CruxCasts

Interview with Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/first-mining-gold-tsxff-approaching-key-permitting-milestone-6790Recording date: 4th December 2025First Mining Gold is approaching a pivotal moment in its development of two major Canadian gold projects, with CEO Dan Wilton outlining a clear pathway toward industry partnership and construction decisions over the next several years.The company's flagship Springpole project in Ontario, containing approximately 5 million ounces, awaits environmental assessment approval targeted for late Q1 or early Q2 2026. This milestone represents the culmination of an eight-year permitting process and addresses longstanding investor concerns about developing a deposit located in a lake bay. The recently updated prefeasibility study demonstrates robust economics with $2.1 billion after-tax NPV at $3,100 gold, rising to $3.8 billion at current spot prices of $4,200.Wilton emphasizes the project's exceptional gold price sensitivity, noting that "every hundred bucks the gold price goes up, that's $250 million of after tax NPV." Following environmental approval, the company plans to pursue an industry partnership modeled on Australia's Gold Road Resources, which retained 50% ownership while a partner built the mine, ultimately leading to a $2.5 billion acquisition.The company's second major asset, Duparquet in Quebec, contains 3.5 million ounces of measured and indicated resources and represents one of Canada's highest-grade open pit projects. Unlike Springpole, First Mining intends to advance Duparquet independently toward a potential 2030-31 construction decision, with the company currently expanding resources through ongoing drilling.First Mining has systematically monetized non-core assets, including recent partnerships on the Cameron project and retained interests in the high-grade Pickle Crow project. Trading at approximately $30 per ounce of resources compared to Canadian peer averages of $150-200 per ounce, Wilton frames the environmental assessment approval as "the biggest catalyst that we will see in this company probably from the time that it was formed."View First Mining Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/first-mining-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Jeff Swinoga, CEO of Exploits Discovery Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/exploits-discovery-csenfld-new-found-gold-deal-unlocks-10m-treasury-value-7947Recording date: 5th December 2025Exploits Discovery Corp (CSE:NFLD) is a resource-stage gold exploration company focused on advancing properties with established historic resources in premier Canadian mining jurisdictions including Quebec and Ontario. Today it has completed a transformational deal with New Found Gold, receiving 2.8 million shares now valued at over $11 million plus a 1% royalty on properties along the Appleton fault. CEO Jeff Swinoga discusses how the company has strategically repositioned from grassroots exploration to resource-stage development.Key Highlights:- New Found Gold Transaction: 2.8M shares valued at $11M+ (up from $7M at announcement) with 1% NSR royalty on Bullseye and other properties adjacent to Keats discovery.- Enhanced Treasury: Approximately $3.6M in working capital against $11M market cap - analyst Brian Lundin notes company is "trading at cash value" with investors getting "the gold for free"- Resource Portfolio: Acquired three Quebec properties and one district-scale Ontario asset containing ~700,000 ounces of historic gold resources.- January 2026 Drilling: Fenton property programme targeting high-grade gold along magnetic corridors intersecting diabase dykes, following extensive geophysical work- Strategic Backing: Eric Sprott holds ~14% ownership stakeSwinoga explains: "We wanted our shareholders to benefit from a rising gold price by having resources in the ground."The company is at an inflection point, transitioning from transaction completion to operational execution with immediate drilling catalysts and systematic technical work designed to improve targeting beyond previous operators' efforts.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Jon Deluce, Founder & CEO of Abitibi Metals Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abitibi-metals-cseamq-high-grade-copper-expansion-project-in-canada-7823Recording date: 4th December 2025Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) is rapidly emerging as a compelling copper-gold story in Quebec's prolific mining belt, with CEO Jon Deluce outlining a disciplined growth strategy centered on the company's flagship B26 deposit. After drilling over 25,000 meters in 2025, the company is targeting a substantial resource update to 25-30 million tons in 2026, up from the current 2+ million ounce gold equivalent resource.The drilling program has delivered exceptional results, including intercepts of 18% copper equivalent over 6.3 meters with 6 grams per ton gold, and 4.5% copper equivalent over 21 meters. These world-class grades demonstrate the deposit's polymetallic nature and draw comparisons to the historic Selbaie mine located just 7 kilometers away, which produced 53 million tons over two decades.Strategic capital management has been central to Abitibi's approach. The company recently completed a bought deal financing through BMO at 35 cents per share—a 65% premium to the September market price—with no warrants attached. This structure attracted institutional investors and built the treasury to $23-24 million, funding 45,000 meters of drilling through 2027 while maintaining a clean capital structure.With a market capitalization of $65 million and an enterprise value of just $40 million, Deluce believes the company remains undervalued relative to its resource potential. The 2026 exploration strategy balances systematic resource expansion through 150-meter infill drilling with aggressive 600-meter step-outs designed to test whether B26 could reach tier-one scale comparable to Selbaie's 60-million-ton endowment.Management has assembled an experienced advisory board including Victor Cantore, Craig Parry, and Shane Williams, positioning the company for Quebec's active M&A environment. Rather than accepting dilutive 20% strategic investments, Abitibi is selectively pursuing a 5% partnership with a Quebec producer that would provide validation without eliminating competitive tension or capping shareholder upside as the copper market potentially enters a sustained bull phase.View Abitibi Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abitibi-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Pascal Hamelin, President & CEO of Abcourt Mines Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abcourt-mines-tsxvabi-new-quebec-producer-positioned-for-growth-cash-flow-buybacks-8051Recording date: 3rd December 2025Abcourt Mines (TSXV:ABI) has successfully transitioned from exploration to production at its Sleeping Giant mine in Quebec, representing an increasingly rare case study in debt-financed mine development that avoids the severe shareholder dilution typical of traditional equity-financed builds. The company secured $12 million in financing from Nebari—including C$8 million initial tranche, $2 million follow-on, and $2 million used to buy down the Triple Flag NSR royalty from 2% to 1.5%—and commenced gold production.October 2025 production reached 475 ounces whilst operating at conservative staffing levels and building mill circuit inventory. Management projects cash flow positivity by Q2 2026 at approximately 700 ounces monthly production, with current monthly burn rate below $1 million. The Nebari credit facility includes a two-year interest-only period until July 2027, providing critical runway to demonstrate operational consistency and build cash reserves before principal repayments commence.The operational leverage inherent in Abcourt's asset base is substantial. The company operates an 800-tonne-per-day mill (permitted for 950 tonnes per day) currently running at less than 45% capacity. Management targets 350 tonnes per day by autumn 2025, with the mill processing all current mine production in approximately eight hours on day shift only. Plans include expanding to two shifts in early 2026 and eventually four shifts as production scales, providing a clear pathway to meaningful production growth without major capital investment.The constraint on production growth is labour availability rather than geological or metallurgical factors. CEO Pascal Hamelin explicitly stated: "It's not the feed, it's the people, that's the problem you're trying to solve for." The company has invested in infrastructure to address recruitment challenges, including a sleep camp commissioned in September 2024 with Phase Two expansion pending permit approval.The current mine plan supports seven years producing 25,000–33,000 ounces annually, with variation driven by grade. Management's strategic priority centres on extending mine life to 10+ years through three underground drill rigs at Sleeping Giant, then increasing mining fronts to utilise full mill capacity. This narrow-vein, high-grade mining approach—room-and-pillar methods targeting veins 30 centimetres to one metre wide—inherently limits tonnes but maximises grade, with underground samples showing visible gold exceeding 300 g/t.The Flordin discovery adds significant exploration upside. Systematic work exposed 300 metres of strike length grading 5 g/t gold over 15–20 metres width at surface, located 138 kilometres from existing mill infrastructure within a potential two-kilometre mineralised corridor. Abcourt has planned 20,000 metres of drilling for 2026—winter programmes targeting the eastern extension towards Agnico Eagle's adjacent property boundary, spring/summer/autumn programmes targeting northwestern extensions—entirely funded from operating cash flow.Management and directors hold approximately 30% ownership, having consistently supported development through equity investments. Shareholders have expressed preference for share buybacks over dividends once balance sheet permits, with capital allocation decisions driven by financial strength rather than arbitrary timelines.Sustained gold prices above US$4,000 per ounce have fundamentally improved narrow-vein deposit economics. Every US$100 increase translates to approximately US$2.5–3.3 million in additional annual revenue at current production guidance. The investment case depends on execution during the 18-month ramp-up period, successful miner recruitment, and drilling success at both assets to extend mine life and confirm district-scale potential at Flordin.View Abcourt Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abcourt-mines-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Nick Smart, CEO of ValOre Metals Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/valore-metals-tsxvvo-pitch-perfect-november-2025-8623Recording date: 3rd December 2025ValOre Metals is executing an ambitious transformation from single-asset platinum-palladium explorer into an integrated precious metals producer operating across Brazil. Under CEO Nick Smart—an Anglo American veteran with 21 years of experience building and commissioning operations globally—the company is pursuing a dual-track strategy: advancing the flagship Pedra Branca PGM project towards production whilst acquiring near-term cash-flowing assets to accelerate transformation into a diversified producer.The platinum-palladium market has shifted dramatically from anticipated decline to structural deficit. Contrary to earlier predictions that electric vehicles would eliminate PGM demand, hybrid vehicles—now representing a larger automotive segment than pure EVs—actually require higher loadings of platinum and palladium in autocatalysts due to smaller engines operating at lower temperatures. This has created steady demand whilst years of low prices discouraged new supply investment.South Africa holds 90% of global PGM resources, but ageing deep-level operations face mounting operational challenges and costs. With relatively few development-stage projects globally and extended timelines for new supply even once financed, the supply deficit appears structural. Global platinum production approximates 6 million ounces annually—a fraction of gold's 120 million ounces—meaning modest demand shifts drive significant price impacts. Industrial catalyst applications and jewellery substitution for record-priced gold provide additional demand support.ValOre's Pedra Branca project in Ceará State, Brazil, offers compelling economics compared to traditional PGM operations. Most significantly, mineralisation extends to surface, enabling open-pit mining rather than the expensive 600-800 metre deep underground operations characterising South African production. This provides substantial cost advantages—open-pit mining is cheaper and faster to develop than underground operations requiring massive shaft infrastructure investment.The Pedra Branca project holds a 2.2 million ounce inferred resource at 1.08 grams per tonne, with higher-grade ore near surface providing advantages for early production economics. The asset spans 50,000 hectares with mineralisation extending over 80 kilometres, suggesting expansion potential. Infrastructure advantages—stable jurisdiction, excellent access, supportive government policies—compound the geological benefits.Accelerated Development PathwayValOre is leveraging Brazil's trial mining licensing programme, which allows demonstration-scale operations at approximately one-tenth of planned full capacity. For Pedra Branca, targeting eventual production of 150,000 ounces annually, the trial mining phase would operate at approximately 15,000 ounces per annum. Following a preliminary economic assessment by end-2026 and an 18-month construction period, the company expects H2 2028 production. This phased approach reduces capital intensity, enables operational refinement, and generates cash flow supporting subsequent expansion.ValOre is actively pursuing Brazilian precious metal projects (particularly gold assets) that have completed trial mining but require capital for full production. The company targets acquisitions in early 2026 that would provide production that same year, ramping through 2027-2028 as Pedra Branca advances. As a Discovery Group-backed entity with North American capital access, ValOre can provide financing that Brazilian-domiciled companies struggle to secure.Acquiring projects with existing operational teams, completed engineering work, and functioning demonstration plants accelerates production whilst building internal capability. This dual-track approach—near-term production via M&A alongside Pedra Branca development—aims to transform ValOre from explorer to diversified producer within compressed timeframes across multiple Brazilian operations, establishing production profile whilst maintaining leverage to potential PGM price recovery.View ValOre Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/valore-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Chief Executive Officer, Keith BoyleOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/new-found-gold-tsxvnfg-explorer-to-producer-8484Recording date: 3rd December 2025New Found Gold Corporation is executing a capital-efficient development strategy that combines near-term cash flow from the recently acquired Hammerdown mine with advancement of the flagship Queensway Gold Project in Newfoundland, Canada. The November 2025 Maritime Resources acquisition delivered two critical assets: a producing underground mine that poured first gold one day before closing, and the fully permitted Pine Cove mill that eliminates major infrastructure requirements for Queensway's planned 700-ton-per-day operation. Management's appointment of Cutfield Freeman to structure project financing for Queensway's $155 million initial capital requirement signals progress toward a debt-heavy capital structure, with Hammerdown cash flow serving as the equity portion to minimize shareholder dilution. Recent grade control drilling at five-meter spacing confirms exceptional grades at the Keats zone, with only 20% of results released from the 70,000-meter 2025 program. These dense drill patterns reduce estimation uncertainty in nuggety gold deposits and support anticipated resource upgrades in the 2026 technical report. Discovery of high-grade mineralization at Dropkick, located 11 kilometers from existing resources, demonstrates district-scale exploration potential beyond current mine plans. The company targets Q1 2026 permit submission for Queensway with approval expected in H2 2026, enabling development commencement toward late 2027 commercial production. Hammerdown is ramping to steady-state operations during H1 2026, providing cash generation that de-risks Queensway financing while maintaining exploration programs across both properties that could extend mine life and improve project economics.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Nolan Peterson, CEO, Atlas SaltOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/atlas-salt-tsxvsalt-all-known-questions-answered-november-2025-8553Recording date: 2nd December 2025Atlas Salt is advancing the Great Atlantic Salt project on Newfoundland's west coast to supply North America's deicing road salt market. The project targets production of 4 million tons annually by 2030-2033, representing approximately 10% of the northeastern US and eastern Canada market that consumes 30-36 million tons each year.The company offers rare public market exposure to a recession-proof commodity with stable demand fundamentals. CEO Nolan Peterson emphasizes the project's competitive advantages, particularly its three-day delivery capability compared to foreign competitors requiring approximately one month for vessel chartering and transit. This logistical edge proved critical during last winter's severe cold snaps when municipalities faced supply shortages and paid premium spot market prices.Total capital requirements reach C$590 million, phased over four to five years leading to 2030 production start. The financing structure reflects the project's low-risk profile, with Atlas Salt working to secure at least 60% debt financing from sovereign wealth funds, export development credit agencies, and major infrastructure banks. Recent working capital raises included a major Canadian pension fund, signaling institutional validation of the project's infrastructure-like characteristics.The deposit contains over one billion tons of reserves grading 96% pure salt, eliminating the metallurgical complexity that plagues most mining projects. Unlike conventional mines, operations simply extract product without chasing veins or managing tailings. Remaining project risks center on execution and financing rather than resource uncertainty.The project will create 200 direct jobs in rural Newfoundland with strong indigenous and local community support. Many potential employees currently fly to mines elsewhere in Canada and have expressed interest in repatriating for local employment opportunities. This stakeholder alignment distinguishes Atlas Salt from Canadian resource projects facing opposition, positioning it as what Peterson calls "a mine that everybody wants built" with profitability comparable to medium-sized gold operations.