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CRUX Investor is a new market insight channel for those interested in understanding the junior mining world and opportunities to invest. Its purpose is to cut through a lot of the jargon, bias and bluster that is prevalent in this sector and hone-in on the most important factors that can indicate wh…

CRUX Investor


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    Latest episodes from CruxCasts

    New Found Gold (TSXV:NFG) - Hammerdown & the Path to Production

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 17:38


    Interview with Keith Boyle, CEO & Director of New Found GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/new-found-gold-tsxvnfg-fully-funded-drill-program-for-2026-10527Recording date: June 9th 2026New Found Gold Corp (TSXV: NFG | NYSE-A: NFGC) is advancing two gold projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Its flagship Queensway Gold Project hosts a NI 43-101 resource of 1.39 million ounces of indicated gold at 2.40 g/t and 0.608 million ounces of inferred gold at 1.77 g/t. The Hammerdown Gold Project, acquired in 2025, provides access to the Pine Cove Mill, a fully permitted, operational processing facility that will receive Queensway Phase 1 ore from Q4 2027, with commercial production targeted for 2028.Hammerdown is in the final stages of its ramp-up to commercial production, defined as sustained 700 tonne-per-day throughput with consistent grade from the open pit. At steady state, the operation is projected to generate $40 to $50 million per year in free cash flow at an AISC of approximately $2,500 per ounce - sufficient to cover corporate overhead and fund the exploration program. The Pine Cove Mill is being doubled in throughput capacity as part of the Phase 1 capital program, removing the need for a separate processing facility at Queensway. A $220 million financing package closed in April 2026 funds Phase 1 construction, with $148 million in cash and marketable securities held as of May 2026.Queensway Phase 1 targets approximately 100,000 ounces per year in the first two years at grades of 12 to 12.5 g/t and an AISC of around $1,300 per ounce. The PEA's base case at US$2,500 gold shows an after-tax NPV of C$743 million, an IRR of 56%, and payback of under two years. The operational team being assembled at Hammerdown, including newly promoted General Manager of Mines Mark Ross, will transfer directly to Queensway.A 90,000-metre drill program is underway across a 110-kilometre land package, with the Dropkick zone, returning intercepts of up to 42.79 g/t Au over 14.95 metres and excluded from the current MRE, among the key targets. An updated resource estimate incorporating Dropkick is expected in 2026.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    GoGold Resources (TSX:GGD) - Los Ricos South Permit Secured, Fully Funded Mine Build Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 19:11


    Interview with Bradley Langille, President & CEO of GoGold Resources Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/gogold-resources-tsxggd-awaiting-final-permits-and-green-light-for-227m-silver-mine-6812Recording date: 9th June 2026GoGold Resources has secured the long-awaited environmental permit for its Los Ricos South silver-gold project in Mexico, clearing the final regulatory hurdle and enabling a formal construction decision. The company expects to begin mobilizing within weeks, marking a major transition from development to build. Backed by a strong financial position, GoGold holds approximately $280–285 million in cash against a total project capital requirement of $227 million, allowing it to fully fund construction without raising equity or taking on debt. This funding strength is supported by steady annual free cash flow of $70–80 million from its producing Parral mine.The project is already well advanced, with roughly 75% of detailed engineering completed and key long-lead equipment, including the SAG mill and filter presses, secured. Major contractors have been engaged, and critical infrastructure such as a 36-kilometre power line is under construction. This level of preparation reduces execution risk and could accelerate the estimated 24-month build timeline.Los Ricos South is expected to produce 7.3 million silver-equivalent ounces annually at a low all-in sustaining cost of $12 per ounce, positioning it as a high-margin operation. Notably, the mine's design prioritizes early access to high-grade ore, which is projected to generate around $400 million in after-tax free cash flow within the first 18 months of full production—nearly double the initial capital investment.At the same time, GoGold is advancing the nearby Los Ricos North project, located 18 kilometres away, with plans to align its permitting and development timeline to follow South. Together, the two projects form a broader district strategy that could support long-term production growth.With a fully funded build, strong cash flow, and a clear expansion pipeline, GoGold is positioned as a financially resilient and operationally prepared player in the silver mining sector.View GoGold Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/gogold-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    East Star Resources (LSE:EST) - Partner-Funded Copper Production and $25M Gold Search in Kazakhstan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 42:56


    Interview with Alex Walker, Director & CEO of East Star Resources PLCOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/east-star-resources-lseest-endeavour-xinhai-deals-transform-2026-outlook-8740Recording date: 9th June 2026East Star Resources (LSE:EST) is a London-listed mining company with a focused strategy: identify, advance, and partner world-class copper and gold assets in Kazakhstan, one of the world's most mineral-rich but systematically underexplored countries. The company has moved well beyond its origins as a conventional junior explorer. It now holds two major joint ventures — one with Xinhai Mining on its Verkhuba copper deposit, and one with Endeavour Mining across two Kazakh gold belts alongside a portfolio of 100%-owned projects led by the Rulikha copper deposit.The core investment proposition rests on a simple structural advantage: East Star has secured the funding, operational capability, and technical resources of two large, credible mining companies to advance its assets, whilst retaining material economic interests without bearing the associated capital costs. At Verkhuba, Xinhai is funding the project through to production in exchange for 70% of the asset. East Star keeps 30%, free-carried. With a mining licence application targeted for submission this year, construction planned for end-2027, and first cash flow anticipated by end-2028, Verkhuba represents a defined, near-term pathway to copper production cash flow for East Star shareholders without a single further dilutive equity raise required on their part.The Endeavour Mining joint venture operates on a different but equally compelling logic. Endeavour is committing up to $25 million across two exploration programmes in the Stepnogorsk and Karaganda regions, targeting a minimum 2-million-ounce gold discovery. East Star is free-carried at 20% through to prefeasibility. The company's CEO, Alex Walker, has been explicit about the scale of potential value: a 20% interest in a major gold deposit developed by a FTSE 100 operator could be worth, in his assessment, a billion dollars for East Star's share alone. That outcome is speculative and dependent on exploration success but the structure means East Star reaches the point of knowledge without paying for it.Underpinning both JVs is a proprietary competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate. East Star's geological database combined with years of in-country relationship-building with local authorities, communities, and regional officials, gives the company an informational and operational edge in a jurisdiction where most international explorers are only beginning to establish a presence. Walker describes Kazakhstan in terms that evoke Western Australia a generation ago: a province of extraordinary endowment, with the majority of its mineral belts still available for systematic modern exploration.Beyond the JVs, the 100%-owned pipeline including Rulikha at 23 million tonnes and 2.4% copper equivalent, alongside Rulikha North, Telescope, Picket, and Snowy, all provide additional optionality. Each asset carries independent discovery and JV potential, creating multiple pathways to value creation that are not dependent on any single outcome.For investors seeking exposure to copper and gold in a structure that limits dilution risk, provides near-term production catalysts, and offers meaningful upside from major-company-funded exploration, East Star Resources warrants serious consideration.View East Star Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/east-star-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Silver Tiger Metals (TSXV:SLVR) - El Tigre Build Advances Toward 2027 First Pour With $800M NPV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 27:15


    Interview with Glenn Jessome, President & CEO of Silver Tiger Metals Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/silvers-designation-opens-support-pathways-as-advanced-projects-target-2026-milestonesRecording date: 6th June 2026Silver Tiger Metals has reached a major milestone at its El Tigre project in Sonora, securing the first Mexican construction permit granted to a foreign mining company since 2019. Now over three months into building a high-margin heap leach silver and gold mine, the project is fully funded by a recent USD 60 million financing round. With earthworks underway and a 50-person camp operational, the build currently remains ahead of schedule. Management anticipates the first doré pour by December 2027, officially transitioning the firm from a development-stage company into a near-term producer.The financial projections for El Tigre are highly compelling. At current spot prices, the surface heap leach mine boasts a standalone after-tax net present value of roughly USD 800 million, an internal rate of return of 92 percent, and generates USD 100 million annually over an initial 10-year life. Crucially, the company also released an assessment for an adjacent underground mine featuring a 15-year lifespan and a USD 830 million valuation. Unlike many Mexican epithermal deposits where surface mining blocks deeper extraction, El Tigre's underground ore body lies entirely outside the surface footprint. This spatial advantage allows both operations to run concurrently, sharing infrastructure and drastically reducing the initial capital expenditure for the underground expansion.Beyond the established plan, Silver Tiger is aggressively pursuing exploration upside. Drilling has resumed on northern veins located 700 meters away, targeting an additional three million tonnes of silver equivalent. This expansion could nearly double the underground resource. Despite a recent dip in share price, the company views its current valuation as a massive discount to the combined theoretical project value of up to USD 1.8 billion. As the December 2027 production target approaches and debt providers actively compete to offer favorable financing terms, Silver Tiger is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a generational peak in precious metal prices.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/silver-tiger-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Santacruz Silver (TSXV:SCZ)- Bolivar Recovery and TSX Uplisting Drive 2026 Growth Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 28:19


    Interview with Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman & CEO of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/santacruz-silver-mining-tsxvscz-undervalued-investment-series-with-arturo-prestamo-10185Recording date: 9th June 2026Santacruz Silver Mining entered 2026 with improving operations, rising financial strength, and a clearer path to growth across its Bolivian and Mexican assets. In the first quarter, the company produced about 2.3 million silver-equivalent ounces, including 1.3 million ounces of silver and roughly 21,000 tonnes of zinc, alongside smaller lead and copper output. Stronger silver prices and better operating performance helped drive a solid financial quarter, with management expecting production to rise further in the second quarter.The company's most important near-term focus is the Bolivar mine in Bolivia, where excess water in key mining zones has limited access to high-grade silver areas. Santacruz is carrying out a dewatering program to restore output from the Pomabamba and Nena veins, with a goal of returning to budgeted production levels by the fourth quarter of 2026. Management believes this recovery will not only lift silver volumes but also lower mining costs at one of its most important assets.Despite more than a month of political unrest in Bolivia tied to tensions between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales, Santacruz says its operations have remained on budget and uninterrupted. The company has reduced risk by storing key supplies in advance and using rail for most concentrate shipments, limiting exposure to road blockages.Santacruz is also positioning itself for the next phase of growth. It expects to move from the TSX Venture Exchange to the TSX main board within weeks, a step intended to improve liquidity and attract a broader investor base. Management also plans to launch a share buyback, signaling confidence that the market undervalues the business. Beyond Bolivar, the company is advancing Soracaya, a brownfield Bolivian asset with a strong silver profile, as its main medium-term growth project in a silver market supported by persistent supply deficits.View Santacruz Silver Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/santacruz-silver-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Made in America | Pulsar Helium (TSXV:PLSR) - The Case for Domestic US Helium Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 32:00


    Interview with Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar Helium Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/pulsar-helium-tsxvplsr-building-americas-primary-helium-supply-9105Recording date: 8th June 2026Pulsar Helium (TSXV:PLSR) sits at the intersection of a structural commodity supply crisis and an accelerating domestic US critical minerals agenda. The company is developing the Topaz helium project in northern Minnesota, a primary helium resource that does not depend on natural gas production economics, carries an average helium concentration of 8.1% across seven drilled wells, and is now backed by a completed regulatory framework, a major US engineering partner, and production-ready drilling scheduled for September 2026.More than 95% of global supply is produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing, which means output cannot be increased in response to price signals. When a major production node goes offline, the market has no rapid self-correcting mechanism. Two major nodes are now offline simultaneously. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz to container shipping has cut Qatar's export route — Qatar historically supplying approximately 35% of global helium. Russia, contributing a further 10%, has introduced export controls. The combined disruption has removed approximately 45% of global helium supply from the market. The CEO of QatarEnergy has indicated that restoring full production capacity could take three to five years. US customers are already reporting order allocations of 50% of typical volumes, with premiums on top.Against this backdrop, Topaz's geological profile is genuinely differentiated. The project was identified following an accidental discovery during nickel and copper exploration drilling, when a drill hole returned helium concentrations between 10-12% and is among the highest ever recorded. Since listing via IPO in the third quarter of 2023, Pulsar has drilled seven wells across the project area. All seven encountered gas. The current average concentration of 8.1% places Topaz in an entirely different grade regime from conventional byproduct production and makes primary extraction commercially viable as a standalone helium operation.The regulatory picture has materially improved. Minnesota had no prior framework for gas production. In 2024, the state legislated helium as a regulated commodity. In June 2026, the operational regulations were finalised — a process driven substantially by Pulsar's own work at Topaz. The removal of this non-geological risk represents a meaningful de-risking event for the project's development timeline.The confirmation of Helium-3 at Topaz adds a longer-horizon dimension. Helium-3 has applications in quantum computing and fusion research and is currently transferred between US government agencies at approximately US$18.7 million per kilogram. No commercial separation process exists at scale yet, and management has been measured in how it frames characterising Helium-3 as the cherry on top whilst keeping Helium-4 production as the operational priority. That framing is appropriate, but the optionality is real.The risk profile is consistent with a development-stage company. The resource has not yet been independently quantified at full scale. The economic assessment is pending. Production-ready well drilling has not yet commenced. Investors should size positions accordingly. But for those with the risk appetite for early-stage resource exposure, the combination of a 100% drilling success rate, a completed regulatory framework, a confirmed supply crisis with a multi-year recovery horizon, and an engineering partner already at work makes the near-term catalyst pathway unusually clear.View Pulsar Helium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/pulsar-heliumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Marimaca Copper (TSX:MARI) - Pampa Medina Shows Tier-One Potential with 5.7% Copper Hits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 17:21


