Nevada’s Massive Mountain Of Molybdenum Makes Milestone
Commodities / Molybdenum Jul 16, 2011 - 05:13 AM GMTBy: Jeb_Handwerger
I introduced General Moly to my subscribers in May of 2009. At that time, the permitting process was not paramount, financing was the critical consideration as we were still emerging from the depths of the mining sector crash during the 2008 credit crisis. At the same time, China (FXI) was embarking on a search for potential mining acquisitions in the West. It was inevitable that a plum such as General Moly (GMO) would catch Beijing’s eyes.
General Moly sits atop a massive mountain of molybdenum in Nevada called Mt. Hope. Mt. Hope is the largest and highest grade asset in North America. Nevada happens to be one of the world’s most friendly mining jurisdictions. The union between China and GMO was inevitable. In order to make steel out of iron ore, molybdenum needs to be introduced into the mix. Ore can not be catalyzed into steel without the addition of molybdenum.
Mt. Hope’s high grade ore could be mixed with China’s low grade moly to produce a desired mixture which is needed for China’s massive infrastructure plans. China cast covetous eyes on this American Bonanza as steel demand is increasing. China has major infrastructure plans such as building 27 nuclear reactors and 10 million social housing units, requiring a lot of steel. China has also classified molybdenum as a national resource, curbing its own domestic production and forcing banks to look overseas.
Moly is still trading below $20/lb way off its pre credit crisis highs of over $30/lb. Chinese demand is increasing as the percentage of their usage of alloyed steel products are way below their neighbors like South Korea and Japan. As China competes with its neighbors and invests in its own infrastructure their use of molybdenum as an alloying agent will also expand.
Several weeks ago China plunked millions of dollars into the waiting arms of GMO. They were confident that water rights will be granted and that the requisite permits will follow. So confident are they in anticipating regulatory success, that they fast tracked the funding.
Today, GMO received the water rights which were expected back in March. This is a long awaited milestone for my patient readers who have been patiently following this niche mining company.
Significantly other institutions have purchased shares of GMO namely Posco, the giant steel company from South Korea as well as Sojitz, the major Japanese trading company. For years, China has been the main supplier of the forenamed entities. Now China is experiencing a supply-demand shortage of its own concerning molybdenum. General Moly is one of the only pure moly developers with significant partners.
In addition to Mt. Hope, GMO has the Liberty Project also in Nevada, which the market is giving little value. GMO announced drill results recently from Liberty. The company is planning to release an updated resource estimate on this project in the third quarter and ar planning to update the 2008 pre-feasibility in 2012.
Recently institutions are scrambling to pick up vital molybdenum assets. Mercator Minerals paid a 38% premium for Creston Moly, which is far less advanced than General Moly in the mining process. General Moly has revealed how an analogous buyout of their assets would be worth at least $7 a share. Additionally this Mercator buyout of Creston is a continuation of the trend of consolidation, Hudbay Mineral is taking over Norsemont Mining for millions of dollars.
As GMO de-risks Mt. Hope as they trudge through the final stages before building the mine, it is quite important for investors in mining stocks to exercise patience and fortitude. There are sometimes bureaucratic and regulatory delays which might make GMO’s price tend to base over several months and then return to its upward trend. However, many major institutions such as Posco, Hanlong, Arcelor Mittal and Sojitz have done their due diligence in this asset and are confident. One other consideration, General Moly is the only pure molybdenum play on the major U.S. exchanges. Thompson Creek(TC), the former pure play has expanded into precious metals and has diversified away from molybdenum.
General Moly has been in a downtrend for most of 2011 as it has awaited for the recent ruling. Stay tuned for any upside breakouts.
By Jeb Handwerger
© 2011 Copyright Jeb Handwerger- All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.
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Comments
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Michael Smidutz
16 Jul 11, 21:01 |
????
It doesn't bother you and others that China owns more of America than Americans do? You will wake up and notice when Mandarin is taught in school. |
