12-April 2024: Same thing applies here as I wrote last night for Capricorn Metals (CMM). I haven't updated price targets for either company for years, but they haven't cared much about that and have just got on with it.
Both CMM & EMR have ex-RRL (Regis Resources) people working for them, but these are the people that built Regis into one of Australia's top 5 gold miners back in the day - at Duketon, not the later management who overpaid for 30% of Tropicana and are dragging their feet on McPhillamys because the costs blowing out has made it hardly worth the effort now, and it will take an enormous effort to get McPhillamys up and running from here, and I've recently lost faith in the current Regis management to get that done in any sensible timeframe, but I digress...
Emerald through it's Cambodian subsidiary Renaissance Minerals has developed Okvau which became Cambodia's first commercial gold mine, and the Cambodians seem reasonably pleased to have the new industry in the country employing locals and producing money and benefits for the locals and the government.
Warning: The following two sites do use pop-up ads and cookies, so best to use a pop-up blocker and a cookie cutter (good firewall) or maybe skip the next four links:
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501396101/cambodia-produces-nearly-9-tons-of-gold-minister/ [22-Nov-2023]
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/first-commercial-gold-mine-online [21-June-2021]
There are a few coyboys and locals trying to mine gold themselves in different parts of Cambodia without proper safety precautions, and than can have tragic consequences:
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501285265/gold-mining-pit-accident-in-central-cambodia-claims-four-lives/ [06-May-2023]
That image (above) is from that tragic incident referred to in the article linked to above the image.
Emerald's Okvau mine, on the other hand, while it looked quite rural in it's early days compared to larger scale mining operations in other countries, has become a decent sized mine and processing plant now, and they do follow proper safety guidelines as well as ahering to the local laws and regulations.
Source: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/australia-gold-industry-adds-lustre-cambodias-diversification-plans [23-June-2021]
Excerpt:
Australian charge d’affaires Luke Arnold said compatriot Renaissance Minerals (Cambodia) Ltd’s commercialisation of gold in southwestern Mondulkiri province’s Okvau area will underpin Cambodia’s goal to diversify its foreign investment profile and assist the Kingdom in building a more resilient economy.
Arnold and Australian embassy second secretary Rhys Haynes on June 21 joined the energy and environment ministers and other senior Cambodian government officials for a ceremony marking the commencement of gold mining operations at the Okvau Gold Project in Mondulkiri’s Keo Seima district.
Owned by the Australian Stock Exchange- (ASX) listed company Emerald Resources NL, Renaissance established the project – Cambodia’s first commercial gold mine – and will operate it.
Arnold said the embassy is “pleased that an Australian mining business is helping support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s goal of diversifying its sources of foreign investment.
“Investments from Australia, like this project, will ultimately assist Cambodia to build a more resilient economy and a balanced strategic outlook in our region.”
Prime Minister Hun Sen on June 21 took to Facebook to congratulate all parties involved with the commercialisation of the project.
He said the undertaking was nearly 14 years in the making, following successful feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments.
Construction of the necessary infrastructure and facilities to support the gold project started in mid-2020, with a total investment of around $120 million, he said.
“The start of operations makes it clear that our past efforts in the mining sector were indeed viable, and we can extract natural resources from underground and reap their benefits for our socio-economic system, with high accountability for the environment and society.”
“[But] the launch of the gold industry is not just an invitation to encourage people to take up gold mining businesses – it is one of the most risky ventures, and requires a lot of capital and specialised skills,” the prime minister cautioned.
According to the embassy, the Cambodian government estimates that the Okvau Gold Project will generate more than $300 million in tax revenues and royalties over seven years, which will provide vital funding for public services and help offset the economic impact of Covid-19.
Emerald Resources has committed to applying high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards throughout the project, in line with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and relevant Cambodian legislation, it said.
It added that it understands that the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Statement was the first of its kind to be audited to the International Financial Corporation’s (IFC) Environmental and Social Performance Standards.
And the charge d’affaires said the IFC’s audit “sets a high bar for future projects and will help ensure that the emerging Cambodian mining industry can attract interest from high-quality international mining companies, which will be more likely to deliver benefits for the Cambodian people and minimise negative environmental and social impacts”.
