Report: Canadain Uranium Exploration in the Athabasca Basin (Derek Hamill of Zimtu Capital Corp.)

Report: Canadain Uranium Exploration in the Athabasca Basin (Derek Hamill of Zimtu Capital Corp.)

• 1.
  Lakeland Resources Inc(TSXv: LK) (FSE:6LL) Canadian Uranium Exploration Outlook: Positive 1 RESEARCH & OPINION 1. 2. 3. 4. SUMMARY: The Athabasca Basin is home to the highest grade uranium deposits in the world. Exploration in the Basin offers investors upside exposure to projected growth in commercial nuclear generating capacity. This region, as the low-cost producer is unique, providing insurance from falling uranium prices. LK follows a disciplined business strategy; targeting properties with historical exploration data and shallow depths to potential mineralization. A strong technical team will increase efficiency of exploration. LK recently completed a gross C$1,057,718 financing to explore its Gibbon’s Creek Target. News flow should be forthcoming, potentially adding short term volatility for shareholders to capitalize on. Relative valuation based on market capitalization to other exploration companies in the Basin renders LK attractive (Table 1). 0.16 600 0.14 500 400 Price ($) 0.1 0.08 300 0.06 200 0.04 100 0.02 0 Mar-13 0 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Volume (thousands) 0.12 DEREK HAMILL Research & Communications Zimtu Capital Corp. [email protected]
• 2.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Introduction – grade is king $160 Uranium, a reasonably abundant metal present even in seawater, has great capacity for energy. However, finding sufficient concentrations of the metal to constitute an orebody, approximately a factor of 1000x its crustal abundance, is difficult1. In fact, uranium grades of 1-2% are considered high-grade. In contrast, Canada’s Athabasca Basin (the Basin) hosts the highest grade known uranium deposits in the world. For example, the McArthur River mine, located in the east of the Basin, is the largest high-grade uranium mine in the world, with grades approaching 20%. These high grades permit miners in the Basin to profit from operations even with uranium prices that are less attractive elsewhere in the world (Chart 1). Chart 1. Spot Price U3O8 $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $0 Structure of the Report – a non-geological undertaking Counter to what many geologists and casual observers believe, several studies have found the long-term volume of mineral resources economically available to society are a function of the real price for the mineral and less dependent on the volume of current identified mineral reserves (scarcity argument) 2. This has obvious implications for natural resources exploration industries. The fallacy of the resource scarcity argument lies in the fact that it ignores behavioral responses that are triggered by fluctuations in real prices. The behavioral responses to rising real commodity prices include changes in consumption, efficiency gains, technological improvements, supply side substitutes, and new discoveries through greater exploration efforts. Source: Cameco Map 1. Lakeland Resources Inc. Gibbon’s Creek Historical Data Compilation A geological understanding is assuredly valuable when analyzing exploration companies. Unfortunately, geology and mine engineering are complicated sciences that require a material investment of time and capital. The good news is that since expected higher real uranium prices tend to attract investment into exploration ventures, retail investors can still potentially profit by using a topdown approach and diversifying away unsystematic risk. Therefore, the central themes potential investors in exploration companies need to form an opinion of are the following: Source: LK and Dahrouge Geological 1. 2. 3. Expected real price (inflation adjusted) movements for the commodity Prolificacy of the region – an indicator of further discovery potential Experience and expertise of the exploration team Table 1. Athabasca Basin Exploration Comparables Company All else equal, rising prices for the underlying commodity will attract greater exploration and entice investors. To extrapolate favorable geology, greater focus should be concentrated on regions with producing assets located in competitive jurisdictions and a history of successful exploration. An added benefit is the established infrastructure in these regions is a public good, potentially reducing exploration and production costs. Finally, knowledgeable Robert Stevens, “Mineral Exploration and Mining Essentials”, BCIT, 2012, pg 48 World Nuclear Association (WNA), “Uranium Supply”, 2012, http://world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-FuelCycle/Uranium-Resources/Supply-of-Uranium/ 1 2 2 NexGen Energy Forum Uranium Azincourt Resources Lakeland Resources Noka Resources TSX Venture Ticker Shares Outstanding (millions) Recent Bid Price (CAD) Market Cap (millions of CAD) NXE 128.0 0.280 35.8 FDC 26.4 0.295 7.8 AAZ 28.5 0.290 8.3 LK 32.7 0.105 3.4 NX 21.9 0.135 3.0 Source: Stockwatch
• 3.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 teams that have previous experience exploring for the established commodity within the region will increase the chance of successfully locating a discovery, and will help attract financing. Growth in global electricity demand and the chosen supply side capacity mix – the number of new commercial reactors – will be the major driver for the uranium market. Due to the inherent difficulty with locating high-grade uranium deposits and the potential need to continuously finance drill intensive exploration programs, there exists material probability of unsuccessful exploration. Thus, diversification among active explorers in the district is important for investors. Structure of the Report – concluding remarks Uranium use has evolved from purely military applications to electricity generation, and more recently to the use of radioisotopes for diagnostics and other various industries. However, there remains substantial military stockpiles of uranium in the US and Russia, and industry demands exelectricity generation are immaterial to existing uranium production. Projecting constant 2013 global reactor requirements forward, there is enough identified uranium to supply over 100 years worth of demand, ignoring price.3 Therefore, the growth in global electricity generation and the subsequent supply side response – new commercial reactor builds – to meet this demand will be the major driver for the uranium market (Table 2). Table 2. Nuclear Reactor Overview Number of reactors Net Capacity (GW) 435 371 70 68 147 55 Operational Under construction Permanent Shutdown Source: IAEA|PRIS Global Electricity Demand – outlook Global electricity generation increased an astounding 126% between 198520124. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 20% of the global population did not have access to electricity in 2010 5. The US Energy Information Administration (US eia) forecast almost a doubling of global electricity generation by 2040; while Exxon Mobile’s Outlook for Energy predicts 85% growth over the same period.6 BP’s 2013 Energy Outlook only projects out to 2030, yet predicts total electricity consumption to increase by 61%. The average of these estimates over a 15-year period forecasts a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) (Table 3). However, these estimates could be conservative as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries accounted for 51% of global electricity generation in 2010 while representing just 18% of the global population. On average, OECD members consume more than four times the electricity per person than non-OECD members; however, the trend is toward convergence.7 Uranium is a particularly interesting fuel as its price has a relatively low impact on the price of electricity it is used to produce (Chart 9) Table 3. Electricity Generating Capacity 15-yr CAGR (2010-2025) Institutional forecasts Total electricity Nuclear Renewables (ex-hydro) Natural gas US eia 2.6% 3.4% 3.7% 2.2% BP 2.4% 1.9% 9.8% 1.9% 3 Exxon Mobil 2.0% 2.3% 5.6% 2.3% 4 Average 2.3% 2.6% 6.3% 2.1% Material growth in electricity generation will come from non-OECD Asia, including China and India; and possibly Africa where a majority of the OECD Uranium Redbook’s identified resources consists of reasonably assured and inferred resources BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2013, http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/about-bp/statisticalreview-of-world-energy-2013.html 5 International Energy Agency (IEA) | World Energy Outlook 2011 6 US Energy Information Administration | International Energy Outlook 2013 7 BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 Source: Exxon, BP, and US eia 3
