Highlights
- Volt currently pursuing Note Issues and listings on both Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) to secure the US$40 million for the Stage 1 development of Bunyu Graphite Project
- Final Note Issue approvals for both Tanzania and Mauritius are well advanced with positive discussions being held with regulators in both jurisdictions
- Interview with CEO Trevor Matthews on funding progress and graphite market conditions now available
Tanzanian-focused flake graphite developer Volt Resources Limited (ASX: VRC) (Volt or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on recent progress made in relation to funding strategies for the Stage 1 Development of the Company’s Bunyu Graphite Project in Tanzania.
As previously advised (see ASX release 10 September 2019), the prospectus for Volt Graphite Tanzania Plc’s (“VGT”) proposed Stock Exchange of Mauritius (“SEM”) Note Issue and listing has been lodged with the regulator and is continuing to advance towards approval. Positive feedback from SEM officials indicates that VGT’s prospectus is nearing its final approval with some minor delays incurred due to the high level of recent IPO activity on the exchange combined with Volt being the first resource company to seek a Note issue to be listed on the stock exchange.
The SEM is an active and rapidly growing capital market in the African region with over 200 listed companies and a total market capitalisation of ~US$12 billion, with listed companies having raised over US$6.5 billion to fund growth.
VGT’s application is for a Note Listing on the Development & Enterprise Market of the SEM and once approved will allow the Company to quickly commence its funding raising process with SEM investors.
In respect to the Company’s Tanzanian Note Issue and listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (“DSE”), Volt can report that Company advisors met with senior officials of the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals earlier this week to discuss key details and support for VGT’s proposed Note Issue. This meeting was held in addition to other processes of engagement with senior government officials. The Company is encouraged by the ongoing level of engagement with key officials in Tanzania and remains confident of receiving final approval to issue the Note prospectus and list the issued Notes on the DSE.
Interview with CEO
Volt is pleased to provide investors with an opportunity to listen to an interview with Chief Executive Officer Trevor Matthews on Investor Stream. The interview provides an update on the funding strategy progress and current graphite market conditions.
The audio interview is available here : Investor Stream Episode 66
Graphite Market Conditions
Volt notes recent market commentary in relation to graphite market conditions and in particular those affecting the Chinese graphite market.
Volt CEO Trevor Matthews provided the following commentary:
“Volt’s Board and management team note the recent commentary and market reports on specific sections of the graphite market, and we would like to advise our shareholders that we remain comfortable with Volt’s market position and the planned graphite products.
“Like all industrial minerals, graphite products are sold under bilateral offtake agreements between the producer and end-user and following recent dialogue with our offtake partners we are very confident that demand for Bunyu graphite products remains robust.
“Based on market research and our own due diligence, we have noted a softening in pricing for fine flake graphite material impacted by significant new supply and some slowing in demand from the battery sector, however coarse flake graphite prices have remained relatively stable. Overall, we see the long-term outlook for graphite demand and pricing as very positive.
“With over half of Volt’s planned graphite production being of coarse size, the Company is well placed to benefit from high average sales prices per tonne of product.”
For and on behalf of Volt Resources Limited
Trevor Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
For further information please contact:
Trevor Matthews – Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +61 8 9486 7788