--- end of excerpt ---
Hopefully that's more than just talking the talk, and they actually walk the walk and do what they say they will in terms of minimising adverse environmental impacts and setting a high standard for future Cambodian mining projects to meet.
The main thing is that the wealth is being shared around, instead of ALL of it being siphoned out of the country. Many of these countries need the experience and investment dollars that companies like EMR can bring to the table to unlock the wealth that would otherwise mostly stay buried underground. However with $300 million in taxes and royalties (government estimates, see above) flowing back to the Cambodian government over the initial 7 years of this mine - assuming the mine life does not get extended further due to further gold being discovered - as is often the case, it is little wonder the Cambodian government is so supportive of this project.
The market often doesn't know what to do with Emerald, because there is no history of Cambodian gold mining to look at, as Emerald are pioneers at developing and operating a commercial gold mine in Cambodia. Their share price continues to grind higher however as they keep presenting more and more positive news and no real negative news.
Then there is Bullseye Mining, a private (unlisted) gold company that owns projects in Western Australia. Emerald made a takeover offer for Bullseye back in December 2021. Here we are now, 2 years and 4 months (28 months) later, and they (EMR) still only own 78.26% of Bullseye Mining, and that takeover is still ongoing - it just keeps getting extended and extended.
Emerald have control of Bullseye, including controlling their Board, with the two companies having the same company secretary (Mark Clements) and the MD of EMR, Morgan Hart, now being the Chairman of the Bullseye Board. The Bullseye Board has always unanimously recommended that shareholders accept Emerald's offer, so that's not the sticking point - it is 2 or 3 stubborn shareholders who are holding out for a higher offer and refusing to sell. My understanding is that at least 2 of them are Chinese companies. Anyway, it appears that Emerald is going ahead with its plans for Bullseye and their WA gold projects with or without the support of those minority shareholders who are refusing to sell their Bullseye shares, and with 78% of the shares under their control, Emerald have effective control anyway - it's just messier with minority shareholders, but still doable.
You can read more about Bullseye here: https://www.bullseyemining.com.au/site/About-Us/company-overview
And Emerald here: https://www.emeraldresources.com.au/about/
WA:
Bungarra Pit, WA.
Cambodia:
Okvau Open Pit, July 2023.
Processing Plant.
Okvau Maintenance Crew.
Ball Mill Reline Crew.
Further Reading:
EMR:
MNN Awards: Hart's Emerald a quiet achiever (miningnews.net)
Executive management - Emerald Resources
Board of Directors - Emerald Resources
(24) Emerald Resources NL: Posts | LinkedIn
Tim Treadgold: Why it's time to take a closer look at Emerald Resources - Stockhead
CMM:
Ex Regis team to take reins at Capricorn Metals: sources (afr.com)
capmetals.com.au/corporate/senior-management/
(24) Capricorn Metals Ltd: Overview | LinkedIn
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As I said, EMR and CMM both have ex-Regis Resources (RRL) people there from the earlier Duketon build-out days, and many of those guys were together at Equigold before Regis.
I no longer hold Regis Resources, Capricorn Metals or Emerald Resources in any of my real money portfolios, however I do have a CMM and an EMR position here in my Strawman.com virtual portfolio. I have made money on CMM and EMR and lost money on RRL both here and in real life. I should have realised that the best part of RRL were the former management, who all turned up at either CMM or EMR. RRL has been a poor investment for most people after they left. EMR and CMM on the other hand just keep on grinding higher.
8-June-2021: First Ore Feed and Commencement of Wet Commissioning of Okvau Gold Plant
- Crushing Circuit and Processing Plant in start-up wet commissioning phase in advance of maiden gold pour this month
HIGHLIGHTS
- Crushing circuit commissioned and stockpiling crushed ore
- First ore feed to the processing plant and wet commissioning commenced
- Okvau substation energised and fully operational
- Tailings Storage Facility (Stage 1) completed and ready for tailings discharge
- 245,000 tonnes of ore on the ROM
- Ramp up of gold in circuit allowing for maiden gold pour this month
Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR) is pleased to advise that it has commenced crushing activities, delivered the first ore feed to the Mill and has commenced wet commissioning of the Processing Plant at the Company’s 100% owned 1.14Moz Okvau Gold Project in advance of the maiden gold pour this month.