• 4.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 continent’s population does not have access to electricity8. The sheer geographical size and populations of these regions will place upward pressure on global energy prices as their economies expand. Therefore, the priority of the developed world will be continuing to increase domestic energy reserves, energy efficiencies, “smart” technologies, and promote conservation all in an attempt to reduce domestic energy intensity per capita over time. The IEA estimates total required investment in the global electricity industry at approximately $16 trillion through 20359,10. Table 4: LK Team Management and Directors Position The Company’s decision to become a focused Canadian uranium explorer was taken owing to the unique characteristics of the industry. In general, mineral projects in Canada rely on, to varying degrees, a combination of security of supply concerns and expected increasing price movements for the underlying commodity. However, the Basin hosts the highest grades of uranium in the world with substantial existing infrastructure – roads, machinery, and expertise – largely in place.11 Additionally, the majority of the Basin is located in Saskatchewan; historically, a uranium mining friendly province. These factors create a stable low-cost uranium production center. Being the low-cost producer reduces the risk of the uranium price falling below marginal cost for any significant length of time due to unforseen market supply gluts coming from either production increases out of Kazakhstan, Australia, and Africa, or adverse demand shocks. CFO & Director Garry Clark, P.Geo Director Ryan Fletcher, B.A. Director Director Roger Leschuk Lakeland Resources Inc. (TSXv: LK) (FSE: 6LL) signaled its desire to enter the uranium exploration business by entering a letter of intent (LOI) dated March 1, 2013 to acquire property in Canada’s Athabasca Basin. Though the transaction was ultimately unsuccessful, LK was able to acquire over 100,000 hectares through staking using a disciplined vetting process and the help of geological consultants in the North and East geographical areas of the Basin (Map 2). Through these land acquisitions, the addition of experienced technical people to the advisory board, and the continued process of optioning off previous gold exploration properties, LK has completed its transition to a focused uranium explorer. Alex Falconer, C.A. David Hodge Lakeland Resources – business description Jonathan Armes President, CEO & Director Manager, Corporate Communications Advisory Board Richard Kusmirski, M.Sc., P.Geo Thomas Drolet, B.Eng, M.Sc., DIC John Gingerich, P.Geo Zimtu Capital Corp’s interest in Lakeland Resources: ZC’s equity ownership is 4.647 million shares – approx. 14% of LK shares outstanding Source: LK The Athabasca Basin in Northern Saskatchewan, hosts the highest grade uranium deposits in the world and substantial existing infrastructure. This is an attractive proposition for uranium exploration. Table 5. Sample of Deposits Depths Within the Athabasca Basin Projects Mean Approximate Depths (meters) McArthur River The difficult task historically, has been locating uranium deposits in the Basin owing to their generally modest size, pod-like formations, found in the subsurface at various depths; the recent near-surface Patterson Lake South discovery (PLS) being an exception (Table 5). Advancements in geophysics and geological understanding, and the divestment of exploration expertise from traditional unanium producers into focused junior explorers, have led to several discoveries in-and-around the Basin over the past decade, such as the 8 US Energy Information Administration | International Energy Outlook 2013 International Energy Agency (IEA) | World Energy Outlook 2011 $ figures are assumed to be USD unless otherwise specified 11 Robert Stevens, “Mineral Exploration and Mining Essentials”, BCIT, 2012 9 10 4 500-600 Cigar Lake 350-425 Roughrider 225-350 Shea Creek 650-800 PLS LK's Gibbon's Creek Target** 50-300 75-250* *includes approx. 100m of drilling into the Crystalline Basement if alteration is encountered **Gibbon's Creek is currently an exploration target and should not be considered a deposit Source: FCU & Hathor
• 5.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Roughrider and PLS deposits. The global uranium exploration bonanza that occurred throughout 2003 to 2008 was only the third such cycle witnessed for the industry. It is likely, that if exploration in the Basin remains strong, our knowledge and technical understanding will continue to advance, further reducing the costs of uranium exploration and development, and improving the probability of locating discoveries (Table 15). However, recognizing the current difficulty in finding underground uranium deposits in the Basin, LK has tried to de-risk their projects by focusing on properties that have previously received varying degrees of exploration work indicating existing mineralization and shallower target depths to the unconformity (less than 500 meters); thereby, stretching current exploration dollars further (Table 20). LK is also assembling a strong technical team, and employed Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd to help manage fieldwork. Jody Dahrouge has over 10 years of experience in the Basin and is a former director of Fission Energy. To date, LK has amassed a significant presence in the Basin (land claims totaling over 100,000 hectares), concentrating on relatively shallow depths to identified basement-hosted conductors as a selection criteria to maximize the total number of exploration drill holes for a given dollar amount (Map 3). Lakeland has also focused on fostering valuable relationships. Their partnership with Zimtu Capital Corp (TSXv: ZC) will help with office administration, marketing, and future financings. The additions of uranium veterans, Richard Kusmirski and Thomas Drolet, to LK’s advisory board gives greater technical and business expertise, as well as “brand name” recognition within their respective industries. Richard Kusmirski has over 40 years of exploration experience, previously serving as Exploration Manager for Cameco Corporation, and President & CEO of JNR Resources. Thomas Drolet has been a nuclear industry insider for over 40 years and served as the head of the Canadian Fusion Fuels Technology Project (Table 4). Map2. The Athabasca Uranium Basin Showing Lakeland’s Property Claims Source: LK and Dahrouge Geological Map 3. Lakeland’s current Gibbon’s Creek target is located within the Riou Lake property Historic Perspective on the Commercial Nuclear Industry – a marathon, not a sprint Nuclear energy is a relatively new technology and did not have a material impact on the power and utility industry until the first wave of utility scale commercial reactors started to be built in the late 1960’s12. The 20 years from 1960-80 were tumultuous for the economics and security of energy supplies that fed the founding NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members. These years saw certain foreign governments nationalize commercial oil interests, the formation of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), the US transition to a net oil importer, subsequent oil price shocks in 1973 and 1979; and unlike today, petroleum liquids were a material component of many power grids at that time. There were also acid rain scares, 12 International Energy Agency (IEA) | World Energy Outlook 2011 5 Source: LK and Dahrouge Geological
