Jervois Global Limited Quarterly Activities Report and Cashflow to 30 June 2024

(TheNewswire)

Financing update

31 July 2024 (Australia) – TheNewswire – Jervois Global Limited (“Jervois” or the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) ended the June 2024 quarter with US$21.3 million in cash, US$31.9 million in physical cobalt inventories, and total drawn senior debt of US$144.1 million.

End of June 2024 cash of US$21.3 million was lower than the previous quarter-end balance of US$26.6 million, with continued focus on reducing cobalt working capital at Jervois Finland partially offsetting ongoing holding costs across Jervois’ 100%-owned ICO mine site in the U.S. and the São Miguel Paulista (“SMP”) nickel-cobalt refinery in São Paulo, Brazil.

The Group’s current cash balance is US$14.6 million2. Jervois has replenished cobalt feed inventory in July 2024 to better position the business to satisfy rising customer orders in Q3 2024, particularly new battery orders associated with electric vehicles for sale into the U.S.

The Jervois Finland Working Capital Facility loan balance at 31 July 2024 remains drawn at US$44.1 million (consistent with 30 June 2024). Compression in the value of receivables and inventories during the quarter means that Jervois Finland is utilising a proportion of its cash in its determination of the Collateral Value under the terms of the Working Capital Facility. This requirement to use cash as collateral may limit liquidity available to Jervois for general operational purposes. Pursuant to the transfer of the Jervois Finland Working Capital Facility from Mercuria to the Holder of the Bonds, as announced on 26 July 20243, Jervois is engaging with the Holder to agree a framework to ensure the Group has adequate liquidity until a holistic solution is agreed and implemented. The Bonds were issued by a Jervois U.S. subsidiary, secured by ICO, and guaranteed by Jervois in 2021.

Engagement with lenders and third parties continued throughout the quarter, including due diligence across multiple Company assets. Jervois remains focussed on delivering a solution that provides additional liquidity, achieves a sustainable capital structure, and diversifies the Group’s cash generation through transition from reliance on Jervois Finland as the sole operating asset, to a multi-operating asset portfolio over the medium term.

On 9 May 2024, Jervois agreed with the Holder a waiver of all financial covenants (the “InitialWaiver”) until 20 July 2024. After the quarter end, in agreement with the Holder and implemented on 23 July 2024, the Initial Waiver of all financial covenants was extended to 20 August 2024 along with a deferral of the interest payment with respect to the Bonds, due on 22 July 2024, to 20 August 2024 (the “Extended Waiver”).

Other than the Initial Waiver and the Extended Waiver, which included deferral of the interest payment, there are no changes to the terms of the Bonds, including coupon, security, or guarantee arrangements. The Bonds also continue in the ordinary course to be subject to no principal repayment until the end of their existing five-year term in July 2026.

As at 31 July 2024, neither the Bonds nor the Jervois Finland Working Capital Facility are in default.

Jervois Finland

• Quarterly revenue: US$36.9 million (Q1 2024: US$39.9 million)

• Cash flow from operations: US$4.3 million (Q1 2024: -US$3.6 million)

• Sales volume: 1,163 mt (Q1 2024: 1,239 mt)

• Production volume: 1,041 mt (Q1 2024: 1,300mt)

Sales and marketing

Jervois Finland produced 1,041 mt and sold 1,163 mt of cobalt in the quarter.

Figure 1: Jervois Finland sales volume by quarter (mt)

Click Image To View Full Size

Sales volumes during the quarter to 30 June 2024 were 6% lower than previous quarter volumes of 1,239 mt. The decrease in sales volumes on the prior quarter reflected continued cyclical softness in demand in end-use segments. Production volumes and product mix remains subject to continuous review and adjustment based on an assessment of end-use demand and considering target inventory levels. Production levels in the quarter were lower than capacity due to the planned maintenance shutdown in May 2024 as well as to achieve alignment with current market demand.

Jervois Finland’s sales performance and outlook for key market segments under which Jervois Finland operates are summarised below.

