Potash Archives - Page 27 of 61

MONTREAL, July 26, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rio Tinto has begun reducing production at its BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, Canada due to a strike initiated by the Unifor Local 2301 union after negotiations failed to reach a new collective labour agreement.

Production will be reduced to around 35 per cent of the smelter’s 432,000 tonne annual capacity, so that it can safely be operated by staff and employees required under an essential services order granted by the BC Labour Relations Board.

Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Atlantic Operations Samir Cairae said: "Reducing production will have a significant impact on the business and community, but we are committed to taking the necessary steps to operate safely with a reduced workforce.

"We have made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating in good faith over the past seven weeks, including proposing an independent mediator which was rejected by Unifor Local 2301.

"We will continue to look for longer term solutions with the union and work closely with customers and suppliers to minimise disruptions."

A reduced workforce is also in place to ensure the Kemano hydro-power facility continues to run safely.

Rio Tinto employs approximately 1,050 people at the BC Works smelter and Kemano powerhouse, including around 900 employees represented by Unifor Local 2301. The company contributed C$780 million to the economy of British Columbia in 2020.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210726005751/en/

Contacts

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations, UK
Illtud Harri
M +44 7920 503 600

David Outhwaite
M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Americas
Matthew Klar
T +1 514 608 4429

Media Relations, Australia
Jonathan Rose
M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers
M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough
M +61 436 653 412

Investor Relations, UK
Menno Sanderse
M: +44 7825 195 178

David Ovington
M +44 7920 010 978

Clare Peever
M +44 7788 967 877

Rio Tinto plc
6 St James’s Square
London SW1Y 4AD
United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England
No. 719885

Investor Relations, Australia
Natalie Worley
M +61 409 210 462

Amar Jambaa
M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto Limited
Level 7, 360 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: BC Works

Discovered over a century ago, helium was never intended for balloons.

It wasn’t supposed to be a party gas. At the height of the Cold War, the United States recognized its strategic nature and started stockpiling it and controlling supply and pricing at a Federal Helium Reserve in Amarillo, Texas.

Three decades later, in the 1990s, the federal government decided that helium could be sold to private entities.

Now, reports say those reserves have been depleted, and the reserve is slated for shutdown in September, while the United States is taking over 2 billion cubic feet of helium off the market.

For national security, Big Tech, biomedicine and even the space race, the situation may now be nearing critical.

And one junior Canadian explorer who recently scooped up highly prospective helium property in both the U.S. state of Montana and the Canadian province of Alberta is hoping to be part of the change for the course our helium trajectory.

Avanti Energy Inc. (TSX:AVN.V; US OTC:ARGYF) is aiming for the next big commercial helium discovery, and it’s a small-cap stock that could end up rewarding early-in investors significantly, if successful.

And from where we stand, it looks well positioned to take advantage of a critical supply squeeze looming for helium.

Our Tech Future May Depend on Helium

Everything from Big Data, fiber optics and MRIs to astrophysics, space travel and cryogenics relies on helium.

There’s no winning the race against China for global tech dominance without helium.

There might be no winning the space race, either.

Advancements in healthcare could be severely hindered.

You probably wouldn’t be able to get an MRI.

And perhaps most significantly, at least to the masses in the immediate term …

No one would be able to stream TV and movies … or even use a cell phone.

Helium is usually found in natural gas reservoirs and mined as a by-product of natural gas.

This noble gas is so valuable because it’s non-combustible, very unreactive, highly stable and so light that Earth’s gravity cannot hold it. Helium is non-toxic and boils at -268 degrees Celsius–near absolute zero, which is the lowest temperature in the universe. No other element can perform the invaluable act of remaining a liquid at such temperatures.

That’s what makes helium a noble gas that cannot be replaced.

And investors will like the fact that it’s already a hundred times more expensive than natural gas, which sells for around $3 per Mcf.

Helium can sell for as much as $400 Mcf, and isn’t traded like a commodity—yet.

Now, get ready for what looks to us like the supply squeeze of the century. One that could last decades.

There is no better time for a junior explorer to be launching exploration in prospective helium territory.

And it looks like there are no better venues that Alberta—which is already witnessing a helium land rush—and Canada’s Saskatchewan, which is on trend with key areas of Montana.