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/atlas-saltSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Victor Cantore, CEO, Amex ExplorationOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/high-grade-projects-target-2026-production-to-take-advantage-of-4200-gold-price-8291Recording date: 2nd December 2025Amex Exploration is advancing a gold development project in Quebec's Abitibi Greenstone belt that eliminates traditional mining financing challenges through a carefully structured phased approach. President and CEO Victor Cantore outlined how the company plans to bring its Perron property into production while maintaining an aggressive exploration program across more than 500 square kilometers of prospective ground.The company controls over 70 kilometers of strike length on one of the world's most prolific gold-producing regions. The Perron project hosts 831,000 ounces of gold at approximately half an ounce per ton, located adjacent to hydroelectric power, an available workforce, and supportive communities including local First Nations groups.Amex has structured a self-funding development model that avoids the capital-raising challenges facing most junior miners. Starting in 2027, the company will begin toll milling operations targeting 112,000 ounces annually at all-in sustaining costs around $1,100 per ounce. Pre-production revenue of $68 million combined with over $100 million from initial production phases will internally fund the $146 million capex requirement before any major construction begins."By 2027, when you're getting your first ore from there, even if gold is at $5,000 Canadian, which we're well above that today, that's over $100 million that's going to come in," Cantore explained. At gold prices exceeding $3,200 per ounce, the operation could generate margins of approximately $2,000 per ounce pre-tax.The phased approach deliberately avoids two common mining failures: tailings management facilities and incorrect mill sizing. After four years of toll milling providing operational data, Amex will invest $191 million in growth capital to build its own processing infrastructure. The company has already secured $25 million in exploration funding through 2026, supporting over 100,000 meters of drilling across existing properties and recently acquired Ontario assets. Future exploration will be funded from operating cash flow, eliminating shareholder dilution while expanding the resource base across this highly prospective land package.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/amex-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with George Bee, President and CEO, US Gold CorpOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/us-gold-corp-nasdaqusau-permitted-gold-copper-project-targets-january-dfs-with-17moz-reserve-8558Recording date: 2nd December 2025US Gold Corp is positioning itself as one of the few fully permitted gold development projects in the United States as it prepares to release a feasibility study for its CK Gold Project in Wyoming. President and CEO George Bee, speaking at the Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London, outlined the company's timeline for transitioning from developer to producer while maintaining significant exploration upside in Nevada.The feasibility study, expected in January 2026, incorporates advanced Jameson cell flotation technology that delivers improved recovery rates with lower capital and operating costs compared to conventional processing methods. The company has also optimized its tailings management system, switching to continuous belt filtration for enhanced efficiency. While inflation will impact some cost estimates, Bee emphasized that rising gold, copper, and silver prices more than offset these increases.The CK Gold Project benefits from exceptional infrastructure, located just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport via interstate highways. This strategic positioning enables a daily commuting workforce, eliminating remote camp costs while providing access to established mining services. The local utility will provide power infrastructure through a substation connection, with the company paying only demand charges rather than capitalizing construction costs.Development activities have commenced with access road construction beginning December 2025 using existing treasury funds. Following financing completion in the first half of 2026, heavy earthworks will progress through 2027, with major equipment installation occurring year-end 2027. Commissioning is scheduled for late 2027, positioning the project for commercial production in 2028.The operation will produce approximately 110,000 gold equivalent ounces annually over an initial 10-year mine life, generating a clean copper-gold concentrate attractive to smelters. Once CK generates cash flow, management plans to self-fund exploration at the Keystone project in Nevada, located 11 miles from Barrick's Cortez complex in the same geological environment as world-class Carlin-type deposits. This strategy allows US Gold to pursue district-scale discovery potential without shareholder dilution while maintaining its near-term focus on construction execution.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/us-gold-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Segun Lawson, CEO of Thor Exploration Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/thor-exploration-lsethx-nigerian-pioneer-preps-18m-oz-senegal-gold-project-for-q4-pfs-7891Recording date: 3rd December 2025Thor Explorations presents a compelling investment opportunity combining immediate cash generation from low-cost, high-grade gold production with a self-funded development pipeline spanning near-term mine life extension, advanced-stage project construction, and genuine exploration discoveries across three West African jurisdictions.The company operates the 100%-owned Segilola gold mine in Nigeria, producing 90,000–95,000 ounces annually at all-in sustaining costs below $1,000 per ounce. At current gold prices above $4,000 per ounce, Thor captures operating margins exceeding $3,000 per ounce, creating substantial free cash flow that funds quarterly dividends whilst simultaneously financing aggressive exploration and development programmes without equity dilution. Q3 2025 operational results demonstrated this financial strength, with production of 22,600 ounces generating approximately $70 million in revenue. Management's strategic decision to withhold 3,000 ounces for Q4 sale above $4,000 per ounce positions the company for potentially record quarterly financial performance. Thor has completely repaid its project debt, achieving a debt-free balance sheet that provides exceptional strategic flexibility for capital allocation decisions. This financial position distinguishes Thor from capital-constrained peers and enables the company to advance multiple projects simultaneously across different development stages.The Segilola operation represents Thor's immediate value creation opportunity through mine life extension. The company has deployed five drilling rigs exploring beneath the existing pit, systematically intersecting high-grade underground mineralisation averaging 5.5 grams per tonne (g/t) compared to open pit grades of just over 4 g/t. With all infrastructure capital expenditure already sunk and operational expertise established, every additional ounce discovered creates what management characterizes as "super ounces" requiring minimal incremental capital to extract. Thor targets an updated resource estimate in Q1 2026 whilst also pursuing satellite deposits within a 50-kilometre radius of the processing plant. The company plans a pilot mining operation in 2026 at one southern target, supplementing an existing stockpile containing over 44,000 ounces representing more than $175 million in contained gold value.Thor's Douta project in Senegal represents material near-term production growth, with a preliminary feasibility study weeks from completion. The project carries estimated capital costs of $250–$300 million, of which Thor will self-fund $150 million from operational cash flows. The remaining $100 million will be sourced through debt financing with Africa Finance Corporation, which financed Segilola and maintains an equity stake. Management targets first gold production in Q1 2028 following an investment decision expected in H1 2026, with the project featuring a larger resource base than Segilola and approximately 10 years of mine life that would materially increase Thor's consolidated production profile.Early-stage exploration success in Côte d'Ivoire provides genuine blue-sky discovery potential. At Guitry, 4,600 metres of drilling has delineated six mineralised lenses with high-grade intersections including 10 metres at 10 g/t across just 15% of an 8-kilometre by 5-kilometre geochemical footprint. The Marahui project has identified 8 kilometres of drill targets with surface rock chips returning 10–17 g/t. Both projects advance toward maiden resource estimates in H1 2026 through continuous drilling programmes funded entirely from internal cash generation.Thor's investment proposition centres on operational execution, financial strength, and portfolio diversification. The company's ability to generate substantial cash flows whilst advancing multiple growth opportunities without external capital requirements creates a differentiated risk-reward profile. Multiple near-term catalysts through 2026 include the Douta feasibility study release, Segilola resource update, Côte d'Ivoire maiden resources, construction decision-making, and continued operational cash generation supported by elevated gold prices and proven low-cost production capabilities.View Thor Exploration's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/thor-explorations-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Chris Stevens, CEO, Coda MineralsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/coda-minerals-asxcod-95-recovery-rate-transforms-copper-project-into-tier-1-asset-7833Recording date: 2nd December 2025As global copper markets confront a widening supply deficit, Australian junior Coda Minerals is positioning its Elizabeth Creek Copper-Silver Project as a potential solution to what CEO Chris Stevens describes as an industry crisis. Located in South Australia adjacent to BHP's Carrapateena operation and near the world-class Olympic Dam mine, the project benefits from established infrastructure in a proven mining jurisdiction.The company's economics have transformed dramatically since initial studies. At conservative base case assumptions of $9,260 per tonne copper and $30 per ounce silver, Elizabeth Creek delivers an $855 million post-tax net present value with a 35% internal rate of return. However, with copper currently trading at $11,600 per tonne and silver reaching record levels near $59 per ounce, the post-tax NPV expands to $1.9 billion with a 60% IRR. This compares to Coda's current market capitalisation of approximately $40 million.A fundamental strategic shift underpins this enhanced profile. Coda abandoned its original copper-cobalt-silver flowsheet in favor of a simplified approach focusing exclusively on copper and silver through proven leaching technology. "If you can base the project fundamentally off two commodities with deep liquid markets, you're in a much better shape," Stevens explains. This eliminates the marketing and technical challenges associated with cobalt while employing methods used for roughly 20% of global copper production.With three drill rigs currently on site and a fully funded prefeasibility study targeting completion by end-2026, Coda is systematically de-risking a large, flat-lying orebody spanning 4.5 square kilometers. The recent $12.3 million capital raise was heavily oversubscribed, funding critical hydrogeology drilling, geotechnical work, and mine optimization studies.Stevens articulates the supply challenge starkly: "You need 30 Codas to replace an Escondida. Where are they coming from? Because there are not 30 Codas in Australia." With demand accelerating through electrification and data center expansion while legacy mines deplete, credibly-financed development projects in established jurisdictions occupy an increasingly strategic position in global copper supply chains.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/coda-minerals-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Brian William Penny, CEO of Wallbridge MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/wallbridge-mining-wm-updated-resource-will-delight-market-2169Recording date: 27th November 2025Wallbridge Mining is navigating challenging junior gold markets through a strategic two-asset approach in Quebec's Abitibi region under CEO Brian Penny, a mining finance veteran with three decades at Kinross, Western Goldfields, and New Gold . The company controls over 600 square kilometers of prospective ground and has secured financial runway through Q1 2027 following a $15 million equity financing and $8 million from selling its Detour East property to Agnico Eagle .The company's strategy prioritizes near-term value creation at Martinière while maintaining long-term optionality at the advanced-stage Fenelon deposit . Martinière has emerged as the primary catalyst, with 2025 drilling extending mineralization from 400 meters to 800 meters depth across a 2-kilometer strike length . Recent intercepts included 50 grams per tonne over 1.7 meters, with the company targeting expansion from the current 750,000-ounce resource to 2 million ounces by 2027—a threshold management considers economically compelling for partnerships or development .Fenelon represents a longer-term opportunity, with a March 2025 preliminary economic assessment outlining a 3,000 ton-per-day underground operation using ramp access, dry-stack tailings, and paste backfill . However, the required $50-60 million prefeasibility study cost—representing half the company's $100 million market cap—makes immediate advancement impractical . Instead, Wallbridge conducts limited metallurgical testing and desktop optimization while remaining open to joint venture partnerships .The Detour East sale exemplified disciplined capital allocation, eliminating future dilution risk and funding expanded Martinière drilling without requiring larger equity financings . Despite gold trading above $4,000 per ounce—up 40% in 2025—junior explorers have not participated meaningfully in the rally, though Penny expects capital to eventually rotate from cash-generating producers to quality exploration stories .With $31 million cash and a clear strategic roadmap, Wallbridge positions itself for multiple outcomes: continued independent development, strategic partnerships, or acquisition by larger producers seeking quality ounces in mining-friendly jurisdictions as the exploration cycle recoversView Wallbridge Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/wallbridge-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Mark Petersen, Senior Geological Consultant of Wallbridge MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/wallbridge-mining-wm-updated-resource-will-delight-market-2169Recording date: 27th November 2025Wallbridge Mining is pursuing a calculated two-pronged approach across its Quebec gold assets, balancing near-term development at Fenelon with aggressive exploration at the Martiniere system. Mark Peterson, Senior Geological Consultant with over 40 years of experience, leads the geological strategy following his tenure at New Gold.At Fenelon, the company has fundamentally restructured its resource model, simplifying mineralized domains from over 100 discrete zones to 16 user-friendly envelopes. This redesign better aligns with the project's 40-meter drill spacing and creates practical targets for underground mining operations. The deposit features coarse visible gold throughout all rock types, supporting bench-scale metallurgical test results showing 30% initial gravity recovery and 96% total recovery—characteristics that could enable simpler processing and lower operating costs.The company's preliminary economic assessment incorporates existing underground infrastructure from a flooded historic pit, providing capital-efficient portal access. Despite higher upfront costs, Wallbridge selected dry-stack tailings to address both industry trends and site-specific challenges posed by Quebec's saturated glacial overburden terrain. Approximately one million ounces of resource remain excluded from the current mine plan, offering future expansion potential.At Martiniere, Peterson has pivoted to testing fundamental system scale rather than incremental resource growth. The exploration team employs aggressive 150-meter drill spacing across a two-kilometer strike length, rapidly covering prospective ground while accepting that subsequent infill will be required. First-principles structural remodeling identified 14 distinct fault structures along the Bug Lake deformation corridor, with recent drilling encountering mineralization including three meters at approximately seven grams per tonne half a kilometer from the Horsefly area.The critical next phase involves a 50,000-75,000 meter infill drilling program at Fenelon to convert inferred resources to indicated category, while a mineral inventory assessment at Martiniere will determine whether data supports the target of a two-million-ounce-plus system before committing to closer-spaced delineation drilling.View Wallbridge Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/wallbridge-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 1st December 2025Olive Resource Capital has delivered exceptional performance in 2025, with Executive Chairman Derek Mcpherson and President/CEO/CIO Sam Pelaez reporting record third-quarter results during their December 1st "Compass" podcast discussion. The fund achieved 61.8% gains in Q3 and 113.5% year-to-date returns, driven primarily by the rising gold market and strategic portfolio positioning.Despite generating $5.2 million in net income during Q3 against a market capitalization of just $7-8 million, management believes the share price trading around $0.07 significantly undervalues the fund's performance and asset base. This disconnect represents what Mcpherson characterizes as a meaningful opportunity for investors willing to recognize the fund's accomplishments.The discussion emphasized Olive's investment philosophy of identifying companies undergoing transformation before markets fully price in the changes. This approach has proven successful with holdings like AngloGold Ashanti, which has delivered over 200% returns year-to-date, alongside other transforming companies including K92 Mining, Orion Resources, and CanX Resources.A significant portion of the conversation analyzed Barrick Gold Corporation's announced plans to potentially spin out its North American assets, including Nevada Gold Mines, Pueblo Viejo, and the Fourmile project. The managers estimate this portfolio represents approximately 2 million ounces of annual production with an enterprise value of $40-50 billion.While Newmont emerges as the most logical acquirer given existing joint venture partnerships, the analysis revealed surprising complications. Newmont currently trades at lower valuation multiples than Barrick despite producing 50% more gold, creating challenges for structuring an accretive transaction. However, the deal could provide Newmont with 33-50% production growth impossible to achieve through any other single transaction.Management maintains conviction in continued commodity strength, supported by global liquidity expansion, central bank accommodation, and the recent end of Federal Reserve quantitative tightening. They see no material macro developments disrupting their bullish thesis on commodities entering 2026.