Batteries:

• Momentum among battery segment customers for Jervois to source non-FEOC cobalt sulphate is growing and has translated into further firm orders across the balance of 2024. This trend is expected to continue and accelerate into 2025.

• Interest continues from both European and U.S. based electric vehicle OEMs (automakers) for long-term cobalt supply, but timelines remain uncertain, with volumes starting later than previously expected.

• The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act continues to drive interest in U.S. and other Western supply of battery raw materials, providing a key advantage to Kokkola as the leading global cobalt refinery outside of China.

Chemicals, Catalysts, and Ceramics:

• Chemicals: Demand continues to be steady in general across key chemical applications.

• Catalysts: Demand has stabilised in the refinery catalyst segment, albeit at somewhat lower levels against 2023.

• Ceramics: This segment continues to be impacted by reduced demand and increased competition. Cobalt producers in China are aggressively targeting export markets, resulting in continued low prices. These prices look to remain under pressure throughout the balance of the year as pigment producers are benefiting from increased competition by suppliers.

Powder Metallurgy:

• Outlook for the remainder of 2024 looks to be stable, but competition in downstream markets (especially from China) continues to weaken demand in all powder metallurgy applications.

• Automotive, oil and gas production (drilling), general engineering, and construction markets remain weak and are forecast to remain so through to the beginning of 2025.

• Aerospace is the only market that continues to be strong, and which has a continued positive outlook supported by expansion in both civilian and military sectors.

Sales volume guidance for the 2024 calendar year has been revised lower to 5,100 mt to 5,400 mt (from 5,300 mt to 5,600 mt in prior guidance). Guidance takes account of current expectations on near-term market conditions. Production levels are expected to also be broadly consistent with sales volumes. Jervois maintains significant optionality for future increases in sales volumes when the cobalt market recovers.

Financial performance

Jervois Finland achieved revenue of US$36.9 million in the quarter, an 8% decrease compared to the prior quarter. The decrease was principally due to lower sales volumes, marginally lower realised pricing, and the effect of the annual maintenance shutdown in May 2024.

Cash flow performance

Jervois Finland Cash flow from operations (before interest payments) was US$4.3 million in the quarter. Positive cash flow resulted from effective management of working capital in response to continued cyclically weak cobalt markets. In addition, the business improvement programme at Jervois Finland, introduced in Q4 2023 and implemented in Q1 2024, continued to deliver a positive impact, with operating costs trending lower during the quarter and contributing to positive operating cash flow. Physical cobalt inventories reduced by US$7.4 million from US$39.3 million at 31 March 2024 to US$31.9 million at 30 June 2024. This represented a reduction from 1,281 mt and ~77 days at 31 March 2024 to 1,158 mt and ~69 days at 30 June 2024 (based on a normalised 6,000 mt annual production rate). Jervois is continuing to execute an inventory management strategy aligned to a near-term target range of 90 days or less, in a manner that balances commercial, liquidity, and risk management objectives.

Jervois intends to report financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2024, including Adjusted EBITDA for Jervois Finland, once the half-year financial statements review process has been completed.

Jervois USA

ICO, U.S.

Subsequent to quarter end, Jervois reported results from the first four drillholes as part of its U.S.DoDDPA Title III fully refundable extensional drilling program at ICO’s RAM deposit. These drilling results complement those obtained at its 100%-owned Sunshine deposit4,5 under Jervois’ US$15 million DoD DPA Title III funding agreement (“DoDAgreement Funding”). Extensional drilling was conducted from a single underground drilling platform positioned within existing underground mine workings at ICO.

RAM drill results to date include:

• Hole JU24-093: 1.10% cobalt (Co”), 1.18% copper (“Cu”), 0.69 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”) over a calculated true width (“CTW”) of 1.8 metres (“”) AND hangingwall (HW”) mineralisation of 0.48% Co, 1.74% Cu, 1.13 g/t Au over a CTW of 3.8m.

• Hole JU24-095: 0.18% Co, 0.34% Cu, 0.10 g/t Au, over a CTW of 4.8m AND HW mineralization of 0.38% Co, 0.22% Cu, 0.27 g/t Au over a CTW of 2.7m AND footwall mineralisation of 0.43% Co, 0.99% Cu, 0.62 g/t Au over a CTW of 1.5m.

