Athabasca Minerals Inc. ("Athabasca" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:ABM) is
pleased to announce its financial results for the three and six months ended May
31, 2014. The Corporation's unaudited interim financial statements and
management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three and six months ended
May 31, 2014 are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Athabasca
Minerals website at www.athabascaminerals.com.
Q2 2014 Highlights
-- Completed aggregate production at Cowper corporate owned aggregate
operation, the Corporation's fourth corporate owned pit and first under
agreement with DeneCo Aggregates Ltd. ("Deneco"), a First Nations
company with reclamation efforts underway;
-- Increased aggregate inventory by a cost exceeding $2.1 million including
113,000 tonnes at Cowper pit with an inventoried cost of transportation
on 86,000 tonnes (76%) of aggregates stockpiled;
-- Completed drilling at the Corporation's Richardson Granite - Dolomite
aggregate project;
-- Submitted Conservation and Reclamation Business Plan ("CRBP") to the
Alberta Environmental and Sustainable Resources Development ("ESRD") for
the Corporation's Firebag silica sand project;
-- Furthered communication with the Alberta Government with respect to the
CRBP plan and approval of Firebag silica sand project;
-- Completed the preliminary design on the private rail switch in Lynton,
Alberta to facilitate transportation of frac sand from Firebag silica
sand project;
-- Appointed Mr. Scott MacDougall, P.Eng to the role of Vice President,
Operations;
-- Appointed Ms. Heather Budney, P. Geol to the role of Chief Geologist.
Q2 2014 sales from corporate-owned aggregate operations were impacted by limited
construction activities during the winter months and spring break up period. The
Corporation currently has 426,000 tonnes of gravel and 437,000 tonnes of sand
located at five inventory locations at Athabasca corporate pits and stockpile
sites. This stockpiled inventory has a cost exceeding $10.3 million, a
significant portion of which is expected to be sold during the busier remaining
two quarters of 2014. During Q2 2014 the Corporation initiated a review of
operating parameters and execution, focused on identifying opportunities for
efficiency improvements which resulted in key performance indicators and cost
control measures being implemented. The productivity and efficiency gains from
these processes are already being realized.
President and CEO Dom Kriangkum said, "As anticipated, aggregate sales have
picked up significantly with the ramp up in construction activities beginning in
our third fiscal quarter, following generally slow demand experienced during the
first half of fiscal 2014. As there is traditionally slow demand for aggregate
during the first two quarters, Athabasca intends to explore future opportunities
to improve our sales during these slower periods. Further opportunities for cost
minimization at these times are also being targeted. While we await final
approval from the Alberta Government on the Firebag Project, we have been
working with consultants on the frac sand processing plant design and
transloading facilities. We have also had positive meetings with potential frac
sand customers. Market indications point to greater projected demand for frac
sand due to increased drilling activities. Management feels this increases the
opportunity for the supply of locally sourced, high quality frac sand to the
Western Canadian market."
Operations Update
Aggregate demand continues in its regular pattern of being busiest during the
second half of the year, which covers the Corporation's third and fourth fiscal
quarters. Susan Lake Q2 activity increased significantly over Q1 2014, but was
lower than the comparative quarter in 2013.
Management continues to implement new operational strategies designed to
increase efficiencies at corporate owned aggregate operations, while actively
exploring for and introducing new aggregate supply within the Wood Buffalo
region.
-- Commenced crushing activity at Kilometer 248 aggregate operation with
Deneco, the second pit opened with this First Nation's partner;
-- Unsold gravel processed at the Cowper pit has been hauled to a new third
party stockpile site near a major highway north of Conklin, where it is
available for year round delivery. Aggregate sales from the interim
stockpile commenced during Q3 2014. Crushing operations at the now
depleted Cowper pit had concluded during Q2 2014, and reclamation
activity at the pit has been initiated;
-- Purchase orders have been received covering the majority of all existing
Kearl pit gravel inventory; the fulfillment of these purchase orders is
expected to be completed during fiscal 2014.
