Boron has a wide variety of applications - it's even used in rocket fuel. Pic: Getty
Lithium stock skyrockets 50pc on ‘company-transforming’ China deal
Mining
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A $26.4 million investment and sales deal with one of China’s fastest-growing battery companies has prompted a buying frenzy in Argosy Minerals on the Aussie bourse.
The stock (ASX:AGY) skyrocketed to a near ten-year high of 12c yesterday, up 4.2c, with some 35 million shares changing hands on news of a strategic alliance with Qingdao Qianyun High-Tech New Material.
Qingdao will come onboard as a strategic shareholder with 19.9 per cent of Argosy. The share placement will raise $16.9 million at 8.5c per share.
A further $9.55 million upfront payment will take place over a quantity of battery-grade lithium during first-year of production at the company’s flagship Rincon lithium project in Argentina.
The Rincon project lies within the world-renowned Lithium Triangle in Argentina — host to the world’s largest lithium resources.
If the $26.4 million deal is finalised, Argosy will have more than enough funds to complete Stage 2 development at Rincon.
Argosy’s managing director Jerko Zuvela said the binding deal was a “company-transforming” transaction.
“We are confident that it provides a strategy for unlocking the immediate value of our strong position in Argentina via fast-tracked development of the Rincon lithium project,” he said.
Mr Zuvela said post-transaction, Argosy would have significant funding, plus a strategic shareholder and customer in Qingdao to fully develop and maximise the potential of Rincon.
A separate five-year sales agreement has been signed between Argosy and Qingdao for 1000 tonnes per year of potential stage 2 product from Rincon.
Meanwhile, Argosy and Qingdao have entered a joint venture to pursue lithium opportunities in China over the next two years.
Under the deal, Qingdao chairman Sun Qi will be appointed to Argosy’s board as a non-executive director.
The deal is subject to due diligence by Qingdao and regulatory approvals from Chinese authorities.
The company is aiming for 2018 production target from Rincon of battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) product.
