (Figure 3b) damage stems and lower seed quality, and root rot can kill the plants (Figure 4c). Figure 3: (a) Anthracnose, (b) Phomopsis stem blight (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)   Figure 4: (a) White rot of lupins, (b) Rust, (c) Root rot. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)     However, Chinese researchers are rising to the occasion—sequencing genomes, mapping genetic diversity, and studying phosphorus adaptation to improve local varieties. Despite these challenges, China already accounts for 34% of global lupin imports  and is positioning itself to scale domestic production through policy, biotech, and education. Going Global: Australia’s Lupin Leadership To promote its agricultural crown jewel, Australia has launched aussielupins.org.au , a one-stop hub supported by the Sweet Lupin Association of Western Australia, the DPIRD ( Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development ), and the Future Drought Fund . The website is brimming with recipes, nutritional data, and scientific research aimed at farmers, chefs, and health-conscious consumers alike. With its sandy soils, ideal climate, and research-backed approach, Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the world in lupin innovation—whether as food, livestock feed, or soil-enhancing green manure. Lupins are grouped into Old World  species (like L. albus , L. angustifolius , and L. luteus ) and New World varieties ( L. mutabilis , L. polyphyllus ), with their genetic diversity centered around the Mediterranean  and Andean  regions (Figure 5).   Figure 5: Groupings of Lupins based on the origin and centre of diversity (Wolko et al., 2010). (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)   According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, global lupin cultivation covered almost 1 million hectares in 2022, producing approximately 1.645 million metric tons (Figure 6).  Figure 6: Production of Lupins by countries in 2022 (FAOSTAT, 2023). (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)   Although lupins accounted for only 0.3 % of global legume output from 2012 to 2022, production has climbed steadily—up 38 % between 2018 and 2022—suggesting rising demand. Australia leads this growth, with Poland, Russia, and Spain trailing, capitalising on lupins’ ability to flourish in sandy, acidic soils where the crop also serves as green manure, fodder, and an erosion-controlling soil improver (Figure 7).  Figure 7: Proportion of Lupin production of all the legumes produced worldwide in the A-Last decade, B- Last 5 years e, C- Top 10 producers of lupins in last 5 years. (source: Legume Research- An International Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3: 367-375 - March 2025)   A Small Bean with Big Impact In just a few years, lupins have transformed from an obscure rotation crop into a symbol of regenerative agriculture and plant-powered nutrition. Their rise is a testament to international collaboration, scientific curiosity, and a growing global appetite for sustainable solutions. Whether you’re in Beijing or Perth, lupins represent a smarter way to feed the future—one bean at a time.   Concluding Comments from Samso At Samso, we see the lupin story as a powerful example of how smart science, sustainable agriculture, and international collaboration can converge to create real-world impact. Australia's leadership in lupin cultivation—backed by robust research, supportive policy, and global partnerships—offers a blueprint for how underutilised crops can unlock value far beyond their local roots. China’s exploration into lupin farming underscores a broader trend: the search for climate-resilient, protein-rich crops that regenerate soil and support food security. While the momentum for growing lupin in China is undeniable, it is another thing to deny the natural flow of biology. Re-creating the environment to add nutrients or to create a lack of nutrients required for lupin growth is not an easy task. As much as the growth in understanding of lupin in China is undeniable, it is equally unrealistic to think that the creation of a soil chemistry that will allow the perfect growing environment will be created. Nature does not work that way. The unique nature of the lupin chemistry as a plant is challenging enough. Like the mineral commodity, one cannot simply recreate the mineral deposits. You can create chemicals to eliminate pests, but changing the soil chemistry for growing a commercial acreage is another phenomenon to overcome. One could argue that you could glasshouse the planting process, but the business of lupin is a large acreage-scale business. The cost to achieve this process would seem to be a high barrier to creating an economical produce. Here are some key points to consider if one is to consider using greenhouses to grow lupins: Initial Investment: Setting up a glasshouse facility can be a significant initial investment. Energy Costs: Heating and cooling glasshouses can be energy-intensive, potentially increasing operating costs. Lupin Species: Different lupin species have varying growth requirements, so understanding the specific needs of the chosen variety is crucial. In today's technological ability to conceive almost "anything", I agree that anything is possible, but in business, the first mover advantage is generally the key to positioning yourself in the market. The ability for the Australian market to consolidate itself to be a lupin market leader will be critical. The Business of Lupin According to Global Market Insights (GMI), the Lupin Market was valued at USD 89.9 million in 2023 and is expected to achieve a CAGR of over 5.2% from 2024 to 2032. Currently, the global search for a sustainable source of food is at the forefront of developing nations. Figure 8: The Lupin market Analysis. (source www.gminsights.com ) The current thinking is that the search for a plant-based protein is the key as consumers become more health-conscious and seek nutritious and sustainable food options, interest in plant-based proteins like lupin is increasing. As we have described, lupin is rich in protein, fiber, and various nutrients while being low in fat and carbohydrates, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers. It is naturally gluten-free and not a common allergen, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies to other common allergens like soy or nuts. With the rising awareness of food allergies and intolerances, there is a growing demand for allergen-friendly food ingredients like lupin. The current understanding of the lupin market and the concept of lupin as a powerhouse business may be lost to investors on the ASX. In our opinion, lupins are not only a strategic export crop but also a symbol of agricultural innovation at its best. At Samso, we believe this legume’s journey is just beginning—and we’re excited to watch it unfold across farms, food systems, and future markets. According to Wide Open Agriculture , the opportunities are just beginning to be realised. As usual, do your own research and happy investing. References : Lim, S.J. (2025). Exploring Lupins in China . Legume Research. Department of Agriculture WA: www.agric.wa.gov.au Sweet Lupin Association: www.aussielupins.org.au Global Market Insights. www.gminsights.com/ To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer.   Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments.   Click  here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Samso's Reflection on Asia’s Most Ambitious AI Gathering If there’s one event this year that has the potential to redefine the future of artificial intelligence, it’s SuperAI Singapore 2025. From the viewpoint of someone who’s been observing tech events and innovation cycles for decades, SuperAI is not just another glossy tech conference—it’s a statement. What started as a bold initiative is now evolving into Asia’s most critical hub for frontier technology. The upcoming edition, set for 18–19 June at Marina Bay Sands, promises to surpass expectations. With over 7,000 founders, researchers, developers, and investors converging globally, the atmosphere will be nothing short of electric. SuperAI: Where East Meets West in Innovation What sets SuperAI apart is its ability to bridge ecosystems. It’s rare to find an event where Silicon Valley VCs, Beijing AI researchers, Singaporean biotech founders, and European regulators find common ground—not just on stage, but in intimate, practical discussions across three high-powered stages and thematic labs. In the words of Co-Founder Peter Noszek, “We’re seeing genuine hunger for meaningful conversations at the frontier of AI—not just theoretical potential, but real-world implementation.” That hits the nail on the head. The Big Highlights for 2025 🔹  NEXT Hackathon  – Fifteen elite developer teams, backed by Amazon, will build AI prototypes that matter. From climate tech to robotics, this is where code meets consequence. 🔹  Genesis Startup Competition  – Ten breakthrough AI startups will pitch for a $200,000 prize pool, visibility with top-tier VCs, and growth support via AWS and partner networks. This is the kind of platform that can turn a stealth startup into a household name. 🔹  Curated Programming  – With topics ranging from China’s AI acceleration to the creative augmentation of humans by machines, the content isn’t fluff. It’s tactical, visionary, and essential. 🔹  Speakers That Matter  – Emad Mostaque, Balaji Srinivasan, Sharon Zhou, Benedict Evans—these aren’t just big names. They’re domain shapers. Expect real talk, deep dives, and maybe a few controversial takes. Branding It Right – A Nod to the SuperAI Brand Kit The team behind SuperAI clearly understands that brand trust is earned not only through vision but also through consistency. The Super AI Brand Kit reflects this ethos—elegantly structured, with dedicated visual and messaging guidelines for both primary and secondary brands. From font selections to hashtag usage, the SuperAI identity is sharp, modern, and international. Whether you’re presenting the Genesis Startup Competition  or crafting social media posts for Singapore AI Week , the brand language aligns with the platform's ambition: clean, scalable, and unmistakably future-focused. Samso’s Concluding Comments As the Samso platform moves into the greater market for our platform, we view events such as SuperAI 2025 as a natural place to begin our journey. The Super AI 2025 event, in our opinion, is not just a gathering of techies. It’s a convergence of ambition, capital, and innovation. With global AI investments surging and over 78% of companies integrating AI into their workflows, the timing could not be better. This is where the "AI moment" finds its human face. At Samso, we have seen the struggles of raising funding for mineral exploration over three decades, and in the recent times of introducing AI into the general business cycles, there is no doubt that the future of AI is here to stay. The initial trepidation to embrace AI is an overreaction of misunderstanding and watching too many episodes of "Terminator" type shows. The reality of AI is about enhancing the productivity of businesses. IN some way, it can be said that it will "replace jobs", but I see it as a redistribution of the workforce. The simplistic way to elaborate is the redirection of horses from pulling carriages and the introduction of automobiles. It is the redirection of using fossil fuels to generate energy to the use of renewables and the reintroduction of nuclear power to generate future sources of energy. For start-ups, this is where you build credibility. For corporates, this is where you scout the future. And for thinkers, this is where you challenge your assumptions. To quote Raoul Pal, “Everybody wants to know what's going on in AI. SuperAI is the event to figure it out.” And I couldn’t agree more. SuperAI is no longer the future. It’s the now. 🎟️ GET TICKETS   – Secure your spot now for SuperAI Singapore 2025. 🎬 Step Into The Future, Watch Reel  – See what’s waiting on the other side. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer.   Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments.   Click  here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.   d their own research.

