Biggest changeActual events or results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, timing of new and pending regulations and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; the U.S. government’s failure to promulgate regulations that benefit our business; changes in laws and regulations, accounting rules, prices, economic conditions and market demand; impact of competition; availability, cost of and demand for alternative energy sources and other technologies; technical, start up and operational difficulties; our inability to commercialize our APT technologies on favorable terms; our inability to ramp up our operations to effectively address recent and expected growth in our business; loss of key personnel; availability of materials and equipment for our business; intellectual property infringement claims from third parties; pending litigation; as well as other factors relating to our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning the Arq Acquisition (including future operations, future performance or results); the effect of the Arq Acquisition on our ability to hire key personnel; our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other with whom we do business, or our results of operations and business generally; risks related to diverting management's attention from our ongoing business operations; the ability to meet Nasdaq's listing standards following the consummation of the Arq Acquisition; costs related to the Arq Acquisition; opportunities for additional sales of our lignite AC products and end-market diversification; our ability to meet customer supply requirements; the rate of coal-fired power generation in the U.S., as described in our filings with the SEC, with particular emphasis on the risk factor disclosures contained in those filings.
Biggest changeActual events or results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, timing of new and pending regulations and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; the U.S. government’s failure to promulgate regulations that benefit our business; changes in laws and regulations, accounting rules, prices, economic conditions and market demand; impact of competition; availability, cost of and demand for alternative energy 8 sources and other technologies; technical, start up and operational difficulties; competition within the industries in which the Company operates; our inability to commercialize our APT products on favorable terms; our inability to effectively and efficiently commercialize new products; changes in construction costs or availability of construction materials; our inability to effectively manage construction and startup of the Red River GAC Facility or Corbin Facility; our inability to obtain required financing or financing on terms that are favorable to us; our inability to ramp up our operations to effectively address recent and expected growth in our business; loss of key personnel; ongoing effects of the inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty, including from the ongoing pandemic and armed conflicts around the world, and such uncertainty's effect on market demand and input costs; availability of materials and equipment for our business; intellectual property infringement claims from third parties; pending litigation; as well as other factors relating to our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning the Arq Acquisition (including future operations, future performance or results); our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business and meet supply requirements, or its results of operations and business generally; risks related to diverting management's attention from our ongoing business operations; the ability to meet Nasdaq's listing standards following the consummation of the Transaction; costs related to the Arq Acquisition; opportunities for additional sales of our activated carbon products and end-market diversification; the timing and scope of new and pending regulations and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; our ability to meet customer supply requirements; the rate of coal-fired power generation in the U.S., the timing and cost of capital expenditures and the resultant impact to our liquidity and cash flows as described in our filings with the SEC, with particular emphasis on the risk factor disclosures contained in those filings.
Below is a summary of the primary legislation and regulation that currently affects the market for our current products. Federal MATS Affecting Electric Utility Steam Generating Units The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") final "MATS Rule" went into effect in April 2012.
Below is a summary of the primary legislation and regulation that currently affects the market for our current products. Federal MATS Affecting Electric Utility Steam Generating Units The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") final "MATS Rule" went into effect in April 2012.
The Term Loan has a term of 48 months and bears interest at a rate equal to either (a) Adjusted Term SOFR (subject to a 1.00% floor and a 2.00% cap) plus a margin of 9.00% paid in cash and 5.00% paid in kind or (b) Base Rate plus a margin of 8.00% paid in cash and 5.00% paid in kind, which interest on the Term Loan in each case shall be payable (or capitalized, in the case of in kind interest) quarterly in arrears.
The CFG Loan has a term of 48 months and bears interest at a rate equal to either (a) Adjusted Term SOFR (subject to a 1.00% floor and a 2.00% cap) plus a margin of 9.00% paid in cash and 5.00% paid in kind or (b) Base Rate plus a margin of 8.00% paid in cash and 5.00% paid in kind, which interest on the CFG Loan in each case shall be payable (or capitalized, in the case of in kind interest) quarterly in arrears.
AC has been adopted as the most widely-used technology to capture mercury due to product efficiency and effectiveness, and currently accounts for the majority of the mercury control consumables in the North American market.
AC has been adopted as the most widely-used technology to capture mercury due to product efficiency and 1 effectiveness, and currently accounts for the majority of the mercury control consumables in the North American market.
Markets AC is a specialized sorbent material that is used widely in a host of industrial and consumer applications to remove impurities, contaminants and pollutants from gas, water and other product or waste streams. AC is produced by activating carbonaceous raw materials, including wood, coal, nut shells, resins and petroleum pitch.