Fast-Paced Acquisitions

Avanti Energy Inc. (TSX: AVN.V; US OTC: ARGYF) took decisive action in the second quarter of this year, with four major acquisition moves we think are significant.

First, it acquired the license for over 6,000 acres from the Government of Alberta in highly prospective helium territory.

Next, it scooped up another ~2,500 acres in Alberta. Those projects–Knappen and Aden–show helium up to 2% and helium-trapping structures.

Shortly afterwards, Avanti moved on over 60,000 acres in northern Montana, on territory that is said to be on-trend with both Saskatchewan’s helium prospects and Alberta’s.

In mid-April, Avanti moved to acquire the helium license rights to a 12,000-acre land package in Montana. According to reports, that deal should close soon.

In June, Avanti announced intentions to purchase the helium license rights for ~50,000 more acres in Montana. The deal is still being finalized, but initial data shows multiple formations (similar to the Aden project) and data from surrounding wells makes this one even more promising in our perspective: That data showed 1.5%-2.2% helium in the Cambrian and 0.7%-1.7% helium in the Devonian. Again, with high nitrogen levels (up to 96%).

Back in Alberta, at Avanti’s Knappen project, data shows helium concentrations up to 2.18%, with nitrogen up to 98%. Additionally, data shows deep structural features for trapping helium. (Keep in mind that in Alberta, reports say 1% helium is considered a very good concentration.)

At the Aden project, also in Alberta, similar results and helium concentrations have been shown in multiple zones.

For Alberta, it’s great news because the province is reinventing itself: It’s not only going to be about dirty oilsands in the future. The future is critical gas supplies, and Alberta could become a major global hub for helium.

Experienced Explorers Who’ve Been Part Of This Before

The key figures behind Avanti Energy Inc. (TSX: AVN.V; US OTC: ARGYF) are experienced in exploration. And they know discovery, too.

Several team members were involved in giant Encana’s natural gas discovery in Canada’s Montney shale—a play that ended up producing around 300,000 boe/d over 15 years.

One of those key figures is Chris Bakker, Avanti’s CEO who has over 20 years of O&G experience, including with Encana. His expertise in acquisitions, exploration and production has already been tested in the past.

Are Insiders Going All-In on Avanti?

Reports show that insiders have been buying up this stock, and we think that’s always a good sign …

It’s now on analyst radar, too.

Recently, Beacon Securities Limited initiated coverage on Avanti, stating that with the new ~50,000 acres in Montana, Avanti could have “a contiguous land block that may support several years of drilling”.

Beacon also noted that “if successful, numerous development wells would follow with production in H2/22 once facilities are configured and installed”.

But in our view this one could move fast.

On July 12^th, following a detailed geophysical review of seismic data, Avanti Energy Inc. (TSXV: AVN) (US OTC PINK: ARGYF) identified three potential drilling locations on its Aden property and says it will now be moving forward with its planned Q3/Q4 drilling program.

Not only did the team’s geophysical review of seismic data confirm a four-way structural close with over 75 meters of relief, ideal for trapping helium, Avanti said it would target multiple horizons showing up to ~95% nitrogen and ~2% helium from multiple adjacent wells and previously abandoned wells on the property.

Not only is Avanti moving fast, but we think the land rush in Alberta is taking on proportions appropriate for a looming helium shortage that could make or break our tech dominance, and much, much more.

Tech resource companies to watch:

As demand for energy continues to explode in a post-pandemic China, CNOOC Limited (NYSE:CEO, TSX:CNU) will likely be one of the biggest winners in this boom. It’s the country’s most significant producer of offshore crude oil and natural gas and may well be one of the most controversial oil stocks for investors on the market. A label that has nothing to do with its operations, however.

Just last month, U.S. regulators announced their intention to de-list Chinese companies from the New York Stock Exchange, going back on their announcement just a few days later. The sustained negative press surrounding Chinese companies, however, has put CNOOC in an uncomfortable position for investors. While many analysts see the company as significantly undervalued, it is still struggling to gain traction in U.S. markets.

Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC, TSX:LAC) is one of North America’s most important and successful pure-play lithium companies. With two world-class lithium projects in Argentina and Nevada, Lithium Americas is well-positioned to ride the wave of growing lithium demand in the years to come. It’s already raised nearly a billion dollars in equity and debt, showing that investors have a ton of interest in the company’s ambitious plans, and it will likely continue its promising growth and expansion for years to come.