Announcement: Andromeda Achieves HPA Breakthrough A new chapter in the production of high purity alumina (HPA) is unfolding in South Australia, with Andromeda Metals Limited (ASX: ADN)  achieving a significant milestone. The company has successfully produced ultra-high-purity 4N HPA using a novel, cost-effective, and low-carbon process. This breakthrough positions Andromeda at the forefront of the global HPA market.  Travelling at a market capitalisation of AUD $68M, is Andromeda Metals worth a visit to look at getting into the market? Alpha HPA Limited (ASX: A4N) has a market capitalisation of just over AUD $1B. Purity Confirmed — 99.9985% Figure 1 – Andromeda’s end-to-end process for the production of HPA from GWP. Lab-scale testing using refined kaolin from the Great White Project (GWP) resulted in HPA with a confirmed purity of 99.9985% , independently validated by EAG Eurofins USA  and CSIRO , Australia's national science agency.  This achievement is the result of over seven years of research and development, culminating in a proprietary flowsheet that sets a new benchmark for HPA production.    A Cleaner, Smarter Process   Andromeda’s novel process avoids many of the high-cost, high-emission steps used in traditional HPA production: No need for hydrochloric acid (HCl) crystallisation or re-leaching at extreme conditions  No calcination above 1250°C; the product can be calcined starting from 700°C  Estimated 68% reduction in carbon emissions , producing less than 4 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of HPA compared to 12.3 tonnes from conventional methods  Andromeda’s approach combines innovation with environmental responsibility, giving the company a significant edge as global demand grows for low-carbon critical minerals.   South Australia’s Renewable Advantage   The environmental benefits of Andromeda’s process are amplified by South Australia’s electricity grid, which is powered by more than 70% renewable energy. This offers the potential to further reduce the carbon footprint of HPA production from the Great White Project.   A Critical Mineral for Future Technologies   High Purity Alumina is an essential material used in: LED lighting  Semiconductor manufacturing  Lithium-ion battery separators  High-tech ceramics and synthetic sapphire  According to market forecasts, global demand for HPA is expected to outstrip supply by 45% by 2028. At present, approximately 88% of global HPA is produced using energy-intensive aluminium metal hydrolysis. Andromeda’s kaolin-based process offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.   Next Steps for Commercialisation   With proof-of-concept now achieved, Andromeda will proceed with:  A Scoping Study  to assess project economics  Customer engagement  to refine product specifications and formats  Investigating government funding opportunities   Development of a pilot plant  to test the process at a semi-continuous, industrial scale    Executive Perspective   Sarah Clarke, Acting CEO of Andromeda Metals, commented:  “While our primary focus remains on the Great White Project, the successful production of HPA opens up a high-value, complementary opportunity. Producing 4N HPA at lower cost and carbon intensity compared to traditional processes is a strong proposition for manufacturers. We are excited to work closely with future HPA customers to bring this opportunity to life.”    Concluding Comments from Samso Andromeda’s successful test work marks a transformative step towards sustainable, cost-competitive HPA production. With its high purity product, environmentally efficient process, and access to renewable power, the company is well-positioned to enter the growing critical minerals market. Anyone who has been following the Andromeda story would know that Andromeda Metals has been a frequent guest on Coffee with Samso, and there have been a lot of conversations on the myriad of products that come under Andromeda. The current announcement has obviously given shareholders something to cheer about (Figure 2), but the long-term shareholders will be looking for more uplift (Figure 3). Figure 2: Andromeda Metals Limited share price chart from 2023. (source: commsec) The rise and fall of Andromeda Metals have been legendary, but I still think that there are merits that could bring back some glory days, but that is going to take a lot of patience and hard work. Figure 3: Andromeda Metals Limited share price chart from 2020. (source: Commsec) The HPA Conversation The HPA conversation was brief, and at that time, I suppose things were very premature or at a very early stage of any development. This strategic move builds on the strength of the Great White Project and expands its commercial potential. What I like is that this has been a long-term investment, with the release mentioning that this latest work has been over 7 years. The HPA story is really something that is thrown around a lot, and it is very promotive when companies mention it. The ability to produce HPA stock is a fantastic opportunity for companies, especially those in the ASX. My Samso Insight on Alpha HPA Limited, entitled " Exploring the Potential of High Purity Alumina: A Review of Alpha HPA Limited (ASX: A4N) ", was really a look at the top end of where companies that are in the HPA sector should be. could be? or is? It is very hard to see where Andromeda could be now because we do not have another example of a story at this level of the business. There are hopeful companies in the HPA market, but I cannot see them making it. As I have mentioned, I have had several conversations with Andromeda in the past 5 years, and I do like what they may have, but I do like to see more substance develop from company announcements. What they currently have in the portfolio does make me think that Andromeda may actually be better, but that may be a reflection of my belief from past conversations, but the reality presently may bring a different outcome. I have not been following the company recently, but this will definitely put them on my radar screen again. As usual, take time to DYOR, and Happy Investing. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer.   Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments.   Click  here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Coffee with Samso Episode 203 may well be one of the best ASX small-cap resource businesses in 2025, that is largely unknown to the general investing community. The Cyclone Metals Limited (ASX:CLE)  is about the pedigree of the Iron Bear magnetite project. In Australia, the general ASX punter thinks of iron ore as haematite greater than 62% Fe, but there is a new sheriff in town and he is called Magnetite. Where can you find a mineral resource business that is owned by a small cap junior with a market capitalisation of less than AUD $50M that has funding all the way through to mining and processing the high-grade iron pellets? Just remember that Cyclone Metals was an AUD $10M market cap company when it started the journey. The transitioning from haematite to magnetite in the iron ore industry is happening and it is largely driven by the depleting of high-grade haematite iron ore. - Paul Berend In this episode of Coffee with Samso we are talking to Paul Berend, Executive Director and CEO of Cyclone Metals Limited (ASX:CLE) . Cyclone is a fascinating story of a junior aspiring to be a producer with a major, VALE, partnering with funding. A space in which most juniors would be struggling to find funding, CLE has a big brother taking care of all the bills. The Business of Cyclone Metals Limited. The steel-producing industry is transitioning to low emission and the process of Direct Reduction (DR) steel production is the solution to a global reduction in emission for the typically high carbon emission business. Direct Reduction steel production requires iron pellets that are very low in impurities and this is directly controlled by the quality of the source material. As Paul Berend explains, ....not all magnetite deposits are suitable for Direct Reduction Pellets which is why the Iron Bear deposit is perfectly aligned to allow this process to be achieved. Recent work by Cyclone Metals Limited has shown that the use of Direct Reduction on iron ore from Iron Bear can create iron pellets above 71% Fe content. According to Paul Berend, this is a very unique feature of the ore body. A feature that is not seen in many other iron ore resources and that includes those at Champion Iron. Click Below to Watch the Coffee with Samso: Paul proudly points out in the Coffee with Samso, The quality and the size of the Iron Bear Deposit moved the needle for VALE to take a position with Cyclone Metals. This is a great conversation with Paul Berend as he explains the story of Cyclone Metals clearly and in great detail. Chapters: 00:00 Start. 00:08 Introduction. 04:10 Who is Paul Berend? 05:24 The Magnetite Story - Why Have We Not Embraced it Yet? 08:44 Transition of Value from Haematite to Magnetite. 09:41 Carbon Footprint of Magnetite. 10:07 Rise of Magnetite Projects? 10:33 Depletion of Brazilian High-Grade Iron Ores -The Reason Why VALE is in CLE. 10:51 Importance of Direct Reduction (DR) Steel Production. 11:57 Only Way to Make Direct Reduction Steel - Premium of DR Pellets. 13:05 DR Pellet Market Comparison. 13:48 How Do You Make Direct Reduction Pellets? 15:14 Reason Why DR Pellet Production is Rare. 15:47 Comparison of Low Impurity Iron Deposits. 16:30 DR Player requires an ABILITY to Reduce Impurities. 18:01 How much of the Current Resource will transition to Reserve Status? 19:08 Iron Bear is a Low Stripping Ration deposit. 19:30 Metallurgy Will Increase the Economics of Iron Bear. 21:30 What is the main Business of Cyclone Metals? Is it DR Production? 22:26 Is Iron Bear DR Capabilities why Vale is interested? 23:18 Iron Bear can supply high-grade iron ore all the way to DR levels. 25:07 How Did the Agreement with Vale Evolve? 26:55 How important was the 10M? 28:30 Earning a Mandate to Operate Socially. 29:25 Importance of the First Nations Conversations. 32:12 How Important is the Relationship with First Nation Groups? 33:42 The Reasons why Vale could be the Reason for Success for Iron Bear. 36:24 Potentially One Technical Challenge for Iron Bear - Dry Tailings. 37:34 The Importance of Earning a Mandate To Operate 39:07 Twitter Shareholder Questions 39:27 Will the Trump Tariffs affect the Iron Bear Business? 40:48 The Vision of Iron Bear - It is a Bigger project than Champion Iron. 41:58 Reducing the Carbon Footprint of a Manufacturing Hub in Northern America. 43:25 How much is the resource expected to be built up to? 43:58 Iron Bear is a Premium Magnetite project. 45:15 What cost will the hydroelectric power cost us per kilowatt? 46:51 Green Energy Narration - Magnetite Naturally Reduces Carbon Emissions. 49:48 Discussion on iron ore prices. 54:23 Why is CLE still at 50M? 55:21 Why is there a feeling of disbelief in the Cyclone story? 58:02 The misunderstanding of the Iron Ore industry. 01:00:54 Takeaway. 01:01:18 Conclusion. PODCAST About Paul Berend Paul Berend brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the iron ore and steel industries, gained across blue-chip corporations and junior mining ventures. His corporate background includes senior roles such as GM Corporate Strategy at ArcelorMittal, GM Business Development at Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Director Australasia at Hatch. Paul is a passionate mining entrepreneur and was a founder and historic CEO of Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd (a titano-magnetite project in New Zealand ASX: MKR) and has played a key role in a number of private early-stage exploration ventures. In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Paul has a successful track record in turning around distressed producing mines and steel mills in difficult jurisdiction including Australia, PNG, Europe, GCC and Africa. He is a trusted advisor for Tier one natural resource companies, supporting operational, organisational and growth strategies. In this capacity, Paul’s previous employers include McKinsey& Company and Partners in Performance. Paul has an MBA from HEC (Paris, France), a MSc and DEA (~PhD) in chemical process design and chemistry from ENSIC (Nancy, France), a bachelor’s in applied mathematics and algebra from Harvard University (Cambridge, USA) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He speaks native and English and French as well as professional German. About Cyclone Metals Limited Cyclone Metals owns and operates the Iron Bear magnetite iron ore project, formerly known as the Block 103 Project. The Iron Bear Project consists of ten licenses totalling 7,275 ha on 291 graticular Mineral Claims under the applicable Labrador and Newfoundland mining regulation, located near the Provincial border of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and Quebec (QC), approximately 30 km northwest of the town of Schefferville, QC and 1,200 km by air northeast of Montréal, QC. The Iron Bear properties are located within 25 km of an open access heavy haul railway which is directly connected to the Sept Isles and Pointe Noire iron ore export ports. In addition, the Iron Bear has potential access to cheap renewable energy from the Menihek hydro-plant located 75km away. These two factors substantially improve the prospects for eventual economic extraction of the Iron Bear mineral resource. Notably, large scale iron ore export operations currently operate in the Labrador Trough; including IOC (Rio Tinto), Champion Iron and Tata Steel; all sharing the same rail and port infrastructure. Highlights: World Class Iron Ore Project: Mineral resource of 16.6 billion tonnes containing 29.3% total Fe and 18.2% magnetic Fe, cut-off grade 12.5% magnetic Fe. Low OPEX: Estimated OPEX of USD 35.6/t3 FOB Pointe Noire for blast furnace concentrate due to access to low-cost hydropower Strategic Tier 1 Asset: Iron ore asset with flexible development scenarios and the potential to ramp up production to over 100 Mta Mining Friendly Jurisdiction and Proximity to Infrastructure: Iron Bear located in Canada, less than 25km from an open access heavy haul railway with proximity to low cost to hydro-power High Quality Product: Production of high quality magnetite concentrate grading 71,3% Fe and 1.1% SiO2 in industrial pilot plant Fast Track Project Development: Underpinned by the supply of bulk samples of DR and BF concentrates to mill clients by Q2 2024 To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Declaration: I am a shareholder of Cyclone Metals Limited, and this review has not been endorsed by the company, nor has it been sponsored by any other party in any form (cash, shares, or options). The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and reflects my personal views and analysis. It is not intended to promote the company or create speculation. Readers should conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. The Cyclone Metals Limited (ASX:CLE) story is one that immediately resonated with me the first time I was shown the playbook. I recognised the value of the Iron Bear project and had no problem putting some hard-earned cash into the company. The project lies in the province of Quebec and is one project that is not easily recognised by the average investor unless you have come across Champion Iron Limited (ASX:CIA) . Cyclone Metals operates in the magnetite industry, and its recent surge in popularity is still regarded as a temporary trend without long-term prospects. It's understandable to believe that iron ore revolves around DSO and that haematite is the sole iron-rich