Tuesday, 31 May, 2011

Another Banner Year at Neptune

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
NTB - TSX V) (NEPT - NASDAQ)
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**********************************

Neptune's Fiscal 2011 (Feb. 28th) saw record results recording a consolidated revenue increase of 32% over the previous year by bringing in $16.6 million, compared to $12.6 million in F2010.


That achievement came despite currency losses due to the surging Canadian loonie against the U.S. dollar. That hurts when roughly 60% of Neptune`s sales are in U.S. dollars.

But as management said in releasing its year end and fourth quarter results, it is addressing the currency issue by persuing markets in Asia and Europe where currency differences aren't as sharp.

"...We increased our revenues by more than 30%, which represents our best performance in the past five years," said Frédéric Harland, Neptune`s Finance Director. Neptune`s main business is on the nutraceutical side and those numbers were impressive given that:
  • Nutriceutical revenues rose 33% compared to the same period last year to hit $16.7 million;
  • EBITDA from nutracueticals shot up 326% over last year to reach $2.9 million;

  • Net income on the nutracuetical side climbed 513% over the previous year to reach just over $2 million.

The only flat note in Neptune`s fiscal performance came in the fourth quarter with consolidated revenues falling 11.5% from the record-busting 2010 fourth quarter. Revenues were $4.1 million in last quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the stellar revenues of over $4.6 million in Q4, 2010.

We asked management about Q4, 2011 and it said while sale quantities were up, revenue was negatively affected by over $400 thousand in the currency loss brought on by the rising loonie.

The income ledger for the final quarter was also adversely affected for the above reason and higher-than-normal legal fees due to Neptune`s ongoing litigation against companies allegedly infringing on Neptune`s patents or competitors improperly using Neptune`s proprietary research.

"We are extremely pleased with the fiscal year outstanding results, in spite of the Nutraceutical business results for the three-month period ended February 28, 2011 that were negatively affected by non-recurring professional expenses," said André Godin, Neptune`s CFO.

To view the full news release, please click here.

Thursday, 26 May, 2011

Carfinco - A Terrific Growth Profile, Top Pick On BNN

Carfinco Income Fund TSX:CFN.UN
Units Outstanding: 23.97 million
Units fully diluted: 24.6 million

--------------------------------------

Carfinco is no stranger to being a Top Pick on Market Call from a guest on the BNN segment.

Yesterday, Jason Donville, President of Donville Kent Asset Management again chose Carfinco as one of his three Top Picks. The first time he made Carfinco his Top Pick was in December 2009 when he had recently started to accumulate the stock in and around the $1.45 mark.

Mr. Donville commented in yesterday's interview that Carfinco has a "terrific growth profile" and "is a really cheap stock with a really good yield and really good profile."
To view the BNN interview please click here and watch the Carfinco segment about 3:00 minutes into the piece.
About Jason Donville, President & CEO, Donville Kent Asset Management

Jason has had an illustrious career as an award-winning analyst in both Asia and Canada. Prior to founding DKAM, Mr. Donville was consistently ranked as one of the top financial services analysts in the country. In 2004 and 2005, Mr. Donville was ranked in all three financial services research categories (banks, insurance and diversified financial services) in the annual Brendan Woods surveys. Mr. Donville was also recognized as the Top Stock Picker in Diversified Financial Services in the 2004 and 2005 National Post/Starmine surveys, and ranked number 3 for forecast accuracy in 2004 in the same survey.

Smartcool Yearend Results – Positive Indicators All Around

Smartcool Systems Inc.
(SSC: TSX-V)
Basic Shares 60.2 million
Fully Diluted 77.4 million


-------------------------------------


Please click on the chart to enlarge



Smartcool’s energy saving green technology is clearly gaining traction as reflected in the company’s yearend 2010 financial results.

Revenues are up substantially, G & A is down as is the loss. Sales momentum, reduced cash burn and nearing the point of breakeven are key points when assessing junior companies and their potential. Of course, business execution and accelerated growth ultimately drive valuation.

As is seen in the bar chart:

• 2010 revenues were up 75% to $4.2 million over the $2.4 million recorded in 2009.
• Selling, G & A fell 19% to $3.2 from just over $4 million in 2009.
• The 2010 loss was cut in half to $1.5 million versus the 2009 loss of $3.3 million.
• The average monthly cash burn plunged to $32 thousand compared to $203 thousand in 2009.
• The gross margin remained a healthy 70%.