Financial Highlights
Q2 and Six Months Ended May 31
Q2 2014 Q2 2013 Q2 YTD 2014 Q2 YTD 2013
----------------------------------------------------
Aggregate management
fees $ 1,526,558 $ 2,427,022 $ 2,081,125 $ 3,916,039
Net aggregate sales $ 1,959,760 $ 3,851,656 $ 4,823,038 $ 9,046,035
Total revenue $ 3,486,318 $ 6,278,678 $ 6,904,163 $12,962,074
Aggregate operating
expenses $ 3,213,808 $ 3,832,548 $ 7,785,547 $ 9,643,145
Gross profit (loss) $ 272,510 $ 2,446,130 $ (881,384) $ 3,318,929
Total aggregate tonnes
sold 1,418,032 2,357,778 1,996,569 3,874,002
Net (loss) from land use
agreement $ Nil $ (71,627) $ Nil $ (299,423)
Net (loss) income from
aggregate operations $ (538,704) $ 919,072 $(2,449,097) $ 772,286
Net (loss) income and
comprehensive (loss)
income $ (538,704) $ 847,445 $(2,449,097) $ 472,863
Basic (loss) income per
common share $ (0.017) $ 0.029 $ (0.078) $ 0.017
A $2,792,360 decline in Q2 2014 revenue compared to Q2 2013 was the primary
reason for the resulting net loss of $538,704, a decrease of $1,386,149 from Q2
2013. The sales decline includes a $900,464 reduction in aggregate management
fees, resulting from a 38.7% reduction in aggregate tonnes sold from Susan Lake,
and a $1,891,896 reduction in net aggregate sales, resulting from a 55.9%
reduction in aggregate tonnes sold from corporate-owned pits. Aggregate
operating expenses during Q2 2014 had decreased by $618,740 compared to Q2 2013,
primarily as a result of reduced costs associated with lower sales volume from
corporate-owned pits. A reduction in hauling costs on lower sales formed the
biggest cost reduction. While sales decreased due to slower aggregate demand,
the Corporation added to its processed sand and gravel inventory in anticipation
of significantly stronger aggregate demand in the second half of the year.
Outlook
Athabasca's core business relies on aggregate demand from Alberta's oilsands
activity in addition to municipal and road construction projects. Historically
Athabasca has stronger third and fourth quarters following typically slower
first and second quarters due to seasonal considerations such as winter and
spring break-up conditions.
The Corporation determines demand for the year by discussing expected aggregate
requirements with its major customers. Management also receives additional
aggregate requests from other regional customers outside of its current major
customers. At Q2 2014, processed inventory with a cost exceeding $10.3 million
was available for sale.
Athabasca continues the development of industrial mineral projects in Northern
Alberta which includes gravel, sand, silica sand, granite, dolomite and salt.
With each development project Athabasca strives for a responsible and measured
approach, with a focus on delivering high quality products in a safe and
efficient manner.
Athabasca is currently progressing on a number of initiatives including the
following:
-- Continue to realize increased cost savings at corporate owned aggregate
operations from implementation and effective execution of management
initiatives;
-- Focus on increasing sand and gravel sales from corporate owned aggregate
operations and stockpile sites;
-- Crushing at the Kilometer 248 and Kearl aggregate operations in
anticipation of second half demand;
-- Apex Geoscience Inc. retained to provide a National Instrument 43-101
report on the 500 acre parcel of land containing the Firebag Project's
silica sand for completion during Q4 2014;
-- Apex Geoscience Inc. retained to provide a National Instrument 43-101
report on the Richardson Granite-Dolomite project for completion during
Q4 2014;
-- NorWest Corporation retained to provide a Preliminary Economic
Assessment of the Firebag Project for completion during Q4 2014;
-- Completed the preliminary design on the private rail switch and
transloading facility in Fort McMurray.
Aggregate Operations
Susan Lake Public Pit
Q2 activity at the Susan Lake Pit increased significantly over Q1 2014, and a
further increase in activity and demand has been observed to date in Q3 2014.
Recently, management has been notified by the Alberta Environment and
Sustainable Resources Development ("ESRD") that the SML dimensions for the Susan
Lake Aggregate Operation will be revised due to a change in the property
boundary. On July 29, 2014 management met with ESRD to further discuss the
intended boundary revision, and management plans to continue to work with ESRD
to maximize resource recovery in the Susan Lake pit. At present management
approximates that the estimated 4,500 acre portion only represents roughly 15%
of the original total gravel tonneage within the entire Susan Lake pit.
Corporate-Owned Pits
Management is focused on opportunities to sell its existing aggregate inventory,
and is actively negotiating with various customers who have expressed interest
for the purchase of aggregates, involving its five inventory locations.
Through its sand and gravel inventory across various strategic locations, the
Corporation is well positioned to supply to regional customers processed
aggregate products.
-- Over 196,000 tonnes of processed gravel and 387,000 tonnes of processed
sand are available for immediate delivery at the Kearl pit;
-- Athabasca has received a multi-million dollar order for aggregates to be
hauled from its Kearl operation and has commenced delivery in Q3. It is
expected that the entire order will be fulfilled during fiscal 2014,
with over 30,000 tonnes delivered to date;
-- Active marketing of current inventory to multiple customers requiring
aggregates to meet growing infrastructure demands;
-- Athabasca opened Kilometer 248 pit under the agreement with Deneco with
sales expected to commence during the second half of 2014; aggregate
processing at the pit continues at an impressive rate of production;
-- Kilometer 248 pit has achieved significant production targets through an
improved maintenance program, a focused production plan and adoption of
key performance indicators.
