VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornish Metals Inc. (TSX-V/AIM: CUSN) (“Cornish Metals” or the “Company”), a mineral exploration and development company focused on its projects in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is pleased to announce that it has released its unaudited financial statements and management, discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months ended April 30, 2022. The reports are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on the Company’s website (www.cornishmetals.com).

Highlights for the three months ended April 30, 2022 and for the period ending June 22, 2022

(All figures expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

  • Completion of 10,159 meters of drilling within phased exploration program at the United Downs exploration project with results from first 3,927 meters of drilling reported to date, with further assay results to be reported when available;
  • Completion of financing for gross proceeds of £40.5 million ($64.8 million based on closest available exchange rate) (the “Offering”), including a strategic investment by Vision Blue Resources of £25.0 million ($40.0 million), to advance the South Crofty tin project (“South Crofty”) to a potential construction decision (news releases dated March 27, 2022 and May 23, 2022);
  • Issuance of second tranche of common shares pursuant to the restructuring of the deferred consideration relating to the acquisition of the South Crofty tin project and associated mineral rights (news release dated May 29, 2022); and
  • Mr. Tony Trahar nominated by Vision Blue Resources as its representative on the Board (news release dated June 5, 2022).

Richard Williams, CEO of Cornish Metals, stated, “The completion of the £40m financing including a strategic investment by Vision Blue Resources last month opened a new chapter for the Company. As soon as the funds were received at the end of May, we wasted no time in starting to place orders for the new water treatment plant. The first recruits to our newly formed projects team will be joining us in the coming weeks and further appointments will be made to our mining and geological teams to enhance their capacities.

The next few months will be hard but rewarding work as we build the required framework for strong and capable project execution. I look forward to reporting on progress at South Crofty in due course.

In the meantime, the backdrop for tin pricing in the medium to long term remains favourable. Demand is expected to increase further as electrification gathers pace, with supply constraints showing no sign of abating.”  

Financial highlights for the three months ended April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021

 Three months ended (unaudited)
 April 30, 2022April 30, 2021
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)  
Total operating expenses627,115894,549
Loss for the period979,4271,301,049
Net cash (used in) operating activities(625,384)(908,981)
Net cash (used in) investing activities(1,184,673)(762,856)
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities(555,449)13,226,816
Cash at end of the period4,286,53511,511,900
  • Decrease in operating expenses impacted by $368,325 of costs relating to AIM listing incurred in comparative period which were not eligible for capitalization;
  • Higher operating expenses more generally relating to increased media/investor activities following last year’s AIM listing and preparatory work for the successful fundraise cornerstoned by Vision Blue Resources;
  • Costs of $576,786 and $230,723 capitalized in connection with the ongoing exploration program at United Downs and Carn Brea, respectively (excluding capitalized depreciation and other non-cash items);
  • Financing fees of $584,359 incurred by April 30, 2022 in connection with the fundraise which closed at the end of May 2022;
  • Gross proceeds raised from the Offering of £40.5 million ($64.8 million) received subsequent to the period end, following gross proceeds raised from the AIM listing in comparative period of £8.2 million ($14.4 million) (news release dated February 16, 2021); and
  • Recognition of foreign currency translation loss of $1,152,758 for those assets located in the UK when translated into Canadian dollars for presentational purposes.

Outlook

The proceeds raised from the Offering completed in May 2022 are being used to advance the South Crofty tin project to a potential construction decision within 30 months from closing of the Offering. The planned use of the proceeds from the Offering is to complete the dewatering program and Feasibility Study at South Crofty, evaluate downstream beneficiation opportunities and commence potential on-site early works in advance of a potential construction decision.

