Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) Information


A Brief History of Solitario Resources Corp.

Company Overview

Solitario Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on gold and silver projects in North America. As of 2024, the company is actively engaged in exploration activities, primarily in the United States, with significant projects including the Golden Crest Project in South Dakota and the Lik Project in Alaska.

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario recorded a net loss of $3,768,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2,712,000, or $0.04 per share for the same period in 2023. This increase in net loss was attributed to rising exploration expenses and administrative costs.

Exploration Expenses

Solitario's exploration expenses increased significantly, totaling $2,908,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1,748,000 in the same period of 2023. The breakdown of exploration expenses by project is detailed in the following table:

Project Name 2024 Expenses (in $000) 2023 Expenses (in $000)
Golden Crest 2,742 1,458
Lik 105 172
Cat Creek 32 -
Reconnaissance 29 118
Total 2,908 1,748

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation, amounted to $1,511,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up from $1,073,000 in 2023. The major components included:

  • Salary and benefit expenses: $292,000 (2024) vs $371,000 (2023)
  • Legal and accounting expenditures: $180,000 (2024) vs $193,000 (2023)
  • Travel and shareholder relation costs: $395,000 (2024) vs $217,000 (2023)

Cash and Investment Position

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario had working capital of $7,222,000, down from $9,309,000 at the end of 2023. The cash and short-term investments were $6,484,000, with $6,398,000 held in a money market account. The company owns marketable equity securities valued at $1,398,000, which include:

Security Shares Fair Value (in $000)
Kinross Gold Corp. 100,000 936
Vendetta Mining Corp. 7,750,000 57
Vox Royalty Corp. 134,055 405
Total 1,398

Stock-Based Compensation

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario recorded stock-based compensation expenses of $540,000, compared to $184,000 in 2023. This increase was primarily due to the grant of options for 2,125,000 shares during the period.

Market Environment

The mineral exploration sector remains challenging, influenced by fluctuating precious metal prices, geopolitical tensions, and general economic uncertainty. Solitario's strategic focus on exploration and potential acquisitions is expected to position the company favorably in the future.



A Who Owns Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, the following are the major shareholders of Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL):

Shareholder Shares Owned Percentage Ownership
Newmont Overseas Exploration Ltd. 4,166,667 5.1%
Management and Directors 1,200,000 1.5%
Public Float 75,271,751 93.4%

Stock Performance

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario Zinc Corp. has a total of 81,638,418 shares outstanding. The company reported a net loss of $2,276,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, which translates to a loss per share of $0.03.

Recent Financing Activities

Solitario entered into an at-the-market offering agreement with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC to issue and sell shares of common stock for aggregate sales proceeds of up to $10 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company sold 1,802,060 shares at an average price of $0.70 per share for net proceeds of $1,218,000.

Marketable Equity Securities

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario holds the following marketable equity securities:

Security Shares Owned Fair Value (USD)
Vendetta Mining Corp. 7,750,000 $57,000
Kinross Gold Corporation 100,000 $936,000
Vox Royalty Corp. 134,055 $405,000

Financial Overview

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total operating expenses were $4,440,000, which included exploration expenses of $2,908,000. The company reported a total cash balance of $6,484,000, primarily held in a money market account.

Working Capital and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario had working capital of $7,222,000, which consists of cash and short-term investments, along with marketable equity securities valued at $1,398,000.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Solitario recorded an asset retirement obligation of $125,000 related to its exploration activities.



Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) Mission Statement

The mission statement of Solitario Zinc Corp. focuses on the commitment to exploring and developing mineral resources with an emphasis on zinc. The company aims to maximize shareholder value through strategic exploration and the advancement of its mineral projects, particularly in North America. Solitario emphasizes sustainable practices and compliance with environmental standards in its operations.

Financial Overview

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario Zinc Corp. reported the following financial data:

Financial Metric Amount (in thousands USD)
Cash and Short-term Investments $6,484
Working Capital $7,222
Marketable Equity Securities $1,398
Net Loss (Nine months ended September 30, 2024) ($3,768)
Net Loss per Share ($0.05)
Stock-based Compensation Expense (Nine months ended September 30, 2024) $540
General and Administrative Expenses (Nine months ended September 30, 2024) $1,511
Exploration Expenses (Nine months ended September 30, 2024) $2,908
Total Operating Expenses (Nine months ended September 30, 2024) $4,440

Exploration Projects

Solitario is actively engaged in the exploration of several mineral projects. The associated expenses for these projects as of September 30, 2024, are as follows:

Project Name Exploration Expense (in thousands USD)
Golden Crest $2,742
Lik $105
Cat Creek $32
Reconnaissance $29
Total Exploration Expense $2,908

Equity and Stock Options

As of September 30, 2024, the equity structure and stock options of Solitario are detailed below:

Equity Metric Amount
Total Common Shares Outstanding 81,638,418
Shareholders' Equity $23,994,000
Options Outstanding (2013 Plan) 3,173,500
Options Outstanding (2023 Plan) 2,175,000
Total Intrinsic Value of Options $728,000

Recent Developments

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario entered into an At-the-Market (ATM) offering agreement, allowing it to issue shares for up to $10 million. The company sold 1,802,060 shares under this program at an average price of $0.70 per share, generating net proceeds of $1,218,000 after commissions.