• Hole JU24-096: 0.48% Co, 0.60% Cu, 0.86 g/t Au over a CTW of 2.1m AND HW mineralisation of 1.40% Co, 1.38% Cu, 2.23 g/t Au over a CTW of 5.2m, including 3.3m CTW at 2.26% Co, 2.06% Cu, 3.60 g/t Au

• Hole JU24-097: 0.61% Co, 1.35% Cu, 1.51 g/t Au over a CTW of 5.5m including 3.9m CTW at 0.75% Co, 1.56% Cu, 1.85 g/t Au.

Results from the initial four drillholes of Jervois’ RAM extensional drilling campaign under its DoD Agreement Funding have yielded positive indication of resource extension both along strike and at depth. Drillhole JU24-097 provides especially positive indication of the potential for extension within the RAM deposit with its significant mineralisation and width representing the deepest intersection of the MMH to date at ICO. Additionally, the development of significant HW intercepts across 2024 extensional drilling provides further opportunity for cobalt resource growth potential.

Recent drilling results have demonstrated down-dip grade continuity along an interpreted orientation favourable to continued exploration by the Company within its contiguous claim boundaries. This updated interpretation of the MMH in the southern extents of the RAM deposit provides additional pathways to resource growth, previously believed to be limited to deep exploratory drilling, with additional moderate-depth extensional drilling at ICO. Greater continuity of HW mineralisation is also observed along this mineralised orientation based upon the 2024 drilling programme, indicating further resource growth opportunity.

Jervois’ 2024 extensional drilling has successfully displayed continuity of prospective mineralisation across all completed holes with step-out intercepts ranging between 100m to 175m from the nearest neighbouring pre-2024 intercept laterally and consolidates mineralisation confidence across greater than 450m down-dip along and beyond existing 2023 MRE margins.

Full results and details are available in the ASX announcement titled “Extension drilling confirms resource growth potential at ICO”, dated 31 July 20246.Jervois continued to work with its primary regulator, the U.S. Forest Service, on recommencing underground activities. Other activities in the quarter focussed on continued care and maintenance at ICO, including water treatment and management of other environmental obligations.

Executive General Manager – Commercial, Mr. Wayde Yeoman, was invited to present to a U.S. House of Representatives roundtable in Washington D.C. on 11 July 2024. The session was organised by the seven-member Critical Minerals Policy Working Group of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party (the “Congressional Committee”).

Mr. Yeoman presented to the working group on critical minerals of the Congressional Committee, providing an overview of Jervois’ business, including ICO, the cobalt market and China’s participation therein, critical mineral stockpiling, and the Congressional Committee’s proposal for a Resilient Resource Reserve.

Group Manager – ESG, Dr. Jennifer Hinton, was also invited to present to the same working group on critical minerals of the Congressional Committee at a second U.S. House of Representatives roundtable in Washington D.C. on 23 July 2024. Dr. Hinton presented in a session focused on environmental stewardship, forced labour, sustainability, governance and corruption in the production of critical minerals, including cobalt.

The proposed Resilient Resource Reserve is designed to insulate U.S. critical mineral producers, including cobalt, from Chinese induced price volatility and manipulation. Jervois continues to engage with the Congressional Committee and U.S. lawmakers with regard to next legislative steps.

U.S. cobalt refinery study

The U.S. cobalt refinery bankable feasibility study (“BFS”) is being conducted with AFRY USA LLC, with a design capacity of 6,000 mt per annum of cobalt in sulphate form, suitable for electric vehicles. The facility is expected to supply sufficient cobalt for approximately 1.2 million electric vehicles per annum. The cobalt refinery BFS is fully refundable through the existing DoD DPA Title III funding agreement.

During the quarter, Jervois signed a non-binding explorative memorandum of understanding with Global Tungsten & Powders LLC (“GTP”) to jointly evaluate GTP making a minority equity investment in Jervois’ proposed U.S. cobalt refinery.