    Interview with Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/marimaca-copper-tsxmari-tier-one-discovery-potential-alongside-mod-growth-10320Recording date: 8th June 2026Marimaca Copper's Pampa Medina discovery in Chile's Antofagasta region is emerging as a potentially world-class copper asset, with drilling confirming both exceptional grades and expanding scale. Recent results from key drill holes have defined an ultra high-grade bornite-rich core, including intersections such as 16 metres at 5.7% copper and 62.6 g/t silver. These findings sit within a broader mineralised column that can reach up to 100 metres in thickness at average grades around 1.2% copper, significantly enhancing the project's economic potential.Drilling has now confirmed mineralisation across an area exceeding 2 square kilometres, with the system remaining open along a northeast–southwest trend and at depth. Based on early geometric assumptions, the deposit could host between 120 million and 500 million tonnes of ore, depending on true thickness. The presence of mineralisation in multiple geological units, including newly identified zones in basement rocks, further supports the potential for substantial expansion.These developments are prompting a shift in mining strategy. Rather than a selective underground approach, Marimaca is evaluating bulk mechanised mining methods that could lower costs and allow extraction of a larger portion of the mineralised column. This shift could materially increase recoverable tonnage and improve project economics.While the Marimaca Oxide Deposit remains the company's near-term development priority—and is considered valuable enough to justify the current market valuation on its own—Pampa Medina is increasingly seen as a standalone tier-one opportunity. Ongoing drilling, a forthcoming maiden resource estimate, and strong copper market fundamentals position the discovery as a potentially significant asset in a supply-constrained global market, with the scale and location likely to attract interest from major mining companies.View Marimaca Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/marimaca-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT) - Advancing Scoping Study With 10x Throughput Breakthrough in Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 28:07


    Interview with Dr. Mike Jones, MD of Impact Minerals Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/impact-minerals-asxipt-pitch-perfect-october-2025-8328Recording date: 8th June 2026Impact Minerals Limited (ASX:IPT) is undergoing a deliberate and material transformation. What began as a junior mining explorer is becoming, under the direction of Managing Director Dr. Mike Jones, a specialty chemicals and material science company with a credible path to producing high-purity alumina which is  a critical input for battery separators, artificial sapphire, advanced ceramics, and semiconductor components.The company's commercial strategy rests on two interconnected assets. The first is a 50% stake in Alluminous, which holds a patented solvent extraction process for producing HPA from widely available chemical feedstock. That intellectual property is now protected across the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia, jurisdictions that management views as the primary commercialisation markets. The second is the Lake Hope clay project in Western Australia, where a Pre-Feasibility Study has been completed and work toward a Definitive Feasibility Study is underway.What has sharpened investor attention recently is a process engineering breakthrough at the Alluminous pilot plant. By modifying the orientation of impellers in the solvent extraction stage, the team achieved up to ten times the originally designed throughput. Dr. Jones has stated that this discovery could allow the company to reach production capacity comparable to its listed peers for under AU$10 million in capital — against the AU$200 million-plus spent by those peers to reach similar output levels. The scoping study for a 2,000-tonne-per-annum commercial plant is expected to provide independent cost validation shortly, making it one of the most significant near-term catalysts for the stock.The competitive context is instructive. Alpha HPA carries a market capitalisation of approximately AU$650–700 million. Advanced Energy Minerals trades at approximately AU$250–300 million. Both began as resource companies and have re-rated substantially as they have moved toward production. Impact Minerals currently sits at a significant discount to both, at a stage where the technology has been proven in batch mode, IP is protected, and initial customer engagement — including 3kg sapphire-grade samples dispatched to European buyers — is underway.The market entry strategy is measured. Rather than chasing premium 5N pricing immediately, management has chosen to enter the higher-volume 3N advanced ceramics segment first, building commercial credibility before moving up what Dr. Jones calls the "pyramid of purity." This approach mirrors the path taken by peers and reduces the risk of prolonged customer qualification timelines.The company's byproduct streams add further resilience to the investment case. Potash which is almost entirely imported into Western Australia and aluminium chlorohydrate have both attracted early buyer interest and are the subject of a separate scoping study. A joint venture on these streams would allow Impact to advance its HPA programme without proportional increases in capital expenditure.The principal risks are clear and should be held alongside the opportunity. Back-end engineering challenges remain unresolved, the technology has not yet been demonstrated at scale, and the company is pre-revenue. However, with patent protection secured, a breakthrough in production efficiency, a clear commercialisation roadmap, and peers trading at valuations ten to twenty times higher, the risk-reward profile at current prices warrants serious investor attention.View Impact Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/impact-mineralsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Vista Gold (NYSE:VGZ) - Mt Todd's De-Risking Blueprint: Permits, People, and Engineering

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 22:03


    Interview with Frederick H. Earnest, President & CEO of Vista GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/vista-gold-nysevgz-undervalued-investment-series-with-frederick-h-earnest-9735Recording date: 4th June 2026Vista Gold is advancing its Mt Todd gold project in Australia's Northern Territory through a disciplined three-pillar strategy focused on permitting, people, and engineering, as it moves toward a definitive investment decision. The project, one of the largest undeveloped gold assets in the country, holds 5 million ounces in reserves and 10 million ounces in total resources. Recent efforts have centered on resizing operations from 50,000 to 15,000 tons per day to improve capital efficiency, prompting modifications to existing permits rather than entirely new approvals.Permitting remains the most time-sensitive component. Key steps include updates to mining and operating permits, engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders, and preparation for federal environmental approval under the EPBC Act. The application is expected in late 2026, with a decision timeline of six to nine months.At the same time, Vista Gold is strengthening its leadership team, hiring senior executives across technical, approvals, and external relations functions. The company is also recruiting an Australia-based Managing Director to oversee local development and support financing efforts, including a potential listing on the Australian Securities Exchange.Engineering optimization is a major value driver. Metallurgical testing aims to refine processing efficiency, while a geotechnical study on the Batman Pit could significantly reduce waste movement. If successful, this adjustment may lower mining costs by up to $200 million or unlock additional gold reserves.Project economics are highly sensitive to gold prices. At $3,300 per ounce, Mt Todd carries a net present value of $2.2 billion and an internal rate of return near 45%. With gold trading above $4,500, the project's upside is substantially greater. Despite this, Vista Gold's market valuation remains well below its estimated asset value, positioning the project as a leveraged play on strong gold market conditions.View Vista Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/vista-gold-corporationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Erdene Resource Developments (TSX:ERD) - 'Undervalued?' Investment Series, with Peter Akerley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 35:06


    Interview with Peter Akerley, President & CEO of Erdene Resource Development Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/erdene-resource-development-tsxerd-first-gold-flows-as-multi-mine-district-strategy-unfolds-8931Recording date: 6th June 2026Erdene Resource Development has entered a new phase as a gold producer with the successful commissioning of its Bayan Khundii mine in southwestern Mongolia. The operation reached commercial production in early 2026 and is already generating strong financial results, including roughly C$100 million in revenue and EBITDA margins մոտ 50%. However, the company's immediate priority is improving ore grades, which are currently around 2.5 g/t compared to the 3.8 g/t reserve target. Addressing dilution and optimizing processing are expected to significantly lower costs and boost cash flow.The mine was developed through a 50/50 joint venture with Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC), whose local expertise and workforce enabled construction to be completed in just 22 months at a cost of $120 million. This partnership remains central to operations, while Erdene retains long-term upside through a royalty structure that increases its economic share after certain production thresholds are reached.Looking ahead, Erdene is focused on expanding production within the Khundii Minerals District. Near-term opportunities include integrating the high-grade Dark Horse satellite deposit and evaluating a heap leach facility to process lower-grade material, potentially adding up to 35,000 ounces annually. Exploration success to the west of the current pit could also extend mine life and increase output.Beyond Bayan Khundii, the company holds additional assets that are not fully reflected in its valuation. These include the Altan Nar gold-polymetallic project and the large Zuun Mod molybdenum-copper deposit, with a preliminary economic assessment expected in late 2026. Financially, Erdene is in a solid position with no corporate debt and plans to fully repay project-level debt by 2027, after which it may prioritize expansion, dividends, or share buybacks.View Erdene Resource Development's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/erdene-resource-developmentSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    West Wits Mining (ASX:WWI) - Qala Shallows Breakthrough Drives 70,000 oz Target Gold Production

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 29:25


    Interview with Rudi Deysel, Managing Director & CEO of West Wits MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/west-wits-mining-asxwwi-delivers-first-gold-and-sets-course-on-expansion-pathway-9773Recording date: 5th June 2026West Wits Mining has reached a pivotal stage in the development of its Qala Shallows gold project in South Africa, marking a transition from early-stage infrastructure work to direct ore extraction. The company has successfully completed a key underground decline and broken into Level 2, enabling access to the primary ore body and setting the foundation for improved production performance.This milestone allows the operation to shift from extracting lower-grade development ore—previously diluted by surrounding waste rock—to higher-grade stoping ore sourced directly from the reef. As stoping activities expand, gold grades are expected to progressively increase toward a target of approximately 3 grams per tonne, improving recoveries, reducing unit costs, and strengthening overall project economics.Operational readiness has been supported by new mining equipment and an expanded fleet, enabling simultaneous work across multiple mining faces. This enhances flexibility, reduces downtime, and supports consistent production rates while reinforcing safety and operational discipline.West Wits is also advancing a scoping study, due by the end of July 2026, to define the optimal pathway for scaling the project to a steady-state production target of 70,000 ounces per year by 2028. The study will evaluate mining methods, processing options, and infrastructure requirements, including the potential use of third-party facilities versus a standalone plant.Financially, the company is nearing closure of a syndicated debt facility that will fund remaining capital requirements through to projected break-even, estimated within 30 months of the feasibility baseline.Beyond Qala Shallows, West Wits is progressing exploration at its Bird Reef Central project, aiming to establish a resource from a gold-uranium target. Together, these developments position the company for multi-asset growth within the historically significant Witwatersrand Basin.View West Wits Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/west-wits-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Koryx Copper (TSXV:KRY) - Namibia's Giant Copper Deposit Gets a Major Upgrade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 29:31


    Interview with Heye Daun, President & CEO of Koryx CopperOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/koryx-copper-inc-tsxvkry-institutional-capital-backs-haib-development-pfs-by-year-end-9455Recording date: 4th June 2026Koryx Copper is advancing the Haib copper-molybdenum-gold project in Namibia into what could become one of the world's significant long-life copper operations. The company is targeting annual production of approximately 120,000 tonnes of copper, with a mine life exceeding 30 years, positioning Haib among a limited group of large-scale development-stage projects globally.A major shift in the project's economics comes from the introduction of coarse particle flotation (CPF), a proven processing technology that enables early rejection of about 25% of low-grade material while losing only a small fraction of contained copper. This significantly increases the effective grade of processed ore, lifting copper equivalent grades to around 0.5% in the first decade—well above historical perceptions of Haib as a low-grade deposit.Koryx has also simplified the flowsheet by eliminating heap leaching and moving to a fully flotation-based system. This change not only reduces operational complexity but allows recovery of molybdenum and gold byproducts, adding roughly 15% to project value. Combined with an improved strip ratio and optimized mine plan, these enhancements are expected to increase net present value and key economic metrics by 20–30%.The project will require an estimated $1.8 billion in capital expenditure, making a strategic partnership the most likely development path. Koryx is actively engaging potential partners, including major mining companies, commodity traders, and institutional investors, with joint ventures or acquisition scenarios viewed as probable outcomes.Located in Namibia, a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction, Haib benefits from established infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and access to power and water resources. With global copper demand rising due to electrification trends and limited new supply, Haib's scale, improved economics, and long mine life position it as a compelling asset in the evolving copper market.View Koryx Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/koryx-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Copper Outperforms Gold While Wall Street Bets Everything on SpaceX

