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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns about the proposed Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations, which are under criticism. Plus, where are all of the fall colors?
Jacob and Eric sit down with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Research Division Chief, Cory Gray and Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. Marcelo Jorge to discuss the results of their 5-year project evaluating the effects of CWD in Arkansas. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
In this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, rock legend and outspoken conservationist Ted Nugent joins Tudor to expose what he calls the “runaway immorality and corruption” of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources. Nugent argues that government overreach and misguided environmental policies are destroying the state’s proud hunting heritage and hurting conservation efforts. From the fight to save a blind baby deer to the state’s refusal to open hunting seasons for Sandhill cranes, bears, and wolves, Nugent and Tudor take aim at bureaucrats, bad science, and anti-hunting activism that’s putting wildlife — and freedom — at risk. They also discuss how Michigan could boost its economy through responsible game management and tourism, the dangers of government “weaponization,” and why hunters must show up at the ballot box to take back control of their state. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this interview, Melissa and Clay interview husband and wife team Ed Pettys and Debbie Chang from their home in Paʻauilo mauka on Hawaiʻi Island about their work helping to connect people to Hawaiian landscapes beginning in the late 1960s. They talk about growing up in Hawaiʻi–Ed from Lihue, Kauaʻi and Debbie from Kohala, Hawaiʻi and meeting through their work in the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Debbie helped to spearhead the new Na ʻAla Hele trails and access program in the 1980s while Edʻs work took him across Micronesia–from Pohnpei to Kosrae, and eventually to Kauaʻi as Forestry and Wildlife District manager. Theirs is a collective understanding of the importance of teamwork and leadership especially in the wake of hurricane Iniki.
Water is the number one nutrient needed for animal health and is crucial for crop growth. In the state of Wisconsin, most agricultural operations are groundwater dependent. Adam Freihoefer, the Water Use Section Manager at the Department of Natural Resources, says it's crucial to be good stewards and understand your operation's need for water. He encourages people to treat water like any other commodity used on your property. For example, like electricity, you should monitor how much water you're using so you can budget accordingly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An ARPA grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources allowed the city to invest $5 million to restore the Blue River. Once a favorite for outdoor recreation in Kansas City, the river has become polluted as a result of urbanization.
Interview withKiran Patankar, President & CEO of Maple Gold MinesMatt Manson, President & CEO of Radisson Mining Resources Inc.Recording date: 16th October 2025Two junior mining companies are systematically advancing high-grade gold projects in Quebec's Abitibi greenstone belt, leveraging the region's extensive infrastructure while pursuing disciplined capital allocation strategies that prioritize technical de-risking over speculative development.Radisson Mining Resources focuses on the O'Brien Gold Project, a historical high-grade mine that operated until 1957 when economic constraints at $35-per-ounce gold forced closure at one-kilometer depth. CEO Matthew Manson now targets two kilometers as the economic floor, with approximately 1.5 million ounces of high-grade resources currently identified. The company has launched a 140,000-meter drill program, its largest ever, to systematically expand the resource base within the well-understood Piché formation geology adjacent to the Cadillac-Larder Lake break.Maple Gold Mines controls 481 square kilometers straddling the Cadillac Break, hosting over 3 million ounces including the historical Eagle mine that produced one million ounces at 6.5 grams per tonne between 1974 and 1993. Since 2021, CEO Kiran Patankar has restructured operations, reducing annual administrative costs from $6 million to $2 million while repositioning the company's joint venture with Agnico Eagle. The restructuring secured 100% project ownership while maintaining Agnico Eagle as a strategic equity partner.Both companies executed substantial institutional financings, with Radisson raising approximately $25 million through a fully institutional bought deal involving 22 institutions, and Maple securing investment at a 100% premium to previous rounds, including a $7 million lead order from a US mutual fund. These financings deliberately targeted long-term institutional investors rather than retail speculators, with Maple implementing 12-month lock-up agreements to ensure shareholder alignment.The Abitibi region provides critical infrastructure advantages that fundamentally alter project economics. Highway access, grid power at 4 cents per kilowatt-hour, proximity to multiple operating mills with existing permitted capacity, and an established mining workforce reduce capital requirements and enable toll milling opportunities. Both CEOs reject small-scale, bootstrapped development approaches in favor of right-sizing projects based on optimal economics.Strategic investor Michael Gentile plays a central role in both companies, providing capital, board expertise, and validation through thorough diligence-based investment decisions. His involvement signals quality to sophisticated investors and provides network access to institutional capital sources.With discovery costs around $30-40 per ounce against current company valuations near $150 per ounce, both management teams emphasize that successful systematic exploration creates immediate shareholder value accretion while positioning assets for potential acquisition by producers seeking to extend existing mill operations.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
If you learn to listen for wildlife, you'll start finding it everywhere. Learning a bird's song or an insect's call means you can sense them even when they are out of sight or pick out their call from a chaotic audio background that the brain normally filters out. There are side benefits too; sometimes an animal's call is the only way to identify it, and it's often the easiest way to share nature with friends. Learn more about wildlife sounds from Voice of the Wild's Brodie Dunn.Check out Brodie's Voice of the Wild PodcastSee the Everyday Environment Periodical Cicadas episodeCommunity Science Resources: iNaturalistCalling Frog SurveyFrog WatchBreeding Bird Survey (INHS)Identification Resources: Merlin Bird IDVoice of the WildiNaturalistGuide to Night Singing Insects of the Northeast by John Himmelman and Michael DiGiorgioBirding by Ear East and Centrl by Richard K Walton and Rober LawsonMore Birding by Ear by Richard K Walton and Rober LawsonField Guide to Bird Songs Eastern and Central North America by Cornell LabSongsofinsects.comBirdsong ear training guide : Who Cooks for Poor Sam Peabody?McAuley LibraryCornell's All About BirdsSounds heard throughout the episode: Common raccoon sound by iNaturalist user Aleksandr BerdnikovWood duck chick sound by iNaturalist user DanasassoAmerican toad sound by USGS Eastern Gray Squirrel sound by iNaturalist user k2018lenaCommon nighthawk sound by iNaturalist user Ben JohnsonLyric cicada sound by iNaturalist user Gabriel DiggsWalker's cicada sound by iNaturalist user Brian WulkerDickcissel south by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselChimney swift sound by iNaturalist user Chris HarrisonLeast flycatcher sound by iNaturalist user Ty SmithGray catbird sound by iNaturalist user Megan HansonEastern chipmunk sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselBrown thrasher sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselIndigo bunting sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselBrown thrahser sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselNorthern mockingbird sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselBlue jay sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselHouse finch sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselRed-eyed vireo sound by iNaturalist user Christopher HenselShare your own Everyday ObservationWas there something about this topic we didn't cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast.Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives
John Wolfe joins archivist Becky Butler Gallegos to discuss the papers of his mother, Helen D. Nienhueser. Nienhueser was a Department of Natural Resources land use planner, advocate for trails and political issues, and author of "55 Ways to the Wilderness of Southcentral Alaska." Nienhueser's papers are available to the public at the UAA/APU Consortium Library Archives and Special Collections. You can view her collection description and get the link to her digitized photographs here: https://archives.consortiumlibrary.org/collections/specialcollections/hmc-1476/
Interview with Philippe Cloutier, President & CEO of Cartier Resources Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cartier-resources-tsxvecr-cartier-launches-massive-gold-exploration-7820Recording date: 21st October 2025Cartier Resources (TSXV:ECR) represents a compelling gold exploration opportunity centered on demonstrating mining camp-scale potential along Quebec's renowned Cadillac Fault in the Abitibi region—one of the world's most productive gold districts with over a century of mining history and hundreds of millions of ounces produced. The company has consolidated approximately 15 kilometers of strategic land position between multiple historic mining camps and adjacent to Agnico Eagle's producing operations, positioning itself to become what management characterizes as "the next mining camp along the Cadillac fault."The investment thesis centers on an exceptionally aggressive exploration program that fundamentally differentiates Cartier from typical junior explorers. The company has committed to a 100,000-meter, 600-hole diamond drilling program—representing an order of magnitude increase over the 5,000-10,000 meters that typical juniors drill annually. This intensive approach directly addresses the prolonged timelines that often frustrate junior resource investors by front-loading discovery work and compressing value recognition timelines. Strategic partner Agnico Eagle explicitly endorsed this aggressive strategy, with management noting Agnico's directive to "demonstrate that there's a mining camp there, not one mine, but a cluster of maybe three or four mines" with potential for 10-15 million ounces rather than the 3 million ounces typical of single-mine scenarios.Cartier's operational efficiency provides embedded value often overlooked in exploration-stage analysis. The company secured $12 million in full program funding while simultaneously locking in drilling costs at $110 per meter for two years—substantially below typical market rates of $150-200 per meter and representing 25-35% cost advantages. This pricing reflects fortuitous timing in contracting and the project's proximity to Val-d'Or mining infrastructure, effectively providing 15-20% more drilling capacity for the same capital outlay. Over a 100,000-meter program, these savings compound meaningfully while eliminating near-term dilution concerns.Recent exploration results validate the geological model, with the company's third press release since August program commencement demonstrating systematic expansion of mineralization. Drill intercepts include 11 g/t over 9 meters and ounce-per-ton material over metric widths in stacked vein systems with true widths extending approximately 50 meters. The mineralization occurs at surface in multiple