Biggest changeIn 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.
Biggest changeIn 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 anticipating timing of the completion of commissioning of the GAC Facility, ramp-up to full nameplate capacity at our Red River Plant, and commercial production of our GAC products; (b) the anticipated effects from fluctuations in the pricing of our AC products; (c) expected supply and demand for our AC products and services, including our GAC products; (d) the seasonal impact on our customers and their demand for our products; (e) the ability to continue to successfully integrate Legacy Arq's business and recognize the benefits and synergies from the Arq Acquisition; (f) the ability to continue to develop and utilize Legacy Arq’s products and technology and the anticipated timing for bringing such products to market; (g) our ability to access new markets for our GAC and other products; (h) any future plant capacity expansions or site development projects and our ability to finance any such projects; (i) the effectiveness of our technologies and the benefits they provide; (j) the timing of awards of, and work and related testing under, our contracts and agreements and their value; (k) probability of any loss occurring with respect to certain guarantees made by Tinuum Group; (l) the timing and amounts of or changes in future revenue, 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; (m) the performance of obligations secured by our surety bonds; (n) the amount and timing of future capital expenditures needed to fund our business plan; (o) the impact of capital expenditure overruns on our business; (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 and the impact of such regulations on our customers' and our businesses, including any increase or decrease in sales of our AC products resulting from such regulations; (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 our current and future customers to comply with regulations, improve efficiency, lower costs and maintain reliability; and (t) the impact of prices of competing power generation sources such as natural gas and renewable energy on demand for our products.
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.
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 wastewater treatment plants, coal-fired power plants and other end markets.
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.").
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 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.").
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.
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.
Additionally, we believe enhanced environmental and health advisory issues will continue to drive demand for AC in rapidly developing countries. We pursue opportunities to expand and diversify our customer base into markets for our purification products including industrial applications, water treatment plants and other end markets.
Additionally, we believe enhanced environmental and health advisory issues will continue to drive demand for AC in rapidly developing countries. We continuously pursue opportunities to expand and diversify our customer base into markets for our purification products including industrial applications, water treatment plants and other end markets.
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.
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 8 under the heading in Part II, Item 7 below, are forward-looking statements.
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.
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.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements made in this Report and to consult filings we have made and will make with the SEC for additional discussion concerning risks and uncertainties that may apply to our business and the ownership of our securities.
Risk Factors of this Report. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements made in this Report and to consult filings we have made and will make with the SEC for additional discussion concerning risks and uncertainties that may apply to our business and the ownership of our securities.
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.
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 AC products is limited. We purchase these additives through supply agreements or spot purchases with the producers.
In October 2022, the European Commission proposed new directives for better and more cost-effective treatment of urban wastewater, which included amongst other things new standards on micropollutants and new monitoring requirements for microplastics. In January of 2024, there was a provisional agreement that revised the October 2022 proposed directives.
In October 2022, the European Commission proposed new directives for better and more cost-effective treatment of urban wastewater, which included among other things new standards on micropollutants and new monitoring requirements for microplastics. In January 2024, there was a provisional agreement that revised the October 2022 proposed directives.
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.
Between the Corbin Facility and the Five Forks Mine, we 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 our AC products.
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.
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 fines and apply patented technology to produce Arq Powder.
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.
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, 2024, we posted surety bonds of approximately $7.5 million and $3.0 million for reclamation of the Five Forks Mine and the Corbin Facility, respectively.
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").
PIPE Investment and Loan Agreement On February 1, 2023, and in connection with 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 (the "Board"), 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").
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").
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 ("EGUs").
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.
Key markets for AC products include treatment of drinking and waste waters, industrial and renewable gas purification and odor removal, automotive gasoline emission control, soil and ground water remediation, food and beverage process and product purification and removal of pollutants from emissions produced by coal-fired electrical generation and other industrial processes.
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.
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, including PFAS substances, in groundwater to improve overall ground and drinking water quality across North America.
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").
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").