Products and Markets AC is a specialized sorbent material that is used widely in a host of industrial and consumer applications to remove impurities, contaminants and pollutants from gas, water, soil and other product or waste streams. AC is produced by activating carbonaceous raw materials, including wood, coal, nut shells, resins and petroleum pitch.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are presented as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements unless required by law to do so. 15
The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are presented as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements unless required by law to do so. 9
Available Information Our periodic and current reports are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and are available free of charge within 24 hours after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC at the Company’s website at www.advancedemissionssolutions.com.
Available Information Our periodic and current reports are filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and are available free of charge within 24 hours after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC at the Company’s website at www.arq.com.
Most of the North American coal-fired power generators installed equipment to control air pollutants, such as mercury, prior to or since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS"). However, many power generators need consumable products to complement the operation of installed equipment on a recurring basis to chemically and physically capture mercury and other contaminants.
Most of the North American coal-fired power generators installed equipment to control air pollutants, such as mercury, prior to or since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS"). However, many power generators need consumable products to complement the operation of installed equipment on a recurring basis to more effectively capture mercury and other contaminants.
Arq Powder has unique properties, including low levels of impurities and small average particle size, which when used as a feedstock to produce certain carbon products may provide for advantages compared to coal or oil-based feedstocks in terms of cost and performance.
Arq Powder has unique properties, including low levels of impurities and small average particle size, which when used as a feedstock to produce certain carbon products may provide for advantages compared to lignite coal, other bituminous coals, or oil-based feedstocks in terms of cost and performance.
For the purification of water, AC has been used in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater, contaminated soil and groundwater to adsorb compounds causing unpleasant taste and odor and other contaminants. Both industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants have deployed the use of AC in their treatment processes.
For the purification of water, our AC products have been used in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater, contaminated soil and groundwater to adsorb compounds causing unpleasant taste and odor and other toxic contaminants. Both industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants have deployed the use of our AC products in their treatment processes.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is referred to as the "Form 10-K" or the "Report." As used in this Report, the terms the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" means ADES and its consolidated subsidiaries.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is referred to as the "Form 10-K" or the "Report." As used in this Report, the terms the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" means Arq, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors, the summer months historically have the highest demand for PAC, as one of the major uses for PAC is for the treatment of taste and odor episodes caused by increased degradation of organic contaminants and natural materials in water during the summer.
Depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors, the summer months historically have the highest demand for our PAC products in water treatment. One of the major uses for PAC is for the treatment of taste and odor episodes caused by increased degradation of organic contaminants and natural materials in water that occurs during the summer months.
Key markets include removal of pollutants from coal-fired electrical generation and other industrial processes, treatment of drinking and waste waters, industrial acid gas and odor removal, automotive gasoline emission control, soil and ground water remediation and food and beverage process and product purification.
Key markets for AC products include removal of pollutants from coal-fired electrical generation and other industrial processes, treatment of drinking and waste waters, industrial and renewable gas purification and odor removal, automotive gasoline emission control, soil and ground water remediation and food and beverage process and product purification.
In 2018, we acquired ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC ("Carbon Solutions") as a means to enter into the broader activated carbon ("AC") market and to expand our product offerings in the mercury control industry and other applicable AC markets.
In 2018, we acquired ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC ("Carbon Solutions") to enter into the broader AC market and to expand our product offerings in the mercury control industry and other applicable AC markets.
The Five Forks Mine operates in Louisiana, which has achieved primacy and issues permits in lieu of the OSM. The Marshall Mine operates in Texas, which has also achieved primacy and issues permits in lieu of the OSM.
The Five Forks Mine operates in Louisiana, which has achieved primacy and issues permits in lieu of the OSM.
Words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "predicts," the negative expressions of such words, or similar expressions are used in this Report to identify forward-looking statements, and such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements or expectations regarding: (a) the anticipated effects from an increase in pricing of our AC products; (b) the anticipated effects from an increase in costs of our AC products and related cost increases in supply and logistics; (c) expected supply and demand for our AC products and services; (d) increasing competition in the AC market; (e) the effects of the Arq Acquisition; (f) the ability to successfully integrate Arq's business; (g) the ability to develop and utilize Arq’s products and technology; (h) the ability to make Arq's products commercially viable; (i) the expected future demand of Arq's products; (j) future level of research and development activities; (k) future plant capacity expansions and site development projects; (l) the effectiveness of our technologies and the benefits they provide; (m) probability of any loss occurring with respect to certain guarantees made by Tinuum Group; (n) the timing of awards of, and work and related testing under, our contracts and agreements and their value; (o) the timing and amounts of or changes in future revenues, backlog, funding for our business and projects, margins, expenses, earnings, tax rates, cash flows, royalty payment obligations, working capital, liquidity and other financial and accounting measures; (p) the amount of future capital expenditures needed for our business and needed by Arq to fund its business plan; (q) awards of patents designed to protect our proprietary technologies both in the U.S. and other countries; (r) the adoption and scope of regulations to control certain chemicals in drinking water and other environmental concerns; (s) the impact of adverse global macroeconomic conditions, including rising interest rates, recession fears and inflationary pressures, and geopolitical events or conflicts; and (t) opportunities to effectively provide solutions to U.S. coal-related businesses to comply with regulations, improve efficiency, lower costs and maintain reliability.
