Geopacific gets a shot in the arm with St Barbara backing
One of Australia's top mining journalists, Kristie Batten, writes for Stockhead every week in her regular column placing a watchful eye on the movers and shakers of the small cap resources scene.
Geopacific Resources (ASX:GPR) has got a busy six months ahead as it firms up the development plans for its Woodlark Island gold project in Papua New Guinea.
The company is well-funded to complete the definitive feasibility study, having raised $40 million at the start of the year, which represented one of the biggest raisings by a junior in an otherwise bleak March quarter for fundraisings.
The company will also complete a further 30,000m of reverse circulation and diamond drilling with the aim of growing the resource, which stands at 45.56 million tonnes at 1.07 grams per tonne gold for 1.56 million ounces.
'The intent of that is really to position ourselves by the end of this year, early into next year, so that we've obviously got a much better idea of the project economics and it's been de-risked, and we're also having more advanced discussions with either financiers or other mid-tier miners that see the same value that we do,' Geopacific CEO James Fox told Stockhead.
'We haven't decided exactly which way we want to go, whether or not we develop it ourselves, or whether we partner up with a group – I don't think they're mutually exclusive.'
New major shareholder
Geopacific's largest shareholder with 46.1% is Germany's Deutsche Balaton and Delphi, which are active investors in Australia's resources space.
Another company backed by the German group, Patronus Resources (ASX:PTN), sub-underwrote Geopacific's $40 million raising, acquiring a 15.7% stake.
Earlier this month, Patronus agreed to swap its stake in Geopacific with St Barbara (ASX:SBM), buying back St Barbara's stake in Patronus.
St Barbara, which operates the Simberi mine in PNG, now holds 14.4% of Geopacific.
Geopacific shares had been flat all year but are up 20% this month.
Fox said he'd been in contact with St Barbara managing director Andrew Strelein in the past.
'We're figuring out how Geopacific and Woodlark can leverage off St Barbara's position in PNG, in terms of expertise, in terms of personnel, in terms of insights and whether or not there are any opportunities for us to collaborate, whether it be on a project or obviously, on a company wide basis,' he said.
'I think it'd be great to get some of their exploration team over to our project whilst we're drilling, obviously to have a look at some of the porphyry potential that we've been looking at, as well as the general program that we're currently working on.'
While the political system in PNG is stable under Prime Minister James Marape, the government is looking to update the country's mining code later this year.
'Given that are operating there, it does allow us to leverage off some of their experience, in terms of negotiating with the state as well,' Fox said.
Woodlark refresh
A previous management team of Geopacific had pushed the button on a $225 million mine but halted construction in 2021 after spending $100 million, due to inflation, bad weather and the pandemic.
Under Fox, who joined in late 2023, the company spent the first six months of last year applying the lessons learned from previous construction and preparing a new scoping study.
The study, released in July 2024, outlined $326 million to produce 95,000 ounces of gold per annum at all-in sustaining costs of $1534 per ounce and all-in costs of $1820/oz over 12 years.
Undiscounted life of mine revenue was forecast at $3.3 billion, while pre-tax net cashflow was estimated to be $1.3 billion.
The study returned a post-tax net present value of $501 million, an internal rate of return of 37.7% and 18-month payback period.
However, the study used a gold price of just $2900/oz, around 45% lower than today's spot price.
'Because the gold price has moved so much, so quickly, there's a huge amount of catch-up to play,' Fox said.
'And of course, what that does for us, and lots of prospective gold companies, it allows you to have a sort of a more critical look at your project and focus on the areas that are more profitable and the economics are better than just volume.
'It's not necessarily about producing as much gold as we can. It's about producing the most gold at the best cost.'
The DFS will also look at increasing the throughput rate beyond the 2.9Mt per annum envisaged in the scoping study given more than 400,000oz of the resource was not included.
'It's much better for us to increase the throughput rate to maintain the same mine life, then bring the cashflow forward in terms of the project economics,' Fox said.