• 6.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 and other environmental concerns regarding the burning of coal, resulting in increased government regulation such as the Clean Air Act in the US. Into this environment, with few supply side substitutes, emerged the commercial nuclear energy industry. The benefits of nuclear power were clear: environmentally friendly (in terms of air quality) consistent base load electricity generation could be provided with reduced price volatility. The technology was new, so claims of eventual material cost reductions derived from a positive learning curve were believed. Plus, new prolific uranium discoveries, including Rabbit Lake in Canada’s Athabasca Basin during 1968, were expanding the known uranium resources and reserves. The result for the industry was tremendous global growth, driven primarily by the US and Western Europe. Annual nuclear consumption in the US increased from 3.8 terawatt hours (TWh) in 1965 to 291 TWh in 1978; and 19.9 TWh to 172.7 TWh over the same period in what is now the European Union (EU)13. Table 6. IEA Global Forcast Generating Capacity Required by 2035 (GW) 2010 2035 Required Increase NPS* 450 S** NPS* 450 S** 59% 76% Hydro 1027 1629 1803 Wind 195 1102 1685 465% 764% Solar PV 28 499 901 1682% 3118% Nuclear 393 633 865 61% 120% Nuclear current capacity = 371GW *New Policy Scenario (NPS) = IEA base case capacity ** 450 Scenario (450 S) = required capacity needed for probable achievement in reduction of global warming Source: IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2011 Table 7. Nuclear Energy Consumption CAGR However, incidents at two nuclear facilities materially altered the growth of the commercial nuclear power industry (Chart 2). Following the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for US nuclear consumption slowed. Interestingly, European nuclear consumption growth remained largely undeterred by the US experience of Three Mile Island. France, Europe’s largest consumer of nuclear energy, actually increased its CAGR due to a concerted scale-up effort. This may have been due to Europe’s diminished security of energy supplies and a conscious effort to become a world leader and pioneer in an important technology. However, even Europe’s nuclear consumption growth slowed following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster (Table 7). The impact of these two events on the nuclear industry was material and can be quantified by the divergence between current nuclear power consumption figures versus previous forecasts originating in the early 1970’s by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). In each case, current consumption figures are only about 10% of what had been forecasted more than 30 years earlier14. Region US France Japan Russia Germany World EU Chart 2. Global Nuclear Reactor Trends Three Mile Island Chernobyl 25 5 -5 -15 14 Post Chernobyl Uranium Price Boom 1968-78 36.3% 24.0% 53.4% 32.6% 36.1% 28.2% 17.5% 1980-85 8.8% 29.6% 13.0% 18.0% 20.1% 15.8% 22.4% 1987-02 3.7% 3.4% 3.4% 0.9% 1.0% 3.0% 2.4% 2003-10 0.8% -0.4% 3.5% 2.0% -2.3% 0.7% -1.2% Construction starts Grid connections Permanent shutdowns Cancelled Constructions Fukushima 15 13 Post Three Mile Island Source: BP Statistical Review 2013 45 35 Commercial Nuclear Expansion Source: IAEA|PRIS BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2013 Yellow Cake Fever, Australian Conservation Foundation , 2013, pg 17 6
• 7.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 As a result, widespread commercial nuclear programs have, until recently, been restricted to only a handful of countries. This backdrop is important because now, as then, many of the same arguments are used by proponents of a nuclear renaissance (Table 8). Table 8. Expected Reactor Grid Connections 2013 2014 2015 Number of reactors 14 17 13 China 7 8 8 Source: WNA Nuclear Driver #1 – the good: growing electricity needs? Real GDP growth, a good measure of improving living standards, or lack thereof, within society is a function of secure access to cost-effective energy supplies. Continued population growth, economic development, and the mass urbanization – within China, India, and potentially Africa – of large geographical territories housing immense populations will require greater electricity generation. Certain technologies appear well poised to meet growing energy demands as economic barriers to entry for both renewables and commercial nuclear power are consistently being removed. In addition, the environment will continue to become an ever increasing concern due to continued global warming and serious health issues arising from poor air quality (Table 6)15. China’s coal consumption, currently accounting for 50% of the global total, to generate electricity and manufacture steel has produced smog that regularly plagues Beijing and is hampering the city’s development. Chart 3. Reactors Under Construction, Regional Breakdown Other, 19 China, 30 The future health of the commercial nuclear power industry, and therefore the uranium market, is approaching an inflection point. The benefits of nuclear electricity generation are difficult to ignore, including:      Korea, 5 India, 6 material reduction in CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions sustainable supply of uranium for fuel significant safety improvements on modern reactors consistent base load generation projected reduced overnight capital costs for new reactors Russia, 10 Source: IAEA|PRIS The Westinghouse Electric Company claims that their designs and technology are used in half the global nuclear reactor fleet 16. Therefore, looking at the improvements of their large utility-sized third generation advanced reactor, the AP1000, is a good indication of the evolution in reactor designs. Westinghouse emphasized greater simplification – crucial for the future competitive health of the commercial nuclear industry. In economics, positive learning curves achieve reduced capital and operating costs for a perspective technology from increasing scale and efficiency. However, commercial nuclear reactors have exhibited negative learning curves; capital costs have increased due to increasing complexity of designs and regulations. To achieve greater simplification, the Westinghouse AP1000 features a smaller footprint, fewer moving parts, the inclusion of passive safety systems, and modular construction. As yet, the successes of these adaptations to reduce capital costs Table 9. Median Reactor Construction Duration Reactor grid connections 1981-1995 Median Number of construction reactors length (years) Korea 10 5.25 12 4.65 China 3 6.08 14 5.15 Japan 28 3.90 8 3.82 US 48 11.43 1 N/A Total 245 8.17 65 7.58 Source: IAEA|PRIS 15 16 Air Pollution, World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/topics/air_pollution/en/index.html AP1000, “Ready to Meet Tomorrow’s Power Generation Requirements Today”, Westinghouse 7 Reactor grid connections 1996-2012 Median Number of construction reactors length (years)
• 8.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Finally, projected global growth of new commercial nuclear reactors is concentrated in Asia where the regulatory environment appears less ensnared by special interest groups than developed western countries (Chart 5). Similar to the French successful nuclear scale-up that transpired between 1975-2000, and unlike the post 1979 US regulatory nightmare, China has fewer participants in the decision-making process leading to reactor builds that are completed in less time than could be achieved in the developed world 17. For example, the construction and connection time for the net 1000 MWe Lingao 4 reactor in 2011 in China was 5 years. This compares favourably to the 23 years of construction and approval time for the 1123 MWe Watts Bar-1 in the USA that was finally connected to the grid in 1996. China’s nuclear consumption stood at 97.4 TWh in 2012, making up only 2% of total domestic electricity generation. China’s 10-year consistent CAGR of 14.5% for nuclear consumption illustrates methodical growth for the domestic nuclear power industry and a friendly government. There exists substantial growth potential within China. 500 Chart 4. Nuclear Reactors as of July 2013 400 300 200 100 0 Operable Under Construction China US Planned Proposed World ex US & China Source: WNA 200 Chart 5. Annual Nuclear Consumption Russia Korea 150 China Terawatt-hours and construction times, and appease regulators, have only marginally materialized (Table 9). However, the approach to drastically simplify the construction process and reactor operations to reduce costs makes intuitive sense – particularly modular design. The potential for reductions in capital costs may materialize as the number of new reactor builds achieve scale. For example, China is embarking on an ambitious plan to increase the number of domestic nuclear reactors. China currently has 18 operable reactors, 30 under construction, and dozens more in the planning stage (Chart 4). India 100 50 0 Nuclear Driver #2 – the bad: increasing competition from renewables? 