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Ingo Hofmaier, CFO of Lifezone MetalsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/lifezone-metals-nyselzm-tanzania-nickel-developer-boosts-resource-by-20-amid-ev-metals-push-6482Recording date: 24th November 2025Lifezone Metals (NYSE:LZM) is positioning its Kabanga nickel project in Tanzania as a strategic Western-aligned alternative to Indonesian supply dominance, following the successful acquisition of BHP's 17% stake through a deferred payment structure. CFO Ingo Hofmaier detailed the company's progress toward a final investment decision (FID) targeted for late 2025, highlighting how decades of exploration work and recent infrastructure improvements have transformed the project's development prospects.The July 2025 feasibility study marked a watershed moment, providing the first public financial analysis of the deposit in its 50-year history. The numbers demonstrate compelling economics: a $1.6 billion after-tax NPV, 23.3% IRR, and 4.5-year payback period, with all-in sustaining costs of $3.36 per pound net of byproduct credits. The deposit contains approximately 50 million tons of reserves at 1.9-2% nickel grades, with valuable copper and cobalt byproducts that position Kabanga in the lower quartile of the global cost curve.Infrastructure improvements have fundamentally de-risked the project. Tanzania's new standard-gauge railway from Dar es Salaam to Lake Victoria addresses historical logistics concerns, while three new hydropower stations provide grid connection with 95-98% availability. These developments eliminate the power and transportation constraints that previously hindered development efforts.Lifezone secured a $60 million bridge facility with Taurus Mining in August 2025, funding execution readiness activities while the company advances project financing discussions. The high-grade nature of the deposit supports a targeted 60/40 debt-to-equity financing structure for the $950 million to $1.2 billion capital requirement. Advanced discussions with the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, European export credit agencies, and Mineral Security Partnership members reflect Western government recognition of Kabanga's strategic importance amid 70-80% Indonesian supply concentration and associated geopolitical concerns.The company's proprietary hydrometallurgical processing technology offers environmental advantages over conventional smelting, eliminating sulfur dioxide emissions while leveraging the ore's 30% sulfur content to avoid purchasing sulfuric acid—a significant cost advantage over Indonesian laterite operations.View Lifezone Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/lifezone-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Hugh Agro, President & CEO of Revival Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/revival-gold-tsxvrvg-dual-asset-strategy-offers-near-term-production-long-term-upside-7957Recording date: 27th November 2025Revival Gold presents investors with leveraged exposure to gold price appreciation through a 6 million ounce dual-project portfolio in the western United States trading at substantial discounts to both net asset value and producing peer companies. With the Mercur project in Utah advancing towards pre-feasibility study in 2026 and Beartrack-Arnett in Idaho at pre-feasibility stage, the company offers clear pathways to production on compressed timelines of two to three and a half years respectively.The investment thesis centres on valuation arbitrage within the gold equity spectrum. Revival Gold trades at 0.1-0.2 times net asset value whilst senior producers and royalty companies command 1.0-2.0 times NAV multiples, creating what CEO Hugh Agro characterises as "a real arbitrage there for investors today." The company projects potential revaluation to 0.6-1.0 times NAV as projects advance through permitting and feasibility studies, implying five to six times appreciation over the next two to three years. Equity analysts validate this framework with price targets ranging from two to four times current trading levels.Project economics demonstrate robust margins even within conservative gold price scenarios. Mercur's preliminary economic assessment envisions 100,000 ounces per year production at $1,400 all-in sustaining costs requiring only $210 million capital expenditure, generating net present value of approximately $1.2 billion at current $4,000 gold prices with an 18-month payback period. Beartrack-Arnett complements this with 65,000 ounces per year production requiring merely $110 million capital expenditure leveraging existing ADR processing infrastructure.The modest capital requirements reflect substantial brownfield advantages including existing power, roads, processing facilities, and water infrastructure available for redeployment. Both projects represent former producers with established metallurgical characteristics, community relationships, and operational precedent reducing technical and permitting risk. Mercur benefits additionally from private land ownership enabling streamlined state-level permitting rather than complex federal processes, whilst its dry environment eliminates water management complications.Capital efficiency considerations prove particularly compelling in current market conditions. The company maintains approximately $23 million cash backed by strategic investors Dundee Corporation and EMR Capital, with management emphasising disciplined capital deployment to minimise shareholder dilution whilst advancing projects towards production. As Agro notes, "Every dollar we put out the door right now is costing us roughly 0.2 times underlying NAV," incentivising value maximisation before accessing additional capital.The current valuation incorporates only 2.5 million of the company's 6 million ounce resource base, excluding value attribution for 3.5 million ounces not yet in engineering studies plus underground expansion potential and district-scale exploration upside. This optionality provides organic growth opportunities fundable through initial production cash flows without requiring dilutive external capital.Near-term catalysts include Q1 2026 column leach metallurgical results, ongoing drill result releases from over 70 unreported holes at Mercur, formal permitting launch in early 2026, and pre-feasibility study advancement. Recent drilling has delivered average grades 22% above resource estimates whilst metallurgical recoveries exceed PEA assumptions by 10%, providing progressive technical validation.For investors seeking leveraged gold exposure, Revival Gold offers compelling risk-reward characteristics: substantial valuation discounts to peers, clear production pathways on compressed timelines, robust project economics with strong margins, capital efficiency enabled by brownfield advantages, and significant optionality beyond base case scenarios. The combination positions the company to capture both near-term revaluation as projects advance and longer-term value creation through low-capital production and organic resource expansion.View Revival Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/revival-gold-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Kurt Budge, CEO of Leading Edge Materials Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/leading-edge-materials-tsxvlem-strategic-rare-earths-projects-amid-eus-critical-minerals-push-6094Recording date: 27th November 2025Leading Edge Materials Corp. (TSXV:LEM) is advancing its Norra Kärr heavy rare earth project in Sweden towards a prefeasibility study expected to complete in the first half of 2026, positioning one of Europe's few advanced-stage heavy rare earth assets closer to production. The project's production profile of 248 tonnes of dysprosium and 38 tonnes of terbium oxide compares directly to Lynas Rare Earths' recent Malaysian plant expansion, establishing Norra Kärr at strategically significant scale within global heavy rare earth supply.The strategic rationale for European heavy rare earth production has intensified as Chinese export restrictions throughout 2025 created supply disruptions and price volatility that industry leaders characterise as a crisis. Dysprosium and terbium are critical components in permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and defence systems, with European manufacturers remaining almost entirely dependent on Chinese production. CEO Kurt Budge directly questions whether Europe can rely on heavy rare earths from potentially misaligned jurisdictions for defence equipment and armaments production, highlighting supply security as a national security imperative beyond industrial applications.Leading Edge Materials benefits from 16 years of technical work on Norra Kärr, providing a substantial data foundation that reduces technical risk compared to earlier-stage exploration projects. The current programme focuses on two critical work streams: optimising mineral processing using 28,000 metres of drill core for test work, and upgrading the mineral resource from inferred classification. The company is conducting hydrometallurgy assessment on eudialyte mineral concentrates containing heavy rare earths whilst evaluating nepheline syenite by-products for ceramics, glass, and coatings markets, providing dual revenue stream potential.The company's economic modelling focuses on mine gate economics without requiring integrated downstream processing infrastructure, acknowledging capital constraints whilst establishing fundamental extraction economics. This approach allows Norra Kärr to demonstrate project viability as if concentrates were sold to third-party processors, reducing capital requirements whilst maintaining optionality for future vertical integration. Independent market assessments are updating rare earth pricing decks and industrial mineral market analysis to inform the prefeasibility study economic model.Near-term catalysts include a mining lease decision expected in the near future, representing a critical regulatory milestone that de-risks the project and positions it favourably for government support programmes. Partnership discussions with downstream permanent magnet manufacturers are underway, with the company aiming to establish collaborative frameworks concurrent with prefeasibility study completion. The development timeline positions the resource approximately three to four years from production, assuming successful completion of studies and securing of project finance.European policymakers are actively discussing price support mechanisms including floor prices and contracts for difference, modelled on US Department of Defense interventions for MP Materials. These mechanisms acknowledge that market manipulation by dominant suppliers creates investment risk requiring government intervention to ensure European heavy rare earth production. Sweden's positioning as a leading European mining nation provides jurisdictional advantages, with the current government articulating ambitions to lead European critical minerals production.The 2026 work programme represents a pivotal year for Leading Edge Materials, with prefeasibility study completion and mining lease approval expected to catalyse government funding or strategic investment from downstream partners seeking supply security. The company operates across multiple exchanges including Toronto, Stockholm, New York, and Frankfurt, facilitating access to European and North American capital markets focused on critical minerals supply security.View Leading Edge Materials' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/leading-edge-materialsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Colin Smith, Director & CEO of TooGood GoldRecording date: 27th November 2025TooGood Gold Corporation is developing an early-stage, district-scale high-grade gold project in northern Newfoundland, positioning itself within one of Canada's most active exploration regions. The company acquired the property through a favorable earn-in agreement with Prospector Metals, which made the initial discovery before redirecting focus to its Yukon assets. Under CEO Colin Smith, a geologist with 20 years of experience including roles at SSR Mining and Discovery Group, TooGood has expanded the land package from 110 km² to over 164 km², systematically consolidating ground along regional structural trends.The flagship Quinlan discovery demonstrates exceptional potential, with Prospector's initial 2022 drilling intersecting visible gold in 15 of the first 19 holes. The standout intersection delivered 24 meters at approximately 4 g/t gold, with Smith characterizing these as "70 to 80 plus gram-meter holes in the first swing of the bat, which in my experience is pretty rare." The geological model features a felsic intrusive dyke within black shale that extends to surface, providing clear targeting parameters. Smith notes the system "lines up like poker straight like a book" in 3D modeling, though the team seeks structural complexities where the dyke might expand to "20, 30, 40 meters of thickness."TooGood completed a 33-hole, 2,000-meter drill program in summer 2025, with results pending for 19 holes. The company has also consolidated the Golden Nugget property, featuring an 8.5-kilometer coastal trend averaging over 1 g/t gold in rock samples that remains largely untested. With over $4 million in treasury and five additional drill-ready targets identified, TooGood maintains full funding for its 2026 exploration program. The project sits on the same structural corridor as Equinox Gold's producing Valentine Lake mine and near New Found Gold's Queensway deposit, providing validated geological analogues within a mining-friendly jurisdiction offering year-round access and established infrastructure.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Glenn Jessome, President & CEO of Silver Tiger Metals Inc.Recording date: 28th November 2025Silver Tiger Metals presents investors with a rare opportunity to gain exposure to a near-term silver production scenario backed by exceptional project economics, secured financing, and an experienced development team. The company has achieved a significant milestone in obtaining Mexico's first new mining permit since 2020, enabling development of the El Tigre bulk tonnage stockwork deposit in Sonora state with an 18-24 month construction timeline beginning January 2026.The project's pre-feasibility study demonstrates compelling financial metrics: an after-tax NPV of $750 million, a 92% internal rate of return, one-year capital payback, and projected annual cash flow exceeding $100 million once in production. These economics reflect current precious metals prices of approximately $31-32 per ounce silver and $2,700 per ounce gold, with sensitivity analysis showing substantial upside to higher metal prices. At $35 silver and US$3,000 gold, annual after-tax cash flow increases to $60 million.Silver Tiger's capital position differentiates the company from typical development-stage mining projects. With US$60 million in treasury against US$186 million total capital requirements, the company has deliberately avoided the constraints associated with debt-heavy financing structures. Management has secured debt financing options with favourable terms to be finalised in 2025, whilst maintaining sufficient cash reserves to pursue parallel objectives including underground mine advancement, regional exploration programmes, and early-stage work at satellite deposits.The execution risk profile benefits significantly from the appointment of Francisco Albelais, a Mexican mining engineer with 25 years of experience building and operating bulk tonnage mines in Sonora. From 2010 to 2023, Francisco built two 55,000 tonnes-per-day mines for Argonaut Gold, managing teams of 400 personnel through complete project lifecycles. He brings established contractor relationships and access to a 200-person construction team based in Hermosillo, approximately two hours from site.Critical preparatory work already completed includes final engineering scheduled for completion on December 2025, construction of a 53-kilometre all-weather access road capable of transporting mill components, and securing long-term power supply arrangements with Mexico's federal electricity regulator. The company will operate on generator sets during the 18-month construction period, transitioning to grid power within two years.Beyond the initial bulk tonnage operation, Silver Tiger will release a preliminary economic assessment in January 2026 for an 800 tonnes-per-day underground mine targeting high-grade silver mineralization. The underground resource contains 113 million silver-equivalent ounces, representing a 31-year mine life before considering exploration upside. The company has already purchased and delivered the processing mill to site.The broader investment case encompasses significant exploration potential across a 30-kilometre mineralized trend. Current resources of approximately 213 million silver-equivalent ounces (100 million bulk tonnage, 113 million underground) exist within only 2-3 kilometres of explored territory, with independent consultants identifying near-term potential for an additional 73-100 million ounces through infill drilling. Historical mines to the north and south offer district-scale discovery opportunities.At a current market capitalization of approximately $350 million versus $750 million NPV for the initial operation alone, Silver Tiger offers investors substantial re-rating potential as construction progresses and production de-risking occurs.View