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 35:25


    Recording date: 5th June 2026Global financial markets are exhibiting a striking disconnect between geopolitical risk and investor behavior, as major U.S. equity indices simultaneously reached record highs despite escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing missile exchanges and a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran have done little to unsettle equities, creating what market observers describe as a “Goldilocks” environment where negative macro risks are largely ignored. At the same time, attention has narrowed sharply toward the anticipated $75 billion SpaceX initial public offering, which is drawing liquidity away from bonds, Bitcoin, and commodities.The scale of the SpaceX IPO is expected to have meaningful mechanical effects on markets. With rapid inclusion into major indices, institutional investors are likely to position ahead of forced index buying, potentially diluting existing index constituents. This dynamic has contributed to strong performance in select equity sectors, particularly technology, while other asset classes lag.In contrast to declining gold and oil prices, copper has emerged as a standout performer. Supply-side constraints - including reduced production guidance from major miners such as Freeport-McMoRan, Ivanhoe Mines, and Codelco - have tightened the market. Additional risks stem from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for sulfuric acid used in copper processing. Stronger-than-expected industrial data from both the United States and China has further reinforced demand for the metal.Meanwhile, developments in the mining sector highlight emerging friction in global dealmaking. Chinese regulators have raised concerns that Zijin Mining's proposed acquisition of Allied Gold is overpriced, signalling potential constraints on future outbound mergers and acquisitions.Against this backdrop, investors are adopting a cautious stance. Elevated cash positions and expectations of summer volatility - driven by geopolitical uncertainty, IPO-related liquidity shifts, and seasonal commodity weakness - suggest that while markets appear calm, underlying risks remain significant.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Manhattan Metals - A New Angle on Nevada's Overlooked Gold & Silver Deposits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 12:16


    Interview with William Sheriff of Manhattan MetalsRecording date: 22nd May 2026Manhattan Metals Corp is a pre-IPO gold and silver company with a business model that is straightforward in concept but rare in practice: acquire small, high-grade gold deposits in Nevada that major mining companies overlook, and process them through a centrally owned mill to generate near-term cash flow. The company was founded by Bill Sheriff, a veteran geologist with decades of exploration experience in Nevada and a track record of executing this exact model in the Yukon.The core insight behind Manhattan Metals is that Nevada, one of the most gold-rich states in the US, with more than 300 identified gold districts, contains hundreds of viable deposits that sit idle because they do not meet the scale requirements of major producers. A deposit of 250,000 ounces of gold is worth over one billion dollars at current prices. Yet without a mill and without institutional-scale tonnage, it generates nothing. Manhattan Metals is positioning itself as the entity that provides the missing infrastructure.The company has already acquired a 400-ton-per-day gravity flotation mill which is a tangible hard asset that distinguishes it from the majority of junior mining companies whose primary asset is a future promise. The mill needs to be relocated and repermitted, a process expected to take approximately two years, and site selection is the near-term priority before a public listing proceeds. A smaller 20-to-25-ton-per-day circuit is also planned for exceptionally high-grade, low-tonnage material.Manhattan Metals currently controls seven Nevada properties, including one with a historic resource of several hundred thousand ounces and an underexplored high-grade vein system with only three drill holes completed. Beyond its owned assets, the company has identified more than 50 additional candidate deposits and owns an in-house reverse circulation drilling rig to validate them cost-effectively. The technical team includes a senior metallurgist with international milling and heap-leach experience which Sheriff acknowledges is in short supply across the industry.The investment case rests on several distinct pillars. First, the strategy addresses a segment of the market with no meaningful competition, as both major miners and conventional juniors are oriented toward different scale targets. Second, the model is designed to generate revenue relatively quickly compared to traditional junior mining timelines, reducing the dilution risk that characterizes most early-stage resource companies. Third, management has signaled a long-term intention to pay dividends, an unusual and investor-friendly commitment in this sector.The primary risks are permitting timeline uncertainty, the pre-revenue nature of the company, and the operational complexity of moving and reestablishing a milling facility. These are real and material considerations. However, the combination of a proven operator, owned infrastructure, an in-house drilling capability, and a clearly defined pipeline of assets positions Manhattan Metals as one of the more substantively prepared pre-IPO mining companies currently approaching public markets.For investors seeking gold exposure grounded in operational execution rather than speculative exploration, Manhattan Metals represents a proposition worth evaluating closely as it moves toward its public listing.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Verdera Energy (TSXV:V) - High-Grade Resource in New Mexico Positioned for US Uranium Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 16:01


    Interview with Janet Lee Sheriff, Director & CEO of Verdera EnergyOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/verdera-energy-tsxvv-premium-uranium-portfolio-with-20m-to-spend-9385Recording date: 22nd May 2026Verdera Energy is emerging as a uranium development company focused on unlocking the potential of New Mexico, a jurisdiction that management believes could play an increasingly important role in future US uranium supply. At a time when energy security, nuclear power expansion, and artificial intelligence-driven electricity demand are becoming major investment themes, the company is positioning itself to benefit from a growing emphasis on domestic uranium production.The foundation of the investment case is the company's substantial resource base at approximately 88 million pounds of historic and known uranium resources across multiple projects in New Mexico. The flagship West Largo project is currently undergoing modernization through an updated NI 43-101 technical report, while additional work is being completed to evaluate resource expansion opportunities and future development pathways.A key differentiator for the company is its focus on in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium projects. ISR has become one of the preferred uranium extraction methods due to its potential for lower capital requirements and reduced environmental disturbance compared to conventional mining techniques. Management believes West Largo represents one of the most attractive ISR opportunities in the United States and could become a significant asset as domestic uranium demand grows.Beyond its resource base, Verdera possesses a potentially valuable strategic asset in the form of historical geological information. According to management, the company controls more than 90% of the proprietary uranium exploration data available in New Mexico. This extensive database, accumulated from previous operators including Kerr-McGee and URI, may help reduce exploration risk, improve targeting efficiency, and accelerate project advancement.The broader opportunity extends beyond individual projects. Management believes New Mexico remains an underappreciated uranium jurisdiction despite hosting substantial uranium resources and important nuclear-related infrastructure. As the United States seeks to reduce dependence on imported uranium and strengthen domestic supply chains, jurisdictions capable of supporting large-scale uranium production may receive increasing attention from investors, industry participants, and policymakers.Another important aspect of Verdera's strategy is its emphasis on community engagement and social licence. The company recognizes that historical uranium mining activities created concerns among local communities and Indigenous groups. CEO Janet Lee Sheriff brings approximately three decades of experience working with Indigenous communities in Canada's Yukon and is applying a similar relationship-based approach in New Mexico. Through educational initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and industry conferences, management is seeking to build trust and support for future development activities.Looking ahead, investors should monitor several potential catalysts. These include updated resource estimates, technical studies, permitting milestones, drilling programs, infrastructure planning, and potential strategic partnerships. The company is also evaluating opportunities involving central processing facilities and possible joint ventures that could support future project development.As nuclear energy continues to gain support as a reliable, low-carbon power source and as electricity demand rises from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, domestic uranium production is becoming increasingly important. With a large resource base, significant proprietary data holdings, experienced leadership, and exposure to a strategic uranium jurisdiction, Verdera Energy offers investors a way to participate in the evolving US  uranium development story.View Verdera Energy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/verdera-energySign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Made in America | Revival Gold (TSXV:RVG) - The Case for US-Based Gold Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 44:15


    Interview with Hugh Agro, President & CEO of Revival Gold Inc.Debra Struhsacker, US Permitting & Public Policy AdvisorOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/revival-gold-tsxvrvg-funded-to-2028-decision-targets-2029-output-up-to-350m-cash-flow-10284Recording date: 27th May 2026Revival Gold, a Canadian-listed junior mining company, is advancing two gold projects in the United States—Mercur in Utah and Beartrack-Arnett in Idaho—with a combined resource of approximately 6 million ounces. Despite an estimated net asset value of around $1.3 billion, the company's market capitalization remains near $200 million, highlighting a significant valuation gap that underpins its investment case.The Mercur project is the company's primary near-term focus and is positioned as a potential low-cost, high-cash-flow operation. Located on private land in Utah, Mercur benefits from simplified permitting under state jurisdiction, reducing regulatory complexity and timelines. The project also has strong infrastructure advantages, including existing power, road access, and water resources. Revival Gold is targeting a preliminary feasibility study by the first quarter of 2027, followed by a full feasibility study by year-end and a construction decision in early 2028. At current gold prices, Mercur is to generate annual free cash flow of $300–$350 million.The broader regulatory environment in the United States has become increasingly supportive of domestic mining. Recent reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, alongside federal policy shifts prioritizing mineral security, have streamlined permitting processes and improved project visibility. These changes are expected to benefit companies like Revival Gold operating in mining-friendly jurisdictions.Beartrack-Arnett, the company's second asset in Idaho, already has a completed feasibility study and existing infrastructure. However, management believes it is largely unrecognized in the current valuation, offering additional upside potential as exploration continues to expand the resource at depth.With a clear development timeline, favorable jurisdictional dynamics, and significant leverage to rising gold prices, Revival Gold represents a leveraged play on U.S.-based gold development, with substantial re-rating potential as key milestones are achieved.View Revival Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/revival-gold-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Acceleration Towards Deglobalisation Reshapes Metal Supply-Demand Security

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 27:36


    Recording date: 26th May 2026Olive Resource Capital views the current phase in commodity markets as a healthy, seasonal consolidation following a strong start to the year. While metals and mining equities have largely moved sideways, this reduced volatility is seen as constructive rather than concerning. According to President and CEO Samuel Pelaez and Executive Chair Derek Macpherson, calmer market conditions often create a gradual upward bias, even as broader investor attention shifts toward high-performing sectors like technology.Olive Resource adjusted its portfolio to reflect rising geopolitical risks, particularly those linked to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, exposure to Australia and Asia-Pacific mining equities has been significantly reduced, with capital redirected toward cash or regions offering stronger supply-chain reliability. This shift reflects a broader conviction that deglobalisation is accelerating, increasing the strategic importance of mining assets located in politically aligned and stable jurisdictions.Deglobalisation trends driven by pandemic-era disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, and export restrictions on critical minerals are reshaping investment priorities. Assets in Western countries, even for commodities once considered uneconomic to produce domestically, are gaining value due to their security of supply.Within this context, Olive Resource Capital is emphasizing company-specific opportunities over macro-driven bets. Recent portfolio additions, including White Gold Corp, Prospector Metals, Goldsky Resources, Valhalla Metals, and ValOre Metals, were selected for strong management teams and near-term catalysts such as drill results, resource estimates, and project advancements.Macpherson and Pelaez also highlighted a consistent seasonal strategy in junior mining equities: accumulating positions in the spring as exploration begins, and trimming exposure in the fall when results are released and financing activity increases. Overall, the firm's approach centers on jurisdictional reliability, operational catalysts, and disciplined timing in a market where broad momentum remains limited.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Heliostar Metals (TSXV:HSTR) - Emerging Gold Producer Targets 300K oz by 2030 With Strong Cash Flow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 25:22


