RNS Hotlist: AFC, Ariana, Bluejay, Contango, Eve, Good, Jubilee, Iomart, Kefi, Osirium, Pantheon, Poolbeg, Shearwater, Sound, Surface, URA, Velocys

Jubilee (JLP), the metals processing company, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2021. The company said the first half of the financial year saw the group ramp-up investment into both South African and Zambian operations. Group revenue was up 18% to £63 million driven mainly by the sharp growth in chrome processing capacity that is the facilitator for the increased production of the PGM rich feed stream for the expanded Inyoni Facility.

Poolbeg Pharma (POLB), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, has signed a deal with CytoReason, a leading artificial intelligence company developing computational disease models for efficient drug discovery and development, to provide AI analysis of Poolbeg's influenza disease progression data derived from human challenge study samples. The company said this is the first time AI analysis will be undertaken on influenza human challenge trial data and it looks forward to the results early next year.

Stock market newbie URA Holdings (URAH) has signed a Share Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of G.E.M Venus Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, the ultimate owner of the majority interest in the Gravelotte emerald mine located in the Limpopo province of South Africa from Magnum Mining and Exploration Limited. Gravelotte is historically one of the largest emerald mines in the world and was operational from 1929 to 2002. The company said that the acquisition fits in perfectly with its stated goal of identifying unique opportunities in the Southern African mineral sector and presents a near to medium term production opportunity.

Bluejay (JAY), the exploration and development company, has raised $7 million (£5.38 million) at 7p. The funds raised will enable Bluejay to complete the necessary feasibility study required for the Dundas Ilmenite Project in Greenland, as it continues to progress the project into production. Clearly these feasibility studies do not come cheap. The company announced the 2022 work programme at Disko-Nuussuaq, on behalf of Nikkeli Greenland A/S, the Joint Venture company created by Bluejay and its JV partner KoBold Metals.

Ariana Resources (AAU), an AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company, announced a deal with Newmont Corporation regarding exploration in south-eastern Europe via Ariana's 75%-owned Western Tethyan Resources Ltd.  The Alliance will focus on copper and gold exploration within Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, utilising the teams established by WTR and Ariana.

Contango Holdings (GGO), the London listed natural resource development company, announced its results for the six-month period ended 30 November 2021. The company said it is now at a real turning point as it makes the final preparations on site at Lubu ahead of first production later this month, and as it continues strategic negotiations with potential investors to support the development of Garalo-Ntiela.

Sound Energy (SOU, the transition energy company, announces its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2021. The company said during 2022,it is looking to meaningful progression on both the Phase 1 mLNG project and the Phase 2 gas pipeline development.

KEFI (KEFI), the gold and copper exploration and development company, reported progress at the company's Al Godeyer Project in Saudi Arabia. Exploration at Al Godeyer confirmed a 1.3km mineralised horizon similar to nearby Hawiah VMS Deposit. Gold mineralisation of up to 7.2g/t gold and 1.8% copper has been encountered. The ongoing drilling programme has intersected gossan or massive sulphides in the first six holes.

Pantheon Resources (PANR), the AIM-quoted oil and gas company, provided an update. The company said the Theta West well is a successful 10.5 mile step-out from the LBFF oil bearing interval at Talitha. The test result confirms a vast oil resource and also confirms its geologic model. Its proximity to infrastructure gives Pantheon a strategic advantage over other greenfield projects.

Eve (EVE), a direct-to-consumer sleep wellness brand, announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021. This revealed a third consecutive year of UK&I revenue growth, increasing 22% on two-year comparatives, a second consecutive year of Group revenue growth, up 11% on two-year comparatives/ Group EBITDA losses increased to £3.0m on higher marketing investment in France but reduced 73% on 2019. Eve has a £4.5m closing net cash balance, sufficient to execute the business plan for 2022.

Surface Transforms (SCE) has signed a new contract with its existing customer, OEM 8 with a contract value of approximately £100m. This contract replaces the previously announced contract from September 2020 which was valued at approximately £27.5m, so a spectacular uplift.  This increased contract value of over £70m is driven by both significantly increased demand for this particular model of OEM 8 and the contract being extended to 2027. If only the contract were with Tesla…

Osirium Technologies (OSI), a vendor of cybersecurity and IT automation software, announced a contract win at Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit for its Privileged Process Automation and Privileged Access Management solutions. MLCSU supports 50 Clinical Commissioning Groups, NHS GP federations, and local authorities in the north of England.

Shearwater Group (SWG), the organisational resilience group, said that its group company, Brookcourt Solutions, has secured a new contract to the value of c.£620,000 with a leading telecommunications and media company. The contract contributes to the Group's current full year expectations. Answers on a postcard as to what organisational resilience actually is.

iomart Group (IOM), the cloud computing and managed services company, revealed a new partnership with e2e-assure.  The agreement combines iomart's cloud infrastructure expertise with an independent, state of the art cyber defences team to provide security operations centre and proactive response service to the UK market.

Good Energy Group (GOOD), the 100% renewable electricity supplier, announced Zap-Map have partnered with Allstar Business Solutions Limited. The company said this is a strong partnership and great news for electric vehicle and fleet drivers using Allstar products.

AFC Energy (AFC), a provider of hydrogen power generation technologies, launched of its new 10kW Hydrogen power generator unit, known as the "Power Tower". The company said the Power Tower offers an energy dense, yet highly efficient off-grid power solution designed to displace fossil fueled generators.

Velocys (VLS), the sustainable fuels technology company, has sold its 100% interest in Rula Developments (Immingham) Limited, as planned. RDIL owns the site for the proposed Altalto waste-to-sustainable-fuel project, which is being developed in collaboration with British Airways.