Silver Tiger Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/silver-tiger-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Sam Hartmann, VP Exploration, and Dev Randhawa, Chairman & CEO, of F3 Uranium Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/f3-uranium-tsxvfuu-billion-dollar-discovery-team-strikes-again-in-worlds-best-uranium-district-7874Recording date: 27th November 2025F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) has completed a $20 million financing to fund a year-long drilling campaign at its Tetra Zone discovery in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The financing, which included $15 million in flow-through funds, brings the company's treasury to $30 million and eliminates near-term dilution pressure as the exploration program advances.CEO Dev Randhawa explained the strategic shift toward Tetra Zone, which has emerged as the company's primary focus after the JR Zone failed to grow as anticipated. Despite JR's promising initial indicators, including peak grades of 4.5 meters at 50% uranium along a large conductor, the system has not delivered the expansion investors expected. Tetra Zone, by contrast, shows significantly greater potential with 60 meters of mineralization-three times what JR produced-sits just 12 kilometers from the Arrow and Triple R deposits along an apparent productive geological trend.Recent drilling results support management's confidence in the discovery. The most recent hole intersected mineralization in a 15-meter step-out, with scintillometer readings exceeding 10,000 counts per second across 30+ meters. Chief Geologist Sam Hartmann estimates a 2.3-meter high-grade interval "will be well over a percent" when laboratory assays are returned. This successful step-out confirms both continuity and the geological model's predictive capability.The technical understanding of Tetra has evolved considerably from initial interpretations. Unlike typical Athabasca deposits controlled by graphitic conductors, Tetra appears to be shear-zone-controlled, with mineralization in micaceous structures that generate weaker geophysical signatures. This realization explains why early drilling repeatedly intersected mineralization at unexpected depths and has enabled more confident targeting going forward.F3's systematic approach involves methodical 25-50-100 meter step-outs to balance resource definition with expansion testing. With an experienced discovery team that previously found Waterbury and contributed to the Triple R discovery (sold for approximately $1 billion), the company is positioned to methodically test whether Tetra can join the ranks of significant Athabasca Basin uranium deposits. Regular drilling results are expected throughout 2026 as the delineation program progresses.View F3 Uranium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/f3-uranium-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 25th November 2025Derek Mcpherson and Sam Pelaez of Olive Resource Capital highlight critical developments reshaping mining investment, with asset scarcity and supply chain vulnerabilities emerging as defining challenges for the sector.The ongoing Anglo American situation exemplifies limited growth options for major miners. Despite BHP quickly dismissing weekend speculation about a renewed bid, the December 9th shareholder vote underscores how few tier-one assets exist that can materially impact large producers' portfolios. Pelaez notes these critical assets remain concentrated among major companies like Teck, Anglo, and Glencore, with many already partnered on world-scale Chilean copper projects. The executives emphasize that while acquisition targets are scarce, "eventually someone has to build something, and the biggest companies are best positioned to build something."Sovereign wealth funds are now competing for direct critical minerals exposure. The Qatar Investment Authority's memorandum of understanding with Ivanhoe Mines to support Democratic Republic of Congo growth mirrors earlier Chinese sovereign investments in tier-one African assets. This development signals Middle Eastern capital seeking strategic positioning in what Pelaez views as an emerging electrification commodities bull market, though he stresses there are "simply not enough investable assets and companies for everyone to get direct exposure."The gold equity market continues maturing, with Muddy Waters pitching pre-revenue explorer Snowline Gold at the generalist Sohn Conference—a significant milestone indicating institutional capital flowing beyond traditional mining investors. This follows sustained inflows into the GDX ETF and suggests generalists are increasingly willing to evaluate unprofitable developers.However, the most critical structural challenge remains Western processing capabilities. Despite domestic mining efforts, North American materials still require Chinese processing for battery precursor conversion. Pelaez emphasizes the West lags China "more than a decade" in rare earths, lithium, and graphite processing, creating supply chain vulnerabilities that policy alone cannot address. For investors, understanding complete processing pathways matters as much as resource quality when evaluating critical minerals projects.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO of Omai Gold MinesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/omai-gold-mines-tsxvomg-19m-funded-pea-in-2026-targets-multi-generational-40-year-mine-life-8052Recording date: 25th November 2025Omai Gold Mines has executed a dramatic transformation of its flagship Guyanese project in 2025, expanding its mineral resource by 51% from 4.3 million ounces to 6.5 million ounces through an aggressive drilling campaign. This growth trajectory positions the company among the developers of the world's largest undeveloped gold projects, achieved through a strategic pivot that CEO Elaine Ellingham describes as capitalizing on unexpected geological success.The turning point came in early January 2025 when assay results revealed exceptionally wide, high-grade intercepts at the Wenot deposit - 4.5 grams per tonne over 57 meters and 3.2 grams per tonne over 68 meters. "These are the widest, best intercepts ever for Wenot," Ellingham explained. "When you're seeing things like that you can add the ounces quickly." The company immediately redeployed drilling resources to pursue these zones, ultimately deploying up to four rigs focused on expansion rather than incremental resource conversion.The results exceeded internal expectations. "We even surprised ourselves," Ellingham noted following the August 2025 resource update that added 2.2 million ounces. The company is now advancing an integrated preliminary economic assessment targeting 12,000-15,000 tonnes per day processing capacity - substantially larger than the previous 9,000 tpd concept - combining the Wenot open pit (averaging 1.5+ g/t) with the nearby Gilt Creek underground mine.Perhaps most significant for future growth, deep drilling 700 meters below known mineralization successfully intersected the shear structure with seven distinct gold zones, proving the system continues at depth. If the 2.5-kilometer strike length extends downward, Ellingham suggested the deposit "could potentially double in size."With $40 million in recent financing completed at four times earlier pricing, five operating drill rigs, advancing permitting including scheduled community consultations, and strong government support following September's decisive election results, Omai has positioned itself for continued newsflow and development progress in a favorable gold price environment. The company expects substantial assay results through early 2026 as laboratories process samples from the intensive drilling campaign.View Omai Gold Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/omai-gold-minesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with David Cataford, CEO of Champion Iron Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g-mining-ventures-tsxgmin-champion-iron-tsxcia-playbook-for-success-7198Recording date: 24th November 2025Champion Iron stands at a compelling inflection point for investors seeking exposure to steel industry decarbonisation. After seven years and over $2 billion of capital investment, the Canadian iron ore producer is weeks away from completing its transformation into one of the world's premier ultra-high-grade concentrate suppliers, with the major expenditure cycle ending December 2025 and material free cash flow generation beginning 2026.The company just delivered its strongest quarterly performance in two years, generating approximately $175 million EBITDA with record sales of 4 million tonnes. This operational momentum comes as Champion works through a 3-million-tonne stockpile of premium 66.2% concentrate that provides near-term cash generation visibility as inventory converts to sales over coming quarters. Management owns over 10% of the business, ensuring strong alignment with shareholder interests.Champion's most significant catalyst arrives with December 2025 completion of its $500 million DR Pellet Feed project, over 80% complete with remaining work focused on piping and electrical systems. This upgrade transitions half of production – approximately 7-12 million tonnes annually – to up to 69% iron ore concentrate, positioning Champion amongst the world's highest-grade producers with first commercial shipments expected early 2026.The strategic rationale extends beyond grade premiums. Current production ships approximately 9 million tonnes annually to China, incurring freight costs of $23-25 per tonne whilst competing against proximate Australian and Brazilian suppliers. The DR Pellet Feed material targets North Africa, Middle East, and European customers where Champion's Canadian location becomes proximity advantage, reducing freight costs whilst commanding premiums for material essential to Direct Reduction Iron processes central to steel decarbonisation.Champion's ore stability provides critical competitive advantage. The company maintains an unblemished on-specification delivery record, enabling long-term contracts with sophisticated buyers who cannot tolerate specification risk in DRI feedstock. Whilst premiums for high-grade material currently sit at historical lows, Champion has witnessed premiums reaching $45 per tonne during previous periods of tight supply, suggesting significant upside potential as steel industry decarbonisation accelerates.The valuation disconnect presents compelling opportunity. Champion trades at market capitalisation under $2 billion against over $6 billion in replacement costs – approximately 70% discount to asset replication value. This gap exists despite management's unblemished track record of delivering three consecutive major projects on time and on budget since 2017. Management is now evaluating share buybacks as value-creating strategy given this substantial discount.Iron ore pricing resilience stems from Chinese domestic production economics. China produces over 450 million tonnes at relatively high cost, creating natural price support as high-cost producers curtail output when prices decline. This dynamic has provided consistent support around $100 per tonne despite analyst forecasts of lower pricing since 2015.Beyond current operations, Champion secured attractive growth optionality through its Kami project – potential 9-million-tonne-per-year development with 49% sold to Nippon Steel and Sojitz. Partner equity contributions fund several years of permitting and feasibility work without requiring Champion shareholder capital, with construction decision possible in 2027.With capital expenditure cycle ending December 2025, Champion maintains four-year track record of semi-annual dividend payments (10 cents per share) whilst evaluating enhanced returns as free cash flow materialises. Multiple value drivers converge through 2026: working capital release, cost improvements, premium product sales, and enhanced capital returns at compelling valuation for investors believing in iron ore price stability and steel decarbonisation trends.View Champion Iron's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/champion-iron-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Chad Peters, President & CEO of Ridgeline Minerals Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/partnership-driven-mining-exploration-reducing-risk-maximizing-returns-8307Recording date: 21st November 2025Ridgeline Minerals (TSXV:RDG) presents investors with an unusual proposition: leveraged exposure to a Nevada carbonate replacement deposit discovery that South32 publicly compares to its $2 billion Taylor acquisition, yet trades at valuations suggesting significant market scepticism. Understanding this disconnect requires examining both the technical merits of the Selena discovery and the strategic value of Ridgeline's partner-funded business model.The company's second drill hole at Selena intersected multiple massive sulphide horizons including 17 metres of 6% zinc with 30-40 g/t silver plus copper, gold, and antimony credits. Using metallurgical recovery rates from South32's Taylor feasibility study (79-95% across all metals), this intercept grades approximately 30% higher on a metal equivalent basis than Taylor's resource grade. The hole validated a 2-kilometre-long magnetotelluric anomaly comparable in scale and intensity to Taylor, which South32 is spending US$3 billion to develop as one of the world's largest silver-lead-zinc deposits.South32's Chief Development Officer publicly congratulated Ridgeline on the discovery and compared it to Taylor's early days, providing external validation from a major miner with global CRD expertise. The partnership structure requires South32 to spend US$10 million over five years to earn 60% of Selena, with Ridgeline earning 10% of every dollar spent. An optional phase two allows South32 to spend another US$10 million over three years to reach 80%, automatically triggering Ridgeline's fully carried interest to commercial production on the remaining 20% stake.CEO Chad Peters emphasised the significance: "Taylor to build is publicly announced US$3 billion. So what is our 20% free carry worth? US$600 million - that's US$600 million less of dilution to Ridgeline shareholders." Even if South32 stops at 60% ownership, Peters noted that "if we own 40% of what might be a world-class CRD, we can fund that all day long" through project financing or third-party investment.The market's muted response to technically strong drill results reflects the challenge of valuing polymetallic deposits where zinc, silver, copper, gold, antimony, and lead contribute simultaneously to economics. Peters acknowledged this communication difficulty, noting that antimony alone - averaging 0.1% in the discovery hole - "is five times as valuable as copper," making that byproduct credit equivalent to 0.5% copper over 17 metres. For investors capable of conducting independent metallurgical and economic analysis, this complexity may create information arbitrage opportunities.Ridgeline's business model eliminates near-term financing pressure through US$60 million in total partner commitments across three Nevada projects with South32 and Nevada Gold Mines. The company anticipates approximately US$12 million in partner-funded exploration for 2026, the largest budget in its history, whilst requiring no equity financing to advance core projects. With drill hole 54 testing the heart of the Selena magnetotelluric target (results expected January 2026), pending Swift project assays, and only 18 months elapsed in South32's five-year phase one earn-in, the company sits at maximum exploration leverage where each subsequent hole materially impacts valuation.The investment thesis centres on whether South32's demonstrable commitment and public comparison to Taylor signals world-class potential that the market has failed to recognise, or whether current valuations appropriately reflect the substantial execution risk inherent in translating one discovery hole into a viable mining operation. Investors with appropriate risk tolerance and capability to evaluate complex polymetallic deposit economics may find current entry points attractive ahead of multiple near-term catalysts, whilst recognising that CRD discoveries require 7-10 years minimum from discovery to production and significant additional drilling to validate system scale and grade continuity.View Ridgeline Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/ridgeline-mineralsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Jean-Marc Lulin, President & CEO of Azimut Exploration Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/azimut-exploration-tsxvazm-kghm-funds-nickel-hunt-as-quebec-explorer-weighs-gold-asset-options-6611Recording date: 21st November 2025Azimut Exploration (TSXV:AZM) is executing a strategic transformation from prospect generator to focused development company, concentrating resources on three 100%-owned gold discoveries in Quebec's prolific mining districts. Jean-Marc Lulin, president and CEO with 40 years of global exploration experience, outlined the company's evolution and provided comprehensive project updates in a recent interview.The flagship Wabamisk property hosts two significant discoveries separated by 15 kilometers of underexplored ground. The Fortin Zone represents one of Canada's largest antimony systems, spanning at least 1.8 kilometers of strike length with mineralized envelopes reaching 50 meters in width. Drilling across 86 holes totaling 12,000 meters has tested the system to 250 meters depth, where strong mineralization continues with the deposit remaining open in multiple directions. Metallurgical testing with SGS is underway, with preliminary results described as encouraging—critical validation for economic viability during a period of elevated antimony prices driven by critical mineral supply constraints.The Rosa Zone emerged as an unexpected breakthrough in terrain explored for 90 years by 11 previous companies. Systematic prospecting revealed 300 meters of outcropping high-grade gold with abundant visible gold—both coarse and fine dust—that correlates strongly with a 1.4-kilometer induced polarization anomaly. Initial drilling intersected visible gold in 11 of 26 holes, with assay results expected by year-end 2025 or early January 2026.The company's third focus, Elmer-Patwon, represents the most advanced asset with an existing resource that benefits from gold prices substantially above the $1,800 per ounce used in the original definition. A scoping study is well advanced, with clear expansion targets identified along strike.Azimut maintains strategic leverage through partnerships, notably with KGHM on the Kukamas nickel-copper-PGE project, where drilling delivered grades up to 19.6% nickel and 15 grams per ton platinum-palladium in a kambalda-type system. KGHM is funding