Telegraph: Western nations are expected to make a decision later on Wednesday about whether to release global oil reserves in the wake of the Iran war, according to the Wall Street Journal. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) plan would be adopted if there were no objections, it said, but protests by even one country could delay the effort. Members of the IEA are required to hold reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports. The aim is to “mitigate the negative economic impacts” of shortages or disruptions to supply.
Comment: Over 50 years after the big oil embargo shock of 1973, there should ideally never be a situation where individual countries / the world is dependent on there being no geopolitical strife, crackpot dictators, tyrants, and no natural disasters to maintain oil / gas price stability. There has been plenty of time to put a system in place. But of course, where would be the fun in that. Perhaps the IEA is trying to do what should have been done decades ago.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, announced that the Company and the Mining Ministry in Chile have formally agreed the contractual terms on which the Special Lithium Operating Contract (“CEOL”) for Laguna Verde is to be awarded to CleanTech Lithium and its minority-party consortium partner. A final ratification step is required by the Comptroller General’s Office to ensure the Decree complies with the Constitution and laws of Chile.
Comment: The Comptroller General notwithstanding, CTL already has its Man From Del Monte moment, something which is a testament to the determination and effort of the company, especially its new CEO. Indeed, it always looked as though having a “local” man at the helm would get CTL over the line. The re-rate which has already been in place in anticipation of today’s news should have legs even from current levels.
Zenith Energy Ltd. (ZEN), the international energy production and development company, provided an update regarding the application for annulment of the ICC-2 Arbitration before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne, Switzerland submitted by its wholly owned subsidiary, Canadian North Africa Oil and Gas Limited. ZEN said “the fact that the Republic of Tunisia has failed to submit its response within the required timeframe and has instead challenged the authority of the Swiss Court, asserting that the Annulment Application should be heard in Tunisia, represents yet another example of Tunisia’s consistent efforts to escape justice, as evidenced, amongst other things, by its failure to date to pay any procedural expenses associated with the arbitrations, all of which have been borne by Zenith subsidiaries, including CNAOG. This is emblematic of an ongoing pattern of behaviour characterised by dilatory tactics, non-payment, and attempts to inflict as much financial damage as possible on Zenith’s subsidiaries to hinder their ability to pursue their claims.”
Comment: While ZEN has not said this, the contempt with which Tunisia is acting in this matter rather increases the chances of it either losing the arbitration process, or just agreeing a settlement. The latter is all the more likely given that the powers that be in the country and indeed, most countries, are always relaxed in just paying out public money for an easy life.
Light Science Technologies Holdings plc (LST), the innovative technology and manufacturing business providing real-world solutions targeting issues including global food security and fire safety, announced entry into conditional agreements to acquire: (i) 100% of the share capital of RLUK Injection Ltd and (ii) the remaining 10% minority interest in UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions Limited not already owned by UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of the Company, as well as the Property for a total maximum cash consideration of up to £5.37 million. The Consideration will be funded through a placing and a separate retail offer to raise up to £6.6 million at an issue price of 1 pence per share.
Comment: There are companies that hang around seemingly for years not doing much. In the case of LST though, it may be that this latest example of dealmaking, however worthy, is an example of potentially biting off more than it can chew. Raising not far off what was yesterday’s market cap is a punch move.
Nuformix plc (NFX), a pharmaceutical development company targeting unmet medical needs in fibrosis and oncology via drug repurposing, announced a placing to raise gross proceeds of £1.0 million at a price of 0.20 pence. The net proceeds of the Placing will be used by the Company to drive forward its NXP002 programme, an inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (“PPF”) and for general corporate purposes.
Comment: One was wondering over one’s cornflakes yesterday morning why shares of NFX were not as sparky as they perhaps could have been given the news. Today’s revelation of a placing suggests that at least one or two people successfully guessed that a placing was on its way, and NXP002 or no NXP002, a lid was kept on the shares.
Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (ECO), the oil and gas exploration company focused on the offshore Atlantic Margins, announced that it signed a binding agreement on 10 March 2026 with JHI Associates, Inc. (“JHI”) in which Eco has agreed to acquire the issued and to be issued shares of JHI not already held by Eco. The Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, further details of which are set out below. This landmark acquisition complements Eco’s existing Atlantic Margin portfolio in Namibia and South Africa, whilst adding to its exposure offshore Guyana.
Comment: It is all about the Atlantic Margins, which these days, along with the spike in the oil price, is certainly the new rock and roll. Today’s news sees ECO finesse its position, and in doing so allowing the share price to rally to yet great near term highs. Our top of December price channel target at 60p has just been hit. Thank you fans.
Physiomics plc (PYC), a leading mathematical modelling, data science and biostatistics company supporting the development of new therapeutics and personalised medicine solutions, announced that after yesterday’s placing Mike Whitlow / Doc Holliday, is up from 8% to 13% on the shareholder register.
Comment: After the recent share price dip, some of little faith may have thought that Doc’s love of PYC was going to end in tears. But no. He is following his money, and if anything PYC now looks even sexier as a prospect than before he espoused the cause.
Under The Radar: BWA Group (AQSE:BWAP)
Oberon Research: BWA Group Plc is a London-based AQSE-quoted early-stage mineral exploration investment company, focused on exploration licences in Cameroon alongside two exploration claims in Quebec, Canada. Management strategy centres on generating shareholder value through discovery, resource definition, and eventual monetisation via farm-outs, joint ventures, or divestiture of assets. The Group key interests lie largely in these operations in Cameroon, which are focused on heavy mineral sands (HMS) and on gold exploration via the Aracari Gold Project.
Comment: In terms of being under the radar it would be difficult to find another stock, whether on Aquis or not, which is more deeply embedded in this category. But with the company making its debut in the RNS Hotlist, as well of course, the strategic shift to gold exploration, it could be said, “you heard it here first.”
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest:
The information, investment views, and recommendations in this Zaks Traders Cafe interview are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this interview should be construed as a promotion or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or referred to or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engage in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.