Within 30 months from the closing of the Offering, the Company’s plans are as follows:

  • Construct the Water Treatment Plant (“WTP”) in the first half of 2023 and thereafter complete the dewatering of the mine within 18 months;
  • Complete an underground drill program which is expected to commence in July 2022 in order to delineate a JORC compliant Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource and increase the Indicated and Inferred JORC Mineral Resource once access to the underground workings is obtained;
  • Complete a Feasibility Study using all reasonable commercial efforts on or before 31 December 2024;
  • Commence basic and detailed engineering studies, construction of the processing plant, refurbishment of underground facilities and other on-site early works; and
  • Evaluate downstream beneficiation opportunities in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Subject to the availability of financing, consideration will also be given to continuing with the Company’s exploration program at United Downs and evaluating other near-surface, high potential, exploration targets within transport distance of the planned processing plant site at South Crofty.

ABOUT CORNISH METALS

Cornish Metals completed the acquisition of the South Crofty tin and United Downs copper / tin projects, plus additional mineral rights located in Cornwall, UK, in July 2016 (see Company news release dated July 12, 2016). The additional mineral rights cover an area of approximately 15,000 hectares and are distributed throughout Cornwall. Some of these mineral rights cover old mines that were historically worked for copper, tin, zinc, and tungsten.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The technical information in this news release has been compiled by Mr. Owen Mihalop. Mr. Mihalop has reviewed and takes responsibility for the data and geological interpretation. Mr. Owen Mihalop (MCSM, BSc (Hons), MSc, FGS, MIMMM, CEng) is Chief Operating Officer for Cornish Metals Inc. and has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code (2012) and as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr. Mihalop consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

For additional information please contact:

In North America:

Irene Dorsman at (604) 200 6664 or by e-mail at irene@cornishmetals.com

In the UK:  
   
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
(Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)
Tel:+44 203 470 0470  
 Richard Morrison 
 Charlie Bouverat 
 Grant Barker 
   
Hannam & Partners
(Joint Broker)        
Tel:

+44 207 907 8500

 Matthew Hasson 
 Andrew Chubb 
 Ernest Bell 
   
BlytheRay
(Financial PR/IR-London)
Tel:+44 207 138 3204

 Tim Blythetim.blythe@blytheray.com
 Megan Raymegan.ray@blytheray.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Richard D. Williams”
Richard D. Williams, P.Geo

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

Caution regarding forward looking statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including, but not limited to, statements in connection with the expected use of proceeds of the Offering, including in respect of certain work programs, expected construction, including in respect of the WTP, and the potential completion of a Feasibility Study on the South Crofty mine and the timing thereof, the exploration program at United Downs and other exploration opportunities surrounding the South Crofty tin project, expected recruitment of various personnel, and expectations respecting tin pricing and other economic factors. Forward-looking statements, while based on management’s best estimates and assumptions at the time such statements are made, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals, risks related to general economic and market conditions; risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic and any variants of COVID-19 which may arise; risks related to the availability of financing when required and on terms acceptable to the Company and the potential consequences if the Company fails to obtain any such financing, such as a potential disruption of the Company’s exploration program(s); the timing and content of upcoming work programs; actual results of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral Resources or grade; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations.

Although Cornish Metals has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information pursuant to Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 April 30, 2022
  January 31, 2022
 
      
ASSETS

     
Current     
Cash$4,286,535  $6,922,704 
Marketable securities 1,574,506   1,574,506 
Receivables 140,449   107,230 
Deferred financing fees 672,778   - 
Prepaid expenses 353,680   231,933 
  7,027,948   8,836,373 
      
Deposits 52,959   42,448 
Property, plant and equipment 6,128,901   6,437,175 
Exploration and evaluation assets 21,175,960   20,772,029 
      
 $34,385,768  $36,088,025 
      
      
LIABILITIES     
      
Current     
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$929,675  $613,178 
Lease liability 3,594   4,204 
Commitment to issue shares 6,076,200   6,041,525 
  7,009,469   6,658,907 
Lease liability -   667 
NSR liability 8,767,363   8,717,330 
  15,776,832   15,376,904 
      
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
Capital stock 56,846,350   56,846,350 
Share subscriptions received in advance 30,000   - 
Capital contribution 2,007,665   2,007,665 
Share-based payment reserve 630,265   630,265 
Foreign currency translation reserve (1,326,881)  (174,123)
Deficit (39,578,463)  (38,599,036)
      