The securities issued to the Subscribers under the Subscription Agreements were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), Rule 506 of Regulation D, which is promulgated thereunder, and Regulations S of the Securities Act.
The securities issued to the Subscribers under the Subscription Agreements were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, Rule 506 of Regulation D, which is promulgated thereunder, and Regulations S of the Securities Act.
In May 2020, the EPA reconsidered and found that it was not "appropriate and necessary" to regulate HAPs emissions from coal- and oil-fired EGUs.
In May 2020, the EPA reconsidered and found that it was not "appropriate and necessary" to regulate Hazardous Air Pollutants ("HAPs") emissions from coal- and oil-fired EGUs.
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.
Plants generally had four years to comply with the MATS Rule, and implementation of the MATS Rule is now largely completed. We estimate that 59% of the coal-fired units that were operating in December 2012 when the MATS Rule was finalized have been permanently shut down, leaving approximately 405 units in operation in the U.S. as of December 31, 2024.
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.
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 successfully complete commissioning of our GAC Facility and our GAC products will be accepted by the APT market; 9 (d) 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; (e) significant customers will continue to purchase consumables from us; (f) we will be able to establish and retain key business relationships with current and other companies; (g) orders we anticipate receiving will be received; (h) we will be able to formulate new consumables that will be useful to, and accepted by, the markets; (i) we will be able to effectively compete against others; (j) we will be able to meet any technical requirements of projects we undertake; and (k) existing environmental regulations stay in place and are adequately enforced.
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.
Demand for AC products has been, and is expected to continue to be driven by environmental regulations pertaining to water, soil, and air quality, especially in the developed and more industrialized areas of the world, and increased consumer attention towards environmental, health and safety issues.
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
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. 10
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.
Revenue from our top three customers comprised approximately 36% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the loss of any of these customers would have a material adverse effect on our operating results. 2 Seasonality The timing of the sale of our consumable products is dependent upon several factors.
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.
The CFG Loan had a term of 48 months and bore 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 was payable (or capitalized, in the case of in kind interest) quarterly in arrears.
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.
In 2018, we acquired ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC to expand our product offerings in the mercury control industry and enter into other applicable APT markets.
Legacy Arq Products and Markets With the acquisition of Legacy Arq in February 2023, we now control bituminous coal waste reserves and own a manufacturing facility, both located in Corbin Kentucky (the "Corbin Facility").
Legacy Arq Products and Markets With the acquisition of Legacy Arq in February 2023, we now control reserves of high-quality recovered bituminous coal fines and own a manufacturing facility, both located in Corbin Kentucky (the "Corbin Facility").
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").
Also on February 1, 2023, and in connection with the Arq Acquisition, we, as borrower, certain of our 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").
With the Arq Acquisition, in 2023, we secured a second feedstock, Arq Powder, which is made from bituminous coal waste, used in manufacturing of GAC products. Through internal testing, we have demonstrated that Arq Powder can be shaped and successfully activated using industrially available equipment and technology with our proprietary know-how.
With the acquisition of Legacy Arq in 2023, we secured a second feedstock, Arq Powder, which is made from high-quality recovered bituminous coal fines, for use in manufacturing of GAC products. Through internal testing, we have demonstrated that Arq Powder can be shaped and successfully activated using industrially available equipment and technology with our proprietary know-how.
Our facility will remediate these reserves, using a patented manufacturing process to convert bituminous coal waste into a purified, microfine carbon powder known as Arq powder TM ("Arq Powder") for high value applications, such as for a raw material to produce GAC products.
Our facility remediates these reserves, using a patented manufacturing process to convert the recovered bituminous coal fines into a purified, microfine carbon powder known as Arq powder TM ("Arq Powder") for high value applications, such as for a raw material to produce GAC products.
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.
Arq Acquisition On February 1, 2023 (the "Acquisition Date"), we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Arq Ltd., pursuant to which we acquired all of the direct and indirect equity interests, assets and liabilities of Legacy Arq in exchange for consideration (the "Purchase Consideration") totaling $31.2 million and consisting of (i) 3,814,864 shares of our common stock, valued at $12.4 million and (ii) 5,294,462 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), valued at $18.8 million.