advancement toward a preliminary economic assessment while Azimut retains operator status with no funding obligations.Lulin emphasized the company's technical discipline: "We want to advance as quickly as possible but in a rational way." Detailed 2026 program guidance is expected in Q1 following receipt of critical assay results that will shape resource expansion strategies across the portfolio.View Azimut Exploration's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/azimut-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Richard Young, Chief Executive Officer of i-80 GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/i-80-gold-tsxiau-pitch-perfect-november-2025-8431Recording date: 19th November 2025i-80 Gold (TSX: IAUX) is executing a methodical three-phase development plan designed to transform the company from a marginal Nevada gold producer into a profitable mid-tier operator generating 200,000 ounces annually by 2028 with projected EBITDA of $200 million to $300 million. The company's third quarter 2025 results marked a critical inflection point, delivering the strongest financial performance in company history whilst completing permanent dewatering infrastructure that had previously constrained access to higher-grade mineralisation at the flagship Granite Creek underground mine.President and CEO Richard Young confirmed that permanent dewatering systems installed during Q3 2025 will enable accelerated underground development over the next six months into zones where "grades get better, ground conditions get better, and we expect mining rates to rise." A 47-hole infill drilling programme scheduled for completion in mid-December 2025 is yielding results that Young characterised as "consistently solid. Very good grades over very good widths," with a feasibility study incorporating these results expected at the end of Q1 2026 showing "materially better" economics than previous assessments.Construction of the Archimedes underground mine commenced in Q3 2025, providing the second production centre necessary to justify the strategic refurbishment of i-80 Gold's Lone Tree autoclave facility. The autoclave refurbishment represents the pivotal value creation opportunity in management's development thesis. With current toll milling costs ranging between $1,000 and $1,500 per ounce, i-80 Gold is effectively surrendering $200 million to $300 million in annual EBITDA at the 2028 production target of 200,000 ounces. Young stated unequivocally: "Strategically and economically, that refurbishment is very important for us to move forward with."Engineering firm Hatch has largely completed engineering work on the approximately $400 million autoclave refurbishment, with the board approving a $25 million limited notice to proceed authorising detailed engineering, long-lead equipment orders, and permitting initiation. The company expects to commence pouring gold through the refurbished autoclave before the end of 2027, creating an 18 to 24 month payback period on the capital investment at current gold prices.Beyond Granite Creek and Archimedes, i-80 Gold completed infill drilling at its Cove underground project during Q3 2025, with results showing the total mineralised envelope up between 10 and 20 percent compared to previous estimates. A feasibility study is scheduled for Q1 2026, with permitting targeted for completion before the end of 2028. The company will release three major feasibility studies between Q1 2026 and Q1 2027 covering its core underground operations, each expected to show material improvements over preliminary economic assessments.Management has received six term sheets from financing partners and is advancing toward recapitalisation completion by Q2 2026 to fund both phase one and phase two of the development plan. The company has successfully recruited experienced technical teams across mining engineering, metallurgy, and geology disciplines, a critical leading indicator of execution capability as i-80 Gold transitions from single-asset operator to multi-mine producer.For investors evaluating Nevada-focused gold producers, i-80 Gold offers substantial leverage to successful execution and higher gold prices, with the 2028 target of 200,000 ounces production and $200-300 million EBITDA generation providing a concrete benchmark for measuring management's progress toward transformational value creation.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/i-80-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Thomas Lamb, CEO, Myriad UraniumOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/myriad-uranium-csem-200-million-pound-potential-as-rush-merger-delivers-100-project-control-7894Recording date: 19th November 2025Myriad Uranium Corp. is unlocking significant value at its Copper Mountain uranium project in Wyoming through modern analytical techniques that reveal substantially higher uranium grades than historic exploration indicated. CEO Thomas Lamb recently outlined how the company's systematic chemical assaying program has discovered radiometric disequilibrium that shows 50-60% more uranium than conventional gamma probe readings detected during Union Pacific Railway's $85 million exploration campaign in the 1970s.The company recently completed a bought deal financing that raised C$8.6 million, exceeding its C$6 million target, led by Research Capital and Red Cloud Securities. This brings Myriad's cash position to approximately C$10 million, providing capital to expand land holdings, convert historic resources to NI 43-101 compliance, and aggressively drill high-priority targets that remained untested during previous exploration.Central to Myriad's investment thesis is a 1982 U.S. Department of Energy Bendix report identifying a 655 million pound uranium endowment across the broader Copper Mountain area, with 245 million pounds in a core zone where Myriad controls 70% of the acreage. Critically, these estimates only extend to 600 feet depth, while Myriad's recent drilling has encountered uranium mineralization as deep as 1,495 feet with assays exceeding 800 ppm.The chemical assay breakthrough transforms project economics by revealing that much of what Union Pacific classified as waste rock actually contains economic uranium grades. Myriad submitted nearly 800 samples from zones where probes detected little or no uranium, with results showing significant uranium content that expands grade shells while increasing contained metal.Myriad is also pursuing a merger with Rush Rare Metals Corp. to achieve 100% ownership of Copper Mountain, currently owned 50-50, and advancing plans for a U.S. exchange listing to unlock institutional investment. The company has permitted 222 new drill holes and bonded 70 of them, targeting underexplored areas where favorable geological structures suggest multiple additional deposits comparable to Copper Mountain's largest known resource.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/myriad-uraniumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Oliver Turner, Vice President of Corporate Development, Americas Gold & Silver Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/americas-gold-silver-tsxusa-triples-ore-production-targets-5moz-annually-8137Recording date: 18 November 2025Americas Gold & Silver is rapidly executing a growth and consolidation strategy in Idaho's historic Silver Valley, highlighted by its recent $65 million acquisition of the Crescent Mine and an oversubscribed $150 million capital raise. The company's strategic moves have attracted significant institutional interest, with ownership increasing from just 7% to over 63% as top-tier global mining institutions recognize the value proposition.The Crescent Mine acquisition represents a calculated move to utilize spare milling capacity at the flagship Galena complex. Located just 9 miles from Galena, Crescent historically produced over 25 million ounces of silver at grades averaging 900 grams per ton and can be restarted within six months. The mine's ore is metallurgically identical to Galena's tetrahedrite, enabling seamless integration into existing processing facilities. With Crescent's average grade of 655 grams per ton silver exceeding Galena's blended average of 466 grams per ton, the acquisition provides immediate high-grade feed while Galena ramps underground production.Management aims to restore Galena to historical production levels of 5+ million ounces annually potentially within 36 months, up from current levels. The operation currently utilizes only one of four available shafts and has ramped throughput from 300 tons per day to over 410 tons per day, yet still maintains spare mill capacity of 750-1,050 tons per day. Key catalysts include the paste backfill plant commissioning in Q3 2026 and formal production guidance expected in February-March.Beyond silver, Americas Gold & Silver has emerged as the largest active antimony producer in the United States, producing 450,000 pounds year-to-date. Management is pursuing development of a domestic antimony processing circuit with potential government support, addressing critical mineral security while potentially adding significant margin expansion at minimal incremental cost. Trading at 0.7-0.8x NAV versus peer average near 2x NAV, the company offers compelling value as it transforms into a major silver producer with exceptional byproduct credit potential.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/americas-gold-silver-corporationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Philip Williams, Director & CEO of IsoEnergy Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/isoenergy-tsxiso-inside-isoenergys-strategic-play-on-uraniums-supply-demand-revolutiont-7872Recording date: 19th November 2025IsoEnergy is building an institutional-scale uranium platform spanning Canada, the United States, and Australia through strategic acquisitions and targeted exploration spending. CEO Philip Williams recently announced the acquisition of Toro Energy, which adds the 75-million-pound Wiluna project in Western Australia to what the company calls its "Core Four" assets. This portfolio includes Canada's Hurricane deposit, described as the world's highest-grade uranium resource, along with near-term production capabilities at past-producing Utah mines and the 160-million-pound Coles Hill resource in Virginia, the largest uranium deposit in the United States.The company is prioritizing exploration capital in Canada's Athabasca Basin, where its PurePoint joint venture recently made the Dorado discovery, validating the consolidation strategy. Additional programs target the LaRocque East project and US properties in Utah's Henry Mountains district, where IsoEnergy sees accessible near-term discovery potential from historically productive areas that haven't been systematically explored in decades.Williams emphasized the company's positioning to benefit from US government initiatives to rebuild domestic uranium supply chains, including the Strategic Uranium Reserve. With uranium demand fundamentally outstripping supply through 2040 and governments deploying multiple support mechanisms, from direct purchases to project investments and accelerated permitting, IsoEnergy's diversified portfolio provides multiple value realization pathways across different development timelines and jurisdictions.The diversification strategy deliberately mirrors industry leader Cameco, reducing single-asset risk while maintaining the technical teams and financial strength to advance projects simultaneously. Management maintains flexible capital allocation responsive to jurisdictional developments and market conditions, with plans for significant project milestones across all Core Four assets in 2026.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/isoenergySign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Stephen Hanson, President & CEO of Surface Metals Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/surface-metals-csesur-former-lithium-player-pivots-to-nevada-gold-with-walker-lane-project-7467Recording date: 21st November 2025Surface Metals Inc. (CSE: SUR) has strategically positioned itself across two commodity cycles through its April 2025 acquisition of the Cimarron gold project in Nevada whilst maintaining a diversified lithium portfolio anchored by a 300,000+ ton LCE resource at Clayton Valley, California. This dual-commodity approach provides investors with exposure to gold's current bull market and lithium's structural electrification demand.Following recent meetings on Wall Street and Bay Street, President and CEO Steve Hanson reports renewed institutional appetite for junior and mid-cap mining opportunities. Major banks including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, UBS, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC forecast gold reaching $5,000 per ounce in 2026, driven by central bank accumulation, interest rate dynamics, and geopolitical tensions. Simultaneously, lithium markets show stabilisation following the 2023-2024 correction, with institutional interest returning to quality projects.The Cimarron gold project, located in Nevada's prolific Walker Lane trend approximately 35 kilometres south of Kinross's Round Mountain mine, benefits from extensive historical work conducted by Newmont and Echo Bay during the 1980s-1990s. Surface Metals has digitised this historical database and created three-dimensional geological models, positioning the company to commence phase one drilling in early 2026 with clear targeting rationale. The programme aims to confirm historical high-grade intercepts, validate a non-43-101 compliant resource, and expand towards a million-ounce target. Shallow oxide mineralisation suggests potential heap leach processing economics - a lower-cost development pathway relevant for junior companies.Surface Metals' lithium portfolio demonstrates geographic and geological diversification across three projects. The Clayton Valley brine project sits immediately northwest of Albemarle's Silver Peak operation - North America's only producing lithium brine facility operational since 1966. The company targets a preliminary economic assessment in 2026, evaluating direct lithium extraction technology offering faster processing and higher recovery versus traditional evaporation ponds. Neighbouring operator SLB's 2025 demonstration facility successfully produced lithium from similar brine chemistry, de-risking technology application.Fish Lake Valley represents exposure to sedimentary claystone lithium mineralisation, sitting contiguous to Ioneer's Rhyolite Ridge project backed by Ford, Toyota, and Panasonic offtakes with 2026 construction commencement planned. Surface Metals actively seeks joint venture partners to fund initial drilling. In Manitoba, NASDAQ-listed Snow Lake Resources earns into the company's pegmatite project through funded exploration whilst Surface Metals maintains carried interest without capital outlay.Capital efficiency distinguishes Surface Metals' approach. The company has reduced operational costs whilst advancing projects through partnership structures and targeted technical work avoiding dilutive capital raises during unfavourable market conditions. Sector consolidation reduced lithium-focused companies from 200-250 to approximately 60, with Surface Metals amongst survivors maintaining intact portfolio positioning to capture recovery momentum.Management contemplates multiple value realisation pathways including asset sales, joint ventures, or corporate restructuring to separate gold and lithium portfolios. In market conditions where commodities experience distinct cycles, portfolio separation could unlock valuation disparities whilst providing shareholders direct exposure to preferred commodity themes.All projects benefit from tier-one North American jurisdictions with established infrastructure, proximity to operating mines, and relatively streamlined permitting. Nevada exploration permits typically achieved in 90-120 days. As gold supply deficits emerge from major producers exhausting high-grade reserves, and lithium supply security achieves strategic priority, Surface Metals' portfolio positioning addresses structural market dynamics favouring quality junior mining opportunities in premier jurisdictions.View Surface Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/acme-lithiumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recorded November 19, 2025, from the Benchmark Conference in Los Angeles.In this critical episode of The Compass, Sam Pelaez (President, CEO & CIO of Olive Resource Capital) and Derek Macpherson (Executive Chairman of Olive) dissect a fundamental shift occurring in mining project finance as traditional debt-equity structures replace the exotic capital arrangements that dominated recent years.KEY TOPICS COVERED:Troilus Gold's Financing BreakthroughThe expanded debt facility announcement signals developers can now credibly finance construction independently rather than depending entirely on takeovers. At $4,100 gold, project profitability has driven down the cost of capital materially, enabling traditional banking structures instead of 20%+ private equity arrangements."The Generalists Are Coming"Nine-figure equity financings now occur weekly, with non-resource institutions like Fidelity regularly participating. This marks a dramatic expansion of available capital pools beyond traditional mining investors and validates the sector's investment thesis to Wall Street.Year-End Market DynamicsNo tax loss selling pressure this year as most mining equities are substantially higher than purchase points. However, seasonal liquidity constraints from holiday spending may create temporary dislocations and attractive entry points ahead of typically strong Q1 performance.Flow-Through Financing RushCanadian flow-through funds must deploy 2025 capital before December 31st, creating a year-end rush of placements working down the capitalisation spectrum from larger companies to progressively smaller explorers.Building as Negotiating LeverageDevelopers who can credibly "threaten to build" maintain stronger negotiating positions with potential acquirers. Clean capital structures without permanent streaming impairments make projects more valuable takeover targets post-construction.Why This Matters:Traditional banking institutions have long been willing to finance mining projects but were constrained by developers' inability to assemble the equity component without destroying capital structures. With both debt and equity now accessible at reasonable rates, a select group of well-positioned developers may advance independently, populating the mid-tier producer pipeline essential for an industry facing depletion of existing assets.ABOUT OLIVE RESOURCE CAPITAL:Olive Resource Capital is a specialist mining investment fund focused on precious metals, base metals, and battery metals across the development and production spectrum.