GTP is an existing cobalt customer of Jervois and is expected to provide recycling feedstock for the U.S. refinery as part of its potential equity investment. In addition, Jervois’ U.S. cobalt refinery could potentially be co-located at GTP’s existing facilities in Towanda, Pennsylvania. Jervois’ two short listed sites are in Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

SMP nickel and cobalt refinery, Brazil

The restart of SMP remains paused while the Company is continuing to evaluate funding options with existing capital providers and third parties.

Jervois notes that key Western markets for electrolytic nickel remain tight, particularly in relation to the demand for non-Chinese, non-Russian nickel products. The recent announcement by BHP of the planned closure of its Kwinana refinery in Western Australia is favourable for physical premia. SMP is expected to be well positioned to participate in these key markets should Jervois be successful in restarting the facility.

Environmental, social, governance (“ESG”)

Jervois released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement (the “Statement”) via regulators in Canada and Australia and on its website in mid-June 2024. The Statement outlines the measures taken to identify, prevent, and mitigate modern slavery risks in its business and operations, inclusive of related policies, standards, and practices.

In conjunction with Jervois’ ongoing supply chain due diligence programme, Group Manager – ESG, Dr. Jennifer Hinton, visited selected operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April 2024. The main aims were to deepen the Company’s due diligence on these sites, including in light of recent reports on the industry related to operational ESG practices, including those concerning supplier management.

Engagement with the Cobalt Institute (“CI”), including its Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Committee (“RESSCOM”) and Government Affairs Committee continues. Dr. Hinton continues to chair the RESSCOM committee, and a number of key Company representatives continue to be in RESSCOM subcommittees and working groups related to ESG Standards, the Circular Economy, decarbonisation, ASM, and child labour. Among inputs, submissions to CI Position Papers on ASM and ESG Standards continue.

On 4 June 2024, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bryce Crocker, presented at an Australian Government AusTrade Europe Business Mission in Paris, France.

On 5 June 2024, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. James May, participated in a panel discussion on ‘Investing in a Sustainable Future’ as part of the AusIMM Thought Leadership Series in Melbourne, Australia.

Exploration and development expenditure

No material cash expenditure on exploration and development was spent during the quarter.

Insider compensation reporting

During the quarter, US$0.1 million was paid to Non-Executive Directors and US$0.1 million was paid to the CEO (Executive Director).

By order of the Board

Bryce Crocker

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate the cobalt markets, partnership for group operations, strengthening of the balance sheet, operations at Jervois Finland, U.S. refinery studies, reimbursement of funds to Jervois Mining USA Limited by the DoD, timing of restart of SMP refinery, and the reliability of third-party information, and certain other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Tenements

Australian Tenements

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report

Compliance statement

1 This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

2 This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.

Date: 31 July 2024

Authorised by: Disclosure Committee

(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)

Notes

1. This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

2. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.

3. Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

4. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [name of board committee – e.g., Audit and Risk Committee]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.

5. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

1 Drawn senior debt represents the aggregate of amounts drawn under the Company’s senior debt facilities (excludes Unsecured Convertible Notes that mature in July/August 2028). Amounts represent the nominal loan amounts; balances recorded in Jervois’ financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards will differ.

2Cash balance is as of 28 July 2024.

3 See ASX announcement “Transfer of Jervois Finland Working Capital Facility” dated 26 July 2024.

4 See ASX announcement “Jervois completes U.S. Department of Defense reimbursed drilling at ICO’s Sunshine deposit” dated 30 January 2024.

5See ASX announcement “Jervois completes maiden JORC Resource for Sunshine at ICO, USA” dated 2 April 2024.

6 In accordance with ASX listing rule 5.23.2, Jervois confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the relevant market announcements referred to above and that the assumptions contained therein continue to apply and have not materially changed.

7Excludes Jervois Finland staff costs which are included in 1.2(b) production.

8Relates to the cobalt refinery study currently being undertaken in the United States (100% reimbursable by the United States Department of Defense under a Defence Production Act Title III award), as well as Group business development costs.

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