parallel structures, suggesting both high-grade vein mining potential and bulk tonnage scenarios—a combination characteristic of the region's most successful operations.Management has structured a comprehensive five-pronged development program simultaneously advancing drilling, metallurgical testing, environmental baseline studies for permitting, resource estimate updates, and preliminary economic assessments. This parallel execution compresses typical sequential development timelines while generating bi-weekly news flow expected to continue for 18 months. The metallurgical work specifically targets toll milling opportunities at existing regional mills, a strategy that could reduce development capital requirements by 50-75% compared to standalone mill construction.The project benefits from exceptional infrastructure access, sitting within 30 minutes of Val-d'Or with its established workforce, service providers, power, and multiple processing facilities. The historic Chimo Gold Mine, encompassed within Cartier's land package, achieved 93% recovery rates and operated until 1997 when it closed not from resource exhaustion but from gold prices collapsing to $275 per ounce. With gold now exceeding $2,700 per ounce—nearly 10x higher—combined with superior mining technology and metallurgical methods, the same geological setting offers dramatically enhanced economic potential.CEO Philippe Cloutier articulates a clear timeline for value recognition, stating the program is almost 7 months pregnant with the company targeting a different level by the end of 2025, early 2026. For investors seeking exposure to gold discovery upside in a premier mining jurisdiction, backed by strategic producer validation and managed by a team demonstrating capital discipline and commercial focus, Cartier Resources presents a compelling risk-reward proposition with multiple near-term catalysts and substantial revaluation potential should management successfully demonstrate camp-scale mineralization.View Cartier Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/cartier-resources-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Ravi Sood, Chairman & CEO of Golconda GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/golconda-gold-tsxvgg-aiming-to-deliver-a-step-change-in-production-4824Recording date: 20th October 2025Golconda Gold has established itself as a disciplined precious metals producer, emerging from a decade-long bear market to operate two permitted gold mines with strong growth prospects. The flagship Galaxy Gold Mine in South Africa, currently producing just over 10,000 ounces in 2025, is set for a production ramp up to more than 40,000 ounces annually by 2028. This expansion leverages the existing infrastructure, specifically a 50,000-ton-per-month mill running at only 30-40% utilization, which supports fourfold output growth without major new investment. The company is preparing to bring its second asset, the Summit Gold Mine in New Mexico, into production in mid-2026, targeting a steady-state 12,000 gold equivalent ounces a year. Both assets were acquired at nominal cost through distressed situations, allowing Golconda to bypass the heavy development and permitting risks that typically challenge junior miners.A defining feature of Golconda's model is its commitment to self-funded growth, with all expansion financed from internal cash flows and no reliance on equity dilution or additional debt. This approach, underpinned by more than 40% insider ownership, has driven management to prioritize survival through cost control and strict preservation of the share count—an approach that preserved capital structure during market lows and now positions the firm to maximize returns as gold prices surge. By the end of 2025, Golconda expects to be debt-free and operating with positive cash flow, having already repaid all creditors and a key offtake credit line.Management describes Galaxy's current approach as "harvest mode," prioritizing cash generation and risk-adjusted returns, particularly in light of the mine's 74% ownership structure due to local regulations. The clear capital discipline is also evident at Summit, where contract mining has been chosen to ensure operational effectiveness in a remote environment, despite higher reported costs. Looking ahead, Golconda's financial flexibility enables future capital distribution—potentially through buybacks, dividends, or further opportunistic acquisitions. For investors, Golconda offers a unique value proposition: a resilient, undiluted growth platform with long-life assets, prudent management, and the upside of flexible capital allocation in a favorable gold price environment.View Golconda Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/golconda-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Sean Wade, CEO of Power Metal Resources PLC & Marcel Nally, Founder of MinestartersOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/power-metal-resources-aimpow-advancing-a-pipeline-of-high-potential-exploration-projects-6311Recording date: 15th October 2025Power Metal Resources is investing £3 million to become the cornerstone investor in Minestarters, a blockchain-based platform designed to address critical funding shortages in early-stage mining exploration. The AIM-listed mining exploration incubator will acquire 49% of Minestarters, gaining access to significantly larger capital pools through tokenisation while maintaining visibility of investment value through tradable digital assets.CEO Sean Wade describes the funding environment for early-stage mining over the past two to three years as "a desert" where even "fantastic prospects" that "would have flown off the shelves during COVID" have struggled to raise adequate capital. This capital scarcity prevents companies from investing sufficient sums to properly develop resources, with projects requiring significant drilling programs finding markets closed or capital available only at prohibitive costs.Minestarters addresses this gap by issuing 120 million tokens backed by real-world mining assets. The platform will deploy 70 million tokens to the public in tranches, with the first 20 million released at $0.10 per token. All proceeds flow into a treasury used exclusively to fund selected mineral exploration projects through a rigorous investment committee that expects to reject 90-95% of applicants.A key innovation involves smart contracts that automate milestone-based funding, releasing capital only as projects achieve predetermined objectives. This approach reduces capital leakage and human error compared to traditional mining finance, where project managers might request additional funds mid-programme without clear accountability frameworks.Wade emphasises the partnership creates immediately visible value contrasting with conventional exploration investments: "I could tomorrow spend £3 million on an asset in Canada. Nothing's going on my balance sheet that's visible to a shareholder for three years plus." The tradable tokens provide 24/7 price transparency, enabling investors to track Power Metal's Minestarters holdings in real-time while the company leverages its proven IPO expertise to provide exit pathways for funded projects.View Power Metal Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/power-metal-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Joe Ovsenek, CEO of Tudor Gold Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/tudor-gold-tud-higher-grade-results-show-improved-understanding-2585Recording date: 16th October 2025Tudor Gold is advancing its Treaty Creek project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle from exploration into mine development under new leadership with proven experience building the nearby Brucejack Mine. The company controls a 21.66 million ounce gold resource grading 0.92 g/t and is implementing a selective underground mining strategy rather than pursuing bulk tonnage approaches.President and CEO Joe Ovsenek leads a management team that joined in May 2025, bringing direct regional expertise and established relationships with local stakeholders. The team is refining the geological model from 10m blocks to 5m blocks, increasing resolution eightfold to better identify high-grade zones averaging 2-3 g/t gold. This technical work targets 50 to 100 million tons within this higher-grade range, which would support an 8,000 to 10,000 ton per day underground longhole stope operation producing 250,000 to 300,000 ounces annually over a minimum 10-year mine life.The underground approach reflects operational realities in the Golden Triangle, where approximately 22 meters of annual snowfall creates significant challenges for surface mining. Underground operations avoid these constraints while requiring less capital than large-scale block cave alternatives and enabling faster permitting and construction timelines.Tudor Gold recently acquired American Creek Resources, increasing its ownership in Treaty Creek from 60% to 80%. This strategic move reduces carried interest burdens that previously constrained exploration activities and improves project economics. The remaining 20% is held by Teuton Resources, which has announced plans to simplify its corporate structure, potentially facilitating future consolidation discussions.The company faces a near-term challenge resolving a land access dispute with neighboring Seabridge Gold, whose KSM project development plans include twin 22-kilometer tunnels that would intersect Tudor's Gold Storm deposit under the currently proposed route. Management has proposed shifting the route approximately one kilometer north through similar geology and expects to reach negotiated resolution within months through discussions with Seabridge, regulatory authorities, and provincial officials.An updated mineral resource estimate is scheduled for November 2025, incorporating 175,000 meters of drilling and the refined block modeling. Underground portal permits are targeted for May 2026 approval, with development serving dual purposes of providing bulk samples while establishing drill stations for efficient infill drilling of high-grade zones and the SC1 structural corridor.View Tudor Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/tudor-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Blake Hylands, CEO of Lithium Ionic Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/opportunity-in-volatility-lithium-projects-poised-for-rebound-5610Recording date: 15th October 2025Lithium Ionic has significantly strengthened the economics of its Bandeira lithium project in Brazil, delivering a rare improvement in feasibility study updates. The company's latest Definitive Feasibility Study reveals exceptional metrics: a post-tax internal rate of return exceeding 60%, net present value of $1.5 billion, and a two-year payback period over a 19-year mine life. Most notably, capital costs decreased by $70 million to $190 million, positioning Bandeira among the lowest-cost lithium developments globally.The capital reduction resulted from strategic partnerships and engineering optimization rather than project compromise. Lithium Ionic partnered with R-TEK Resources, the engineering team that successfully constructed the adjacent Sigma Lithium operation, bringing proven DMS plant design expertise. This collaboration enabled equipment standardization, simplified mine sequencing, and refined facility design while maintaining project robustness.Located in Minas Gerais' Araçuaí pegmatite belt, the Bandeira project benefits from exceptional geological validation. The deposit sits just 500 meters from the CBL operation, which has produced lithium for 30 years, with near-identical structural and geochemical characteristics. Through targeted drilling completed in late 2024, Lithium Ionic expanded measured and indicated resources from 21 million to 27.5 million tons, converting 21 million tons to proven and probable reserves at a 77% rate.The project's lowest-quartile cost profile provides resilience against lithium's recent price volatility, which has seen spodumene swing from $8,000 to $650 per ton. Management targets early 2026 for permit approval and end-of-2027 production, timing that could coincide with tightening supply-demand dynamics as sustained low prices curtail new supply development.With sub-$200 million capital requirements generating $1.5 billion in value, conservative operating assumptions, and a proven development team, Lithium Ionic presents a compelling proposition for project financing as battery demand continues expanding across electric vehicles, grid storage, and AI infrastructure applications.