OK, a quick brief.
Potash is the main component of fertiliser.
http://www.pda.org.uk/whatsk.html
Potash prices are expected to treble over the next three years as demand outstrips supply. There is unprecedented demand for potash from the BRIC block of emerging countries. Especially China which is still predominantly an agricultural economy.
The largest potash producer in the world, BHP, has launched a hostile takeover for PotashCorp which is the second largest producer. If this merger goes through - which looks likely - China will be totally reliant on the West for its potash requirement. So China needs to source its own potash supply, which is where Sirius could massively benefit.
SXX holds three primary sites (Derby Salts, Queensland, North Dakota) which it owns outright. All are in known potash areas.
The Chinese are defintely watching Sirius. Just two months ago, China's second largest potash company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop Sirius's Queensland site. If this goes ahead, then the CHinese would pay for all of the mining for a guaranteed supply of the potash there.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/small-talk-britains-only-listed-potash-miner-signs-deal-with-chinese-2066282.html
The expected newsflow is also massive. In just the next three months:
- North Dakota will commence drilling, and if resource is confirmed then development of mine will commence.
- Results from Derby Salts seismic will be interpreted.
- MOU with Chinese expected to be formalised into long-term contract at Queensland
Just one of these 'plays' to come off will multiply the current SP many times.
The biggest upside of Sirius, however, is the management team. The Chairman is Chris Catlow, formerly of Fortescue Metals. He was CFO when Fortescue went from a 4c SP to $122 (3000%!!!) in just 4 years. Fortescue owned the mines, but Catlow was the one who raised $4bn from the markets to drill the iron deposits from the mines. Sirius has the same problem - 100% ownership but no money to drill and mine. Catlow seems to be the right man to raise the investment required, especially as he now is known to the money markets.
He owns 15% of SXX, and has further 10% options. Considering he is worth $300m personally, his salary is only £30k per annum. For him to leave Fortescue, he must see massive potential in SXX as he obviously isnt working for his £30k salary!
As always, DYOR.