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 Source: BP Statistical Review 2013 The main hurdles that have prevented many countries from adopting nuclear power as a material component of their energy supply mix have been: Chart 6. Annual Nuclear Consumption 900 US Required regulatory environment Safety is of paramount concern for a vibrant commercial nuclear industry. Countries with a history of corruption may lack the necessary oversight required to limit the risks of nuclear incident. Even developed countries with enforced legal frameworks have not been immune from inappropriate conduct eroding public trust (Chart 6). In 2012, a fake part scandal in South Korea (Korea) caused the temporary closure of two reactors18. In Japan, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) had been accused of inappropriate conduct several times regarding its stewardship of nuclear reactors. The consequences of an inappropriate nuclear safety Terawatt-hours France 1. Japan 600 Germany 300 0 1977 1984 1991 Source: BP Statistical Review 2013 Arnulf Grubler, “The French Pressurized Water Reactor Program”, 2012, Historical Case Studies of Technology Innovation,, Chap. 24, The Global Energy Assessment, Cambridge University Press 18 Kim Da-ye, “KHNP suffers from grave loss of public credibility” Korea Times, Sep 2013 17 8 1998 2005 2012
• 9.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 framework and insufficient regulatory infrastructure have become tragically apparent with the continuing Fukushima saga in Japan19. 2. 3. Long project lead times Multi-year construction estimates plus regularly experienced delays have historically meant nuclear power was unresponsive to resolving current energy demands, and led to dramatically increasing capital costs. The worldwide experience in building third generation advanced reactors has been mixed. It appears smaller footprints and greater design standardization have shortened construction and licensing times, though not materially so. The most recent reactor builds in both Korea and China have required 4-5 years to construct and connect to the grid, which is a slight improvement on past experience. Whereas, Finland started construction on the Olkiluoto-3 reactor in August 2005, and as yet remains unfinished with expected start-up in 2016. The US eia estimates 6-year lead times for advanced nuclear plant construction compared to 3 years or less for wind, solar, and gas-fired plants. To remain competitive with continual advancements in renewable power generation, the commercial nuclear industry must reduce reactor construction times to a similar window to minimize capital costs and maintain government support (Table 10). Capital costs Capital costs represent at least 60% of the total cost of building, operating, and decommissioning a nuclear reactor. Capital costs include all investment and expenditures required to prepare, build, and bring the reactor to operational status; and as such are a function of the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and the time required to construct and connect to the grid. Third generation advanced reactors have yet to become competitive with fossil fuels on a capital cost basis (Table 10). Worse, the history of the commercial nuclear fleet has been littered with major construction cost overruns, sometimes 2-3 times greater than the initial budget. For example, the Capex for Finland’s Olkiluoto project are now estimated at €8.5 billion or 283% more than the initial estimate20. Capital expenditure overruns may become an ever greater problem for utilities in the developed world as most have standalone credit ratings that are below investment grade, and are domiciled in jurisdictions whose domestic governments’ ability to lend support is potentially compromised by increasingly large debt burdens21. The PwC 2012 global survey of power and utility companies found 85% of respondents listed the ability to finance at economic rates as medium to very high risk for capital intensive projects. The recently announced UK deal to build a new commercial reactor hinged on selling a 30% Yuriy Humber & Tsuyoshi Inajima, “Tepco Split Looms as Utility Lacks Motive to Fix Fukushima”, Bloomberg, Oct 2013 20 Mycle Schneider, Antony Froggatt et al., World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2013, pg 49 21 Ibid, pg 58, Table 3 19 9 Table 10. OECD Overnight Construction Costs, 2010 Technology Pre-financing charges (USD/kW) Investment as share of total costs* 5% 10% Construction period (years) Nuclear 1600-5900 60% 75% N/A Wind 1900-3700 77% 87% 1-2 Gas 520-1800 12% 16% 2-3 *Investment includes financing but excludes non-operating liabilities **Onshore Source: IEA/NEA/OECD To remain competitive with the combination of gas and renewables for electricity generation, construction of nuclear reactors will need to reduce both the required capital investment and lead time.
• 10.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Insufficient domestic human capital Operators of reactors require special knowledge and qualifications to prevent adverse situations and respond to emergencies. An often cited criticism of the Fukushima containment and clean-up effort has been the use of inadequately trained personnel 22. Importing specialized workers from various countries to build nuclear reactors has been blamed for causing delays as language and cultural barriers have inhibited communication. New reactor designs have reduced both the number of moving parts and placed greater reliance on passive safety systems in an effort to minimize the risk of human error and system weak points. However, the number of potentially obsolete reactors, those built using designs that pre-date the twin Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents, is still greater than the number of more modern designs, increasing the risk of other nuclear incidents due to an inferior design and/or human error. The situation will take years to correct (Chart 7). Unlike during its infancy, nuclear power does not exist in a clean energy vacuum. Today, there are other competitors that do not emit air pollution, and whose costs are falling on an annual basis illustrating positive learning curves. Continuing technological improvements for renewables, especially wind and solar, are changing the electricity generation landscape. Combined with advancements in the extraction of natural gas, renewables offer an alternative portfolio mix that is currently more politically malleable. General Electric (GE) CEO Jeff Immelt, recently stated, “some combination of gas, and either wind or solar” was the most attractive energy mix due to the increasing number of gas discoveries. Low natural gas prices were blamed as the culprit for the announced withdrawal from the US nuclear industry by the French state utility Electricité de France (EDF), the global leader in nuclear power production23. 30 30 number of reactors 25 25 Total net electrical generating capacity 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 Age (Years) Source: IAEA|PRIS Table 11. Share of Global Electricity Generation Jacob Adelman, “Tepco Says Rains Causing Spikes in Fukushima Radiation Readings”, Bloomberg, 2013 World Nuclear Status Report, http://www.worldnuclearreport.org/Duke-Energy-Abandons-MoreReactor.html 24 “Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2013” Frankfurt School UNEP Centre & Bloomberg New Energy Finance 22 23 10 Nuclear Wind + Solar 1993-2002 average 17.2% 0.0% 2003 15.7% 0.4% 2004 15.7% 0.5% 2005 15.1% 0.6% 2006 14.8% 0.7% 2007 13.8% 0.9% 2008 13.5% 1.1% 2009 13.5% 1.5% 2010 12.9% 1.8% 2011 A survey of 72 power and utility companies in 43 countries completed by PwC in 2012 highlight some very interesting viewpoints by industry insiders. Investment in new gas generation was the most popular with 55% of survey participants identified as making material investments in the space. While, over 80% believe onshore wind and solar will not need subsidies by 2030. Between the 2Q09 (2nd quarter of 2009) to 1Q13, levelized costs for onshore wind and solar PV decreased by 15% and 50%, respectively 24. Whereas, global levelized costs for nuclear over the same period were flat (Table 11). The IEA expects renewables to make up 1/3 of global electricity generation by 35 12.0% 2.3% 2012 11.0% Source: BP Statistical Review 2013 2.7% Gigawatts of Capacity 4. Chart 7. Weighted-average Age of Reactors Worldwide 35 Number of Reactors ownership stake to Chinese investors, illustrating how limited the UK public purse has become.
