Erin Ventures, Uniper, BASF - How business continues to grow outside Germany

Erin Ventures - On the wave of success with boron

Boron is a chemical element in the periodic table of elements with the symbol B and atomic number 5. The trivalent, rare semimetal occurs in deposits worth mining and is enriched there. Boron compounds are finding major use in industries that will be the future in the coming years. For example, elemental boron is used for control rods in nuclear reactors, in radiation protective clothing, and in use for radiation shielding on walls. In the defense industry, it is used in armor and bulletproof vests. Boron is also used in the automotive industry for brake and clutch linings. And in agriculture, boron is an important ingredient in crop protection products.

This industrial diversity encourages the Canadian company Erin Ventures, a junior explorer specializing in boron. The boron market is estimated at USD 4 billion per year. Boron is rare and is found in only seven countries worldwide. In the middle of Serbia, the Company is working its way into the boron deposits there. The boron deposit, named "Piskanja", is 100% owned by Erin Ventures, with a measured mineral resource of 1.39 million t (approx. 35.59% B2O3), an Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.48 million t (approx. 34.05% B2O3) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 284.7 t (approx. 39.59% B2O3).

For planned production, Erin Ventures expects to produce at least 200,000 t/year. That gives them a market penetration of just under 5%. Sales are focused on the European and Asian markets, which account for over 50% of global demand.

Uniper - In the end, the taxpayer pays for the ailing Group

Uniper has been under pressure since June 16 because the Russian Group Gazprom is supplying only 40% of the contractually guaranteed gas volumes. As of a few days ago, it is only 20%. In order to continue supplying customers with the promised volumes, Uniper has to procure replacements on the market - but these are very expensive due to the current situation. So now the German government is stepping in and securing financial support for the struggling company. Chancellor Scholz pledges EUR 15 billion in support of the gas supplier. But investors should not forget one thing: the price for the expensive gas is passed on directly to consumers. Thus, in the end, it is the German taxpayer who pays for the bailout, which has been raised to a high PR level.

Let's not kid ourselves - the dependence on Russian gas poses an immense threat to Germany as a business location. Looking closely, you will also see Europe in a tight spot. That is why a shift of investments to non-European assets or raw materials at the beginning of the production chain makes perfect sense in these crisis-ridden times. With good reason, the Uniper share is sliding down this week.

BASF - China business becomes a success factor

BASF is the world market leader for boron-containing crop protection products. These crop protection products provide micronutrients that are used by plants in small quantities. Micronutrients include zinc, boron, copper, manganese and iron. Consumption of micronutrients in agriculture is increasing rapidly as micronutrient deficiencies in the soil increase, along with the need for food to meet the demands of the growing population.

The global agricultural micronutrient market is expected to grow from USD 5.8 million in 2018 to USD 11 million in 2030, at a CAGR of 7.12% throughout the forecast period, i.e. 2019-30. The EU Commission, on the other hand, wants more renaturation and presents draft law to reduce pesticides by 50%.

BASF is therefore focusing strongly on Expansion in China to remain on track for success. BASF AG's figures for the first half of the year went well. Sales and profits increased by 17% and 11% respectively compared to the previous year. Based on this positive development, the Group has raised its annual targets for 2022. Instead of the previous EUR 74 billion to EUR 77 billion, sales are now expected to be between EUR 86 billion and EUR 89 billion. The earnings forecast (EBIT) has also increased to between EUR 6.8 and 7.2 billion.

As soon as a government puts together rescue packages, the taxpayer pays. Uniper will pass on prices to consumers to ensure its survival. By cutting Gazprom's gas supplies to 20% instead of 40%, it will have to get the coveted energy elsewhere - at the appropriate market rates. A company like junior explorer Erin Ventures is in a better position. There are boron deposits in only seven countries worldwide, and the Canadian company has secured a large area in Serbia for production. Boron is a sought-after element, whether for use in building alternative energy sources such as nuclear power plants or in agriculture for crop protection. Numerous industries need boron to make their products work. BASF AG is also a potential boron customer. With their agricultural division, they are a producer of crop protection products. Thanks to their global locations, the Group can announce growth to its investors through business in China.