     Interview with Stephen Soock, VP Investor Relations & Development, Heliostar MetalsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/heliostar-metals-tsxvhstr-self-funded-growth-fuels-push-to-300000-gold-ounces-per-annum-9450Recording date: 20th May 2025Heliostar Metals is advancing a multi-phase strategy to transform itself into a mid-tier gold producer, targeting annual output of 300,000 ounces by the end of the decade. The company's recent performance highlights both operational momentum and financial strengthening, supported by three producing assets and a growing development pipeline.In the first quarter of 2026, Heliostar produced 11,743 ounces of gold at all-in sustaining costs of $1,996 per ounce, generating $14 million in net income. Working capital increased significantly from $40 million to $70 million, reflecting strong cash flow even as the company continued investing in exploration and development. While costs benefited from temporary by-product credits, full-year guidance remains around $2,100 per ounce.San Agustin has returned to production and is expected to deliver 50,000 to 55,000 ounces annually, with potential to extend its current 14-month mine life through ongoing drilling. At La Colorada, the company is transitioning to higher-grade sources while using innovative leaching techniques to extract additional value from existing material.Heliostar's flagship Ana Paula project in Mexico is central to its long-term growth. The underground development is advancing toward a feasibility study in mid-2027, with a construction decision to follow. The project targets annual production of 100,000 ounces by late 2028 and benefits from strong local support and existing infrastructure.The recent acquisition of the Goldstrike project in Utah adds one million ounces of measured and indicated resources, enhancing future production optionality while preserving near-term capital through deferred payments.Heliostar expects to generate approximately $150 million in internal cash flow over the next 2.5 years, funding much of its development pipeline. Combined with disciplined execution and selective financing, the company is positioning itself for sustained, self-funded growth.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/heliostar-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Thistle Resources (TSXV:TRCG) - Fully Funded Explorer Advances Gold and Antimony Projects

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 27:52


     Interview with Gary Lohman, COO & VP Exploration, and Patrick J. Cruickshank, President & CEO of Thistle ResourcesRecording date: 20th May 2026Thistle Resources Inc., a recently listed explorer on the TSX Venture Exchange, is positioning itself at the crossroads of rising demand for gold and critical minerals through a diversified portfolio in Canada's Bathurst Mining Camp. The company controls five projects, with a strategic focus on three key assets: the Middle River Gold deposit, a large volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) target, and the high-grade Brunswick Antimony project. This multi-commodity approach reduces reliance on a single resource while offering multiple pathways for value creation.The flagship Middle River Gold project demonstrates strong scale potential. It hosts two distinct zones: a near-surface system extending to 130 meters depth with approximately 7 kilometers of mineralized folding—largely untested—and a deeper zone at 400 meters that exhibits one of the strongest geophysical conductive responses recorded in the region. Early drilling has confirmed consistent gold mineralization, while advanced surveys by two independent geophysical firms have significantly improved targeting confidence. The company is aiming to define a resource of up to 2 million ounces through systematic drilling.Equally compelling is the Brunswick Antimony project, որտեղ exceptionally high-grade mineralization occurs at surface, including antimony exceeding 10%, along with significant silver and gold values. Located near historic producing mines, the project benefits from existing infrastructure and growing geopolitical interest in securing non-Chinese sources of critical minerals. Antimony prices have surged in recent years, enhancing the project's economic potential even at modest scale.Operationally, Thistle benefits from a favorable jurisdiction with rapid permitting, strong infrastructure, and low drilling costs of roughly CAD 100 per meter. Fully funded for two years and equipped with active drill programs through 2026, the company is well positioned to advance its assets. With multiple catalysts ahead and exposure to both precious and critical minerals, Thistle represents a diversified exploration opportunity in a proven mining district.View Thistle Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/thistle-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Mogotes Metals (TSXV:MOG) - Major Copper-Gold Discovery at Filo Sur

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 31:12


    Interview with Allen Sabet, CEO of Mogotes Metals Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mogotes-metals-tsxvmog-drilling-filo-sur-along-filo-del-sol-trend-results-in-may-june-9532Recording date: 19th May 2026Mogotes Metals has reported a significant high-grade copper-gold discovery at its Filo Sur project in Argentina, marking a pivotal step in advancing the largely underexplored property. Drilling at the Albor target intersected 86 meters grading 0.7% copper, 0.55 g/t gold, 2.7 g/t silver, and 169 ppm molybdenum, including a higher-grade core of 43 meters at 1.1% copper and 0.82 g/t gold. These results exceed all previous drilling on the property and confirm the presence of robust mineralisation near surface, a key factor for potential open-pit development.The project lies directly adjacent to the Filo del Sol deposit, one of the most important copper discoveries in recent decades. Geological features at Albor, including multiple mineralisation phases and hypogene epithermal overprinting, closely resemble those observed at Filo del Sol. Mineral assemblages and alteration patterns suggest proximity to a porphyry center, indicating potential for a much larger system.Despite this progress, the property remains in an early exploration stage. Mogotes has drilled only 6,800 meters across an 8-kilometer strike length, with approximately half of assay results still pending. Multiple additional targets identified through geophysical and geochemical surveys remain untested, highlighting substantial upside potential.The company is well funded, with $42 million in cash to support aggressive follow-up drilling. A new campaign is scheduled for November 2026, allowing rapid advancement of priority targets once remaining results are received. Beyond Argentina, Mogotes has also acquired projects in Kazakhstan and Montana to enable year-round exploration and reduce reliance on a single asset.Overall, the discovery at Albor strengthens the company's geological thesis and positions Mogotes Metals as an emerging player in a highly prospective copper district at a time of growing global demand for the metal.View Mogotes Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mogotes-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    New Found Gold (TSXV:NFG) - $220M Financing Pushes High-Grade Queensway Toward 2027 Production

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 7:02


    Interview with Keith Boyle, Director & CEO of New Found GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/new-found-gold-tsxvnfg-205m-package-funds-queensway-to-production-9927Recording date: 5th May 2026New Found Gold has secured a total of $220 million in financing, combining a $105 million facility and a $115 million equity raise backed by prominent investors such as Eric Sprott. This funding fully covers the development of its flagship Queensway Gold project in Newfoundland, exceeding the $155 million capital expenditure outlined in its preliminary economic assessment. Importantly, the company does not need to draw the optional second tranche of financing, giving it additional financial flexibility as it advances toward production targeted for late 2027.Queensway stands out for its high-grade ore, averaging 10 to 12 grams per ton in the शुरुआती years, which is significantly above industry norms. The project is expected to produce around 100,000 ounces of gold annually, with all-in sustaining costs estimated at $1,300 per ounce. At current gold prices, this translates into more than $2,300 in free cash flow per ounce, positioning Queensway as a high-margin operation with strong economic resilience.In parallel, New Found Gold is progressing its Hammerdown mine toward commercial production in the second half of 2026. Ore from Hammerdown is processed at the Pine Cove mill, which is currently operating at 700 tons per day and is being expanded to 1,400 tons per day to support future Queensway output. This use of existing infrastructure reduces both development risk and capital requirements.Key milestones include groundbreaking for the Pine Cove expansion by mid-2026 and securing an early works permit for Queensway by the third quarter of 2026. With minimal financing restrictions, strong investor backing, and a clear development roadmap, the company has established a well-defined and largely de-risked path to becoming a multi-asset gold producer.View New Found Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    CanCambria Energy (TSXV:CCEC) - 750 Bcf Hungary Gas Play Targets EU Supply Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 45:45


    Interview with Paul Clarke, CEO, CanCambria EnergyRecording date: 14th May 2026CanCambria Energy, a Canadian exploration and production company, is advancing a large-scale natural gas project in Hungary aimed at addressing Europe's growing energy security concerns. As the European Union moves to eliminate reliance on Russian gas by the end of 2027, Hungary—currently importing up to 80% of its supply—faces a significant supply gap. CanCambria's Kiskunhalas concession offers a potential domestic solution.The company has identified approximately 750 billion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas within a deep tight gas formation, alongside 25 million barrels of oil in shallower conventional reservoirs. Its land position spans 247,000 acres, supported by modern 3D seismic data that has significantly reduced exploration risk and improved well targeting compared to earlier drilling efforts.Economically, the project is highly attractive under European gas pricing conditions. Individual wells cost between $15 million and $18 million but can generate over $20 million in revenue within the first year at $10/MMBtu gas prices—well below current European levels of $14–15/MMBtu. Over their lifespan, wells are expected to yield $35–50 million in after-tax netbacks, with a breakeven price near $4/MMBtu, providing a strong margin of safety.To accelerate development, CanCambria is finalizing a joint venture to fund its initial wells, with drilling expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The project is designed to reach cash-flow positivity within the first few wells and scale to significant production levels.In addition to deep gas, shallower oil targets offer quicker, lower-cost returns, enhancing overall project flexibility. With favorable fiscal terms, existing infrastructure access, and strong market demand, CanCambria is positioning itself as a key contributor to Europe's transition toward more secure and diversified energy supplies.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Mining Sector at a Crossroads: Strong Earnings Meet Rising Risks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 32:15


    Recording date: 14th May 2026The first quarter of 2026 marked a high point for the global mining sector, particularly for gold producers, which benefited from record production levels and strong cash flows. This performance was largely driven by a surge in gold prices, which averaged करीब $4,900 per ounce—up roughly 15% from the previous quarter. Major mining companies capitalized on these favorable conditions through share buybacks and acquisitions, signaling confidence in sustained profitability. However, this strong start is unlikely to persist.By mid-May, gold prices had already declined by about $200 per ounce, while input costs—especially fuel—rose sharply. Analysts now expect margin compression in the second quarter, as rising operational expenses begin to outweigh the benefits of still-elevated commodity prices. Fuel costs, in particular, have increased between 50% and 100% in some regions, creating uneven impacts across mining operations.The degree of exposure depends heavily on mine type and location. Underground, grid-connected mines face relatively minor cost increases, with fuel accounting for only 4–5% of expenses. In contrast, remote open-pit mines, which rely on diesel and other fuel-intensive processes, may see 30–40% of their cost structure affected. This creates significant disparities in profitability across the sector.Geographically, Australia stands out as the most vulnerable major mining jurisdiction due to its reliance on imported fuel, which accounts for 91% of its refined product consumption. Other at-risk regions include Chile, Peru, and parts of Africa. Meanwhile, copper prices have reached record highs, likely reflecting market concerns about supply disruptions caused by rising energy costs and operational challenges.Industry consolidation is also accelerating, highlighted by the Orla Mining–Equinox Gold merger. This trend reduces the number of mid-sized acquisition targets and underscores a growing scarcity of high-quality development projects, reshaping the competitive landscape for investors.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Flagship Minerals (ASX:FLG) - Fast-Tracks Isidora Project to 2.1M oz Gold Milestone

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 28:27


    Interview with Paul Lock, Managing Director, Flagship Minerals Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/flagship-minerals-asxflg-gold-copper-potential-in-chile-7407Recording date: 13th May 2026Junior exploration company Flagship Minerals has announced a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Isidora Gold project, located in Chile's premier Maricunga gold belt. The update effectively doubles the project's resource to 2.1 million ounces of gold (115.2 million tons at 0.56 g/t) without a single meter of new exploration drilling.The dramatic resource expansion was achieved entirely through economic remodeling. Flagship optimized the cutoff grade from 0.3 g/t to 0.16 g/t in the oxide zones to reflect modern, elevated gold prices. Managing Director Paul Lock noted that the original 2010 NI 43-101 resource was calculated in a $1,000/oz gold environment, whereas the updated figures use a conservative modern baseline. Approximately 80% of the pit-constrained resource is now classified in high-confidence measured and indicated categories.Flagship is targeting a mine life of over 10 years, with a production profile of 125,000 to 150,000 ounces per year. The development strategy heavily reduces upfront capital expenditure by deploying low-cost heap leach processing for oxide and mixed materials during the first 5 to 6 years, before transitioning to sulfide treatment.The project's economics are heavily benchmarked against Rio2's neighboring Fenix project. Flagship projects all-in sustaining costs (AISC) to sit comfortably below $1,500/oz, positioning Isidora in the bottom third of the global cost curve.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/flagship-mineralsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Capital Metals (LSE:CMET) - World-Class Mineral Sands Asset Gains Momentum After Policy Reset

