Three principal lithium sources

Understanding what makes Nevada so promising from a mining and exploration standpoint requires a basic understanding of the different lithium sources. There are three principal types in the world, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Brine deposits occur in closed basins where saline groundwater has become enriched with alkali metals. Typically, they contain elevated lithium levels, averaging several hundred parts per million (ppm) and sometimes exceeding 1,000 ppm. Brine deposits are usually accessed through drilling and then pumped to the surface, where they are then evaporated in prepared reservoirs. This evaporation method can take up to several months to reach a 1 to 2 percent lithium concentration.

The second type is clay deposits, also sometimes referred to as sedimentary deposits. Found extensively throughout Nevada, claystone deposits are collections of lithium-enriched clay formed over tens of millions of years in small lakes where evaporation exceeds inflow. Reactive lithium is absorbed into clay minerals in the lakebed, gradually increasing in concentration with time. These deposits can also occur in collapsed volcanic calderas, particularly from felsic igneous rocks, which tend to be rich in alkali metals.

Sedimentation in volcanic claystone deposits can be incredibly substantial, exceeding several tens of meters and necessitating hard rock mining methods. Clays extracted from the deposit are then leached with acid or halogen-enriched solutions to extract the lithium, which is then either precipitated directly or collected in adsorption columns for later extraction. Claystone deposits typically average 1,000 ppm lithium.

Finally, pegmatite or granitic deposits host lithium-containing minerals such as spodumene, amblygonite or lepidolite. They’re mined through conventional methods, then the silicate assemblages are broken down using either pyrometallurgical or chemical techniques. Although hard rock lithium is less common than brine-based lithium, it represents the majority of lithium resources in Australia — notable for being the top global producer of lithium.

Pegmatite deposits offer the highest lithium grades but also require the most significant upfront capital costs. Consequently, brine deposits offer lower grades of lithium but cost considerably less than pegmatite deposits to develop. The three principal deposit types are also inversely related in terms of water consumption, with brine deposits requiring the most water and pegmatite deposits requiring the least.

Exploring a promising landscape

In the 1800s, Nevada was swept up in the California gold rush, eventually becoming the lead producer of the precious metal in the United States. It now appears as though history is repeating itself, except instead of gold, this time it’s lithium, which is colloquially dubbed white goldby investors. As of September 2023, there are over 21,000 active lithium prospecting claims across the state and a number of projects in various stages of development.

Located in Northern Nevada within the Great Basin Desert, Thacker Pass is simultaneously the most prominent and the most controversial lithium project. Thacker Pass is situated in the caldera of the extinct McDermitt supervolcano and sits atop one of the largest deposits of lithium in the world. The site contains 1.46 billion metric tons (MT) grading 2,070 ppm lithium in measured and indicated mineral resources, with an additional 297.2 million MT grading 1,870 lithium in inferred mineral resources.

Thacker Pass is owned by Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC), which also controls roughly 4,236 hectares in the surrounding region. The company began construction in March 2023, and plans to eventually transform the project into an 18,000 acre open pit clay mining operation. It estimates the total value of recoverable lithium from the project at around US$3.9 billion and hopes to begin extraction by 2026.

Lithium Americas has further estimated that the caldera itself could contain an additional 20 to 40 million MT of lithium.

It’s also not the only company to stake its claim in the McDermitt caldera. Jindalee Resources (ASX:JRL,OTCQX:JNDAF) announced in February that its own McDermitt-based project contains an estimated 21.5 million MT of lithium carbonate equivalent.

It’s important to note that it isn’t all smooth sailing for lithium development in Nevada. Many of the region’s most prominent projects have drawn accusations of green colonialism from Indigenous groups. Thacker Pass has been especially controversial, situated on land that has long been sacred to the Paiute Tribe.

Peoples from the region, led by an organization known as The People of Red Mountain, have fiercely opposed the establishment and construction of Thacker Pass since it was announced, maintaining the area should be regarded as a protected landmark and that local Indigenous people should be given the final say on how the land is used.

McDermitt aside, there are other promising lithium prospects across Nevada, such as Nevada Lithium’s (CSE:NVLD,OTCQB:NVLHF) Bonnie Claire project, which is unique in that it is not a clay deposit, but it is sediment-hosted. The 18,300 acre land package houses an estimated 18.37 million MT of lithium carbonate equivalent and has significant exploration upside.

Daisy Creek is another lithium project that demonstrates considerable promise. In the 1980s, geologists staked claims at the site due to its similarity to Thacker Pass. These claims are now part of the Daisy Creek project, which is owned and operated by junior mining company GMV Minerals (TSXV:GMV,OTCQB:GMVMF) and consists of 1,379 hectares of claims covering younger sedimentary rocks within the 14 by 27 kilometer Daisy Creek collapsed caldera. Sampling of the region has confirmed exposed claystones throughout the basin, with historic drill holes reporting grading around 20,000 ppm.

Investor takeaway

The need for a stable domestic source of lithium has never been more significant. Nevada is primed to play a vital role in establishing that source as multiple mining and exploration companies continue to stake claims on lithium resources throughout the region. It is, for all intents and purposes, a new gold rush — and investors would do well to pay attention.

The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with GMV Minerals and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.

FAQs for stem cell stocks

Overview

Global Oil & Gas (ASX:GLV) is an Australia-based oil and gas exploration company focused on developing its recently acquired Tea LXXXVI oil and gas block in Peru, located in the Tumbes-Progreso basin and near the prolific Talara basin. The project’s hydrocarbon exploration potential leverages Peru’s long history as an oil and gas producer, which dates back to the late 19th century when the country drilled its first well more than 150 years ago.