In addition to the above, Smartcool’s MD & A listed a number of 2010 highlights that are worth repeating:

• Smartcool Third Quarter Revenue up 61% over 2009
• Smartcool saves Sainsbury Energy in 104 Stores
• Smartcool succeeds in Sunshine State with 2,000 Unit Order
• Smartcool Six month Results Jump 146% over 2009
• Smartcool registers Success with African Banking Giant
• Smartcool starts $1.8 Million Rollout with European Telecom Companies
• Smartcool signs Major Distribution Agreement for SE ASIA
• Smartcool involved in Multiple Site rollout with Major US Produce Wholesaler
• Smartcool installs on 40 sites with Spanish Telecom Provider
• Smartcool named part of 2010 TSX Venture 50
• Smartcool records success within Australian Banking Industry

Subsequent to the yearend, Smartcool issued 13.33 million units and raised $4 million (gross). The majority of the funds were for the acquisition of its U.K distributor, which accounted for half of total revenues. However, the 2011 impact will be much greater as SSC will capture all revenues and not just its net portion:

• an amount of £2,200,000 GBP, of which £1,200,000 GBP is paid on closing and the remainder paid in instalments of £250,000 GBP every three months; and

• an amount equal to the net book value of Smartcool UK shares on December 31, 2010, which is approximately ₤500,000 GBP.

The thing to remember about SSC’s market is that it is massive and the company only needs to capture a microscopic portion to be highly successful. Its energy saving technologies boost the efficiency of industrial air conditioning and refrigeration compressors and are proven to reduce electricity usage by at least 10%.

How many warehouses, large grocery stores, hotels, office towers etc. are there just in North America and Europe? You get the picture!

The MD & A and audited financial statements can be seen at www.sedar.com.

Wednesday, 25 May, 2011

Carfinco - Business As Usual & Business Is Good

Carfinco Income Fund TSX:CFN.UN
Units Outstanding: 23.97 million
Units fully diluted: 24.6 million

---------------------------------------------

In January this year Carfinco hired FBR Capital Markets to evaluate whether or not a sale of the Fund was in the best interest of unitholders.

Today, the Fund announced that although there were several suitors, the Board of Trustees has decided that, "none of the proposals received to date benefited the Fund and its Unitholders sufficiently to warrant further consideration."

Management hasn't deviated from its plans for continued strong growth during the review process. Q1 numbers will be released in the next couple of weeks with an expectation that the results will be reflective of management's efforts.

Tuesday, 24 May, 2011

Smartcool's Serious Approach To Investor Relations

Smartcool Systems Inc.
(SSC: TSX-V)
Basic Shares 60.2 million
Fully Diluted 77.4 million

-------------------------------------



In a move that is reflective of the accelerated growth cycle that Smartcool believes it is entering, the company has retained the services of Murdock Capital Partners, a 20 year old New York based firm to act as its U.S. corporate consultant.

Murdock will assist Smartcool with all aspects of its financial matters, including public and media relations, seek to broaden the U.S. shareholder base through direct communications, research coverage, investor meetings with a focus on institutional clients.

This news follows the recently completed acquisition of Smartcool's UK Distributor, which management believes will drive revenues and bottom line results in 2011 and beyond.

Murdock wrote an initial report on Smartcool in late April, which can be read by clicking here......

In addition to hiring Murdock, Smartcool also announced that it has extended its contract with the Howard Group which will continue its efforts here in Canada. We've been working with SSC since September 2009 and by way of disclosure, own a substantial amount of stock and debentures.

We have spoken with the team at Murdock and believe that our two groups offer complimentary services extensively covering North America for Smartcool.

See full news release here.....

Friday, 20 May, 2011

VentriPoint In Esteemed Company

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: ~79.4 million
Fully diluted: ~99.6 million

**************************

This week VentriPoint announced that it was showcasing its’ VMS System at the 45th annual meeting for the association for European Paediatric Cardiology, a conference being held in Granada, Spain.

Click here to read the news release

This is the first time that VPT has attended such a conference with its booth shoulder to shoulder alongside GE, Phillips, Siemens and Toshiba.

The marketing here is focused upon paediatric cardiologists at a conference whose overall theme is ‘the right ventricle’, which is exactly on target with VPT ‘s specialty.