In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "estimates,", "may", "predicts," the negative expressions of such words, or similar expressions, and such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements or expectations regarding: (a) the anticipated effects from an increase in pricing of our AC products; (b) the anticipated effects from an increase in costs of our AC products and related cost increases in supply and logistics; (c) expected supply and demand for our AC products and services; (d) increasing competition in the AC market; 7 (e) the ability to successfully integrate Legacy Arq's business; (f) the ability to develop and utilize Legacy Arq’s products and technology; (g) the ability to make Legacy Arq's products commercially viable; (h) the expected future demand of Legacy Arq's products; (i) future level of research and development activities; (j) future plant capacity expansions and site development projects, including the GAC Facility; (k) the effectiveness of our technologies and the benefits they provide; (l) probability of any loss occurring with respect to certain guarantees made by Tinuum Group; (m) the timing of awards of, and work and related testing under, our contracts and agreements and their value; (n) the timing and amounts of or changes in future revenue, backlog, funding for our business and projects, margins, expenses, earnings, tax rates, cash flows, royalty payment obligations, working capital, liquidity and other financial and accounting measures; (o) the amount of future capital expenditures needed to fund our business plan; (p) awards of patents designed to protect our proprietary technologies both in the U.S. and other countries; (q) the adoption and scope of regulations to control certain chemicals in drinking water and other environmental concerns; (r) the impact of adverse global macroeconomic conditions, including rising interest rates, recession fears and inflationary pressures, and geopolitical events or conflicts; (s) opportunities to effectively provide solutions to U.S. coal-related businesses to comply with regulations, improve efficiency, lower costs and maintain reliability; (t) the impact of prices of competing power generation sources such as natural gas and renewable energy on demand for our products; and (u) bank failures or other events affecting financial institutions.
Groundwater contamination has become a matter of increasing concern to federal and state governments as well as to the public, especially over recent years. The U.S. AC market may see significant growth from water purification markets, especially if future regulations are passed controlling certain chemicals in drinking water. At present, individual states are primarily responsible for the protection of groundwater.
Groundwater contamination has become a matter of increasing concern to federal and state governments as well as to the public, especially over recent years. The U.S. AC market may see significant growth from water purification markets, especially if future regulations are passed controlling certain chemicals in drinking water.
Our expectations are based on certain assumptions, including without limitation, that: (a) coal will continue to be a significant source of fuel for electrical generation in the U.S.; (b) we will continue as a key supplier of consumables to the coal-fired power generation industry as it seeks to implement reduction of mercury emissions; (c) we will be able to obtain adequate capital and personnel resources to meet our operating needs and to fund anticipated growth and our indemnity obligations; (d) Norit will continue to purchase Furnace Products from us under the Supply Agreement in the quantities specified; (e) we will be able to establish and retain key business relationships with current and other companies; (f) orders we anticipate receiving will be received; 14 (g) we will be able to formulate new consumables that will be useful to, and accepted by, the markets; (h) we will be able to effectively compete against others; and (i) we will be able to meet any technical requirements of projects we undertake.
Our expectations are based on certain assumptions, including without limitation, that: (a) coal will continue to be a significant source of fuel for electrical generation in the U.S.; (b) we will continue as a key supplier of consumables to the coal-fired power generation industry as it seeks to implement reduction of mercury emissions; (c) we will be able to obtain adequate capital and personnel resources to meet our operating needs and to fund anticipated growth and our indemnity obligations; (d) significant customers will continue to purchase consumables from us; (e) we will be able to establish and retain key business relationships with current and other companies; (f) orders we anticipate receiving will be received; (g) we will be able to formulate new consumables that will be useful to, and accepted by, the markets; (h) we will be able to effectively compete against others; (i) we will be able to meet any technical requirements of projects we undertake; and (j) existing environmental regulations such as MATS stay in place.
Demand for our AC products related to coal-fired electricity generation is dependent on the availability and cost of alternative energy sources, such as natural gas, solar and wind energy. We see opportunities to continue pursuing diverse markets for our purification products outside of coal-fired power generation, including industrial applications, water treatment plants and other markets.
