Category: Energy

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Base Metals Emx Royalty Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals Project Generators

EMX acquires a royalty over the Mustajärvi gold discovery in Finland

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – January 30, 2024) – EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the “Company” or “EMX”) is pleased to announce the execution of a purchase agreement with Aurora Exploration OY (“Aurora”), a private Finish company, for Aurora’s royalty interest covering the Mustajärvi gold project in Finland (the “Project”). The Mustajärvi project is located in the prolific Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in northern Finland, which hosts several recent gold discoveries as well as the Kittila Gold Mine, operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. The Mustajärvi project is currently being advanced by Firefox Gold Corporation (“Firefox”).

The Mustajärvi project was originally acquired by Aurora in 2017 and subsequently sold to Firefox. Further exploration and drilling by Firefox led to the discovery of significant gold mineralization within the Project area (see various news releases by Firefox between 2018 and 2023). As part of the transaction with Firefox, Aurora retained a 1% NSR royalty, to be acquired by EMX. Half of the NSR royalty (0.5%) can be repurchased by Firefox for US$500,000 upon receipt of a positive feasibility study. Further information on the project can be found at Firefox’s website (www.firefoxgold.com) and in the Project’s 2018 NI-43-101 Technical Report, which has been filed on SEDAR.

Firefox recently announced a partnership with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, including a private placement into Firefox (see Firefox News Release dated December 20, 2023). In its announcement, Firefox reported that proceeds from the private placement will be used to further advance and drill the Mustajärvi project.

Commercial Terms Overview: As consideration for the royalty interest, EMX has paid Aurora US$80,000 and will issue 30,000 common shares of the Company to Aurora, subject to receiving final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange. These are the sole considerations for the purchase of the royalty.

Overview of the Project. The Mustajärvi project is located in Northen Finland in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt and is hosted within the Mustajärvi shear-zone (MSZ). The MSZ lies between the regional Venejoki and Sirkka shear zones, which host numerous gold occurrences and deposits including Rupert Resources’ recent Ikkari gold discovery.

Gold mineralization at Mustajärvi appears to be developed within “dilational jogs” along the MSZ. Drill defined zones of mineralization have now been reported over a 2.1km trend. The mineralization chiefly occurs as quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veins along contacts between intercalated siliciclastic meta-sediments and mafic-ultramafic volcanic rocks, a common control of gold mineralization in the region. The currently defined zones of mineralization remain open along strike at both ends of the trend as well as at depth.

Recent exploration activities concentrated on the “East Target”, where Firefox reported the discovery of a new zone of gold mineralization in 2022-2023. Drill intercepts in the East Target include hole 22MJ006 with 13.85 meters of 28.74 g/t Au from an in-hole depth of 24.15 meters, 22MJ021 with 15.5 meters of 13.09g/t Au from an in-hole depth of 11 meters and hole 23MJ004 with 20.45 meters of 5.14 g/t Au from an in-hole depth of 12 meters1. Elsewhere on the property, significant intercepts include drill hole 21MJ010 with 16.45 meters at 7.69 g/t Au from an in-hole depth of 154.15 meters1. Firefox and previous explorers have drilled a combined total of 14,158 meters on the property so far.

Comments on Nearby and Adjacent Properties. The deposits, projects and mines discussed in this news release provide context for the Project, which occurs in a similar geologic setting, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Project hosts similar quantities, grades or styles of mineralization.

Dr. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release.

About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company that specializes in generating and acquiring royalty interests. EMX’s investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “EMX”, and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol “6E9”. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.

For further information contact:

David M. Cole
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (303) 973-8585
Dave@emxroyalty.com

Scott Close
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: (303) 973-8585
SClose@emxroyalty.com

Isabel Belger
Investor Relations (Europe)
Phone: +49 178 4909039
IBelger@EMXroyalty.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “forward looking statements” that reflect the Company’s current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company’s future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company’s MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (the “MD&A”), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov



Figure 1. Location of the Project

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1 In its news releases dated September 9, 2021, September 6, 2022, January 18, 2023 and July 18, 2023 Firefox has reported that “drilling is believed to be perpendicular to the dip of the mineralization, however true widths are not yet known and will be confirmed with additional drilling and geologic modelling.” Although these results were reported in compliance with NI43-101 protocols and are believed to be reliable and relevant, EMX has not performed sufficient work to verify the published assay results.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/196134

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Visualizing All the Nuclear Waste in the World

Visualizing All the Nuclear Waste in the World

Originally posted on the Decarbonization Channel. Subscribe to the free mailing list to be the first to receive decarbonization-related visualizations, with a focus on the U.S. power sector.