In addition, two papers are being presented:

1. "Assessment of Standard and Non-Standard Echocardiographic Acoustic Windows to Visualize the Right Ventricle in Tetralogy of Fallot" by M-P. Waiss (VentriPoint Inc.), Luc Mertens (Hospital for Sick Children,Toronto) and S. Ge (St. Christopher's Children's Hospital, Philadelphia). The study used the unique ability of the VMS(TM) to simultaneously show the 2D plane within the 3D reconstruction to overcome a lack of visualization of the RV using standard techniques in patients with blue-baby syndrome.

2. "Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Volumes: A Comparison of Different Techniques in Children after Surgical Repair for Tetralogy of Fallot."by Dragulescuet al(Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto). This study showed that the use of 2D ultrasound with VMS(TM) provided critical RV function measurementsthat were equivalent to MRI based measurements.

This is classic power marketing with two scientific presentations and a booth to showcase the product.

The VentriPoint product is new and is now coming forward front and centre on the radar screen of its target market.

Build awareness into the target market, show effectiveness to the professional , fan the flame of demand and secure sales.

This is how you build a business.

We have a video clip which is brief and shows the VPT booth:


Thursday, 19 May, 2011

Versant Analyst Highlights Neptune on BNN

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
(NTB - TSX V) (NEPT - NASDAQ)
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

*********************************

In the wake of Versant analyst Doug Loe's much touted initiating coverage report on Neptune Technologies and its 60%-0wned subsidiary Acasti Pharma, Mr. Loe appeared on BNN today to further explain why he is recommending a "Buy" of Neptune & Acasti shares.

To view the full clip, please click here.

Tuesday, 17 May, 2011

Good News For Pure Nickel - Partner Drilling Extends Copper Zone At Tower Property

Pure Nickel
(TSX: NIC)(OTCBB: PNCKF)
Basic Shares: 67.8 million
Fully Diluted: 75.5
-----------------------------
Please click on the image to enlarge...

Pure Nickel's Tower property in which Rockcliff Resources (TSX-V: RCR) can earn up to 70%, reported that 100 metre step out holes drilled south of the previous high grade copper intersections, extends the mineralization southward at the Tower Property located in central Manitoba.

The deposit remains open to the south and at depth and future drilling will target the deposit along strike to the south and to a vertical depth of 600 metres.

Significant assay results from TP11-18 to TP11-24 holes are tabulated below:


• 1.3% copper, 0.2g/t gold, 0.3% zinc, 5.2g/t silver across 2.7m including
- 1.8% copper, 0.3g/t gold, 0.4% zinc, 7.6g/t silver across 1.7m (Hole 18)

• 6.1% copper, 1.6g/t gold, 2.0% zinc, 35.9g/t silver across 4.9m including
- 10.1% copper, 1.2g/t gold, 2.6% zinc, 56.1g/t silver across 2.6m (Hole 21)

• 4.5% copper, 0.3g/t gold, 1.7% zinc, 21.4g/t silver across 3.7m including
- 10.0% copper, 0.6g/t gold, 2.8% zinc, 49.1g/t silver across 1.4m (Hole 22)

• 1.7% copper, 0.1g/t gold, 1.1% zinc, 8.9g/t silver across 2.4m including
- 3.3% copper, 0.1g/t gold, 1.1% zinc, 14.1g/t silver across 1.1m (Hole 23)

• 2.7% copper, 0.2g/t gold, 0.5% zinc, 11.1g/t silver across 2.5m including
- 3.6% copper, 0.2g/t gold, 0.7% zinc, 15.6g/t silver across 1.6m (Hole 24)

See full news release here......

New Era Opens With First Test of Next Generation Blue Box


AeroMechanical Services Ltd. (TSX:V-AMA)
Basic Shares: 118.58 million
Fully Diluted: 134.33 million

********************************
The number of AeroMechanical shares trading hands was unusually high Tuesday morning with the share price up slightly following the announcement that AeroMechanical successfully tested its latest and most sophisticated blue box for a potential client.

The test is of great interest to investors as AMA has stated that its next wave of sales would be tied to the new technology.


The prospective customer wasn't named but AeroMechanical (AMA) reported the test was conducted in England in a Hawker Beechcraft 750 aircraft.
The fascinating part about this test of the next-generation blue box, called the AFIRS 228B, is it heralds in a new era of airline safety.