Interview with Rupert Verco, Managing Director & CEO, Cobra ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cobra-resources-lsecobr-high-grade-copper-gold-acquisition-ree-isr-7824Recording date: 19th November 2025Cobra Resources is positioning itself as a potential disruptor in the global rare earths market through its innovative Boland project in South Australia. The London-listed company is developing an in-situ recovery (ISR) operation targeting high-value heavy rare earths including dysprosium and terbium - critical components in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense applications.What distinguishes Boland from conventional rare earth projects is its unique geological setting. Unlike traditional clay-hosted deposits, the project features permeable paleochannel geology similar to uranium ISR operations, which Managing Director Rupert Verco says "bypasses a lot of the operational challenges of traditional clays." The mineralization sits within naturally confined sand horizons, protected by 20 meters of impermeable clay above and below.Recent field hydrology studies have validated commercial viability, achieving pump rates of nearly 20,000 liters per day with 60% tracer recovery in just four days. These results support well spacing of 20-30 meters - comparable to uranium operations - and demonstrate the uniform aquifer response essential for efficient ISR extraction.The project's most significant breakthrough involves natural acid generation from sulfide-rich organics within the ore body. When oxidized, these materials produce sulfuric acid in-situ, potentially eliminating the largest operating cost and reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. Current testing indicates acid consumption under 4 kilograms per ton—dramatically lower than typical rare earth operations.Metallurgically, Cobra has achieved 90% cerium suppression without heavy rare earth loss, producing concentrate containing 35% magnet rare earths and 50% heavy rare earths. This compares favorably to traditional carbonatite deposits that typically contain over 50% low-value cerium.With 3,300+ square kilometers of controlled tenure, resource drilling planned for early 2026, and a modular development approach targeting 4,000-5,000 tons annual production, Cobra is advancing toward what Verco describes as cost competitiveness comparable to "how Kazatomprom established themselves in the uranium game"—potentially offering Western supply chains a commercially viable alternative to Chinese rare earth dominance.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/cobra-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

US Gold Corp (NASDAQ: USAU) represents an increasingly rare investment opportunity in the North American mining sector - a fully permitted, shovel-ready gold-copper development project approaching a critical inflection point. The company's CK Project in Wyoming is completing its Definitive Feasibility Study by mid-December 2025, with public release planned for January 2026, positioning investors ahead of formal project financing negotiations and potential strategic interest from consolidating producers.The project's fundamental advantages centre on infrastructure and operational simplicity. Located 20 miles from Cheyenne, Wyoming, the CK Project benefits from established power and water infrastructure, rail connectivity within three miles, and access to a skilled industrial workforce without requiring worker accommodation. Chairman Luke Norman emphasized this distinction: "If we were trying to build this up in the snow belts in Alaska or something, it would be an entirely different undertaking." These infrastructure advantages translate directly into reduced capital intensity and lower operating costs compared to remote mining developments.The operational approach further differentiates the project from conventional precious metals mining. Norman characterized it as "a glorified quarry just with a little more infrastructure to extract the minerals," utilizing straightforward crushing and flotation processes with no on-site smelting required. The geology enhances this simplicity, with mineralization exposed at surface and "the richest stuff at surface," eliminating extensive pre-stripping requirements and accelerating the timeline to cash flow generation.Project economics demonstrated sub-year payback potential in previous studies, an exceptional metric that speaks to rapid capital recovery. Whilst Norman acknowledged the forthcoming DFS will reflect increased capital costs for enhanced environmental measures, he maintained that "the margins on the project have just increased dramatically" due to gold and copper price appreciation. This economic robustness has attracted considerable financing interest, with Norman confirming "so many term sheet come across our desk in the last 12 months."The resource base comprises a 1.7 million ounce gold reserve supporting projected annual production exceeding 100,000 ounces over a minimum 10-year mine life. Importantly, management identifies potential for "another million ounces plus potential for harvesting within the pit," providing resource growth opportunity without requiring additional permitting or fundamental changes to the mining plan.The strategic context enhances the investment thesis. Norman characterized the project financing environment as "a lot of capital chasing very few projects that are permitted and ready to go," reflecting the scarcity of development-ready projects in North America. This dynamic creates both favourable financing terms and potential M&A premium, with Norman acknowledging the DFS completion "might even trigger some interest from an M&A perspective." Management's stated focus on equity value creation - "whatever is best for the stock" - aligns with shareholder interests across multiple potential value realisation pathways.For investors seeking exposure to North American gold and copper production development without the regulatory uncertainties that plague most junior mining investments, US Gold Corp offers a differentiated opportunity. The convergence of complete permitting, exceptional infrastructure advantages, robust project economics, secured financing interest, and imminent DFS completion positions the company for significant value creation as it enters what management anticipates will be "a really fast and furious 2026."

Interview with Gwen Preston, VP Communications, West Red Lake Gold MinesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/west-red-lake-gold-mines-tsxvwrlg-all-known-questions-answered-7761Recording date: 18th November 2025West Red Lake Gold Mines is restarting the Madsen Mine in Ontario's prolific Red Lake district, positioning itself as a rare new gold producer emerging at the beginning of a bull market rather than after years of depressed prices . The company targets commercial production in early 2026 with expected annual output of 50,000 ounces, growing to 100,000 ounces by 2028 through site optimization and development of the high-grade Rowan deposit .The third quarter of 2025 demonstrated significant operational momentum, with production exceeding 7,000 ounces generating $33 million in revenue . October data showed a 24% increase in daily mine tons compared to September, driven by completion of underground waste rock storage solutions that eliminated the need to truck waste material to surface, freeing equipment for ore movement . The company has achieved cash-flow positive status during ramp-up while maintaining over $45 million in treasury, providing substantial financial flexibility heading into commercial production .West Red Lake's dual-asset production growth plan aims to reach 100,000 annual ounces without requiring external financing . The first phase involves optimizing Madsen production to 60-65,000 ounces by 2027 as mining progresses to deeper, less-historically-worked zones with higher grades . The Rowan project, located 80 kilometers by road from Madsen, will contribute an additional 35,000 ounces annually starting in 2028 from a remarkably high-grade deposit averaging nearly 13 grams per ton . Critically, Rowan requires no mill construction, with ore trucked to the existing Madsen facility, simplifying permitting to an advanced exploration permit rather than full mining authorization.The company expects to finance Rowan's $70 million capital cost entirely from operational cash flow, spread over multiple quarters beginning mid-2026 . Management has explicitly stated no further equity financing is expected for Madsen, contrasting sharply with typical junior producers who exhaust capital during construction and face dilutive financings just as production begins . This financial discipline resulted from acquiring the asset at favorable terms and executing a methodical restart plan that prioritized reaching cash flow over aggressive production targets .Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/west-red-lake-gold-mines-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Mark Selby, Chief Executive Officer of Canada Nickel. Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g7-nations-advance-critical-minerals-pact-to-reshape-global-supply-chains-and-industrial-policy-8401Recording date: 18th November 2025Canada Nickel Company has secured a transformative milestone with its Crawford Nickel project's referral to Canada's Major Projects Office, joining only three mining developments selected for expedited government support. This highly selective designation provides coordinated permitting assistance, enhanced financing access, and direct political backing from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.The MPO, led by proven infrastructure executive Dawn Farrell and backed by $200 million in funding, functions as a single point of contact that eliminates bureaucratic duplication across federal and provincial jurisdictions. For Crawford, this translates to accelerated permitting timelines, with federal approvals targeted for early 2026 and provincial permits following through Ontario's new accelerated framework. CEO Mark Selby has committed to breaking ground by the end of 2026, representing an aggressive 18-month timeline from referral to construction start.Beyond permitting efficiency, the MPO provides priority access to international funding programs in France, Germany, and Japan, plus government-led engagement with sovereign wealth funds seeking billion-dollar co-investment opportunities. Canada Nickel expects multiple financing announcements through early-to-mid 2026, with the complete capital stack in place by mid-year to support a Q3-Q4 construction decision.The project's selection from among 15-20 late-stage critical minerals candidates validates Crawford's competitive positioning across government priorities: scale, deliverability, First Nations partnership, and low-carbon credentials. Prime Minister Carney's statement that Crawford is "setting a new standard in terms of how responsible mining gets done" underscores the political commitment extending well beyond typical project announcements. For investors, this government backing substantially de-risks the development pathway while providing clear near-term milestones for value inflection.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/canada-nickelSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Thomas Mumford, President of Scottie Resources Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/scottie-resources-tsxvscot-funded-to-advance-high-grade-2m-oz-gold-asset-in-bc-golden-triangle-5191Recording date: 17th November 2025Scottie Resources is positioning itself as a near-term gold producer through a direct ship ore (DSO) model that bypasses traditional milling infrastructure, targeting commercial production by mid-2028 at its flagship property 40 kilometers north of Stewart, BC. The company's strategic approach leverages existing deep water port facilities and high-grade mineralization outcropping at surface to accelerate project timelines while minimizing capital intensity in an environment of sustained elevated gold prices.The project's location adjacent to North America's northernmost ice-free deep water shipping port provides critical infrastructure advantages. Recently acquired by the Nisga'a First Nation in partnership with Tsimshian people, this facility already services established operations like Brucejack and Red Chris, eliminating concentrate transportation challenges that typically burden remote exploration projects. President Thomas Mumford emphasizes this represents "a simple project" that capitalizes on regional infrastructure rather than requiring standalone processing facilities costing $300-500 million.Ocean Partners secured an 11% equity position while committing $25 million US toward construction financing and an offtake agreement covering the feasibility-level resource. CEO Brent Omland joined Scottie's board concurrent with the transaction, aligning producer and offtaker interests. The agreement incorporates flexible buyout provisions and per-ton penalties rather than restrictive covenants, preserving Scottie's optionality as the project scales. This partnership capitalizes on favorable smelter market dynamics, with structural supply deficits in China driving negative treatment charges that enhance margins for direct ore shipments.Project economics demonstrate significant leverage to elevated gold prices, with preliminary economic assessment showing an NPV of $216 million CAD at $2,600 per ounce expanding to $670 million CAD at $4,200 per ounce with a 150% internal rate of return. The initial 18-month open pit phase targets 80,000 ounces at 7.7 grams per ton, generating sufficient cash flow to self-fund underground development and repay initial capital expenditures. This rapid payback profile reduces execution risk while accelerating unencumbered cash flow generation.Total capital requirements of $130 million CAD will be met through Ocean Partners' facility, traditional project financing structures evaluated post-feasibility study, and open pit cash flow. The company recently launched a $23 million financing round with strong insider participation, including mining entrepreneur Ross Beaty's 5% position. Management plans a competitive process for remaining funding, targeting a 70/30 debt-to-equity ratio that minimizes shareholder dilution while leveraging institutional appetite for senior secured positions in near-production precious metals projects.Permitting progresses through two-year environmental baseline studies initiated summer 2025, positioning Scottie to submit a Joint Permit Amendment Application in 2027. This streamlined pathway modernizes the property's historic mining permit rather than requiring full environmental assessment. Using Ascot Resources' eight-month approval precedent for a more complex operation, Mumford projects mid-2028 permitting completion enabling commercial production that year.First Nations relationships benefit from unique circumstances involving the Nisga'a Nation, BC's only treaty First Nation, whose recent port facility acquisition creates direct economic alignment with regional mining success. The company is negotiating an Impact and Benefit Agreement formalizing commercial terms and community commitments that underpin social license. Beyond near-term production, Scottie maintains active exploration targeting resource expansion from 700,000 ounces toward 2+ million ounces through a planned 10,000-meter drilling campaign in 2026.View Scottie Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/scottie-resources-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with NexMetals Mining's CEO Morgan LekstromRecording date: 18 November 2025NexMetals Mining Corp has executed a comprehensive transformation that positions its two past-producing Botswana copper-nickel-cobalt assets as potential near-term development opportunities in a market characterised by acute supply constraints and major mining company acquisition activity.The company recently closed an US$80 million equity financing led by Texas-based institutional investor Condire Capital, which acquired a 9.9% stake, whilst existing major shareholder EdgePoint increased its position despite having no obligation to participate. The financing increased institutional ownership from 30% to 75% and eliminated US$21 million in legacy debt that had created a significant market overhang. With approximately US$90 million in cash, the company is fully funded for its 2026 work programme without near-term dilution requirements.Perhaps more significant than the financing itself is the metallurgical breakthrough that underpins the investment thesis. The original Selebi operation utilised a bulk concentrate smelter that subsequent owners dismantled. Rather than contemplate rebuilding infrastructure requiring over US$1 billion in capital, NexMetals' technical team developed concentrate-splitting technology that fundamentally alters project economics. Management now targets sub-US$500 million capital intensity per asset - a fraction of integrated smelter operations - whilst enabling cobalt recovery that previous operators could not economically achieve.The asset base comprises two distinct opportunities. Selebi represents an underground operation that produced continuously for over 30 years, with existing workings providing several years of access without additional development. The current resource stands at approximately 30 million tonnes grading 3.35% copper equivalent (roughly 1.75% copper and 1% nickel), with cobalt grades to be incorporated following metallurgical test work. Electromagnetic surveys have identified numerous additional conductive anomalies strongly associated with mineralisation, providing systematic drill targets for resource expansion.Selkirk presents a different profile as an open-pit deposit hosting over 200 million tonnes of mineralised horizon, though only 44 million tonnes currently feature in the resource estimate. The company completed a comprehensive 30,000-metre reassay programme of historical core and drilled 13 additional holes to support metallurgical test work, with a resource update expected in Q1 2026 and preliminary assessment-level economics targeted for Q2 2026.Management's strategy centres on demonstrating scale through 2026 exploration programmes before committing to development scenarios, targeting 15-20 year mine lives at optimal throughput rates. This approach positions the assets for either internal development or strategic transactions at substantially higher valuations than optimising smaller, near-term production scenarios. Selkirk, with its open-pit profile and platinum-palladium credits, may attract joint venture interest or acquisition proposals, potentially providing non-dilutive funding for Selebi North advancement.The board combines relevant experience across exploration, development, operations, and strategic transactions, including former BlackRock CIO Chris Leavy, former Gatos Silver CFO André van Niekerk (Gatos sold for US$1.2 billion), and Chairman Paul Martin (former CEO of Detour Gold). The team operates in Botswana's stable 59-year democracy with established mining infrastructure and government support for economic diversification away from diamonds.With preliminary assessments expected on both assets in 2026 and a compressed two-year strategic timeline, NexMetals has positioned itself as a potential acquisition target or development candidate in a copper-nickel market characterised by supply deficits and major company appetite for quality assets.