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/lithium-ionic-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Chad Peters, President & CEO of Ridgeline Minerals and Chris Frostad, President & CEO of Purepoint UraniumRecording date: 8th October 2025Ridgeline Minerals and Purepoint Uranium represent a fundamental departure from the traditional junior mining exploration model that has historically destroyed shareholder value through relentless dilution. Both companies have structured strategic partnerships with major mining companies, including Nevada Gold Mines, South32, Cameco, and Orano, that provide 100% non-dilutive funding for exploration programs while the juniors retain fully carried interests of 20-25% through to commercial production. This structure addresses the central problem facing exploration investors: companies repeatedly returning to capital markets at disadvantageous valuations to fund high-risk drill programs.The financial metrics are compelling. Ridgeline's partners are deploying approximately $9.5 million USD in 2025 across joint venture projects, while Purepoint's partners are spending roughly $8 million - both figures representing 30-40% of their respective market capitalizations of approximately $25 million. Critically, this capital is deployed without issuing a single new share to existing investors. Additionally, both companies collect management fees of 10-15% (including chargeable expenses) on partner-funded programs, generating sufficient revenue to cover corporate overhead and achieve cash flow positive operations - a rare achievement in junior exploration that reduces dependence on equity markets during bear market periods.The investment thesis centers on asymmetric risk-reward. Downside is protected by sustainable cash flow models, major partner validation of project quality, and diversified project portfolios that spread exploration risk across multiple targets in tier-one jurisdictions (Nevada's Cortez Trend for gold, Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin for uranium). Upside leverage remains substantial: any significant discovery would trigger material share price appreciation as partners cannot dilute their positions further, while comparable single-asset explorers trade at valuations that would justify either company's current market cap for just one project.Near-term catalysts include ongoing drill programs at Ridgeline's Swift (gold) and Selena (base metals) projects, and Purepoint's Dorado uranium project where initial results have intersected up to 8% uranium. Results flowing through late 2025 and early 2026 provide multiple opportunities for value inflection as these companies demonstrate that intelligent capital allocation can transform exploration from a value-destruction exercise into a genuine wealth-creation opportunity for patient investors.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/ridgeline-mineralshttps://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/purepoint-uranium-group-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Brett Marsh, President & CEO of Spartan MetalsRecording date: 16th October 2025Spartan Metals Corp has emerged as a focused player in the critical minerals sector with its Eagle project in Nevada, a past-producing district that encompasses two historic tungsten mines and a high-grade copper-silver operation. The company's strategic approach centers on reviving domestic tungsten production at a time when the United States faces near-total import dependence for this defense-critical metal.CEO Brett Marsh, bringing 25 years of geology experience across major mining companies and junior explorers, has deliberately structured Spartan around tungsten development despite the presence of valuable polymetallic mineralization on the property. The company's stock symbol 'W' reflects this unwavering focus on what Marsh describes as the cornerstone commodity driving the venture.The Tungstonia deposit presents compelling characteristics for modern exploration. Historic mining during World War II and earlier periods produced grades between 0.6% and 0.9% tungsten trioxide, with operations extending only to approximately 75 meters depth. Recent work reveals that veins mined over 700 meters of strike length actually extend to nearly 2 kilometers, suggesting substantial depth potential that previous operators never tested.An immediate catalyst exists in the form of 10,000 tons of historic tailings grading 0.15% tungsten trioxide. Drilling commenced October 20th to establish tonnage, grade distribution, and metallurgical characteristics, with Marsh indicating the company will likely partner with entities possessing downstream processing capability for monetization rather than developing standalone infrastructure.Spartan's recent $2.25 million financing fully funds a comprehensive Phase 1 exploration program including surface mapping, soil geochemistry, geophysical surveys, and 3D geological modeling ahead of maiden drilling tentatively scheduled for early spring 2026. The company's systematic approach to validating century-old data through modern exploration techniques has attracted attention from both investors and government entities interested in reshoring strategic mineral supply chains. With tungsten classified as critical by the U.S. government and China controlling approximately 80% of global supply, Spartan's timing aligns with heightened policy support for domestic production alternatives.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, Managing Director of Asian Battery Metals PLCRecording date: 15th October 2025Asian Battery Metals (ASX:AZ9) is emerging as a focused critical minerals developer in Mongolia, strategically positioned at the doorstep of Asian consumption markets. Led by Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, a mining engineer with 22 years of experience including a board position at Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper operation, the company is advancing a portfolio of copper, nickel, and gold projects in southwestern Mongolia's prospective Central Asian orogenic belt.The company's flagship Oval copper-nickel project has delivered significant validation through selection for BHP's prestigious Xplor accelerator program in 2023. As one of only seven companies chosen globally from 250 applicants - and the sole Asian representative - Asian Battery Metals received $500,000 USD to prove the concept of a magmatic mafic intrusion-related copper-nickel sulfide system. This third-party technical endorsement has been reinforced by encouraging metallurgical results, with initial test work achieving 89-95% copper recovery and concentrate grades of 18.5-24%, meeting industry benchmarks for economic viability.With approximately A$30 million in market capitalization and A$7-8 million deployed across exploration programs, the company has established 800 meters of continuous mineralization at Oval, with widths ranging from 50 to 80 meters. Recent drilling has extended mineralization to 290 meters depth, suggesting potential for deeper extensions along feeder conduit structures. The company is also advancing regional targets including MS1, located six kilometers south of Oval with geophysical signatures potentially larger than the main discovery, supporting a hub-and-spoke development model where multiple deposits could share centralized processing infrastructure.Complementing the copper-nickel focus, Asian Battery Metals is completing due diligence on the Maikhan Uul VMS copper-gold system, located just eight kilometers from Oval. Recent drilling confirmed more than 20 meters of massive sulphide mineralization with historic grades of approximately 1.7% copper and 1 gram per tonne gold, plus a high-grade shallow gold zone grading over 15 g/t. The company expects to complete this acquisition within four months, adding diversification and supporting the multi-deposit cluster strategy that Managing Director Gan-Ochir described as essential to achieving the company's goal of "more than 20 million tons of economic resources or potentially producing 50,000 tons of metals."Mongolia's maturation as a mining jurisdiction provides crucial support for development pathways. Over the past 15 years, the country has opened 20-30 new mines, improved infrastructure substantially, and developed multiple financing options including international financial institutions, domestic banks, and Chinese offtake arrangements. This evolution, combined with proximity to Asian markets and an established contractor mining sector, positions Asian Battery Metals to advance its projects efficiently in a jurisdiction that has demonstrated it can support world-class operations like Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper mine.View Asian Battery Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/asian-battery-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Nicholas Bridgen, CEO of Ferro-Alloy Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ferro-alloy-resources-lsefar-low-cost-vanadium-play-preps-feasibility-study-for-june-2025-6715Recording date: 15th October 2025Ferro Alloy Resources has released feasibility study results for its Kazakhstan vanadium project, revealing exceptional economics that position the company among the lowest-cost producers globally. Phase 1 development demonstrates a net present value of $749 million with a 22% internal rate of return, while production costs of just $0.36 per pound after byproduct credits place the project in the bottom decile of global vanadium operations.Chief Executive Nicholas Bridgen attributes these compelling economics to two fundamental advantages. The company's sedimentary ore deposit differs markedly from the magnetite sources that supply 95% of global vanadium production, requiring no concentration or roasting processes. This geological advantage translates directly into lower processing costs and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, the deposit contains 8.5% carbon content that can be processed into carbon black substitute, a valuable byproduct for tire manufacturing commanding prices around $500 per ton.The project's strategic positioning extends beyond pure economics. With vanadium designated as a critical metal across Western countries, Ferro Alloy Resources benefits from multiple financing pathways as governments seek to diversify supply chains away from Chinese dominance. The carbon black substitute product carries approximately one-tenth the embedded emissions of conventional production, potentially adding $100-200 per ton in value as carbon tariffs expand globally.Phase 1 targets 8,500 tons of vanadium pentoxide annually, with Phase 2 conceptually three times larger. Seven ore bodies have been identified across the project area, though only the first has been fully incorporated into current planning. Existing infrastructure including power lines, road access to international rail connections, and favorable open-pit mining conditions reduce both capital requirements and execution risk.The company now advances toward front-end engineering design, evaluating both Western financing aligned with critical minerals strategies and competitive Chinese contractors for cost-efficient development. With a 15,000 ton-per-year pilot plant already demonstrating superior recovery rates compared to laboratory testing, Ferro Alloy Resources presents investors with a de-risked pathway into vanadium production at a strategically significant moment for global supply chains.View Ferro-Alloy Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/ferro-alloy-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Recently, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency published updated floodplain maps for Rock Creek and the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers.Missoula County Floodplain Administrator Matt Heimel joined the commissioners this week to discuss what homeowners need to know and the next steps in the adoption and regulation process. The preliminary maps will be presented to the Missoula County commissioners during their public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6. See the agenda at missoula.co/bccmeetings.Learn more at https://missoulacountyvoice.com/clark-fork-river-bitterroot-river-and-rock-creek-floodplain-mapping-updateText us your thoughts and comments on this episode! Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Interview with Keith Boyle, CEO of New Found Gold and Victor Cantore, President & CEO of Amex Exploration Inc.Recording date: 16th October 2025New Found Gold and Amex Exploration represent a new generation of Canadian gold developers taking a pragmatic path from exploration to production, leveraging high-grade resources and phased build strategies to minimize dilution and accelerate cash flow.New Found Gold CEO Keith Boyle outlines how the acquisition of Maritime Resources positions the company to become a near-term producer at its Queensway Project in Newfoundland. The addition of a toll milling option significantly reduces capex and execution risk, allowing production to begin as early as this year. Boyle emphasizes a disciplined focus on free cash flow over headline NPVs, noting that the “recipe” for success lies in simplicity—high-grade veins, modest throughput, and strong jurisdictional advantage. New Found's 110-kilometre-long land package offers large-scale exploration upside, but the near-term focus remains on monetizing high-grade ounces to self-fund further growth.Amex Exploration CEO Victor Cantore echoes similar themes from Quebec, where the company plans to transition its Perron Project into production through toll milling before constructing its own 2,000 tpd facility. With 2.3 Moz grading 6.14 g/t, including 831 koz at 16.2 g/t in the Champagne Zone, Cantore highlights the project's exceptional grades, manageable $146M capex, and robust margins at current gold prices. At an AISC of just C$1,165/oz, Amex expects significant free cash flow potential even at conservative gold assumptions.Both CEOs emphasize maintaining exploration momentum alongside staged production, funding drilling through early cash flow rather than equity dilution. Boyle and Cantore view this as a shift from the traditional “drill and dilute” model toward a “build and cash flow” strategy, underpinned by high-grade, low-tonnage deposits in tier-one jurisdictions. With gold prices above US$4,000/oz, both companies see 2026–2027 as pivotal years for generating meaningful cash flow and establishing a new generation of profitable Canadian gold producers.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-goldhttps://cruxinvestor.com/companies/amex-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Recording date: 14th October 2025Derek Macpherson, Executive Chairman of Olive Resource Capital, and CEO Sam Pelaez presented their outlook on the evolving commodity markets during their October 14, 2025 Compass podcast. Their analysis highlights a transition from precious metals dominance toward broader industrial commodity opportunities driven by monetary policy and structural supply constraints.Gold continues trading at $4,100 with silver exceeding $50 per ounce despite recent Middle East peace developments. Pelaez emphasized that global liquidity has reached all-time highs, surpassing pandemic levels, and maintains the highest correlation with gold performance. This monetary backdrop combines with central banks actively reducing US dollar exposure, creating sustained precious metals support independent of geopolitical developments.The hosts identified emerging opportunities in industrial metals based on cyclical patterns. US manufacturing contracted for 33 of the last 36 months, creating conditions similar to previous troughs. Federal Reserve rate cuts combined with Chinese monetary easing now target manufacturing activity directly. Pelaez questioned whether markets are entering "the early innings of an industrial recovery for the metals."Copper emerged as particularly attractive given supply constraints at four of the world's top ten assets including Cobre Panama, Kamoa-Kakula, Grasberg, and QB2. Macpherson noted these production challenges create tight supply conditions that would respond dramatically to manufacturing demand recovery.Government intervention in critical minerals represents another strategic focus. The US Department of Defense committed $1 billion to stockpiling programs, creating price floors that protect domestic producers from Chinese market manipulation. Pelaez highlighted CoTec's exclusive US licensing for magnet recycling technology as exemplifying opportunities in processing rather than traditional mining, avoiding extraction complexities while benefiting from government support.The firm views the current environment as following historical bull market progression from gold through silver and platinum group metals toward base and industrial commodities. Macpherson advised following government capital flows given their superior balance sheets and extended investment horizons. Olive Resource Capital continues positioning for subsequent market phases while maintaining focus on alpha generation in less liquid segments where fundamental analysis drives outperformance.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com/categories/commodities/goldhttps://cruxinvestor.com/categories/commodities/silverhttps://cruxinvestor.com/categories/commodities/copper
In this episode, Sean Rost talks with Tasha Gabel, senior naturalist for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, about Onondaga Cave State Park. Episode Image: Two teenage girls look at cave formations in Onondaga Cave, 1959 [Missouri Ruralist Photographs (P0030), SHSMO] Banner Image: Interior view of Onondaga Cave, ca. 1945 [Mr. and Mrs. Walter Williams Photograph Collection (P0535), SHSMO] About the Guest: Tasha Gabel is a senior naturalist for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at Onondaga Cave State Park. She earned a bachelor's degree in wildlife conservation and management from Missouri State University.
Talking archery and firearm deer hunting seasons with Dan Skinner from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Jason McVicker provides a Pioneer agronomy segment. Joe Camp previews a new market week.
We're back with Part 2 of discussing cool-season food plots. Hosts Jacob and Eric catch up with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop to talk about seed mixes and weed management. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Interview with Alan Carter, President & CEO of Cabral Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cabral-gold-tsxvcbr-2500oz-margins-position-brazil-project-for-exceptional-near-term-returns-8097Recording date: 16th October 2025Cabral Gold has positioned itself for a transition from explorer to producer following the recent US$45 million gold loan financing that fully funds construction of its Brazilian heap leach operation without diluting shareholders, a rare achievement in the junior mining sector. With first gold pour scheduled for Q4 2026, investors have clear visibility to cash flow generation within 12 months.The project's financial profile stands out in today's gold price environment. At US$2,500/oz gold, the operation generates a 78% IRR with just US$37.7 million in capital requirements and a 10-month payback period. All-in sustaining costs of US$1,210/oz create margins exceeding US$3,000/oz at current gold prices, translating to approximately US$75 million in annual pre-tax cash flow. This positions Cabral among the highest-margin gold developers globally, with sufficient cash generation to self-fund aggressive exploration while maintaining financial flexibility.The value proposition extends beyond near-term production. Located adjacent to Brazil's third-largest gold mine, Cuiú Cuiú produced 10 times more historical placer gold than its neighbor, suggesting substantially greater hard rock potential. With current resources of 1.2 million ounces and recent drill intercepts up to 33 g/t gold outside resource boundaries, the company has identified over 50 exploration targets across the district. Management's track record, including CEO Alan Carter's involvement in discovering the neighboring G Mining's Tocantinzinho deposit, provides operational credibility. The combination of near-term cash flow, substantial margins, exploration upside, and experienced management in a proven jurisdiction creates multiple pathways to potential value creation. For investors seeking exposure to emerging gold producers with growth optionality, Cabral presents a differentiated opportunity with both production visibility and district-scale exploration potential in one of Brazil's most established gold regions.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/cabral-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Glenn Mullan, President & CEO of Val-d'Or Mining CorporationOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/val-dor-mining-vzz-new-royalty-story-emulating-recent-success-1729Recording date: 10th October 2025Val-d'Or Mining Corporation employs a prospect generation model centered on staking mineral properties 100%, conducting minimal initial exploration with an annual budget of only $300,000, then partnering with larger mining companies to fund drilling and development work. This approach reduces the need for capital-intensive exploration and limits shareholder dilution typical in junior miners. Their current major partnership with Eldorado Gold involves $36.5 million committed exploration spending across 12 properties in Quebec and Ontario. Val-d'Or earns revenues from this partnership via 10% management fees on Ontario properties they operate, option payments totaling about $200,000 per year, advance royalty payments, and leasing income from their office building.Val-d'Or owns over 50 properties in tier-one mining jurisdictions within Quebec and Ontario, focusing on geological regions like the Abitibi greenstone belt. Their strategic property acquisition targets gaps left between major players such as Agnico Eagle, who consolidated much of the region's geology. By acquiring and thoroughly evaluating properties with modest spending, they attract partners who fund detailed exploration, while Val-d'Or retains royalty interests generally targeting a 2% net smelter return (NSR). As partners meet spending milestones and vest their interests, Val-d'Or's royalties become crystallized, providing long-term revenue without the risks and capital requirements of full mine development.The company's President and CEO, Glenn Mullan, boasts a track record of three successful exits generating over $500 million collectively by selling royalty companies rather than mines. This strategy, combined with the current high gold price environment and the industry's demand for exploration assets, positions Val-d'Or as a compelling investment. Their structure maintains significant insider ownership for stability, while the partnership model minimizes dilution and exploration risk. With drilling commencing on multiple properties and over $36 million committed from Eldorado, Val-d'Or is actively advancing their asset base toward royalty monetization in a robust gold market.In summary, Val-d'Or Mining exemplifies a non-dilutive, prospect generation model leveraging partnerships to develop a portfolio of royalty-bearing properties with diversified near-term revenue, a strong historical track record, and optimized for current market conditions in Canadian gold mining .Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/val-dor-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings nursery and landscape professionals together to tackle new laws and plastic waste challenges.
