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November 25, 2024

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First Helium Initiates Process to License & Drill the Leduc Anomaly

First Helium Inc. (‘First Helium’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced that it has completed its field survey activities and selected the surface location for its Leduc anomaly test well planned for drilling this winter. The survey will be used to prepare necessary regulatory applications for drilling approval. The well location has been selected based on a thorough evaluation of recently acquired proprietary 3D seismic data where the Company has identified a significant anomaly in the Leduc Formation which it believes to be prospective for oil. To date, the Company has drilled two successful Leduc oil wells at Worsley, including the 1-30 and 4-29 Leduc oil pool discoveries, respectively, which together have produced more than 113,000 barrels of light oil, generating in excess of $13 million in revenue and $8 million in cash flow.

‘The completion of our recent financing will allow us to proceed with a number of operations this winter, which include testing the large 3D seismic anomaly targeting Leduc oil, and completing the previously drilled Blue Ridge horizontal well targeting helium-enriched natural gas. If successful, these operations will set the stage for immediate cash flow for the Company, coupled with the accelerated development of oil and helium enriched natural gas at Worsley, executed alone or with larger partners,’ said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium.

‘These operations represent a very important next step for the Company in de-risking the Leduc and Blue Ridge plays, respectively. Each has the potential to unlock significant, follow up development drilling on the Company’s 53,000-acre, 100% owned land base’, added Mr. Bereznicki.

Highlights of the Worsley Winter Program

This winter, the Company is planning to undertake a number of significant operations at Worsley, including:

Leduc Formation:

  • The Company has also selected surface locations on three additional Leduc drill targets identified on proprietary 3D seismic, including one drilling location (‘7-30’) which was assigned ‘proved plus probable undeveloped’ oil reserves of 196,700 barrels 1 by Sproule, its independent evaluator. Depending on timing, and capital availability, the Company may elect to pursue one or more of these additional Leduc drill targets.

Figure 1:

First Helium Worsley Proprietary 3D Seismic Leduc Interpretation

Blue Ridge Formation:

  • Completion and testing of the previously drilled 5-27 horizontal Blue Ridge well is planned (see Figure 2) to establish a repeatable, high margin, helium-enriched natural gas play targeted to deliver significant volumes of helium gas production. The project’s potential scale and enhanced profitability will serve to attract partnership opportunities.

Figure 2:

West Helium Worsley Blue Ridge Development Scenario

Together, the vertical Leduc play, along with the Blue Ridge play combine to provide tremendous opportunity for scalability and future growth, all on existing (100 per-cent) Company held lands. Given the large potential opportunity of the Worsley project, the Company will continue to explore potential partnerships to accelerate the development of its rich asset base.

Notes:
(1) Gross Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, per Sproule Associates Limited (‘Sproule’), Evaluation of the P&NG Reserves of First Helium Inc. in the Beaton Area of Alberta (as of March 31, 2023).   See First Helium’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

ABOUT First Helium

Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.

First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.

Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium’s ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company’s Worsley land base.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company’s future operations. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

SOURCE: First Helium Inc.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf8b83dd-ca0e-42a0-94fc-99b981ae9347

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4b00224-de76-498d-801f-d7c2b03ce12d

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Investing in Graphene Companies (Updated 2024)

Graphene is often heralded as the “wonder material” of the 21st century, and investing in graphene companies offers investors exposure to a growing number of graphene applications across a diverse set of industries.

In terms of size, Grand View Research is forecasting that the global graphene market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 35.1 percent between 2024 and 2030 to reach US$1.61 billion. The firm says that revenue for electronics industry applications will be a major contributor to the growth in demand for graphene.

Demand for graphene coatings and composites will come from the energy storage, aerospace and automotive industries industries, among others. Graphene coatings are used in batteries, conductors and generators to improve energy efficiency and performance, while lightweight graphene composites are being used in aircraft and automobiles.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the graphene market is mainly being driven by demand from the Asia-Pacific region, due in large part to favorable government policies, academic researching and increasing graphene investment. Rising demand from the automotive, marine, aerospace and defense industries in this region are also important factors.

