Mining

The Search For Limitless Energy Is One Step Closer With Myriad

If you haven’t been following the latest developments, scientists are making remarkable progress in their quest to unleash ‘near-limitless, safe, clean energy’ using nuclear fission technology. The promise of a world fuelled by endless clean energy, devoid of outages and carbon emissions, might seem like a far-off dream. 

Marc Zerbola Challande
August 8, 2023
4
 min read

Article Highlights

A nuclear fission energy revolution is knocking at our doorstep, waiting to transform the energy landscape globally.

If you haven’t been following the latest developments, scientists are making remarkable progress in their quest to unleash ‘near-limitless, safe, clean energy’ using nuclear fission technology. The promise of a world fuelled by endless clean energy, devoid of outages and carbon emissions, might seem like a far-off dream. 

We now understand that clean, stable, baseload electricity from large, modern, and super-safe reactors is vitally important to energy security and reducing carbon emissions, and countries around the world are now building these reactors as fast as they can.  

And new breakthroughs in nuclear technology are bringing a zero-carbon future closer and faster than we ever imagined.  These are the revolutionary  “small modular reactors” which are being designed and built currently. They are going to power the future all around the world.

Before we venture further into this promising future, let’s take a moment to understand a crucial player in this revolution – uranium.

Despite the ominous aura that often surrounds uranium, it’s actually much safer and cleaner than alternatives such as coal, gas, and oil.. Nuclear energy has long been the subject of controversy, with concerns about its environmental impact and safety often taking center stage. 

However, these concerns stem from misunderstandings about the production and utilization of nuclear energy.

In reality, nuclear energy is a clean, safe, and dependable source of electricity. It can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help us fight climate change more effectively.

So why should this matter to you? Well, the answer lies in the financial opportunities that accompany technological advancements. As we edge closer to a potential boom in fission technology, the demand for uranium, the primary fuel for this process, is expected to rise dramatically.

Did you know that Niger, with the largest uranium reserves in Africa, could soon ascend to the position of the world’s second-largest uranium producer?

Niger Will Be Under The Spotlight In The Future – A Growing Uranium Hub

Leading corporations such as Orano have been mining uranium in Niger for decades, but a rising star is making its presence felt. Myriad Uranium (CSE: M, OTC: MYRUF, FRA: C3Q), with its projects located right beside Orano’s, is a company to watch. Its current valuation is less than $10M, but with strategic plans for 2023, Myriad Uranium has clear ten-bagger potential.

Niger’s importance as a hub of uranium cannot be overstated. As we transition towards cleaner energy sources, nuclear energy, primarily powered by uranium, is an optimal choice. In 2021 alone, Niger produced 2248 tons of uranium.  That’s big production, but it’s about to get much bigger, since some of the world’s most significant uranium deposits, which are located in Niger, are about to come on stream.

French-state-owned company Orano has been operating in Niger for decades, specifically in the Tim Mersoï basin. This is the very location where Myriad’s projects are situated. Niger’s government strongly supports Canadian foreign investors, and the region enjoys robust protection from a nearby American air force base.

This bodes well for Myriad Uranium, which has been making strategic moves to secure its position in the market. The company acquired a 100% option through four different licenses covering over 1,800 Km2 in the Tim Mersoï basin, adjacent to Orano’s Imouraren property and on the same structure.   Imouraren is Africa’s largest uranium deposit and the world’s second-largest. 

The year 2023 holds the promise of a significant turning point for Myriad. The company is gearing up to identify the best targets in H1, thanks to ultra-high resolution drone mag survey and electrical method surface geophysics, before initiating drilling operations in H2.

Myriad isn’t just banking on advanced technology to bolster its operations; it has invested heavily in local expertise to ensure its success. The company’s hiring strategy reflects a strong emphasis on local knowledge and experience, which are indispensable in navigating the intricacies of Niger’s mining landscape.

By the end of this article, you will not only grasp uranium’s importance to the global markets but also understand a company that you should keep an eye on – Myriad Uranium.

Niger Can Become 2nd Largest Uranium Producer Worldwide

Did you know that Niger, with the largest uranium reserves in Africa, could soon ascend to the position of the world’s second-largest uranium producer?

When it comes to the energy transition, nuclear energy is the cleanest option and only possible with uranium. Niger generated 2248 tU in 2021, and until the end of 2019, the country had produced roughly 150,000 tU in total. 

French-state-owned company Orano has been operating in the country for decades in the Tim Mersoï basin, which is also where Myriad’s projects are located. 

It is important to mention that the government from Niger strongly supports Canadian foreign investors, including Global Atomic and Goviex. The region is also protected by a nearby American air force base.

Facts about Niger:

  • Two important uranium mines in Niger provide the highest-grade uranium ores in Africa and account for around 5% of global mining output.
  • In 1971, the first uranium mine in Niger went into operation.
  • The government is firmly in favor of increasing uranium mining.
  • Niger has been providing America’s largest utilities with a constant supply of uranium since 2007.
  • Security is a priority: America’s largest air force base is Africa is located in the middle of Niger’s uranium basin.

