TLDR
- Sky Quarry stock gains 2.32% as Nevada’s Eagle Springs refinery starts production.
- Sky Quarry’s Eagle Springs refinery starts producing diesel, asphalt, and naphtha.
- Regional diesel crack spreads jump nearly 300% from January to 133-136 a barrel.
- Sky Quarry targets higher refinery throughput and stronger sales across the West.
- At 5,000 barrels daily capacity, Eagle Springs eyes more crude supply and sales.
Sky Quarry began producing refined petroleum at its Eagle Springs Refinery in eastern Nevada after completing a restart. Sky Quarry Inc. (SKYQ) stock climbed 2.32% to $2.2101 despite retreating from an intraday peak near $2.60. The company now aims to increase output and commercial sales as regional diesel prices strengthen.
Nevada Refinery Moves Into Active Production
Foreland Refining Corporation, Sky Quarry’s wholly owned subsidiary, operates the facility near Ely. It produces diesel, distillates, vacuum gas oil, naphtha, and liquid paving asphalt. These products serve transport, refining, industrial, and road construction markets across the West.
Sky Quarry secured its Nevada air permit in September before completing refinery repairs and upgrades. The company then restarted the plant and began petroleum production. Management reports that the facility operates as expected following those preparations.
Eagle Springs is Nevada’s only crude oil refinery, with capacity near 5,000 barrels daily. Its location provides access to crude from Nevada, Utah, and nearby producing areas. Onsite storage and handling systems support various feedstocks and refined petroleum products.
Diesel Pricing Improves the Market Backdrop
Regional diesel prices have improved the commercial outlook for Eagle Springs. On October 21, Salt Lake City benchmarks indicated diesel crack spreads of $133 to $136 per barrel. January’s figure stood near $33 per barrel, marking an increase of approximately 300%.
Sky Quarry used wholesale diesel rack prices and December West Texas Intermediate futures for its calculations. The lower wholesale diesel benchmark stood near $231 per barrel in October. However, the rack prices and futures quote came from different observation times.
These benchmark spreads do not reflect Sky Quarry’s actual refining margins. Profitability depends on feedstock costs, transport, operating expenses, product yields, and realized sales prices. The Energy Information Administration expects above-average diesel crack spreads through 2027.
Sky Quarry Targets Higher Throughput and Sales
Sky Quarry intends to gradually increase Eagle Springs throughput as operations progress. It seeks steady equipment performance, additional crude supplies, better yields, and broader sales agreements. These efforts would support wider fuel distribution across the Intermountain West.
Diesel serves transportation, agriculture, mining, and industrial customers, while asphalt supports road construction. Vacuum gas oil provides feedstock for refiners, while naphtha supports blending and industrial uses. These options let the company adjust its product mix to supply conditions and regional prices.
Management continues evaluating additional crude oil sources in neighboring producing regions. The company may eventually connect refinery sourcing with its PR Spring development in Utah. Meanwhile, sales growth depends on higher volumes, reliable operations, and commercial demand for finished products.
