to Unlock the Value of Its Lithium Projects
Melbourne, July 25, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The directors of Nova Minerals Limited (Nova or Company) (
ASX:NVA) (QM3:FRA) are pleased to report that they have resolved to pursue a strategy of listing its wholly owned subsidiary Snow Lake Resources Ltd. (Snow Lake) on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). Upon restructure, Snow Lake through its subsidiaries to have the right to earn 80% of the Thompson Brothers Lithium Project and 100% owned adjoining Crowduck Lithium Project in Canada.
- Spin-off of Snow Lake Resources Ltd. in a CAD$24 million IPO by seeking a listing on the TSX.V
- Nova to hold approximately 77% of the capital in Snow Lake Resources Ltd. post IPO
- Initial public offering of its shares to raise between CAD$4 - $5 million to further advance the project
- Toronto based private merchant bank "Foundation Markets Inc." engaged to lead spinout process
- Snow Lake Resources Ltd. to remain focussed on transitioning the Thompson Brothers and adjoining Crowduck projects as a supplier of quality lithium
Following meetings with North American investment banks, stock brokers and TSX.V listed entities during the last 6 months, Nova has received numerous enquiries to invest in or acquire the project, with the scale, near term development and quality of Thompson Brothers Lithium Project being of particular interest. While some of those market participants can invest on the ASX, with the majority predominantly focusing on the North American markets, and have actively encouraged the Company to seek a listing on the TSX-V particularly on a valuation metric compared to our Canadian listed peers (see Table 1 in link below).
This very strong market interest will best allow the progression of the Thompson Brothers Lithium Project to resource expansion, through a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), further resource and exploration drilling, followed by completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), and ultimately into production with no dilution to Nova's capital structure while benefiting on the project's success.
With a clear development pathway, Nova believes that Snow Lake Resources Ltd. will develop into an independent and viable lithium supplier for the emerging lithium battery market that is largely driven by electric vehicles, home battery storage, cell phones, tablets and other consumer products. Nova intends to maintain exposure to the Lithium assets through a retained majority equity interest of approximately 77% of Snow Lake Resources Ltd. post IPO on an undiluted basis. The spin-off will be subject to the approval of shareholders of the Company.
The Company has engaged a private merchant bank located in Toronto, Canada, Foundation Markets to lead the process of listing Snow Lake onto the TSX-V.
NVA Managing Director, Mr. Avi Kimelman said:
"Given the recent activity in the Lithium market with higher prices and strong demand from the electrical vehicle and battery storage markets, we think that Nova and its shareholders would benefit from a spin-off of its Lithium asset with our Canadian peers valuations sitting at many multiples higher to what is prescribed to Nova on the ASX while maintaining a majority interest in the company and project."
"Nova considered an in-specie distribution for its shareholders as part of the arrangement although after tax and legal advice the company was unable to get the desired tax relief for its shareholders. In light of that, with Nova maintaining a majority equity position, we believe this will flow through to benefit the Nova shareholders by unlocking the projects intrinsic value and continue to benefit as Snow Lake moves the project to eventual production and ultimate cash flow. The battery metals market in general has a strong growth profile with Snow Lake in a great position to capitalise on the opportunity."
"Nova will tighten its focus on its District Scale Gold Copper project, with the current 1.1Moz to 2.3Moz exploration target on less than 1% of the project area demonstrates the scope and scale. Exploration drilling program scheduled to begin within the next 4 weeks following drilling approvals with preparation and mobilisation now underway; we look forward to unlocking the projects full potential and value for our shareholders."
Nova will simultaneously work to fast track its anticipated Estelle Gold Copper Project exploration program of at least 8,000 metres where the Company has already established 1.1Moz Au to 2.3Moz Au exploration target on less than 1% of the project (refer to ASX announcement 26 February 2018). The exploration target was defined over a strike length of 740 metres from historical drilling results; the upcoming drilling program has been designed to explore at least three times the exploration target area. The drilling will also enable Nova to delineate a maiden JORC resource estimate targeted for end-2018.
About Foundation Markets
Foundation Markets Inc. is a private merchant bank located in Toronto, Canada. The Foundation Markets' team provides capital and domain markets expertise in combination with corporate matter advisory. In particular, Foundation takes a hands-on approach to incubate early stage private and public companies focused on rapid growth.
The Foundation Markets approach is centred on developing and executing strategic financing plans, and enhancing governance structures, with a proven track record of Merchant Banking services success.
To view tables, please visit:
http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/8Y0XC5ZX
About Nova Minerals Limited
Nova Minerals Limited (ASX:NVA) (FRA:QM3) is a Gold, Antimony and Critical Minerals exploration and development company focused on advancing the Estelle Project, comprised of 514 km2 of State of Alaska mining claims, which contains multiple mining complexes across a 35 km long mineralized corridor of over 20 advanced Gold and Antimony prospects, including two already defined multi-million ounce resources, and several drill ready Antimony prospects with massive outcropping stibnite vein systems observed at surface. The 85% owned project is located 150 km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, USA, in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a province which hosts a >220 million ounce (Moz) documented gold endowment and some of the world's largest gold mines and discoveries including, Barrick's Donlin Creek Gold Project and Kinross Gold Corporation's Fort Knox Gold Mine. The belt also hosts significant Antimony deposits and was a historical North American Antimony producer.
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