It’s not ignoring the growing demand from investors for responsible and sustainable mining, either. In fact, one of its primary goals is to create a positive impact on society and the environment through its projects. This includes cleaner mining tech, strong workplace safety practices, a range of opportunities for employees, and strong relationships with local governments to ensure that not only are its employees being taken care of, but locals as well.

Lithium Americas’ efforts have paid off in the market, as well. While many companies across multiple industries struggled last year, Lithium Americas’ stock soared. In February last year, the company’s stock price was sitting at just $5.26, while today it is at $13.32, representing a more than 100% return for investors who bought in just a year ago.

Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (NYSE:TRQ, TSX:TRQ) is a key player in Canada’s resource and mineral industry. It is a major producer of coal and zinc, two resources with distinctly different futures. While headlines are already touting the end of coal, zinc is a mineral that will play a key role in the future of energy for years and years to come.

In addition to its zinc operations, Turquoise Hill is also a significant producer of Uranium. Uranium is a key material in the production of nuclear energy, which many analysts are suggesting could be a major component in the global transition to cleaner energy. While the mineral has not seen significant price action in recent years, there are a number of new projects set to come online across the globe in the medium term, which could be a boon to Turquoise Hill, especially as alternative energies gain traction in the marketplace.

Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK, TSX:TECK) could be one of the best-diversified miners out there, with a broad portfolio of Copper, Zinc, Energy, Gold, Silver and Molybdenum assets. It’s even involved in the oil scene! With its free cash flow and a lower volatility outlook for base metals in combination with a growing push for copper and zinc to create batteries, Teck could emerge as one of the year’s most exciting miners.

Though Teck has not quite returned to its January highs, it has seen a promising rebound since April lows. In addition to its positive trajectory, the company has seen a fair amount of insider buying, which tells shareholders that the management team is serious about continuing to add shareholder value. In addition to insider buying, Teck has been added to a number of hedge fund portfolios as well, suggesting that not only do insiders believe in the company, but also the smart money that’s really driving the markets.

Celestica (NYSE:CLS, TSX:CLS), like Magna, is a key company in the lithium boom due to is role as one of the top manufacturers of electronics in the Americas. Celestica’s wide range of products includes but is not limited to communications solutions, enterprise and cloud services, aerospace and defense products, renewable energy and enough health technology.

Thanks to its exposure to the renewable energy market, Celestica’s future is tied hand-in-hand with the green energy boom that’s sweeping the world at the moment. It helps build smart and efficient products that integrate the latest in power generation, conversion and management technology to deliver smarter, more efficient grid and off-grid applications for the world’s leading energy equipment manufacturers and developers.

Like the rest of the market, Celestica fell victim to the massive selloff sparked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, seeing its share price fall into the $2 range in March 2020. Since then, however, the stock price has soared by nearly 400% to its current trading price of $8.11. As the world races towards a greener future, however, the upside potential for Celestica could be even higher.

By. James Burgess

**IMPORTANT! BY READING OUR CONTENT YOU EXPLICITLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**

Forward-Looking Statements

This publication contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this publication include that prices for helium will significantly increase due to global demand and use in a wide array of industries and that helium will retain its value in future due to the demand increases and overall shortage of supply; that Avanti can pursue exploration of the recently acquired licenses of property in Alberta; that Avanti’s licenses in respect of the Alberta property can achieve drilling and mining success for helium; that Avanti will be able acquire the rights to helium on 12,000 acres of prospective land in Montana pursuant to its announced letter of intent; that Avanti will be able acquire the rights to helium on approximately 50,000 acres of additional prospective land in Montana pursuant to two recently announced binding agreements; that the Avanti team will be able to develop and implement helium exploration models, including their own proprietary models, that may result in successful exploration and development efforts; that historical geological information and estimations will prove to be accurate or at least very indicative of helium; that high helium content targets exist in the Alberta and Montana projects; that results of the recent geophysical review of seismic data used to identify potential drilling targets will provide accurate that result in successful drilling and exploration efforts on the Avanti properties; and that Avanti will be able to carry out its business plans, including timing for drilling and exploration. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include that demand for helium is not as great as expected; that alternative commodities or compounds are used in applications which currently use helium, thus reducing the need for helium in the future; that the Company may not fulfill the requirements under its Alberta licenses for various reasons or otherwise cannot pursue exploration on the project as planned or at all; that the Company may not be able to acquire the helium rights to the Montana lands as contemplated in the letter of intent, binding agreements or at all; that the Avanti team may be unable to develop any helium exploration models, including proprietary models, which allow successful exploration efforts on any of the Company’s current or future projects; that Avanti may not be able to finance its intended drilling programs to explore for helium or may otherwise not raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans; that geological interpretations and technological results based on current data may change with more detailed information, analysis or testing; and that despite promise, results of the recent geophysical review of seismic data used to identify potential drilling targets may be inaccurate or otherwise fail to result in successful drilling and exploration efforts on the Avanti properties, and that there may be no commercially viable helium or other resources on any of Avanti’s properties. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