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 25:49


     Interview with Greg Martyr, Executive Chairman, Capital MetalsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/capital-metals-lsecmet-172-grade-mineral-sands-project-targets-fid-by-year-end-2025-8088Recording date: 12th May 2026Capital Metals is advancing the Taprobane mineral sands project in Sri Lanka, positioning it as one of the highest-grade deposits globally, with an average heavy mineral grade of 17.6% compared to a global average below 5%. Located on the country's east coast, the project has gained momentum following Sri Lanka's 2026 approval of its first national minerals policy in over two decades, which prioritizes mining as a key driver of foreign investment after the country's debt restructuring.The regulatory overhaul includes shifting oversight of mining to the Ministry of Industry and introducing standardized procedures to improve transparency and reduce corruption risks. Capital Metals has already secured two mining licenses and deployed a 30-person team, with construction targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 pending final approvals.The project's phased development strategy is designed to minimize upfront capital while enabling rapid production. Stage 1 requires approximately $25 million in funding, largely financed through debt and offtake agreements, and is expected to generate around $40 million in annual revenue with strong margins. The projected internal rate of return exceeds 75%, significantly above industry norms. A straightforward wet concentration process further supports low-cost operations.Taprobane also offers scalability, with plans to expand production in three stages and optional investment in a $10 million mineral separation plant to produce higher-value refined products. Beyond organic growth, the company is exploring consolidation opportunities within Sri Lanka's emerging mineral sands sector.With only a small portion of its 60-kilometer strike length explored, the project also presents substantial upside potential. Combined with favorable policy reforms and rising global demand for mineral sands used in industrial applications, Taprobane represents a strategically timed development in a rapidly evolving mining jurisdiction.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/capital-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Americas Gold & Silver (TSX:USA) - Targets ~1,000 tpd Capacity, Aims for 5Moz+ Annual Silver

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 20:37


    Interview with Oliver Turner, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, Americas Gold & SilverOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/americas-gold-silver-tsxusa-productivity-gains-drill-growth-antimony-upside-9947Recording date: 12th May 2026Americas Gold & Silver is emerging as a significant player in the global silver market, driven by a combination of operational transformation, strong institutional interest, and favorable industry dynamics. Once a relatively illiquid stock with daily trading volumes of $400,000 to $500,000, the company now sees $70–75 million in daily turnover, reflecting growing participation from major investors, including BlackRock UK and European institutions. This shift highlights increasing demand for exposure to silver, which is gaining recognition not only as a precious metal but also as a critical industrial resource.At the center of the company's growth strategy is the Galena mine in Idaho, one of the highest-grade silver mines in the world, with average grades of 500 grams per ton and a resource base exceeding 200 million ounces. Following years of underinvestment, a comprehensive modernization program has significantly improved performance. Production has already increased from 270 to 410 tons per day, with further expansion targets of 650 tons per day in the near term and over 1,000 tons per day within two years. Advanced mining methods such as longhole stoping have delivered productivity gains of over 300%.The broader market backdrop further strengthens the company's outlook. Silver demand is rising due to its critical role in solar panels, AI infrastructure, and next-generation batteries, while supply remains constrained. The market has recorded persistent annual deficits of 150–200 million ounces, and with 70% of silver produced as a byproduct, supply cannot easily scale.Despite these favorable fundamentals, Americas Gold & Silver trades at roughly 0.6 times net asset value, significantly below recent peer acquisition multiples near 2 times. With strong cash reserves, ongoing operational improvements, and exposure to U.S.-based critical minerals policy support, the company is positioned for continued growth and potential valuation re-rating.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/americas-gold-silver-corporationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Cascadia Minerals (TSXV:CAM) - Agnico-Backed Yukon Copper Play Targets 1.5B lbs Resource Expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 25:27


    Interview with Graham Downs, President & CEO, Cascadia MineralsRecording date: 12th May 2026Cascadia Minerals is making significant strides in the central Yukon following its merger with Granite Creek Copper to acquire the Carmacks copper-gold deposit. As major mining companies increasingly seek reliable assets in stable jurisdictions, Cascadia is positioning itself as a prime player with this road-accessible, high-grade project located just 10 kilometers from grid power.Unlike typical broadly disseminated porphyry systems, the Carmacks deposit features upgraded, structurally controlled zones averaging 50 meters wide at approximately 1.5% copper. The project currently boasts a resource of 651 million pounds of copper and 300,000 ounces of gold at over 1% copper equivalent. Because the deposit comes to the surface with clean granite contacts, future mining operations and wall rock characterization are expected to be notably straightforward.To unlock the project's full potential, Cascadia launched a 15,000 to 20,000-meter drill program for 2026, aiming to double the existing resource to 1.5 billion pounds of copper. Thanks to the site's excellent infrastructure, drilling costs have plummeted to $400 per meter—a stark contrast to the $500,000-plus per hole often required at remote, helicopter-accessed projects. A key focus of this year's program is Zone A, located 11 kilometers north of the main deposit. Historical drilling here revealed exceptional grades, including 22 meters of 2% copper and 2 grams per ton of gold.Agnico Eagle has recognized the project's potential, taking a 14% strategic stake to fund exploration through 2027. This partnership also includes a $12 million earn-in option for Cascadia's grassroots Stikine terrain projects. With this financial backing and a resource that is already mostly in the measured and indicated categories, Cascadia plans to bypass a Preliminary Economic Assessment. Instead, the company will leverage existing baseline environmental work to advance directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study, fast-tracking the timeline for this promising North American copper asset.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/atac-resources-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Oroco Resources (TSXV:OCO) - Porphyry District Strategy Boosts Appeal Ahead of 2027 PFS Delivery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 23:24


    Interview with Ian Graham, President, Oroco ResourcesRecording date: 11th May 2026Oroco Resources is advancing the Santo Tomás porphyry copper project in northwest Mexico toward a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) targeted for Q2 2027, positioning the asset as a capital-efficient development in a supply-constrained copper market.The project's August 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment outlined robust economics: a $1.48 billion after-tax NPV, internal rates of return exceeding 22%, and initial capital requirements of approximately $1.1 billion based on $4 copper and $1,900 gold assumptions. Operating costs are projected below $1 per pound, with a 2.8-year payback period. Notably, Santo Tomás demonstrates capital intensity of roughly $10,000 per ton of annual copper production—about half the industry average—lowering the barrier for potential acquirers and reducing development risk.The resource base exceeds one billion tons grading over 0.5% copper equivalent. The current technical program focuses on converting inferred resources to the indicated category, particularly in the South Zone, while exploring expansion potential to the southwest. Metallurgical work by Whittle Consulting identified that 70–80% of the resource consists of softer material than originally tested, suggesting opportunities for reduced energy consumption and improved throughput.Strategically, Oroco envisions a district-scale development incorporating the Bahuerachi project to the north and the Vainilla exploration target to the south, potentially enabling shared infrastructure and extended mine life. The company also benefits from rare grassroots political support: community advocacy secured Santo Tomás a place on Plan México, President Claudia Sheinbaum's priority list of 40 large capital investment projects, improving the permitting outlook.With new CEO Charles Cryer—a former analyst who previously covered the project—joining mid-2026 to lead M&A outreach, Oroco aims to achieve transaction-ready status by mid-2027. Institutional investors are backing this Phase 2 restart after the stock's post-2021 correction, betting that Santo Tomás's scalable, low-intensity profile will attract mid-tier and major copper producers seeking growth assets in an electrification-driven market.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/oroco-resource-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Canada Nickel (TSXV:CNC) - Crawford Project Nears Landmark Approval Under Canada's 2019 Mining Law

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 15:48


    Interview with Mark Selby, CEO, Canada Nickel CompanyOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/canada-nickel-tsxvcnc-strategic-investment-and-tax-credits-strengthen-construction-timeline-9456Recording date: 12th May 2026Canada Nickel Company is approaching a major milestone with its Crawford nickel project in Ontario, positioning it as one of the few new nickel developments globally capable of production before 2030. The company has received its Draft Impact Assessment report and proposed permit conditions under Canada's 2019 environmental framework, with final approval expected in early summer 2026. This would make Crawford the first mining project approved under the updated legislation, marking a significant regulatory achievement after a four-year review process.The project enters a favorable market environment. Nickel prices have rebounded sharply, rising nearly $5,000 per ton since late 2025, while the global pipeline of new supply remains limited. Only a small number of projects are expected to come online this decade, creating strong demand for near-term production assets like Crawford.Canada Nickel is pursuing a financing strategy designed to minimize shareholder dilution. The plan combines debt financing from Export Development Canada, bridge financing tied to refundable tax credits that could cover about 60% of equity needs, and strategic partnerships. As a result, the company expects dilution of roughly 2% or less, significantly below industry norms.Crawford also benefits from a strategic decarbonization advantage. Powered by Ontario's low-carbon nuclear and hydroelectric grid, the project aims to supply nickel and semi-finished steel products to European markets facing carbon border adjustment costs. This positions the company to capture premium demand from steel producers seeking lower-emission inputs.Technically, the project is construction-ready, with long-lead equipment identified and initial government funding anticipated in mid-2026. A final construction decision is targeted for early to mid-2027. Beyond Crawford, Canada Nickel holds a pipeline of additional projects that may offer even stronger economics, reinforcing its long-term growth potential in a tightening global nickel market.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/canada-nickelSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Standard Uranium (TSXV:STND) - Fully Funded 6,000m Drill Program Targets Davidson River

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 15:55


    Interview with Jon Bey, CEO, Standard UraniumOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/standard-uranium-tsxvstnd-jv-funded-exploration-drilling-9336Recording date: 11th May 2026Standard Uranium is emerging as a notable player in the revitalized uranium sector, positioning itself for a potentially transformative discovery at its flagship Davidson River project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. CEO Jon Bey highlights growing global investor interest—particularly across Europe and Asia—driven by increasing recognition of nuclear energy as a reliable, 24/7 clean power source essential for decarbonization.Founded in 2017, the company operates in a region surrounded by billion-dollar uranium producers, yet maintains a relatively modest market capitalization of about $15 million CAD. This contrast creates significant upside potential if exploration succeeds. To sustain operations while minimizing financial risk, Standard adopted a “prospect generator” model, forming joint ventures on non-core assets. These partnerships fund exploration while Standard retains a 25% stake and ongoing exposure to discoveries, ensuring steady cash flow and operational continuity.The Davidson River project had long been constrained by technical challenges, particularly 150 meters of glacial overburden that obscured traditional gravity survey data. This barrier was recently overcome using advanced passive seismic technology developed by Fleet Space, which enables accurate subsurface mapping. Combined with historical data and machine learning analysis, the company has identified high-priority drill targets at depths of 200 to 500 meters.A fully funded 6,000-meter drill program—potentially expanding to 12,000 meters—is set to begin in early June. The use of scintillometer technology allows geologists to obtain near-instant radiation readings from drill core, enabling rapid identification of uranium mineralization and timely market updates.Standard Uranium's strategy is not to develop mines but to advance discoveries to feasibility and ultimately sell to larger producers. With strong investor interest, improving technology, and favorable market conditions, the company is entering a critical phase that could significantly redefine its valuation and role within the uranium sector.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/standard-uraniumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Wallbridge Mining (TSX:WM) - $1.4B NPV Gold Project Advances Toward Pre-Feasibility in Quebec

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 21:48


    Interview with Brian W. Penny, CEO and Director, Wallbridge MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/wallbridge-mining-tsxwm-advances-dual-gold-strategy-in-quebecs-abitibi-belt-8667Recording date: 12th May 2026Wallbridge Mining is advancing a significant gold resource base in Quebec's Abitibi region, one of the world's most established mining jurisdictions. The company controls approximately 4.25 million ounces of gold across two projects: the more advanced Fenelon deposit with 3.5 million ounces, and the earlier-stage Martiniere project with 750,000 ounces. Both assets remain open for expansion and are being evaluated independently to ensure disciplined capital allocation.A March 2025 preliminary economic assessment for Fenelon highlights strong project economics, including a net present value of $1.4 billion, a 34% internal rate of return, and a rapid 2.4-year payback period at a conservative gold price of $3,000 per ounce. The project is designed as a 15-year underground operation producing an average of 107,000 ounces annually, with higher-grade output of 127,000 ounces per year in the first five years to accelerate returns.Management has adopted a “right-sized” development strategy, opting for a 3,000 ton-per-day operation. This approach reduces capital intensity, simplifies permitting, and minimizes environmental impact while preserving upside from the broader resource base. Advancing the project to pre-feasibility will require $50–60 million and is expected to take approximately four years, including permitting and agreements with Indigenous communities.Near-term catalysts include metallurgical testing to confirm gold recovery rates and validate dry-stack tailings, as well as an active drilling program at Martiniere targeting exploration upside. Despite strong project fundamentals, Wallbridge's market capitalization remains around $100 million, creating a potential valuation gap.With improving gold market conditions and a clear pathway to development, Wallbridge is positioned to unlock value through continued de-risking, resource conversion, and strategic flexibility, including the possibility of future acquisition.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/wallbridge-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Serabi Gold (LSE:SRB) - Debt-Free Balance Sheet Fuels Expansion, Dividends and M&A Ambitions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 19:40