Interview with Nic Earner, Managing Director of Alkane Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/alkane-resources-asxalk-post-merger-gold-producer-targets-180k-aueq-ounces-7916Recording date: 17th November 2025Alkane Resources has successfully completed its transformational merger with Mandalay Resources, establishing itself as a diversified mid-tier gold producer with three operating mines across Australia and Sweden. The integration, finalized in August 2025, has delivered on all key strategic objectives while positioning the company for its next phase of growth in a strengthening gold price environment.The merger has transformed Alkane's market profile substantially. Production guidance now stands at 160,000-175,000 ounces annually, with management targeting a 180,000-ounce run rate by next year. Market capitalization has expanded from approximately A$900 million at the pro-forma merger date to around A$1.4 billion currently. Trading liquidity has improved dramatically, with daily ASX turnover reaching A$8 million and the company securing placement in the ASX 300 index while approaching ASX 200 status.Perhaps most significantly, Alkane maintains a pristine balance sheet with A$170 million in cash and bullion and zero debt beyond equipment financing. This financial strength, combined with the company's largely unhedged production profile, creates substantial cash generation capacity. Managing Director Nic Earner explained the mathematics: with 80% of production unhedged, "each 100 bucks you add to the gold price, it's 15 million bucks" in additional cash flow.Looking ahead, management has established a 12-month timeline for potential acquisitions while maintaining strict jurisdictional discipline, focusing exclusively on tier-one regions including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, and Scandinavia. Simultaneously, operational priorities center on cost reduction at Sweden's Bjorkdal mine, where initiatives could reduce all-in sustaining costs by 20-25% from US$2,700 to approximately US$2,200 through production increases and grade optimization.The company's disciplined capital allocation framework, operational focus, and accelerating cash generation position Alkane as a compelling investment opportunity in the current gold market environment, with management emphasizing that superior cash accumulation should drive valuation re-rating versus comparable peers.View Alkane Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/alkane-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Justin van der Toorn, President & CEO of Greenheart Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/greenheart-gold-tsxvghrt-proven-explorer-accelerates-guiana-shield-drilling-for-major-discovery-8003Recording date: 17th November 2025Greenheart Gold (TSXV:GHRT) is leveraging a proven management team and substantial capital base to pursue multiple gold discoveries across Guyana and Suriname. Led by President and CEO Justin van der Toorn, the executive team previously built Reunion Gold and discovered the 6-million-ounce Oko West deposit, which is now advancing toward production in 2027. This track record provides credibility as Greenheart pursues its disciplined exploration strategy across the highly prospective Guyana Shield.The company's most distinguishing feature is its approximately $35 million cash position—unusual for a junior explorer. This capital cushion enables Greenheart to operate differently than competitors, maintaining exploration momentum across multiple projects simultaneously without the constant pressure of capital raises and shareholder dilution. As van der Toorn explains, this financial flexibility allows systematic project evaluation where promising targets advance quickly while underperforming projects are dropped without hesitation.Greenheart has already demonstrated this discipline by relinquishing certain Guyana projects that failed to generate attractive drilling targets or lacked the scale necessary for economic development. The company recognizes that discovery thresholds vary significantly based on location—projects near existing operations like Newmont's Merian mine could be valuable with smaller discoveries, while remote interior projects require substantially larger deposits.Currently, Greenheart is executing an active drilling program at its Majorodam project in Suriname, with 1,500 meters planned by year-end. The program builds on earlier reverse circulation and diamond drilling that established structural controls on mineralization. Additional drilling campaigns are scheduled for Igab in January 2026 and Tosso Creek in Q1 2026, creating multiple discovery opportunities over approximately six months.Operating in Guyana and Suriname provides significant jurisdictional advantages, including efficient permitting and established infrastructure. The Oko West example demonstrates what's achievable: a seven-year timeline from discovery to production, remarkably fast by global standards. Greenheart maintains all-in drilling costs of approximately $300 per meter despite challenging jungle terrain, reflecting operational efficiency developed through years of regional work.Despite favorable gold market conditions creating investor demand for rapid results, Greenheart maintains its methodical approach of thorough soil sampling, trenching, and structural mapping before committing significant drill capital. This strategy optimizes capital efficiency even if it doesn't generate the rapid-fire news releases some investors expect in strong markets.With three Suriname projects at various advancement stages, proven management expertise, operational efficiency, and financial flexibility to maintain exploration momentum, Greenheart Gold has positioned itself to systematically pursue new discoveries in one of the world's premier exploration environments.View Greenheart Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/greenheart-gold

Interview with Riaan Davel, CFO, and Henriette Hooijer, CFO Designate and GM: Finance of DRDGOLD Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/drdgold-nysedrd-moving-towards-200000-oz-gold-production-from-tailings-8411Recording date: 17th November 2025DRDGOLD Limited, a 130-year-old South African gold mining company, is executing a carefully orchestrated leadership transition as CFO Riaan Davel prepares to hand over responsibilities to Henriette Hooijer on February 1, 2026. The succession, built on a 20-year working relationship including nine years together at DRDGOLD, reflects the company's commitment to maintaining strategic continuity as it pursues ambitious growth plans.The company operates a distinctive business model focused on surface tailings retreatment—processing historical mining waste to extract gold while simultaneously remediating over a century of environmental damage. This "mega volumes, nano recovery" approach processes material containing just 200 parts per billion of gold, demonstrating that environmental restoration and economic viability need not be mutually exclusive. As Davel explains, "We own waste essentially. So how do we make the most of that?"DRDGOLD's disciplined execution has generated impressive results. Market capitalization has grown to approximately $2 billion, enabling capital deployment of roughly 10 billion rand in recent years, with another 8 billion rand planned over the next three years. This investment is building infrastructure designed for 20-40 year operational lifespans at operations like Far West, while repositioning the older Ergo facility for improved cost efficiency.Despite favorable gold prices—currently around 2.2 million rand per kilogram versus 600,000 rand when Far West was initially planned- management maintains the cost discipline developed during tougher market conditions. The company has paid dividends for 18 consecutive years while internally financing major capital projects, balancing stakeholder interests through what Davel describes as keeping "all your stakeholders equally unhappy" to optimize long-term resource extraction over short-term profit maximization.Looking ahead, DRDGOLD is exploring expansion opportunities across Africa and potentially South America, considering partnerships with established operators in unfamiliar jurisdictions while maintaining gold as its primary focus. Hooijer's operational project experience, combined with Davel's continued 12-month consulting support, positions the company to execute its Vision 2028 strategy while exploring how its proven retreatment model might address tailings challenges for major mining companies globally.View DRDGOLD's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/drdgold-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/marimaca-copper-tsxmari-environmental-milestone-clears-path-for-q1-2026-ground-breaking-8471Recording date: 14th November 2025Marimaca Copper is advancing its Pampa Medina project in northern Chile with drill results that significantly exceed expectations and confirm the potential scale of a sedimentary-hosted copper system. The latest intercepts include nearly 50 meters at 2% copper within a broader 160-meter zone grading 1% copper, representing a material extension to the oxide envelope with grades surpassing current resource models.The company's aggressive exploration strategy has delivered impressive results from long-distance stepout drilling. Holes positioned 900 meters south of known mineralization successfully intersected the same sedimentary horizon, encountering zones of 20 to 40 meters at 1.5% copper. According to CEO Hayden Locke, these results were "thicker higher grade zones than we were expecting in that area where we thought it was going to be thinning," prompting continued drilling in multiple directions.Marimaca is executing a 30,000-meter drill program split between aggressive 300-meter-spaced stepouts to define deposit limits and tighter infill drilling to establish grade continuity. The approach reflects confidence that sedimentary-hosted copper systems "tend to be laterally and regionally quite extensive," with early results suggesting mineralization across a basin spanning multiple kilometers.Perhaps most significantly, geological review has prompted a fundamental reassessment of the deposit's development potential. The mineralized sedimentary horizon averages over 200 meters thickness with consistent grades, leading management to reconsider what was previously viewed as an underground-only opportunity. The identification of lower-grade material in halos around high-grade cores suggests potential for large-tonnage open-pit development, fundamentally expanding the project's scale.The oxide resource, originally expected to add 20,000 tons of annual copper production, now appears poised to deliver "significantly more than that" according to Locke. The company is targeting release of a standalone Preliminary Economic Assessment by December 2025, which will provide initial economics for the oxide opportunity while sulfide potential continues to be evaluated through ongoing exploration.View Marimaca Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/marimaca-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Trey Wasser, CEO of Dryden Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/dryden-gold-tsxvdry-centerra-backed-explorer-targets-district-scale-gold-in-ontario-8109Recording date: 17th November 2025Dryden Gold Corp (TSXV: DRY) has emerged as a compelling strategic acquisition target in Ontario's gold sector following successful execution of its 2025 exploration program and explicit endorsement from major mining company partners. The company controls 70,000 hectares in northwest Ontario hosting multiple high-grade gold discoveries across four distinct mineralization types, with fully funded drilling planned for 2026 under management explicitly targeting a Great Bear Resources-style exit.The investment thesis centers on systematic district-scale exploration designed to attract strategic buyers rather than pursue standalone mine development. Recent drilling fundamentally reshaped the geological understanding at the Gold Rock target area, revealing nine interconnected high-grade structures within a 300-meter span—including intercepts of 300 grams per ton over 3.9 meters and 55 grams per ton over 3.5 meters—connected by continuous one gram per ton mineralization. This discovery transformed what appeared to be isolated veins into an integrated system where lower-grade material provides economic continuity while high-grade shoots create exploration upside.Strategic validation provides perhaps the most compelling near-term catalyst. Centerra Gold invested in 2024 and has explicitly directed management to continue district-scale exploration rather than focus exclusively on infill drilling at known high-grade zones. Alamos Gold maintains similar engagement, while additional confidentiality agreements with unnamed major and mid-tier mining companies indicate active corporate interest. These sophisticated mining companies endorse the systematic approach because it generates the comprehensive geological understanding and high-quality data they require for acquisition decisions.The technical team significantly de-risks execution. President Maura Kolb led the Red Lake mine exploration team for five years, managing 90 personnel and a $50 million annual budget while reducing finding costs from $500 to $50 per ounce. Her major-mine experience directly informs Dryden's exploration protocols including oriented core drilling, 100% core assaying, and property-wide geochemical surveys—practices that distinguish systematic explorers from promotion-focused juniors. Kolb's team discovered the hanging wall structures specifically because they assayed all rock types rather than only visible quartz veins.The property's geological diversity creates multiple value pathways. Beyond the Archean lode gold system at Gold Rock—which Kolb compares directly to Red Lake geology—the company has confirmed intrusive-related mineralization at Sherridon, granite diorite-hosted stockwork at Hyndman analogous to NexGold's 1.5-million-ounce Goliath Gold project, and VMS-style mineralization elsewhere. CEO Trey Wasser characterizes this as a "Timmins-like camp" where exceptional gold endowment manifests across multiple geological settings, creating optionality for project-specific joint ventures or staged transactions.Infrastructure advantages reduce development risk and enhance acquisition appeal. Highway 502 provides direct access from Sherridon through Gold Rock to the town of Dryden, while the Trans-Canada Highway accesses Hyndman. Both regional projects have been clear-cut for logging, creating existing access roads. The northwest Ontario location provides political stability, established mining regulations, available contractors and skilled labor, and proximity to operating mines including Red Lake—attributes that command premium valuations as mining companies reassess exposure to jurisdictions with increasing political risk.Dryden enters 2026 fully funded from August 2025 financing to complete 20,000-25,000 meters of drilling, with approximately 50% dedicated to Gold Rock expansion and the remainder advancing multiple district targets. At $4,000 gold, the company offers leveraged exposure to exploration success, strategic transaction, or both, backed by partner validation and systematic technical approach designed specifically for strategic buyer requirements.View Dryden Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/dryden-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Paul Gow, CEO, Tribeca ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/tribeca-resources-trbc-why-copper-start-up-is-hitting-it-big-2978Recording date: 14th November 2025Tribeca Resources Corporation has rapidly emerged as a focused copper exploration company in northern Chile, backed by a recent C$6.5 million financing that exceeded its original C$5 million target. The raise, completed in a strengthening copper market, brought 82 investors onto the register, including 67 new shareholders, and diversified ownership while still keeping management significantly aligned through a 22% stake. This capital provides roughly 18 months of runway and positions the TSX Venture-listed junior to advance a three-project portfolio across several of Chile's most prolific copper belts.At the core of Tribeca's strategy is a portfolio approach to early-stage exploration, designed to manage the inherent risk of discovery. The flagship La Higuera project, located in Chile's coastal iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) belt, is the most advanced asset, with about 10,000 meters of drilling completed. Results outline a 1.5-kilometer mineralized strike with broad copper intersections amenable to open-pit, bulk-tonnage development. Low all-in drilling costs of roughly 300 USD per meter, shallow cover, and strong infrastructure support an efficient exploration model. Planned 4,000-meter drilling will expand known zones, test additional targets, and refine the project toward eventual resource definition, while metallurgical work highlights copper, gold, magnetite, and cobalt recovery potential.Complementing La Higuera, the newly acquired Jiguata project offers high-risk, high-reward exposure to a large porphyry system in a belt hosting world-class deposits such as Chuquicamata. A back-end loaded, five-year option agreement totaling 15 million USD minimizes early cash outlay and mandates 3,000 meters of deep drilling to properly test the system. Tribeca aims to generate clear technical outcomes that can either justify a major joint venture or allow disciplined exit. A third project, Chiricuto, remains in the portfolio as an earlier-stage opportunity, underscoring the company's willingness to follow data and recycle assets as value and results dictate.Tribeca augments traditional geological expertise with artificial intelligence, partnering with WovenAI to interrogate Chile's SIGEX database of more than 1,200 prospects and rank the top IOCG targets for potential acquisition. Operating with a lean team and directing a high proportion of capital into the ground, the company offers investors leveraged exposure to copper discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction, balancing near-term advancement at La Higuera with the scale potential of Jiguata and future AI-driven project generation.