  18,608,936   20,711,121 
      
 $34,385,768  $36,088,025 


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 Three months ended
 
 April 30, 2022
  April 30, 2021
 
        
EXPENSES       
Accretion$-  $15,764 
Advertising and promotion 110,878   52,925 
Depreciation 443   22,109 
Finance cost -   3,895 
Insurance 33,509   21,784 
Office, miscellaneous and rent 28,978   21,883 
Professional fees 169,597   412,674 
Generative exploration costs 333   - 
Regulatory and filing fees 21,244   68,883 
Share-based compensation -   51,796 
Salaries, directors’ fees and benefits 262,133   222,836 
        
Total operating expenses (627,115)  (894,549)
        
Interest income 743   192 
Foreign exchange loss (353,055)  (406,692)
        
Loss for the period (979,427)  (1,301,049)
        
Foreign currency translation (1,152,758)  (210,502)
Total comprehensive loss for the period$(2,132,185) $(1,511,551)
        
Basic and diluted loss per share$(0.01) $(0.01)
        
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: 285,850,157   248,501,072 


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
        

(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 For the three months ended
 April 30, 2022April 30, 2021
   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
Loss for the period$(979,427) $(1,301,049)
Items not involving cash:  
Accretion -   15,764 
Depreciation 443   22,109 
Share-based compensation -   51,796 
Finance cost -   3,895 
Foreign exchange loss 353,055   406,692 
   
Changes in non-cash working capital items:  
Increase in receivables (33,218)  (47,393)
Increase in prepaid expenses (28,727)  (54,245)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 62,490   (6,550)
   
Net cash used in operating activities (625,384)  (908,981)
   
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment(2,661) (75,671)
Acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets(1,171,500) (670,970)
Increase in deposits(10,512) (16,215)
   
Net cash used in investing activities (1,184,673)  (762,856)
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
Proceeds from AIM listing -   14,244,206 
Proceeds from fundraising received in advance of share issue 30,000   - 
Proceeds from warrant exercises -   184,750 
Share issue costs -   (1,066,126)
Increase in deferred financing fees (584,359)  - 
Conversion of royalty option costs -   (111,730)
Lease payments (1,090)  (24,284)
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (555,449)  13,226,816 
   
Impact of foreign exchange on cash (270,663)  (396,680)
   
Change in cash during the period (2,636,169)  11,158,299 
Cash, beginning of the period 6,922,704   353,601 
   
Cash, end of the period$4,286,535  $11,511,900 


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
        

(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

 Number of
shares
Amount
 Share
subscriptions
received in
advance

 Capital
contribution

Share-based
payment
reserve

Foreign
currency
translation

reserve
 Deficit
 Total
 
Balance at January 31, 2021149,918,585$40,737,065 $189,902 $2,007,665$846,212$239,028 $(35,687,896)$8,331,976 
Share issuance pursuant to AIM listing117,226,572 14,434,108  (189,902) - - -  -  14,244,206 
Share issue costs- (1,506,824) -  - - -  -  (1,506,824)
Warrant exercises2,275,000 184,750  -  - - -  -  184,750 
Share-based compensation- -  -  - 51,796 -  -  51,796 
Foreign currency translation- -  -  - - (210,502) -  (210,502)
Loss for the period- -  -  - - -  (1,301,049) (1,301,049)
Balance at April 30, 2021269,420,157$53,849,099 $- $2,007,665$898,008$28,526 $(36,988,945)$19,794,353 
         
Balance at January 31, 2022285,850,157$56,846,350 $- $2,007,665$630,265$(174,123)$(38,599,036)$20,711,121 
Commitment to issue shares pursuant to the Offering- -  30,000  - - -  -  30,000 
Foreign currency translation- -  -  - - (1,152,758) -  (1,152,758)
Loss for the period- -  -  - - -  (979,427) (979,427)
Balance at April 30, 2022285,850,157$56,846,350 $30,000 $2,007,665$630,265$(1,326,881)$(39,578,463)$18,608,936 

 


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