Diving Deeper – Myriad Uranium (CSE:M)

The company acquired 100% option through 4 different licenses covering over 1,800 Km2 in the Tim Mersoï basin.  All are either adjacent to or near Orano’s Imouraren property (this is Africa’s largest uranium deposit), and also to Global Atomic’s Dasa project, which is also enormous, and is Africa’s highest grade development stage uranium deposit. 

2023 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Myriad. After having its historical data review completed and the field-based confirmation of surface anomalies being underway, Myriad will be identifying targets and depths for drilling, thanks to ultra-high resolution drone mag survey and electrical method surface geophysics such as IP and AMT. 

Early April, Orano announced it would massively invest ($115M) in formal in-situ recovery  (ISR)* at its Imouraren project. ISR  is the most effective low-cost production technology for uranium globally, but it hasn’t been applied in Niger yet, so if it works, it might completely transform the business. The area just north of Imouraren, which Myriad now owns, has never been thoroughly investigated. The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi tragedy prevented Areva, the previous owner and predecessor of Orano, from carrying out a comprehensive drill program for the region that called for 65 boreholes. “Imouraren North” will be investigated by Myriad this year. High-resolution aircraft and ground geophysics for drill targeting will be included in the program, which will be followed by drilling.

The company invested in local forces to succeed. Myriad hired Nigeriens Adamou Ousemane (Commander of the National Order of the Merit of the Republic of Niger, uranium geologist) and Michael Cantey (18 years of experience in the exploration and development of mineral deposits across Africa).  The company has also engaged Ron Halas, former COO of Global Atomic, as a member of Myriad’s Technical Committee to help it make and exploit discoveries. And with Loxcroft Resources being a significant shareholder, Daye Kaba (partner at Asafo &Co.) and Cyril Amadi ( 20 years of experience in the mining industry) joined the board of directors. 

Loxcroft manages explorations on behalf of Myriad, and its team has a strong and direct experience in the Tim Mersoï basin. It is a massive help for Myriad as Loxcroft already has relationships with local drillers and other services and has close relationships with regulators and senior government officials. 

Share Structure / Financials

The most recent financial statements occurred for the period ending January 31. 

When we peek into Myriad’s financials, we find a company in a strong position, with $1M in cash and no debt on its books. The company is efficient at raising money and exploration expenses, which are essential to making discoveries, are expected to increase in H2 2023.

From a share structure perspective, Myriad has a lean structure of 26.5M shares outstanding, the majority of which are held by management and local partners.  This makes it an attractive proposition for investors. Any significant company news could result in noticeable stock price movements, providing a potential windfall for investors.

Looking to the future, the partnership between Myriad and Loxcroft is set to strengthen.  As the company continues to grow and the demand for uranium surges, investors could see Myriad’s valuation soar.

Regarding information on the stock price, $M.CN continues its positive uptrend. Just a year ago, it traded around its 52-week low of $0.135, and since then, the stock price has built nice momentum to currently end up trading at $0.30 (May 5, 2023). Keep in mind that while the company continues to grow, any updates from Orano are likely to boost Myriad’s valuation higher. 

The promise of nuclear energy, the potential of uranium, and the strategic positioning of companies like Myriad Uranium make this an exciting time for investors and energy enthusiasts alike. As we stand on the precipice of a nuclear energy revolution, the future seems filled with boundless opportunities.

Why we believe Myriad Uranium (CSE: M, OTC: MYRUF, FRA: C3Q) is a Hot Stock: 

  • Decarbonization will not be possible without an increased role for nuclear power.
  • Niger provides the highest-grade uranium ores in Africa and accounts for around 5% of global mining output, and this is set to grow fast.
  • Myriad has prime uranium licenses on the most important uranium-bearing faults and structures in the country.
  • Myriad’s licences are surrounded by some of the most significant uranium deposits in the world.  You can see that in the maps included in this article.
  • Myriad has a massive amount of historical data generated by the previous owner, Areva (now known as Orano) which it will use to help it make discoveries.
  • Myriad’s direct neighbor, on the same structures, is Africa’s largest uranium deposit Imouraren.  
  • Orano had big plans to explore Myriad’s areas, but was unable to initiate those plans and Myriad’s partners grabbed the licences.  Now it’s Myriad’s chance.
  • French state-owned Orano is making huge investments ($115M) in Imouraren to advance in-situ recovery, which can be enormously profitable.  
  • This is a potential game-changer because it bodes well for Myriad’s projects which are right next door to Imouraren on the same structures.
  • Loxcroft helps run exploration with a local team providing strong expertise and it has relationships with drillers and government officials.
  • Myriad’s share structure is very tight, with most of its shares being held by management and local investors.  The interests of investors are aligned with the interests of management.