Oil and gas production in Peru is led by the Peruvian National Agency of Hydrocarbons (Perupetro). The country is resource-rich, with over 421 million barrels (MMbbl) of proven and probable reserves located in the 18 sedimentary basins.

Hydrocarbon fields, both on and offshore, in the Tumbes-Progreso and Talara basins currently contribute over 1.4 billion barrels of domestic oil production and 1.7 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas production. The Talara basin itself has cumulatively produced more than 1.6 billion barrels of oil and is surrounded by multiple historic and currently producing oil and gas fields.

GLV’s Tea LXXXVI project is the result of a technical evaluation agreement (TEA) with the Peruvian National Agency of Hydrocarbons (Perupetro), which provides GLV and its partner, US-based oil and gas exploration company Jaguar Exploration, the exclusive right for greenfield exploration activities over the TEA area. GLV holds an 80-percent interest in the asset with the remaining 20 percent held by Jaguar.

The project comprises a 4,858-square-kilometer oil and gas block in proven offshore hydrocarbon-bearing basins in Peru, including the prolific Talara basin. Offshore, Peru remains dramatically underexplored and has immense potential for hydrocarbon plays.

The TEA LXXXVI project entitles GLV to a two-year assessment of the block with the option to extend it for one extra year. This requires no minimum spending commitments from GLV. As such, GLV can focus on high-impact, low-cost exploration activities for the next 12 to 18 months, which includes desktop studies, and reprocessing of old 3D seismic data, among other activities. This is beneficial for GLV as it provides the company with an inexpensive and exclusive two-year option to convert all or part of the TEA LXXXVI area into a licence contract. In addition, news flow from low-cost exploration activities should keep investors excited about the company’s future.

Considering the block’s potential, GLV has appointed a world-class technical team with more than 200 years of collective experience to develop the TEA LXXXVI asset. Several of the newly appointed team members have previously worked on the area covered by GLV, which should help in fast-tracking the development of the block. The team comprises proven oil finders with collective discoveries of more than 480 million barrels of oil equivalent of 2P reserves and more than 400 million barrels of oil equivalent in contingent resources in Peru and Colombia.

The experience of working in the TEA LXXXVI property and surrounding fields will be vital for GLV to expedite the understanding and evaluation of the asset.

Company Highlights

Global Oil & Gas Ltd. is an Australia-based oil & gas exploration company focused on developing its recently acquired oil and gas block in Peru, TEA LXXXVIThe TEA LXXXVI project comprises a 4,858 square-kilometer oil & gas block in proven hydrocarbon-bearing basins offshore including the prolific Talara basin (1.6 billion barrels produced, so far). GLV holds an 80 percent interest in the asset with the remaining 20 percent held by US-based oil & gas exploration company, Jaguar Exploration.The block is in proximity to multiple historic and current producing oil & gas fields. This includes the Corvina oil field, producing 4,000 barrels of oil per day, and the Alto-Pena Negra oil field which is currently producing around 3,000 barrels of oil per day, along with a total historical production of more than 143 million barrels of oil. This increases confidence regarding the hydrocarbon exploration potential of TEA LXXXVI. The company is undertaking a detailed work program on the project, including 3D seismic data processing, and geological and geophysical studies. This should help GLV generate certified prospective resources along with three to four drill-ready targets over the next 12-18 months.A world-class technical team with more than 200 years of collective experience was appointed by GLV to develop and advance the TEA LXXXVI offshore block.The company’s other projects include the Georgina Basin project (EP-127) and the Sasanof Prospect (WA-519-P).EP-127 is located in the Southern Georgina Basin in the Northern Territory. The Basin covers more than 100,000 square kilometers in the Northern Territory and the western part of Queensland. This basin is one of the most prospective onshore basins in Australia with potential for both very large conventional and unconventional oil and gas deposits.The Sasanof Prospect is located in permit WA-519-P, where GLV holds a 25 percent interest. The Sasanof Prospect covers an area of up to 400 square kilometers and is estimated to contain a 2C prospective resource of 7.2 trillion cubic feet of gas and 176 million barrels of condensate.

Key Project

TEA LXXXVI Project

This oil and gas block is located on the northwest coast of Peru in the Tumbes-Progreso basin, in water depths that range from 100 meters to 1,500 meters. The project spans 4,858 square kilometers and is surrounded by historical and current producing oil and gas fields. The block includes the Corvina oil field which generated past production rates of up to 4,000 barrels of light oil per day. In the south is the Talara basin, which is one of the most productive basins in Peru having produced more than 1.6 billion barrels of oil. To the southeast is the Alto-Pena Negra oil field, one of Peru’s most productive fields, currently producing around 3,000 barrels of oil per day and with a total historical production of more than 143 million barrels of oil.

The project benefits from the presence of excellent infrastructure, including a refinery that is only 70 kilometers away. The block has seen exploration in the past, specifically in the early 1970s, when three exploration wells were drilled, all showing the presence of oil. In addition, historical data from 2D seismic surveys and more than 3,800 square kilometers of 3D seismic surveys are available for processing. The rarity of finding a large, undrilled area in a proven hydrocarbon basin system with completed 3D surveys is noteworthy.

The historical discoveries were mostly located in shallow waters and could prove to be an easy target for GLV. In addition, there is a high likelihood of further discoveries in deeper waters (400 meters to 800 meters). Utilizing historical seismic data, GLV along with its partner Jaguar have identified prospects and leads in the block that can be classified as prospective resources. Of particular interest are two main prospects – Bonito and Tiburon.

