Bushveld is hoping to increase vanadium production significantly following completion of Vanchem deal
How it is doing
Bushveld generated revenue of US$43.1mln from its South African vanadium operations during the first half of 2020, down from the US$78mln generated in the corresponding period a year ago, as lower vanadium prices and lost production due to the coronavirus crisis took their toll.
The company calculates that the total lost revenue due to coronavirus amounted to US$9.2mln, with a further US$400,000 spent on hygiene, screening, protective and preventative measures.
The loss before tax was US$10.7mln.
Separately, the company also announced a US$30mln financing deal with mining finance bank Orion, to underpin plans for the expansion of the vanadium production capabilities at Vametco.
Vanadium strategy
Bushveld has doubled down on vanadium with the acquisition of Vanchem, which has producing vanadium assets in South Africa plus extensive downstream capability.
Vanchem should allow Bushveld to boost production to 10,000mtV per year as it already produces approximately 960mtV on an annualised basis, utilising only one of the three kilns on site.
The Vanchem acquisition also unlocks the potential supply of the feedstock from the company’s Mokopane vanadium project, significantly reducing the potential capital outlay and accelerating the development schedule.
In November 2019, Bushveld invested US$5mln in Avalon Battery Corporation to help it complete its merger with redT Energy.
The investment also kick-started the miner’s own vanadium battery technology investment platform, which will see it take stakes in OEMS and funnel investments towards other VRFB manufacturers.
What the boss says: Fortune Mojapelo, chief executive
“Vanadium, remains well positioned in a post-Covid-19 world that will still see a rise infrastructure spending, hence increased consumption of vanadium l and will likely continue on a decarbonisation energy transition path that will see energy storage (and with it VRFBs) grow in prominence.”
“Bushveld Minerals’ growth strategy will benefit South Africa by ensuring the country’s natural strengths help it to become a global leader in our industry.”
Analyst comment
Analysts at Peel Hunt said the Vanchem addition provides for a production growth factor of 1.8 times over the medium term while creating a “significantly more sustainable cash flow profile”, with the acquisition offering potential for “further upside”.
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