'If we do that, then we're up to almost a $1 billion worth of pre-tax NPV and an IRR of over 50%.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
US share exodus: Aussies sell their US stocks on Trump fears
Australian retail investors are ditching the United States and moving their money to 'stable' economies on the back of US President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day.' New retail data from investing platform eToro, who asked 10,000 retail investors across 14 countries, including 1,000 from Australia showed a sharp trend away from America. According to eToro's data the downturn in enthusiasm for US markets reflects broader economic uncertainty, with 37 per cent of Aussie investors citing the global economy as the biggest threat to their investments – the highest figure recorded since Q2 2022. Inflation follows as the second biggest concern at 17 per cent. Instead of investing abroad, local investors are increasing their exposure to Australian markets. eToro managing director Robert Francis told NewsWire a combination of US policies and high valuations have retail investors sceptical of investing in the world's largest market going forward. 'People are beginning to realise the US exceptionalism isn't what it was a year or two ago with the inauguration of Trump has meant a lot of uncertainty,' he said. Rayeiris Maduro Rondon, an investor based in Sydney after relocating from Venezuela told NewsWire it is her opinion that the days of the US exceptionalism has 'paused' as she shifts to Europe and China. 'I view this more as a period of recalibration rather than decline,' she said. 'Historically, when markets trade at elevated valuations for extended periods, investors begin to see high multiples as 'the normality' and price in unrealistic growth expectations. 'That's where the U.S. stands today.' While she still holds some US investments on a 'reasonable valuation,' she said there are better opportunities abroad. 'In Europe and Asia, I'm finding businesses with higher returns on capital and strong cash flows trading at deeply discounted valuations, making them far more attractive from a risk-adjusted perspective,' she said. Alert not alarmed Australian investors are split on what the current market volatility means for them. eToro's survey data showed 35 per cent of Aussies are more vigilant about their portfolio while a further 28 per cent are feeling anxious. On the flipside, 24 per cent are actually hopeful or excited about the large market swings. This optimism extends to investing strategies, with over a quarter of Aussie retail investors seeing a decline of 10 per cent or less as an opportunity to buy the dip. eToro's market analyst Josh Gilbert said investors are alert but not all of them are alarmed. 'Many see recent market dips as buying opportunities, which signals a level of confidence in long-term market resilience, he said. 'The risk of being out of the market altogether is something savvy investors are acutely aware of. 'The recent rebound in global equities since April has reinforced that view, even in uncertain times.' It has been a volatile ride for investors since Mr Trump took office for global markets initially rallying before hitting a bear market on April 2, with the announcement of Liberation Day. The wide-ranging tariffs were touted as Liberation Day for the US, with Mr Trump arguing it would level out the playing field. In a list of countries, Australia was 21st with a 10 per cent tariff on all goods imported into the US. The ASX slumped 11.4 per cent in the five days following 'Liberation Day', while the US S & P 500 fell around 12 per cent while the Dow Jones dropped 11 per cent. In both the Australia and the US shares quickly recovered after Mr Trump announced a temporary pause on his tariff policies. Mr Francis said this was a dramatic turnaround in investor confidence with the market initially rallying when Mr Trump returned to office. 'The whole market was buoyant with Trump's inauguration,' he said. 'I mean, we all thought investors, market commentators, all thought that we were going to see a continued bullish trend in the market. 'But given what we're seeing now around trade conflicts, tariffs that are being implemented, this is kind of, where is this going to go? 'All of this means that there's a level of uncertainty right now that doesn't bring confidence in investing in the US'. Some still move to safe assets Commodities have also been a favourite of Australian investors as they look to protect their positions. According to eToro's results, fears mount over a weaker US dollar and persistent inflation, Aussie retail investors are repositioning their portfolios, with nearly half of respondents having adjusted allocations or planning to. Mr Gilbert said 60 per cent of respondents said they expect gold prices to increase in the next 6–12 months, which reinforces its traditional role as an inflation hedge. 'Interestingly, we've seen Bitcoin's growing status among younger investors as a similar hedge. 'Out of local retail investors who are adjusting their portfolios based on a weaker USD, 27 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they will buy more crypto, the highest out of all generations. Indeed, 52 per cent of local Gen Z investors already hold crypto.'