The company has planned extensive work over the next 12 to 24 months. The first 12 months will focus on reprocessing 1,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data and carrying out amplitude versus offset (AVO) studies. The following 12 months will then focus on geological and geophysical studies including 3D seismic interpretation and structural analysis. By the end of two years, GLV aims to generate certified prospective resources along with three to four drill-ready targets. In addition, GLV is looking for a farming partner to cover the cost of drilling. The block has a billion-barrel potential according to Perupetro.

TEA’s 2-Year Work Commitment

Management Team

Chris Zielinski – Non-executive Chairman

Chris Zielinski is the chairman of Global Oil & Gas with considerable experience in capital raisings, takeovers, M&A, due diligence, commercial drafting, Corporations Act and ASX Listing Rule compliance, advising on corporate governance issues and providing general corporate and commercial advice. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Australia with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (finance). Following graduation, he worked in boutique Western Australian law firms specializing in commercial and corporate law. He is currently associated with Nova Legal and holds the title of senior associate, corporate and commercial.

Patric Glovac – Managing Director

Patric Glovac co-founded GTT Ventures in 2013, a boutique corporate advisory firm specializing in the resource and technology sector. Glovac is currently executive director of Tao Commodoties (ASX:TAO), non- executive director of ASX-listed Cirrus Networks (ASX:CNW), Robo 3D (ASX:RBO) and Force Commodities (ASX:4CE).

Troy Hayden – Non-executive Director

Troy Hayden has more than 25 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry. He has worked on numerous oil and gas asset acquisitions, divestments, and M&A transactions. He is currently the business development manager at Transborder Energy, a small-scale Floating LNG company. He was the CEO at ASX-listed Tap Oil for six years and worked at Woodside Petroleum for 12 years, where he held a number of senior leadership positions. He has consulted with several resource companies, working with First Quantum Minerals (acting CFO), QR National (group treasurer) and Western Gas.

Anna Mackintosh – Company Secretary

Anna Mackintosh has over 26 years of commercial experience, including 11 years with BHP and 10 years with AFSL holder Kirke Securities as compliance manager, finance manager and responsible executive. In addition to GLV, she also serves as company secretary of TAO Commodities (ASX:TAO), Marquee Resources (ASX:MQR), and XS Resources.

Sona Nanotech (CSE:SONA, OTCQB:SNANF) advances nanotechnology medicine through its proprietary gold nanorods that promise to change the face of cancer therapy. Sona Nanotech’s platform technology leverages uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods (GNRs). Biocompatibility is key to the application of nanotechnology in medicine.

For the past several years, Sona has been working hard to develop and operationalize its biocompatible nanoparticle technology for use in targeted cancer therapy. The company is also developing a targeted cancer therapy, leveraging its proprietary Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT) to directly treat cancer cells.

Sona’s GNRs are rod-shaped nanoparticles made of gold and measuring from 10 to 100 nanometers in length. Produced by chemical synthesis, they directly address many of the current limitations of medical nanoparticle technologies. In addition to making them well-suited for cancer treatment, this also unlocks their potential for use in in-vivo medical applications.

Company Highlights

Canadian nanotechnology company, Sona Nanotech has developed an incredibly promising new technology that leverages uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods.The company also plays a key role in the advancement of photothermal medical therapies, particularly enabled by the company’s acquisition of Siva Therapeutics.This acquisition has allowed Sona to advance the development of Targeted Hypothermia Therapy, addressing many of the risks with current cancer treatments — particularly the damage they can cause to other tissues.THT has already proven effective in reducing tumors in small animal studies. Sona’s initial target for the technology will be colorectal cancer.Rapid diagnostic tests represent the company’s other strategic area of focus, including bovine tuberculosis detection and concussion screening.Future applications for Sona’s technology could include:Targeted drug deliveryPhotothermal cosmetic therapyCell imagingAdditional proprietary testing solutions supported by third-party test development services.The company’s leadership and board of directors comprise experienced professionals from across the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.Sona has a clear roadmap to commercialization of its treatment methodology, starting with a near-term catalyst in large animal studies before moving to a human pilot. It also expects a De Novo pathway for medical devices.

This Sona Nanotech is part of a paid investor education campaign.*

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Overview

The global transition to clean energy technologies is placing increased attention on the critical minerals essential to manufacturing emerging technologies. These critical minerals include rare earth elements (REEs) required to produce permanent magnets and catalytic components in clean technologies.

Canada hosts significant REE deposits that have become central to the country’s plan to build a domestic and global supply chain to support the energy transition. The country hosts globally significant REE deposits, with over 14 million tonnes of rare earth oxides (REOs) estimated as of 2021.

To support Canada’s net-zero ambitions, the Government of Saskatchewan is spearheading the construction of North America’s first integrated and commercial REE processing plant. Home to some of the world’s most prolific mining assets, Saskatchewan is well-placed to be a hub for minerals processing and aid the development of a sustainable domestic supply chain for critical minerals. Mining and exploration companies in this region will stand to benefit from a ready-made facility to process raw materials into usable components for manufacturers.

Appia Rare Earths and Uranium (CSE:API, OTCQX:APAAF) is an exploration and development mining company with properties targeting REEs and uranium in Saskatchewan and Ontario. The Alces Lake prospect in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Appia’s flagship operation, contains the highest-grade monazite REE occurrences in North America and is among the highest globally. Alces Lake and the company’s additional REE prospects will benefit greatly from the soon-to-be-established REE processing facility in Saskatchewan.

Figure 1. Monazite-rich, rare earth element (REE) drill core from the Charles subzone of WRCB.