In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric discuss cool-season food plots with MSU Deer Lab graduate student Luke Resop. They cover key topics such as food plot placement, soil testing, and seed-bed preparation in part 1 of this 2-part series. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Interview with David Detata, Managing Director of Strategic Energy ResourcesRecording date: 9th October 2025Strategic Energy Resources (ASX:SER), a Perth-based junior explorer with a market capitalization of approximately $4-5 million, has established a distinctive position in Queensland's copper-gold exploration sector through its prospect generator business model and hypothesis-driven approach to target evaluation.Managing Director David Detata brings an unconventional background to mineral exploration, having spent nearly 20 years as a forensic scientist specializing in analytical chemistry before transitioning to the mining sector in 2019. This scientific discipline shapes the company's methodical approach: "We see each one of our individual copper projects as its own research entity. And we're employing that hypothesis testing approach to it."The company's portfolio comprises four copper-gold projects in Queensland, with the flagship Canobie Project exemplifying SER's partnership strategy. Following 18 months of negotiation, Fortescue (FMG) entered a joint venture committing $3 million for drilling four priority targets over 12 months. The agreement includes a 5% management fee and a two-stage earn-in structure (50% then 80%) over six years. Critically, SER negotiated drilling metrics requiring 3,000 meters of basement testing at each stage, ensuring meaningful exploration outcomes rather than just cover penetration.In March 2025, SER completed a transformational acquisition of the Diamantina project from Anglo American for $600,000, accessing approximately $20 million worth of previous exploration work. The project contains proven mineralization—161 meters at 0.4% copper including a higher-grade zone of 0.6 meters at 25.6% copper. Anglo American approached SER specifically based on their exploration methodology, providing access to data the broader market had never seen.The company employs machine learning models developed with Queensland government support and Caldera Analytics to optimize target selection, particularly at the Isa North project where active drilling is currently underway. This technology-driven approach, combined with collaborations with the University of Tasmania's CODES group, aims to improve discovery probabilities before committing capital.SER's business model focuses on advancing projects to proof-of-concept stage to attract major partners, preserving shareholder capital while maintaining discovery upside. As DeTata emphasizes: "For us the only thing that moves the needle is drilling success and we are determined to keep drilling."View Strategic Energy Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/strategic-energy-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Alberto Orozco, CEO of Capital Silver Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/capitan-silver-tsxvcapt-mexico-explorer-raises-53m-at-premium-and-announces-exploration-plan-6828Recording date: 6th October 2025Capitan Silver Corp. has achieved what no company has accomplished in over a century: consolidating Mexico's historically productive Cruz de Plata silver district under single ownership. Through two strategic transactions in 2022 and August 2024, the company has reunited lands where Peñoles mining company operated its first mine, producing 300 up to 2,000 g/t silver from the late 1800s until the Mexican Revolution fragmented the property in 1908.The consolidation has unlocked more than just historical mining grounds. A geological breakthrough revealed that mineralization wraps around an intrusive body, expanding the company's exploration targets threefold from 7 to over 20 kilometers of cumulative structural targets. The addition of over 2,000 hectares provides multiple discovery pathways within a single unified project, creating portfolio diversification that reduces exploration risk while maximizing upside potential.Leading this effort, CEO Alberto Orozco and the management team is composed primarily of ex-Argonaut Gold personnel who built and operated three mines on time and on budget. Their operational experience distinguishes Capitan Silver from exploration peers focused solely on resource definition. The team evaluates Cruz de Plata through a developer's lens, considering mining methods, processing requirements, and operational costs from the earliest exploration stages, with recent hires focused specifically on development aspects signaling medium-term production ambitions.Management's strategic discipline during the challenging markets of 2022-2023 demonstrates commitment to long-term shareholder value over short-term activity. Rather than pursuing dilutive financing to continue drilling when capital markets were unfavorable, the company paused exploration to focus on property consolidation and royalty removal. This counter-intuitive approach positioned Capitan Silver with a royalty-free asset and exceptionally clean capital structure—including zero warrants outstanding and recent financings completed at 30% premiums to market—precisely as silver fundamentals strengthened and capital returned to the sector.The Jesus Maria target, where 1.5 kilometers of strike length has been defined through drilling, exemplifies the project's key advantages. Mineralization outcrops at surface and extends to depth without requiring penetration through barren overburden, enabling cost-efficient reverse circulation drilling to test the upper 150-200 meters rapidly before committing to more expensive diamond drilling. The first 11 holes from the current program have already identified a new high-grade zone and delivered one of the best results in the property's history.Cruz de Plata represents an intermediate sulfidation epithermal system, a deposit type that has generated billion-dollar valuations through successful examples including Vizsla Silver's $2 billion market capitalization. At Capitan Silver's current valuation of approximately $180 million, the company trades at a significant discount to established peers, offering potential 10x+ upside if drilling validates the expanded geological model and demonstrates comparable scale and grade.The timing appears favorable on multiple fronts. Silver prices approach $50 per ounce, driven by strengthening industrial demand from solar panels and electric vehicles combined with traditional investment demand. Mexico's regulatory environment has improved measurably under the Sheinbaum administration, with permitting advancing across the sector. Strategic investor participation, including Michael Gentile since 2021, provides patient capital and validation through extensive due diligence.For investors seeking leveraged exposure to silver exploration with proven management capable of advancing discoveries toward production, Capitan Silver offers a compelling opportunity built on historical validation, modern geological understanding, and disciplined execution in a strengthening fundamental environment.View Capitan Silver's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/capitan-silverSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Sam Lee, CEO of Northisle Copper & GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/northisle-copper-gold-tsxvncx-district-scale-is-the-prize-8032Recording date: 6th October 2025Northisle Copper & Gold is advancing one of British Columbia's most significant undeveloped copper-gold assets at a pivotal moment when political alignment, commodity fundamentals, and strategic capital partnerships have converged to enable accelerated development. The company controls a major porphyry project hosting over 7 million ounces of gold and 3.5 billion pounds of copper on Vancouver Island.Since CEO Sam Lee joined in October 2020, the company has systematically addressed the critical questions defining success in large-scale porphyry development. Exploration success at Northwest Expo and West Goodspeed delivered higher-grade zones that dramatically reduced capital intensity while improving project economics, culminating in what Lee characterizes as "one of the strongest PEAs I've seen in the market in the last decade."The company's recent $40 million financing marked a transformational milestone, bringing Wheaton Precious Metals as cornerstone investor alongside nine institutions. This partnership establishes a pathway to exceptionally low-cost capital, with streaming arrangements expected to provide financing at 0-4% cost when finalized. Combined with potential Asian strategic partnerships offering 2% export credit financing, Northisle expects blended capital costs of 2-3% for project development.A distinctive feature of Northisle's project is its substantial gold component, which serves as a financial bridge to larger copper production. "We have a very high margin gold project upfront in phase one that allows us to bridge into a big capital intensive copper project," Lee explained. This structure provides execution advantages over copper-only projects while reducing financing risk.The company has assembled a world-class technical team including Kevin O'Kane as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 37 years of BHP experience, and Dr. Pablo Mejia as VP Exploration from Ero Copper. Lee emphasizes unprecedented political alignment across First Nations, provincial, and federal governments as creating an optimal window for accelerated permitting. "In my 30 years of being in the mining industry, I've never seen such political alignment for natural resource development projects like ours," he stated.With favorable copper market dynamics including negative treatment charges and institutional backing secured, Northisle is positioned to advance rapidly toward production while maintaining district-scale expansion potential across a 30-year mining horizon.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/northisle-copper-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Chris Frostad, President & CEO of Purepoint UraniumPrevious interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/purepoint-uranium-tsxvptu-high-grade-uranium-found-with-isoenergy-jv-7520Recording date: 8th October 2025Purepoint Uranium Group has emerged as a differentiated uranium exploration company through its combination of a significant new discovery in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin and a self-sustaining business model built on strategic partnerships with major industry players. The company's recent progress demonstrates how junior explorers can advance high-quality projects while maintaining capital efficiency and minimizing shareholder dilution.The Dorado discovery represents the company's most significant value driver. Four drill holes have intersected high-grade uranium mineralization in a region where CEO Chris Frostad notes that "98% of the drill holes that get poked up there in Saskatchewan come back with this much uranium." This statistically unusual success rate, combined with the discovery's location on trend with IsoEnergy's Hurricane deposit, suggests potential for district-scale mineralization. Management has committed to deploying substantially more capital on Dorado during the upcoming winter drilling season than was spent across all company projects in the previous year, signaling clear prioritization of this highest-conviction target.Purepoint's partnership structure provides unusual financial sustainability for a junior exploration company. The company operates six joint ventures with Cameco, Orano, IsoEnergy, and Foran Mining across 10 Saskatchewan projects. As exploration operator, Purepoint earns management fees that cover substantially all annual overhead expenses while receiving partners' capital monthly for drilling programs rather than carrying full exploration costs. This structure allows the company to advance multiple projects without burning through capital simply to maintain operations.The 50-50 partnership with IsoEnergy on Dorado and surrounding properties covering 100,000 hectares demonstrates sophisticated deal-making that protects Purepoint's interests through the entire project lifecycle. The agreement establishes Purepoint as exploration operator through resource definition, at which point IsoEnergy would assume development responsibilities. Detailed provisions address financing decisions, security arrangements, and mechanisms to protect both parties' interests, recognizing that partners may have different objectives and timeframes.Capital efficiency remains a key competitive advantage. Purepoint's recent $6 million financing was executed entirely through charity flow-through shares at premiums exceeding 50% above market price, with IsoEnergy contributing $1 million. This financing mechanism—which enables non-Canadian investor participation and generates substantially higher premiums than traditional flow-through shares—significantly reduces shareholder dilution compared to conventional equity raises. The company also has approximately $5 million in unexercised warrants currently in the money, providing additional capital