Nuclear power is among the safest and cleanest sources of electricity, making it a critical part of the clean energy transition.

However, nuclear waste, an inevitable byproduct, is often misunderstood.

In collaboration with the National Public Utilities Council, this graphic shows the volume of all existing nuclear waste, categorized by its level of hazardousness and disposal requirements, based on data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Storage and Disposal

Nuclear provides about 10% of global electricity generation.

Nuclear waste, produced as a result of this, can be divided into four different types:

  • Very low-level waste: Waste suitable for near-surface landfills, requiring lower containment and isolation.
  • Low-level waste: Waste needing robust containment for up to a few hundred years, suitable for disposal in engineered near-surface facilities.
  • Intermediate-level waste: Waste that requires a greater degree of containment and isolation than that provided by near-surface disposal.
  • High-level waste: Waste is disposed of in deep, stable geological formations, typically several hundred meters below the surface.

Despite safety concerns, high-level radioactive waste constitutes less than 0.25% of total radioactive waste reported to the IAEA.

Waste ClassDisposed (cubic meters)Stored (cubic meters)Total (cubic meters)
Very low-level waste758,802313,8821,072,684
Low-level waste1,825,558204,8582,030,416
Intermediate level waste671,097201,893872,990
High-level waste3,9605,3239,283

Stored and disposed radioactive waste reported to the IAEA under the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Data is from the last reporting year which varies by reporting country, 2019-2023.

The amount of waste produced by the nuclear power industry is small compared to other industrial activities.

While flammable liquids comprise 82% of the hazardous materials shipped annually in the U.S., radioactive waste accounts for only 0.01%.

Original Source: https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-all-the-nuclear-waste-in-the-world/

Categories
Base Metals Energy Precious Metals

Silver Bullet Receives MSHA Approval

Burlington, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – January 23, 2024) – Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) (‘SBMI’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to announce as part of its ongoing transformation to a silver producing company, it has submitted and received approval for its mine training program from the Mine Safety and Health Association (“MSHA”), part of the United States Department of Labor. This MSHA approval covers the training program for both SBMI’s underground and surface operations. The approval process included three onsite inspections by MSHA and the completion by SBMI of a detailed safety operations program.

The field team in Arizona is currently attending the annual training program which will be completed this week, following which the field team intends to address any outstanding safety-related items, develop the silver higher-grade Zone1, and commence commercial operations.

For further information, please contact:

John Carter
Silver Bullet Mines Corp., CEO
cartera@sympatico.ca
+1 (905) 302-3843

Peter M. Clausi
Silver Bullet Mines Corp., VP Capital Markets
pclausi@brantcapital.ca
+1 (416) 890-1232

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management’s current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global virus; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the production and processing of ore; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI’s properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; fires, floods and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/195306

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Grizzly Closes Private Placement

Edmonton, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – January 22, 2024) – Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) (“Grizzly” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that, on January 19, 2024, it closed on a private placement (the “Offering”) by the issuance of 2,975,500 Units (as defined below) at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of $148,775.

Under the terms of the Offering, each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company (“Common Share”) and one half of one warrant (“Warrant”). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.07 per Common Share and shall expire on the earlier of: (a) 30 days following written notice by the Issuer to the Subscriber that the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is at or greater than CA$0.10 per Common Share for 10 consecutive trading days; and (b) January 19, 2026.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Units for general working capital.

The Common Shares and any Common Shares issued on exercise of the Warrants are subject to restrictions on trading until May 20, 2024 in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Following closing of the Offering, the Company has 152,669,619 Common Shares issued and outstanding. The Offering is subject to Final Acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC.

Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 72,700 ha (approximately 180,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by a highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage.