The presence of monazite-rich REE mineralization zones (Figure 1) at the Alces Lake property creates a significant opportunity for Appia, and additional monazite occurrences have been recently discovered in the area. Rare Earth Elements are not technically rare as they’re found in many rock types and geological environments, even trace amounts in most soil. However, it’s difficult to find deposits with high grades and substantial volumes, i.e., enough to mine economically, while also present in a mineral phase that can be processed.

Monazite comprises 50 to 60 percent total rare earth oxides (TREO), with 23 to 25 percent of these oxides designated as critical minerals by Canada and other countries. To put those numbers in context, monazite deposits contain up to 50 percent more critical REEs than bastnaesite deposits, another economically justifiable type of REE deposit. Additionally, the Alces Lake monazites contain economic-grade Ga (gallium) as a by-product.

In addition to Alces Lake, the company operates four other 100-percent-owned properties throughout the prolific uranium-rich Athabasca Basin (Figure 2). Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside projects each contain potential for significant amounts of uranium and REEs. Uranium has recently grown in demand as nuclear energy surges in popularity, increasing demand for the heavy metal. The company also has 100 percent ownership of the Elliot Lake uranium and REE property in Ontario.

Figure 2. Location of Alces Lake and current Appia claims in Northern Saskatchewan displayed on a geological domain map.

A management team with a combined 300 years of experience in the natural resource industry leads Appia in the exploration and development of its promising assets. In addition, the board of directors and leadership each bring decades of specialized expertise to guide Appia toward developing and commercializing its properties.

Company Highlights

Appia Rare Earths and Uranium is an exploration and development mining company with REE and uranium assets in Saskatchewan and Ontario.The company’s flagship property in the Athabasca Basin, Alces Lake, contains high-grade monazite occurrences which are known to contain a higher concentration of REEs than other types of deposits. The presence of monazite gives the Alces Lake prospect blue-sky potential as exploration continues.Appia operates four additional properties in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, each containing economically significant amounts of REEs and uranium.The company’s assets will significantly benefit from the planned REE processing facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.An experienced management team with expertise throughout the natural resource industry leads Appia in exploring and developing its promising assets.

Key Projects

Athabasca Basin Projects

Appia has 100 percent ownership of five properties within Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin, known for its rich mineral deposits. Combined, the company holds 110,997 hectares in the region.

Project Highlights:

Alces Lake: The company’s flagship asset is prized for its significant monazite occurrences, known to have a high concentration of REEs, Th, and uranium. Alces Lake covers 35,682 hectares (88,173 acres). The project has coarse-grained monazite mineralization, which is easier to process than some other known REE occurrences/deposits. These mineralized zones at Alces Lake occur at or near surface level, typically within 10 meters to deeper levels, and comprising multiple zones over a large area (Figure 3).

Figure 3. 2022 target areas superimposed on a thorium (Th) equivalent radiometric anomaly map.

Additional highlights are:

World-class Total Rare Earth Oxide Deposits: Results from the 2021 drill program and recently completed 2022 program demonstrate the world-class potential of Alces Lake. The asset contains critical REEs necessary for permanent magnets, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium.Close Proximity to REE Processing Facility: The project is near the Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) new REE processing facility, which is expected to be fully operational in 2024. Existing pilot facilities have already been shown to optimize the monazite processing flow and have even processed monazite from Alces Lake.Loranger: Loranger covers 26,409 hectares and is located 10 kilometers away from the all-season provincial highway 905. Appia has recently carried out airborne EM surveys and ground prospecting to follow up on completed drilling campaigns, which discovered uranium mineralization up to 0.066 weight total percent.North Wollaston: Covering 11,372 hectares, the North Wollaston project includes uranium, molybdenum and REE mineralization. The project is near robust infrastructure and all-season highways, powerlines and airstrips. The company has conducted airborne EM, magnetic and radiometric surveys, and ground prospecting for new drilling targets.Eastside: Appia’s 4,933-hectare Eastside project includes uranium, copper, PGE and molybdenum mineralization. The property is located 50 kilometers from the company’s Loranger property. Field reconnaissance and prospecting was carried out and will be continued in 2023.Otherside: This land package, totaling 27,291 contiguous hectares within the north central Athabasca Basin, lies along and adjacent to the extension of the ENE-WSW-trending Grease River Shear Zone, which hosts the Fond du Lac unconformity uranium mineralization. The property has been historically explored by regional airborne geophysical, boulder prospecting, and lake sediment geochemical surveys which define numerous anomalous U target areas.

Elliot Lake Project

Figure 4. Location and geology of the Elliot Lake project.

The company’s Northern Ontario uranium and REE asset comprises 101 staked mineral claims approximately three kilometers away from the town of Elliot Lake. The Elliot Lake project is 30 kilometers north of the Trans-Canada highway and has access to strong local infrastructure.

Project Highlights:

Late-Stage Exploration Asset: The project has an exploration history dating back to 1949. The asset was acquired by Appia in 2014 and has since undergone multiple rounds of drill holes, surface samplings, and geophysical surveying using modern technologies and techniques. Significant Resource Estimate: The Elliot Lake project has a prolific NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate, including:14.43 million tons grading 0.55 pounds uranium oxide/ton and 3.30 pounds TREE/ton, for a total of 8 million pounds uranium oxide and 47.7 million pounds TREE Indicated42.45 million tons grading 0.47 pounds uranium oxide/ton and 3.14 pounds TREE/ton, for a total of 20.1 million pounds uranium oxide and 133.2 million poundsTREE Inferred in the Teasdale Zone plus 30.31 million tons grading 0.91 pounds uranium oxide/ton, for a total of 27.6 million pounds uranium oxide.Quartz-Pebble Mineralizations with Consistent Grading: Elliot Lake’s mineralizations host uranium and REEs within quartz-pebble conglomerate beds with consistent grades in thickness. Uranium deposits are primarily brannerite and uraninite, types that are readily leachable.