    Interview with Mike Hodgson, CEO, Serabi Gold Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/serabi-gold-lsesrb-the-playbook-for-growing-to-70000100000oz-while-returning-capital-9197Recording date: 11th May 2026Serabi Gold has entered a new phase of growth, transitioning from operational recovery to a financially strong, expansion-focused gold producer. In 2025, the company increased production to 44,000 ounces, up from 38,000 ounces in 2024, while maintaining an all-in sustaining cost of $1,816 per ounce. Supported by a strong gold price environment, this performance generated approximately $30 million in cash, ending the year with $50 million on hand. By the first quarter of 2026, Serabi had eliminated nearly $20 million in debt and grown its cash position to $65 million.Looking ahead, the company expects to produce 53,000–55,000 ounces in 2026 and generate $60–100 million in free cash flow, depending on gold prices. This outlook is underpinned by a debt-free balance sheet and strong operating margins, even as Serabi invests $15 million annually in exploration and development.A central pillar of its strategy is resource expansion. The company increased its resource base from 1 million to 1.4 million ounces in 2025 and is targeting 1.8–2 million ounces by the end of 2026 through extensive drilling. The Coringa project offers particularly strong upside, with significant unexplored potential along its mineralized strike.A major milestone was the unanimous approval of environmental and indigenous studies for Coringa, significantly de-risking the permitting process. Final approval is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, paving the way for a potential doubling of annual production capacity to 100,000 ounces.Serabi is also prioritizing shareholder returns through a dividend policy distributing 20% of cash flow, while evaluating disciplined acquisition opportunities. With strong cash generation, expanding resources, and a clear growth pathway, the company is well-positioned to scale production and enhance long-term value.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/serabi-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Latin Metals (TSXV:LMS) - Latin Metals (TSXV:LMS) - The Prospect Generator Model Few Juniors Follow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 18:45


    Interview with Keith Henderson, CEO, Latin MetalsRecording date: 11th May 2026Latin Metals is redefining the junior mining model through a pure prospect generator strategy focused on Argentina and Peru. Rather than funding costly drilling programs, the company identifies and acquires prospective mineral assets, then partners with well-capitalized operators who earn majority stakes—typically 70–75%—by completing drilling programs. This approach allows Latin Metals to operate on just $2–3 million annually while avoiding shareholder dilution, a common issue among traditional explorers.A key innovation in its model is structuring earn-in agreements based on drilling meters instead of expenditure commitments. This ensures partners deliver tangible exploration work rather than inflating budgets with overhead costs. Currently, the company has secured approximately $80 million in partner-funded exploration, with expectations to grow this to $160–180 million as additional projects are optioned.Latin Metals' portfolio is concentrated in mining-friendly regions where it has deep local expertise, including a 500,000-hectare land position in northwest Argentina prospective for sediment-hosted gold deposits. Its partnerships include major and mid-tier players such as Moxico Resources, alongside past or ongoing relationships with Newmont, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. These collaborations validate the technical quality of its assets while distributing operational risk.The company's long-term strategy is to evolve into an organic royalty business. By retaining net smelter return (NSR) royalties and minority stakes, Latin Metals gains exposure to future production and rising commodity prices without assuming development costs. Additional value is realized through staged cash payments tied to resource estimates.With improving mining sentiment in Argentina and strong demand for advanced projects, Latin Metals is positioned to benefit from multiple near-term exploration catalysts. Its disciplined, capital-light model offers diversified upside while maintaining financial stability and minimizing risk.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Mineros S.A. (TSX:MSA) - 'Undervalued?' Investment Series, with Daniel Henao

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 23:16


    Interview with Daniel Henao, CEO, Mineros S.A.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mineros-sa-tsxmsa-record-800m-revenue-in-2025-sets-up-2026-nicaragua-growth-surge-9396Recording date: 8th May 2026Mineros S.A., a long-established gold producer operating in Colombia and Nicaragua, is emerging as a compelling case of market undervaluation despite strong operational and financial performance. In the first quarter of 2026, the company produced 61,000 ounces of gold equivalent and generated $154 million in EBITDA, exceeding production guidance while keeping costs below expectations. Revenue reached $292 million, with significant gains driven not only by favorable gold prices but also by improved recovery rates and operational efficiencies.Despite this momentum, Mineros trades at just 0.49 times price-to-net asset value, well below industry peers. With a market capitalization of approximately $1.2 billion, over $220 million in cash and gold holdings, and minimal debt, the company's valuation appears disconnected from its earnings strength and asset base.A key growth driver is its Nicaragua operation, where production is being constrained by processing capacity. A 50% expansion—from 1,750 to 2,500 tons per day—is underway to eliminate bottlenecks, with approximately 11,000 ounces already stockpiled for future processing. Costs have already declined משמעותfully as operations scale more efficiently.Mineros is also advancing the Porvenir project, a $200 million development expected to produce 70,000 ounces annually, with strong projected returns. At the same time, the company is investing in a 100-kilometer exploration program while returning capital through a $30 million dividend and an $80 million share buyback.Looking ahead, Mineros aims to increase production to 300,000 ounces in the near term and 500,000 ounces by 2030 through operational improvements, project development, and acquisitions. With solid cash flow, disciplined capital allocation, and visible growth pathways, the company positions itself as a mid-tier producer whose current valuation may not fully reflect its underlying potential.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mineros-saSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Selkirk Copper (TSXV:SCMI) - High-Grade Yukon Copper Restart Targets Mid-2028 Production

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 40:13


     Interview with Colin Joudrie, CEO, Selkirk Copper MinesRecording date: 8th May 2026Selkirk Copper Mines is advancing the restart of a high-grade copper-gold-silver operation in Canada's Yukon, targeting production by mid-2028. The project stands out for its exceptional geology, with copper grades ranging from 6% to 10% across more than 85 mineralized lenses, and recovery rates averaging 91%. These characteristics position Selkirk among the highest-grade copper producers globally, with concentrate grades of 39–40%, significantly above the industry average of 26–28%.A major advantage lies in the project's existing infrastructure. More than $330 million has already been invested in processing facilities, roads, and power, reducing restart capital requirements to roughly one-quarter of a comparable new development. This capital efficiency allows the company to focus spending on targeted upgrades and mine development rather than large-scale construction.The project also features a groundbreaking partnership with the Selkirk First Nation, which holds approximately 20% equity in the company. This unique arrangement aligns community and corporate interests while unlocking exploration potential in a district that has seen little modern exploration for decades.Recent drilling has reinforced confidence in the asset, achieving an 87% success rate across 175 holes, with results ranking among the best in the project's history. These findings support a projected mine life of 12 to 15 years, with annual production targeted at around 30,000 tons of copper equivalent.Following bankruptcy proceedings, the company emerged free of legacy financial burdens, including a gold-silver streaming agreement, enabling full exposure to favorable metal prices. Combined with strong market demand for high-quality copper concentrates, Selkirk is well positioned to secure flexible, non-dilutive financing through offtake agreements.Overall, the project represents a rare combination of high-grade resources, existing infrastructure, and strong stakeholder alignment, offering a lower-risk path to near-term copper production.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/selkirk-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Maple Gold Mines (TSXV:MGM) - 5.2Moz Gold System with Major Drill Growth Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 37:39


    Interview with Kiran Patankar, CEO, Maple Gold MinesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/maple-gold-mines-ltd-tsxvmgm-funded-drilling-targets-douay-update-maiden-joutel-mre-9451Recording date: 7th May 2026Maple Gold Mines has significantly expanded its gold resource base to 5.2 million ounces across its Douay and Joutel deposits in Quebec's Abitibi greenstone belt, marking a major step in establishing itself as a leading undeveloped gold project in the region. The updated estimate reflects strong growth, with indicated resources increasing by 77% and inferred resources by 70%. Douay accounts for approximately 4 million ounces as a large-scale, lower-grade open-pit project, while Joutel contributes over 1 million ounces at grades exceeding 4 g/t, highlighting its high-grade underground potential.The company is well-funded, holding around $35 million in cash, which is expected to support operations through 2027. This financial position enables an aggressive exploration strategy, including up to 80,000 meters of additional drilling following a recently completed 32,000-meter program. Notably, results from recent drilling have yet to be incorporated into the current resource estimate, suggesting further upside potential.Maple is advancing a dual-track strategy that combines resource expansion with early-stage engineering studies. These efforts aim to inform a potential preliminary economic assessment (PEA), expected in the first half of 2026. The company is evaluating multiple development scenarios, including blending higher-grade underground ore from Joutel with lower-grade open-pit material from Douay to enhance overall project economics.Strategically, Maple benefits from strong infrastructure advantages, including existing shafts at Joutel and proximity to regional milling facilities. Its partnership with Agnico Eagle, a major player in the Abitibi region, further strengthens its development outlook.Despite these strengths, Maple trades at a significant discount to peers, at roughly $26–27 per ounce compared to $50–60 per ounce for similar companies, with recent acquisitions valued even higher. This valuation gap underscores potential upside as the company advances toward development and demonstrates economic viability.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/maple-gold-mines-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Astra Exploration (TSXV:ASTR) - $15M Raise Supports High-Grade Gold-Silver Target in Argentina

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 22:44


    Interview with Brian Miller, CEO, Astra ExplorationOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/astra-exploration-tsxvastr-7500m-drilled-third-exploration-program-to-commence-9520Recording date: 6th May 2026Astra Exploration has secured $15 million in its largest financing to date, raising the funds near its all-time high share price and without issuing warrants—a strong signal of investor confidence. The financing was heavily oversubscribed, with $12.5 million coming from major institutional investors such as Schroders and Terra Capital. This backing reflects growing confidence in Astra's geological model and disciplined exploration strategy at its flagship La Manchuria gold-silver project in southern Argentina.La Manchuria presents a dual exploration opportunity. Near the surface, the project hosts a bulk tonnage gold-silver system, currently estimated at 146,000 gold-equivalent ounces at an average grade of about 2 grams per tonne, with significant room for expansion. At depth, Astra is targeting a high-grade feeder zone, where converging veins may indicate a richer “plumbing system” feeding the mineralization above. This concept, if confirmed, could significantly enhance the project's economic potential, similar to other major discoveries in the region.The company has launched its Phase 3 drilling program, targeting 5,000 to 7,000 meters, with the possibility of expanding to 20,000–30,000 meters over the next 12 to 18 months depending on results. Drilling focuses on both extending shallow mineralization and testing deeper convergence zones. Initial assay results are expected in July 2026 and will guide future exploration.La Manchuria also benefits from strong infrastructure advantages, including proximity to two existing processing facilities and favorable topography that supports efficient open-pit mining. Combined with Argentina's improving mining investment climate, Astra is well positioned to advance the project. The latest financing underscores institutional belief that the company's methodical approach could unlock a significant gold-silver discovery.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/astra-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    NexMetals Mining (TSXV:NEXM) - Higher Copper and PGM Recoveries Set Stage for Strong Maiden PEA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 36:13


    Interview with Sean Whiteford, CEO, NexMetals MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/nickel-enters-a-new-era-as-indonesia-tightens-supply-and-prices-surge-10057Recording date: 8th May 2026NexMetals Mining is advancing the redevelopment of its Selebi and Selkirk copper-nickel-PGM deposits in Botswana through a combination of metallurgical innovation and aggressive exploration. A key breakthrough has been the successful production of separate, saleable copper and nickel concentrates, eliminating the need for costly smelter construction. This shift significantly reduces capital requirements and execution risk, making the projects more feasible for a development-stage company.The deposits currently host approximately 28 million tons grading over 3% copper equivalent, with ongoing drilling aimed at expanding the resource base. A newly identified “flexure zone” at Selebi Main, defined through modern geophysical techniques, represents a high-priority target with strong indications of extensive mineralisation. Wide-spaced drilling has already demonstrated the potential for rapid resource growth.Metallurgical testing has delivered results well above previous assumptions, with copper recoveries improving to 88% from 70% and palladium to 78.5% from 59%. Additional payable metals, including cobalt, gold, and silver, further enhance project value. These improvements are expected to increase net smelter return values and lower cutoff grades in the upcoming resource update, strengthening overall project economics.Backed by an $80 million financing, NexMetals is progressing toward a maiden preliminary economic assessment, which will outline capital costs, operating metrics, and returns under the new concentrate-based development plan. Analysts have set price targets ranging from $8.50 to over $12, suggesting potential upside from current levels.Strategically, the company is evaluating options such as a joint venture or spin-out of the Selkirk asset to unlock value while focusing on Selebi. Botswana's stable, mining-friendly environment, existing infrastructure, and streamlined permitting further support a potentially accelerated path to production compared to greenfield projects.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/nexmetals-mining-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Olive Resource Capital Posts Double-Digit April Gains as Geopolitical Risks Reshape Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 25:33