On March 14, 2023, the EPA proposed a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation ("NPDWR") for six specific PFAS substances. NPDWR seeks to establish legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels ("MCL") for the 6 PFAS substances, including a proposed MCL for Perfluorooctane Acid ("PFOA") and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate ("PFOS") of 4.0 parts per trillion.
On March 14, 2023, the EPA proposed a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation ("NPDWR") for six specific PFAS substances. On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final NPDWR, which established legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels ("MCL") for six PFAS substances, including a MCL for Perfluorooctane Acid ("PFOA") and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate ("PFOS") of 4.0 parts per trillion.
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.
Intellectual Property As of December 31, 2024, we held 84 U.S. patents and 10 international patents that were issued or allowed, 15 additional U.S. provisional patents or applications that were pending, and 36 international patent applications that were either pending or filed relating to different aspects of our technology.
Actual 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.
Actual 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, the timing and scope 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 new regulations or enforce existing regulations that benefit our business; changes in laws and regulations, accounting rules, prices, economic conditions and market demand; availability, cost of and demand for alternative energy sources and other technologies and their impact on coal-fired power generation in the U.S.; technical, start up and operational difficulties; competition within the industries in which the Company operates; risks associated with our debt financing; our inability to effectively and efficiently commercialize new products, including our GAC products; our inability to effectively manage commissioning and startup of the GAC Facility at our Red River Plant; disruptions at any of our facilities, including by natural disasters or extreme weather; risks related to our information technology systems, including the risk of cyberattacks on our networks; failure to protect our intellectual property from infringement or claims that we have infringed on the intellectual property of others; our inability to obtain future 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 new U.S. presidential administration, increased domestic and international tariffs, lingering effects of the 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; factors relating to our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning the Arq Acquisition; our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others with whom the Company does business and meet supply requirements; our results of operations and business generally; risks related to diverting management's attention from our ongoing business operations; costs related to the ongoing manufacturing of our products, including our GAC products; opportunities for additional sales of our AC products and end-market diversification; the rate of coal-fired power generation in the U.S.; the timing and cost of any future capital expenditures and the resultant impact to our liquidity and cash flows; and the other risk factors described in our filings with the SEC, including those described in Item 1A.
In January 2024, the Company executed a contract with a third-party contractor for the construction of a GAC facility at the Red River Plant, (the "GAC Facility") and immediately commenced construction operations.
In January 2024, we executed a contract with a third-party contractor for the construction of a GAC facility at the Red River Plant, (the "GAC Facility") and immediately commenced construction operations. In September 2024, we terminated the contract with the third-party contractor and moved the construction and project management functions for the GAC Facility internally.
On April 3, 2023, the EPA issued a proposed update to MATS that, amongst other potential modifications, proposed a reduction to the mercury emission limits for lignite coal-fired EGUs. This proposal is currently pending.
On April 3, 2023, the EPA issued a proposed update to MATS that, amongst other potential modifications, proposed a reduction to the mercury emission limits for lignite coal-fired EGUs. The EPA adopted the final rule on April 25, 2024.
Item 1. Business General Arq, Inc. ("Arq", the "Company," "we," "us", "our," or similar pronouns) is an environmental technology company principally engaged in the sale of consumable air, water, and soil treatment solutions including activated carbon ("AC") and chemical technologies.
Item 1. Business General Arq, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries ("Arq", the "Company," "we," "us", or "our") is an environmental technology company principally engaged in the sale of consumable air, water, and soil treatment solutions, primarily based on activated carbon ("AC").
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.
In addition, the number of suppliers who provide the necessary additives needed to manufacture our chemical products are limited.
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 Warrant had an exercise price of $0.01 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Warrant, was exercisable immediately, contained a cashless exercise provision and was set to expire on February 1, 2030. On March 29, 2024, the Warrant was exercised in full.