DISCLAIMERS

This communication is for entertainment purposes only. Never invest purely based on our communication. Oilprice.com and its owners and affiliates (“Oilprice.com”) have not been compensated by Avanti but may in the future be compensated to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing for TSXV:AVN. The information in this report and on our website has not been independently verified and is not guaranteed to be correct.

SHARE OWNERSHIP. The owner of Oilprice.com owns shares of Avanti and therefore has an additional incentive to see the featured company’s stock perform well. Oilprice is therefore conflicted and is not purporting to present an independent report. The owner of Oilprice.com will not notify the market when it decides to buy more or sell shares of this issuer in the market. The owner of Oilprice.com will be buying and selling shares of this issuer for its own profit. This is why we stress that you conduct extensive due diligence as well as seek the advice of your financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer before investing in any securities.

NOT AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Oilprice.com is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation, nor are any of its writers or owners.

ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and consult with a licensed investment professional before making an investment. This communication should not be used as a basis for making any investment.

RISK OF INVESTING. Investing is inherently risky. Don't trade with money you can't afford to lose. This is neither a solicitation nor an offer to Buy/Sell securities. No representation is being made that any stock acquisition will or is likely to achieve profits.

Read this article on OilPrice.com

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES
OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arena Minerals Inc. ("Arena" or the "Company") (TSX-V: AN) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition from Centaur Resources Pty Ltd. ("Centaur") of the Sal de la Puna lithium project which was the subject of its news releases dated March 29, May 26 and June 28, 2021 (the "Centaur Acquisition"), and that it has closed the first tranche of its $10 million subscription receipts private placement announced July 12, 2021.

William Randall, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “With recent developments in the Pastos Grandes basin closing this acquisition secures Arena with a strategic and key land package within a world class basin. Closing the acquisition of Sal de la Puna project as part of the Centaur Acquisition, with the support of our partner Ganfeng Lithium and strategic financing by Lithium Americas, is a transformative event for Arena.”

Private Placement

The Company has closed an initial tranche of its subscription receipts private placement, issuing 42,857,143 subscription receipts to Lithium Americas Corporation ("Lithium Americas") (TSX: LAC; NYSE: LAC) at a price of $0.14 per subscription receipt for aggregate consideration of $6 million. The Company anticipates closing a second tranche for the remainder of the placement shortly, which will include participation by GFL International Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd (“Ganfeng Lithium”) (1772.HK; OTCQX: GNENF).

Upon the closing of the Company's share purchase agreement with Centaur Resources Pty Ltd., the subscription receipts were exchanged without payment of additional consideration for units of the Company consisting of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at $0.25 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Following the exchange of the subscription receipts, Lithium Americas held 42,857,143 Common Shares and 21,428,571 Warrants.

Sal de la Puna Acquisition

Arena has completed the previously announced acquisition of all of the shares of Centaur Resources Holdings from Centaur, particulars of which are contained in the Company's news releases of May 26 and June 28, 2021. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition was approximately USD $22 million. Through this acquisition, the Company has acquired a 100% interest in the Sal de la Puna lithium brine project, which covers approximately 11,000 hectares of the Pastos Grandes basin located in the Puna region of Salta province, sharing the basin with Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSX-V:ML). Please refer to the Company's previous news releases respecting the Centaur Acquisition for further information respecting the Sal de la Puna project.