• 11.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 2035. In fact, 2012 marked the first year that China consumed more wind power than nuclear and became the global leader in solar investment. Chart 8. Reactors in Permanent Shutdown Breakdown by Country Nuclear Drivers #3 – and the ugly: Fukushima? Following the Fukushima disaster on March 11, 2011 and the ongoing issues with containing irradiated water within the site, the Japanese government and National Regulatory Authority have made changes to safety guidelines and policy. In 2013, Japan shut down operations at the last two operating reactors. New regulatory policy will now require the support of prefectures and local authorities where the shutdown reactors are domiciled before restarting. This policy is eerily similar to additional US regulation following Three Mile Island that led to the Shoreham nuclear reactor fiasco. The Shoreham nuclear reactor was built in the 1970’s and was declared safe for operations in 1981 by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. However, following the incident at Three Mile Island in 1979, public opinion for commercial nuclear power soured and the Shoreham plant operators were unable to develop agreeable evacuation plans with state and local officials in New York. Shoreham was never permitted to begin normal operations and was eventually decommissioned – the total cost reaching $6 billion. The PwC survey found 80% of the global power and utility companies list the regulatory environment as the biggest contributor to either encourage or inhibit investment. Therefore, there exists material risk that many of the 50 shutdown Japanese reactors listed as operable may never restart owing to negative public opinion and new regulation. Grant Isaac, CFO of Cameco, estimates that 35-40 reactors will eventually restart25. This scenario is important as restarts of Japanese reactors are a commonly argued catalyst for rising uranium prices (Table 12). Interestingly, Japanese reactor restarts – or lack thereof – indirectly impacts a separate factor sure to help lift uranium prices. The 20-year agreement between Russia and the US commonly refered to as “Megatons to Megawatts” is in its final year. The agreement, called on Russia to downblend 500 tonnes of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium (HEU) for use in western commercial nuclear reactors. Over the last several years this secondary supply has represented between 11-13% of global U3O8 demand. However, the loss of this secondary supply will now be countered by a combination of several factors. First, though the exact figures are hard to come by due to being proprietary information, global utility stockpiles are estimated to be at all-time highs, placing a ceiling on the speed of recovery for uranium prices. In addition, as previously stated Japanese reactor demands will be materially reduced, potentially displacing 20% of pre-Fukushima Japanese uranium supply into the world market. Further, production from Cameco’s Cigar Lake Project will commence shortly, with production estimated to top out at 18.1 million pounds of U3O8 by 2019. These headwinds make it difficult to argue for immediate material upward uranium price movements. 25 Cameco Corp Presentation at the Canaccord Genuity Resource Conference, Oct 2013 11 US, 32 Other, 47 UK, 29 France, 12 Germany, 27 Source: IAEA|PRIS Table 12. Global Nuclear Consumption 2010 2012 World 2768 TWh Peak Usage USA 30.7% 2010 USA 32.7% France 15.5% 2005 France 17.2% Japan 10.6% 1998 Russia 7.2% Russia 6.2% 2012 Korea 6.1% Korea 5.4% 2011 Germany 4.0% Germany 5.1% 2001 China 3.9% Canada 3.2% 2006 Canada 3.9% Ukraine 3.2% 2007 Ukraine 3.9% Source: BP Statistical Review 2013 World 2477 TWh
• 12.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Fukushima has also had global implications. China placed a moratorium on new reactor builds while leaders reviewed nuclear safety regulations and oversight. Though the moratorium has since ended, China has had only one reactor connected to the grid in 2013 and is now unlikely to fulfill its proposed commercial nuclear power targets. In 2012, the European Union issued a safety report on 145 reactors recommending immediate safety upgrades that would cost an estimated €10 to €25 billion, and suggested that utilities operating nuclear reactors take out liability insurance. Additional required Capex to upgrade and maintain reactors increases the likelihood of premature permanent shutdown as the existing nuclear fleet ages. This risk seems to playing out in the US where four reactors have been, or are scheduled for, early permanent shutdown26 (Chart 8). Worldwide, there are 435 reactors with a weighted average age of 28 years (Chart 9). The assumption that older reactors approaching their initial 40 year operating license will automatically have their lives extended by an additional 20 years is no longer valid. The slower pace of commercial nuclear expansion in China, uncertainty regarding Japanese reactor restarts, and an aging reactor fleet in the US and Western Europe threatens to keep the average annual uranium spot price from again reaching the 2007 peak through 2023. Zimtu Uranium Price Forecast – how does it compare? More than 29 countries consume some amount of nuclear energy. However, four countries – the US, France, Japan, and Russia represented 63% of total nuclear energy consumption in 2010. Therefore, the respective domestic nuclear policy for each, as well as China, will determine the long term health of the uranium market. Chart 9. Operational Reactor. Regional Breakdown US, 100 Other, 194 Although more than 29 countries consume some amount of nuclear energy, four countries – the US, France, Japan, and Russia – represented 63% of total nuclear energy consumption in 2010. Therefore, special attention was given to the unfolding energy policies in these markets as well as China. The future of the domestic commercial nuclear energy programs for these countries will materially impact the long term global demand for uranium. Regression analysis was used to project average annual spot prices for uranium over the 10-year forecast period. The World Nuclear Association (WNA) listed global nuclear electricity generating capacity, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) investment and inflation rates from 1980 to 2012 were regressed over a blended annual uranium price (Table 13). The model had an R2 of 83% indicating uranium prices in the long run are highly correlated to capital investment decisions to expand the commercial nuclear reactor fleet in the absence of early retirements. It is important to note that though the spot market price of uranium is often quoted to the public, the spot market represents on average only 15-25% of total uranium transactions27. The vast majority of uranium transaction contracts are done using long term contracts with end users, where the spot price may or may not be referenced. France, 58 Japan*, 50 Russia, 33 Source: IAEA|PRIS *none currently in operation Table 13. Uranium Spot Price Estimates World Nuclear Status Report, http://www.worldnuclearreport.org/Another-US-Reactor-Scheduled-for.html 27 WNA, “Uranium Markets”, http://world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Uranium-Resources/UraniumMarkets/ 12 Zimtu Analyst mean 2013 39.74 48.47 2014 48.75 57.65 2015 54.03 65.09 2016 59.85 70.90 2017 26 Annual mean 65.74 70.50 2018 Source: ZC 69.89 N/A