Management Team

Anastasios (Tom) Drivas – CEO and Director

Tom Drivas is a business entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in various industries, including over 20 years in the mineral resource industry, and is also currently a director of Romios Gold Resources Inc., a publicly traded company he founded in 1995.

Stephen Burega – President

Stephen has significant management and operations experience in the mining and natural resources sectors including corporate development and fundraising; joint venture structure and negotiations; and management of public markets. His deep emerging markets background along with a strong understanding of stakeholder management, social development and structured community engagement and programming also positions him well to lead Appia’s First Nations/Indigenous community engagement.

Frank van de Water – CFO, Secretary and Director

Frank van de Water has been involved with international mining, metals and resource companies in North and Latin Americas, Europe and Africa for over 40 years.

Dr. Irvine R. Annesley – VP of Exploration

Dr. Irvine R. Annesley is emeritus professor in economic (mining and mineral exploration) geology at École Nationale Supérieure de Géologie, (Nancy, France), and adjunct professor in geology at the University of Saskatchewan. He has over 35 years of global exploration and applied research experience in uranium, gold and base metals, most recently with Athabasca uranium explorer JNR Resources Inc.

Overview

Pure Life Healthcare Management aims to change the healthcare landscape for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing integrated, wrap-around care that responds to the unique needs of this significantly underserved population.

Over 1.3 million people in Canada live with some form of PTSD or trauma. Many are veterans, first responders, healthcare providers and social workers. In lieu of trying to heal, many simply keep pushing forward, either unable to find help or unaware help exists.

That’s why Canada’s 600,000 frontline healthcare and social work staff are experiencing record attrition rates. It’s why Canada’s 600,000 veterans and 700,000 first responders have significantly higher rates of PTSD and burnout compared to the general public. This is why Canada is in the process of implementing a National Strategy for PTSD focusing on prevention, early intervention and treatment.

Part of that strategy involves increasing funding for mental health services and looking for partners.

Drawing the majority of its revenue from government and insurance benefits, Pure Life Healthcare Management provides more than 20 services to support PTSD and trauma patients. Backed by an experienced team with a deep understanding of issues surrounding mental health, Pure Life is also structured to leverage its own value chain, which includes wrap-around care clinics, occupational therapy, alternative medical treatments, pharmacies and partnerships with organizations such as Heroes Haven Society.

Pure Life Healthcare Management maintains full ownership of its ecosystem, including commercial and real estate holdings.

The company’s current plan begins with a virtual care model, opening physical locations once it’s onboarded enough clinics to ensure profitability on day one. With this strategy, it expects to achieve $690,000 in projected revenue by the end of 2023, eventually reaching $90.85 million by 2025.

For years, Canada has underserved the vast population suffering from PTSD. This is finally changing; and Pure Life Healthcare Management is on the front lines, guided by its corporate mantra, “connecting purpose with profit.”

Company Highlights:

Over 1.3 million Canadians currently struggle with PTSD and trauma, a population largely underserved by the country’s mental health services. Canada is implementing a National Strategy for PTSD focused on prevention, early treatment and intervention, increasing funding for mental health services and looking for partners.Pure Life Healthcare Management is strategically positioned to be among these partners. Pure Life Healthcare Management offers more than 20 services to support PTSD and trauma, creating a wrap-around healthcare ecosystem that provides patients with everything they need to heal. The company is backed by an experienced leadership team and a business structure designed to maximize the value chain, which includes:Wrap-around care clinicsPharmaciesAlternative medicinesOccupational therapiesPartnershipsJoint venturesReal estate and commercial holdingsOne of Pure Life Healthcare Management’s most prominent partnerships is with the non-profit Heroes Haven Society, which provides free testing and support for individuals suffering from trauma.The majority of Pure Life Healthcare Management’s revenue will stem from government and insurance benefits. Pure Life Healthcare Management has begun with a virtual model, and is preparing to acquire its first physical location in 2023. The virtual presence will be maintained to serve the remote and restricted community, and as a way to measure patient concentration by area, driving physical location demand and profitability from day one. This strategy is expected to deliver the following revenues:Phase 1 (2023): $690,000 with 14,400 clients and one physical location. Phase 2 (2024): $29.90 million with 27,000 clients and two physical locations.Phase 3 (2025): $90.85 million with 40,000 clients and four physical locations.

Key Services and Partnerships

PTSD Treatment

Targeting veterans, first responders, healthcare and social workers, Pure Life Healthcare Management’s wraparound approach to healthcare will provide support throughout the entire healing process, from counseling and medical testing to dentistry and physiotherapy. The majority of clients are expected to require only a light to medium touch, with one to six visits per month. However, Pure Life also expects a minority of highly complex cases which will require up to $100,000 annually per client with 10 to 20 visits per month.

Provincial healthcare and other benefit packages will cover the majority of Pure Life Healthcare Management’s services. The company will also operate on a proven tele-health model with partnered doctors, nurses and complex care managers.

Highlights:

Wrap Around Support: Pure Life Healthcare Management’s in-house services include:DentistsPharmaciesPhysiotherapyMedical testingDoctorsCare workersCounselingPsychologyMedical equipmentSound Financial Stewardship: Drawing on their extensive experience, Pure Life Healthcare Management’s leadership team has established the following plan for directing its spending:Client Care/Clinic Development (47 percent): Includes pharmacy and healthcare acquisitions and increased patient onboarding capacity.Market Development (13 percent): Includes marketing to increase reach, customer acquisition and public events.Medical Production (15 percent): A 12-month runway of operating expenses with a 20 percent contingency; includes production, manufacturing and acquisitions to meet growth demand.Innovation and Growth (25 percent): Primarily focused on developing the company’s network in new areas for Phase 2 and Phase 3. This includes physical clinic expansions, enhanced customer experiences and data evaluations, new joint ventures and acquisitions, and manufacturing products to fulfill existing purchase orders.