     Recording date: 4th May 2026Olive Resource Capital reported strong performance in April 2026, delivering double-digit returns that significantly outpaced traditional mining indices, which posted flat to modest gains. The outperformance was driven primarily by stock-specific gains rather than broader commodity trends, highlighting the fund's emphasis on targeted investment selection.The firm has simultaneously adopted a more defensive posture, increasing cash holdings to over $3 million—more than half of its liquid assets—following the monetisation of its Aurion Resources position after a takeover by Agnico Eagle, along with selective trimming of other holdings. Despite this, the portfolio remains approximately 85% invested, reflecting a balanced approach between caution and opportunity.A key concern shaping strategy is the perceived underpricing of geopolitical risks tied to the Iran-Strait of Hormuz situation. While oil prices remain elevated, management believes equity markets are overly optimistic about a quick resolution and are failing to account for potential prolonged supply disruptions, particularly affecting Asia-Pacific economies. As a result, the fund has reduced exposure to that region and shifted focus toward North American assets, which are viewed as more resilient due to stronger domestic energy infrastructure.The fund also identified a shift in market dynamics from momentum-driven gains to a more selective, catalyst-driven environment. In this new phase, meaningful stock performance depends on significant corporate developments rather than general sector tailwinds.Looking ahead, Olive Resource Capital is positioning around several anticipated catalysts, including economic assessments, resource updates, and active drilling programs across multiple portfolio companies. This strategy aims to generate returns through company-specific developments while maintaining flexibility to navigate potential volatility.Overall, the fund combines strong recent performance with prudent risk management, adapting to both changing market conditions and evolving geopolitical uncertainties.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Myriad Uranium (CSE:M) - From Historical Data to Drill-Confirmed Resource: The Phase 2 Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 34:12


    Interview with Thomas Lamb, CEO, Myriad UraniumOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/myriad-uranium-corp-csem-radiometric-breakthrough-expands-drill-plans-9453Recording date: 6th May 2026Myriad Uranium is advancing a strategic shift from historical resource estimation to active development at its flagship Copper Mountain project in Wyoming, following the release of a comprehensive NI 43-101 technical report. The report confirms a 27 million pound historical uranium resource and highlights a much larger 655 million pound uranium endowment identified by U.S. Department of Energy assessments, establishing a strong foundation for future growth.The company is launching a 4,500-meter Phase 2 drilling program aimed at validating historical data and expanding known deposits. This program will focus on seven previously identified deposits, peripheral targets with limited past drilling, and entirely new zones identified through recent geophysical surveys. A key factor underpinning potential upside is radioactive disequilibrium, which historically caused uranium grades to be underestimated. Modern assay techniques suggest grades could be 20–60% higher than previously recorded, with possible extensions in mineralized intervals.Financially, Myriad is strengthening its position through the sale of a 90% stake in its Red Basin project in New Mexico for $2.5 million USD, while retaining a 10% carried interest. The deal, backed by technology-focused investors, reflects growing interest from the tech sector in uranium as a strategic resource for powering AI and data infrastructure. Proceeds from the transaction are expected to increase the company's cash reserves to approximately $11–12 million CAD, funding ongoing exploration with minimal dilution.Myriad is also progressing toward a listing on a major U.S. exchange and completing a merger to consolidate ownership of Copper Mountain. Combined with new exploration targets and strong financial backing, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on rising uranium demand and increasing geopolitical focus on domestic energy security.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/myriad-uraniumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Mont Royal Resources (ASX:MRZ) - Ashram PEA Nears as Capex Slashed 50% and Fluorspar Upside Emerges

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 33:19


    Interview with Peter Ruse, Head of Corporate Development, and Nicholas Holthouse, MD of Mont Royal ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mont-royal-resources-asxmrz-ashram-acquisition-drives-november-2025-asx-re-admission-8400Recording date: 4th May 2026Mont Royal Resources is on the verge of releasing a highly anticipated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Ashram rare earth project in Quebec, showcasing structural improvements that could redefine the project's financial viability. By strategically redesigning its operations, the company has successfully slashed projected capital costs by more than half, transforming the asset into an eminently financeable operation.This massive cost saving stems primarily from two pivotal decisions: securing a year-round southern road route instead of relying on ice-bound northern ports, and relocating the complex hydrometallurgical processing plant to the Port of Saguenay. Moving the plant away from the remote mine site to an established industrial port guarantees cheaper construction, better access to skilled labor, and proximity to mature mining services. Think of it like moving a specialized, high-tech manufacturing facility from an isolated island directly to an industrial park—everything from daily logistics to emergency maintenance becomes instantly more efficient and less expensive.Beyond its rare earth endowment, Mont Royal is unlocking a lucrative secondary revenue stream by actively targeting fluorspar. With impressive high-grade intersections reaching up to 20% and global metspar shortages driving prices to $400–500 per ton, this mineral acts as a standalone financial pillar rather than a mere byproduct. Despite a massive 200-million-ton resource, the operation is purposefully designed as a boutique, high-value asset. It plans to move roughly 70,000 tons annually in standard 20-ton shipping containers, significantly simplifying the supply chain compared to traditional bulk commodity movements.Crucially, Mont Royal is positioning itself to capture premium pricing outside of China's market dominance. By utilizing a CIF European price deck, the company aims to capitalize on extreme Western supply shortages. This disconnect is highlighted by europium prices, which can exceed $1,000/kg in Western markets compared to a mere $22/kg in China. With proven, uncomplicated metallurgy and firmly secured First Nations support, Mont Royal is advancing a generational critical minerals project ready to feed Western supply chains.View Mont Royal Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mont-royal-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Newfoundland is becoming Canada's Next Giant Gold District

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 38:21


    Interview with Keith Boyle, CEO of New Found Gold, and Darren Cooke, CEO of FireFly MetalsRecording date: 3rd May 2026Newfoundland and Labrador is rapidly emerging as a premier mining jurisdiction, attracting significant investment due to its efficient permitting, established infrastructure, and strong labour pool. Industry leaders Keith Boyle of New Found Gold and Darren Cooke of Firefly Metals highlight how these advantages are reshaping project economics and timelines compared to other regions.A key differentiator is the province's collaborative regulatory approach. Companies work closely with government agencies before formal submissions, enabling unusually fast approvals illustrated by Firefly's environmental assessment completed in just 45 days. This proactive process, combined with relatively straightforward Indigenous consultation frameworks, reduces delays that often extend mine development elsewhere.Infrastructure plays a central role in lowering costs and accelerating timelines. New Found Gold benefits from proximity to transportation and power networks, as well as its acquisition of the Pine Cove Mill, which eliminated the need to build new processing facilities. Firefly Metals similarly leverages approximately $250 million in existing underground development at its Green Bay project, including deep access infrastructure that would otherwise take տարին to replicate. These factors significantly compress capital requirements and construction schedules.Both companies are advancing distinct but complementary strategies. New Found Gold is targeting production by late 2027 with modest capital expenditure of $155 million, focusing initially on high-grade zones averaging 12 grams per tonne. This approach is expected to generate over $300 million in annual cash flow at current gold prices. Meanwhile, Firefly's Green Bay project combines its large 80 million tonne resource with strong grades, positioning it as a rare near-term copper development asset. The company is well funded and exploring non-dilutive financing through offtake agreements.Importantly, Newfoundland's returning skilled workforce supports these accelerated timelines without the labour shortages seen in other regions. Together, these advantages enable both companies to pursue development timelines closer to six years, significantly faster than the typical decade-long cycle in the global mining industry.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Santacruz Silver Mining (TSXV:SCZ) - 'Undervalued?' Investment Series, with Arturo Préstamo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 34:53


    Interview with Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman & CEO of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/santacruz-silver-mining-tsxvscz-record-results-and-2026-growth-outlook-9889Recording date: 6th May 2026Santacruz Silver Mining is positioning itself as a significantly undervalued player in the global silver sector, according to CEO Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, who argues the company trades at a steep discount to peers across multiple financial metrics. With an enterprise value of about $1 billion, Santacruz is valued at roughly $45 per silver equivalent ounce—far below the peer average of $180—and at around 6x EV/EBITDA compared to 15–20x for comparable companies. Management attributes this gap to temporary factors, including limited trading history on major exchanges, the lingering impact of a 2025 flooding incident at its Bolivar mine, and perceived geopolitical risks tied to its Bolivian operations.Despite these concerns, the company delivered strong financial results in 2025, reporting $326.4 million in revenue, $104.6 million in EBITDA, and $79.1 million in operating cash flow. It also strengthened its balance sheet by eliminating debt and ending the year with $66.7 million in cash. Operationally, Santacruz is advancing key recovery and growth initiatives. The Bolivar mine is on track to resume full silver production by Q3 2026 as dewatering progresses, restoring access to high-grade zones. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades at the Zimapán mine are expected to improve throughput and reduce costs.Looking ahead, Santacruz is focused on organic growth, including a new milling facility at San Lucas and development of the Soracaya mine, targeted for late 2026. The company is also enhancing operational efficiency through real-time monitoring systems and may consider share buybacks if its valuation remains depressed. Management believes that upcoming catalysts—such as a planned Toronto Stock Exchange uplisting and potential regulatory reforms in Bolivia—could help close the valuation gap while highlighting the strength of its diversified, multi-mine portfolio.View Santacruz Silver Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/santacruz-silver-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Mining Alpha with Michael Gentile - Junior Miners Repriced as M&A Sets New Gold Benchmarks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 47:45


    Interview with Michael Gentile, InvestorOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mining-alpha-with-michael-gentile-40t-debt-negative-real-rates-gold-volatility-9758Recording date: 30th April 2026The junior mining sector is undergoing a fundamental revaluation, evidenced by two landmark acquisitions that have established new pricing benchmarks for quality gold assets. G Mining Ventures acquired G2 Goldfields at approximately $600 per ounce, while Agnico Eagle purchased Rupert Resources at $500-600 per ounce. Both transactions commanded 70% premiums to prevailing market prices, marking a significant departure from the $50-150 per ounce valuations that have persisted despite gold's rise from $1,500 to $4,500.These premium valuations reflect a strategic shift toward infrastructure-adjacent assets that offer reduced capital requirements and faster payback periods. In G Mining's case, the target sits directly adjacent to their operation under construction, potentially creating a combined 500,000-ounce annual production profile while eliminating over $1 billion in duplicate infrastructure costs. At current gold prices and $2,000 all-in sustaining costs, acquiring ounces at $600 where minimal additional capital is required still yields $1,900 per ounce in cash margin.Strategic investor Michael Gentile, co-founder of Bastion Asset Management, has built his investment framework around this infrastructure dynamic. Operating with 30-35 core positions, he allocates initial capital at 1% of portfolio value, targeting 5-20% ownership stakes in post-discovery companies with $30 million market capitalizations. His emphasis on management ownership of 10-30% of shares, proximity to existing infrastructure, and clear pathways to production has produced five to six successful exits over nine years of full-time investing.The investment process emphasizes patience, with typical timelines of 5-10 years from discovery to acquisition or production. Gentile acknowledges that only 20-30% of investments reach full realization, making diversification across minimum 10-15 positions essential. Position sizing scales with performance, with successful investments receiving up to 5% of book capital across multiple financings while underperformers remain capped at initial allocations.The improving financing environment, characterized by tighter pricing terms and major miners' strong balance sheets, supports continued M&A activity and potential sector-wide revaluation as quality near-term assets become increasingly scarce.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Titiminas Silver (TSXV:TITI) - Fast-Track Silver Restart with Major Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 33:30


