Talks on divisive deep-sea mining resume in Jamaica
Several countries united with campaign groups Monday to call for caution in regulating the divisive practice of deep-sea mining at a meeting on the issue in Jamaica.
Members of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are meeting in Kingston to thrash out the first mining code on deep-sea extraction that has faced accusations of imperiling marine ecosystems.
The clock is ticking because a metals company has said it will imminently submit an extraction license application, raising the prospect that their operations could go unregulated.
"We are still far away from any consensus on a final mining code," said French envoy Olivier Guyonvarch, with the latest draft text still riddled with caveats highlighting lingering disagreement.
Costa Rica's representative called for a "precautionary pause" as work continues on gathering data and establishing the legal framework.
The prospect of a pause has gained traction but is far from winning the backing of the ISA's 169 member states.
"Environmental protection, however, does not mean abandoning exploitation," countered China's representative, saying that regulations could be further tailored as mining is carried out.
- 'Planetary crisis' -
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives the ISA responsibility for regulating extraction of highly coveted seabed minerals that lie outside of national marine borders.
However, it also directs the organization to protect the little-understood marine environments.
The ISA Council, which currently only awards exploration licenses, has been negotiating for more than ten years over a mining code governing nickel, cobalt and copper extraction -- key materials in the energy transition.
The painstaking talks have gained momentum since the activation of a clause allowing any company with national backing to apply for a license -- even in the absence of a code -- but several issues remain outstanding.
Though the riches of the international seabed are classified as "common heritage of mankind," African countries fear they will miss out on benefits or even see their economies suffer.
Underwater extraction must "not come at the expense of Africa's existing mining economies and their sustainable development aspirations," the continent's representative said.
Industry on the other hand has been highly critical of delays to the agreement of a code.
In a January letter to the ISA, several companies claiming to have collectively invested more than $2 billion in the development of extraction technology said they faced "escalating legal and financial risks."
Among them was Nori -- Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. -- a subsidiary of Canadian firm The Metals Company. In June, it will submit the first application for extraction of "polymetallic nodules" -- mineral deposits made up of multiple metals on the deep ocean floor.
Pacific island nation Nauru has given its official backing to Nori's application, and is pressing the ISA to agree on a mechanism for reviewing and approving applications in the absence of a mining code.
Their request has been opposed by countries such as Chile who maintain the council had agreed rules would only be drafted after such an application is submitted.
"ISA Member States need to stand firm against the unacceptable pressure by an industry that risks wreaking irreparable damage on our ocean and exacerbating the planetary crisis," Sofia Tsenikli, Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Campaign Director at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC).
NGOs like the DSCC are placing hope in new ISA chief Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer who replaced Britain's Michael Lodge after two terms at the helm, during which he was accused of favoring industry.
While the council has set itself the goal of finalizing the mining code this year, Carvalho called Monday for negotiators to make "significant progress" by July while raising the prospect of an amended timetable.
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Hamilton Spectator
37 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Andrew Peller Limited Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025
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Mr. Dubkowski added: 'We applaud the Ontario Government's recent policy announcements and its continued support of the province's grape and wine industry. By promoting strong, competitive policies that are aligned with global best practices, and by focusing on local grape growers and wine producers, the Government is reinforcing the vital role our sector plays as a key driver of economic growth in the province. As a market leader, we remain deeply committed to investing in the long-term health and growth of the sector and the regions in which we operate.' Financial Highlights (Financial Statements and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the period can be obtained on the Company's web site at ) (1) Please refer to the Company's MD&A concerning 'Non-IFRS Measures' (2) Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2024 include $9.5 million relating to the former CEO retirement and transition costs. These amounts are added back to calculate the Company's EBITA. Financial Review Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased 11.2% compared to the prior year's fourth quarter primarily due to the $5.8 million recognized as revenue at the end of fiscal 2024 which represents the full year's benefit of the revised Ontario VQA Support Program. The revenue from the VQA support program for fiscal 2025 was recognized throughout the fiscal year as eligible sales were made. The remaining decrease can be attributed to the timing of the Easter holiday season when compared to fiscal 2024 and continual adjustment of channel and shipment timing in the evolving Ontario retail market. Revenue for the year ended March 31, 2025 increased 1.0% over the prior year. The increase was attributable to sales to big box stores, partially offset by a decrease in the Company's retail stores in the second half of the fiscal year as Ontario's new beverage alcohol retail distribution guidelines took effect. The Company's retail store sales also benefited from the July strike at the LCBO. Several of the Company's other well-established trade channels performed well during the year, particularly sales to third party restaurants and hospitality locations. This strong performance is offset by softness in sales from the estate wineries and wine clubs due to lower guest traffic and reduced consumer discretionary spending due to tightening economic conditions. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased to 52.6% from 41.8% mainly due to the inclusion of $9.8 million from the Ontario Grape Support Program (OGSP). As the OGSP program is intended to increase the content of domestic grapes in blended wines, the support is recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold when eligible wine is sold. For the year ended March 31, 2025, gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 42.8% from 39.0%. 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Selling and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 included $6.5 million relating to the retirement allowance and consulting agreements entered into as part of John Peller's retirement and transition and $3.0 million in legal and advisory fees incurred by certain shareholders in connection with these agreements. Offsetting the non-recurring expenses from 2024, was higher compensation and higher selling costs as a result of the strong performance in fiscal 2025. Earnings before interest, amortization, loss on debt extinguishment and financing fees, CEO retirement and transition costs, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes ('EBITA') (see 'Non-IFRS Measures' section of this MD&A) was $13.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $9.3 million in the fourth quarter of prior year. EBITA increased to $62.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to $50.3 million in prior year period. Interest expense for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025 has decreased by 22.4% and 4.4% respectively compared to the prior year due to lower average debt levels and lower interest rates in fiscal 2025 compared to prior year. The Company recorded a net unrealized non-cash loss in fiscal 2025 of $1.8 million related to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year. The Company recorded a loss of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to a gain of $1.0 million in the same quarter in the prior year. The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting and accordingly the change in fair value of these financial instruments is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of earnings (loss) each reporting period. These instruments are considered to be effective economic hedges and are expected to mitigate the short-term volatility of changing foreign exchange and interest rates. Other expenses (income), net were $0.6 million and $3.5 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025. The expense in fiscal 2025 related primarily to a restructuring initiative completed in fiscal year to align the Company's business structure with the changing retail landscape in Ontario. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company undertook certain tax planning initiatives as it relates to capital gains with respect to the Port Moody lands. This included transferring the beneficial interest in the land to a newly registered partnership. All parties associated with the limited partner are within the consolidated APL group and there has been no legal ownership change. In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced the cancellation of the previously proposed legislation changes to the capital gains inclusion rate. Consequently, the beneficial interest in the Port Moody lands was transferred at cost rather than at fair value as originally contemplated. The transaction had no impact on the Company's operating results or cash flows. The Company incurred a net loss of $0.7 million (loss of $0.02 per Class A share) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to a net loss of $6.9 million (loss of $0.17 per Class A share) in the fourth quarter of the prior year. For the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company generated net earnings of $11.1 million ($0.26 per Class A share) compared to a net loss of $2.9 million (loss of $0.07 per Class A Share) in the prior year. Investor Conference Call The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Paul Dubkowski, CEO, Renee Cauchi, CFO and Patrick O'Brien, President and CCO, will host the call, with a question and answer period following management's presentation. Conference Call Dial In Details: Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. (ET) Dial-in numbers: Local Toronto / International: (437) 900-0527 North American Toll Free: (888) 510-2154 RapidConnect: Webcast: A live webcast will be available at Replay: Following the live call, a recording will be available on the Company's investor relations website at About Andrew Peller Limited Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canada's leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft beverage alcohol products. The Company's award-winning premium and ultra-premium Vintners' Quality Alliance brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench , Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Raven Conspiracy, and Conviction . Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine-based liqueurs, craft ciders, and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker's Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc., the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at . The Company utilizes EBITA (defined as earnings before interest, amortization, loss on debt extinguishment and financing fees, CEO retirement and transition costs, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes) to measure its financial performance. EBITA is not a recognized measure under IFRS. Management believes that EBITA is a useful supplemental measure to net earnings, as it provides readers with an indication of earnings available for investment prior to debt service, capital expenditures, and income taxes, as well as provides an indication of recurring earnings compared to prior periods. Readers are cautioned that EBITA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company's performance or to cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. The Company also utilizes gross margin (defined as revenue less cost of goods sold, excluding amortization). The Company's method of calculating EBITA and gross margin may differ from the methods used by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B). FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws including the 'safe harbour provisions' of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to APL and its subsidiaries. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the growth of the business; its launch of new premium wines and craft beverage alcohol products; sales trends in foreign markets; its supply of domestically grown grapes; and current economic conditions. These statements are subject to certain risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The words 'believe', 'plan', 'intend', 'estimate', 'expect', or 'anticipate', and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as 'will', 'should', 'would', 'could', and similar verbs often identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions and applied certain factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle, and wine and spirit prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass, and other raw materials; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; its ability to market products successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within the domestic Canadian and international wine markets; market trends; reliance on key personnel; protection of its intellectual property rights; the economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding producing, marketing, advertising, and labelling of its products; the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; the application of federal and provincial environmental laws; and the impact of increasing competition. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in this news release, in the 'Risks and Uncertainties' section and elsewhere in the Company's MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at . Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts, or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For more information, please contact: Craig Armitage and Jennifer Smith ir@ Source: Andrew Peller Limited
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Denarius Metals Announces Voting Results of the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders Held Today
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The election of the following individuals as directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company or until their successors are appointed or elected: Serafino Iacono Approved For 54,337,668Withheld 35,600 99.94%0.06%Federico Restrepo-Solano Approved For 54,318,869Withheld 54,399 99.90%0.10%Paul Sparkes Approved For 54,327,068Withheld 46,200 99.92%0.08%Mateo Restrepo Villegas Approved For 54,327,068Withheld 46,200 99.92%0.08%Francisco Sole Approved For 54,343,768Withheld 29,500 99.95%0.05%Patricia Herrera Paba Approved For 54,339,269Withheld 33,999 99.94%0.06% 3. Appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors of the Company at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors Approved For 56,908,196Withheld 6,500 99.99%0.01% About Denarius Metals Denarius Metals is a Canadian junior company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and eventual operation of precious metals and polymetallic mining projects in high-grade districts in Colombia and Spain. Denarius Metals is listed on Cboe Canada where it trades under the symbol "DMET". The Company also trades on the OTCQX Market in the United States under the symbol "DNRSF". In Colombia, Denarius Metals recently commenced mining operations at its 100%-owned Zancudo Project, a high-grade gold-silver deposit, which includes the historic producing Independencia mine, located in the Cauca Belt, about 30 km southwest of Medellin. In Spain, Denarius Metals has interests in three projects focused on in-demand critical minerals. The Company owns a 21% interest in Rio Narcea Recursos, S.L. and is the operator of its Aguablanca Project, which has recently been recognized by the EU as a Strategic Project. The Aguablanca Project comprises a turnkey 5,000 tonnes per day processing plant and the rights to exploit the historic producing Aguablanca nickel-copper mine, located in Monesterio, Extremadura. Denarius Metals also owns a 100% interest in the Lomero Project, a polymetallic deposit located on the Spanish side of the prolific copper rich Iberian Pyrite Belt, approximately 88 km southwest of the Aguablanca Project, and a 100% interest in the Toral Project, a high-grade zinc-lead-silver deposit located in the Leon Province, Northern Spain. Additional information on Denarius Metals can be found on its website at and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Denarius Metals to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025 which is available for view on SEDAR+ at Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Denarius Metals disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For Further Information, Contact: Michael DaviesChief Financial Officer(416) 360-4653investors@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Parkland Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2025 Dividend
CALGARY, AB, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Parkland Corporation ("Parkland") (TSX: PKI) announces that a dividend of $0.36 per share will be paid on July 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on June 20, 2025. The dividend will be an 'eligible dividend' for Canadian income tax purposes. About Parkland Corporation Parkland is a leading international fuel distributor, marketer, and convenience retailer with safe and reliable operations in 26 countries across the Americas. Our retail network meets the fuel and convenience needs of everyday consumers. Our commercial operations provide businesses with fuel to operate, complete projects and better serve their customers. In addition to meeting our customers' needs for essential fuels, Parkland provides a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact, including manufacturing and blending renewable fuels, ultra-fast EV charging, a variety of solutions for carbon credits and renewables, and solar power. With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. Our strategy is focused on two interconnected pillars: our Customer Advantage and our Supply Advantage. Through our Customer Advantage, we aim to be the first choice of our customers through our proprietary brands, differentiated offers, extensive network, competitive pricing, reliable service, and compelling loyalty program. Our Supply Advantage is based on achieving the lowest cost to serve among independent fuel marketers and distributors in the hard-to-serve markets in which we operate, through our well-positioned assets, significant scale, and deep supply and logistics capabilities. Our business is underpinned by our people and our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are embedded across our organization. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Parkland Corporation