Emerald’s Managing Director, Morgan Hart, said:
“The first ore feed and commencement of wet commissioning of the Okvau Gold Project is a significant milestone for the Company and represents the exceptional efforts by our experienced construction and development team with co-operation from our quality contractors and global suppliers.”
“The Project has remained on budget and on schedule despite the logistical challenges brought on by the global pandemic and is a testament to the skill and experience of the team we have assembled on site throughout this process.”
“Construction activities are nearing practical completion and open-pit mining has delivered over 245,000t of predominantly oxide ore on the ROM pad. The oxide feed is being used to wet commission the SAG Mill and leaching circuit for the first few weeks of operation allowing a ramp up of gold in circuit in advance of the maiden gold pour this month. Hard rock, sulphide feed will be added to the circuit in the coming weeks to commission the float regrind circuit.”
[I hold EMR shares.]
30-Apr-2021: Quarterly Activities Report
Quarterly Report for the period ended 31 March 2021
Highlights
Development Activities - Okvau Gold Project
- Okvau Gold Mine Development continues to be “On Time-On Budget”;
- Overall project construction is nearing practical completion;
- Aspects of project commissioning expected to commence in May 2021;
- First gold production expected before the end of current Quarter;
- Earthmoving activities continued in line with project schedule with first ore delivered to ROM and first blasting during the Quarter. [MACA (ASX:MLD) have the earthmoving and mining contract at Okvau]
Exploration – Near Mine and Regional Licences
- Okvau Gold Project - High grade intersections continue to support structural feeder zone interpretation;
- Environmental assessment progressing on highly prospective Memot Project. Preliminary rock chip sampling undertaken including 40.4, 27.3, 23.6 and 13.7 g/t Au;
- Significant gold-in-soil Auger soil sample results from infill programme on the previously announced O’Kapai Prospect (O’Kthung Licence) including 1,000 and 434 ppb Au.
Funding
- Consolidated cash at 31 March 2021 was approximately A$47 million;
- Emerald remains fully funded to develop the Okvau Gold Project with additional contingency.
COVID-19
- The commitment and dedication of the Company’s construction and operational workforce has limited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a level that to date has not delayed the project from forecast or increased costs materially;
- Travel between Australia and Cambodia continues to be restricted but is being managed through longer rosters and regional sourcing and the dedication of key employees on site at Okvau;
- Uncertainties around international freight have now been largely overcome with in excess of 95% of all equipment on site, approximately 4% in transit and less than 1% remaining to be shipped.
Commenting on the Quarter ended 31 March 2021, Emerald’s Managing Director, Morgan Hart, said:
"The global pandemic has continued to present challenges during the Quarter. However, our suppliers, logistics team and construction crew have worked safely and efficiently so that we are now in the final stages of construction of the Okvau Gold Project and expect to deliver first gold production prior to the end of the current quarter.”
“The expected first gold production will mark a significant milestone for Emerald and herald a new chapter for the Company as a +100,000 ounce per annum gold producer with an average LOM AISC of US$754/oz. First gold production at Okvau represents the first step in the Company's stated strategy to become a multi-mine gold producer."
--- click on the link at the top for the full report ---
[I hold EMR shares. I have shares in a number of gold producers, plus a small handful of project developers, and Emerald Resources is the ONLY gold project developer I hold who has a project located outside of Australia. I am backing their very experienced and well-credentialed management team, who have sensibly partnered with the Cambodian government to ensure favourable treatment in-country (or at least to hopefully ensure they do not get seriously rogered). Their grades at Okvau are outstanding.]
24-June-2021: Maiden Gold Pour at the Okvau Gold Mine
Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR) (“Emerald”) is pleased to advise that it has commissioned the gold room and poured first gold at its 100% owned 1.14Moz Okvau Gold Mine.
Two gold bars weighing a combined 8.6kg were produced during the three day commissioning of the gold room.
Emerald’s Chairman, Simon Lee AO, said: “I share absolute pride and the sense of achievement with our unwavering staff, trusted contractors and suppliers in Australia and Cambodia who have battled unprecedented challenges to remain categorically focused on meeting our target of commissioning and first gold production from the Okvau gold mine on time and on budget.”
“This could not be achieved without the leadership of our experienced executive and management team led by Managing Director Morgan Hart and Executive Director, Mick Evans and the support from the Government of Cambodia and its people. We are truly lucky to operate in a country steeped in traditions and wonderful people.”