Demand for our AC products related to coal-fired electricity generation is highly dependent on the availability and cost of alternative energy sources, such as natural gas, solar and wind energy. We continue to pursue markets for our purification products outside of coal-fired power generation, including industrial applications, (such as waste-to-energy and cement making), water treatment and other markets.
Item 1. Business General ADA-ES, Inc. ("ADA"), a Colorado corporation, was incorporated in 1997. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, effective July 1, 2013, Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. ("ADES"), a Delaware company incorporated in 2011, succeeded ADA as the publicly-held corporation and ADA became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADES.
Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, effective July 1, 2013, the Company (formerly known as Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. ("ADES")), a Delaware company incorporated in 2011, succeeded ADA as the publicly-held corporation and ADA became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Employees As of December 31, 2022, we employed 147 personnel, 28 in Colorado and 119 in Louisiana, all of which were employed full-time. 9 Entry into Material Definitive Agreements Securities Purchase Agreement On February 1, 2023 (the "Acquisition Date"), we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Arq Limited ("Arq Ltd."), a company incorporated under the laws of Jersey, pursuant to which we acquired all of the direct and indirect equity interests of Arq Ltd.'s subsidiaries (the "Arq Acquisition," and hereafter referred to as "Arq") in exchange for consideration (the "Purchase Consideration") totaling $31.2 million and consisting of (i) 3,814,864 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), valued at $12.4 million and (ii) 5,294,462 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), valued at $18.8 million.
Arq Acquisition On February 1, 2023 (the "Acquisition Date"), we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Arq Limited ("Arq Ltd."), a company incorporated under the laws of Jersey, pursuant to which we acquired all of the direct and indirect equity interests of Arq Ltd.'s subsidiaries (the "Arq Acquisition," and hereafter referred to as "Legacy Arq") in exchange for consideration (the "Purchase Consideration") totaling $31.2 million and consisting of (i) 3,814,864 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), valued at $12.4 million and (ii) 5,294,462 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), valued at 6 $18.8 million.
AC, in various forms, has and will continue to play a key role in these remediation efforts. 4 Our Business Our products are used to purify contaminated liquid and gas streams from a variety of industrial sources including coal-fired power plants and waste-water treatment plants and other end markets.
AC, in various forms, has and will continue to play a key role in these remediation efforts. Our current products (also referred to as "consumables") are used to purify contaminated liquid, soil, and gas streams from a variety of industrial sources including coal-fired power plants and wastewater treatment plants and other end markets.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we incurred research and development costs of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Legislation and Environmental Regulations Our products and services are used for the reduction of pollutants and other contaminants. Legislation and regulation limit the amount of pollutants and other contaminants permitted and may increase the need for our product.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred research and development costs of $3.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Legislation and Environmental Regulations Our products and services are used for the reduction of pollutants and other contaminants. Legislation and regulations limit the amount of pollutants and other contaminants permitted and may increase the need for our products.
In addition, in connection with the Loan Agreement and as consideration for the Term Loan, ADES agreed to issue to CF Global a warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase 325,457 shares of Common Stock.
In addition, in connection with the Loan Agreement and as consideration for the CFG Loan, we issued to CF Global a warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase 325,457 shares of Common Stock.
Properties such as surface area, pore volume, surface chemical functionalities and particle size can be specifically engineered to selectively target various contaminants to meet end-use application requirements. AC can come in several different forms that are important for the end-use application, including powdered activated carbon ("PAC"), granular activated carbon ("GAC"), pellets, honeycombs, blocks or cloths.
Properties such as surface area, pore volume, surface chemical functionalities and particle size and form can be specifically engineered to selectively target various contaminants to meet end-use application requirements. Our AC products are manufactured in several different forms that are important for the end-use application, including powdered activated carbon ("PAC"), granular activated carbon, and colloidal carbon product ("CCP").
Patents As of December 31, 2022, we held 86 U.S. patents and 12 international patents that were issued or allowed, 13 additional U.S. provisional patents or applications that were pending, and two international patent applications that were either pending or filed relating to different aspects of our technology.
Intellectual Property As of December 31, 2023, we held 83 U.S. patents and 8 international patents that were issued or allowed, 13 additional U.S. provisional patents or applications that were pending, and 2 international patent applications that were either pending or filed relating to different aspects of our technology.
Specific emissions limits for dust, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), mercury and particulate matter (PM) are currently being developed guided by the best available technologies reference ("BREF") document for limiting stack emissions and liquid effluents from industrial processes.