For the first time, it independently demonstrated an emergency function of the 228 that gives the airline industry a new way forward by introducing space-age monitoring of aircraft and communication with pilots.

What that means for passengers is they can now fly in an aircraft where ground experts would be instantly notified of a technical problem on board their airplane - before a calamity - and those same experts could help pilots through that emergency.

Just like NASA does with its astronauts.

If that fails, the airline would at least know within seconds the precise location of the aircraft and be able to immediately call in rescuers to help passengers and crew. Why is that important?

In a recent airline mishap where the aircraft was equipped with current technology, an emergency wasn't declared until six (6) hours after the incident and many more hours passed, according to one report, before rescuers were sent in - but to the wrong location.
The test also proved the capability of the AFIRS 228B to monitor in real time the functioning of the aircraft for maintenance purposes and its use - or more importantly - its excessive use of fuel.

In this era of high fuel prices, studies have shown that just the fuel monitoring capability of a blue box can save airlines up to $100 thousand dollars per year, per aircraft.

To read the full news release, please click here.

Monday, 16 May, 2011

Solid Releases New Assays – Moving To A Resource Model!

Solid Resources (SRW - TSX.V)

Shares Outstanding - 79.37 million
Fully Diluted - 137.42 million
-------------------------------------




Highlights – Tin 1,042ppm, Tantalum 182ppm, Niobium 146ppm




Solid is now on the record that it will a construct a resource model based on today’s release of assay results from holes 5 – 10 of its 29 hole program at its North-western Spain, rare metals property.

Drilling to date has shown that the mineralized dykes are much longer and thicker than anticipated. All of the released drill results are from the northern section of the property, which is being eyed as a potential low cost open pit operation.

Below is a summary of the assay results from the press release. Please consider the “Inclusive” results as an average. Note: 1 lb = 454 ppm/g/t. Tin = $14/lb. Tantalum = $130/lb. Niobium = $21/lb. Rubidium = $12/g.

Please click on the images to expand

The remaining results will be announced in the coming weeks.



Investors should be aware that the company is completing this drill program on time and on budget. Of note the Spanish government provides Solid with a 20% subsidy for the work being done on this property.

To view the full release, please click here.

Friday, 13 May, 2011

Respected Analyst Says Buy Neptune & Acasti

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
(NTB - TSX V) (NEPT - NASDAQ)
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

******************************************

* NOTE: This is a re-issue of a blog originally posted two days ago. It was sent out again because the Internet site 'Blogger" was shut down shortly after the first post and subsequently the original Neptune blog was lost in the process. Sorry for the inconvenience and here it is again:

BUY sums up in one word the conclusions by Versant Partners analyst, Doug Loe, in an exhaustive, 87-page initiating coverage report on Neptune Technologies and a small report on its 60% owned subsidiary, Acasti Pharma.

Of meaning to investors and those watching the company is his one-year target price of $6 dollars on Neptune (NTB) and $3 dollars on Acasti.

NTB’s May 11th closing price was $2.80 (CDN) and Acasti was $1.01.

Unfortunately, we can’t publish the Versant Partners’ report, which was subtitled: “Krill oil franchise poised to outperform in multiple consumer and medical markets”. Here, however, are a few points from the report.

The Versant Partners' report pinned its share price targets not only on the business Neptune has in hand, but also its future. With NTB’s fiscal yearend being February, Mr. Loe is calling for:

* F2012 revenues of $21.79 million and earnings $4.34 million ($0.09 EPS)
* F2013 revenues of $32.39 million and earnings of $8.81 million ($0.17 EPS)
* F2014 revenues of $45.37 million and earnings of $15.69 million ($0.30 EPS)

He cited management plans to meet forecasted demand by increasing current plant production from 130 thousand kilograms of krill oil per year to 430 thousand kilograms per year by 2015, a 300% production increase.

But by far, the biggest foundation Mr. Loe constructed on which to base his conclusions came from his meticulous research into the product itself – Neptune Krill Oil or NKO as it is branded on the market - and all its further refined products, such as Acasti’s drug candidate called ‘CaPre’.

Along the way, he also gave a significant nod to the functional food alliances Neptune developed with Yoplait – owned 50% by General Mills – and the food manufacturing behemoth, Nestle.