For those interested in how to invest in graphene, here’s a look at seven publicly traded graphene companies making moves in the market today, based on research gleaned from intelligence firms Grand View Research and Fortune Business Insights.

These top graphene stocks are listed in alphabetical order, and all data was accurate as of September 25, 2024.

1. Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN)

Press ReleasesCompany Profile

Market cap: C$14.4 million

Black Swan Graphene describes itself as an emerging powerhouse in the bulk graphene business. UK-based global chemicals manufacturer Thomas Swan & Co. holds a 15 percent interest in Black Swan and brings a portfolio of patents and intellectual property related to graphene production. Through this partnership, Black Swan is building out a fully integrated supply chain from mine to graphene products.

Black Swan has launched a number of new graphene products in 2024, such as its GraphCore 01 family of graphene nanoplatelets products, which includes powders and polymer-ready masterbatches designed for the polymer industry.

In June, the company announced a commercial partnership with advanced materials engineering company Graphene Composites that will see Black Swan’s graphene used in the fabrication of GC Shield, a patented ballistic protection technology.

The following month, the company secured a distribution and sales agreement with UK-based manufacturer of plastic materials Broadway Colours. Under the agreement, Broadway will incorporate Black Swan’s graphene nanoplatelets in the manufacture of graphene enhanced masterbatches for plastic manufacturing.

2. CVD Equipment (NASDAQ:CVV)

Company Profile

Market cap: US$22.29 million

CVD Equipment produces chemical vapor deposition, gas control and other types of equipment and process solutions for developing and creating materials and coatings for a range of industrial applications, including aerospace engine components, medical implants, semiconductors, battery nanomaterials and solar cells.

CVD processing can be used to produce graphene and nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires. Its PVT200 system is designed to grow silicon carbide crystals for the manufacture of 200 millimeter wafers. The company’s first half of the year saw orders worth US$16.9 million, up from US$15.8 million in the same period in 2023.

Orders from key customers included an order for its PVT200 system from a new customer as well as a multi-system order from an industrial customer for its silicone carbide CVD coating reactors.

3. Directa Plus (LSE:DCTA)

Company Profile

Market cap:GBP 16.7 million

Leading graphene nanoplatelet producer Directa Plus makes products designed for commercial applications such as textiles and composites. The Italy-based firm has developed a patented graphene material named G+ Graphene Plus, which is both portable and scalable. Directa Plus casts a wide net, even using its graphene for golf balls with the aim of improving users’ control and swings using elasticity.

Directa Plus inked in December 2023 what it called a ‘landmark agreement’ to acquire a proprietary system for preparing graphene compounds for market-ready battery and polymer applications, opening up two more potential markets for Directa Plus products.

In April 2024, the company announced the installation of its GiPave high-tech asphalt at the Imola Circuit for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix held in May 2024 as part of the Formula 1 World Championship. GiPave uses graphene and recycled plastics to create a cleaner, more sustainable asphalt product.

4. First Graphene (ASX:FGR,OTCQB:FGPHF)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$31.22 million

First Graphene is an advanced materials company that has developed an environmentally sound method of converting ultra-high-grade graphite into the competitively priced, high-quality graphene in bulk quantities.

The firm is working with three Australian universities on developing graphene products and associated intellectual properties, including PureGRAPH, its graphene powder. First Graphene is vertically integrated, and applications for its products extend to fire retardancy, energy storage and concrete, among others.

In May, the company secured a distribution agreement with global distributor Bisley & Company. The agreement is initially for the Australian and New Zealand markets with the potential for additional markets. The five-year contract represents a significant milestone for the commercialization of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH material, according to the press release.

