RNS Hotlist: Altona, Ariana, Altus, DeepVerge, Duke, 88 Energy, Empire, Oberon, Orcadian, Open Orphan, Predator, Quetzal, Rainbow, Semper, Tern

Placing regular Predator Oil & Gas Holdings (PRD), the Jersey-based Oil and Gas company has raised just over £1m at 9p. The company said the placing reinforces its commitment to deliver an aggressive, “expansive and exciting” 2022 drilling programme in Morocco building on the success of the MOU-1 drilling campaign.

Ariana Resources (AAU), the AIM-listed mineral exploration and development company announced the production guidance for 2022 for its joint venture Kiziltepe Mine. Gold production guidance for 2022 from Kiziltepe is expected to be c. 25,000 ounces of gold, which is 2.5 times greater than the feasibility plan for this stage of mine life, and an increase from its 2021 production of 20,737 ounces of gold for the year ending 2021.

There was a clarification from Open Orphan (ORPH) regarding its spin off Poolbeg (POLB). This took the form of stating that POLB shares are subject to a lock-in until April 19, and that within 14 days of this date shareholders will receive their certificates. 

Altona (ANR), a mining exploration company focused on Africa, said that, following positive results from Phase 1 exploration of its Monte Muambe REE asset, it is proceeding with Phase 2 of the project. The company said that Monte Muambe could develop into a major REE resource. Initial results from its Phase 1 activities are very positive with higher than expected grades and the discovery of two new target areas. Phase 2 will work towards confirming these indications, via a Resource Estimate, and provide a solid platform for a substantial valuation of Monte Muambe.

Flush with cash Duke Royalty (DUKE), a provider of alternative capital solutions has approved an interim dividend of 0.70 pence (sterling) per share, a 17% quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.10 pence. The increase has been driven by the Duke’s strong trading performance during the financial year to 31 March 2022.

DeepVerge (DVRG) unveiled the acquisition of engineering services company Glanaco Limited for £1.08 million comprising £0.65 million in equity and £0.43 million in cash. The Company has also secured a mezzanine loan facility of up to £25 million, with Riverfort Global Opportunities PCC Limited (RGO) and YA II PN, Ltd, available for 3-years in the form of 12-month mezzanine loan notes to fuel momentum across all divisions of the Group. The funds will be used for the Glanaco acquisition, and the expansion of manufacturing capacity and laboratory space in the US for the Skin Trust Club.

Altus Strategies (ALS) announced further significant gold intersections from reverse circulation drilling at the Company's 100% owned, 105 square kilometre Diba & Lakanfla gold project in western Mali. The Lakanfla licence is located approximately 5 kilometres east of the company's Diba licence. Both licences host numerous gold prospects, including a shallow-dipping, near-surface gold deposit.

Orcadian Energy (ORCA), the North Sea focused oil and gas development company, announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 December 2021. The company said it has the potential for a slew of new projects with dramatically lower emissions than existing production; the OGA blessed those plans and has also acknowledged the leading role ORCA is seeking to take in enabling electrification of the North Sea basin.

Hurricane Energy (HUR), the UK based oil and gas company, updated on Lancaster field operations and net free cash balances as of 28 February 2022. As of 28 February 2022, the company had net free cash of $71 million compared to the last reported balance of $85 million as of 31 January 2022. $78.5 million of Convertible Bonds remain outstanding and due in July 2022.

Rainbow (RBW) announced its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 December 2021. The company said with its near-term development opportunity at Phalaborwa in South Africa, it is well positioned to be a Western source of rare earth oxides, critical minerals for green technologies.

Shearwater Group (SWG), the cybersecurity, advisory and managed security services group, said that its group company, Brookcourt Solutions, has secured a significant three-year advanced endpoint cyber defence solution contract with a global financial organisation, totalling $4.1 million. The contract contributes to the Group's current full year expectations.

Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP), the esports company announced the launch of its new blockchain-based play-to-earn gaming division, SMPR Guild. The company said SMPR Guild with its play-to-earn model, is forging loyalty at the forefront of the evolution of the gaming environment.

Also awash with liquidity on the Aquis market, Oberon Investments Group (OBE), the boutique investment management group, said that revenues for the year ending 31 March 2022 will be at least £6.4m, representing growth of c.70% compared to the previous year. The Oberon Board's outlook continues to be positive for the coming year, with significant growth expected across all divisions.

Empire Metals (EEE), the AIM-quoted resource exploration and development company, announced the results of the Reverse Circulation drilling programme at the Eclipse Gold Project and the commencement of the follow-up Diamond Drill programme, which will continue over the next few weeks. The company said the initial RC drill programme, has intercepted mineralised zones in areas previously under-explored.

88 Energy Limited (88E) reported that the Merlin-2 surface hole was successfully drilled to 2,005 feet, the surface casing installed and cemented, and the Blow Out Preventer system tested. Operations are progressing as planned with the Arctic Fox rig scheduled to commence drilling ahead to the reservoir targets imminently.

Guild Esports (GILD), a global teams organisation and lifestyle brand, announced Razer as the Company's Official Gaming Chair Partner with the signing of a two-year global sponsorship deal. The total contract value, which is confidential (if it were not it might help the share price), is 80% payable in cash over two years and the balance is payable as value in kind.

IOG (IOG.L), the UK gas and infrastructure operator, announce its final audited results for the Year Ended 31 December 2021. The company said that last year saw an immense effort by the whole IOG team to progress towards production, culminating in the safe and successful delivery of First Gas from the Blythe and Elgood fields on 13 and 15 March 2022 respectively

There was a speeding ticket RNS from Berkeley Energia (BKY), whose shares have been understandably soaring as the world looks for non Russian energy sources. The company said it is not aware of any information that has not been announced which, if known, could be an explanation for recent trading in the securities of the Company.

Scancell Holdings (SCLP), the developer of novel immunotherapies provided an update on its anti-glycan monoclonal antibody (mAb) platform, now branded GlyMab™. The Company said its fourth proprietary platform has the potential to expand further its pipeline of novel anti-cancer mAbs and the versatility to yield other drug formats including antibody drug conjugate and CAR-T candidates.

Gem Diamonds (GEMD) announced its Full Year Results for the year ending 31 December 2021. The company said the continuing recovery of the diamond market in 2021 was evidenced by the robust prices achieved for Letšeng's large, high-value diamonds and there was also a significant improvement in the prices achieved for smaller diamonds. This resulted in positive cash flows and allowed Gem Diamonds to end the year in a strong financial position.

Bear target Tern (TERN), the company focused on value creation from Internet of Things technology businesses, announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021. This included Net asset growth of 35% to £32.4m (2020: £24.0m) and a 26% increase in net assets per share to 9.2p (2020: 7.3p).

Technology investor Quetzal (QTZ) announced that serial investor Chris Akers has raised his stake in the company from 18.3% to 19.1%.