• 13.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 A fundamental analysis also leads to a similar conclusion. Depending on the discount rate used, Capex represents 60-75% of total costs throughout the life of a nuclear reactor. Multibillion dollar capital investment decisions to build nuclear reactors depends on the belief that timely construction will be completed on budget, with attractive financing – a discount rate of 5% is often cited. Unfortunately, many quasi-public utilities throughout the OECD with material exposure to building and operating nuclear reactors have seen their standalone credit rating diminish overtime, and now rely on government support to access the capital markets at economic rates to fund large scale investments. Therefore, the planned commercial nuclear expansion in Asia, especially China, is the major growth driver of uranium demand going forward, and the basis for an upward trending uranium price. LCOE – matters of import: assumed operating life and discount rate The US eia estimate the 2013 overnight capital costs to build a Dual Unit Nuclear Power Plant in the US to be $5,530 per kW; whereas, the OECD found a median cost of $4,100 per kW globally in 201028, 29. Due to long construction delays and convoluted regulatory environments, the most recent reactors builds in the OECD have and continue to incur major cost overruns. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) increased its cost estimate for the Watts Bar Unit 2 in the US from $2 billion to over $4 billion, now scheduled to be completed in December 201530. To economically compare different sources of energy a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) methodology is useful (Table 14). Essentially, this approach utilizes a discounted cash flow (DCF) model and assumes an internal rate of return (IRR) that is equal to the discount rate. The major assumptions built into the model include: Grid connection date – start of cash inflows Operating lifespan – length of cash flows WACC – the discount rate used Decomissioning cost – required reserves Material errors or ommissions in these assumptions that affect the start and length of the cash flow period, understate the present value of liabilities, or materially change the discount rate will directly impact Capex decisions. Table 14. OECD LCOE Ranges, 2010 (USD/MWh) Technology* 10% Nuclear 29-82 42-137 Wind, onshore 48-163 70-234 Gas** 67-105 76-120 Coal** 54-120 67-142 *Solar not included as sample population too small **Includes carbon price of $30/tonne Source: IEA/NEA/OECD The planned commercial nuclear expansion in Asia, especially China, is the major growth driver of uranium demand. Given a low discount rate, nuclear is competitive with other electricity generating technologies using a levelized cost comparison. 25 Chart 9. US 2012 Electricity Production Costs (O&M and Fuel costs measured in cents per kWh) 20 Coal 15 Gas Nuclear Petroleum 10 A joint OECD/IEA/NEA 2010 study found that at low discount rates “more capital-intensive, low-carbon technologies such as nuclear energy are the most competitive solution”; whereas, at high discount rates “coal without carbon capture equipment, followed by coal with carbon capture equipment, and gasfired combined cycle turbines (CCGTs) are the cheapest sources of electricity”. France’s successful experience of scaling up nuclear power with 28 29 30 “Project Costs of Generating Electricity”, 2010 Edition, IEA, NEA, OECD US eia, “Updated Capital Cost Estimates for Utility Scale Electricity Generating Plants” April 2013 TVA, “http://www.tva.com/news/releases/octdec13/wbn2.html”, Oct 2013, www.tva.com 5 0 Source: Nuclear Energy Institute 13 Discount rate 5%
• 14.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 strong government support appears to suggest the study’s low discount rate conclusion is correct. The low discount rate scenario in the study is assumed to be 5% for utilities, due to either implicit or explicit government sponsorship. We find this assumed discount rate valid in the current environment. For example, TVA, a government owned but self-financed enterprise, last issued 30-year debentures at a record low of 3.50% in December of 2012. At the time this was an average premium of 62 basis points (bps) over the 30-year Treasury bonds for the month of December 31, 32. With the median average annual yield of 4.52% on US 30-year Treasuries since 2000, and assuming a 50-100 bps premium, gives an approximate discount rate of 5% for TVA. Over an assumed 60-year lifespan and a 5% discount rate, the estimated Capex is approximately 60% of total costs over the life of a nuclear reactor, compared to operations and maintenance (O&M) costs representing 24%, and fuel cycle costs just 16% (Chart 9). Importantly, the total cost breakdown over the life of nuclear reactors highlights a disproportionate relationship. The number of operating reactors generating electricity significantly influences the price of uranium. However, the price of uranium as fuel is a marginal input in the decision to generate electricity using commercial nuclear reactors. The Athabasca Basin – epicenter for global uranium exploration Uranium exploration expenditures in Canada have increased from C$45 million in 1990 to C$198 million in 2011, though much of this increase occurred after 2004 (Table 15)33. Exploration costs in Canada adjusted for inflation (constant 2012 CAD) measured as a ratio of annual exploration expenditures per exploratory thousands of meters drilled decreased steadily from 1990 to a trough of $389 thousand in 2005. The decline in real exploration costs probably corresponds to the increasing density of exploration and development activities within proximity of current high-grade producing mines and deposits predominantly located around the eastern edge of the Athabasca Basin (Map 2). The eastern sections of the Basin, accounts for all current Canadian production and are home to both the McArthur River and Cigar Lake mines, the highest-grade known deposits in the world. Cameco has slated Cigar Lake production to start in 201434. The increasing density of activity helps reduce costs through two avenues: TVA, “TVA Achieves Historically Low Cost 30-Year Financing” Dec 2012, www.tva.com US Federal Reserve, http://www.federalreserve.gov/econresdata/statisticsdata.htm Uranium – 2011 Annual Review and Outlook, Natural Resources Canada 34 Cigar Lake Project, Table 16-3, Cameco, www.cameco.com 31 32 33 14 The total generating capacity from nuclear reactors is a significant influence on the price of uranium. Juxtaposed, the price of uranium has only marginal impact on reactor generating capacity. Table 15. Uranium Exploration in Canada Expenditures (millions of CAD) Exploration drilling (000’s of meters) Year 1990 45 66 1991 44 67 1992 46 79 1993 40 62 1994 36 67 1995 44 75 1996 39 79 1997 58 104 1998 60 95 1999 49 89 2000 34 76 2001 27 47 2002 31 78 2003 31 74 2004 44 118 2005 91 266 2006 214 424 2007 413 655 2008 409 725 2009 188 410 2010 191 317 2011 198 412 2012 (e) 185 378 2013 (e) 158 343 2014 (e) 203 405 2015 (e) 222 432 2016 (e) 244 461 2017 (e) 264 486 2018 (e) 271 496 Source: Natural Resources Canada (NRC) Exploration costs per meter drilled (CAD) 682 657 582 645 537 587 494 558 632 551 447 574 397 419 373 342 505 631 564 459 603 481 489 462 500 515 530 543 546
• 15.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 1. 