    Interview with Luis Goyzueta, Chairman & CEO of Titiminas SilverRecording date: 1st May 2026Titiminas Silver is advancing the restart of the Madre Sierra mine in central Peru, positioning itself as a fast-moving entrant focused on reviving a past-producing, high-grade polymetallic asset rather than pursuing traditional exploration. The project hosts a 1.2 million ton historical resource grading 4–5 ounces per ton silver, alongside copper, gold, zinc, and lead, for roughly 20 million ounces of silver equivalent. With only three of six identified veins historically developed across a small area of a 2.2-kilometer strike, the company sees substantial upside for resource expansion.A key advantage lies in the project's strong infrastructure and permitting position. Madre Sierra is located near a regional airport, paved highway, and power access, while holding an existing 350-ton-per-day mining permit and a community agreement secured through 2032. These factors significantly reduce development risk and enable an accelerated timeline. The company plans to begin drilling shortly, targeting a maiden resource estimate within a year and a final investment decision by late 2027, potentially based on a preliminary economic assessment.Initial production is expected at 350 tons per day, yielding დაახლოებით 1.2 million ounces of silver annually, with capital costs estimated at $35–45 million. A second phase could expand throughput to 800–1,200 tons per day, increasing output to as much as 3.5 million ounces per year. The polymetallic nature of the deposit provides diversified revenue streams, enhancing project resilience.Led by CEO Luis Goyzueta, who brings decades of Peruvian mining and private equity experience, Titiminas is also pursuing a broader growth strategy. Leveraging proprietary relationships, the company aims to acquire similar high-grade assets in central Peru, targeting long-term production of 10 million ounces of silver annually. Additional upside comes from a high-grade molybdenum discovery on its northern property, which may offer future strategic value.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Abitibi Metals (CSE:AMQ) - Discovery Silver Deal and 80,000m Drill Program

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 15:36


    Interview with Jon Deluce, President & CEO of Abitibi MetalsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abitibi-metals-cseamq-doubles-resource-on-high-grade-copper-gold-vms-9195Recording date: 29th April 2026Abitibi Metals recently secured a transformative $31 million investment from Discovery Silver, marking a major institutional validation of its B26 polymetallic deposit in Quebec. In exchange for a 9.9% stake, Discovery Silver provides both a substantial capital injection and invaluable operational expertise. Developed over a two-and-a-half-year partnership with the Quebec government subsidiary SOQUEM, the B26 deposit currently boasts 25 million tons at a 2.1% copper equivalent. This impressive scale places it among a rare class of large-scale copper, gold, and zinc assets in Canada's mining-friendly jurisdiction.The alliance brings far more than just funding. Discovery Silver's management team has a proven track record of building successful mines, offering Abitibi critical guidance in permitting, community engagement, and environmental management. Over the past 18 months, Abitibi's valuation has surged from $30 million to roughly $150 million. Notably, this latest financing was completed without issuing warrants. This careful structuring preserves equity for existing shareholders while positioning the company for aggressive expansion without near-term dilution risks.Now fully funded through 2027, Abitibi is launching a massive 80,000-plus meter drilling program. The immediate focus is delivering a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and an updated resource estimate in the first quarter to outline the project's early payback potential. Looking ahead, Abitibi plans to use B26 as a flagship anchor to consolidate the broader mining camp through strategic acquisitions. With structural demand growing for both copper and gold, this new war chest allows Abitibi to advance confidently toward a feasibility study and fully capitalize on a strengthening commodity cycle.View Abitibi Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abitibi-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    GR Silver Mining (TSXV:GRSL) - Drilling and Pilot Plant Strategy Support Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 18:10


    Interview with Erin Zaunscherb, Chairman & CEO of GR Silver Mining Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/gr-silver-mining-tsxvgrsl-high-grade-silver-strike-opens-up-expansion-potential-7893Recording date: 29th April 2026GR Silver Mining (TSXV:GRSL) is a silver-focused exploration company advancing the San Marcial project in Sinaloa, Mexico. The company holds 134 million ounces of silver equivalent in resources, has historically added ounces at a cost of US$0.12 per ounce, and is currently executing a 20,000-metre drill programme designed to grow that resource base materially. For investors, the combination of a large existing resource, a low discovery cost, an expanding geological model, and a structured near-term catalyst pipeline defines the investment case.The project's geological setting is more complex and more prospective than the headline resource alone suggests. San Marcial sits within a breccia system hosted by an intrusive body, of which only approximately 20% of the perimeter has been tested. The remaining 80% of that perimeter represents high-priority exploration ground in analogous structural positions to existing high-grade mineralisation. Beyond the main breccia, geological mapping has identified parallel breccia bodies forming concentrically around the intrusive core, showing elevated gold. Surface sampling further toward the intrusive centre has detected copper and molybdenum, raising the possibility of a porphyry mineralisation model at depth. Within the main breccia itself, four to five distinct mineralisation pulses have been identified, adding vertical scale to the system.Early results from the current drill programme are consistent with these interpretations. Hole 2601 returned 6.5 metres grading 500 grams per tonne silver, including 1.2 metres of 1,600 grams per tonne, with a notable 61-metre interval at depth confirming the system remains alive well below current resource boundaries. Hole 2603 returned 15.6 metres of 351 grams per tonne silver from 200 metres, including 2.5 metres at 1,400 grams per tonne. Drilling is now on holes 10, 11, and 12. The full 20,000-metre programme is targeting completion in the second half of the year, to be followed by a resource update and the commissioning of a PEA.A separate but strategically connected element is the planned bulk sample test mining programme at the Plomosas mine, which sits on the same land package. With 7.4 kilometres of existing underground development and permits already in place, Plomosas offers a low-capital pathway to early cash generation and, more importantly, to demonstrating operational credibility with Mexican regulators. San Marcial currently holds exploration concession status, which carries a permitting timeline of five to seven years under conventional processes. A positive track record at Plomosas could shorten that meaningfully, with direct implications for the project's net present value.The company is fully financed with no debt, providing operational continuity through the current programme without near-term dilution risk. Following the passing of founder and CEO Marcio Fonseca, executive chairman Eric Zaunscherb has stepped into an interim leadership role. Field teams remain active and motivated, and the exploration programme has continued without interruption.For investors with an appetite for primary silver exposure at the exploration stage, GR Silver Mining offers a large resource base, an expanding geological thesis, a defined catalyst sequence, and a valuation that has not yet reflected the full scope of what is emerging at San Marcial.View GR Silver Mining's company profile: Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    Nordic Resources (ASX:NNL) - Infrastructure-Backed Gold Growth in Finland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 30:39


     Interview with Robert Wrixon, Executive Director of Nordic ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/nordic-resources-asxnnl-finlands-rising-star-in-the-global-battery-metals-race-6336Recording date: 28th April 2026Nordic Resources (ASX:NNL) is emerging as a strategic play in Finland's gold sector following Agnico Eagle's high-premium acquisitions of Rupert Resources and Orion Resources in the Central Lapland gold belt. The company controls three gold projects in Finland's central Ostrobothnia region—Kopsa, Kiimala, and Hirsikangas—positioned to benefit from similar dynamics that drove those recent transactions.The flagship Kopsa project hosts 815,000 ounces at 1.1 grams per ton, with 90% of resources sitting within 150 meters of surface. Critically, Kopsa contains a high-grade core of approximately 5 million tons averaging 2 grams per ton—potentially two to three years of higher-grade production that significantly enhances project economics. The asset comes with a conditionally granted mining concession, placing it ahead of most Finnish exploration projects in development timeline.Executive Director Robert Wrixon argues that Nordic Resources offers similar strategic advantages to the recently acquired Central Lapland assets: tier-one jurisdiction, existing infrastructure including two nearby processing plants and rail connectivity, and district-scale consolidation potential. "It's not just about the grade and the geology anymore," Wrixon notes. "It does matter where you are, if there's a district scale consolidation play and if there's infrastructure around."The company is executing an aggressive exploration program funded by A$10.6 million in cash, planning to drill 20,000+ meters in 2026 with a resource update expected in September incorporating 8,000 meters of new drilling and metallurgical test work. Management is pursuing a dual strategy: growing resources through exploration while developing production optionality through potential toll-treating arrangements at existing regional plants.Trading at approximately A$40-45 per ounce versus the substantial premiums paid in recent Finnish transactions, Nordic Resources positions itself as the "next cab off the rank" in Finland's increasingly valuable gold districts, offering investors leveraged exposure to resource growth, early production pathways, or district consolidation scenarios.View Nordic Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/nordic-nickelSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

    Kodiak Copper (TSXV:KDK) - Proposed Alliance with Teck to Launch New US Copper Explorer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 18:33


    Interview with Christopher Taylor, Chairman, and Claudia Tornquist, President & CEO of Kodiak Copper Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/kodiak-copper-tsxvkdk-building-scale-in-british-columbias-copper-district-9481Recording date: 28th April 2026Kodiak Copper and Teck Resources have joined forces to create Kay Copper, a newly formed exploration company aimed at capitalizing on the growing demand for domestic critical minerals in the United States. This strategic joint venture combines Kodiak's dormant Mohave project with Teck's Copper Hill asset, both located in the mineral-rich state of Arizona. By spinning out these highly prospective porphyry projects into a dedicated entity, both companies can unlock shareholder value without losing focus on their primary operations. As the push for green energy and electrification intensifies, finding reliable domestic copper sources has never been more crucial, making this an opportune time to explore Arizona's proven mining districts.Kay Copper is well-positioned for immediate action, backed by a $5 million initial capitalization that will fund drill programs later this year. Both Kodiak and Teck will maintain a 28% equity stake in the new venture, providing robust institutional support. Notably, Teck Resources has secured offtake rights for both properties. This guarantees them access to the copper produced if exploration efforts lead to a functioning mine, which signals immense confidence in the long-term viability of these assets. The company is actively targeting a public listing on the TSX Venture Exchange, with the transaction expected to close in early Q3, guided by incoming CEO Adam Schatzker and Board Chair Claudia Tornquist.The exploration strategy will simultaneously test shallow, drill-ready targets and massive, deeper anomalies. At the Mohave project, legacy data suggests historical drilling merely grazed the edge of a high-grade center, leaving newly expanded claims ripe for immediate exploration. Meanwhile, the Copper Hill project features strong geological indicators that hint at a significant mineralized system. Initial drilling will focus on the shallower zones of Copper Hill to generate early discoveries and build geological confidence. By systematically advancing these assets, Kay Copper aims to unearth a transformative tier-one discovery to supply America's future infrastructure needs.View Kodiak Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/kodiak-copper-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

    ATHA Energy (TSXV:SASK) - $63M Funded Explorer Scales Up 2026 Drill Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 11:11


    Interview with Troy Boisjoli, CEO of ATHA Energy Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/atha-energy-tsxvsask-bigger-better-than-athabasca-basin-uranium-8075Recording date: 28th April 2026ATHA Energy is making waves in Canada's Angikuni basin, successfully transitioning from early-stage exploration to a critical resource delineation phase. What sets the company apart is the sheer scale of its recent discoveries. To put this in perspective, world-class uranium deposits in Saskatchewan's famous Athabasca basin typically span less than a single kilometer. In stark contrast, ATHA has uncovered continuous mineralization stretching over 14 kilometers in its RIB corridor. By focusing its efforts on a single, cohesive geological system across its district-scale land package, the company has achieved a rare 100% success rate on tested geophysical targets, essentially eliminating early discovery risk.Backed by $63 million in fresh capital—including support from industry veteran Warren Gilman's QRC—ATHA is fully funded for a multi-year run. The drill results so far have been exceptional. For example, recent tests returned 34 meters of mineralization, featuring a 13-meter continuous stretch at over 0.5% uranium with peak grades topping 8%. To capitalize on these high grades, the company is scaling up its operations in 2026 by deploying three drill rigs simultaneously. This marks their largest exploration program to date, shifting focus from hunting new targets to proving the immense continuity of the systems they have already found.Controlling the entire Angikuni basin in Nunavut gives ATHA a distinct operational advantage, even though operating in Canada's remote north presents logistical hurdles. Fortunately, nearby established projects prove that large-scale mining development in the region is entirely viable. According to CEO Troy Boisjoli, this operational inflection point aligns perfectly with the most favorable uranium market conditions seen in two decades. With a massive, high-grade footprint and aggressive drilling underway, ATHA Energy is positioned as a standout player in the junior uranium sector.View ATHA Energy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/atha-energySign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

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