Jordan Resources: Partnering with Established Lithium Producer to Attempt Fast-Track Development

- Jourdan Resources is a lithium exploration company located in Quebec near Val-d'Or, actively exploring over 16,000 hectares of land adjacent to a producing mine.
- The CEO, Renee Bharti, joined the company initially as a shareholder and became more involved as lithium prospects grew, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. Renee transitioned to CEO three years ago.
- Dr. Andy Rumpel, VP of Exploration, has extensive geological experience from working in South Africa, Peru, and Mexico. He emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach in mining, ensuring that any mineral findings can economically transition to a mine.
- The company's primary focus is on drilling to prove up a resource, aiming for a transition from exploration to production. A partnership with Sayona allows for an investment commitment where Sayona can earn 25% by spending four million dollars.
- Jourdan Resources aims to raise awareness of its potential and growth, emphasizing its proximity to an operating mine, and the significant upside potential for investors. The primary focus for the upcoming year will be on the Vallet property.
Jordan Resources is a junior lithium exploration company focused on its 16,000 hectare land package surrounding the North American Lithium mine in Quebec, Canada. The company has partnered with established lithium producer Sayona Mining, which owns the mine, with the aim of fast-tracking the development of its flagship Valet lithium project. While Jordan offers significant upside potential, investors should exercise caution given the company's early-stage exploration status and reliance on Sayona to advance development.
Strategic Land Position Next to Producing Lithium Mine
- Jordan's 16,000 hectare land package completely surrounds the North American Lithium (NAL) mine, which is located just 500m from Jordan's Valet lithium project. NAL is scheduled to resume production in April 2023 under Sayona's ownership.
- This provides Jordan with a strategic position next door to an established lithium producer and processing infrastructure. According to CEO Renee Yardley, the close proximity means Jordan's deposits could potentially be fast-tracked into production by sending ore to NAL's plant.
- Having an operating mine nearby also reduces infrastructure costs and de-risks project development. The existing access roads, power, water and environmental permits could likely be utilized for Jordan's projects as well.
Agreement with Sayona Advances Exploration and Development
- In November 2022, Jordan signed an earn-in agreement with Sayona that allows Sayona to acquire up to a 51% interest in the Valet project.
- Sayona has already invested $4 million into exploration, with the funds placed into escrow. This will support 24,000 metres of infill drilling in 2023 aimed at upgrading the resource classification.
- The company will also utilize Sayona's expertise to complete the resource estimate in Q4 2023. According to VP Exploration Andy Rumph, Sayona's team has extensive experience in the area which will benefit the modeling work.
- If Sayona funds a feasibility study, it can earn an additional 25% interest in Valet (for a total 51% interest). This agreement fast-tracks exploration and development, while reducing dilution for Jordan shareholders.
Large Exploration Upside at Valet Project
- Previous drilling at Valet has traced lithium mineralization over 800 metres of strike length, with the deposits remaining open along strike and at depth.
- Jordan has permits in place to continue stepping out the drilling farther east, with potential to extend the strike length by another 400 metres. The eastern boundary has not yet been reached.
- In addition, the large 16,000 hectare land package includes the new Valet North/Northeast targets that have seen minimal exploration to date. This presents significant upside potential for new discoveries.
Advancing Towards Maiden Resource and Development Studies
- With the $4 million investment from Sayona, Jordan is planning an extensive 24,000 metre infill drill program at Valet in 2023.
- This is expected to be sufficient to upgrade the majority of the deposit into the Indicated resource category, providing the basis for a maiden resource estimate in Q4 2023.
- According to CEO Yardley, the company is aiming to fast-track Valet through a Preliminary Economic Assessment study and onto a Feasibility Study as quickly as possible.
- The intent is to develop Valet into a mineral reserve that could then be processed at the adjacent NAL mill under the existing permits.
Caution Needed Despite Upside Potential
While Jordan Resources offers appealing leverage to rising lithium prices and the upside potential of new discoveries, the company is still at an early stage of exploration. Investors should exercise caution for the following reasons:
- There is no guarantee of converting the exploration targets into an economic lithium deposit. Additional drilling and capital are needed to prove continuity and grade.
- The company is reliant on Sayona to fund further exploration and development studies. If Sayona slows down investment, it could delay progress.
- The agreement with Sayona is structured to give Sayona majority ownership if it funds a feasibility study. This reduces Jordan's upside should the project advance to production.
- As a junior exploration company, Jordan's share price is likely to remain static prior to securing a maiden resource and completing preliminary economic studies.
While Jordan's strategic position next to an existing lithium mine is promising, investors should weigh the significant risks that come with early stage exploration projects. Proceeding with caution until development studies advance further is advised. The agreement with Sayona helps derisk the project, but Jordan still has work ahead to demonstrate value in its lithium-prospective ground package.
Analyst's Notes