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
How you could get $20,000 back in your tax
For most Aussies, tax time means either a nice tax refund that can boost your savings, or the sneaking suspicion you've left money on the table. According to new research from Officeworks, lots of Aussies are getting tax time wrong – and it's costing us serious money. From lost receipts to missed deductions, and even more in between, the result is the average taxpayer is donating hundreds or even thousands of dollars extra to the ATO just because they don't know better. Below I've included some of the most common tax mistakes and how much they could be costing you. And spoiler alert, if you're falling into these traps it could cost you more than $18,000 over the next decade. So whether you're a regular employee, working for yourself, or running a side hustle, here are the top tax mistakes to avoid – and how you can keep more of your hard earned money. Not claiming what you're entitled to One of the biggest mistakes made by Aussies at tax time is a simple one – not claiming all the deductions you're entitled to. According to H&R Block, people who lodge their own tax return miss out on deductions that cost them an average of $525.50 each year. And it's not even just the big things people miss. Officeworks research found that just 24 per cent of people claim deductions for office furniture, 20 per cent claim pens, and 46 per cent are deducting electronics and tech accessories. Given how many people are working from home, and buying things they use for their work, this shows there are a heap of people missing out on deductions. If you're spending money on deductible items for your work, you're entitled to claim them – but only if you're tracking them – and then actually include these expenses in your claim. Nearly 30 per cent of Aussies lose receipts and end up claiming less, according to Officeworks EOFY research. That could easily mean $500 in missed deductions (or even more), meaning $185 less in your tax refund based on a 37 per cent marginal tax rate. This mistake is an easy one to avoid, it just requires a little bit of organisation. The ATO accepts digital receipts, so you can make your life easier by filing digital receipts on your computer, using an app, or choosing a supplier like Officeworks that offers digital receipts or their own app for tracking. That way at the end of the year, you'll have everything organised and in one place, making your claim easier – and most importantly making sure nothing is missed. Not planning at EOFY Bad timing can be just as costly as bad habits when it comes to your tax return prep. The research from Officeworks shows that 44 per cent of Australians make work related purchases before 30 June to boost their tax deductions. When your deductible expenses land before 30 June rather than after 1 July, this means you'll get the deduction, and the refund a full year sooner. But if you miss the window, you could miss out on the deduction. If you have another $500 in expenses deferred or forgotten, that's potentially another $185 missed this year. Not getting the right help with your return Lots of Aussies still lodge their own tax returns, and for some people that's completely fine. But the data shows a clear benefit to getting some good help with your tax prep. People that lodge their tax returns through a tax agent receive an average tax refund of $3550, compared to $2576 for self-lodgers. This reflects a difference of $974 every year, or almost a thousand dollars you could potentially be missing out on by doing your own tax return (even after fees). And to make getting some help here even easier, the cost of a tax agent is fully tax deductible. Total cost of these mistakes These tax mistakes may seem small, but they add up. Across the four areas outlined here, you're looking at a total of $1870 less back in your refund this year. Over the course of a decade, that's a total of $18,695 – or almost $20,000 being left on the table. The wrap The tax system is full of opportunities to get more out of the money you already have, and keep more of your hard earned income – but only if you understand the rules and how to use them to your advantage. Most people aren't trying to dodge tax on purpose. It could be that you're too busy, unsure, or maybe even a little overwhelmed. But by avoiding a few common mistakes, and being just a little bit more intentional, you could be saving tens of thousands of dollars, maybe even more over the years ahead. To get the most out of your tax refund this year, and use the money as a platform to start the new financial year in a stronger position, there are a few things you need to look out for. Keeping your receipts, tracking everything (even the small stuff), being strategic with your timing, and getting good help – it all makes a big difference. If you want some help with your money and investing, you can book a call with Pivot Wealth here.
ABC News
6 hours ago
- ABC News
One delayed Spirit of Tasmania ship to arrive in August, premier says
The newest Spirit of Tasmania ship is finally set to leave Europe and start heading to Tasmania in just over a week. It follows a lengthy saga involving mechanical delays and an infrastructure debacle. Spirit of Tasmania IV was due to leave Finland late last year, but ferry operator TT-Line failed to build its berth on time. The ship was then moved to a port in Scotland while the Liberal government explored options to lease it out. That is where it has been for the past six months. The ship was expected to leave in May, but then an issue was detected with its liquid natural gas (LNG) system. Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Construction has managed to modify the system, and the ship has been undertaking sea trials. On Sunday, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed the ferry would be expected to leave Scotland and make its way to Australia in 10 days' time. He said the journey would take about six weeks, with the predicted arrival in August. The ship will head to Hobart where it will receive final fit-outs. Its berth in Devonport is not expected to be completed until at least October 2026. It is unclear what will happen to the ferry until it can be used to transport passengers between Tasmania and the mainland. The ship is one of two new ferries that were built in Finland. Spirit V is still undertaking sea trials. The Spirit of Tasmania saga was one of three reasons listed on Labor's successful no-confidence motion against the Premier. The no-confidence motion eventually led to the calling of the election. During its campaign, Labor has drawn attention to the many issues with the project and promised that both ships would be home before Christmas. On Sunday, Labor leader Dean Winter also said he would make sure the new ferries could refuel with locally produced LNG at their home port. The two new ferries have a dual fuel system, meaning that they can run on both diesel and LNG. Mr Winter said upgrading the LNG facilities in Devonport will trigger more that $70 million in private investment and create 150 construction jobs and 15 ongoing roles. Tasmanian Gas Pipeline chief executive Wacek Lipski said this was not new technology and the fact private companies ran on it proved it made economic sense. "All up there's 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions to be saved by switching to LNG," Mr Lipski said. "The vessels are covered by safeguard mechanisms … [that] means the vessels must reduce emissions now and by 2030 be 43 per cent from where they are now. Mr Lipski said his company had the capital and technical knowledge to take on the project, it just needed an agreement with ferry operator TT-Line. The Liberals said all refuelling options were being planned for. "These are matters that are already being addressed by TT-Line," Mr Rockliff said. "All options will be canvassed to ensure that we do have the right infrastructure."