Also, our revenue and sales volumes are highly dependent upon the level of coal consumption at coal-fired power plants, which in turn is significantly affected by the prices of competing power generation sources, such as natural gas and renewables. 2 During periods of low natural gas prices, natural gas provides a competitive alternative to coal-fired power generation and therefore, coal consumption for power generation may be reduced, which in turn reduces the demand for our products.
Also, our revenue and sales volumes are highly dependent upon the level of coal consumption at coal-fired power plants, which in turn is significantly affected by the prices of competing power generation sources, such as natural gas and renewables.
Further, 22 international patents and applications from the Legacy Arq patent portfolio were abandoned in jurisdictions that were determined to no longer represent future markets or economic opportunities for us. As of December 31, 2023, we owned over 50 trademark registrations and applications globally.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, 19 U.S. and 41 international patents and applications from our patent portfolio were abandoned or allowed to expire, as we determined that they no longer represent future markets or economic opportunities for us. As of December 31, 2024, we owned over 50 trademark registrations and applications globally.
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.
In response to this market opportunity, in late 2021, we developed a new CCP platform, FluxSorb RC, which is a treatment option in certain contaminated soil and groundwater remediation treatment sites.
The PFAS Strategic Roadmap sets timelines by which the EPA plans to take certain actions through 2024, including establishing a national primary drinking water regulation for certain PFAS and taking Effluent Limitations Guidelines actions to regulate certain PFAS discharges from industrial categories.
Federal National Primary Drinking Water Regulation and other PFAS Regulations In October 2021, the EPA released its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, laying out its approach to addressing PFAS and other pollutants, which set a timeline by which the EPA planned to take certain actions through 2024, including establishing a national primary drinking water regulation for certain PFAS and taking Effluent Limitations Guidelines actions to regulate certain PFAS discharges from industrial categories.
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.
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 as implementation dates for new regulations issued by the EPA in April 2024 are nearing, with full compliance currently required by April 2029.
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.
In February 2023, we acquired 100% of the equity interests, assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries of Arq Limited, an environmental technology company incorporated under the laws of Jersey (the "Arq Acquisition" or the "Transaction," and hereafter the Arq Limited subsidiaries referred to as "Legacy Arq") to secure access to additional U.S. based bituminous coal feedstock, a manufacturing facility located in Corbin, Kentucky (the "Corbin Facility") and certain patented processes to manufacture new advanced GAC products for sale into the APT and other markets.
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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.
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.
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.
These products utilizing Arq Powder are expected to have a lower carbon footprint compared to similar products utilizing conventional materials and have demonstrated other beneficial performance attributes during lab-scale customer testing. These applications are currently in various stages of proof of concept testing or preliminary customer testing.
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.
Sales and Customers We sell consumables primarily through our internal sales group and generally enter into customer contracts ranging from one to five years in duration. We generally recognize revenue as orders are fulfilled.
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.
The revised directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on November 5, 2024, and is enforceable on European Union Member States, subject to the revised directive’s implementation period, which requires European Union Member State compliance by mid-2027. 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.
Additionally, the rainy season generally results in more demand for PAC products to water municipalities due to rain run-offs and contaminant dilution. Competition Our primary competitors in the AC consumables industry include Cabot Norit Americas, Inc., which is owned by One Equity Partners, Calgon Carbon, which is owned by Kuraray Co., Ltd. and Donau Carbon Company.
Competition Our primary competitors in the AC consumables industry include Norit Americas, Inc., which is owned by One Equity Partners, and Calgon Carbon, which is owned by Kuraray Co., Ltd.
We manufacture and sell AC and other chemicals used to capture and remove contaminants for the coal-fired power generation, industrial, municipal water and air, water and soil treatment and remediation markets (collectively, the advanced purification technologies or "APT" market). Our predecessor, ADA-ES, Inc. ("ADA"), a Colorado corporation, was incorporated in 1997.
We manufacture and sell AC and other chemicals used to capture and remove impurities, contaminants and pollutants for the coal-fired power generation, industrial, water treatment, and water and soil remediation markets, which we collectively refer to as the advanced purification technologies ("APT") market. Our primary products are comprised of AC, which is produced from a variety of carbonaceous raw materials.