Heroes Haven Society

A strategic partner to Pure Life Healthcare Management, Heroes Haven Society is a not-for-profit organization primarily geared towards veterans, providing free testing and support for individuals struggling with trauma. Through this partnership agreement, clients will be referred to Pure Life Healthcare Management’s wrap-around clinic support. Heroes Haven also operates a fundraising program to help offset any costs not already covered by government and benefits packages.

Highlights:

Research and Development: In addition to supporting the development of government policy, clinical research partners at Heroes Haven consistently evaluate new programs for government funding.Services and Supports: Heroes Haven offers the following programs and services: Government contractingPTSD testingFamily support servicesPTSD financial coordinationPTSD support referralsFunding service gapsPeer supportClinical researchLegal adviceAdvocacy to government

Management Team

Shaun Good — Executive Chairman

With a diverse background in various industries, Shaun Good has demonstrated his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit throughout his career. After founding a successful construction company, he transitioned into a career with a major financial company. Responding to his clients’ growing interest in investment opportunities, Good entered the cannabis industry in 2017.

As the founder of four companies in BC, one of which focuses on the research and development of cannabis cultivars and terpenoids for the medical industry, Good demonstrates a relentless pursuit of innovation and an endless commitment to helping others succeed.

Doug Page — Chief Executive Officer

Doug Page is a versatile and accomplished leader with a diverse background in government, politics, not-for-profit organizations, entrepreneurship and as a strategic leader in one of Canada’s largest companies. He has also chaired numerous health agencies in Alberta.

Known for his strategic mindset, Page has a reputation as a trusted strategist for some of Canada’s most prominent political, corporate and not-for-profit leaders. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen ability to understand and address complex issues while simultaneously driving forward strategic initiatives and fostering positive change.

Robert Nichols — Director

Robert Nicholas is a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO with a proven track record of building successful companies from the ground up. As the visionary leader of Crane Power, he has expertly navigated the company to new heights, expanding its reach from a local startup to a powerhouse with a presence across Canada and the US. His keen understanding of market dynamics coupled with his ability to foster strong relationships has allowed him to assemble a team of top-tier professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional results.

Under Nichols’ guidance, Crane Power has generated millions in revenue and garnered an impressive portfolio of more than 100 satisfied clients. The Crane team, known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, consistently delivers projects on time and on budget. With their impressive report card as a testament to their achievements, Nichols and his team continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in their field.

Dr. Riyaan Hassen – Director

Dr. Riyaan Hassen is a family physician trained in South Africa. His patient-focused care has led him towards changing healthcare to improve patient outcomes and the patient experience within the healthcare system. This has been achieved by founding Revolution Medical Clinic, Revolution Medical Cannabis, Wosler Diagnostics, as well as being medical director of NUMI Health, all companies with a vision of improving patient care. He is also a co-founder of NuPharma, a wellness pharmacy that brings pharmacy care mobile, virtual and in-person.

Hassen believes that hard work coupled with a caring attitude provides the best outcomes for patients but also professionally. It was during his time spent at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa that he realized the immense value of family medicine and its importance to the overall well-being of the family unit. He has a keen interest in chronic disease management and special needs families.

Ali Oonwala – Director

Ali Oonwala aims to deflate the stigma around cannabis and encourage research. A strong advocate for the potential of CBD in sports medicine and chronic pain management, Oonwala’s vision educates the public on diverse medical methods, including the positive impact of catalyzing cannabis’s role in the opioid crisis.

Oonwala graduated from the University of Alberta School of Pharmacy in 2002, after practicing in Seattle for several years.

Climate of continual risk

To say that digital crime is booming would be an understatement. Threat actors are more organized and sophisticated than they’ve ever been, with some groups even leveraging the cloud to support cybercrime-as-a-service offerings. And as we continue to bring more systems and infrastructure online, it’s only going to get worse; it’s predicted that by 2025, cybercriminals will cost the world roughly US$10.5 trillion per annum.

In addition to being smarter, adversaries are also considerably more numerous. A security practitioner may be fending off one hacker only to have 10 take their place. This comes at a considerable cost, with ransomware attacks now carrying an average price tag of roughly US$4.5 million.

The transition towards hybrid and distributed work over the past several years has also opened up new vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit. The traditional security perimeter is gone, dissolved into an ecosystem of vendors, suppliers and remote personnel. Every node in this ecosystem is a potential access point, every entity a potential vulnerability.

In response, many organizations have focused extensively on technical cybersecurity. They have deployed sophisticated protective software solutions, embracing principles like ‘zero trust’ and ‘least privilege’ as they create extensive security checks and balances around their most sensitive assets.

These measures, however, are only as strong as their weakest link: humans.

Everyone, no matter how experienced, is ultimately fallible. Threat actors know this. They don’t need to expend time and effort to crack a business’s security — they can just wait for someone to slip up and let them in.

All this would be challenging to manage even if every organization had a fully staffed cybersecurity team, but they don’t. There simply aren’t enough experienced security practitioners to go around. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, unfilled cybersecurity jobs increased by 350 percent between 2013 and 2021 to a total of 3.5 million, and has remained at that level in 2023.

Consequently, full-time security practitioners operate on high premiums, often only affordable to larger organizations. This has consequently caused a sharp upturn in managed cybersecurity services — third-party expertise is fast becoming the best way to deal with today’s sophisticated threats.

