Greetings Contrarian,

This is The Next Big Rush, your daily drop of mining and energy investing news. Where we come together and exercise at the gym.

Here are the highlights:

🔥 Lithium Hits 20-month Low

🤝 Outcrop and Zacapa Merge

🤣 Meme Of The Day

🔥 Lithium Hits 20-month Low

The lithium market has experienced significant price fluctuations in the past five years due to rising demand from electric cars and supply challenges. Recent data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported a 10.7% decrease in the global lithium index over two weeks, primarily influenced by reduced hydroxide prices stemming from lower demand in China.

These declines in Asian prices impacted European and North American markets, where hydroxide prices dropped by 35% year to date. However, technical grade carbonate prices in China showed a slight increase, hinting at potential market stabilization.

Spodumene concentrate prices also decreased, and future projections suggest a global increase in lithium production. Australia, a major lithium producer, is expected to see its global share reduce from 50% to 40% by 2025.

Fire in the hull!

🤝 Outcrop and Zacapa Merge

Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. (TSXV: OCG) and Zacapa Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ZACA) have agreed to an amalgamation where a subsidiary of Outcrop will merge with Zacapa. Post-amalgamation, Zacapa shares will be exchanged for Outcrop shares at a four-for-one rate.

Zacapa Shareholders are expected to hold roughly 12% of Outcrop's common shares once the transaction is complete. The merged entity aims to bolster Outcrop's exploration and development endeavors, reduce costs, and increase market exposure. For Zacapa shareholders, the merger offers the potential of being part of a larger, diversified entity with better market access.

The finalization of this transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and is anticipated to conclude in October 2023.

Zacapa is up quite a bit following the news. Hmmm.

📰 In Other News:

🤣 Meme Of The Day

Happy Speculating!

The Editor

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.