As disclosed in the Company's news release of March 29, 2021, the Company took an assignment of the right to acquire Centaur Resources Holdings from LITH-ARG Acquisition LLC ("LITH-ARG") pursuant to a binding MOU. Under the terms of the MOU, LITH-ARG agreed to assign to Arena all right, title and interest in a heads of agreement entitling it to acquire Centaur Resources Holdings in consideration for payment by Arena to LITH-ARG or to its direction of 49,345,314 common shares of Arena, 18,384,519 share purchase warrants each entitling the holder to acquire one common share of Arena at a price of $0.16 cents per common share for a period of 24 months following closing and a cash payments of $1.98-million (U.S.). These payments were made concurrently with the closing of the Centaur Acquisition. The shares issued in connection with the binding MOU are subject to a four month plus one day hold period.

Arena agreed to pay a finder's fee to an arm's length finder in connection with the binding MOU. The finders fee consists of 5% of the shares issued in connection with the MOU (not the private placement or Centaur Acquisition) and is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Arena Minerals Inc.

Arena owns the Antofalla lithium brine project in Argentina, consisting of four claims covering a total of 6,000 hectares of the central portion of Salar de Antofalla, located immediately south of Albemarle Corporation's Antofalla project. Arena has developed a proprietary brine processing technology using brine type reagents derived from the Antofalla project with the objective of producing more competitive battery grade lithium products.

Arena also owns 80 percent of the Atacama Copper property covering approximately 5,000 hectares within the Antofagasta region of Chile. The project is at low altitudes, within producing mining camps in infrastructure-rich areas, located in the heart of Chile's premier copper mining district. Arena holds 5.82 million shares of Astra Exploration Ltd as a result of the sale of its 80% interest in the Pampa Paciencia epithermal gold property, also located in northern Chile, to Astra Exploration Ltd.

To view our website, please visit www.arenaminerals.com. In addition to featuring information regarding the Company, its management, and projects, the site also contains the latest corporate news, a long form text explaining the unique business model of the Company (under the tab "the Company Explained") and an email registration allowing subscribers to receive news and updates directly.

For more information, contact William Randall, President and CEO, at +1-416-818-8711 or Simon Marcotte, Vice-President Corporate Development, at +1-647-801-7273 or smarcotte@arenaminerals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of: Arena Minerals Inc.

William Randall, President and CEO

Cautionary Note Regarding Accuracy and Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates relating to the future development of any of the Company's properties, the anticipating timing with respect to private placement financings, the ability of the Company to complete private placement financings, results of the exploration program, future financial or operating performance of the Company, its subsidiaries and its projects, the development of and the anticipated timing with respect to the Atacama project in Chile, the Antofalla, Hombre Muerto or Pocitos Projects in Argentina, and the Company's ability to obtain financing. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The statements made herein are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of the Company's interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Estimates underlying the results set out in this news release arise from work conducted by the previous owners and the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; other risks of the mining industry and the risks described in the annual information form of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Arena Minerals does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Shares of Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC) were up 8% as of midday Monday, in response to a ruling that the mining outfit can move forward with plans to excavate its Thacker Pass site in Nevada. Just as the name suggests, Lithium Americas is a key producer of lithium, the key component of batteries used to power electric vehicles. The industry continues to expand, with worldwide sales of electrified automobiles growing 41% last year even with the pandemic in place, according to numbers from the International Energy Agency.

Denver, CO, July 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intrepid Potash Inc. (NYSE: IPI) plans to release its second quarter 2021 financial results on Monday, August 2, 2021, after the market closes. Intrepid will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and other operating and financial matters and to answer investor questions.

Management invites you to listen to the conference call by using the dial-in number 1-800-319-4610 from the U.S. and Canada, or +1-631-891-4304 from other countries. The call will also be streamed live on Intrepid's website, intrepidp o tash.com.

A recording of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call at intrepidpotash.com or by dialing 1-800-319-6413 from the U.S. and Canada, or +1-631-883-6842 from other countries. The replay of the call will require the input of the conference identification number 7466. The recording will be available through September 3, 2021.