mineral worth knowing. My thoughts are that when you look at Figure 1, the Cyclone Metals Limited price, compare it to Fenix Resources Limited (ASX:FEX) and Champion Iron Limited (ASX:CIA) , and then wonder if this could be like investing in Fortescue Limited (ASX:FMG) or Woodside Energy Limited (ASX:WPL) in those early days. Figure 1: Cyclone Metals Limited share price chart as of 27th February 2025. (source: commsec) Magnetite has never been a sexy product in Australia, as the Pilbara Iron Ore Dream is all about haematite and the greater than 62% Fe content. Magnetite was frowned upon until the Chinese Enterprise arrived on our shores in 2005/2006 and created a frenzy of iron projects and the famous MOU announcements that seem to trigger alarming share price gains. However, the festivities did not last and promptly ended in 2009. Those companies that got hooked onto that magnetite festival spent the next decade trying to "make it work," exited, or divested to entities that seem to have the holding power. The iron ore rush of the mid-2000s created some promising mid-cap companies inspired to be iron ore producers, but history shows that the only real sole survivor was Fortescue Limited (ASX:FMG) . The sole Chinese producer left was a company that could not fail, Citic Pacific Mining , which has built a large operation, the Sino Iron Project , an hour south of Karratha, Western Australia. The concept of upgrading the magnetite ore that typically has a low iron content to a grade in the plus 60% range was new to Australia, but as I have learnt over the years, that is what the rest of the world has been doing. Raw magnetite iron ore has a low iron content, but once it’s processed into a concentrate using beneficiation, it’s a high quality (65% Fe) product with low impurity levels – an ideal material for making steel pellets, which is the preferred feed in steelmaking. - Citic Pacific I remember being at the beginning of that project in 2007, thinking these guys are out of their minds. I witnessed an operation going from living in tents, old doggers with no ensuite, to the luxury of everyone having ensuites in the space of 9 months. We were told that this was going to be the biggest operation in Australia at AUD $2B. I think within 12 months of my departure from that project, I heard it had gone magnitudes over that number. As I mentioned previously, the Cyclone Metals story is not obvious as a value-adding process if you have not come across Champion Iron Limited or if you have not understood the value of upgrading magnetite ore. I still have people mentioning that the process will not work, but let's see if his review could change a few mindsets. For those who want to skip to the parts of the review, please use the list below. 1.0 Understanding Magnetite 2.0 The Iron Ore Market 3.0 The Labrador Trough - Canadian Iron Ore District 4.0 The Cyclone Metals Limited Story - Iron Bear Project 5.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts 1.0 Understanding Magnetite Magnetite , as an iron-rich mineral, actually contains more iron than the hematite mineral. However, while hematite ore typically has high concentrations of hematite, magnetite ore usually contains low concentrations of magnetite. Therefore, this type of iron ore must be concentrated before being used to produce steel. The magnetic properties of magnetite ore are advantageous during this process. Although magnetite ore may require more processing, products made from it are generally of higher quality than those made from hematite ore. This is because magnetite ore has fewer impurities than hematite ore; thus, the higher cost of processing magnetite ore can be offset. Australians only understand haematite as an iron ore mineral, but what is relatively unknown is that the Northern American iron ore is mainly magnetite. The Chinese use magnetite, and as they are the conglomerate of steelmaking, that speaks volumes. Magnetite ore is the main iron ore mined in the United States, Canada, and other iron-rich regions worldwide. In the US, major mining sites include the Mesabi Range in Minnesota and the Marquette Range in Michigan. These areas are part of the broader Iron Range, known for significant iron ore deposits. In Canada, the majority of magnetite mining takes place in what is known as the Labrador Trough, which is particularly iron-rich and is where mining companies focus on exploration and development. Cleveland-Cliffs is a key player in the magnetite mining industry, operating five iron ore sites, including the Hibbing Taconite joint venture in Minnesota’s Mesabi Range, which produces approximately 8 million metric tonnes of magnetite ore annually. The company is also North America's largest iron ore pellet producer. 2.0 The Iron Ore Market As many will know, iron is the staple of civilisation, and Figure 2 gives a schematic view of the major areas where notable iron ore deposits are discovered. One of the obvious messages from Figure 1 is that the central market for iron has been in China; Australia has the shortest distance to market; however, the rebuilding of the US is literally next door. Interestingly, the recent tariffs have not mentioned iron ore, and the steel-making machines in the US need cost-effective iron ore. Figure 2: Worldwide distribution of iron ore deposits. (source: [1]) There is a reason why the Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) came flooding into Australia like they did in the mid-2000s, and that is the distance to market. The Pilbara is flooded with iron from haematite (30% plus to 62% plus) to even more magnetite. There are multiple billions of iron-bearing geology in the region, and that is still going to be the mecca for iron ore, for now. The old business had been all about mining haematite (Figure 3), but as we are all learning with the green energy revolution, the green iron phenomenon is just being played out. Figure 3: Mining haematite as iron ore. This is not saying that the haematite iron ore business is going to be bearish. Like crude oil, the call for a ban on procuring oil is as ludicrous as the thought that the mining of iron-ore oxides is losing market share. This will never happen as long as you are supplying the higher end of the market. The big story will be how much disruption the Simandou Iron Ore mine (Figure 4) will do to existing higher-grade projects and how it will severely reduce the economics of the lower-grade companies. Figure 4: The Simandou Iron Ore project in Guinea. (source: GMK Centre ) The magnetite business is not DSO, but it's all about producing the pellets (Figure 5), which are then shipped to the end user. The haematite game is a Direct Shipping Ore process and involves no processing. Figure 5: Magnetite products. The top left is from the Sino Iron Ore project in Western Australia. The top right and bottom are products from the Cyclone Metals Limited Iron Bear project in Canada. (source: Sino Iron Ore Project and Cyclone Metals Limited) There are other magnetite deposits that have very high grades in the 60% and 70%, but they tend to be in smaller volumes, commonly in less than 5M tonnes. These types of magnetite ores are rare to non-existent in the billions of tonnes, so this is why currently, the Banded Iron Formation type of magnetite ores is sought after by miners. As the iron ore price trend is in the current range (Figure 6), those who have low costs, like the Pilbara major players who are ranging in USD $25/T, will continue to make money. Those that are selling the magnetite pellets in the range of > 60%, like Champion Iron and potentially Cyclone Metals, will make even more as they are selling "Green Iron," which is potentially selling with a USD $60 to $90 premium to the base price, so I am told. Unlike the oxide ores, the sulphide ores that yield magnetite are a chemical process. The easier you upgrade, the more cost-effective your process is, and the higher grade you are able to achieve. Cyclone potentially fits that bill, as the company tells us, so with fingers crossed, let's hope that is consistent. Figure 6: The iron ore pricing for iron ore with a 62% iron content. (source: tradingeconomics.com ) With the market currently expecting increased Chinese demand in 2025, this seems like an ideal time for Cyclone Metals to capitalize on its unique asset. In January, the Chinese government issued CNY 693 billion in new government bonds, more than double the amount from the previous year, indicating that officials are beginning to act on earlier promises to stimulate the country's slowing economy. According to Trading Economics, there is increased optimism that the housing crisis bottomed out last year. Local authorities have reportedly begun purchasing property from major distressed developers, signalling a willingness to support the sector, which is one of the world's largest steel consumers. Meanwhile, major iron ore producer BHP noted that signs of economic recovery in China and rate cuts by global central banks this year are expected to boost demand for precious metals. 3.0 The Labrador Trough—Canadian Iron Ore District Iron ore in Canada comes from four provinces: Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Nunavut. The major source of iron ore is found in the Labrador Trough, which is bordered by Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador (Figure 7). Figure 7: This graph illustrates Canada’s iron ore production by province and territory in 2023. Quebec led with 33.6 million tonnes, representing 57% of the total production. Newfoundland and Labrador followed with 20.2 million tonnes, accounting for 34%, while Nunavut contributed 5.6 million tonnes, making up 9% of the national production. (source: Natural Resources Canada). The Labrador Trough is located in north-eastern Quebec and western Labrador, Canada (Figure 8). It extends in a sinuous southerly direction for 1100 km from Ungava Bay to within 300 km of the St. Lawrence River. Figure 8: Labrador Trough, showing major iron deposits in Quebec and Labrador. (source [1]) The term Labrador Trough is used to describe an extensive geosyncline of Proterozoic rocks that traverses the Quebec-Labrador Peninsula for 1100 km. This belt is about 100 km wide in the central part and narrows considerably to the north and south. The Labrador Trough contains three main types of iron deposits: [1] Soft iron ores are formed by supergene leaching and enrichment of the weakly metamorphosed cherty iron formation; they are composed mainly of friable fine-grained secondary iron oxides (hematite, goethite, limonite). Taconites, the fine-grained, weakly metamorphosed iron formations with above-average magnetite content, which are also commonly called magnetite iron formations. More intensely metamorphosed, coarser-grained iron formations, termed metataconites by G.A. Gross (1968), contain specular hematite and subordinate amounts of magnetite as the dominant iron minerals. 4.0 The Cyclone Metals Limited Story—Iron Bear Project Cyclone Metals Limited's business may seem complicated when considering the technical aspects like the science of upgrading and achieving the proposed high grade. However, the overall business narrative is quite straightforward. The most important part of the Cyclone story is that it is an investment in the last part of a project. The ability to proceed to the production and processing stage has been made simpler with the completion of the binding MOU with VALE , which was released on the ASX ( Cyclone Metals and Vale execute Development Agreement for the Iron Bear Project ), spelling out all the missing pieces of the project, which are the funding and the potential exit for shareholders. For a company that currently has a market capitalisation of less than AUD $80M (as of 27th February 2025), this agreement sets it up for a pretty comfortable ride to production. The iron ore price (Figure 5) is probably either going to stay in the current range or move higher. The demand from China will have to kick in soon, as they need to stimulate the economy, and the consensus from market commentary seems to agree, at this stage. If this happens, we will be assured that the iron ore price will be potentially higher. Simplistically put, Cyclone has a resource of 16.6 billion tonnes @ 29.3% Fe% (inferred and indicated JORC 2012 compliant—ASX Release—( Significant Mineral Resource Upgrade for Project Iron Bear ) and 18.2% magnetic Fe, with a cut-off grade of 12.5% magnetic Fe. I will not pretend to know the science , but from afar, I feel comfortable that the guys that know have pretty much scrutinised the numbers and are ok with it. For me, the Indicated Mineral Resource of 2.15 billion tonnes containing 28.68% total Fe and 19% magnetic Fe is the first important message. The metallurgical report indicating favourable upgrading parameters and grinding of the magnetite will be the key to the rest of the business. The metallurgical points from the ASX release are listed below: Production of a Direct Reduction grade concentrate grading 70.6% Fe and 1.2% SiO₂ with an overall magnetic Fe yield of 88.9%² Production of a Blast Furnace grade concentrate grading 68.9% and 3.4% silica with a magnetic Fe yield of 95.5% Very low deleterious elements (P, MnO, etc.) Favourable grindability indices of BWi = 16.7 kWh/t and SMC = 11.7 kWh/t The other key interest is the infrastructure issues that seem to be also checked off in the ASX release. It is good to remember that there has been a history of iron mining in the area; therefore, Cyclone is not pioneering a new mining region. There is a decent-sized rail line in place, and in a world of iron ore, this is critical. I fully understand the significance of infrastructure, which is why Tier 1 jurisdictions are crucial when evaluating mining projects. Canada, similar to Australia, is a top-tier location for investing heavily in such projects, as the government relies on mining to create national wealth. 5.