LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, September 30, 2019 – General Moly, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE American and TSX: GMO), the only western-exchange listed, pure-play molybdenum mineral development company, announced that the Company has received the final federal permit in the form of a Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the Bureau of Land Management for the Mt. Hope Project on September 27, 2019. The Mt. Hope Project has now received all permits from the State of Nevada and the federal government to allow construction and operation of the proposed molybdenum mine.
Receipt of the ROD marks completion of the National Environmental Policy Act process and approval of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (“SEIS”) by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Department of Interior for the Mt. Hope Project.
General Moly owns an 80% interest in the world-class Mt. Hope molybdenum (“moly”) project in Nevada through the Eureka Moly LLC (“EMLLC”) joint venture. POS-Minerals Corporation (“POS-M”), a wholly owned subsidiary of POSCO, the Korean steel company, owns the remaining 20% interest.
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Bruce D. Hansen said, “We are extremely pleased to have achieved this significant milestone for the Mt. Hope Project in re-obtaining the ROD and becoming fully permitted and construction ready. The Board of Directors and I thank our diligent staff and legal team for getting across the goal line after a lengthy process with an SEIS that will protect our community, consistent with our core values as a responsible corporate citizen, good neighbor and steward of the environment.
“We believe the Mt. Hope deposit is the best undeveloped and lowest-cost primary moly project in the world with leverage to anticipated rising moly prices from improving market fundamentals. As we continue to closely monitor the moly market, we are encouraged by moly’s stable prices over the past two years. With the ROD now in hand, we are intensifying our efforts with our financial advisors in seeking incremental liquidity, project financing, and strategic alternatives to maximize value for our shareholders and help the local economy.”
Engineering remains approximately 65% complete at the Mt. Hope moly project. Some preconstruction site work also was previously completed.
A development decision to proceed with construction of the Mt. Hope Project requires approval from POS-M and the Company’s Board of Directors, following receipt of project financing.
Update on Liquidity Matters
On September 26, 2019, the Company entered into a 90-day deferral and forbearance agreement with the primary holder of the 2014 Senior Convertible Notes, along with certain of the Company’s members of management and directors who participated in the 2014 debt offering. As a result, the Company will defer approximately $162,000 of interest payments due at the end of the third quarter 2019. The Company continues to explore opportunities with such note holders to exchange the notes for assets and/or extensions to the December 26, 2019 maturity date.
Additionally, on September 27, 2019, the Company entered into a Consent Agreement with POS-M to accelerate the repayment of the balance of $1 million the Company advanced to EMLLC to fund the initial settlement payment to the Kobeh Valley ranching family to settle protests to the Mt. Hope water applications, as announced in the Company’s May 14, 2019 news release. Prior to the Consent Agreement, the Company had been repaid $293,000 from the sale of EMLLC non-critical assets, leaving a balance of $707,000. The remaining balance will now be paid over three monthly installments beginning in October 2019, with the third installment subject to receipt of $400,000 in additional sales of EMLLC non-critical assets.
About General Moly
General Moly is a U.S.-based, molybdenum mineral exploration and development company listed on the NYSE American, recently known as the NYSE MKT and former American Stock Exchange, and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GMO. The Company’s primary asset, an 80% interest in the Mt. Hope Project located in central Nevada, is considered one of the world’s largest and highest grade molybdenum deposits. Combined with the Company’s wholly-owned Liberty Project, a molybdenum and copper property also located in central Nevada, General Moly’s goal is to become the largest primary molybdenum producer in the world.
Molybdenum is a metallic element used primarily as an alloy agent in steel manufacturing. When added to steel, molybdenum enhances steel strength, resistance to corrosion and extreme temperature performance. In the chemical and petrochemical industries, molybdenum is used in catalysts, especially for cleaner burning fuels by removing sulfur from liquid fuels, and in corrosion inhibitors, high performance lubricants and polymers.
Contact:
Scott Roswell
(303) 928-8591
info@generalmoly.com
Website: www.generalmoly.com