Specific emissions limits for dust, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), mercury and particulate matter (PM) are currently being developed, guided by the best available technologies reference ("BREF") document for limiting stack emissions and liquid effluents from industrial processes. The BREF conclusions for large coal-fired electricity generating units were adopted by the European Commission in July 2017.
Although surety bonds are usually noncancelable during their term, many of these bonds are renewable on an annual basis and collateral requirements may change. As of December 31, 2022, we posted a surety bond of approximately $7.5 million for reclamation of the Five Forks Mine and $16.6 million for the reclamation of Marshall Mine.
Although surety bonds are usually non-cancelable during their term, many of these bonds are renewable on an annual basis and collateral requirements may change. As of December 31, 2023, we posted a surety bonds of approximately $7.5 million and $3.0 million for reclamation of the Five Forks Mine and the Corbin Facility, respectively.
In this action, the EPA found that it was not "appropriate and necessary" to regulate HAPs emissions from coal- and oil-fired EGUs. However, the EPA expressly stated that the reconsideration neither removed coal- and oil-fired EGUs from the list of sources that must comply with the MATS rule, nor rescinded the MATS Rule, which has remained continuously in effect.
However, the EPA expressly stated that the reconsideration neither removed coal- and oil-fired EGUs from the list of sources that must comply with the MATS rule, nor rescinded the MATS Rule, which has remained continuously in effect.
We source 100% of the lignite coal to fulfill customer orders through our ownership of the Five Forks Mine ("Five Forks"). Five Forks is operated for us by a subsidiary of the North American Coal Company. We may also periodically purchase various ACs to supplement our inventory levels or to produce various products to serve certain AC markets.
The Five Forks Mine is operated for us by a subsidiary of the North American Coal Company. We may also periodically purchase various ACs to supplement our inventory levels or to produce various products to serve certain AC markets. We purchase these various ACs through supply agreements or spot purchases with the producers.
We purchase these various ACs through supply agreements or spot purchases with the producers. We purchase various additives utilized in the production of AC. The manufacturing of AC is dependent upon these various additives, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply constraints.
The manufacturing of AC is dependent upon these various additives, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply constraints. In addition, the number of suppliers who provide the necessary additives needed to manufacture our ACs is limited. We purchase these additives through supply agreements or spot purchases with the producers.
Mining Environmental and Reclamation Matters Federal, state and local authorities regulate the U.S. coal mining industry with respect to matters such as employee health and safety and the environment, including the protection of air quality, water quality, wetlands, special status species of plants and animals, land uses, cultural and historic properties and other environmental resources identified during the permitting process.
Based on the existing and potential regulations, we believe the international market for activated carbon products may expand in the coming years. 5 Mining Environmental and Reclamation Matters Federal, state and local authorities regulate the U.S. coal mining industry with respect to matters such as employee health and safety and the environment, including the protection of air quality, water quality, wetlands, special status species of plants and animals, land uses, cultural and historic properties and other environmental resources identified during the permitting process.
In response to this market opportunity, in late 2021, we developed a new Colloidal Carbon Product ("CCP") platform, FluxSorb IS TM , which is currently in the initial stages of in-field testing at multiple contaminated soil and groundwater remediation treatment sites. Coal-fired power plants continue to be a significant, though declining, source of electricity in the U.S.
In response to this market opportunity, in late 2021, we developed a new Colloidal Carbon Product ("CCP") platform, FluxSorb RC, which is currently in the initial stages of field testing at multiple contaminated soil and groundwater remediation treatment sites.
Increased environmental attention has been drawn to the monitoring and treatment of heavy metals, organic and inorganic compounds in groundwater to improve overall drinking water quality across North America.
In addition, we see significant opportunities emerging in the soil, sediment and groundwater treatment markets. Increased attention has been drawn to the monitoring and treatment of heavy metals, organic and inorganic compounds in groundwater to improve overall ground and drinking water quality across North America.
Subscription Agreements Also, on February 1, 2023, we entered into Subscription Agreements (the "Subscription Agreements") with certain persons (the "Subscribers") pursuant to which the Subscribers subscribed for and purchased shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15.4 million and at a price per share of $4.00 (the "PIPE Price Per Share" and such transaction, the "PIPE Investment").
On February 1, 2023, and pursuant to the Arq Acquisition, we entered into subscription agreements with certain persons (the "Subscribers"), which included existing shareholders of Arq Ltd., three of which were appointed to our board of directors, pursuant to which the Subscribers subscribed for and purchased 3,842,315 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15.4 million and at a price per share of $4.00 (the "PIPE Investment").
These SH&E Regulations include requirements to maintain and comply with various environmental permits related to the operation of many of our facilities, including mine health and safety laws required for continued operation of the Five Forks Mine.