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts There is an old saying, "Once bitten, twice shy," which is commonly said but sparingly applied in the real world. This is why history frequently repeats itself, and we all make the same mistakes over and over again. For me, that was not realising that the Champion Iron bandwagon still had a lot of legs left in February 2019 and missing out on Fenix Resources Limited (ASX:FEX) at the beginning of that year. When the Iron Bear project came across me, I was all over it. Looking at the business plan for Cyclone, I cannot help but feel that there may be similarities to that of Champion Iron. Looking at the share price chart for Champion (Figure 9), I am hoping that Cyclone will bear some similarities, one would hope. A third of Champion's market capitalisation would be a good prize for most shareholders of Cyclone at this stage (Figure 9). However, as we all know that the market has a habit of doing its own things, one should tread water carefully, and the best option is to take a long - term view. If you take note of Figure 9, it is good to know that the first significant jump in share price was in 2017, so that was 8 years to date. Figure 9: The Champion Iron Limited share price chart as of 25th February 2025. (source: commsec) The Fenix Resources Limited lesson was that I thought the resource was too small, and I could not see how they would be able to monetise the project so far inland with no rail. Well, that was another misconception derived from not understanding the business. The extremely high grade of the product made it commercial. The lesson from that is the high-grade nature of Cyclone is the key. The 72% and even the 68% products that Cyclone is promoting as an end product will put them in premium pricing territory. Another saying in our mining game is Grade is King, and that Cyclone has that grade. For me, the strongest endorsement is the binding MOU. Companies like VALE would not invest significant time during the due diligence phase, sign a non-binding MOU, and then finalize it by making it binding only to walk away afterwards. Additionally, it’s unlikely that a major company like VALE would go through all that effort without signing a binding agreement, only to overlook straightforward issues such as ore upgrade potential, missing infrastructure, technical problems that could threaten the project, or jurisdictional complexities. Vale, formerly Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, is a Brazilian multinational corporation engaged in metals and mining and one of the largest logistics operators in Brazil. Vale is the largest producer of iron ore and nickel in the world. What Could Go Wrong? Iron ore pricing is a key factor that could render Cyclone Metals insignificant. This possibility always exists, and market dynamics are inherently unpredictable. While the fluctuating price remains a concern, the market is currently stable, and with major economies needing to stimulate growth, the outlook for iron ore is not unfavorable. Technical shortcomings  in the development of ore processing and upgrading present another possible obstacle. I believe that if there were going to be a problem, the business wouldn't have progressed to this point. Although this is a significant challenge that could cause any business to fail, I think companies like VALE would have identified it. It's also important to note that upgrading magnetite is not a new process. In fact, upgrading magnetite ore is likely the simplest aspect of Cyclone Metals' operations. The next potential issue could be an internal collapse in management , but given the high stakes, I believe it would be addressed swiftly. Paul Berend and Paul Vermeulen are crucial for success, as their experience will propel operations. Other technical and financial staff will be relatively easier to find. The market's view of their performance will be vital for the business's future, influencing overall market confidence in the company. The agreements with the First Nations community will be the next hurdle. From what I have gathered from publicly released information, this seems to be managed. Infrastructure looks ok from what I have researched. The Trump Tariffs are currently creating market turbulence, but I do think that the viability of the business has been shown to be more about the long term than any short term market fluctuations. How the dust settles with the specifics of the tariffs may not even affect iron ore coming from Canada. Like all projects, the access to funding is always the cloud hanging over every business. However, it does appear that the VALE agreement has addressed this part of the business. I believe the challenges facing Cyclone Metals will primarily stem from three areas: a decline in iron ore prices, a conflict with First Nations, and insufficient funding. Based on the news release, there are valid reasons to believe that these issues are currently being addressed. Retail is Not Driving This Narrative Some recent news published in the Sydney Morning Herald - Billionaires bullish on magnetite as new hematite discoveries slow - makes for a good read. A series of magnetite projects are making their run into being upgraded to the numbers mentioned by Cyclone Metals Limited. The introduction of magnetite to feed the Green Iron narrative is no longer being played out in conversations. The moves are well entrenched and remind me of the recent lithium rush. The article talks about the likes of Andrew Forrest and Gina Reinhart making big moves to have a share of the pie. The asset accumulation has already started, and those who are looking to take that ride may have been left standing on the jetty. Reading through the article, it may appear that the good projects have left the port. If anyone questions whether the entire Green Iron initiative is a marketing strategy, in October 2024, a consortium called Green Iron SA was established, consisting of Magnetite Mines , Flinders Ports , Aurizon , and GHD . This group intends to create a magnetite mining operation in the Braemar region of South Australia, with plans to produce export-quality pellets and build a direct reduced iron plant at Port Pirie. The recent bailout of the Gupta-controlled steelworks in Whyalla, South Australia, by the government is another endorsement of establishing a serious green iron ore-steel-making region (Figure 10). Figure 10: GFG Alliance’s mining arm, SIMEC Mining has produced its first high quality GREENSTEEL pellets that will underpin the future of decarbonised steel production in Whyalla, South Australia. This effort aims to establish South Australia as a leading supplier of green iron to Asian markets, utilizing the state's abundant magnetite resources and renewable energy. When you take all those components into consideration, one would have to conclude that this is worth some DYOR yourself and consideration with your financial advisors. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Reference: Swain, Sagar Kumar, Mishra, Devi Prasad, 2020 Global trends in reserves, production, and utilization of iron ore and its sustainability with special emphasis to India, Vol 68, June, pp11-18 Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to Your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Coffee with Samso Episode 204 is all about Lupins and Lupin Protein Isolate. Coupled with the favourable growing climate in Western Australia, Wide Open Agriculture Limited (ASX:WOA) could become a major player in a billion-dollar market. The Wide Open Agriculture came across my screen about two weeks ago, and it caught my attention because I was doing content on superfoods and came across the benefits of lupins in 2019. While I was doing research over time, the share price of the company started to move, and in fact, on the day I was talking to Yazi Zhan, the Non Executive Chair of WOA, about making an appearance on Coffee with Samso, she was in the middle of dealing with her company's share price going for a run to a high of AUD $0.029, from the previous trade of AUD $0.016. In today's episode of Coffee with Samso, we are talking to Yazi Zhan, who knows this business intimately and will give us a good insight into firstly the benefits of Lupin and Lupin Protein Isolate, followed by what I think could make WOA a global player in the highly sought-after plant-based nutrition business. The Business of Wide Open Agriculture Limited. Wide Open Agriculture Limited (ASX: WOA) is planning to be in the global plant-based protein sector, thanks to its proprietary technology that unlocks the full potential of lupins—a high-protein, regenerative legume native to Australia. As the exclusive holder of intellectual property for extracting lupin protein isolate, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the clean-label, sustainable food movement. At the heart of this innovation is BUTINE PROTEIN , Wide Open Agriculture’s signature lupin protein isolate. Clean, allergen-friendly, and remarkably versatile, BUTINE PROTEIN  offers a powerful alternative to soy and pea proteins, catering to the fast-growing demand for ethical and environmentally responsible nutrition. With this cutting-edge IP and a focus on regenerative farming, Wide Open Agriculture is not just producing protein—it’s pioneering a smarter, greener way to feed the world. Chapters: 00:00 Start 00:09 Introduction 03:30 Who is Yaxi Zhan? 05:18 History of WOA? 08:28 Discussion about Lupin 15:06 Lupin Isolate 17:20 Importance of the China Market Approval 20:47 How does WOA protect its Core Business? 25:36 Limitations of Growing Lupin Give Australia a Natural Advantage. 26:42 Types of Lupin 28:30 Competitors? 30:52 Market size for Lupin 36:50 What are the business triggers for WOA? 38:50 Funding strategy 40:05 Takeaway 40:43 News flow 41:37 Conclusion PODCAST About Yaxi Zhan Yaxi is Mongolian Chinese and has called Perth home since 2004. In under 12 years, she transformed her career from a finance professional into a mining executive. With a strong background in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border transactions, Yaxi founded Accelerate Resources—an ASX-listed resource company—and served as its Managing Director from 2017 to 2024. Most recently, she has taken on an exciting new challenge as Chairman of Wide Open Agriculture, where she is leading the company’s growth strategy. About Wide Open Agriculture Limited At Wide Open Agriculture, our mission is to create a range of great-tasting and high-performing plant protein ingredients. We are focused on developing high-performance lupin proteins that improve outcomes for: Customers Food Manufacturers Farmers We see a global movement for greater inclusion of plant proteins in daily diets. We also see compromises in existing offerings and believe that there are better alternatives. By developing better end markets, we see plant proteins as a positive force for change in the agriculture industry, where lupins can play a key part in reducing emissions and improving agricultural systems. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

An advanced copper developer looking to enter the world of copper producers in Chile. With a rising copper price and the realisation that copper is indeed in a supply crunch, this could be a worthwhile company to have a decent effort to DYOR. Marimaca Copper Corp.  (TSX: MARI, ASX: MC2)  is a Canadian exploration and development company  focused on copper exploration in  Chile . The company is listing on the ASX to gain access to  Australian capital markets  while maintaining its primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) . Marimaca Copper Corp. has a market capitalisation of C$563M and has an MRE of 238MT @0.44% Cu with 1,041kt of contained copper, and it is not your average mineral explorer looking for copper in South America. The IPO is a compliance listing to achieve a dual listing status for the company to legally create a path to access funds from the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). It is best to seek advice from your equity broker as to how one would participate in this listing, as that would be above the capabilities of Samso. Our interest in reviewing Marimaca is that it may be an opportunity to get access in the ASX to a valued TSX company with a decent-looking copper-producing opportunity. The timeline for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is encouraging, and although this is not a guarantee of success, this is a great opportunity to be able to participate as a copper producer in a region well known for its copper mining and production. To make it simple, readers can use the links below to move faster through the review of the Marimaca Copper Corp story. 1.0 IPO Details 2.0 Share Options & Escrow 3.0 Use of IPO Funds 4.0 Escrow Arrangements: 5.0 Key Dates 6.0 Directors of Marimaca Copper Corp.:  7.0 Management 8.0 Marimaca Copper Projects & Locations 8.10 Project History 8.20 Marimaca Copper Deposit Summary 8.30 Marimaca Copper Project – Exploration & Drilling Summary 8.40 Geology and Mineralisation – Marimaca Copper Project 8.41 Regional Geology 8.42 Cover Rocks 8.43 Metallogenic Setting 8.44 Deposit Characteristics 8.45 Mineralogy 8.50 Mineral Resources – Marimaca Copper Project 8.60 Project Status 9.0 Sierra de Medina Project – Summary 9.10 Overview 9.20 Location, Access & Infrastructure 9.30 Mineral Tenure 9.40 Infrastructure and Mining Hub Overview 10.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts 1.0 IPO Details (source: Prospectus) Offering: 100 CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) at A$6.00 per CDI, raising a total of A$600. CDI Ratio: 1 CDI = 1 common share. Market Capitalization: C$562 million (as of the last trading day before the prospectus). Number of Shareholders: The company has several major shareholders, including Greenstone Capital LLP (25.31%), Assore International Holdings Ltd (14.99%), and Ithaki Ltd (9.47%). ASX Listing: Expected to begin trading - TBA. 2.0 Share Options & Escrow (source: Prospectus) Outstanding Stock Options (as of November 12, 2024): Exercise Prices:  Range from C$1.25 to C$5.00 . Expiry Dates:  Between  April 2025 and October 2028 . Recent Stock Option Grants: 2023 Grants: marimaca.com Quantity: 0.5 million  stock options granted. Exercise Price:  Weighted average of C$4.00 per option. Option Life: 5 years . Valuation: Fair value estimated at  C$0.8 million . 3.0 Use of IPO Funds   The IPO proceeds will be used for:   1.   ASX Listing Compliance & Administration . 2.   General Working Capital . 3.   Supporting exploration & development  at Marimaca & Sierra de Medina. 4.0 Escrow Arrangements (source: Prospectus) Public Disclosures: Specific details regarding escrowed shares or lock-up periods for Marimaca Copper Corp. are not publicly disclosed in the available sources. Common Practices: Escrow arrangements typically apply to insiders or significant shareholders, especially during financing events or initial public offerings (IPOs). Such arrangements are designed to prevent large-scale selling immediately after these events, thereby stabilizing the stock price. Recommendation: For detailed information on any existing escrow agreements, it is advisable to consult Marimaca Copper Corp.'s official filings or contact their investor relations department. Note: The information provided is based on publicly available sources as of March 15, 2025. 5.0 Key Dates (source: Prospectus) May 18, 2023 – Updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), increasing Measured & Indicated Resources by 44% to 200Mt @ 0.45% Cu. April 15, 2024 – Development update on the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), geo-metallurgical modelling, and permitting. May 22, 2024 – First Community Open House in Mejillones, improving ESG rating to an "A" score. July 16, 2024 – Strategic C$68M investment by Assore International Holdings (AIH) through share acquisition & private placement. August 7, 2024 – Closed C$30.3M private placements, increasing AIH's stake to 14.99% of outstanding shares. November 18, 2024 – Announced dual listing process on ASX to access institutional capital. March 13, 2025 – Expected ASX listing under the ticker "MC2," marking expansion into the Australian market. Target Production Timeline: 2028 – Advancing towards full-scale copper production   6.0 Directors of Marimaca Copper Corp.: (source: Prospectus)   Michael Haworth – Non-Executive Chairman Extensive experience in mining finance and corporate strategy. Hayden Locke – President & CEO Strong background in mining investment, project development, and corporate leadership. Giancarlo Bruno Lagomarsino – Non-Executive Director Experience in investment banking and capital markets. Clive Newall – Non-Executive Director Mining executive with experience in resource exploration and project development. Tim Petterson – Non-Executive Director Focus on corporate governance and mining investment. Colin Kinley – Non-Executive Director Technical expertise in resource exploration and feasibility studies. Alan Stephens – Non-Executive Director Over 40 years of experience in copper exploration in Chile. Kieran Daly – Non-Executive Director Experienced in mining project evaluation and financing.  