Trevali Mining is transitioning to an owner-operator model at its Caribou zinc mine in New Brunswick, Canada, and analysts note that the company is positioned to take advantage of strong zinc fundamentals.
Trevali Mining Corp. (TV:TSX; TV:BVL; TREVF:OTCQX) announced on Feb. 1 that it is becoming an owner-operator at its Caribou zinc and is investing in a new mining fleet at the mine. The company stated that it “has committed to an approximately Cdn$20-million investment through a new partnership with Sandvik Mining to supply and maintain a full fleet of mining equipment for Caribou Mine operations. Trevali will operate and manage all aspects of the underground mining operation and Sandvik will be responsible and accountable for the maintenance of the fleet.”
Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevali’s President and CEO stated, “Trevali’s new investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the future of the Caribou Mine and operations in the Bathurst region of New Brunswick,” adding that “The efficiencies realized through this initiative. . .form a pathway for the Company’s long-term, multi-cycle vision for the Bathurst Mining Camp.”
Analyst Joseph Gallucci of Dundee Capital Partners stated in a Feb. 1 research report that “moving to an owner-operator model is a positive move for TV. . .investing in their own fleet and moving away from contract mining should lead to cost savings at the mining operation.” He also stated that replacing the current mining equipment “with new machinery and improved technology should lead to better operational efficiencies as well.”
Gallucci noted that with “Caribou online and cash flow positive, we believe TV is in an excellent position to capture strong zinc fundamentals. Our view is that a majority of zinc development plays will not be in production to catch the cycle, either due to permitting or funding obstacles (or both).” He names Trevali as a …read more