These SH&E Regulations include requirements to maintain and comply with various environmental permits related to the operation of many of our facilities, including mine health and safety laws required for continued operation of the Five Forks Mine. Employees As of December 31, 2023, we employed 173 personnel, of which 171 were employed full-time.
We also purchase additives that are included in certain chemical products for resale to our customers through contracts with suppliers. The manufacturing of these consumable products is dependent upon certain discrete additives, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply constraints. In addition, the number of suppliers who provide the necessary additives needed to manufacture our chemical products are limited.
Supply agreements with these producers are generally renewed on an annual basis. We also purchase additives that are included in certain chemical products for resale to our customers through contracts with suppliers. The manufacturing of these chemical products is dependent upon certain discrete additives, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply constraints.
Revenues from our top three customers comprised approximately 37% of our consolidated consumables revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the loss of any of these customers would have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Revenue from our top three customers comprised approximately 37% of our consumables revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the loss of any of these customers would have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Seasonality The timing of the sale of our consumable products is dependent upon several factors.
In addition, the number of suppliers who provide the necessary additives needed to manufacture our ACs is limited. We purchase these additives through supply agreements or spot purchases with the producers. Supply agreements with these producers are generally renewed on an annual basis.
In addition, the number of suppliers who provide the necessary additives needed to manufacture our chemical products are limited. We purchase these chemical products through spot purchases with the producers.
On August 3, 2021, the EPA initiated a supplemental rule-making initiative to strengthen certain discharge limits and stated its intention to issue a proposed rule for public comment in Fall of 2022, which has not yet been issued. Additional U.S.
On August 3, 2021, the EPA initiated a supplemental rule-making initiative to strengthen certain discharge limits and stated its intention to issue a proposed rule for public comment in Fall of 2022, and issued a proposed rule on ELGs for the Steam Electric Power Generating Category on March 29, 2023.
Demand for AC products has been, and is expected to continue to be, driven by increasing environmental regulations pertaining to water and air purification, especially in the developed and more industrialized areas of the world. Additionally, we believe enhanced environmental and health advisory issues will continue to drive demand for AC in rapidly developing countries.
Demand for AC products has been, and is expected to continue to be driven by increasing environmental regulations pertaining to water, soil, and air quality, especially in the developed and more industrialized areas of the world, and general consumer attention towards environmental issues.
Approximately 1,260 units in the U.S. were coal-fired EGUs when the rule was enacted. According to our estimates, the MATS Rule sets a limit that we believe requires the capture of 80-90% plus of the mercury in the coal burned in electric power generation boilers as measured at the exhaust stack outlet for most plants.
According to our estimates, the MATS Rule sets a limit that we believe requires the capture of 80-90% plus of the mercury in the coal burned in electric power generation boilers as measured at the exhaust stack outlet for most plants. The MACT-based standards are also known as National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants ("NESHAP").
We offer AC and other chemical products and work with customers as they develop and implement a compliance control strategy which utilizes the consumables solutions that fit with their unique operating and pollution control configuration.
We offer AC and other chemical products and work with customers as they develop and implement a compliance control strategy that utilizes the consumables solutions that fit with their unique operating and pollution control configuration. Coal-fired power plants continue to be a significant, though declining, source of electricity generation in the United States ("U.S.").
The information contained on our website shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the Exchange Act. 13 Forward-Looking Statements Found in this Report This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that involve risks and uncertainties.
The information contained on our website shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the Exchange Act.
The Warrant has an exercise price of $0.01 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Warrant, is exercisable immediately and will expire on February 1, 2030. The terms of the Warrant do not allow for cash exercise, and the Warrant may only be exercised pursuant to the terms thereof.
The Warrant has an exercise price of $0.01 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Warrant, is exercisable immediately, contains a cashless exercise provision and expires on February 1, 2030.
The MATS Rule remains in effect. State Mercury and Air Toxics Regulations Affecting EGUs In addition, certain states have their own mercury rules that are similar to or more stringent than the MATS Rule.
State Mercury and Air Toxics Regulations Affecting EGUs In addition, certain states have their own mercury rules that are similar to or more stringent than the MATS Rule. Coal-fired electricity generating units in the U.S. are subject to consent decrees that require the control of acid gases and particulate matter, in addition to mercury emissions. U.S.
Through internal testing, we have demonstrated that Arq Powder can be shaped and successfully activated using industrially available equipment, technology, and know-how. In the U.S, the availability of feedstock for GAC manufacturing is limited as it is either supplied by specialty mined coal or coconut husks which need to be imported.