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/tribeca-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 14th November 2025The precious metals sector is experiencing a convergence of favorable conditions that veteran investors describe as one of the best commodity setups in decades. At the recent Precious Metals Summit in Zurich, industry leaders including Pierre Lassonde, Frank Giustra, and Marc Faber highlighted observable market fundamentals supporting this outlook: global liquidity at record highs, structural demand emerging from technological infrastructure, and mining companies generating unprecedented cash flows while trading at reasonable valuations.Global liquidity continues expanding despite recent volatility. The People's Bank of China maintains liquidity injections, while the New York Fed has announced plans for substantial liquidity injection into US markets during Q1 2026. The recent government shutdown ending will release capital trapped in the treasury system for over a month. This liquidity expansion creates sustained support for precious metals as fiat currency purchasing power deteriorates.A less obvious but transformative demand driver emerges from artificial intelligence infrastructure development. The US needs to build at least 350 gigawatts of power dedicated to AI infrastructure—equivalent to 50 nuclear power plants—representing a trillion-dollar investment cycle for power generation alone. This excludes electrical grids, transmission infrastructure, and computing hardware. Recent government partnerships with Brookfield, Cameco, and Westinghouse for nuclear facility development signal the beginning of infrastructure spending requiring massive copper, steel, and concrete quantities while necessitating continued government liquidity injection supportive of gold prices.Third quarter 2025 results demonstrated the financial leverage inherent in gold mining operations. AngloGold Ashanti increased quarterly operating cash flow from $300 million to $1.4 billion—more than quadrupling while gold prices doubled. Even accounting for the Centamin acquisition contributing 20% of production, cash flow expansion significantly exceeds gold price appreciation. The company now operates with zero net debt, increased dividends, and strategic flexibility for acquisitions or capital returns while trading at roughly half the valuation of Agnico Eagle Mines despite comparable cash generation.K92 Mining offers equally compelling value, posting six consecutive quarters of free cash flow while organically funding construction of a complete new mill, twin declines, and associated infrastructure. The Phase 3 expansion completing commissioning in Q4 2025 will drive significant cash flow growth as throughput increases with minimal incremental operating costs. Operating costs scale favorably—an 800 tonne per day mill requires similar oversight as a 3,000 tonne per day mill. Market valuations have not yet reflected this coming cash flow expansion, creating opportunity for investors who understand the timeline and trust management execution.The M&A cycle is accelerating as producers with pristine balance sheets deploy capital. Recent examples include B2 Gold taking a 19.9% stake in Prospector Generator (now funded with $40 million for 2026 exploration), Probe Gold's acquisition, New Gold's pending takeover, and Gold Fields committing $50 million to junior investments. The competition for quality assets remains in early stages despite this activity.Investment opportunities span the market capitalization spectrum: established producers generating record profits at reasonable valuations, funded developers approaching major cash flow inflections, and well-backed exploration companies positioned for discoveries. Current Q4 volatility represents tactical entry opportunities before typical Q1 seasonal strength, with multiple fundamental drivers supporting sustained outperformance of real assets over the coming decade.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Shaun Bunn, Managing Director of Empire Metals Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/empire-metals-loneee-titanium-market-disruptor-targets-2026-pilot-pant-7736Recording date: 12th November 2025Empire Metals is developing the Pitfield project in Western Australia, home to one of the world's largest titanium deposits with a maiden resource estimate of 2.2 billion tons grading just over 5% TiO2. This multigenerational asset positions the company as a potential disruptor in global critical minerals supply chains at a time when the industry faces unprecedented restructuring.The company's strategic advantage extends beyond scale. Pitfield's geology features high-purity titanium minerals formed through weathering processes in sandstone formations, eliminating deleterious elements that typically complicate conventional processing. Empire has already produced 99% pure TiO2 products, validating the ore's metallurgical responsiveness and demonstrating the viability of its innovative hydrometallurgical approach.Unlike traditional titanium processing that relies on energy-intensive smelting and generates substantial waste, Empire's three-stage process bypasses these costly operations entirely. The surface deposit requires no blasting, drilling, crushing, or grinding, with friable material feeding directly into flotation circuits. This technical differentiation, combined with low mining costs, positions Empire to deliver products at significantly lower cost than 90% of existing global supply.Management is pursuing dual revenue streams, targeting both pigment production and strategic metal feedstock for defense and aerospace applications. The company has engaged with Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other end-users to align product specifications with market demand before finalizing process design. This customer-driven approach preserves optionality while reducing downstream marketing risk.The timing proves strategic. Major producers including Rio Tinto, Venator, and Iluka are retreating from titanium operations amid Chinese price competition and tariff responses. Empire aims to fill emerging supply gaps with government support through Australia's $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility.With £11 million in funding secured and continuous piloting targeted for mid-2026, Empire maintains development momentum toward demonstrating cost competitiveness and securing end-user commitments that could accelerate the project's pathway to production.View Empire Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/empire-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with David D'Onofrio, CEO of White Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/white-gold-corp-wgo-project-generator-finding-gold-in-the-yukon-3263Recording date: 11th November 2025White Gold Corp is developing one of Canada's most compelling gold stories in Yukon's historic Klondike district, where the company controls a massive 300,000-hectare land position - 15 to 30 times larger than typical junior exploration companies. Founded in 2016 by CEO David D'Onofrio, PowerOne Capital, and renowned explorer Shawn Ryan, the company has delineated a substantial 3 million ounce gold resource at its flagship Golden Saddle deposit, representing the highest-grade open-pit resource in the Yukon at 1.4 grams per ton.The project's most significant attribute is an ultra-high-grade core containing 700,000 ounces at 5 grams per ton with exceptional 92% metallurgical recoveries. This high-grade zone, identified through recent structural reinterpretation by Dylan Langille from Great Bear Resources' discovery team, positions the company for robust starter-pit economics with rapid payback potential. A Preliminary Economic Assessment targeted for the first half of 2026 will quantify these advantages and evaluate accelerated development scenarios.White Gold recently closed a $23 million financing that represents a capital inflection point, enabling a 25,000-meter drill program—nearly ten times larger than the company's historical 3,000-meter programs. This expanded budget allows simultaneous pursuit of multiple high-probability targets: extending the ultra-high-grade zone at depth, drilling newly identified parallel footwall zones, and returning to earlier discoveries for systematic expansion. Management considers 4 to 5 million ounces a "reasonable" target, with potential pathways to 7 to 10 million ounces if deposits connect at depth.The company benefits from strategic validation through Agnico Eagle's maintained 19% shareholding and the advancement of the neighboring Coffee project to production, which establishes clear permitting pathways and infrastructure benefits. With the Yukon jurisdiction regaining favor following recent major discoveries and resolution of regional concerns, White Gold offers investors leveraged exposure to rising gold prices in an underexplored Canadian frontier with major company backing and clear development catalysts ahead.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/white-gold-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Scott Caithness, Managing Director of Hawk Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/hawk-resources-asxhwk-new-exploration-model-revitalises-historic-utah-mining-district-6860Recording date: 12th November 2025Hawk Resources (ASX:HWK) is preparing to drill its flagship Cactus copper-gold project in Utah this December, targeting five high-priority prospects in a historically productive mining district. Managing Director Scott Caithness recently outlined the company's systematic exploration approach and the multiple pathways to value creation at this advanced-stage project.The Cactus district boasts an impressive mining heritage, with the original mine operating between 1905 and 1920, producing 1.3 million tons at 2% copper with gold credits of 0.3 grams per ton and 6-7 grams per ton silver. Modern exploration has validated this potential, with Rio Tinto's previous work intersecting 42 meters at 1.9% copper and 0.6 g/t gold, while multiple historical drill holes have exceeded 1.4% copper grades.Hawk has employed a sophisticated dual-track strategy, identifying both deep geophysical targets with district-scale potential and near-surface oxide mineralization that could provide rapid development opportunities. The company's comprehensive geophysical surveys and systematic soil sampling—the first conducted over these targets - have defined five priority drill targets ranked by geological confidence.The Copperopolis target exemplifies the project's exploration potential, featuring a massive geophysical anomaly with surface soils returning up to 1,000 ppm copper. A 1974 drill hole off the anomaly's edge intersected 30 meters at 0.2% copper, yet the core remains untested with potential for substantial mineralization.With A$5 million recently raised and Utah permitting expected by end-November 2025, Hawk is fully funded for its 12-hole drilling program. Initial assay results are anticipated in Q1 2026, providing regular newsflow through the critical discovery phase.Beyond Cactus, the company has secured the Olympus scandium project in Western Australia, featuring a 4km x 7km soil anomaly grading over 500ppm scandium. This provides significant optionality in an emerging critical mineral with growing aerospace and defense applications, currently valued at approximately $3-3.5 million per ton.View Hawk Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/alderan-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Hayden Locke, CEO & Jose Antonio Merino, CFO of Marimaca CopperOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/marimaca-copper-tsxmari-industry-leading-economics-meet-growth-potential-7830Recording date: 10th November 2025Marimaca Copper has secured environmental approval for its oxide copper project in northern Chile, marking a significant milestone that positions the company to break ground by the end of Q1 2026. The approval, granted through Chile's Declaration of Environmental Impact (DIA) pathway, represents years of strategic planning and proactive stakeholder engagement that distinguished the company's approach from typical mining development.The DIA approval followed submission of a comprehensive 4,800-page document that underwent rigorous review by 17 separate government agencies. Each agency examined whether the project would generate "significant environmental impact" within their specific scope, from water resources and flora to archaeology and air quality. Managing Director Jose Antonio Merino emphasized that the pathway selection was not arbitrary but rather "a result of your environmental impact assessment," with the company's design qualifying for the streamlined DIA process by demonstrating minimal environmental impact.Marimaca's strategic approach centered on designing the project around environmental sensitivities from the outset rather than retrofitting considerations after engineering completion. This methodology, while adding approximately one quarter to the submission timeline, proved instrumental in securing approval. The company also engaged proactively with local communities despite no regulatory mandate, opening dialogue about expectations and concerns that informed the final community engagement plan.The approval arrives amid favorable shifts in Chile's political environment, where Merino noted "more consensus in the Chilean political and regulatory agencies about the importance of economic growth" compared to the environmentalist wave of four to five years ago. CEO Hayden Locke views the timing as optimal, stating that "the next 5 to 10 years in copper is going to be very favorable, and we are coming to market with a new project at exactly the right time."With primary environmental approval secured and remaining sectoral permits considered low-risk, Marimaca has successfully navigated what Locke described as permitting issues that have "delayed junior companies in some cases by two decades," positioning the oxide project for near-term construction commencement.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/marimaca-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 4th November 2025The gold mining sector demonstrated extraordinary financial performance in Q3 2025, with gold stabilizing near $4,000 per ounce and silver between $47-49 after a recent $300 pullback. Major producers generated unprecedented free cash flow despite market volatility, positioning the sector for sustained growth.Agnico Eagle Mines produced exceptional results with $3 billion in revenue and 66% gross margins, generating $1.2 billion in free cash flow at all-in sustaining costs of $1,400 per ounce. At current gold prices, this translates to approximately $17-18 million in daily free cash flow. Newmont Corporation similarly posted strong performance with $8 billion in revenue and $1.6 billion in free cash flow from 1.4 million ounces produced.Despite Federal Reserve rate cuts temporarily reducing global liquidity flows, the fundamental investment case for precious metals remains robust. Market weakness may extend through November, but recovery is anticipated approaching December's Fed meeting as monetary debasement trends continue supporting sector strength.M&A activity accelerated significantly with Fresnillo acquiring Probe Gold for $780 million cash, marking the world's largest primary silver producer's expansion into Canadian gold assets. This departure from Mexican operations may signal jurisdiction concerns given limited recent permitting activity. Coeur Mining's acquisition of New Gold demonstrated valuation arbitrage opportunities, with the U.S.-domiciled company leveraging its 50% premium to double operational scale while achieving 40% net accretion.Strategic investments are flowing downstream from major producers to developers and explorers. Gold Fields invested $50 million in Founders Metals targeting Suriname projects, while B2Gold deployed $10 million into Prospector Metals for Yukon exploration. These investments represent modest commitments relative to daily free cash flow generation Agnico's $180 million Perpetua investment equals just ten days of current free cash flow.The preference for cash transactions injects capital directly into specialist mining funds likely to redeploy within the sector, creating a multiplier effect. Development-stage assets trading at 0.4 times net asset value versus full NAV multiples for producers enable immediate accretion through strategic acquisitions.This capital migration down the market capitalization structure from major producers to mid-tier companies, developers, and explorers represents an early-stage phenomenon with substantial additional activity expected as producer profitability compounds at sustained gold prices.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 17th October 2025Jeff Phillips has spent three decades navigating the volatile junior resource sector, developing an investment philosophy he describes as "parental supervision" rather than traditional activism. His approach involves taking substantial positions of 4-10% ownership in carefully selected companies and providing strategic guidance on capital raising, shareholder composition, and development milestones.Central to Phillips's strategy is maintaining a concentrated portfolio of just 10-14 meaningful positions across different commodities and exploration models. He argues that excessive diversification—he cites investors holding 97 or more junior resource stocks—makes portfolio management impossible and dilutes the impact of successful investments. His mathematical reasoning is straightforward: even a 10,000% return becomes insignificant if spread across too many positions.Share structure represents Phillips's primary investment criterion. He seeks companies where 50-60% of outstanding shares are held by fully reporting insiders and major shareholders whose holdings must be publicly disclosed. This concentration indicates genuine long-term commitment, contrasting sharply with companies claiming high insider ownership where only minimal percentages are actually reported. Phillips has recently taken this preference further, requesting year-long lock-ups on his investments rather than standard four-month holds to prevent warrant flipping and allow management to execute their programs.Management quality ranks equally important. Phillips invests exclusively with proven teams who have previously built companies, made significant discoveries, or successfully navigated projects to exit. He avoids "lifestyle" management teams who perpetually raise money without building substantial value, focusing instead on those pursuing tier-one discoveries through what he calls "elephant hunting."Phillips believes the sector is entering a generational bull market driven by government supply security concerns and direct state investment in critical metals projects. He favors copper, uranium, rare earths, and antimony, though he cautions investors to expect periodic corrections or "rain delays" rather than uninterrupted appreciation. His typical holding period extends five to six years, reflecting the patient capital required for junior exploration companies to advance through development stages and create meaningful shareholder value.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com