First Graphene joined a nine-member consortium in July to develop and commercialize lightweight impermeable cryogenic all-composite tanks for the safe storage and transport of liquid hydrogen. The next month, the company secured funding for a collaborative research project aimed at commercializing its Kainos technology for the production of ‘high-quality, battery-grade synthetic graphite and pristine graphene from petroleum feedstock using a scalable hydrodynamic cavitation manufacturing process.’

5. Haydale Graphene Industries (LSE:HAYD,OTC Pink:HDGHF)

Company Profile

Market cap: GBP 4.86 million

Through its subsidiaries, Haydale Graphene Industries designs, develops and commercializes advanced materials. The company has developed a patented proprietary and scalable plasma process that’s aimed at functionalizing graphene and other nanomaterials. Using the technology, Haydale is able to supply tailored solutions to both raw materials suppliers and product manufacturers.

Haydale has a partnership with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), through which it is researching and developing graphene-based innovations such as conductive ink heating applications for the automotive and future homes sectors.

In July, Haydale announced that a feasibility study has shown initial indications that Haydale’s plasma-functionalized graphene can capture carbon dioxide.

6. NanoXplore (TSXV:GRA,OTCQX:NNXPF)

Company Profile

Market cap: C$378.75 million

Established in 2011, NanoXplore is able to produce high volumes of graphene at affordable prices due to its unique and environmentally friendly production process. The company’s GrapheneBlack graphene powder can be used in plastic products to greatly increase their reusability and recyclability.

NanoXplore is also targeting lithium-ion batteries with its patented SiliconGraphene battery anode material solution, which employs GrapheneBlack as a coating agent around silicon to make a safer, more reliable cell. NanoXplore’s graphene products are also being used in internal combustion engine vehicles.

Earlier this year, as part of its five year strategic plan, NanoXplore increased the production capacity at its St-Clotilde, Québec plant. The capacity expansion will enable the company to meet increased demand for its graphene-enhanced composite products.

In its Q4 and full year 2024 financials, the company reported record total revenues of C$38.13 million for the quarter, up 14 percent from the same quarter in the previous year; and record total revenues of C$129.99 million for the full year, up 5 percent over its fiscal 2023.

8. Talga Group (ASX:TLG,OTC Pink:TLGRF)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$154.35 million

Talga Group is a vertically integrated battery anode and materials company, mining its own graphite and producing anodes. It has operations in Sweden, Japan, Australia, Germany and the UK. The company also produces graphene additives for use by materials manufacturers in applications such as concrete, coatings, plastics and energy storage.

Talga has the Talphite and Talphene lines of graphene products, which include conductive additives for battery cathode and anode products, solid-state anodes and graphite recycling.

The company is currently undertaking a scoping study to assess expansion options at its Vittangi graphite project in Sweden in an effort to better address the global battery anode market.

Private graphene companies

The graphene stocks listed above are by no means the only graphene-focused companies. Investors interested in graphene would also do well to learn more about the private companies focused on graphene technology, including ACS Material, Advanced Graphene Products, Graphene Platform, Graphenea, Grafoid and Universal Matter.

FAQs for graphene

What is graphene?

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. First produced in 2004, when professors at England’s University of Manchester used Scotch tape to peel flakes of graphene off of graphite, the material is 200 times stronger than steel and thinner than a single sheet of paper. Graphene has many possible applications in various fields, such as batteries, sensors, solar panels, electronics, medical equipment and sports gear.

What are some good properties of graphene?

Graphene’s outstanding properties include high thermal and electrical conductivity, high elasticity and flexibility, high hardness and resistance, transparency and the ability to generate electricity via exposure to sunlight.

What is the difference between graphene and graphite?

Graphene and graphite are both allotropes of carbon, meaning they are structurally different forms of the same element. A key difference between them is that graphene is a single layer of graphite.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

‘Wicked’ tallies $19M in previews, as ‘Gladiator II’ team-up heads for $200M opening weekend

The box office this weekend will be painted pink and green, with a splash of red.

Universal’s “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II” arrive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and are expected to tally more than $200 million in combined ticket sales this weekend.

″‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ are the kind of counter-programming duo punch movie theaters and audiences have been eagerly anticipating,” said Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory. “This fall’s box office has seen its share of ups and downs as usual, but these two films are on course to kickstart a potentially historic holiday corridor with ‘Moana 2’ also ready to deliver big results during Thanksgiving next week.”

“Wicked” has already tallied $19.2 million at the domestic box office from advance screenings held during the week. Amazon Prime members doled out $2.5 million at 750 theaters in the U.S. on Monday, and another $5.7 million was collected from around 2,000 theaters on Wednesday in the U.S. and Canada. “Wicked” snared an additional $11 million from standard Thursday night preview screenings at around 3,300 theaters.

Tracking projections for “Wicked” started around $80 million in late October, but have since risen to a range of $120 million to $140 million, with some projecting an even higher three-day total for the film’s debut weekend.

Hollywood has struggled to market and make a profit on movie musicals in recent years. However, the industry has also seen fan-favorite IP-driven titles outperform. With “Wicked” being based on one of Broadway’s most popular musicals, box office analysts are finding it tricky to predict where it will land.

Heading into its opening, “Wicked” held a 92% “Fresh” rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes from more than 160 critics. Its popcornmeter, a metric the site uses to calculate what percentage of verified movie ticket holders rated the film with 3.5 stars or higher, stands at 99% with more than 2,500 ratings.

Whatever it hauls in for the weekend, “Wicked” should debut as the highest-opening Broadway adaptation in cinematic history. The current record holder is Disney’s “Into the Woods,” which secured $31 million during its first three days in theaters in 2014, according to data from Comscore.

Meanwhile, “Gladiator II” tallied $6.5 million from Thursday previews and is expected to add between $60 million and $80 million to the domestic weekend tally. The film, which arrives 24 years after the original, has secured a 73% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from more than 200 reviews. For comparison, “Gladiator” snared $34.8 million during its opening weekend back in May 2000.

“The so-called ‘Glicked’ movie mashup is reminiscent of the ‘Barbenheimer’ phenomenon and is creating a cultural buzz,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “And though not quite at that level, has certainly raised the profile of both films and that combined with overwhelming positive reviews has positioned these two very different movies for opening weekend glory and more importantly long-term playability through the holidays.”

Between “Wicked,” “Gladiator II” and previously released films still in theaters, box office analysts foresee a weekend of ticket sales between $200 million and $250 million. While impressive, that would still fall outside of the top 20 highest-grossing weekends of all time, according to data from Comscore.

The “Barbenheimer” weekend of July 21, 2023, topped $311 million, the fourth-highest weekend haul of all time.

“It’s not all about the first hours or days, though,” Robbins noted. “These films can and probably will play well for weeks to come, especially if word of mouth mirrors that of critics’ reactions.”

This weekend’s tally will help bolster the overall annual box office, which lags 11% behind 2023 levels during the same period. And the moviegoers coming to theaters will be treated to advertisements for other films coming in December and later in 2025.

“Our job is to maximize what’s coming in that door,” said Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corporation, owner of Marcus Theatres and Marcus Hotels and Resorts. “Take care of our customers. Give the customers that show up a great experience. Make sure that lines are as moving as quickly as we can, so that we can serve them, literally and figuratively, and show them what a great time it is to go to the movies and enjoy something with other people.”

Marcus Theatres alongside dozens of other cinema chains, big and small, are offering guests drink and food specials, themed popcorn buckets and beverage containers as well as other movie merchandise at their locations.

Cinemark has a “Gladiator II” popcorn bucket shaped like the Colosseum and a gladiator helmet that fits over its drink cups to hold popcorn. Regal has a witch hat-shaped cup. AMC’s menu features pink and green candy-coated popcorn as well as a collection of themed drinks like green apple ICEE, Sprite variants called Ozdust Punch and Emerald Elixir and alcoholic beverages named Popular Pink and Gravity Green.

Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal, CNBC, Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. NBCUniversal is the distributor of “Wicked.”

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