In the U.S., the availability of feedstock for GAC manufacturing is limited, as it is either supplied by specialty mined coal or coconut husks, which need to be imported.
ADES and its affiliates relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made by each of the Subscribers under the Subscription Agreements.
The Company and its affiliates relied on this exemption from registration based in part on representations made by each of the Subscribers under the Subscription Agreements. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with Arq Ltd. and the Subscribers to the Subscription Agreements described above.
The EPA structured the MATS Rule as a Maximum Achievable Control Technology-based ("MACT-based") hazardous pollutant regulation applicable to coal and oil-fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units ("EGU"), which generate electricity through steam turbines and have a capacity of 25 megawatts or greater, and provide for, among other provisions, control of mercury, control of acid gases such as hydrochloric acid and other Hazardous Air Pollutants ("HAPs").
EGUs generate electricity through steam turbines and have a capacity of 25 megawatts or greater and provide for, among other provisions, control of mercury, control of acid gases such as hydrochloric acid and other Hazardous Air Pollutants ("HAPs"). Approximately 1,260 units in the U.S. were coal-fired EGUs when the rule was enacted.
Effluent Limitation Guidelines In 2015, the EPA set the first federal limits known as effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs") on the levels of toxic metals in wastewater that can be discharged from power plants.
Our estimates, based on conversations with plant operators, suggest that most of the affected plants have either shut down or switched fuels to natural gas to comply with the regulation. 4 Effluent Limitation Guidelines In 2015, the EPA set the first federal limits known as effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs") on the levels of toxic metals in wastewater that can be discharged from power plants.
In particular such forward-looking statements are found in this Part I and under the heading in Part II, Item 7 below.
In particular statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions, future events or future performance contained in this report, including certain statements found in this Part I and under the heading in Part II, Item 7 below, are forward-looking statements.
We estimate that 52% of the coal-fired units that were operating in December 2012 when the MATS Rule was finalized have been permanently shut down, leaving approximately 469 units in operation in the U.S. as of December 31, 2022. In April 2017, a review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the "D.C.
Plants generally had four years to comply with the MATS Rule, and implementation of the MATS Rule is now largely completed. We estimate that 58% of the coal-fired units that were operating in December 2012 when the MATS Rule was finalized have been permanently shut down, leaving approximately 406 units in operation in the U.S. as of December 31, 2023.
On February 1, 2023 (the "Closing Date"), ADES, as borrower, certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, and CF Global, as administrative agent and lender, entered into the Term Loan upon execution of a Term Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined have the meaning set forth in the Loan Agreement.
Loan Agreement On February 1, 2023, and pursuant to the Arq Acquisition, we, as borrower, certain of subsidiaries, as guarantors, and CF Global Credit, as administrative agent and lender, entered into a $10.0 million term loan (the "CFG Loan") upon execution of a Term Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement").
In February 2023, we acquired the subsidiaries of Arq Limited (hereafter the Arq Limited subsidiaries referred to as "Arq") to secure access to a unique feedstock, a manufacturing facility and certain patented processes as a means to further expand our product offerings.
In February 2023, we acquired 100% of the equity of the subsidiaries of Arq Limited (the "Arq Acquisition," and hereafter the Arq Limited subsidiaries referred to as "Legacy Arq") to secure access to a feedstock, a manufacturing facility and certain patented processes to manufacture new advanced granular activated carbon ("GAC") products for sale into markets to the APT and other markets.
The existing technologies for treatment, including removal of the soil for external treatment or landfill, pumping the groundwater above surface for treatment and/or installing treatment trenches or barriers, are expensive and may have complicated life-cycle management requirements.
At present, individual states are primarily responsible for the protection of groundwater and drinking water. The existing technologies for treatment of groundwater, including removal of the soil for external treatment or landfill, pumping the groundwater above surface for treatment and/or installing treatment trenches or barriers all utilize PAC and GAC products.
Operations We own and operate the Red River plant, which is located in Louisiana. We also lease land on which we operate a production and distribution facility located in Louisiana.
Facilities We own and operate a manufacturing plant (the "Red River Plant"), located in Coushatta, Louisiana. We also operate a production and distribution facility located on land we lease in Coushatta. In addition, we own and operate the Corbin Facility, where we process bituminous coal waste and apply patented technology to produce Arq Powder.
The EPA estimated that approximately 600 coal-fired boilers will be affected by IBMACT, in industries such as pulp and paper. Our estimates, based on conversations with plant operators, suggest that most of the affected plants have either shut down or switched fuels to natural gas to comply with the regulation.
The EPA estimated that approximately 600 coal-fired boilers will be affected by IBMACT, in industries such as pulp and paper.