2. Existing and expanding infrastructure can be treated as a public good – roads, utilities, personnel, services, etc. can be shared reducing costs and wait times. Improved geological understanding of underground formations within particular zones increases the probability of successful exploration. The median exploratory distance drilled between 2006-2011 was 418km per annum, which is almost a six-fold increase from the median 76km drilled per annum between 1990-2003. Exploration costs per meter in 2011 measured in 2012 dollars were 54% below where they were in 1990. Increased exploration in proximity to the recent large PLS discovery, a joint venture between Fission Uranium (TSXv: FCU) and Alpha Minerals (TSXv: AMW), should lead to reduced real exploration costs through the forecast period (Table 16). Historically, Canadian uranium exploration has been correlated with movements in real prices for uranium. Regressing kilometers drilled per annum against the average annual inflation adjusted price of uranium over the period of 1990-2011 yields an R2 of 77% indicating fairly robust correlation. Intuitively, this result makes economic sense as higher real uranium prices would be expected to attract financing for uranium exploration and development. Nominal exploration expenditures in Canada materially increased starting in 2004 and peaked at $413 million in 2007, corresponding to upward price movements for uranium. We forecast exploration dollars to bottom out in 2013 before trending upward; increasing approximately 70% by 2018, following a nominal uranium price increase of 76% over the same period (Table 15)35. Our uranium price estimates remain below the median analyst estimates, though still above average extraction costs in the Basin (Chart 10 & Table 17). This will attract greater exploration efforts to the Basin as other global uranium deposits featuring marginal economics find it difficult to finance future operations. In fact, the current $50 per pound long term price of U3O8 is below the psychologically important $60 barrier that many analysts believe is required to recoup total costs for approximately 1/3 of the industry’s current global production. Though using figures from the 2011 OECD Redbook and adjusting for mining inflation, we find 25% of globally identified uranium resources unprofitable below $60 per pound (Table 17). However, if we assume a desired profit margin of at least 20%, over half of the globally identified uranium resources are unattractive if the long term price drops below $44 per pound. Uranium maintaining a price significantly above $60 before 2016 will be difficult as the current global glut of uranium supplies due to Japanese reactor shutdowns will need to be worked through. As previously mentioned, over the medium term the combined affects from the ramp-up in production coming from Cigar Lake and the reduced number of operating Table 16. Real Exploration Costs per meter Drilled (constant 2012 CAD) Period Absolute Change 1990-2011 -53.9% 2011-2018 est -12.1% Source: NRC and ZC estimates CAGR -3.6% -1.8% ZC anticipates 2013 to be a trough for Canadian uranium exploration dollars, and rebound strongly over the next five years; increasing by approximately 70% by 2018, following a nominal price increase of 76% for uranium (Table 15). 100 Chart 10. Annual Average Spot Price of U3O8 and Canadian Uranium Exploration in millions of USD 90 400 350 80 300 70 250 60 50 200 40 150 30 100 20 50 10 0 0 Source: Cameco, NRC, Federal Reserve, and ZC estimates Table 17. Identified Resources of U3O8 Cost Ranges Adjusted for Mining Inflation per pound U3O8 < $18 Australia Kazakhstan Russia Canada Namibia US Niger World total < $36 < $59 < $117 - 3,508.1 4,319.8 4,520.5 123.2 1,263.0 1,635.5 2,131.0 - 144.0 1,266.6 1,690.6 912.0 1,083.6 1,218.5 1,597.3 - 17.2 678.5 1,346.9 - 101.7 539.2 1,227.4 14.3 14.3 1,094.5 1,158.2 1,770.2 8,003.4 13,849.5 18,449.6 2013 expected reactor requirements = 169 million pounds U3O8 35 Discrepancies in Canadian uranium exploration expenditures between Table 15 and Chart 10 resulting from CAD to USD FX conversion 15 Source: OECD Uranium Red Book 2011 and ZC estimates
• 16.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Japanese reactors threaten to offset lost secondary supply from the end of the Megatons to Megawatts program between the US and Russia 36 (Table 18). Scenario Production Analysis – no place like home Table 18. Uranium Production Se nse tivity Analysis base d on ZC Adaptation of IEA's NPS, 2011-2035 R eacto r s t a t us Capitulation of many uranium exploration and production (E&P) projects in high-cost jurisdictions appears only a matter of time. Both Namibia and Niger have large high-cost uranium resources that are having difficulty in the current pricing environment. For example, Australian uranium miner, Paladin, has written-down assets and posted heavy losses from their mining operations in both Malawi and Namibia.37 The Basin is like no other known uranium production center in the world. Canada has over 900 million pounds of U 3O8 that could be attractive with a current long term price potentially as low as $22 per pound (assuming a 20% profit margin). Canada has approxmately 52% of the global identified uranium resources in the lowest cost bracket as opposed to 7% for Kazakhstan, the leading global producer. In this context, Kazakhstan is surely struggling and faces difficult decisions. A material 41% of Kazakhstan’s identified uranium resources are unprofitable below an estimated $60 per pound. Generally, as the largest producer, Kazakhstan should curtail production forcing uranium prices higher. However, a combination of increasing uranium prices as a result of reduced production from Kazakhstan would risk ceding market share to Australia. Globally, Australia has the largest share of identified uranium resources, most of which currently lie dormant waiting for higher uranium prices to become economic. Whereas, the economics of uranium production from the Basin are materially more advantaguous. High-grade uranium deposits with developed infrastructure reduces the cost of extraction and ensures the Basin wll remain attractive for exploration. The IEA’s 2011 New Policy Scenario (NPS) calls for investment in new nuclear plants of $1,125 billion between 2011-2035. We consider this our base-case scenario, and assume overnight construction costs of $4.1 billion entirely debt financed, with an average 5-years constuction period and a 5% interest rate compounded semi-annually. This gives a total average Capex of $5.2 billion per reactor.38 Under this scenario, the number of operational reactors after accounting for permanent shutdowns following a 60-year operating life, increases by 18% to 514 reactors by 2040. Assuming all secondary supplies have been exhausted, such that all reactor requirements are met through primary mining production, leads to a scenario where annual uranium production would have to increase from 150 million pounds in 2012 to 219 million pounds by 2040 (Table 18). WNA, Military “Warheads as a Sources of Nuclear Fuel”, http://world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-FuelCycle/Uranium-Resources/Military-Warheads-as-a-Source-of-Nuclear-Fuel/ 37 Esmarie Swanepoel, “Paladin posts $193.5m interim loss”, Mining Weekly Online, Feb 2013 38 We assume new reactor constructions are net 1000 MW 36 16 Currently Operable N um be r of re a c t o rs 435 M e dia n S upply f ro m M ining glo ba l do wnble nd pro duc t io re a c t o r o f H EU n est. re quire m e nt s m illio n po unds o f U 3 O 8 171 21 150 Be st Case , 2040 O utlook New grid connections 294 permanent shutdowns 119 Results 610 260 0 260 -100% 73% Additional U3 O8 Production Requirements Growth 40% 52% 131 As s um ptio ns : 1) 50 J a pa ne s e re a c to rs te m o ra rily s hutdo wn will re s ta rt 2) C o m ple tio n o f 2 J a pa ne s e re a c to rs unde r c o ns truc tio n 3) C a pe x pe r re a c to r fa lls to $ 3.5 billio n 4) R e a c to r no rm a l o pe ra tio ns = 60 ye a rs inc . e xte ns io n Base Case , 2040 O utlook New grid connections permanent shutdowns Results 198 119 514 219 0 Additional U3 O8 Production Requirements Growth 18% 28% 219 90 -100% 46% As s um ptio ns : 1) 50 J a pa ne s e re a c to rs te m o ra rily s hutdo wn will re s ta rt 2) C o m ple tio n o f 2 J a pa ne s e re a c to rs unde r c o ns truc tio n 3) C a pe x pe r re a c to r re m a in fixe d a t $ 5.2 billio n 4) R e a c to r no rm a l o pe ra tio ns = 60 ye a rs inc . e xte ns io n Worst Case , 2040 O utlook New grid connections permanent shutdowns Results 198 330 303 129 20 Additional U3 O8 Production Requirements Growth -30% -24% 109 (41) -7% -27% As s um ptio ns : 1) Only m o de rn re a c to rs in J a pa n will re s ta rt 2) Ge rm a ny is s uc c e s s ful in tra ns itio ning to no n-nuc le a r 3) Euro pe & US re a c to rs c lo s e pre m a ture ly (< 60 ye a rs ) Source: IEA’s WEO 2011 and ZC estimates The Athabasca Basin is the global low-cost uranium supplier. This factor is extremely important if the worst case scenario becomes a reality. The Basin will profit from exploration dollars transitioning out of high cost regions in Africa, Kazakhstan, and Australia.
