QPM and the TECH Project have come a long way. Tens of millions of dollars have been raised from the Korean companies, institutions and other investors. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent, and continue to be spent, on developing the technical and engineering know-how pertaining to the implementation and commercialisation of the DNi process. Although from an accountant's perspective this knowledge and expertise may be classified as "intangible", it is an oversimplification to describe this as merely "conceptual". This IP is invaluable for QPM, the first mover to embrace a game changing technology that will revolutionise the nickel laterite processing industry. At the core of the DNi process is the use of nitric acid at standard temperature and pressure (as opposed to HPAL which uses sulphuric acid at high temperature and pressure) and the ability to recycle >98% of the nitric acid for re-use. QPM is rightly focused on proving up this part of the process so as to give financiers sufficient comfort on the most important aspects of the plant, albeit at the cost of a relatively short delay to the completion of the DFS. In my view, to be overly focused on issues around the potential utilisation of "fugitive" gas which improves the carbon credentials of the project but is not critical to the DNi process or the TECH Project misses the mark.
I would personally capitulate on my investment in QPM if the company is running out of cash. That is not the case. With $40m cash at bank as at 31 March 2022, QPM is fully funded to complete the DFS and all of the necessary engineering and technical work, in order to secure financing and move to a Final Investment Decision.
All IMO and GLTAH.
QPM Price at posting:
9.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)