It has been another uncharacteristically blue-skied and sunny (albeit still bitingly cold) week in London Town. It feels almost as if the weather itself is smiling down upon the revellers that have flocked to the shops, restaurants, bars, or just the street will do, as we emerge from our hibernation and back into the world.
As we feel particularly appreciative to the recently rediscovered outdoors, yesterday marked Earth Day – the annual event to show our support to the planet. It is an undeniable fact that our planet needs us to not only step in but step up to protect it. From an increased level of natural disasters devastating cities and environments, to a growing number of endangered species, to even the current pandemic, it is showing a clear cry for help. Our unofficial spokesperson for the environment, David Attenborough, repeatedly highlights that our world’s systems work perfectly in sync in a delicate balance to make us able to live on Earth – and how the smallest change can put that balance at risk.
But, with progressively increased global awareness of our individual and collective impact on the world around us, the level of personal changes, community projects, companies’ efforts, and government-led initiatives in order to abate the current climate crisis means that there is hope of recovery.
London has repeatedly established itself as a global hub for sustainable finance and now with the stock exchange’s Green Economy Mark – of which two of our clients proudly qualify for – it recognises companies that are directly contributing to building a more sustainable future. From our small daily actions, such as separating the recyclables; to companies’ consistent efforts, such as our clients that across the board are committed to having a positive impact; to international measures, like the Paris Agreement, we continually demonstrate how much we care about our planet. After all, it is the only one we’ve got. Dr Seuss’ words from his cautionary fable on environmental destruction, The Lorax, encourage us to continue to make these conscious choices in the everyday and the bigger picture: “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”.
Client News:
Kibo Energy Plc (AIM: KIBO) has begun an extensive due diligence process in relation to the potential acquisition of all or part of a prospective portfolio of UK renewable energy projects. This consists of several attractive standalone projects that focus on the generation and/or storage of electric power from renewable generation sources, with a portfolio of several waste-to-energy projects. Kibo has negotiated exclusivity and a first right to acquire over these assets. This is in line with the company’s strategy to deliberately and actively transition from fossil fuel-based energy solutions to sustainable renewable energy solutions by advancing its renewable energy project portfolio in the UK.
BlueRock Diamonds Plc (AIM: BRD) announced its Q1 2021 production update and are pleased to report that production levels are up compared to the same period last year, and the grade for this quarter is within expectations. Highlights included the recovery in prices for its diamonds averaging at $446 per carat for the period, which is an increase on last year’s. Four large carat diamonds were sold in the quarter, which generated a total of $381,000. The upgrade of its plant is progressing well and is expected to be fully operational by the end of Jul, and once the expansion is complete, annual throughput will reach circa 1 million tonnes.
Tirupati Graphite Plc (AIM: TGR, Green Economy Mark) opened its second mine in Madagascar at the
Cora Gold (AIM: CORA) announced the first drill results from its largest ever drilling campaign being undertaken at tis Sanankoro Gold Project in Mali. Since beginning in March 2021, the campaign intends to drill up to 35,000m by the end of July 2021. The maiden results returned are from the first 817m of the programme and have returned highly encouraging results of 34m @ 1.98 g/t Au from 13m depth and 52m @ 1.78 g/t Au from 20m depth, further indicating the potential of its largest and highest-grade deposit Selin. The programme is focused on targeting resource growth as well as infill drilling to convert the existing Inferred resources to Indicated, and an update to its resource estimate is targeted after the programme’s completion.
Vast Resources Plc (AIM: VAST) announced the issue of 98 ordinary shares of 0.1p at 0.1p per share in order that the total number of ordinary shares in issue is exactly divisible by 100 and enabling the Capital Reorganisation. In addition, Andrew Prelea, Chief Executive Director, purchased 25,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.1p each in the share capital of Vast. This brings his total ownership to 7.54% of its issued share capital.
Trident Royalties Plc (AIM: TRR) noted an announcement by Apollo Consolidated regarding a significant increase in Indicated Mineral Resources at the Lake Rebecca Gold Project, in which Trident holds a 1.5% NSR gold royalty over. Apollo’s first Mineral Resource Estimate update has resulted in the total contained gold ounces increasing to 1.105 Moz and increasing the total Resource in the Indicated category to 815,000 oz, providing a basis for a potential 8+ year mine life operation.
Additionally, Trident has issued 108,108 ordinary shares of £0.01 to certain directors, and has also granted options over a total of 610,000 Orindary Shares to senior management as part of the current long-term incentive plan.
Trident’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020 is available to view on its website and its AGM will be held on 8 June 2021.
In the news this week…
Find out more about this year’s Earth Day celebration and about sustainable finance on the London Stock Exchange.
Today is St George’s Day, the patron Saint of England – find out more about its history.
The rules for living life – Jonathan Frostick’s reflection on life after his heart attack went viral this week.
Derek Chauvin has been convicted of the murder of George Floyd one year on.