About Intrepid

Intrepid is a diversified mineral company that delivers potassium, magnesium, sulfur, salt and water products essential for customer success in agriculture, animal feed and the oil and gas industry. Intrepid is the only U.S. producer of muriate of potash, which is applied as an essential nutrient for healthy crop development, utilized in several industrial applications and used as an ingredient in animal feed. In addition, Intrepid produces a specialty fertilizer, Trio^®, which delivers three key nutrients, potassium, magnesium, and sulfate, in a single particle. Intrepid also provides water, magnesium chloride, brine and various oilfield services.

Intrepid serves diverse customers in markets where a logistical advantage exists and is a leader in the use of solar evaporation for potash production, resulting in lower cost and more environmentally friendly production. Intrepid’s mineral production comes from three solar solution potash facilities and one conventional underground Trio^® mine.

Intrepid routinely posts important information, including information about upcoming investor presentations and press releases, on its website under the Investor Relations tab. Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll at intrepidpotash.com, to receive automatic email alerts or RSS feeds for new postings.

Contact:
Matt Preston, Vice President of Finance
Phone: 303-996-3048
Email: matt.preston@intrepidpotash.com

Intrepid Potash (IPI) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2021. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The earnings report might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus Estimate

This potash and fertilizer producer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.10 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +114.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $48.6 million, up 28.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions Trend

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 72.97% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings Whisper

Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model — the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) — has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Intrepid Potash?

For Intrepid Potash, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +200%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #1.

So, this combination indicates that Intrepid Potash will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?

Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Intrepid Potash would post a loss of $0.06 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.18, delivering a surprise of +400%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom Line

An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Intrepid Potash appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

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Intrepid Potash, Inc (IPI) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Mosaic (MOS) reports results for the quarter ended June 2021. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on August 2, 2021, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

Zacks Consensus Estimate

This fertilizer maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.97 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +781.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.93 billion, up 43.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions Trend

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.82% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings Whisper

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Mosaic?

For Mosaic, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.26%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Mosaic will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?

While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Mosaic would post earnings of $0.50 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.57, delivering a surprise of +14%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom Line

Mosaic appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

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The Mosaic Company (MOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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Zacks Investment Research

(Bloomberg) — The world’s biggest mining companies are about to start revealing how much cash they’re churning out from this year’s commodity boom. Look out for record profits followed by eye-watering dividend payouts.

The top-five western diversified miners may have earned a combined $85 billion for the first half of the year, according to analyst estimates, more than double the level from a year ago. Rio Tinto Group, the first to report on Wednesday, is expected to announce $22 billion of profit for the six months, on a par with its total for all of 2020.

The mining sector has been one of the biggest beneficiaries from the world’s efforts to emerge from the pandemic. The trillions of dollars poured into recovery packages have ignited demand for commodities like steel, iron ore and aluminum, driving prices sharply higher and sending inflation pressures rippling through the global economy.

Read more: Record Metals Prices Catapult Mining Profits Beyond Big Oil

And while previous rallies lured the industry into ambitious investment plans to build and expand mines, many producers this time appear content to return their profit windfalls to investors. The two biggest — Rio and larger rival BHP Group — have already been funneling record returns to shareholders.

Each of the group of five majors — which also includes Glencore Plc, Anglo American Plc and Vale SA — are expected to report their biggest-ever earnings for the six months through June, according to average analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Rio could pay out 60% of its underlying earnings, according to some analyst estimates.

“This should be a pretty much stellar set of results all round,” said Ben Davis, an analyst at Liberum Capital. “We’re expecting record dividends from BHP and Rio, while Anglo and Glencore also have the potential to surprise.”

Iron ore has been a big driver of profit for the largest producers. The world’s biggest commodity after oil hit a record in the first-half, and has spent the last three months hovering around $200 a ton, a level not seen in a decade. Steel and copper prices both set fresh records this year, thermal coal has also soared, and even diamonds have had a resurgence.

Some prices have retreated recently amid concerns about rising Covid-19 cases and as China moves to curb rising costs. Yet commodity prices across the board remain historically high for now.

U.S. copper miner Freeport-McMoRan Inc. gave a hint of what to expect when it reported last week. The company has wiped out $5 billion of debt in the last 12 months, hitting its target months ahead of schedule, and setting the stage for an increase in shareholder returns.