Emerald’s Managing Director, Morgan Hart, said: “The first gold pour is a major milestone for both the Company and for Cambodia as the project becomes the first modern large scale mine to operate in the country. This marks the creation of a new industry for Cambodia bringing opportunities and benefits for the people of Cambodia.”
“Construction activities have remained on budget and the first gold pour has remained on schedule despite the logistical challenges brought on by the global pandemic. It is a testament to the skill and experience of the team we have assembled on site throughout this process."
"First gold doré production at Okvau is a significant achievement for Emerald, as whilst it continues commissioning activities ramping up to full production, it has successfully transitioned to the ranks of an international gold miner.”
Project Update
Commissioning activities at Okvau are well advanced and have initially focussed on the processing of oxide ore from crusher to the SAG mill, and through the CIL tanks, stripping circuits and detox circuit. The focus will now shift to commissioning the fine grind float circuit and adding higher grade sulphide ore to the process plant over coming weeks as the Okvau Gold Project ramps up to full production.
The Company maintains its guidance that the production at the Okvau Gold Project is forecast to be 100,000oz to 110,000oz per annum in line with the Company’s Definitive Feasibility Study releases on 1 May 2017 and subsequently updated on 26 November 2019.
[I hold EMR shares.]
21-Sep-2021: Okvau Gold Mine Ramps Up to Full Production
HIGHLIGHTS
- Commissioning of the Okvau gold plant complete with ramp up of operations to full production
- Over 19koz gold produced to date including ~12koz gold poured
- Gold shipments to the refiner commenced in July 2021
- Gold production to end of Quarter 2021 on track for ~23koz (inclusive of gold in circuit)
- Process plant throughput 10% above DFS targeted nameplate rate of 2.0Mtpa
- Sulphide ore production for the first 15 days of September has averaged 420 ounces per day recovered, confirms plant is capable of +100koz p.a. gold production
- Grade control and mill production showing a strongly positive reconciliation to reserve for fresh rock sulphide ore and oxide ore
- Sulphide ore gold recoveries consistent with expected recoveries for the areas mined (~82%). Life of mine recoveries remain in line with the DFS of ~84%
- Mining operations are on schedule and in line with milling requirements, meeting all ore and waste feed requirements
- AISC materially on budget with guidance for remainder of FY2022 in line with DFS forecasts at 25-30koz per quarter at cash costs in a range of US$720 – US$780/oz
Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR) is pleased to advise that it has completed ramp up activities at its 100% owned 2.0Mtpa Okvau Gold Mine. The management team will continue to focus on optimising the performance of the Okvau Gold Mine.
Emerald’s Managing Director, Morgan Hart, said:
“It is pleasing to announce that we have achieved the successful ramp up of operations to full production at the Okvau Gold Mine which now places Emerald in the ranks of a 100,000+ ounce per annum gold producer."
"Importantly we are either meeting or exceeding the Okvau Gold Mine DFS1 which is a testament to the skill and quality of our staff and contractors in light of the significant challenges of the global pandemic and commissioning and ramp up activities during the recent wet season."
"We look forward to positive cash flows from the Okvau Gold Mine providing the opportunity to grow the Company through exploration and acquisition. Notably with environmental approvals recently granted at the Memot Project, our exploration is scheduled to commence on a maiden drilling campaign in the near term.”
--- click on the link at the top for the full announcement, with photos ---
Disclosure: I hold EMR shares in RL and in my SM portfolio. They have some impressive experience and prior track records in terms of management, key personnel and their board, and they have MACA (MLD) doing their contract mining for them - I also hold MLD shares. I don't normally go for gold producers with a single mine, especially if it's located outside of Australia. Okvau is in Cambodia. However, I'm backing the management and board in this case.
The ramp-up has been excellent - with no real issues having impeded it. Their costs should be world-class (i.e. low). This is shaping up as an excellent project, and one that I think a few larger gold producers would now be casting an eye over in terms of Okvau being a possible bolt-on acquisition for them at some stage.
I think we're in for a period of consolidation within the industry, so I'm expecting M&A, I just don't know who and when. But if you hold shares in the best producers, both established and emerging, it's a good start.