On behalf of the Board,
GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC.
Brian Testo, CEO, President

Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4

For further information, please visit our website at www.grizzlydiscoveries.com or contact:

Nancy Massicotte
Corporate Development
Tel: 604-507-3377
Email: nancy@grizzlydiscoveries.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/195112

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Grizzly Reports the First Sample Results for the Newly Acquired Ground in the Beaverdell Area of the Greenwood, BC Precious and Battery Metals Project

Edmonton, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – January 17, 2024) – Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) (“Grizzly” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the first assay results for rock and soil samples collected from the newly acquired and staked mineral claims in the Beaverdell area of the Greenwood District. These are the first results from an initial exploration program conducted in the South Beaverdell target area within the Greenwood Precious and Battery Metals Project. In addition, results will also be forthcoming from additional prospecting and sampling in the Greenwood area and from recent work conducted at the Robocop Property following up on copper-cobalt anomalous soils identified in work over the last two years.

Highlights:

  • A total of 49 rock grab samples were collected from mostly outcrop and some mineralized dump material across the South Beaverdell claims acquired in early 2023 (Figures 1 & 2).
  • Additional staking has been conducted to expand and firm up the land position in the area.
  • Rock grab samples from showings and mineralized dumps in the Gold Drop portion of the claim area returned 4 samples with >42.8 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) (1.25 ounces per ton [opt] up to 97 g/t (2.83 opt) Ag.
  • The high Ag values are often accompanied by high lead and zinc in the 0.1 – 2% range. The high values are associated with gossanous sulphide material in quartz veins and breccia in a shear zone in granodiorite in contact with a diorite or felsic porphyry dike (Figures 3 & 4).
  • A few 2023 samples from the Gold Drop claim returned weakly anomalous gold values. A single sample from a road cut to the south yielded 0.624 g/t (0.018 opt) Au (Figures 1 and 2). Historical exploration has yielded a number of high silver and gold values from selective grab samples and some chip samples from the Gold Drop underground workings including up to 51.4 g/t (1.5 opt) Au and 377.1 g/t (11.0 opt) Ag (Minfile 082ESW041).
  • A total of 329 soil samples were collected during 2023 at and surrounding the Gold Drop showing. A number of soil samples returned anomalous Ag, Au and Zn results (Figures 1, 2 and 5). A total of 25 samples yielded from 20 up to 348 parts per billion (ppb) Au with three samples yielding >200 ppb Au (Figure 5).

Brian Testo, President and CEO of Grizzly Discoveries, stated “We are excited with the new results to date from the new Beaverdell mineral claims and we are planning follow-up exploration including extensive soil and rock sampling programs along with ground geophysical surveys. Much of the newly acquired ground has seen little exploration and evaluation since the 1980’s. We also are looking forward to pursuing a number of high grade gold – silver – copper showings and historical mines with drilling in 2024 along with additional exploration for significant battery metal prospects in our current 165,000+ acre land holdings in the Greenwood District. We have barely scratched the surface in terms of exploration!“

Figure 1: Initial 2023 Ag results rock & soil sampling – South Beaverdell Area, Greenwood Project.



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Figure 2: Historical – 2023 Ag results rock & soil sampling – South Beaverdell Area, Greenwood Project.



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Figure 3. Sulphide (galena & sphalerite) mineralization from vein outcrop Gold Drop Claim.



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Figure 4. Main adit with quartz vein and sulphides at the Gold Drop Claim.



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Figure 5: Historical – 2023 Au results rock & soil sampling – South Beaverdell Area, Greenwood Project



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Summary of 2023 Exploration at Greenwood:

An extensive rock and soil sampling program along with new geological mapping during 2023 has been completed in preparation for drilling at a number of locations in the Greenwood Area. Additional results should be forthcoming over the next month and will be presented in additional news releases.

Quality Assurance and Control

Rock and soil samples were analyzed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic emission spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+10 g/t Au). Rock grab and rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

The sampling program was undertaken by Company personnel under the direction of Michael B. Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples.

The technical content of this news release and the Company’s technical disclosure has been reviewed and approved by Michael B. Dufresne, M. Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC.

Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 72,700 ha (approximately 180,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage.

On behalf of the Board,

GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC.
Brian Testo, CEO, President

Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4

For further information, please visit our website at www.grizzlydiscoveries.com or contact:

Nancy Massicotte
Corporate Development
Tel: 604-507-3377
Email: nancy@grizzlydiscoveries.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution concerning forward-looking information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Grizzly in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Grizzly’s actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon.

Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Grizzly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194608

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining

Granite Creek Copper Receives Final Metallurgical Results Demonstrating 88% Oxide Copper Recovery

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2024 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) (“Granite Creek” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce significantly increased recovery of copper from oxide material at its Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project (“Carmacks Project” or the “Project“) was achieved through metallurgical studies conducted by Kemetco Research Inc. from (“Kemetco“).

The Company’s 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (“2023 PEA”) for the Project identified the opportunity to significantly increase net present value (“NPV”) by improving oxide recovery. Metallurgical testing completed on the project in support of the 2023 PEA showed that while a copper recovery of over 93% could be achieved via a well-established froth flotation technique for sulphide ore, only 39.8% copper recovery from oxide ore was achieved using the same process (see Table 1 for summary of flotation results). The current test results show a total recovery of 88% for oxide material is possible, an increase of 48% over the PEA base case (Tables 1 and 2). These results will have a significant impact on the economics for the project as the PEA identified an additional $180 M of NPV5% value by increasing life of mine average recovery for copper from 64% to 77%. With sulfide recoveries of 93.7% identified in the PEA and combined oxide recoveries (initial flotation + leaching and precipitate) of 88% the potential recoveries for copper are well above the 77% target level highlighted in the 2023 PEA.

The current mine plan as outlined in the 2023 PEA contemplates processing material with a high oxide content of up to 80% oxide ore in the first five years of the mine life. During this time over 8.4 million tonnes of oxide material would be processed versus 2.88 million tonnes of sulphide material. An increase in recovery of oxide material for the first five years of mine life, as demonstrated in these test results, would have a potentially very significant impact on project economics.

Kemetco Research Inc. was retained to complete testing on tailings produced in previous metallurgical work to develop a process for treating material that will have passed through the mill and still have significant oxide copper minerals present (See Figure 1 for simplified flow sheet). This laboratory test program showcased the efficacy of copper recovery from Carmacks copper oxide flotation tailings through a low-concentration acid leach at ambient temperature and pressure followed by chemical precipitation of copper minerals. The precipitation of copper sulphide (“CuS”) from the resulting leachate was shown to be an effective method of fully recovering the leached copper from solution, yielding a very high-grade CuS precipitate that would be added to the copper concentrate further increasing the copper grade of the high-quality concentrates from the project. For reference the PEA estimated an average concentrate grade of 40% copper with significant gold and silver credits.

Figure 1: Simplified Flow Sheet

Results of this testing are outlined below:

  • Acid leaching was able to extract as much as 80% of the remnant copper present in a composite prepared from Carmacks copper oxide flotation tailings.
  • Copper in precipitates varied, but in most tests approached the theoretical grade of pure CuS which grades 66.5% Cu. High grades were obtained without pH adjustment.
  • This testing shows a total copper recovery from oxide material of 88% with Initial Flotation recovery of 39.8% + Leach and Precipitate recovery of 48% (80% of the remnant copper).
  • Adding Sodium hydrosulphide (“NaHS”) solution resulted in up to 100% precipitation of copper from leach solutions, offering a promising avenue for further refinement. Hydrogen sulphide gas was equally effective as a sulphide source for copper precipitation.
  • In all tests, the precipitation of CuS resulted in a drop in pH as free acid was regenerated as a by-product of the precipitation reaction, creating the potential to reuse/recycle the regenerated acid.

Table 1 Summary of flotation testing results and average values used in PEA.

Recovery %
SampleCuAuAg
Sulphide Sample Flotation193.769.078.4
Oxide Sample Flotation239.857.537.4
Total Oxide Recovery (Initial Flotation + Leach and Precipitate)88.0N/AN/A
PEA LOM Base Case364.05860
PEA Target Case4> 775860
  1. Sulphide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA study see news release dated January 10, 2023.
  2. Oxide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA study see news release dated January 10, 2023.
  3. Calculated LOM average recovery based on a regression curve dependant on oxide content.
  4. Projected PEA target based on achieving a 20% increase in oxide recovery LOM.