During fiscal 2014 Athabasca seeks to improve its corporate pit cost
efficiencies through its improved Kearl pit dewatering method, improved labour
operation of crushing equipment, and crushing during periods least impacted by
adverse weather.
Industrial Metallic Minerals Projects
Richardson Project (Granite and Dolomite)
In anticipation of the eventual depletion of higher quality material from Susan
Lake as well as overall aggregate supply within the area, the Corporation has
located a long term aggregates source to supply the Fort McMurray region. The
potential quarry is located approximately 70 km north of the Susan Lake Gravel
pit, which in turn lies approximately 80 km north of Fort McMurray, and contains
high quality dolomite and granite. In March 2014 the Corporation announced the
completion of its Richardson Project winter drilling program. All holes
successfully cored the dolomite and all but one intersected the granite basement
rocks.
Apex Geoscience Inc. is currently completing the National Instrument 43-101
report on the project, with a planned completion date during Q4 2014.
Following completion of the NI 43-101 report, the Corporation intends to apply
for a mineral lease on a portion of the Richardson Project currently held by
Athabasca under mineral permits; and subsequently, the submission of a
development application to operate a hard rock quarry.
Firebag Project (Silica Sand)
Athabasca is developing a major frac sand deposit which would supply frac sand
to oil and gas customers in Western Canada. This deposit is strategically
located north of Fort McMurray accessible by Highway 63 and is near water and
power sources.
-- On April 23, 2014 the Corporation submitted a Conservation and
Reclamation Business Plan ("CRBP") to ESRD for their review before
receiving final approval. The CRBP is a normal course requirement of the
approval process. Since then, Athabasca has continued its dialogue with
ESRD on a regular basis, responding promptly to all inquiries, and
continues to work diligently toward permit approval;
-- Athabasca has retained Apex Geoscience Inc. to complete a National
Instrument 43-101 report on the entire 500 acre parcel;
-- The Corporation has retained Norwest Corporation to complete a
preliminary economic assessment on the project;
-- Management initiated discussions with pressure pumpers operating in
Western Canada for introduction of Athabasca frac sand;
-- Completed additional testing with Stim-Lab Inc. and PropTester Inc. to
verify consistency of the silica sand at various depths of the Firebag
deposit confirming a high quality product with crush strength meeting or
exceeding API and ISO standards for frac sand, which will also assist in
the completion of the National Instrument 43-101 report.
Corporate Reorganization
The Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Elzinga,
ICD.D, to the position of Chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Elzinga is a
graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and was appointed to the
board of directors on January 31, 2014. Mr. Elzinga has a long list of career
accomplishments, in service to both the public and private sectors. Having held
a variety of senior government positions, Mr. Elzinga has served as Deputy
Premier for the Province of Alberta, and currently sits on the board of Servus
Credit Union.
Mr. Elzinga replaces Mr. Doug Stuve in the role as Chairman. While Mr. Stuve has
resigned as Chairman he will continue to serve as a highly valued member of the
Corporation`s board of directors.
Mr. Elzinga states, "I am extremely grateful to be moving into the role of
Chairman of Athabasca Minerals, and thank Mr. Doug Stuve for his superb
leadership and mentoring which resulted in the maturing of our great
organization. I look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Stuve and the board
of directors in building an industry leader for the supply of industrial
minerals and aggregates in Western Canada."
The Corporation is also pleased to welcome Mr. MacDougall and Ms. Budney to the
management team, and looks forward to their contributing to Athabasca as a
leader in providing industrial minerals.
The complete financial statements for Athabasca for the three and six months
ended May 31, 2014 and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the same periods
are available for viewing on the Corporation's website at
www.athabascaminerals.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Athabasca Minerals
The Corporation is a resource company involved in the management, exploration
and development of aggregate projects. These activities include contracts works,
aggregate pit management, aggregate production and sales from corporate-owned
pits, new aggregate development and acquisitions of sand and gravel operations.
The Corporation also has industrial mineral land holdings for the purpose of
locating and developing sources of industrial minerals and aggregates essential
to high growth economic development.
Neither the TSX Venture nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is
defined in the policies of the TSX Venture) accepts responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current
expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those
anticipated by the Corporation. The forward-looking statements or information
contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the
Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable
securities laws.
The securities of Athabasca have not been, nor will be, registered under the
United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold
within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons
absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration
requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities
in the United States.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
For further Information on Athabasca, please contact:
Dean Stuart
T: 403- 517-2270
E: dean@boardmarker.net
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