For the iron ore miners such as Vale, BHP and Rio, it promises to be even better. Demand for the steelmaking ingredient, especially from China, is rampant and supply is constrained. China, which accounts for about half of global steel production, is making a record amount of the metal, while iron ore supply has never recovered from two dam disasters in Brazil.

Of course, the mining companies are not immune to inflation themselves — iron ore operations in Australia are grappling with a sharp rise in labor costs due to worker shortages. And governments in resource-rich countries, especially in Latin America, are also looking at the industry as a source of extra revenue after the commodities rally.

For now though, the miners are cashing in.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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(Reuters) -Canadian union Unifor said on Sunday about 900 workers had started strike action at global miner Rio Tinto's operations in the western Canadian province of British Columbia.

Unifor issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday after nearly seven weeks of unproductive talks over proposed changes to workers' retirement benefits and unresolved grievances.

In an emailed statement to Reuters, a spokesperson for the miner said that the union refused the company’s proposal to request the intervention of a mediator.

"Rio Tinto has made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating with Unifor over the past seven weeks, and will continue to do so," the company said in the statement.

The union represents about 900 workers at the miner's aluminium smelting plant in Kitimat and power generating facility in Kemano.

"Rio Tinto was given every opportunity to reach a fair deal but showed complete disregard for our issues," the union said in a statement.

Unifor said it was committed to resolving the labour dispute amicably and urged the company's management to reach a fair settlement.

The company said that required staff and employees are now taking on operational duties to ensure the smelter and powerhouse continue to function safely. Rio had earlier sought an order from the province's labour relations board declaring power plant workers essential, according to a union bulletin.

(Reporting by Rithika Krishna in Bengaluru and Jeff Lewis in Toronto; Additional reporting by Radhika Anilkumar and Vishal Vivek in BengaluruEditing by Mark Potter and Grant McCool)

(Adds statement from Rio Tinto)

July 25 (Reuters) – Canadian union Unifor said on Sunday about 900 workers had started strike action at global miner Rio Tinto's operations in the western Canadian province of British Columbia.

Unifor issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday after nearly seven weeks of unproductive talks over proposed changes to workers' retirement benefits and unresolved grievances.

In an emailed statement to Reuters, a spokesperson for the miner said that the union refused the company’s proposal to request the intervention of a mediator.

"Rio Tinto has made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement through negotiating with Unifor over the past seven weeks, and will continue to do so," the company said in the statement.

The union represents about 900 workers at the miner's aluminium smelting plant in Kitimat and power generating facility in Kemano.

"Rio Tinto was given every opportunity to reach a fair deal but showed complete disregard for our issues," the union said in a statement.

Unifor said it was committed to resolving the labour dispute amicably and urged the company's management to reach a fair settlement.

The company said that required staff and employees are now taking on operational duties to ensure the smelter and powerhouse continue to function safely.

Rio had earlier sought an order from the province's labour relations board declaring power plant workers essential, according to a union bulletin. (Reporting by Rithika Krishna in Bengaluru and Jeff Lewis in Toronto; Additional reporting by Radhika Anilkumar and Vishal Vivek in Bengaluru Editing by Mark Potter and Grant McCool)

(Adds statement from environmental group and industry context)

By Ernest Scheyder

July 24 (Reuters) – A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Lithium Americas Corp may conduct excavation work at its Thacker Pass lithium mine site in Nevada, denying a request from environmentalists who said the digging could harm sage grouse and other wildlife.

The ruling marked a rare win for a U.S. critical minerals project as environmental groups increasingly pressure courts and regulators to block mining projects, even if they produce metals key to building electric vehicles.

Chief Judge Miranda Du of the federal court in Reno, Nevada, said late on Friday that the digging – needed to determine whether the land holds historical import for Native Americans – may proceed while she determines the broader question of whether former President Donald Trump's administration erred when it approved the project in January. Du said she will try to publish her decision by early 2022.

Vancouver, Canada-based Lithium Americas had agreed not to dig before July 29 while Du deliberated. It was not immediately clear if the company now intends to start digging on that date. Company representatives could not be reached for comment.

The land that would be affected amounts to less than a quarter of an acre on a project roughly 18,000 acres in size, a factor which Du said affected her decision.