Table 2 2023 – PEA Copper Recovery Sensitivity Table

Copper Recovery SensitivityPEA BASETarget1
Pre-Tax NPV (5-10% Discount)Overall recovery51%58%64%70%77%
Sensitivity Range80%90%100%110%120%
5%$136.6M$231.3M$324.1M$416.6M$509.6M
6%$122.2M$209.4M$269.6M$383.8M$471.0M
7%$107.3M$189.4M$271.5M$353.6M$453.6M
8%$93.8M$171.1M$248.4M$325.8M$403.1M
9%$81.4M$154.3M$227.3M$300.2M$373.2M
10%$70.1M$139.0M$207.8M$276.7M$345.6M
  1. Based on a recovery of 93.7% for sulphide and 88% for oxide this would exceed the PEA LOM 77% target

About the Carmacks Deposit:

The road accessible Carmacks deposits hosts a NI 43-101 resource consisting of 36.2 Mt M&I, grading 1.07% CuEq 0.81% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au, 3.41 g/t Ag (see news release January 19, 2023). The deposit was the subject of a positive PEA released in January 2023 that envision a 9-year mine life based on a mill capable of processing 7,000 t/d of combined oxide and sulfide ore. The resources are contained within three conceptual open pits and are open for expansion.

Contained Copper in Measured and Indicated Resources

147 Pit 280 Mlbs copper in oxide
126 Mlbs copper in sulfide

2000 Pit 10.5 Mlbs copper in oxide
51.3 Mlbs copper in sulfide

1213 Pit 35.4 Mlbs copper in oxide
122.3 Mlbs copper in sulfide

Tim Johnson, President & CEO stated, “The 2023 PEA, a major milestone for the Company, identified several opportunities for the Project including increased recovery, resource expansion and additional mine and process optimisation. The unlocking of additional value through the improved oxide recovery that this testing represents, especially in the early years of mine life, has the potential to add significantly to the NPV of the project. These results could allow for re-evaluation of resources that didn’t make it into the mine plan due to lower grades or assumed recoveries. The process being developed by the company also has the possibility of being used in other parts of the Minto Copper belt where oxidized or partially oxidized (POX) copper ores have not been processed by other operators.”

Corporate Update

Granite Creek announces the appointment of Susan Henderson as Corporate Secretary. In this role, Ms. Henderson will play a crucial role in overseeing and managing corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and serving as a key liaison between the company and its stakeholders. She brings her extensive experience in the mining industry, making her well-suited to contribute to Granite Creek’s continued success. The board and executive team are confident in her ability to navigate the complex landscape of corporate governance and provide valuable insights.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Douglas Warkentin, P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure related to metallurgical testing contained in this news release. Mr. Warkentin is a Senior Metallurgist with Kemetco Research and an advisor to the Company.

The NI 43-101 technical report entitled CARMACKS PROJECT PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESMENT (PEA) YUKON, CANADA, referenced in this news release is available on the company’s website as well as on SEDAR under the company’s profile.

2023 PEA: The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.

About Granite Creek Copper

Granite Creek Copper, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America. The Company’s projects consist of its flagship 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada’s Yukon Territory on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and the advanced stage LS molybdenum project and the Star copper-nickel-PGM project, both located in central British Columbia. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.gcxcopper.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Timothy Johnson, President & CEO
Telephone: 1 (604) 235-1982
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494
E-mail: info@gcxcopper.com
Website: www.gcxcopper.com
Metallic Group: www.metallicgroup.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd.



View the original press release on accesswire.com

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Terra Balcanica Drills 499 g/T AgGEq Over 3.8 m at Cumavici Ridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Closes Private Placement Financing

Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.
Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. (“Terra” or the “Company”) (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1) is pleased to announce additional assay results from the 2023 Phase II drill campaign confirming continuation of the high-grade Cumavici Ridge polymetallic mineralization within its flagship Viogor-Zanik project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Company further announces closing of the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing (the “Offering”) of shares (the ”Shares”) for total gross proceeds of $212,200.