• 17.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Under the worst-case scenario, many assumptions are loosened including allowing for early reactor retirements in the US and Europe, and material secondary uranium supplies principally from phosphate production. Up until the mid 1990’s, approximately 20% of US uranium demand was met as a byproduct from phosphate mines.39 This practice ended due to cost constraints. However, a new process called PhosEnergy has the potential to supply up to 20 million pounds of U3O8 annually based on current global phosphate rock production.40 Cameco is a material investor in the technology, and PhosEnergy Limited forecasts cash operating costs of $18 per pound U3O8 derived from a pre-feasibility level engineering study concluded in March 2013. If cost estimates are to be believed then the PhosEnergy Process will displace a material amount of high-cost uranium mining production. If the worst-case scenario were to materialize, annual primary mining production could fall 27% to 109 million pounds by 2040. Table. 19 Share Information TSX-V: LK FSE: 6LL Shares Outstanding: 32.7 M Options: 3.1 M Warrants: 10.5 M Fully Diluted: 46.3 M Management, Founders, and Insiders: 40% Symbols: Market Cap (as at closing bid on 11/11/13): Cash* (est. as at 10/31/13): ZC share ownership Source: LK Table 20. Historic and Current Exploration Efforts for Otherside & Riou Lake Properties Eldorado Nuclear A s s a y ( be s t re s ult ) E xplo ra t io n A c t iv it ie s C o m pa ny In conclusion, under either the best-case, worst-case, or any scenario in between, the Basin offers upside exposure to higher uranium prices resulting from strong growth in commercial nuclear energy generation, while offering important downside protection from increasing uncertainty for the industry. For this reason, exploration in the Basin will remain resilient and future discoveries in the region should command a premium – potentially rewarding properly diversified investors who stay the course. C$3.4 M C$987,063 4.6 M Boulder Prospecting 4.9% U3O8 Soil Geochemical surveys 5-10 ppm U Ground Geophysics: DC resistivity Horizontal loop EM Gravity Drilling UEX Corp Airborne Geophysics: 0.18% U3O8 Eldorado and UEX exploration efforts costs upwards of $3M MegaT EM Gravity Magnetic Lakeland Resources – update Gibbon’s Creek exploration RadioMetric LK LK recently closed a C$1 million equity financing for exploration of the Gibbon’s Creek target located within their Riou Lake property (Map 1, 3). There exists extensive data from historical exploration conducted on the Riou Lake property (Table 20). LK is currently conducting an at-surface exploration program to better define attractive drill targets and intends to commence a 1500-2000m drill program in 1Q14. We expect Radon Ex results from the property shortly, and believe positive results will bring market awarness to the stock. We have created a speculative exploration budget based on LK’s quarterly financial statements and average Canadian uranuim exploration costs (Table 21). There is potential for material cost savings while drilling due to the property’s proximity to Stoney Rapids and year round access. LK could presumably drill a total of 1700m and retain enough cash to cover 1-2 months of sales, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Ideally, this would permit LK to raise additional financing for future exploration at a price above C$0.10 on the back of positive drilling results. Surface Scintillometer Prospecting Line-cutting Ground DC Resistivity Source: LK press releases Table 21. Potential Exploration Program Size Through 1Q14 Assuming No Additional Equity Raise Opening cash balance (11/01/13) Monthly expenditures $ 987,063 $ (184,765) $ 802,298 $ 300,000 $ (300,000) $ 502,298 $ $ 450 $ 36,953 Exploration budget At-surface exploration activities Drilling budget Cost per meter (range) Source: LK & ZC estimates 17 start expected 1Q13 Drilling Ending cash balance post 1700m drill program WNA, “Uranium from Phosphate”, http://world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/UraniumResources/Uranium-from-Phosphates/ 40 The PhosEnergy Process, PhosEnergy Ltd, www.phosenergy.com 39 Results to follow shortly Radon Ex soil survey Maximum exploration drilling (m)* Max. number of drill holes @ 150m each -Derek Hamill Research & Communications identified 3x1 km gravity low 250 2,009 1,783 13 12 $ 77,298 $ 37,298
• 18.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Zimtu Capital Corp. is a TSX listed company focused on creating value through new resource exploration company creation and property generation. SHARE INFORMATION: OUR BUSINESS MODEL: Fully Diluted: 12,680,387 Recent Price: $0.33  Build and actively invest in new resource issuers. Listed on which exchange? TSX, TSXv, CNSX, FSE, and ASX. Symbols: TSXv: ZC FSE: ZCT1 Shares Outstanding: 11,265,487 Options: 1,414,900 (Avg. $1.06) 52 Week Range:  Locate and acquire mineral properties of merit and connect them with exploration companies. $0.28 - $0.90 *as of October 29th, 2013 Located where? Canada, USA, Tanzania, Australia, and Peru Why Zimtu? Company Name Western Potash Commerce Resources Pasinex Resources Pacific Potash Kibaran Nickel Prima Fluorspar Critical Elements Equitas Resources Arctic Star Exploration Lakeland Resources Big North Graphite Red Star Ventures Success with constant project generation and company building Diversification of commodities and geography Symbol TSX:WPX TSXv:CCE CNSX:PSE TSXv:PP ASX:KNL TSXv:PF TSXv:CRE TSXv:EQT TSXv:ADD TSXv:LK TSXv:NRT TSXv:RSM Shares 2,757,154 3,756,178 10,435,500 1,750,000 714,300 7,520,000 1,500,000 8,394,000 1,955,283 4,647,000 2,603,000 1,650,000 46,682,41 5 Success with constant project generation and company building Commodity Potash Rare Metals/Rare Earths Base/Precious Metals Potash Graphite Fluorspar Rare Metals/Lithium Copper/Gold Gold/Diamonds Uranium Graphite Oil/Gas 18 39 Other Public Companies in Portfolio: 18,605,973 shares Zimtu Total Exposure: Public Companies: 53 companies Private Companies: 18 companies
• 19.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Disclaimer and Information on Forward Looking Statements: All statements in this newsletter, other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future performance. Forward looking statements in this document include that discoveries in the Athabasca Basin should command a premium; that Lakeland can become a low cost producer of uranium; that the Radon Ex results are expected shortly and positive news would bring market awareness to Lakeland’s stock; that Lakeland can drill 1700 meters and retain sufficient G&A capital, and that Lakeland will be able to raise additional cash at prices above $0.10. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Risks include misinterpretation of data, inability to attract and retain qualified people, inabiilty to raise sufficient funds to carry out our plans or even to continue operations, among other risks. Risks and uncertainties respecting mineral exploration companies and Lakeland in particular are disclosed in the annual financial or other filing documents of Lakeland and other junior mineral exploration companies as filed with the relevant securities commissions, and should be reviewed by any reader of this article. Despite encouraging results, there may be no commercially viable minerals on Lakeland’s property, and even if there were, Lakeland may not be able to commercialize them. About Zimtu Capital Corp. and this Newsletter This newsletter is an online financial newsletter published by Zimtu Capital Corp. We are focused on researching and marketing resource public companies where we have a pre-existing relationship (almost always as shareholder and a provider of services). Nothing in this article should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned anywhere in this newsletter. This article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The author of this article and its publishers bear no liability for losses and/or damages arising from the use of this article. Be advised, Zimtu Capital Corp. and its employees are not egistered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor or a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online newsletter, including Zimtu's online newsletter, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isn't well known. Most companies featured in our newsletter, and on our website, are paying clients of Zimtu (including Lakeland - details in this disclaimer). In many cases we own shares in the companies we feature. For those reasons, please be aware that we are extremely biased in regards to the companies we write about and feature in our newsletter and on our website. Because our featured companies pay fees to us for our administration and public relations services and rent and we almost always own shares in the companies we feature, you must recognize the inherent conflict of interest involved that may influence our perspective on these companies. This is why we stress that you conduct extensive due diligence as well as seek the advice of your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer before investing in any securities. When investing in speculative stocks of this nature, it is possible to lose your entire investment. Information in this report has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. Our views and opinions regarding the companies we feature on in our newsletter are our own views and are based on information that we have received, which we assumed to be reliable. We do not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in this newsletter will perform as we expect, and any comparisons we have made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Cautionary Note Concerning Estimates of Inferred Resources: This report may use the term "Inferred Resources". U.S. investors are advised that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. "Inferred Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of "Inferred Resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an "Inferred Mineral Resource" exists, or is economically or legally mineable. 19
• 20.
  RESEARCH & OPINION NOVEMBER2013 Questions? Contact Us. VANCOUVER, CANADA STUTTGART, GERMANY TORONTO, CANADA DAVE HODGE SVEN OLSSON SEAN CHARLAND President & Director PH. +1.604.681.1568 [email protected] Director PH. +49 7161 290 967 [email protected] Director PH. +1.647.926.7326 [email protected] VANCOUVER, CANADA VANCOUVER, CANADA VANCOUVER, CANADA DEREK HAMILL MATT SROKA RYAN FLETCHER Research & Communications PH. +1.604.681.1568 [email protected] Corporate Communications PH. +1.604.681.1568 [email protected] Director & Property Transactions PH. +1.604.681.1568 [email protected] 20