optionality.The upcoming winter drilling season beginning in January represents a critical catalyst period. Systematic exploration of Dorado will provide real-time feedback allowing continuous vectoring toward mineralization zones, while partner budget meetings over the coming months will define additional work programs across Hook Lake and other joint venture projects. The company's measured approach to drilling—maximizing information value from each hole rather than racing to complete large programs—reflects management's commitment to capital discipline.For investors seeking exposure to uranium exploration in a tier-one jurisdiction, Purepoint offers a genuine discovery in its early stages, operational leverage through major partnerships, and a business model that provides financial sustainability while maintaining significant equity upside. The systematic winter drilling program will determine whether Dorado represents a district-scale opportunity or a more limited occurrence, with results expected to flow throughout the season as exploration progresses.View Purepoint Uranium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/purepoint-uranium-group-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Julian Treger, President & CEO of CoTec HoldingsRecording date: 7th October 2025CoTec Holdings is pioneering a new era in mining by repurposing industrial waste and tailings through six proprietary technologies, aiming to develop nearly 20 assets by 2030 with potential net present values exceeding $2-3 billion. Led by CEO Julian Treger, a seasoned investor who scaled Anglo Pacific's earnings from $5 million to over $100 million in eight years, the company holds a current market value of $130 million CAD, with 60% insider ownership driving a goal of surpassing $1 billion in valuation. Treger's approach exploits market gaps: outdated extraction methods persisting despite decades of R&D spending, and undervalued waste sites containing extractable metals like iron ore, copper, tungsten, manganese, vanadium, nickel, and tin.From a Canadian shell acquired at 12 cents per share with $90 million in tax losses, CoTec assembled a board featuring Rio Tinto's former CEO Tom Albanese and Rio Ventures' John McGagh. They screened 400 technologies, selecting mid-stage innovations at readiness levels 5-9—avoiding lab experiments—for equity stakes, licenses, or partnerships. These enable processing hard rocks, fine particles, and low-grade ores, with a standout in rare earth magnet recycling from e-waste, developed by Birmingham University for over $100 million.Flagship assets illustrate the model: Quebec's Cartier mine tailings (120 million tons) bought for $2 million, projecting $130-150 million NPV on $60 million capex, while slashing government rehabilitation costs from $200 million to under $100 million. A Minnesota iron ore site, with 2.6 billion tons and a $1 billion NPV, gives CoTec 17% ownership. The U.S. magnet business, 60% owned, plans three $600 million NPV hubs starting production in 2027, addressing China's export blacklists to defense firms. Treger notes ongoing talks with the White House, calling recycling a "very good plan B insurance policy" against supply risks.Financing emphasizes asset-level raises at 30-40% NPV discounts, using government funds to limit parent dilution and preserve value. Treger prioritizes capital gains over salaries, targeting "warp speed" timelines—2-3 years versus mining's 29-year average. With patents and first-mover access to 10,000+ Canadian closed mines, CoTec positions for strategic minerals in electrification and defense, backed by Treger's $500 million-to-$3 billion investment track record. This nimble model promises outsized returns amid global reshoring.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Bart Jaworski, CEO of Group Eleven ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/group-eleven-resources-tsxvzng-pitch-perfect-october-2025-8200Recording date: 6th October 2025Group Eleven Resources has emerged as one of Ireland's most significant mineral explorers following the discovery of high-grade zinc-lead mineralization extending 2.6 km along a prospective 6 km trend. The Ballywire project delivers exceptional grades averaging 10% zinc-lead with 100 grams per ton silver, substantially exceeding the 6% global average for operating mines. This positions the company to capitalize on Ireland's reputation for producing clean, high-quality concentrates favored by major smelters worldwide.Recent drilling has identified significant copper mineralization beneath the zinc discovery, intercepting 6 meters grading nearly 4% copper and 1,000 g/t silver. This copper-silver horizon represents a strategic shift, exposing the project to the high-demand copper market where major mining companies actively seek new supply sources. The discovery places Ballywire within a historical copper belt hosting several prospects, two previously mined.With CAD $8.4 million secured through recent financing, Group Eleven has funded over 25,000 meters of drilling extending through 2027. The company operates three drill rigs year-round with plans to expand to four, benefiting from Ireland's exceptionally low drilling costs of $150 CAD per meter and year-round accessibility. The exploration strategy focuses on testing three remaining gravity anomalies and delineating copper-silver mineralization at depth.The project benefits from backing by Glencore and mining entrepreneur Michael Gentille, plus strategic proximity to Glencore's nearby 50-million-ton deposits. Ireland's government supports the sector through its EUR 30 million Irish Mining Fund, which provides equity investment alongside private capital.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/group-eleven-resources-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Matt Manson, President & CEO of Radisson Mining Resources Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/radisson-mining-tsxvrds-reviving-high-grade-gold-in-quebec-with-smart-low-capex-strategy-5941Recording date: 6th October 2025Radisson Mining Resources presents investors with a compelling value proposition in high-grade gold development: exceptional discovery economics, capital-efficient processing strategy, proven management execution, and substantial leverage to rising gold prices. The company is advancing the O'Brien Gold Project in Quebec's world-class Abitibi mining district, where historical production between the 1920s and 1950s established the deposit's credentials through museum-quality visible gold specimens and half-ounce head grades.The investment thesis begins with remarkable discovery economics. Radisson trades at approximately C$150 per ounce of resources while adding new ounces at C$30-40 per ounce discovery costs—a 4:1 spread that creates immediate value with every successful drill result. The company has defined 1.5 million ounces of high-grade gold at 8 grams per tonne in indicated resources and is systematically drilling toward a 3-4 million ounce target. The geological model—mesothermal gold deposits along the prolific Cadillac-Larder Lake Break—provides predictable exploration targets with demonstrated success. CEO Matthew Manson described the approach: "We said okay let's get aggressive with the drilling. Let's do these big stepouts. So let's drill deeper. And yeah, we hit and we've hit everywhere we've drilled."Rather than building standalone processing facilities requiring hundreds of millions in capital, Radisson targets ore processing through existing regional mills. This hub-and-spoke model reduces initial capital requirements to C$175 million for mine development, underground infrastructure, and water treatment. A recent engineering study demonstrated C$500 million net present value at $2,500 gold using only 740,000 ounces—less than half current resources—delivering a 3:1 NPV-to-capex ratio. Mill owners actively seek ore feed to maintain operations, creating competitive dynamics favorable to suppliers.The project benefits from exceptional infrastructure positioning adjacent to highways, existing power lines, and established mining communities. This eliminates costly remote camp construction and enables commuting workforce, reducing both capital requirements and operating costs while improving social acceptability.The board collectively brings experience from nine mine construction projects. Manson successfully led the on-time, on-budget construction of the Renard mine in Quebec and advanced Marathon Gold's Valentine project to recent production. This track record directly addresses execution risk—the primary concern for development-stage mining investments.As a high-grade deposit, O'Brien delivers disproportionate margin expansion as gold prices rise. With mining costs relatively fixed and revenue per tonne increasing directly with gold price, the recent engineering study based on $2,500 gold appears increasingly conservative as prices approach $4,000 per ounce.Prominent resource investor Michael Gentile serves on the board with personal family capital invested, providing both credibility and strategic guidance while supporting European institutional roadshows. The company maintains flexibility to pursue toll milling agreements, joint ventures with regional producers, or corporate transactions—positioning to deliver optimal risk-adjusted returns.Radisson offers exposure to high-grade Quebec gold development with exceptional discovery economics, capital-efficient strategy, proven management, and strong gold price leverage. The combination of immediate value creation through drilling, multiple pathways to development, and substantial upside to rising gold prices creates a compelling risk-reward profile for resource investors seeking exposure to advanced-stage projects with clear paths to production.View Radisson Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/radisson-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Kiril Mugerman, CEO, Geomega ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/geomega-resources-gma-i-got-a-better-way-i-discovered-a-star-311Recording date: 8th October 2025Geomega Resources has secured a $4.5 million demonstration license agreement with Rio Tinto to deploy proprietary bauxite residue processing technology at a Quebec facility, marking a strategic pivot from mineral exploration to a technology royalty business model. The agreement includes $1.4 million in immediate payment, $100,000 in early 2026, and up to $3 million through construction and production milestones as Rio Tinto validates the technology before potential commercial-scale deployment.The company's three-circuit processing system addresses a century-old challenge facing the global aluminum industry. Approximately 100 refineries worldwide produce millions of tons of bauxite residue annually, creating massive environmental liabilities with no economically viable processing solution. Geomega's technology reduces this waste by 80-85% while extracting critical metals including scandium, gallium, iron, high-purity silica, and alumina. CEO Kiril Mugerman explained that the process works sequentially, with circuit one handling caustic components, circuit two processing iron, and circuit three recovering high-value critical metals.The technology achieves reagent recovery rates above 90%, having completed hundreds of piloting cycles using the same materials repeatedly. Unlike traditional mining metallurgy requiring aggressive acids and special reactor coatings, Geomega employs weaker reagents compatible with standard equipment. The modular design allows customization for different bauxite sources, from Jamaican deposits with high scandium content to other geographic variations.Geomega owns 100% of its intellectual property through patents and trade secrets, with a lean 20-person technical team focused on research and expanding piloting capacity. The non-exclusive licensing model enables simultaneous engagement with multiple refineries, positioning the company for capital-light expansion. Following successful demonstration, Rio Tinto would negotiate a commercial license structured as production royalties, creating recurring revenue without requiring Geomega to fund plant construction. This partnership validates the technology for broader industry adoption across the global aluminum refining sector.