Additionally, Solitario's exploration expenses increased significantly due to intensified drilling activities at the Golden Crest Project, with a budget of approximately $3,900,000 for exploration expenditures planned for the entirety of 2024.

Marketable Securities

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario’s holdings in marketable equity securities are as follows:

Security Name Shares Held Fair Value (in thousands USD)
Kinross Gold Corp. 100,000 $936
Vox Royalty Corp. 134,055 $405
Vendetta Mining Corp. 7,750,000 $57
Total Marketable Equity Securities - $1,398


How Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) Works

Overview of Operations

Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) is engaged primarily in mineral exploration, focusing on zinc and other base metals. The company operates several projects in North America, with significant activities in Alaska, South Dakota, and Colorado.

Financial Performance

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario reported a net loss of $3,768,000, or $0.05 per share, compared to a net loss of $2,712,000, or $0.04 per share, for the same period in 2023. The increase in net loss was primarily attributed to higher exploration expenses and general administrative costs.

Financial Metric 2024 (9 months) 2023 (9 months)
Net Loss $3,768,000 $2,712,000
Loss per Share $0.05 $0.04
Total Operating Expenses $4,440,000 $2,840,000
Exploration Expense $2,908,000 $1,748,000
General and Administrative Expense $1,511,000 $1,073,000

Exploration Projects

Solitario conducts exploration activities across multiple projects, with significant expenditure directed towards the Golden Crest Project. The total exploration expense for the Golden Crest Project during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $2,742,000.

Project Name 2024 Exploration Expense (9 months) 2023 Exploration Expense (9 months)
Golden Crest $2,742,000 $1,458,000
Lik Project $105,000 $172,000
Cat Creek $32,000 $0
Reconnaissance $29,000 $118,000

Cash and Investments

As of September 30, 2024, Solitario had cash and short-term investments totaling $6,484,000. This included $6,398,000 in a money market account. The company maintains a portfolio of marketable equity securities valued at $1,398,000.

Investment Type Value (as of September 30, 2024)
Cash and Short-term Investments $6,484,000
Marketable Equity Securities $1,398,000

Shareholder Equity

As of September 30, 2024, the total shareholders' equity was reported at $23,994,000, down from $25,950,000 at the end of 2023. This decrease is primarily due to the net losses recorded during the period.

Shareholder Equity Component Amount (September 30, 2024)
Common Stock $816,000
Additional Paid-in Capital $84,588,000
Accumulated Deficit $(61,410,000)
Total Shareholders' Equity $23,994,000

Exploration Budget

For the full year of 2024, Solitario has budgeted approximately $3,900,000 for exploration expenditures, including about $1,700,000 specifically earmarked for drilling activities at the Golden Crest Project.

Market Conditions and Future Outlook

The mineral exploration sector is heavily influenced by fluctuations in commodity prices and market conditions. Solitario's exploration strategies and financial health will be closely tied to these external factors as they navigate their ongoing projects and potential acquisitions.



How Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) Makes Money

Revenue Generation

Solitario Zinc Corp. primarily generates revenue through the sale of marketable equity securities and short-term investments. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario recorded cash proceeds of $54,000 from the sale of marketable equity securities, with no comparable sales during the same period in 2023. Additionally, during the nine-month period, the company received $2,038,000 from short-term investments, significantly up from $36,000 in the prior year.

Exploration Projects

The company is engaged in several mineral exploration projects, including the Lik Project in Alaska, the Golden Crest Project in South Dakota, and the Cat Creek Project in Colorado. As of September 30, 2024, Solitario reported total exploration mineral properties valued at $16,701,000, with the Lik Project accounting for $15,611,000.

Exploration Expenses

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario's exploration expenses increased to $2,908,000, up from $1,748,000 in the same period of 2023. The Golden Crest Project alone accounted for $2,742,000 of these expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

Solitario reported general and administrative expenses of $1,511,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1,073,000 for the same period in 2023.

Cash and Short-Term Investments

As of September 30, 2024, the company had cash and short-term investments amounting to $6,484,000, with $6,398,000 held in a money market account. This liquidity supports ongoing exploration activities and operational costs.

Marketable Equity Securities

Solitario's investment portfolio includes significant holdings in various companies. As of September 30, 2024, the fair value of its marketable equity securities was as follows:

Security Shares Held Fair Value (USD)
Vendetta Mining Corp. 7,750,000 57,000
Kinross Gold Corp. 100,000 936,000
Vox Royalty Corp. 134,055 405,000

Capital Raising Activities

In the nine months ending September 30, 2024, Solitario raised $1,218,000 through the issuance of 1,802,060 shares under its at-the-market (ATM) offering agreement. This program allows the company to sell shares at prevailing market prices, providing flexibility in capital generation.

Net Loss and Earnings Per Share

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Solitario reported a net loss of $3,768,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2,712,000, or $0.04 per share in the same period of 2023.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expenses totaled $540,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $184,000 in the previous year.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Solitario anticipates utilizing its cash reserves and short-term investments to fund ongoing exploration and potential acquisitions of mineral properties. The exploration activities are expected to continue to drive expenses, necessitating effective cash management strategies.

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Resources:

  1. Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Solitario Zinc Corp. (XPL)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.