7.0 Management (source: Prospectus)   •    José Antonio Merino  – CFO & Managing Director (Chile) •    Sergio Rivera –  VP, Exploration •    Solange González – General Counsel & Company Secretary •    Nico Cookson  –  Head of Corporate Development 8.0 Marimaca Copper Projects & Locations (source: Prospectus) The Company’s flagship asset is the Marimaca Copper Project in Chile’s Antofagasta region. It is one of the few greenfield copper discoveries made globally in the last decade and is a low-risk project with substantial exploration potential. Figure 1: Marimaca Project location map. (source: Prospectus) The Marimaca Copper Project (Figure 1) is situated in Chile’s Antofagasta Province, Region II, roughly 25 km west of the port of Mejillones, about 45 km north of Antofagasta city, and 1,250 km north of Santiago, Chile. The project site is positioned at approximately 374,820 E and 7,435,132 S in WGS84 UTM coordinates. The project is within top-tier utilities and infrastructure. The Marimaca Project is comprised of 20 mining/exploitation concessions covering approximately 961 hectares. These concessions are listed in the national mining claims register and are in Sierra Naguayán, Commune of Mejillones, Province and Region of Antofagasta. 8.10 Project History (source: [1- Luis Oviedo]) In the general Project area, modern small-scale artisanal mining activities were conducted from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, with underground workings reaching a maximum depth of about 100m. No modern exploration occurred until Coro Mining Corp. (Coro), which later became Marimaca Copper, began acquiring the Project's ground holdings. The Marimaca deposit was discovered in 2016 after a reverse circulation (RC) drill program. Coro then conducted detailed geological surface mapping, rock chip sampling, additional RC drilling, core drilling for geotechnical and geometallurgical studies, metallurgical test work, and mining studies. An initial resource estimate was completed in January 2017, with Mineral Reserves first estimated in 2018. Coro completed a feasibility study in June 2018 (the 2018 Feasibility Study). This study considered using conventional equipment for open-pit mining to supply a refurbished process plant, known as the Ivan plant, capable of producing 10,000 tons of cathode copper annually. The 2018 Feasibility Study is not currently the favored option for Project development. Marimaca Copper does not regard the study as current, and the Mineral Reserve estimates are also not considered current. Nonetheless, some baseline information from the 2018 Feasibility Study was utilized in the 2020 PEA. An Environmental Impact Statement (Declaración de Impacto Ambiental, DIA in Spanish) and the Mining Safety Regulations and Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) were approved on 5 July 2018. Mineral Resources were updated in late 2019 as part of an internal study of the Mixed area (MAMIX) and again in 2022, with results discussed in the 2022 MRE report. This included a total of 110,790m drilled across 429 drill holes. The 2023 MRE includes a total of 139,164m across 554 drill holes. Coro changed its name to Marimaca Copper in May 2020. 8.20 Marimaca Copper Deposit Summary Geology, Mineralization and Deposit Types (source: [1- Luis Oviedo]) Location & Context: Marimaca lies in Chile’s Coastal Copper Belt, among other Mesozoic-age copper deposits (e.g., Mantos Blancos, Ivan). It displays features of both manto-type  and IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold)  deposits. Geology & Structure: Hosted in intrusives of the Naguayán Stock  (monzodiorite-diorite), the deposit is heavily fractured, especially along a north-south (NS) structural belt. These fractures form "sheeted-like" zones that enhance permeability. Later, NW and WNW faults also aided in fluid movement and oxide formation. Mineralization: The deposit is characterized by a copper oxide blanket  at surface, ~1,600m long (NNW), 400–500m wide, and 200–300m thick. The upper two-thirds consist of copper oxides (e.g. brochantite, atacamite, chrysocolla), while the lower third is mixed with secondary sulfides like chalcocite and covellite. Structural control is key to the distribution of mineralization. Alteration: The deposit shows Na-Ca (calc-sodic) metasomatism  with limited hydrothermal destruction. Alteration minerals include albitite, chlorite, minor K-spar, and biotite. Limonite (goethite) is associated with oxides. Unique Features: While Marimaca shares some IOCG features (low pyrite, chalcopyrite-magnetite, sodic alteration), it lacks gold and shows an unusually intense supergene  (near-surface oxidation) overprint. This secondary oxide blanket is thought to result from prolonged oxidation of an earlier sulfide-rich zone, despite the primary IOCG system being low in pyrite. This points to a unique evolution involving repeated oxidation and lateral copper migration. 8.30 Marimaca Copper Project – Exploration & Drilling Summary (source: Prospectus) Artisanal Mining History: Small-scale underground mining occurred between the 1990s and mid-2000s, reaching depths of up to 100 meters. Modern Exploration: This began in 2016  with the Company’s land consolidation and RC drilling that led to the discovery of the Marimaca Oxide Deposit . Exploration Activities Since 2016 include: Surface mapping and rock chip sampling Reverse circulation (RC) and diamond core drilling Geotechnical and geo-metallurgical studies Metallurgical test work and mining studies Mineral Resource Estimates (NI 43-101): First estimate completed in January 2017 Updated in 2019 , 2022 , and most recently in May 2023 Drilling Overview (as of May 2023): Total holes:  560 Total meters drilled:  139,164m RC drilling:  127,186m Diamond drilling:  11,978m (mostly PQ and HQ3 core sizes) Eight drilling campaigns over 2016–2022 Average drill spacing: 50m × 50m , oriented at 220° and 310°, with 60° dip Drilling Contractors: RC and core drilling completed by Drillex  and Major Drilling Reporting Standards: Exploration results and resources reported under NI 43-101 Additional compliance under the JORC Code (2012)  in supporting technical documents (Annexure D) 8.40 Geology and Mineralisation – Marimaca Copper Project 8.41 Regional Geology Oldest Rocks: Late Palaeozoic to Triassic  metasediments and intermediate intrusives. Intrusive Activity: Early Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous  intrusive stocks dominate the region. Younger intrusives host the Marimaca oxide copper mineralisation . Volcanics: La Negra Formation , a bimodal volcanic event (similar to a large igneous province), surrounds the project area. Dyke System: Extensive bimodal dykes  (gabbro to rhyodacite) intrude both volcanics and intrusives, mapped over tens of kilometres. Dated at 145–148 Ma , coinciding with regional manto-type  copper events. 8.42 Cover Rocks Tertiary marine sediments  mark paleo shorelines on the Mejillones Peninsula. Valley gravels and ash  layers to the east date back 10–12 million years . 8.43 Metallogenic Setting Manto-type deposits: Hosted in La Negra volcanics , typically in brecciated and vesicular lava flows , and occasionally in veins and breccias . Alteration is weak and subtle (albitisation, K-feldspar replacement). IOCG-style mineralisation: Occurs in Jurassic intrusives , with Marimaca  seen as an atypical IOCG variant  due to its unique structural controls  and deep supergene oxidation . Porphyry copper systems  exist near the project’s eastern margin. 8.44 Deposit Characteristics Marimaca Oxide Deposit: A supergene copper oxide blanket  exposed at surface. Extends ~1,800m NNW , 500–700m wide , and 200–350m thick . Upper 2/3: Copper oxides Lower 1/3: Mixed zone with secondary sulfides Depth of Oxidation: Supergene alteration reaches depths of over 400m , due to favorable post-Jurassic geomorphological and climatic evolution. Structural Controls: Mineralisation follows N–SE dipping structures  and late NW–EW fault systems . 8.45 Mineralogy Oxide Zone Terms Used by Company: "Brochantite zone" : Actually dominated by atacamite (clinoatacamite)  with minor brochantite. "Enriched sulphide" / "chalcocite zone" : Zone with chalcocite and covellite , replacing chalcopyrite  or coating pyrite . Gangue Minerals: Limonite , goethite , minor hematite , clays, iron oxides, gypsum. Associated Alteration Minerals: Actinolite , chlorite , and magnetite . 8.50 Mineral Resources – Marimaca Copper Project Original Reporting Framework: The Marimaca Copper Project's Mineral Resource  was originally reported under the NI 43-101  standard. The most recent NI 43-101 technical report  is titled "Updated Mineral Resource Estimation for the Marimaca Copper Project, Antofagasta Region, Chile," with an effective date of May 2023 . JORC Code Reporting (2025 MRE): The 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate (2025 MRE)  is the first  version to be reported under the JORC Code (2012) . SRK Consulting (Australasia) Pty Ltd  acted as the Independent Technical Expert , preparing the resource estimate included in Annexure D  of the technical report. Data Consistency: The 2025 MRE uses exactly the same drillhole data and estimation approach  as the 2023 NI 43-101 Mineral Resource. JORC Compliance & Documentation: The JORC Code (2012)  Table 1 for the 2025 MRE is provided in Appendix A  of the Independent Technical Expert’s Report. This appendix includes: Drill collar locations Hole orientations Significant and high-grade intervals Summary of nearby and near-mine exploration drilling Material Significance: The 2025 MRE represents the Company’s primary material asset . Further details of the 2025 MRE and the Marimaca Copper Project are available in the Independent Technical Expert's Report in Annexure D and the Chilean Solicitor's Report in Annexure E. 8.60 Project Status (source: Prospectus) A Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS)  is in progress. Environmental permitting submitted for copper cathode production . Expected to be a significant near-term copper supplier . 9.0 Sierra de Medina Project – Summary The Sierra de Medina Project concessions are located about 85 km north-northeast of Antofagasta and roughly 28 km east of the Marimaca Copper Project. This project includes four exploration activity centers (prospects): Pías, Antennas, Pampa Medina, and Madrugador, as illustrated in Figure 2 below. Excluding the Pampa Medina and Madrugador regions, the Sierra de Medina Project consists of 55 mining concessions and spans approximately 14,361 hectares. The Pampa Medina area consists of 12 mining concessions covering around 144 hectares. The Madrugador area includes 10 mining concessions and covers about 852 hectares. Figure 2: Sierra de medina Project Areas. (source: Prospectus) 9.10 Overview Location: ~85 km north-northeast of Antofagasta ~28 km east of the Marimaca Copper Project Exploration Prospects: The project contains four main prospects : Pías Antennas Pampa Medina Madrugador Total Concessions & Area: Core Project (excluding Pampa Medina & Madrugador): 55 mining concessions Covers ~ 14,361 hectares Held by ICAL , a Marimaca subsidiary Pampa Medina Area: 12 mining concessions ~ 144 hectares Held by SCM Elenita MCAL  has a purchase option  (dated 8 August 2024 ) under Article 169 of the Chilean Mining Code Madrugador Area: 10 mining concessions ~ 852 hectares Held by SLM Juanita  and SLM Madrugador MCAL  has a purchase option  (dated 9 December 2024 ) under Article 169 of the Chilean Mining Code 9.20 Location, Access & Infrastructure The project benefits from similar infrastructure and access  as the Marimaca Copper Project, due to its proximity (~28 km east). 9.30 Mineral Tenure Ownership and options for each area are clearly defined: ICAL : Core 55 concessions SCM Elenita : Holds Pampa Medina – under option to MCAL SLM Juanita & SLM Madrugador : Hold Madrugador – under option to MCAL Additional legal and tenement details are available in: Annexure E  – Chilean Solicitor’s Report Annexure F  – Tenement Schedule 9.40 Infrastructure and Mining Hub Overview (source: Prospectus) Proximity to Key Cities & Infrastructure: Easily accessible from Antofagasta  and Mejillones  via a well-maintained multi-lane highway. Antofagasta International Airport  is just 45 km from the project. Final access is via maintained dirt roads from the paved B12 road , which connects to the Antofagasta–Tocopilla Route . Geographic & Environmental Context: Located ~39 km north of the Tropic of Capricorn , in the Cordillera de la Costa  range. Elevation ranges from 400 m to 1,000 m above sea level. Dry desert climate , with minimal vegetation—except where irrigation or the coastal Camanchaca  sea mist supports growth. Average rainfall is just 2–3 mm annually, though rare storms can deliver 12–30 mm. Conditions are suitable for year-round mining operations . 10.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts Marimaca Copper Corp. is an interesting IPO as it is bringing over a fairly well-established porphyry project into the ASX. Table 2 is a table that shows a comparison between the two projects in the company and it is clear that the two projects are at very different stages. Table 2: Comparing major attributes of the Marimaca Copper and Sierra de medina projects. Feature Marimaca Copper Project Sierra de Medina Project Location ~45 km from Antofagasta Airport ~85 km north-northeast of Antofagasta ~39 km north of the Tropic of Capricorn ~28 km east of Marimaca Copper Project Access Paved highways + dirt roads Similar infrastructure and access to Marimaca Main Focus Copper oxide & secondary sulfide deposit Early-stage exploration across 4 prospects Exploration Stage Advanced – NI 43-101 & JORC Mineral Resource defined Early exploration – concessions and option agreements in place Resource Status 2025 MRE under JORC (same as 2023 NI 43-101) No public resource estimate yet Total Area Not specified here (focused deposit area ~1,800m × 500–700m) ~15,357 hectares total (combined from 3 areas) Ownership Held by Marimaca Copper and its subsidiaries Mix of held and optioned concessions under MCAL Legal Framework NI 43-101 and JORC Code (2012) Chilean Mining Code – Article 169 for option agreements Key Prospects N/A (single consolidated deposit) Pías, Antennas, Pampa Medina, Madrugador As I mentioned earlier, the main reason for having a look at Marimaca Copper Corp is the Marimaca Copper project, which appears to be on a short timeline to potentially join the ranks of copper producers. Mining the oxides and treating the oxides is a great way to step into the copper-producing world in a shorter timeline. This is what the likes of Cyprium Metals Limited (ASX:CYM) were trying to achieve before the rising interest rate put an end to that concept. The company then changed management, and it has struggled to bring back the mojo. It is the lack of success with projects that help new projects such as Marimaca look attractive. Jurisdictions like South America are geared for business such as what Marimaca Copper Corp. is endeavouring to manifest. Chile, Peru, and Argentina are the mecca for such projects. The lack of funding opportunities in Northern America is creating some great opportunities for ASX investors. Whether this project will become economic will be part of this process of due diligence and patience. I would think that a Heap Leaching process would be a great way for the oxide ores, which would allow the question of economic viability a much greater chance of success. A perfect arid climate, like Australia's, is ideal for any heap-leaching ideas. I know this has been a long list of details, but I think this is a great way to summarise the information from the prospectus. Like always, DYOR and happy investing. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Reference: [1- Luis Oviedo] Updated Mineral Resource Estimation for the Marimaca Copper Project, Antofagasta Region, Chile Luis Oviedo, P.Geo. NCL Ingeniería y Construcción SpA Marcelo Jo MJO Engineering and Consultants in Metallurgy SpA   Effective date: May 18, 2023 Report date: June 26, 2023 Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