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/geomega-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Brian Miller, Director & CEO of Astra ExplorationOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/astra-exploration-astr-gold-silver-project-drilling-commences-2262Recording date: 6th October 2025Astra Exploration has positioned itself as one of the more compelling junior exploration stories in the current precious metals bull market, combining proven high-grade mineralization, significant expansion potential, sophisticated backing, and immediate drilling catalysts at its La Manchuria gold-silver project in Argentina.The investment case rests on exceptional initial drill results that delivered 35 g/t gold with 8,300 g/t silver and over 200 g/t gold in separate intervals, all within 100 meters of surface. These results validated a reinterpreted geological model developed by head of exploration Diego Guido, who worked on the property 20 years earlier and recognized that previous operators had missed the high-grade feeder zones at depth by focusing exclusively on shallow bulk-tonnage potential. With over 20,000 meters of historical drilling providing a robust data foundation, Astra's technical team identified an opportunity that had been hiding in plain sight.The company's capital structure distinguishes it within the junior exploration space. Michael Gentile, a respected mining investor, holds approximately 17% after participating in multiple financing rounds since his initial $1 million investment in 2022. Together with management and a consortium of cornerstone investors, insiders control 75% of shares, leaving just 25% in public float. This concentration signals strong conviction from sophisticated investors who have conducted thorough due diligence, though it also creates liquidity constraints and potential for amplified volatility in both directions.Immediate catalysts emerge from the 10,000-meter dual-rig drill program launching in October 2025. One rig will systematically expand known mineralization along strike and at depth, where success should incrementally build confidence in the system's scale and continuity. The second rig will test previously unexplored regional targets, offering blue-sky discovery potential that CEO Brian Miller describes as "a game changer" capable of taking the company "to a whole new level." Initial results are expected by year-end 2025, with steady news flow through mid-2026 providing multiple re-rating opportunities.Management's capital efficiency discipline and shareholder alignment deserve emphasis. The team worked without pay for 13 months during the La Manchuria acquisition rather than dilute shareholders in a challenging market environment. This approach—prioritizing per-share value creation over aggressive growth—contrasts sharply with the capital-destructive behavior common among junior explorers and positions Astra to benefit as the exploration funding cycle develops.The macro backdrop appears increasingly favorable. Gold at record highs and silver approaching $50 per ounce generate substantial producer free cash flow that must eventually flow toward reserve replacement and exploration. While Miller acknowledges that this cycle "has been much slower to develop" than historical patterns, the direction of travel seems clear: cash-rich producers need quality exploration assets, and companies with proven teams, high-grade discoveries, and near-term catalysts should command premium valuations.Risks remain substantial. Exploration is inherently uncertain—even well-conceived programs can disappoint. The tight float could amplify downside volatility on negative news as readily as it might magnify gains on success. Commodity price corrections would impact both discovery value and strategic acquisition premiums. Investors should approach Astra as a high-conviction, high-volatility opportunity appropriate only for risk capital allocated to the exploration segment, with position sizing reflecting both the asymmetric upside potential and the meaningful probability of capital loss inherent in discovery-stage ventures.View Astra Exploration's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/astra-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Louis-Pierre Gignac, President and CEO of G Mining Ventures Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g-mining-ventures-tsxgmin-champion-iron-tsxcia-playbook-for-success-7198Recording date: 7th October 2025G Mining Ventures Corp. presents investors with one of the most compelling growth profiles in the mid-tier gold sector, combining immediate cash flow generation with a clear pathway to nearly triple production by 2028—all without shareholder dilution. The company is executing a disciplined strategy that leverages operational cash flows and non-dilutive debt financing to fund aggressive expansion during a period of historically elevated gold prices.The foundation of G Mining's investment case rests on its Tocantinzinho mine in Brazil, which generates substantial cash flow with all-in sustaining costs of $1,170 per ounce. At current gold prices above $2,600 per ounce, this creates operating margins translating to more than $250 million in annual operating cash flow before royalties and corporate costs. The mine's structural advantages—including access to cheap hydroelectric power, low strip ratios, and modern infrastructure—provide cost competitiveness and protection against inflation that many peers lack. This cash generation is funding G Mining's transformation into a multi-asset producer. The company recently announced a $350 million corporate credit facility with a $150 million accordion feature that, combined with Tocantinzinho's cash flows, fully finances development of the Oko West project in Guyana without equity raises. The 350,000 ounce per year project will bring total company production to 500,000 ounces by 2028—representing 186% growth from current levels.Oko West's development is progressing ahead of schedule, with 35% engineering completion and nearly $100 million invested by August 2025. All major equipment procurement has been completed, de-risking delivery timelines that have challenged many mining projects. The company received its full permit in September 2025 and targets first gold production in October 2027, with 700 workers currently on site ramping to 1,500+ by Q1 2026.Despite this progress, G Mining trades at a P/NAV of 0.86x—below its peer group—creating what management views as significant re-rating potential. At $3,400 gold prices, Gignac noted that Oko West alone carries a $4 billion net asset value, compared to the company's current total market capitalization of $5-6 billion. "We do expect to have that rerate process taking place in our valuation as we continue developing and advancing the project," he explained. "We go and get that valuation just by successfully executing on the project."Beyond the near-term growth to 500,000 ounces, G Mining's Gurupi project in Brazil offers additional upside. With an existing 2.6 million ounce resource that management believes can expand to 4-5 million ounces, Gurupi could support a third 200,000+ ounce per year operation. The first drilling since 2019 begins in November 2025 following the recent lifting of a historical injunction, providing near-term exploration catalysts independent of Oko West's construction timeline.For investors seeking exposure to gold with exceptional operational leverage, proven management execution, and multiple near-term catalysts, G Mining warrants serious consideration. The combination of non-dilutive growth financing, below-peer valuation, and a clear pathway to production expansion creates a compelling risk-reward profile in the current precious metals environment.View G Mining Venture's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/g-mining-venturesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Dr. Terry Christopher, President & CEO, Zonte MetalsRecording date: 7th October 2025Zonte Metals has spent seven years methodically building one of the most comprehensive datasets in Newfoundland's underexplored eastern copper terrain, and the junior explorer is now poised to test nine drill-ready targets at its Cross Hills Copper Project. Led by President and CEO Dr. Terry Christopher, a geochemist with over 30 years of industry experience and a track record of discoveries in Mexico, the company has transformed a grassroots exploration concept into an advanced iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) play spanning 14,000 hectares.The company's patient, data-driven approach reflects the complexity of IOCG systems, which require understanding redox boundaries, structural controls, and geophysical signatures to effectively target mineralization. Rather than rushing into aggressive drilling, Zonte spent its first five years integrating ground gravity surveys, magnetics, alteration mapping, structural analysis, and multiple soil geochemistry techniques. This comprehensive surface work paid off in 2023-2024 when the company achieved proof-of-concept at its K6 target—the smallest of its nine prospects—successfully intersecting copper mineralization and validating the exploration methodology."K6 was proof that we're in a fertile copper system," Christopher explained. "If we hadn't hit on K6 then that would have changed the property."The gravity anomalies across Zonte's property show dimensions comparable to major global IOCG deposits like Prominent Hill in Australia (300 million tons at 0.9% copper) and La Calenderia in Chile (700 million tons at 0.5% copper). With copper prices returning above $5 per pound and electrification driving unprecedented demand, large-scale copper discoveries in stable jurisdictions are attracting premium attention from both institutional investors and major mining companies.Newfoundland's sixth-place global ranking for mining attractiveness, combined with the project's tidewater access, hydroelectric power, and paved road infrastructure, significantly reduces development risk. As Zonte enters its drilling phase, the company is pursuing non-dilutive financing options to test multiple targets while minimizing shareholder dilution—a strategic approach that could deliver multiple value inflection points as results emerge from nine distinct prospects.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/zonte-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Mark Chalmers, President & CEO of Energy FuelsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/energy-fuels-nyseuuuu-us-critical-minerals-production-hub-7503Recording date: 8th October 2025Energy Fuels represents a uniquely positioned opportunity in the critical minerals sector, combining operational uranium production generating positive cash flow with strategic development of rare earth and heavy mineral sands assets addressing acute Western supply chain vulnerabilities. The company recently validated this strategy through a $700 million convertible bond offering completed in one week with Goldman Sachs as sole bookrunner, oversubscribed six to seven times at a remarkably low 0.75% interest rate.The investment thesis centers on several compelling factors. First, Energy Fuels operates the only conventional uranium mill in the United States with existing permits and infrastructure capable of processing radioactive monazite ore. This creates a significant competitive moat that would require competitors years and hundreds of millions of dollars to replicate. The White Mesa Mill in Utah provides operational flexibility to process either uranium (240,000 pounds per month capacity) or rare earths depending on market conditions, allowing management to optimize revenue generation dynamically.Second, the uranium business is currently cash flow positive and ramping toward two million pounds of annual production from 100% owned mines. Management projects this uranium revenue will generate sufficient cash to fund all corporate expenses plus rare earth and heavy mineral sands development without requiring ongoing equity dilution. This self-funding model distinguishes Energy Fuels from development-stage competitors who must continuously access capital markets. The White Mesa Mill restarted processing Pinyon Plain ore in early August 2025 and will run "well into next year," providing visible near-term cash generation.Third, Energy Fuels' strategic focus on monazite processing provides access to heavy rare earths—specifically dysprosium, terbium, and samarium—that MP Materials' bastnäsite deposits lack. These heavy rare earths are essential for high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense applications. Critically, heavy rare earth prices currently command premiums three to four times higher than Chinese alternatives, while neodymium-praseodymium prices have surged from $55 to $85-90 per kilogram, reflecting strong demand for non-Chinese supply.Fourth, the company has tangible near-term development opportunities rather than aspirational long-term projects. The Donald rare earths project in Australia is fully permitted, shovel-ready, with capital costs estimated at $300 million and exceptionally high grades of heavy rare earths. Phase 1 would produce approximately 7,000 tons per year of monazite. The Phase 2 expansion at White Mesa would create processing capacity comparable to Lynas. Multiple feasibility studies on Toliara (Madagascar), Donald, and White Mesa Phase 2 are expected by year-end, providing updated development economics.Fifth, partnerships demonstrate downstream integration progress. POSCO collaboration has advanced to producing sintered magnet blocks being incorporated into electric vehicles in 2025. The company has engaged former General Motors personnel to assist with metal, alloy, and magnet development, showing serious commitment to building integrated non-China supply chain capabilities.The macro context amplifies the opportunity. China controls approximately 70% of global rare earth production and nearly 90% of processing capacity, while the United States imports more than 90% of its uranium. Western governments view these dependencies as national security risks, particularly as clean energy transition, transportation electrification, and defense modernization drive unprecedented critical minerals demand.Energy Fuels offers investors operational cash generation today funding strategic positioning in materials where Western supply chain security commands significant price premiums, backed by existing infrastructure, proven execution capability, and exceptional recent market validation through favorable institutional financing.View Energy Fuels' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/energy-fuelsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
