VMS Deposits of the World

Source: Copper Investing News, Leia Michele Toovey (2/24/11)

"Volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits are an important source of copper."

Although not the world’s primary source of copper, volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are an important source of the metal. These deposits also supply significant zinc, lead, gold and silver. VMS deposits haven't always been miners' first choice, as they are generally small and can be difficult to process. However, technological advances and the recent bull run in the copper price has piqued explorers' interest.

While VMS deposits can take on a variety of morphologies, they typically occur as lenses of polymetallic massive sulfide that form at or near the seafloor in submarine volcanic environments. The most distinguishing feature among all types of VMS deposits is that they are formed in extensional tectonic settings, including both oceanic seafloor spreading and arc environments.

VMS deposits are grouped according to host rock type and on the basis of ore composition. In terms of host rock type classification, VMS deposits have been classified in three ways:

Felsic volcanic hosted, which are the most popular category and account for 50% of deposits.

Mafic volcanic hosted, which accounts for 30% of deposits.

Mixed volcanic/sedimentary association, which account for 20% of deposits.

On the basis of ore composition, VMS deposits form two broad groups: copper/zinc and zinc/lead/copper. Economically significant quantities of silver and gold can occur in all above-mentioned deposit types.

VMS deposits are particularly prevalent in Canada. Out of the world's ~800 known VMS deposits, nearly 350 are in Canada. Canadian VMS deposits account for 27% of the country's copper production, 49% of its zinc and 40% of its silver. Worldwide, VMS deposits account for much less copper production, at an estimated 6%. However, 22% of the world's zinc, 9.7% of lead, 8.7% of silver and 2.2% of gold are extracted from VMS deposits.

Novavax Shares Shoot 65% Higher on Phase 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Trial's 89.3% Effectiveness
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/29/2021)

Novavax Inc. shares established a new 52-week high after the firm's COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated an 89.3% efficacy rate in a Phase 3 trial in the U.K. and also showed efficacy against the South African variant in a Phase 2b trial.

Abiomed Shares Gain 8% After Firm Announces Record Q3 Revenue of $232 Million
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/28/2021)

Shares of cardiac medical device maker Abiomed Inc. traded higher after the company reported record revenue for Q3/21 despite the impact from COVID-19.

Sorrento Shares Rise 35% After Firm Posts Positive Data from Phase 1b ICU COVID-19 Trial
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/27/2021)

Shares of Sorrento Therapeutics traded higher after the company released positive preliminary results from it of Phase 1b COVI-MSC™ Study for treatment of hospitalized ICU COVID-19 patients.

Junior Mining Sector 'the Best Value in the Space'
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/27/2021)

The StreetSmart Live! Broadcast on Jan. 26, 2021, focused on metals and why now is a good time for investors to be looking at them and the mining space. John Newell, independent analyst and portfolio manager, and John Feneck, mining sector expert and president of Feneck Consulting, addressed the status of the current metals market. CEOs of the three metals-focused companies comprising the Metallic Group of Companies—Group Ten Metals, Metallic Minerals and Granite Creek Copper—discussed their projects.

Vir Shares Climb 48% on Initial Phase 1 Chronic Hepatitis B Trial Data
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/26/2021)

Vir Biotechnology shares traded higher after the company reported data from its Phase 1 Chronic Hepatitis B Study that showed VIR-3434 significantly and rapidly reduced hepatitis B surface antigen.

Aurinia Pharma Shares Open at 52-Week High as FDA Approves Adult Lupus Nephritis Drug
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/25/2021)

Shares of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals traded 30% higher after the company reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its LUPKYNIS™ (voclosporin) for use in treating adults with active lupus nephritis.

AzurRx Doses First Two People in Expanded Phase 2b Trial of Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/22/2021)

AzurRx BioPharma shares traded 45% higher after the firm advised it had dosed the first two patients in its Phase 2b OPTION 2 Extension Study of MS1819 for treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis.

NGL Energy Shares Rise 21% as It Seeks to Raise $2.05 Billion from Senior Secured Note Offering
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/21/2021)

Shares of NGL Energy Partners LP traded higher after the firm made a series of announcements over the past three days regarding an update on financial operations, a settlement with a customer in bankruptcy, a quarterly Class D unit distribution and a $2.05 billion senior secured debt offering.

Explorer Discovers New Gold Mineralization at Abitibi Gold Belt Property
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/21/2021)

iMetal Resources is setting out to see if the multi-million ounce gold resource next door continues onto its Gowganda West property in Ontario.

Gritstone Oncology Licenses LNP Platform from Genevant Sciences to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/20/2021)

Shares of Gritstone Oncology reached a new 52-week high price after the company advised it entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Genevant Sciences to develop and commercialize self-amplifying RNA vaccines for use against SARS-CoV-2.