On February 9, 2022, the EPA published a new proposed rule revoking the May 2020 withdrawal of the 2016 supplemental finding and affirming that it is "appropriate and necessary" to regulate HAP emissions from coal- and oil-fired EGUs, which is currently pending. The D.C. Circuit granted the Biden Administration’s motion, and this appeal also is now in abeyance.
On February 15, 2023, the EPA issued a final rule revoking the May 2020 reconsideration and affirming that it is "appropriate and necessary" to regulate HAP emissions from coal- and oil-fired EGUs.
Strategy We intend to first sell Arq Powder as a carbon filler for rubber composites and as a component for asphalt with an opportunity to evaluate expanding into other carbon products. These products utilizing Arq Powder are expected to have a lower carbon footprint compared to similar products utilizing conventional materials.
We expect to secure customer interest in Arq Powder as an additive into other markets, such as components for asphalt. These products utilizing Arq Powder are expected to have a lower carbon footprint compared to similar products utilizing conventional materials. These applications are currently in various stages of proof of concept testing or preliminary customer testing.
During the period in which an outage may occur, which may range from one week to over a month, no consumables are used, and our sales may be correspondingly reduced. The sale of our AC products for water purification depends on demand from municipal water treatment facilities that use these products.
During the period in which an outage may occur, which may range from one week to over a month, our product sales may decrease.
Sales and Customers Sales of consumables are primarily made by the Company’s employees to a range of end customers, including coal-fired utilities, industrial companies, water treatment plants and other customers. Our AC sales are generally made under requirements-based contracts ranging from one to five years. Our chemical product sales are generally made on an order by order basis.
Sales and Customers We sell consumables primarily though our internal sales group and are generally under contracts ranging from one to five years. We generally recognize revenue on an order-by-order basis.
Additionally, the rainy season causes more PAC usage for the municipalities due to rain run-offs and contaminant dilution resulting in higher water treatment volumes. Safety, Health and Environment Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, health, and environmental matters ("SH&E Regulations").
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we obtained an additional 33 trademarks from the Arq Acquisition. Safety, Health and Environment Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, health, and environmental matters ("SH&E Regulations").
Additionally, we have sales, product development and administrative operations located in Colorado. 6 In 2020 and in conjunction with the execution of the Supply Agreement, we purchased 100% of the membership interests in Marshall Mine, LLC, which owns a lignite mine located outside of Marshall, Texas (the "Marshall Mine").
In March 2023, we sold 100% of the membership interests in Marshall Mine, LLC, which owned a shuttered lignite mine located outside of Marshall, Texas to a third party. Research and Development Activities We conduct research and product development activities for further enhancement of our consumables.
We believe Arq Powder has the potential to open markets and applications for us, which were previously inaccessible to the lignite-based products made by ADES today. In addition, the Arq Acquistion enables us to have a fully integrated supply chain in multiple feedstocks - bituminous (Arq) and lignite (through the Five Forks Mine) to produce GAC and PAC.
Between the Corbin Facility and the Five Forks Mine, we will have a fully integrated supply chain in multiple feedstocks - bituminous coal fines (Corbin Facility) and lignite coal (Five Forks Mine) to produce both GAC and PAC products. We purchase various additives utilized in the production of AC.
Power generation is weather dependent, with electricity and steam production varying in response to heating and cooling needs. Additionally, power generating units routinely schedule maintenance outages in the spring and/or fall depending on the operation of the boilers.
Power generation is weather dependent, with electricity and steam production varying in response to heating and cooling demands. As a result, our revenue is generally higher in our first and third fiscal quarters during the warmer and colder months of the year.
Our primary competitors for consumable chemical products include Midwest Energy Emissions Corp. (MEEC) and Nalco Holding Company, a subsidiary of Ecolab Inc. (ECL). Raw Materials The principal raw material we use in the manufacturing of AC is lignite coal, which is readily available.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials Currently, the principal raw material we use in the manufacturing of AC is lignite coal, which is readily available through our 100% ownership of a lignite coal mine (the "Five Forks Mine") located in Saline, Louisiana. All production from the Five Forks Mine is used in our manufacturing process.
We sell consumable products that utilize AC and chemical-based technologies to a broad range of customers, including coal-fired utilities, industrials, water treatment plants and other diverse markets. Our proprietary technologies and associated product offerings provide purification solutions to enable our customers to reduce certain contaminants and pollutants to meet the challenges of existing and potential future regulations.
Our proprietary AC products enable customers to reduce air, water, and soil contaminants, including mercury, per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS") and other pollutants, to meet the challenges of existing and pending air quality and water regulations.