Unfortunately, most managed service providers focus primarily on larger organizations. Despite the fact that they are among the most vulnerable to attacks, small- and mid-sized enterprises aren’t large enough to catch the attention of managed service providers, resulting in a significantly underserved segment of the cybersecurity market.

Large enterprises can afford highly sophisticated security solutions and full-time practitioners. About 47 percent of small businesses, on the other hand, don’t even have a dedicated cybersecurity budget. The fact that many of these smaller organizations are often vendors or partners for large businesses presents a lucrative opportunity for cybercriminals as threat actors could use small businesses as a point of entry for a larger target.

Small businesses are more frequently targeted by cyberattacks than their larger peers. They’re also more heavily impacted by these attacks, with roughly 60 percent ceasing to exist within six months of being targeted. These organizations can no longer afford not to prioritize security.

Keys to effective cyber security

While every security vendor has its own unique selling points and brand identity, effective cybersecurity ultimately boils down to six elements.

Threat detection. Detecting and identifying potential threats on a network can take many forms, including user entity behavior analysis (UEBA) and endpoint detection and response. This is in many ways the foundation of every other component – should you lack visibility into your ecosystem, nothing else matters.Policies and Process. Technical controls alone are not enough. Security tools must also account for the human side of the equation and make it easy to enforce policy without impeding workflows. This includes cybersecurity awareness training and analytics functionality to help organizations better shape employee education.Industry focus. Each sector has its own unique security challenges and faces its own set of threats. A vendor must understand these aspects and tailor its portfolio accordingly.Flexibility and scalability. The cybersecurity landscape is as mercurial as it is immense. A tool that cannot evolve with the emergence of new trends and grow alongside a business is of little use.Proactive prevention. While it’s important to have a solution that allows you to respond to threats in real-time, it’s far better to prevent those threats from becoming an issue in the first place. Vulnerability management and risk management are therefore non-negotiable here.Integrated solution. The previous strategy of deploying a different point solution for each new threat is unsustainable in today’s market. It results in a bloated, unmanageable security stack that ultimately creates more problems than it solves.

AI arms race

Artificial intelligence has fundamentally disrupted the cybersecurity space. It allows security practitioners to automate monitoring and data gathering, provide more personalized security training, analyze massive threat intelligence data sets, and mitigate certain threats and attacks without human intervention. It’s not only more cost-effective than manual cybersecurity, but also enables better decision-making and reduces the chance of human error.

The applications of this technology are immense.

Authentication and access control.Organizations can leverage AI-based solutions such as fingerprint sensors, behavioral analytics and facial recognition to provide additional layers of authentication and enable a gradual shift towards password-less security.Social engineering protection.No matter how sophisticated an organization makes its security, humans will remain the weakest link. Artificial intelligence allows a business to shore up the human side of the equation, automatically detecting and shutting down phishing attacks and leveraging features like UEBA to flag accounts that may have been compromised.Vulnerability management.AI-driven security allows businesses to keep up with the endless tide of new threats, risks and vulnerabilities. Many solutions are capable of detecting and remediating even zero-day vulnerabilities.Network security.Network management and policy enforcement are now incredibly complex and time-consuming. Through AI, these tasks can be largely automated, freeing up considerable time for security personnel and allowing them to focus on other factors.

Cybersecurity investment landscape

Today, many of the leading cybersecurity vendors have pivoted to incorporate AI into their software portfolios. BlackBerry (NYSE:BB,TSX:BB) is arguably among the first of these organizations through its acquisition of Cylance. This has provided the company with one of the most advanced cybersecurity AI platforms on the market.

While BlackBerry primarily targets larger organizations, Fortinet (NASDAQ:FTNT) is more focused on mid-sized businesses. The company’s automated cybersecurity services provide centralized, advanced threat detection and response capabilities that encompass the entire cyber kill chain. The company also offers an AI-driven security operations center.

Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO), a longtime leader in enterprise technology and services, has similarly begun pursuing AI-driven cybersecurity, most recently through its acquisition of cybersecurity firm Splunk in September. Cisco had already been exploring the use of artificial intelligence in its other lines of business. Currently, it offers a multitude of tools including AI transcription and a generative AI policy assistant, which it ultimately hopes to make part of a unified cloud security platform.

All three of the organizations described above are titans of the cybersecurity sector. All three are also leading innovators in the use of artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, all three alsowork primarily with larger organizations, often meaning small- and mid-sized businesses are less well protected.

Recently launched on the Canadian Securities Exchange, Integrated Cyber Solutions (CSE:ICS) is one cybersecurity company with a particular focus on the underserved and high-potential cybersecurity market of small- and medium-sized enterprises and businesses. Its AI-driven IC360 platform consolidates its product portfolio into a powerful command center that provides those businesses with the level of protection often reserved for large corporations. Backed by experienced leadership, a comprehensive suite of solutions and a clearly defined growth strategy, Integrated Cyber brings together best-in-class capabilities from multiple third-party providers, allowing it to evolve alongside the needs of its customers.

Investor takeaway

The cybersecurity market is more complex than ever before, particularly with the proliferation of artificial intelligence. The solutions enabled by this new technology and the vendors that distribute it together represent a considerable opportunity, one which investors would do well to understand.

The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with Integrated Cyber Solutions and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.

1. Australia

Usable ore: 880 million MT; iron content: 540 million MT

Australia is the largest country for iron ore mining, and its usable iron ore output was 880 million MT in 2022. Australia’s leading iron ore producer is BHP (ASX:BHP,LSE:BHP,NYSE:BHP), but Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,LSE:RIO,NYSE:RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG,OTCQX:FSUMF) are also big producers.