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.
One of the major uses for PAC is for the treatment of taste and odor impurities caused by increased degradation of organic contaminants and natural materials in water that occurs predominately during the summer months. Additionally, the rainy season generally results in more demand for PAC products to water municipalities due to rain run-offs and contaminant dilution.
Our existing patents generally have terms of 20 years from the effective date of filing, with our next patents expiring in 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, 7 U.S. and 6 international patents and applications from our patent portfolio were abandoned, as we determined that they no longer represent future markets or economic opportunities for us.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we were granted 3 new patents. Our existing patents generally have terms of 20 years from the effective date of filing, with our next patents expiring in 2025.
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").
AC is produced by activating carbonaceous raw materials, including wood, coal, nut shells, resins and petroleum pitch. 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.
In contrast, during periods of higher prices for competing power generation sources, coal consumption generally increases and thus demand for our products also increases. In water purification, the sale of our products depends on demand from municipal water treatment facilities that use these products.
During periods of low natural gas prices, natural gas provides a competitive alternative to coal-fired power generation and therefore, coal consumption for power generation may be reduced, which in turn reduces the demand for our products. In contrast, during periods of higher prices for competing power generation sources, coal consumption generally increases and thus demand for our products also increases.
In May 2017, the EU ratified the Minimata Convention on Mercury, triggering mercury control regulations with implementation starting in 2021.
For example, in Canada, the Canada-Wide Standard ("CWS") was initially implemented in 2010, with increasingly stringent limits through 2020 and varying mercury emissions caps for each province. In May 2017, the EU ratified the Minimata Convention on Mercury, triggering mercury control regulations with implementation starting in 2021.
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.
Additionally, our products and services are used for the reduction of certain pollutants and other contaminants and legislation and regulations that limit the amount of pollutants and other contaminants permitted in air, water and soil may increase or decrease the need for our products.
Due to the seasonality of our business, which is primarily driven by our high concentration of customers in the coal-fired plant market, our sales and inventory levels may vary throughout the year. We are able to supplement the available production at our Red River Plant by purchasing third party consumables to meet customer demand for our consumables.
We purchase these chemical products through spot purchases with the producers. 3 Due to the seasonality of our business, which is primarily driven by our high concentration of customers in the coal-fired power generation and municipal water treatment markets, our sales and inventory levels may vary throughout the year.
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.
Please note, U.S. regulations are subject to continuing change, as further discussed in "Legislation and Environmental Regulations" included in Item 1 of this Report. The existing technologies for treatment of groundwater, including removal of contaminated soil for external treatment or landfill, pumping groundwater above the surface for treatment and/or installing treatment trenches or barriers often utilize PAC and GAC products.
In February 2024, as part of a larger rebranding, the Company changed its name to Arq, Inc., and on February 1, 2024, our common stock commenced trading under the ticker symbol, "ARQ".
In February 2024, as part of a larger rebranding, the Company changed its name to Arq, Inc., and on February 1, 2024, our common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol, "ARQ." This Annual Report on Form 10-K is referred to herein as the "Form 10-K" or the "Report." Products and Markets AC is a specialized sorbent material that is used widely in a host of industrial and consumer applications to remove impurities, pollutants and contaminants from gas, water, soil and other product or waste streams.
We expect by the end of 2024 to begin using Arq Powder as a feedstock to produce high-quality GAC products for sale in the APT and other markets. We believe Arq Powder has additional potential for us to access new markets and applications.
We expect to begin using Arq Powder as a feedstock to produce high-quality GAC products by the end of the first quarter of 2025 for sale into the APT and other markets. We anticipate that our GAC products made using these highly purified recovered bituminous coal fines will have a materially lower carbon footprint than other coal-based competitor alternatives.
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.
Below is a summary of the primary legislation and regulation that currently affects our business and the market for our current products. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below for further information on the uncertainty surrounding current U.S. regulatory landscape.