This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.
Speaking on the NWR Virtual Resources Conference today, Jervois CEO Bryce Crocker emphasised the strategic impact on supply chains COVID-19 would have henceforth.
Especially in the case of cobalt given its strategic uses - aerospace and lithium iron batteries - and the fact that 75% of current supply comes from China-dominated Democratic Republic of Congo.
As such US-support would be expected to be very strong for a home-grown development.
Jervois' Idaho cobalt deposit isn't large, but it is high-grade, with Crocker suggesting it's "extremely high-grade" on a gold and copper-equivalent basis.
Much of the early stage development work has been completed including civils/roads and tailings.
Once the development is given the go-ahead, production is anticipated 12-15 months later.
A final bankable feasibility study is due this month, with commercial banks and other capital providers in the mix to provide the "moderate" funding.
Crocker also emphasised board and management is "completely aligned" with the interests of all shareholders, with the CEO et al corner-stoning Jervois' last fundraising to the tune of A$3 million, and flagging their future support for any future equity raisings.
Shares in the company were down 2.2% to 21.5c, but have recovered from a low of 13c in March.