Mr. Loe wrote that both Yoplait and Nestle “should conclude development,” of their research into Neptune Krill Oil by the end of this year. Assuming all goes well, Mr. Loe estimated that the sales of krill-oil infused food products by these giants would be a major revenue driver for Neptune in 2013/14.

Another factor on the plus side, Mr. Loe wrote, was the recent financing which left Neptune with an estimated $17.6 million in the bank and total debt of $5 million.

Should you have a question of Mr. Loe, you can email him at dloe@versantpartners.com but be patient as his inbox tends to be constantly overflowing.

Right on Track ....VentriPoint’s 5th installation

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: ~79.4 million
Fully diluted: ~99.6 million

***************************

VentriPoint set a target last fall to manufacture and deploy 10 VMS 3D heart analysis units by the end of this June. In short, it is right on schedule with an additional 2 in the USA, 2 in Canada and 1 in Europe slated for installation in the coming weeks.

Today’s announcement regarding the Riley’s Hospital for Children in Indianapolis is a strategic placement as this hospital is an active Research Center and has a reputation for early adoption of leading technologies.

The news release also has telling quotes from the team involved who are enthusiastic and supportive of the VMS technology.

An additional VPT goal was to assess the level of support required for a highly utilized unit. According to the company, the great news is that very little support is required.

The company forecasts deploying over a hundred units next year and now believes the support group needed for deployment and maintenance is much smaller than originally anticipated. The issues and concerns surrounding deployment are now first and foremost on the company’s agenda as demand for the VMS system has stretched the company’s manpower resources.

VentriPoint needs to gear up for this demand and will be hiring new technical personnel once it completes a recently announced financing announced May 11, 2011. Click here to read the announcement

If anyone has interest in the non-brokered financing please contact the writer or the company.


To read the full news release, please click here.................

As a national leader in children’s health care, Riley Hospital is operated by Clarian Health Partners.

The hospital is consistently ranked among the nation’s best children’s health facilities.

Riley Hospital is Indiana‘s only comprehensive children’s hospital, and is located in downtown Indianapolis.


Thursday, 12 May, 2011

Respected Analyst Rates Neptune & Acasti a 'Buy'

NTB - TSX V) (NEPT - NASDAQ)
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

*************************************

BUY sums up in one word the conclusions by Versant Partners analyst, Doug Loe, in an exhaustive, 87-page initiating coverage report on Neptune Technologies and a small report on its 60% owned subsidiary, Acasti Pharma.

Of meaning to investors and those watching the company is his one-year target price of $6 dollars on Neptune and $3 dollars on Acasti.

NTB’s May 11th closing price was $2.80 (CDN) and Acasti was $1.01.

Unfortunately, we can’t publish the Versant Partners’ report, which was subtitled: “Krill oil franchise poised to outperform in multiple consumer and medical markets”. Here, however, are a few points from the report.

The Versant Partners report pinned its share price targets not only on the business Neptune has in hand, but also its future. With NTB’s fiscal year end being February, Mr. Loe is calling for:

* F2012 revenues of $21.79 million and earnings $4.34 million ($0.09 EPS)
* F2013 revenues of $32.39 million and earnings of $8.81 million ($0.17 EPS)
* F2014 revenues of $45.37 million and earnings of $15.69 million ($0.30 EPS)

He cited management plans to meet forecasted demand by increasing current plant production from 130 thousand kilograms of krill oil per year to 430 thousand kilograms per year by 2015, a 300% production increase.

But by far, the biggest foundation Mr. Loe constructed on which to base his conclusions came from his meticulous research into the product itself – Neptune Krill Oil or NKO as it is branded on the market - and all its further refined products, such as Acasti’s drug candidate called ‘CaPre’.

Along the way, he also gave a significant nod to the functional food alliances Neptune developed with Yoplait – owned 50% by General Mills – and the food manufacturing behemoth, Nestle.

Mr. Loe wrote that both Yoplait and Nestle “should conclude development,” of their research into Neptune Krill Oil by the end of this year.

Assuming all goes well, Mr. Loe estimated that the sales of krill-oil infused food products by these giants would be a major revenue driver for Neptune in 2013/14.

A very recent financing has left Neptune with an estimated $17.6 million in the bank and total debt of $5 million.