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Investing in Uranium Stocks: A Comprehensive Guide for Canadian Investors

As the global trend towards clean energy continues to gain momentum, many investors are eyeing the uranium market for potential opportunities. The price of uranium has shown signs of strength in recent years, raising hopes for a potential market revival. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different avenues available for Canadian investors to enter the uranium market, focusing specifically on investing in uranium stocks. We will discuss the top uranium mining companies, the countries with significant uranium production, and the potential for future growth in this sector. Additionally, we will examine the positive impact that an increase in uranium prices can have on the stock market. Understanding Uranium Stocks Before diving into the specifics of investing in uranium stocks, it is important to understand the basics of this sector. Uranium stocks refer to shares of companies involved in the exploration, mining, and production of uranium. These companies play a crucial role in the nuclear energy industry, as uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors. The uranium market faced significant challenges following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which led to concerns about the safety of nuclear reactors. Combined with excess supply, these factors caused uranium prices to plummet. However, in recent years, several developments have brought hope to the industry, including supply cuts, geopolitical tensions, and the reentry of major players into the market. As a result, uranium prices have started to rise, prompting investors to consider entering the market. Investing in Uranium Stocks Investing in uranium stocks provides an opportunity for investors to gain exposure to the potential growth of the uranium market. While the path to investing in uranium stocks may not be as straightforward as investing in other commodities like gold, there are several options for Canadian investors to explore. 1. Top Uranium Mining Companies Beginner investors may want to start their journey by considering the world's largest uranium mining companies. These companies often provide stability and have a significant presence in the industry. Some of the prominent uranium heavyweights include: Cameco (TSX:CCO, NYSE:CCJ) BHP (NYSE:BHP, ASX:BHP, LSE:BHP) NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE, TSX:NXE, ASX:NXG) Kazatomprom (LSE:KAP) While these large mining companies offer a solid foundation for investors, there are also mid-tier and junior uranium exploration companies worth exploring. Conducting thorough research on TSXV- and TSX-listed stocks and ASX-listed uranium stocks can provide valuable insights into potential investment opportunities. 2. Understanding Uranium Production To make informed investment decisions, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the countries that produce the most uranium. The top three uranium-producing countries are Kazakhstan, Namibia, and Canada. These countries play a pivotal role in the global uranium market and can directly influence uranium prices. Investors interested in uranium stocks should closely monitor developments in these countries and their impact on market dynamics. 3. Investing in Uranium ETFs For investors who prefer diversification and exposure to a basket of equities rather than individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focusing on uranium can be an attractive option. While the selection of uranium-focused ETFs is relatively limited, there are a few options available for Canadian investors: Global X Uranium ETF (ARCA:URA): This ETF tracks a basket of mining firms, including both American and international uranium miners and producers. VanEck Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (ARCA:NLR): This ETF follows a market-cap-weighted index of companies in the uranium industry. Horizons Global Uranium Index ETF (TSX:HURA): Designed to provide exposure to the rebounding uranium industry, this ETF features Canadian uranium stocks. It is important to thoroughly research and assess the specific holdings and investment strategies of these ETFs before making any investment decisions. 4. Future Potential: Sprott Uranium Miners ETF One of the most recent additions to the uranium ETF landscape is the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (ARCA:URNM). This international uranium fund includes companies from Kazakhstan, Canada, and the US. The ETF tracks producers, explorers, and holders of physical uranium, providing investors with direct exposure to the uranium market. Notably, the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust, a fund investing solely in physical uranium, is one of the holdings of this ETF. The Sprott Physical Uranium Trust has gained popularity for its role in boosting uranium prices. 5. The Role of Uranium Futures Another option for investors looking to participate in the uranium market is through futures contracts. Futures contracts obligate the buyer to purchase or the seller to sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price. While the options for uranium futures are limited, they can still provide investors with a marketplace for direct exposure to uranium prices. CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) offers UxC uranium U3O8 futures, where each contract represents 250 pounds of the nuclear fuel. The NYMEX also provides U3O8 futures trading options. These futures contracts are essential as they provide a means for consumers and suppliers to manage prices and risks in the absence of an exchange-listed, transparent price instrument. 6. The Bullish Case for Uranium The uranium market has attracted significant attention, with experts predicting a potential renaissance in the industry. Various factors contribute to this bullish sentiment, including supply cuts, increased demand for nuclear energy, and growing prospects for uranium prices. John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management, highlights the bullish scenario for uranium, emphasizing the improved position of uranium companies in negotiating sales to utilities. Chris Temple, founder, editor, and publisher of the National Investor, is equally confident in a coming bull market for uranium, predicting a price of $100 per pound within the next two years. Looking at the broader picture, nuclear energy currently accounts for 10% of the world's electricity generation, and this figure is expected to increase to 12% by 2050. As the need for clean energy intensifies and uranium oversupply diminishes, the demand for this energy fuel is likely to grow, presenting an opportunity for investors in uranium stocks. Conclusion Investing in uranium stocks can be an appealing option for Canadian investors seeking exposure to the potential growth of the uranium market. By considering top uranium mining companies, understanding uranium production dynamics, exploring uranium ETFs, monitoring uranium futures, and recognizing the bullish case for uranium, investors can make informed decisions about their investment strategies. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, an increase in uranium prices is expected to have a positive impact on the stock market. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research, evaluate risk factors, and consult with financial advisors before making any investment decisions. By staying informed and remaining vigilant, investors can position themselves to potentially benefit from the future growth of the uranium industry. References: Investing News Network: The Price of Uranium Investing News Network: Uranium Energy in North America

August 24, 2023
3
 min read