The Pilbara region is the most notable iron ore jurisdiction in Australia, if not the world. In fact, Rio Tinto calls its Pilbara Blend ‘the world’s most recognised brand of iron ore.’

2. Brazil

Usable ore: 410 million MT; iron content: 260 million MT

Major producer Brazil saw its usable iron ore production total 410 million MT in 2022.

The largest iron ore districts in the country are the states of Pará and Minas Gerais, which together account for 98 percent of Brazil’s annual iron ore output. Pará is home to the largest iron ore mine in the world, Vale’s (NYSE:VALE) Carajas mine. Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Vale is the world’s biggest producer of iron ore pellets.

Brazil is expected to boost its output this year. “In 2023, supply ramp up will be led by Brazil and India, while Australian shipments will stay largely rangebound,” said David Cachot, research director for steel and raw materials at Wood Mackenzie. Indeed, Brazilian iron ore exports are on the rise in 2023.

3. China

Usable ore: 380 million MT; iron content: 240 million MT

China is the world’s largest consumer of iron ore, despite being only the third largest iron-producing country. Its production of usable ore fell by 14 million MT in 2022 from the previous year.

With China being the world’s largest producer of stainless steel, its domestic supply is not enough to meet demand. The country imports over 70 percent of global seaborne iron ore.

4. India

Usable ore: 290 million MT; iron content: 180 million MT

India’s production of usable iron ore increased from 2021 to 2022, climbing from the previous year’s mark of 273 million MT to 290 million MT. Its iron content production rose from 168 million MT to 180 million MT.

India’s largest iron ore miner, NMDC, hit a production milestone in 2021 of 40 million MT per year, the first such company to do so in the country. NMDC is targeting an annual production rate of 50 million MT in 2023 and 100 million MT by 2030.

5. Russia

Usable ore: 90 million MT; iron content: 63 million MT

Russia comes in as the fifth largest iron-producing country in the world. Usable iron ore production in 2022 fell by 6 million MT from the previous year, while iron content inched down from 66.7 million MT to 63 million MT.

In 2022, Russia’s iron ore exports fell dramatically as the world enacted serious economic sanctions on the country over its aggressive war against Ukraine. Together, these two countries account for 36 percent of global iron or non-alloy steel exports. The European Union has restricted imports of Russian iron ore.

6. Ukraine

Usable ore: 76 million MT; iron content: 47 million MT

The number six spot in terms of usable iron ore production is shared by Ukraine and South Africa. Ukraine’s iron ore and steel industry accounts for 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Russia’s invasion is having a significant impact on Ukraine’s iron ore exports, on which the European Union’s steel industry depends. “Many European steel producers relied on Ukraine for raw materials such as metallurgic coal and iron ore. Ferrexpo, the London-listed Ukrainian miner, is a major exporter of iron ore,” notes the Financial Times in a mid-2022 article. Ukraine’s production in 2022 fell by more than 9 percent from the previous year.

6. South Africa

Usable ore: 76 million MT; iron content: 48 million MT

South Africa’s usable iron ore production rose from 73.1 million MT to 76 million MT in 2022. The country’s iron ore content also jumped from 46.5 million MT to 48 million MT.

Kumba Iron Ore (OTC Pink:KUMBF,JSE:KIO) is Africa’s largest iron ore producer. The company has three main iron ore production assets in the country, including its flagship mine, Sishen, which accounts for a large majority of Kumba’s total iron ore output. Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) owns a 69.7 percent share of the company.

8. Iran

Usable ore: 75 million MT; iron content: 49 million MT

The seventh largest iron-producing country is Iran, which rose to that spot from 10th place the prior year. In 2022, it produced 75 million MT of usable iron ore and 49 million MT of iron content, up from 72.9 million MT and 47.9 million MT, respectively.

One of the most important iron ore mines in the country is Gol-e-Gohar in Kerman province. The Iranian government is targeting production of 55 million MT of steel per annum by 2025 to 2026. To reach this goal, the country’s iron ore industry will need to produce 160 million MT of iron ore. To better meet the requirements of domestic steel producers, Iran began levying a 25 percent duty on iron ore exports in September 2019.

9. Kazakhstan

Usable ore: 66 million MT; iron content: 14 million MT

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest iron-producing country in the world. Usable iron ore production rose slightly from 64.1 million MT in the previous year to a record 66 million MT in 2022, while iron content inched up from 13.1 million MT to 14 million MT.

Kazakhstan has several iron ore mines in operation, with four of the top five owned by Eurasian Resources Group and one held by ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT,AMS:MT). The Sokolov-Sarybai Mining Production Association (SMPA) in Northern Kazakhstan was the main supplier of iron ore to Russia’s Magnitogorsk Iron and Steelworks prior to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the SMPA has halted iron ore shipments to Magnitogorsk.

10. Canada

Usable ore: 58 million MT; iron content: 35 million MT

Coming in as the 10th largest iron-producing country, Canada’s production totaled 58 million MT of usable iron ore and 35 million MT of iron content in 2022, up marginally from 57.5 million MT and 34.5 million MT in 2021, respectively.

Champion Iron (TSX:CIA,OTC Pink:CHPRF) is one company producing iron ore in the country. It owns and operates the Bloom Lake complex in Quebec. Champion ships iron concentrate from the Bloom Lake open pit by rail, initially on the Bloom Lake Railway, to a ship loading port in Sept-Îles, Québec. A Phase 2 expansion, which entered commercial production in December 2022, has increased capacity from 7.4 million MT per year to 15 million MT per year of 66.2 percent iron ore concentrate.