Should you have a question of Mr. Loe, you can email him at dloe@versantpartners.com but be patient as his inbox tends to be constantly overflowing.

Thursday, 5 May, 2011

VentriPoint – Advisory Board Appointment

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: ~79.4 million
Fully diluted: ~99.6 million
***************************



VentriPoint
keeps attracting the best and the brightest.


Today’s news release is about bringing Dr. Richard Krasuski on to the Scientific Advisory board .

Dr. Krasuski is the head of a group at the Cleveland clinic, which is arguably the top cardiac center in the world. Dr. Adams is ecstatic about this appointment as he believes Dr. Krasuski is ideal for VentriPoint. Dr Krasuski leads both the adult congenital heart disease service, as well as the pulmonary hypertension clinic within the Cleveland Clinic. These are the current applications VMS has developed and will be validating on clinical studies this summer.


On top of this , not only is Dr.Krasuski clearly qualified, but his enthusiasm about the VMS product was instant and genuine.

Good things happen to companies which have talent, technology, and enthusiasm...


To read today's news , please click here



To take a look into this man's background, click here...........






Wednesday, 4 May, 2011

Ventripoint - Moving Faster Than Projected

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: ~79.4 million
Fully diluted: ~99.6 million

**************************

The market needs markers to assess the potential of emerging growth stories. VentriPoint isn't only putting up sign posts, its installed lights to mark the roadway!

VPT's technology utilizing basic ultrasound images to create 3D images of the heart is at the pre-commercialization stage. Under the leadership of relatively new CEO and successful entrepreneur Dr. George Adams, the company was on the record that it would install 10 of its systems in 2011. The timetable has been dramatically expedited due to the interest from the cardiology community.

In its 2010 year end MD&A (Management Discussion & Analysis) and news release, the company noted the first 10 installations would be completed by the end of Q2 AND it would be building and installing more systems than projected.

"The Company currently has completed the installation of 4 VMS units, and is scheduling and
coordinating the installation of the remaining 6 systems by end of second quarter 2011. The Company’s VMS is currently installed at Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Children’s’ Medical Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska; Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; and Oregon Health & Sciences in Portland, Oregon. The Company is prioritizing the six remaining sites based upon a number of factors, including, the nature of the clinical studies being considered and the timing to publish and present results. With the strong interest from additional new potentials institutions, the Company’s pipeline for VMS deployments is now in excess of its planned 10 sites through June 2011."

It must be noted that VentriPoint in a very short period of time has attracted high profile doctors to its Scientific Advisory Board, is receiving a growing list of independent endorsements and is moving faster on its business plan than expected. VPT is looking to sell 100 or more systems in 2012.

The core assertion of VPT and that which is now being independently verified is that its technology is equivalent to an MRI at significantly less cost. In addition, the VMS technology is quick versus the MRI procedure and as an "add-on" to ultrasound units, the potential global install base is massive.

Keep watch on this company that is currently trading between $0.15 and $0.20.

To read the MD&A go to www.sedar .com and the news release, click here.

Monday, 2 May, 2011

Solid's First Assays - Positive Signs

Solid Resources (SRW - TSX.V)
Shares Outstanding - 79.37 million
Fully Diluted - 137.42 million
-------------------------------------


The assays from the first three of twenty-nine drill holes at the company's rare metals and tin property in Spain suggest Solid is a bit closer to its goal of proving sufficient reserves to move ahead on an open pit operation.

The current program was designed to expand reserves identified in a 43-101 report from 2003 and 2005 drill activity. This summer's objective is to complete a new 43-101 reserve report based on the results of the 29 hole program. On the basis that the drill bit and Mother Nature are kind and assays remain positive, Solid wants to prove bankable reserves that will be the catalyst for an open pit operation on the northern portion of the Spanish property.

A key statement in today's news release was discussion about the thickness of the dykes that hold the mineralization being Tin, Tantalum, Lithium, Rubidium and Niobium. The 2003 and 2005 drill program encountered the mineralised dykes with a maximum thickness of 11 meters whereas the average in the current drilling is 16.25 meters with a maximum thickness of 26 meters.

In addition to the thickness, hole number three struck just over 10 meters of high mineralization.

When reviewing the news release, use the calculation that 10,000 ppm = 1% or 22 lbs.

Click here to read the news release.

To understand the uses of these rare earth metals, click here to see Solid's presentation.