A notable announcement by E79 Gold Mines Limited (ASX: E79) securing 100% ownership of the Mountain Home Copper-Gold-Bismuth Project  in the Northern Territory. The move, announced on 22 April 2025 ( E79 Gold Acquires 100% of the Mountain Home Project ), indicates that there may be some activity happening on this project soon. The geology in this region is very exotic, and I would also include the tectonics, or rather, the structural history, which is also noteworthy. Northern Territory geology has always been a great place for discoveries. The issue in the past has been the remoteness and the inability to get the market excited.   Strategic Win: Early Option Exercise The company exercised its option to acquire the underlying tenement (EL32470) ahead of schedule from NT Minerals, securing a favourable renegotiation of terms: Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) reduced  from 2% to 1% Royalty cap reduced  from A$3 million to A$1.5 million Option to acquire the NSR outright  for A$1 million This proactive move not only cements E79's control over the asset but also enhances its long-term economics and appeal to investors. " By exercising the Option early, we’ve secured 100% ownership on more favourable terms, significantly increasing the Project’s potential," - CEO Ned Summerhayes.   The Mountain Home Project Figure 1: Location map of the Mountain Home Project with the McArthur and Carpentaria Basins. Tenure:  EL32470 (now 100% owned), EL33886 & EL33887 (under application) Size:  Covers 868km² within the McArthur Basin, Northern Territory Minerals:  Copper, gold, and bismuth Geological Highlights: Rock chip samples returned assays of up to 45.5% Cu , 11.75 g/t Au , and 9.09% Bi Located in a known metallogenic province with high discovery potential This project (Figure 1) stands out not only for its impressive early results but also for its location in a basin known for being the world’s largest accumulation of zinc-lead resources and increasingly attractive for copper-gold exploration. The McArthur lead-zinc mine has been the cornerstone mining project in the area for decades. Apart from the Merlin diamond mine slightly towards the north, there has not been much action. I completed an honours project here in 1991, and the shoshonitic rocks I had were a mixture of chemistry, with some aligning themselves with alkaline basalts. I have not looked at where the Mountain Home project lies in relation to the Arunta block, which lies beneath the central part of the Northern Territory geology, but I am pretty sure the exoticness is high on the list for mineralisation. Rock chips are not something you measure the prospective nature of a project, but it does give you an indication of what could be sitting somewhere in the patch of ground that E79 has. Hard work from here is what will be required, and lots of cash. Hence, it is a very early stage, but I am keen to see what the exploration will uncover. Continuing Momentum in 2025 With the AAPA heritage licence accepted  and the heritage survey pending , E79 is on track to commence drilling in the dry season of 2025. This will be the first major campaign since securing full ownership, and expectations are high following promising geochemical results. Figure 2: Map of E79 Gold’s exploration projects. Beyond Mountain Home, E79 Gold holds ~1,838km² of exploration ground (Figure 2), including: Laverton South Project  in the Laverton Tectonic Zone (Western Australia) Murchison Project  (under JV with Scorpion Minerals) Areas prospective for gold, copper, bismuth, and even diamonds These projects are strategically located in world-class mineral provinces within the Yilgarn Craton  and McArthur Basin , both of which are rich in historical and emerging discoveries. Why Investors Should Watch E79 Gold: ✅ Full ownership of high-grade copper-gold-bismuth project ✅ Strong value enhancement via reduced royalties ✅ Drill-ready in 2025 with confirmed high-grade surface samples ✅ Strategic position in two Tier-1 mining jurisdictions Concluding Comments from Samso E79 is a mineral explorer , and there is no denying that the company has no projects that would come close to attracting lots of funding at this stage of the market. The mineral exploration market is currently at a very difficult stage in terms of funding projects. What E79 has are very supportive shareholders, so from that point of view, shareholders can be grateful. I am taking some time to review E70 because, as I have mentioned before, I like the two most important parts of accessing companies like E79. These two points are the technical projects and the content of management. I have said enough, and for those that have not seen the Coffee with Samso with E79, please spend some time and check it out below: Mineral Explorer Perfectly Primed for Value Creation | E79 Gold Mines Limited (ASX:E79) | CWS Ep.201 There is ample time to look at the investment propositions for E79 so as I always say, DYOR and don't forget that there are only two things in life that is a sure thing, Paying Tax and Death. Happy investing. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

The High-Purity Alumina (HPA) investment landscape has struggled to gain traction and capture investors' attention. As I've noted before, timing is crucial; could 2025 present the ideal opportunity? I recently came across Alpha HPA Limited (ASX: A4N) and was impressed by its performance. This prompted me to take a closer look at the company, as it stands out among the HPA stories I’ve encountered over the past decade. At the time of writing this blog, A4N has a market capitalisation of AUD 977.2 million and is trading at AUD 0.86. The share price chart (Figure 1) for A4N is particularly noteworthy. Figure 1: The share price chart for Alpha HPA Limited. (source: Commsec) Let's go through the details and understand the whole Alpha HPA Limited business. For those who want to skip to the parts of the review, please use the list below. 1.0 Who is Alpha HPA Limited? 2.0 The Smart SX Technology 2.1 The Science of the SX Technology 2.2 Traditional Aluminium Processing 3.0 History 3.1 ASX Releases 2025 and 2024 3.2 ASX Releases 2023 3.3 ASX Releases 2022 3.4 ASX Releases 2021 3.5 ASX Releases 2020 3.6 ASX Releases 2019 3.7 ASX Releases 2018 3.8 ASX Releases 2017 4.0 The Business 5.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts 6.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts 1.0 Who is Alpha HPA Limited? As stated on the company's website , Alpha HPA is an Australian-based, publicly listed firm that pioneered the world's first application of the solvent extraction (SX) purification method to aluminium, resulting in a diverse range of ultra-high-purity aluminium products. The company's high-purity aluminium oxides, hydroxides, nitrates, and sulphates are utilised in various high-tech industries, such as LED lighting, synthetic sapphire, semiconductors, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, and lithium-ion batteries. Alpha HPA's market-leading purity levels distinguish us, achieved with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Alpha HPA aims to support decarbonisation by providing the world with the most sustainable, high-purity aluminium products. Our implementation of Smart SX Technology demonstrates our dedication to global decarbonization and our vision of advancing the entire world collectively. 2.0 The Smart SX Technology As stated by A4N, their licensed Smart SX Technology is the world's first highly selective scientific process that precisely extracts aluminum, enabling the production of a broad spectrum of ultra-high-purity aluminum products while significantly reducing energy consumption, emissions, and waste. Aluminium is among the most carbon-intensive industries globally, responsible for up to 3% of worldwide emissions. The Smart SX Technology results in up to 70% lower total carbon emissions compared to the traditional high-purity alumina production process because: The technology avoids using energy-intensive aluminium metal as the feedstock and recycles the primary reagents as by-products. In addition, the process uses renewable energy to power the facility. 2.1 The Science of the SX Technology (source: Alpha HPA Limited website) The Smart SX Technology process employs established solvent extraction methods specifically adapted for the highly selective extraction of Al3+ cations from aluminium-loaded solutions. This process transforms aluminium-laden organic solvents through two crystallisation stages into an intermediate product that can be calcined to produce high-purity alumina (HPA) while generating environmentally friendly off-gases. The loaded organic stream generated from this process can be directed to any acid stream, yielding 5N+ purity aluminium precursors (salts) or 4N+ boehmite or alumina. Notably, the process boasts a recycling efficiency of nearly 100% for its reagents and process streams. Figure 2: A4N Technology. (source: Alpha HPA Limited) The Smart SX process is characterised by its straightforwardness, innovation, and adaptability. It effectively converts a common industrial feedstock into a range of ultra-pure aluminium products with high efficiency and low costs. This technology does not rely on novel operational units; rather, it applies unique, proprietary process chemistry, marking the establishment of the first aluminium SX facility in the world. Figure 3: Flow diagram showing the Alpha HPA process. (source: Alpha HPA Limited) 2.2 Traditional Aluminium Processing Traditional HPA production methods rely on outdated, emissions-heavy technology. Historically, HPA has been synthesised from the aluminium metal feedstock or produced by using hydrochloric acid to leach kaolin clay. These processes are highly energy-intensive, emit large amounts of carbon and chemicals, and generate considerable waste. This is not only harmful to the environment but also inefficient. Alpha HPA's innovative processes and products achieve industry-level purity with fewer emissions and almost no waste. Figure 4: Alpha HPA Smart SX process compared to the Traditional Methods of production. (source: Alpha HPA Limited) A4N has transformed the standard of aluminium purification to produce sustainable, high-purity aluminium products that are industry-changing and available in commercial quantities. 3.0 History The beginnings of Alpha HPA Limited can be traced back to 2010, where it existed as Auger Resources Limited, where they had a 90% interest in an Indonesian based company, PT Golden Pricindo Indah ("Golden"), which holds Izin Usaha Pertambangans ('IUPs') or mining business licences covering the Central Jampang gold project area in southwestern Java. The agreement marks an expansion of Augur’s exploration focus beyond central NSW and its renewed focus on gold projects. [1] On the 24th of October 2017, the company, which had a name change to Collerina Cobalt Limited (ASX: CLL) on the 2nd of May 2017, announced the following; " Outstanding Aluminium Solvent Extraction Test Work Results ". This release to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) would be one of the early news that would create what is today the business of Alpha HPA Limited. The current version of the Board made their appearance on 1st November 2017 with the appointment of the current Managing Director, Mr. Rimas Kairaitas, and Non-Executive Director Mr. Anthony Sgro. Alpha HPA Limited started its life with a name change from Collerina Cobalt Limited on the 30th of November 2018. Here are some notable news release to the ASX that should allow a genral understanding of the developing storyline for Alpha HPA Limited. Please note that the list is not a complete list of announcements. The complete list can be found on the Investors page on the Alpha HPA Limited website. 3.1 ASX Releases 2025 and 2024 2025 - 01 - 14 Significant Acceleration in Semiconductor Sector Demand 2024 - 12 - 11 Alpha Sapphire Update 2024 - 08 - 20 HPA First Project - Stage 2 Construction Commenced 2024 - 05 - 20 Stage 2 - Compelling DFS Underpins FID and Equity Raising 2024 - 04 - 17 $400M Australian Government Support for Stage 2 Development 3.2 ASX Releases 2023 2023 - 11 - 02 Board Changes 2023 - 09 - 28 $30M for Alpha Sapphire from QIC Critical Minerals Fund 2023 - 06 - 05 Expansion of Synthetic Sapphire Glass Agreements with Ebner 2023 - 04 - 05 Alpha Awarded Queensland Government Grant 2023 - 03 - 23 Agreements to enter Sapphire Glass Production with Ebner Group 3.3 ASX Releases 2022 2022 - 11 - 29 HPA First Project - First Production 2022 - 11 - 14 Orica strategic partnership expanded with placement and MoU 2022 - 04 - 28 Alpha Awarded up to $15.5M Federal Government Grant 2022 - 03 - 16 Alpha Awarded $45M Federal Government Grant 3.4 ASX Releases 2021 2021 - 11 - 05 Project Approval, Land Settlement and PPF Site Works 2021 - 08 - 18 Orica and Alpha Execute Definitive Agreements 2021 - 06 - 03 Successful Completion of $50M Placement 2021 - 04 - 28 MoU for Japan and China Specialty Markets 2021 - 04 - 12 MoU with global materials company Saint Gobain 3.5 ASX Releases 2020 2020 - 12 - 23 Orica Agreements Update 2020 - 11 - 25 MOU to Market Products to Specialty North American Markets 2020 - 11 - 11 Maiden Sale of 5N Pre-Cursor Product 2020 - 10 - 08 High-Purity Li-Ion Cathode Pre-Cursor 2020 - 09 - 28 Successful Manufacture of 5N (99.999%) Purity, Alumina Coating Pre-Cursor for Lithium-ion Cathode and Anode Materials 2020 - 08 - 20 Offtake, Marketing and Financing MOU with Traxys 2020 - 03 - 17   HPA First Project Definitive Feasibility Study 3.6 ASX Releases 2019 2019 - 07 - 01   HPA First Process Confirmed and Commencement of Pilot Plant 2019 - 03 - 07 HPA First PFS Upgrade and Project Update 3.7 ASX Releases 2018 2018 - 12 - 04 Continued Process Improvement on 2nd SX Mini-Rug Run 2018 - 11 - 30 Change of Stock Code 2018 - 11 - 20 HPA First Pre-Feasibility Study Presentation 2018 - 11 - 20 HPA First Project Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) 2018 - 09 - 06 Assays Confirm 4N (99.99%) HPA 2018 - 08 - 05 Successful HPA Production Using the HPA First Process 2018 - 07 - 08 Fast Track to HPA Production 2018 - 04 - 25 Outstanding Aluminium Solvent Extraction Test Results 2018 - 03 - 20 Pre-Feasibility Study Testwork Update 2018 - 02 - 20 CCAL Testwork Returns Excellent Ni, Co, Al Recoveries 3.8 ASX Releases 2017 2017 - 12 - 07 Commencement of Metallurgical Program 2017 - 11 - 29 Successful Recovery of Scandium 2017 - 11 - 28 Successful Solvent Extraction of Ni, Co and Mn 2017 - 11 - 23 4N Purity Achieved in HPA Test Work Program 2017 - 11 - 12 Successful Production of High Purity Alumina Sample 2017 - 10 - 31 Board Appointments 2017 - 10 - 23 Outstanding Aluminium Solvent Extraction Test Work Results 2017 - 09 - 19 Commencement of High Purity Alumina Testwork 2017 - 05 - 02 Change of Stock Code 4.0 The Business I am new to understanding this part of the market, but looking at the series of ASX announcements by Alpha HPA Limited since 2017, at the the current market capitalisation of nearly AUD 1B, one would have a reasonably valid reason to feel that there is a lot of upside, especially when you look at the USD 3.6 trillion valuation for NVIDIA . The business of HPA is still in its infancy for the ASX, and based on my my limited research on the sector, Alpha HPA Limited is the standout. Looking at the business of Alpha HPA Limited, they are the ones supplying the source products for the likes of the semiconductor business, so there are probably going to be limited competitors. As Alpha HPA Limited clearly states on their products section of the website, the products they are creating are for the most aggressive market currently in the investment space. We are sustainably producing a growing range of ultra-high purity aluminium oxides, hydroxides, nitrates and sulphates for a wide range of high technology industries including LED lighting, synthetic sapphire, semiconductors, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and lithium-ion battery markets – at world-leading purity levels and at a dramatically lower carbon profile. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and Technology Automation is the hottest discussion. The likes of Tesla , Dell , Nvidia, Apple , Facebook , Amazon , etc., are all going to be the end users of these products potentially coming out from Alpha HPA Limited. The world is now all about AI and computing technology, so Figure 5 is evidence that the market of supplying bits and pieces to those companies is the main game. Therefore, imagine where the likes of Alpha HPA Limited will be in terms of valuation once they are fully operational. Figure 5: The top 20 companies worldwide by market capitalisation. (source: Companies MarletCap ) A good way to understand the potential of someone like Alpha HPA Limited is to imagine that there is only one iron ore company on the ASX. The big unknown is if they are able to fully commercialise their business. Presently, it does appear to point that they are on the way to a very prosperous path. 5.0 Other Companies on the ASX with Similar Business Two companies come directly to my mind that swim in the HPA sector. The first one is the former FYI Resources Limited, which is now under a new name, Cadoux Limited (ASX: CCM) and Altech Batteries Limited (ASX: ATC ) . Altech Batteries Limited was the most aggressive with their strategy, but of late, it appears that Altech is now moving into the battery space. There is a name change to Altech Batteries from its original name of Altech Limited, which was, as far as I can remember, 100% HPA development. As I write this review, I haven't delved into Altech Batteries' primary business focus yet. However, considering the recent name change and their latest release mentioning batteries, it seems that a shift in their future direction is underway. Cadoux goes further to mention that they are also positioning themselves to be a significant producer of both HPA and rare earths. Cadoux on their website does state that they are an emerging developer of high-quality critical minerals. Cadoux is focusing on two potential world-class projects: high purity alumina (HPA) and rare earths downstream production. If readers do know of other companies in this space, please let me know. 6.0 Samso Concluding Thoughts As an investor, I have only had one win in the ASX technology space and that was with Pointerra Limited (ASX: 3DP) . I ended up staying in that stock for almost 5 years before deciding that an exit was required. That was a great journey from the early beginnings. Alpha HPA Limited is not a technology stock , but, for me, I associate it with technology as it is all about what the HPA products will add value to once it has left their hands. I feel excitement in what they could become as the race to produce quality and sustainable HPA products is one of the most sought-after business, especially for ASX companies. The value creation for shareholders is undeniably substantial, as those in Alpha HPA Limited will surely attest. As we are all cautious creatures when we are parting with our hard-earned money as investments, what gives me comfort is the amount of money that has come from government and industry organisations to Alpha HPA Limited. The demand for Alpha HPA products is very clear, as there is no turning back in terms of the needs coming from the AI and technological progress in the coming decades. Figure 6: The ASX release for the AUD45M Federal Government Grant. (source: Alpha HPA Limited) There would have been a lot of smart people going through the business models before parting with those large sums of money (Figure 6). Unlike the resource path, which I am very familiar with, the amount of unknowns is lesser and more predictable. I am not saying that it is easy to build a technological business; I am just saying that the unknowns are lesser. As I did my research on the company, I became very informed about the business and the potential of future valuation. I am very happy to have come across this story. I am sure there are more people out there that have looked at the business in greater detail, but sometimes, enough information is all you need. As we all know, when you are too smart, too close to the story, our judgement can be clouded and be the detriment of our investment decisions. :-) To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. References: Alpha HPA Limited Announcements ------- Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

The Chalice Mining Limited (ASX:CHN) narrative has centered around the Julimar discovery since early 2020. I would suggest that this discovery might have sparked two years of prosperity for small cap companies. Julimar, now better known as Gonneville (Figure 1), is a discovery of platinum group elements (PGEs), nickel, copper, cobalt, and gold, located just 70km north-east of Perth, near a town called Toodyay. Figure 1: The Gonnevelle wheatbelt scenery. (source: Chalice Mining Limited) The Chalice Mining journey since the 2020 discovery has gone from being the trailblazer to one that is now struggling for a new identity. Chalice was a favourite of the ASX small caps, with support coming from the retail and the institutional end. Raising money was not an issue, and management was praised for the innovation in making the discovery. Pricing sentiment for PGE (Platinum Group Elements), nickel, and copper was strong, and the general market sentiment for the company was strong in the market. In the early days, there were rumours of the grade of the deposit being sub-economical; hence, comments started to circulate that the processing cost would not be friendly to being a profitable business. History will show that the scoping study put an end to the speculation, and the share price chart in Figure 2 clearly shows what the market thought of the study. You can see the double dip in the share price chart, and that kind of indicated the whole market speculation process. I felt that this was worth a review because when I was at the Future Facing Commodities Conference in Singapore, I listened to the Chalice presentation and was very surprised at the messaging of the new Flow Sheet. I am curious if this could be the turning point for Chalice. The chapters below will help readers move around this review: 1.0 History 2.0 The New Chalice Mining Story 3.0 Resources  4.0 The New Flow Sheet - The Potential Game Changer. 5.0 Why Palladium? A Contrarian Opportunity in a Changing Automotive Market 6.0 De-risked and Development-Ready 7.0 The Greater Story for Chalice Mining. 8.0 Leadership with Proven Track Record 9.0 Sustainability at the Core 10.0 Investment Highlights and Upcoming Catalysts 11.0 Concluding Comments From Samso 1.0 History Over the last five years, the project has gone from being the darling of the industry to one that has had serious doubts about its economic viability, and the company is now trying to reverse the negative sentiments that have developed. As you can see below in Figure 2, the share price journey will give readers a great understanding of the journey. The drastic decline in share price came about when the company released its scoping study that showed an estimated higher capital cost and a longer time for first production. In the early days post-discovery, I had many conversations with industry participants, and the general consensus was that the numbers may not stack up. The release of the study confirmed this narrative, and the broader market was spooked and started the share price downfall. Figure 2: The Chalice Mining Limited share price chart as of 5th April 2025. (source: commsec) 2.0 The New Chalice Mining Story At the Future Facing Commodities conference in Singapore, I listened to the Chalice Mining presentation, and it looks like there is a new phase of development for the Gonneville project. Chalice Mining Limited (ASX:CHN)  is now positioning itself with the new phase at the heart of the global energy transition with its flagship Gonneville Project . The Gonneville project is being described by Chalice Mining as the largest undeveloped palladium-nickel-copper resource  located in the world’s best mining jurisdiction — Western Australia's Wheatbelt region (Figure 3). The company is marketing itself as delivering a rare combination of scale, jurisdictional safety, and critical mineral exposure —precisely what investors are seeking amid today’s global supply chain and geopolitical uncertainties. Figure 3: Gonneville PGE-Ni-Cu-Co Project. (source Chalice Mining Limited) 3.0 Resources Over the last 5 years post-discovery in 2020, there has been no doubt about the potential of a resource; the question has always been about the grade and, hence, the ability of the company to create an economical deposit for the market. As of the time of writing, April 2025, the project has the resources listed below: 17 Moz  of contained Pd-Pt-Au (3E) ·  960 kt  nickel, 540 kt  copper, 96 kt  cobalt ·  660 Mt @ 0.79g/t 3E, 0.15% Ni, 0.083% Cu This deposit sits at surface (Figure 4), allowing for low-cost, shallow open-pit mining , with high-grade zones supporting strong early cash flow. A recent flowsheet breakthrough now allows for simplified, standard flotation and CIL processing, reducing capital and operating costs significantly. Figure 4: The tier-1 scale Gonneville Resource. (source: Chalice Mining Limited) 4.0 The New Flow Sheet - The Potential Game Changer. In my eagerness to understand where Chalice is with its business, I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative of the story. Prior to the conference, I was not thinking that there was going to be a real solution to the demise of the Chalice story, but I think the potential recovery could be in the making with the "New Flow Sheet" concept. As I am not a metallurgist nor am I well versed with the ins and outs of the Gonneville story, looking in as a retail investor, I am thinking that this new way of processing could well be the magic pill to resurrect the fortunes of Chalice Mining. According to Chalice, this is the game changer for their business, and that is the new flow sheet to unlock the economical value of the Gonneville deposit. Eliminates costly hydrometallurgical steps Reduces pre-production capex by ~A$260M Cuts operating costs by ~A$4.10 per tonne Enhances margins for a bulk mining strategy The company estimates that Gonneville will be in the second quartile of the global PGE cost curve , making it one of the most competitive PGE projects  in the world. Well, if this is to be true, I would think that investors need to do some serious DYOR, as if this story does turn around its ability to produce an economically viable process, this will be a nice place to put some hard-earned cash. 5.0 Why Palladium? A Contrarian Opportunity in a Changing Automotive Market The prevailing narrative about the death of internal combustion engines (ICEs) has proven premature (Figure 5). While battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption is flattening, hybrid vehicle production is accelerating , especially in North America, Europe, and China. These hybrids require even more palladium than ICEs , sustaining demand even as BEV growth slows. Figure 5: Battery electric vehicle adoption has reached a plateau and demand for ICE/hybrid vehicles continues to grow (Source: China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), company data, Motor Intelligence). If anyone has visited a car dealer that is not a sole EV car dealer, you will hear the same story being told, and that car manufacturers are moving away from full electrification. The reality has set in that the world of total vehicle electrification is not practical. Goodness me, they only realised that now? Thank goodness. The Trump 2.0 administration  in the US has repealed BEV incentives, and similar rollbacks are occurring in Europe. Hence, as the world re-equilibrates itself to a new transition of "Not 100% Vehicle Electrification," Chalice sees long-term upside  in palladium as supply remains highly concentrated in Russia (45%)  and South Africa (40%) , both facing ageing infrastructure, geopolitical risk, and underinvestment. Recycling volumes are dropping amid low palladium prices, amplifying potential supply deficits. Gonneville offers one of the only large-scale palladium development exposures  in a safe jurisdiction, offering investors a unique hedge against geopolitical and supply chain volatility.   6.0 De-risked and Development-Ready One of the key developments for Chalice is that since discovery, Chalice has delivered rapid progress in the form of acquiring land and regulatory approvals. In a way, the downturn in its share price is minimised as the lengthy process of gaining approvals would have created a period of "Nothing Exciting" for the market anyway. One of the fortunate timings for the company is that they raised a lot of money prior to its share price heading south. This has allowed the company to slowly work itself into a stronger position, and if the new narrative is correct, this is a godsend. Here is a list of Chalice's achievements: Acquired the 22km² farmland  that hosts the resource Achieved both Strategic and Major Project Status  from WA and Federal governments Defined mine infrastructure corridors , completed TSF design, and secured strong community and regulatory support Confirmed saleable products  across all ore types and metallurgical domains As Chalice moves into another journey to get into production, the financing discussions are expected to begin in H2 2025 , with the Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted in 2027 . Chalice is currently fully funded  to complete its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and ongoing exploration, with A$90 million in cash and listed investments  on the balance sheet. Massive Exploration Upside in the West Yilgarn Province. 7.0 The Greater Story for Chalice Mining. While Gonneville is a standout asset in its own right, Chalice holds ~10,000km² of tenements  in the West Yilgarn Province , a previously underexplored region now shown to host major mineral systems (Figure 6).   Key developments: Over 40 copper-gold and nickel-PGE targets  defined Active drill campaigns underway at Barrabarra, Northam, and Kings Gold-in-soil anomalies discovered (e.g., 15km anomaly at Recherche West) Figure 6: Chalice has defined >40 Cu-Au-Ag and Ni-Cu-PGE targets in the West Yilgarn Province. (source: Chalice Mining Limited). As the market sentiment for the company swayed away from Cahlice over the last 12 months, the creation of attention towards other projects was predicted. The company had to do something to create attention, and with the prevailing gold sentiment, it is an obvious thing to do for Chalice. The new sentiment for Chalice was the Barrabarra drilling, and you can see some of that below in Figure 7. Figure 6: Chalice has Gold-copper focus at Barrabarra. (source: Chalice Mining Limited).  