Additionally, Du said, environmental groups could not prove what specific damage would be caused by the digging, only hypothetical guesses. Environmentalists "failed to meet their burden to show they will be irreparably harmed," Du said.

"We are disappointed in the court's ruling allowing the company to dig up and remove cultural and historical artifacts," said Kelly Fuller of the Western Watersheds Project, one of the environmental groups that sued to block the project.

Fuller said the group looks forward to a hearing with Du in the future to argue the entire project should be canceled. (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder in Houston; editing by Matthew Lewis and Leslie Adler)

By Ernest Scheyder

(Reuters) -A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Lithium Americas Corp may conduct excavation work at its Thacker Pass lithium mine site in Nevada, denying a request from environmentalists who said the digging could harm sage grouse and other wildlife.

The land that would be affected amounts to less than a quarter of an acre on a project roughly 18,000 acres in size, a factor which Du said affected her decision.

Fuller said the group looks forward to a hearing with Du in the future to argue the entire project should be canceled.

(Reporting by Ernest Scheyder in Houston; editing by Matthew Lewis and Leslie Adler)

TORONTO, July 23 (Reuters) – BHP Group has reached conditional agreement with a unit of Westshore Terminals Investment Corp for port services for the global miner's proposed Jansen potash mine in Canada, the terminal operator said late on Thursday, moving the project closer to fruition.

The port agreement is subject to approval by BHP's board and conditional on it moving ahead with Jansen's first phase, Westshore said in a release.

The world's biggest listed miner has estimated Jansen would cost up to $5.7 billion in its first phases.

The project in Canada's Saskatchewan province offers diversification into agricultural markets given that potash is a key element in plant nutrition that also makes crops more drought resistant.

Last month BHP said it would present its board with a decision on whether to move ahead with Jansen after choosing between two port options.

"If the Jansen project does proceed, the agreement requires Westshore to handle potash for BHP for a term to 2051, subject to extension," Westshore said.

Under the agreement, Vancouver-based Westshore would construct infrastructure to handle potash at Westshore’s Roberts Bank Terminal by 2026, with BHP funding the construction.

The pact would become binding on BHP if it announces a final decision to proceed with Jansen's first stage, Westshore said.

(Reporting by Jeff Lewis; editing by Jason Neely)

TORONTO (Reuters) -BHP Group has reached conditional agreement with a unit of Westshore Terminals Investment Corp for port services for the global miner's proposed Jansen potash mine in Canada, the terminal operator said late on Thursday, moving the project closer to fruition.

The port agreement is subject to approval by BHP's board and conditional on it moving ahead with Jansen's first phase, Westshore said in a release.

The world's biggest listed miner has estimated Jansen would cost up to $5.7 billion in its first phases.

The project in Canada's Saskatchewan province offers diversification into agricultural markets given that potash is a key element in plant nutrition that also makes crops more drought resistant.

"BHP confirms that Westshore Terminals Limited Partnership … has signed an agreement to provide port services for the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan," BHP said in a statement to Reuters.

Last month BHP said it would present its board with a decision on whether to move ahead with Jansen after choosing between two port options.

"If the Jansen project does proceed, the agreement requires Westshore to handle potash for BHP for a term to 2051, subject to extension," Westshore said.

Under the agreement, Vancouver-based Westshore would construct infrastructure to handle potash at Westshore’s Roberts Bank Terminal by 2026, with BHP funding the construction.

The pact would become binding on BHP if it announces a final decision to proceed with Jansen's first stage, Westshore said.

Westshore's Toronto-listed shares climbed as much as 38% Friday.

(Reporting by Jeff Lewis; editing by Jason Neely, Kirsten Donovan)

London stocks were set to scrape out a gain out for the week, helped by miners and Vodafone, as investors sifted through a mixed set of economic data on Friday. “While there are questions around high-street retail demand despite government steps to reopen the economy, the saving grace appears to have come from football fans who drove up alcohol and food sales for the euro 2020 tournament,” said Joshua Mahony, senior market analyst at IG, in a note to clients. “July saw the U.K. economy’s recent growth spurt stifled by the rising wave of virus infections, which subdued customer demand, disrupted supply chains and caused widespread staff shortages, and cast a darkening shadow over the outlook,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, in a press release.

(Adds BHP statement, Westshore shares)