with Derek Macpherson, Executive Chairman & Sam Pelaez, President & CEO of Olive Resource CapitalRecording date: 7th September 2025Olive Resource Capital delivered exceptional returns in September 2025, posting gains of 38-39% for the month and bringing year-to-date performance to 121%. The results significantly outpaced major commodity benchmarks, with both the GDX gold ETF and COPEX copper ETF gaining 20% during the same period.Executive Chairman Derek Macpherson and President Sam Pelaez attribute the outperformance to strategic positioning ahead of what they characterize as an emerging commodity bull market. Despite allocating only half of assets to precious metals, the fund achieved returns comparable to dedicated gold investment products while maintaining broader commodity exposure.A critical market dynamic highlighted during their discussion involves the relationship between equity and commodity performance. Gold equities outperformed the underlying commodity by approximately 4x in both August and September, with stocks gaining 20% monthly while gold itself advanced 5-7%. This pattern typically signals fresh capital entering the sector from generalist investors outside traditional commodity circles.The capital raising environment supports this assessment. Over $1 billion flowed into the sector in a single week, primarily toward pre-production projects. Financings exceeding $100 million generally indicate institutional participation, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of mining development.Management believes the bull market remains in early stages—approximately the "third inning" using a baseball analogy. Key drivers include central bank buying and US dollar weakness, with gold approaching $4,000 per ounce. Notably, the market has not yet exhibited the speculative excess characteristic of late-cycle behavior.The investment strategy focuses on continuous position reassessment rather than mechanical profit-taking. Management argues that companies posting strong results may actually be cheaper on a relative basis after gains, given improved fundamentals and higher commodity prices. They cite K92 Mining as an example: purchased at $6 with an initial $15 target, the stock now trades at $18 but may still be undervalued given doubled gold prices and significantly higher sector valuations.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
In this episode, hosts Jacob and Eric dive into the challenges of the late summer stress period for deer. They explore key topics, including the declining nutritional quality of plants, the demands of antler growth, late gestation, and lactation. They also share insights on how strategic habitat management and food plots can help alleviate the summer stress period. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Interview with Ron Heeks, MD of Larvotto ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/larvotto-resources-asxlrv-advancing-high-grade-gold-antimony-project-in-nsw-australia-5758Recording date: 8th October 2025Larvotto Resources is advancing Australia's largest antimony-gold operation at Hillgrove, New South Wales, with production targeted for mid-2026 following an accelerated 8-month construction program. Managing Director Ron Heeks has structured a $150 million development leveraging inherited infrastructure acquired from administration, compressing what would typically require $300 million and multiple years into a capital-efficient restart. The project secured $100 million USD in bond financing and $60 million AUD equity, reflecting strong investor confidence in the operation's cash generation potential amid surging antimony prices.The Hillgrove development benefits from exceptional existing assets including 15 kilometers of underground development, a permitted processing plant, mains grid power, and proximity to Armidale, Australia's third most livable town. This infrastructure foundation enables a fully residential workforce, eliminating fly-in-fly-out costs while supporting local community integration. The 500,000-ton-per-annum processing facility will produce approximately 5,000 tons of antimony metal and 40,000 ounces of gold annually, translating to 140,000 gold-equivalent ounces with all-in sustaining costs of negative $2,000 per ounce at current metal prices.Antimony has emerged as the most critical strategic mineral following China's September 2024 export ban, with prices surging from $20,000 to over $60,000 per ton. The metal's defense applications in armor-piercing ammunition and night vision equipment, combined with solar panel manufacturing requirements, have created structural supply deficits that position Larvotto among fewer than five Western projects approaching near-term production. A strategic offtake agreement with Wogen Resources provides mine-gate pricing based on Rotterdam indices, transferring logistics complexity while maintaining full commodity price exposure. The conservative feasibility study economics modeled antimony at prices $20,000 below current levels, creating substantial margin upside that flows directly to cash generation given the byproduct credit accounting structure.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/larvotto-resources-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Interview with Richard Osmond, CEO of Element 29 ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/element-29-resources-tsxvecu-developing-the-next-major-copper-mine-in-peru-6293Recording date: 5th October 2025Element 29 Resources is advancing its Elida porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver project in Peru with about 14,000 meters of drilling completed and a maiden resource estimate published in 2022. The company aims to grow the initial 300 million tons resource to over 500 million tons through ongoing exploration. Recent magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical surveys have identified a hydrothermal alteration footprint exceeding six kilometers in strike length, which includes low resistivity anomalies at depth. These anomalies suggest the presence of a high-grade copper core that remains untested at around 1.5 kilometers below the surface.Element 29 has secured approximately $10 million in treasury, raised through $6.1 million in financing and $4 million from warrant exercises, to fund a 7,000-meter drill program. Drilling costs average $450-500 USD per meter. The project benefits from a five-year community access agreement and is expanding drill permits from 20 to 40 platforms ahead of Peru's 2026 election cycle. Peru's government has shown increased support for mining development after losing its position as the world's second-largest copper producer to the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Elida project displays favorable characteristics including a 4:1 strip ratio, an absence of a water table which reduces environmental liability, expectations of clean concentrate with no arsenic, and potential for transitioning from an open pit to underground mining. This transition could extend the mine life beyond the initial 15-year production timeline at 100,000 tons per day. The geological setting is defined by multiple mineralization phases within a porphyry intrusive complex, with late-stage sulfidation overprints upgrading the system and increasing grades at depth.The company's CEO, Richard Osmond, emphasizes the rarity of such discoveries today and the project's potential as a tier-one asset. The strategy focuses on resource expansion through systematic drilling and geophysical targeting, supported by Peru's improving regulatory environment and strong investment protections. Element 29 is positioning itself to deliver a de-risked copper asset that could satisfy major mining companies' requirements for large-scale, economically viable resources in world-class jurisdictions.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/element-29-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
This month we are joined by Dr. Jesse Bell, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, and Health in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the School of Natural Resources within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska's Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Following our previous episodes on nitrate issues in drinking water, Andy and Nate chat with Dr. Bell about the specific health risks associated with nitrates in drinking water. They dive into what the science tells us about adverse health outcomes, who should be concerned, and things we can do to help mitigate against these risks. Resources: UNL Water – Nitrate Water, Climate and Health Program Reducing nitrate intake and health complications from drinking private well water Dr. Jesse Bell [website, academic profile] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne] Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Critical service providers are still not receiving funding from the state, as lawmakers and Governor Josh Shapiro enter their fourth month without a state budget. These organizations warn that layoffs, service cuts and even closures are looming over their work. In Pennsylvania, a growing number of grandparents are raising grandchildren after the loss of their adult children. Now the state has set up a helpline for older residents to better help navigate custody issues, court proceedings and supportive resources. ... This summer, state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle introduced legislation to ban smartphones from K-to-12 classrooms across Pennsylvania. But a new survey shows school leaders feel mixed about a “one size fits all” approach. The 20-26 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme was unveiled late last week. "Growing a Nation" is the theme, tying into events marking America's 250th Birthday. Officials in South Heidelberg Township, Berks County will be learning more about a proposal for two warehouses totaling 1.3 million square feet. Faculty at HACC - Harrisburg Area Community College - voted Thursday to give their union leadership the authority to call a strike at any time without notice. 93 percent of the 750 HACC Education Association members representing five campuses voted yes to a strike. The University of Pennsylvania is one of nine colleges and universities the White House is asking to commit to Donald Trump's political priorities in exchange for greater access to federal funding. Pennsylvania has joined a coalition of states launching an investigation into allegations of false business practices by major tech companies. If you have a favorite trail in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wants to hear from you. Nominations are now open for the Commonwealth’s 2026 Trail of the Year. Federal funding for public media has been rescinded. Your monthly gift to WITF can help fill the gap as we navigate this new reality. Become a monthly sustaining member today at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This month we are joined by Dr. Jesse Bell, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, and Health in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the School of Natural Resources within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska's Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Following our previous episodes on nitrate issues in drinking water, Andy and Nate chat with Dr. Bell about the specific health risks associated with nitrates in drinking water. They dive into what the science tells us about adverse health outcomes, who should be concerned, and things we can do to help mitigate against these risks. Resources: UNL Water – Nitrate Water, Climate and Health Program Reducing nitrate intake and health complications from drinking private well water Dr. Jesse Bell [website, academic profile] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne] Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin
Jacob and Eric sit down with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Research Division Chief, Cory Gray and Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dr. Marcelo Jorge to discuss the results of their 5-year project evaluating the effects of CWD in Arkansas. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
In this episode, the new co-directors of the MSU Deer Lab, Drs. Jacob Dykes and Eric Michel, share their plans for the deer lab and their vision for research and outreach. They discuss hosting in-person events and the construction of the new captive deer facility and outreach building at Mississippi State University. The discussion then shifts to a pressing issue that could affect deer: New World Screwworm. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and select the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop-down menu. You will need to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)