Typically, the narrative is that these targets could potentially lead to multiple Tier-1 discoveries , and Chalice is applying a modern, systematic exploration approach to unlock value across this new frontier. Personally, the small-cap sector for the majority of the "new-age" commodity players will take time to recalibrate their position in the market. Lithium and the Rare Earth players have done their run, and they are all now narrating new stories. Chalice is the same, but as I have mentioned, the new "Flow-Sheet Story" may create some new thoughts.    8.0 Leadership with Proven Track Record The Board of Chalice is well credentialed, so there do not look like any real issues, and in my opinion, most Boards are competent and have the sincere drive for success, which is always aligned with their own personal interests. Hence, in a way, if the Board is listed with lots of incentives, a retail investor should be in some way comfortable that their potential investments will be aligned with the interests of the Board. Here are the current directors of Chalice Mining: Derek La Ferla , Non-Executive Chair – seasoned ASX 200 director, formerly with Sandfire Resources and Poseidon Nickel Alex Dorsch , CEO – former McKinsey consultant with strong project development and capital markets experience Garret Dixon , NED – ex-Alcoa and mining contracting executive with 30+ years in global operations Richard Hacker , NED – strategic finance expert, former Chalice CFO Supported by leaders across geology, metallurgy, ESG, and corporate development, Chalice has a team capable of delivering exploration success and project execution . 9.0 Sustainability at the Core As with all astute and aspiring miners, Chalice is proactively integrating ESG into every stage of development: Zero lost-time injuries or major safety events 38% women in workforce  (above industry average) A$10M+ contributed to local communities  since 2021 Working with 70+ Traditional Owners Commitment to no net biodiversity loss  via the Gonneville Biodiversity Strategy The company is also aligning its reporting and planning to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)  framework. 10.0 Investment Highlights and Upcoming Catalysts To conclude this review, the main reason one would look at Chalice as an investment is that the company does present a rare combination of Tier-1 asset scale, financial stability, and growth potential. Key value drivers ahead include: ✅  Palladium market recovery  due to ICE/hybrid demand and constrained supply ✅  Completion of Gonneville PFS  (mid-CY2025) ✅  Financing and offtake milestones  (from H2 2025 onward) ✅  Exploration results  across a major new mineral province ✅ Continued strong government backing and streamlined approvals 11.0 Concluding Comments From Samso The concept of Samso Media and our content is to highlight potential investing concepts that arise because there is some angle that general media do not highlight. The mainstream content that retail investors tend to get for free is always more of highlights of the company rather than bringing to light the good, the bad, and the ugly. For these reasons, when Samso looks at Chalice Mining now, I am thinking if this could be the catalyst or the key to Chalice halting its downward value crisis. There is a lot of bearish sentiment in the sector, and it is not necessarily at the company but more at the sector that it is in as well. The sliding nickel price and the lack of interest in the majority of the non-gold sector are definitely not helping companies like Chalice Mining. Samso is looking for the counter-cyclical moments. As retail investors, we are always the last to know and the last to leave the sinking ship. Retail investors always take the highest risk while being told that this is the best time to take the risk. To me, if Chalice is genuinely able to turn around the cost of processing and is able to make Gonneville work, and coupled with the trend of a rising use of hybrid vehicle systems, then I think Chalice could be in for a change in fortune. Mining projects are not created; they are discovered, and they take time to be economical before they are able to produce. DYOR and check out my thoughts. I hope this helps readers gain some time in trying to understand a potential value proposition for something like Chalice Mining Limited. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . Download eBook If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Coffee with Samso Episode 202 brings retail investors into an ASX company that may have the potential to become a multi-bagger investment. The LCL Resource Limited (ASX:LCL) story is one that will resonate with many retail small cap investors. A low market capitalisation of AUD $10M and an inferred gold resource of 831,000 ounces in a booming gold market where drilling results are being rewarded. LCL is not a stranger to the Samso platform, with " Los Cerros Limited (ASX: LCL) - A High-Grade Gold Porphyry Story in Colombia " published on 29th October 2021 and a Samso Insight written and published on 15th February 2022 entitled " Good Geology Never Disappoints - Los Cerros Limited (ASX: LCL) Colombian Style . " The story changed to a Papua New Guinea focus recently, and on 25th November 2022, LCl released " Company acquires multiple PNG copper, nickel, gold targets " which was the entry into Papua New Guinea. Management Change Management and Board changes ( Board Changes ) within the company will bring much needed youth and energy into the LCL Resources, which, in my opinion, is why I am having a conversation on Coffee with Samso with Christopher Van Wijk, the Executive Chair of the company. LCL was in a transaction to sell the Columbian assets , but as I have realised, that resolution was voted down by shareholders. Whether this decision in hindsight turns out to be the correct decision will be known soon. Could it be sold to a higher bidder as the gold sentiment rises , will be something to ponder about at that time. What is more interesting for me is the current direction for the company with new management. The Project The Kusi project is a good start for the company with the inferred resource of 831,000 ounces of gold. The future of the project sounds like there are a lot of positives. Papua New Guinea is a haven for projects that are company makers. There are multi-million ounces of gold in the region that will be nectar to honey for LCL Resources. Coffee with Samso This is one of those conversations where I learnt a lot about my guest and the company story. Christopher Van Wijk gave me the impression that he has come into LCL with a mission to take this AUD $10M market cap to greater heights. His energy and the, as a matter of fact, tone of discussion give me confidence they have the right jockey. The next question is what the horse is like, and the rest of the team is able to do with the current project. As a matter of funding, I think that the fact that there are high-net-worth individuals backing this vehicle is a very good addition to the story. Chapters: 00:00 Start 00:08 Introduction 03:26 Who is Chris van Wijk? 04:18 Updates on the Columbian Project 06:18 The Kusi Project 07:39 Any jurisdiction issues? 09:25 Confidence in gold project 11:50 What can investors look forward to? 13:40 Discussion on funding 17:05 Takeaway 17:35 What can investors look forward to in terms of exploration activities? 20:11 Conclusion PODCAST About Christopher Van Wijk Chris is a seasoned geologist with expertise in project evaluation and generation. He possesses extensive experience in base metal and gold exploration across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Chris has also managed joint ventures and evaluated projects for leading mining companies such as BHP, IAMGOLD, First Quantum Minerals, and Fortescue Metals Group. He holds a Master of Science in Ore Deposit Geology from the University of Western Australia and is a member of the AUSIMM. About LCL Resources Limited LCL, incorporated in Australia, is an ASX listed exploration and mining company. The Company holds ~3890 km² of exploration titles in 5 regions of Papua New Guinea prospective for copper, gold and nickel. The Company also holds a dominant position within the Quinchia region of the Mid-Cauca Gold Belt of Colombia. The Company is actively exploring in PNG while the 100% owned, 10,500 ha Quinchia Gold Project (2.6Moz @ 1g/t) in Colombia progresses through early-stage feasibility related studies. To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page  and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information.  I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value.  It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me on noel.ong@samso.com.au . About Samso Samso  is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.

Coffee with Samso Episode 201 is all about looking at a mineral explorer to ride the current market excitement for mineral resource discoveries. There is a visible and coherent bullish shift with investors within the mineral exploration sector of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). The E79 Gold Mines Limited (ASX:E79) story is being reviewed as it is primed for potential discovery, and now cashed up. I have known about E79 and was reminded when they were the beneficiary of a nearology play with Kalgoorlie Gold Mining Limited announcing results from their Lighthorse project. E79 was the beneficiary as they share tenement boundaries (Figure 1). Figure 1: The area that has recently made both E79 Gold Mines and Kalgoorlie Gold Mining Limited prominent on the ASX. (source: E79 Gold Mines Limited) One of the most important aspects of trying to understand this industry is to know that as retail investors, we are never going to know the real ins and outs of the company. On most occasions, we are the last and the "insiders," or what I term the "Purple Circle", are always looking at the retail market as the driver of rising pricing and the bag to hold when they leave. Hence, to negate some of the heartache, I prescribe the need to know the two critical points: one is management and the viability of the projects being promoted, and the other is the potential economic discovery within the project. Let me try and break this down without writing a book about it. Management I cannot stress enough the need to know the style and content of management in place. For the majority of retail investors, who are not from the industry, it is hard to know who is who. What many people rely on is being told who they are, and not knowing the main players with some degree of intimacy. The problem with second-hand knowledge is that you don't know how far that knowledge came from by the time it got to your ears. I have compiled a small list of things to ask or to DYOR for readers to chew on: Ability to raise money: Are they connected and have the records to show this? This is a very important ability. Are they the type of management that wants to make an economic discovery? I stress the term economic, which indicates a real effort in terms of spending money and having the right team. Are management looking for an economic discovery, or are they looking for a discovery to create share price stimulation? This is not a bad thing, but knowing this will help you from rushing in and taking a wait-and-see approach. The person who is known for the "Midas Touch," now this is a no brainer and in some ways, this kind of management is the easiest. Put your money in and then go do your day job. The only drawback is that these guys can take a long time, and I mean multiple years as they normally work on their schedule and not yours :-) Similarly, they may have a stronger holding power than you and hence, if you are forced to hold longer than you can, you may miss out. I am sure there are many other characteristics to be aware of, but those are normally the ones I look for before jumping into any stocks. The Project It is sufficient to say that the promoters of these companies have the same motivation as all investors, and that is making money. Retail investors like me are all about making sure we are not taken in by the promotion, that we forget there is a need to sell, and making sure we have the holding power to stay in the game. In my opinion, when we look at the projects being promoted, we need to simply think of two parts. If the main story is about making an economic discovery, is the project, technically, able to give it a good go, or do I think that the chances are low and the risk great? This normally requires a higher level of research and at most times, it's difficult to have an absolute answer. Fortunately for me, with 3 decades of experience, it's a lot easier to break all those points down. For those not in the industry, I have to admit, it's not easy. If the project appears to be lacking in substance, then you would have to assume that management is looking for something else and this is a holding pattern. It's kind of what we call, "Let's Join The Club First.". Coffee with Samso Today, it's all about E79 Gold Mines Limited and Ned Summerhayes. As I have mentioned, I know the management relatively well, and I do believe that they are looking for an economic discovery, and I am pretty sure they are also looking for a better project to come along. They will take their time while they slowly work on their projects. Chapters: 00:00 Start 03:29 Who is Ned Summerhayes? 04:20 What it's like working with the board members? 05:50 The Nearology Factor? 08:19 Has the market changed to being a Bull? 10:46 E79 projects set up by Ramelius consolidation. 12:37 What is the strategy for E79 at the Lighthorse region? 17:27 The Mountain Home Project 26:02 How should corporate manage shareholder expectations? 29:01 Is the market still tight for funding? 34:10 Last comments 34:47 Conclusion PODCAST About Ned Summerhayes Edward (Ned) Summerhayes has completed a Master's of Economic Geology from the University of Tasmania. Ned has more than 15 years’ experience in Mineral Exploration, primarily in Western Australia. Ned’s most recent role was with Black Cat Syndicate as Exploration Manager, having both corporate responsibilities and directing technical programmes. Ned was responsible for all site personnel, stakeholder management, reporting and compliance, as well as reviewing and recommending strategic acquisitions. About E79 Gold Mines Limited E79 Gold Mines Limited is an Australian gold and copper exploration company which has approximately 1,838km2 of highly prospective ground in two proven gold producing greenstone belts in the Western Australian Goldfields and a project within the McArthur Basin of the Northern Territory. Mission To discover gold and develop sustainable operations whilst acting responsibly towards the environment and all stakeholders Statement of Values E79’s vision is to create significant value for Shareholders through good science and applied exploration with a strong culture of operating ethically and responsibly. To respect the cultures, customs, and values of all Stakeholders, including employees, contractors, suppliers, Traditional Owners, pastoralists, and the community. At all times conduct ourselves with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Encourage an enjoyable and safe workplace based on technical excellence, teamwork, collaboration, and diversity. Seek to protect the environment and enrich the communities in which we work. Disclaimer The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Read full Disclaimer. Share to Grow: Your Bonus Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook . 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