Highlights

  • Drillhole CMV23002b intersected 499 g/t AgEq over 3.8 m from 22 m downhole with a further mineralized interval of 227 g/t AgEq over 2.0 m from 31 m (Table 1);
  • Drillhole collar for CMV23002b is located 39 m northeast of previously reported CMV23003 and 004 and 38 m SE of 2022 drillhole CMVDD001 which returned:
    • CMVDD001 – 824 g/t AgEq over 4 m (see company news release dated 8th September, 2022);
    • CMV23003 – 457 g/t AgEq over 4.15 m;
    • CMV23004 – 1168 g/t AgEq over 1.35 m;
  • The mineralization remains open immediately northwest and down-dip to the southwest;

Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Mišković, comments: “We are delighted to continue reporting impressive silver grades from the central Cumavici Ridge system. This polymetallic, near-surface target keeps on delivering and is open along strike and down-dip. Cumavici Ridge is only one of five target zones along the 7.2 km NW-SE trending fault-hosted system that remains to be drilled, thus offering upside to advance a deposit immediately adjacent to the existing Sase Pb-Zn-Ag mine with infrastructure including mining and processing facilities. We are excited to continue advancing Viogor-Zanik’s full potential as a unique critical raw minerals land package right at Europe’s doorsteps. Additional assay results will continue to be released very shortly.”

Hole IDFrom (m)To (m)Length (m)Ag (g/t)Au
(g/t)		Pb
(%)		Sb
(%)		Zn
(%)		AgEq (g/t)
CMV23002b22.0025.803.801250.702.720.485.53499
CMV23002b31.0033.002.001660.570.110.120.21227

Table 1. Assay results from drillhole CMV23002b of the Phase II drilling campaign. Interval lengths reported are drilled lengths, not true widths. Silver equivalents (“AgEq”) are based on assumed metal prices of US$1,980/oz for gold (Au), US$23/oz for silver (Ag), US$1.15/lb for zinc (Zn), US$5.42/lb for antimony (Sb) and US$1.00/lb for lead (Pb). Assumed metal recoveries of 90% Au, 93% Ag, 95% Sb, 94% Pb and Zn are based on published metallurgical tests on analogous intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein deposits.

Figure 1. Geological map illustrating the drillholes at the Cumavici Ridge locality. AgEq values are labelled for selected 2022 and 2023 drill intercepts (See Company’s new releases dated 13 November 2023, 27 February 2023). Current drilling efforts confirm mineralization over 82 m NW/SE strike length. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N (click here to view image).

Hole IDEastingNorthingElevation (m)DipAzimuthDepth (m)Recovery (%)
CMV23002b360224.64888498.1594.58-5005056.299

Table 2. Collar locations for reported Phase II drillhole. Coordinates and elevation were taken by local consultant surveyors using a differential GPS unit. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N).

Future Exploration Program
Further drilling efforts at Cumavici Ridge will aim to connect the shallow high-grade interval reported in this release to the 531 g/t AgEq over 0.75 m and 355 g/t AgEq over 1.10 m reported over 600 m to the northwest (see Company news release dated 5th November 2023). The system remains untested and open to the southwest down-dip which will also be targeted in 2024 drilling.

Figure 2. Drillhole section through step out drill fence located 42 m SE of the 2022 discovery holes at Cumavici Ridge. Assay interval reported for CMV23002b (click here to view image).

QAQC
Half core (PQ3 and HQ3) samples were delivered by truck to ALS Bor, Serbia for sample preparation and analysis at the ALS laboratory Loughrea, Ireland an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. Sample preparation PREP-31BY method was used on all core samples. This involves crushing to 70% less than 2 mm, rotary split 1kg and pulverizing the split to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold was assayed by 30g fire assay with ICP-AES finish (Au-ICP21). Analyses of silver and base metals were completed by highly oxidising digestion with HNO3, KClO3 and HBr (ASY-ORE) and the final solution in dilute aqua regia is determined by ICP-AES (ME-ICPORE). Control samples, comprising certified reference materials (CDN-ME-1811), quarter core field duplicates and blanks were inserted at a rate of 9% and investigated as part of the company’s quality assurance and quality control program.

Final Tranche of Private Placement Financing Closed
The Company issued an additional aggregate of 1,200,000 Shares at a price of $0.04 per Share for gross proceeds of $48,000 pursuant to the Offering announced on December 1st, 2023.

In total, the Company has issued 5,305,000 Shares at a price of $0.04 for gross proceeds of $212,200. Terra will use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital and to finance the acquisition of a strategic mineral exploration licence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued and issuable in connection with the closing of the final tranche of the Private Placement will be subject to a four (4) month hold period ending May 17th, 2024. There were no finders’ fees paid in any of the tranches of the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any U.S. person or any person in the United States, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. “United States” and “U.S. Person” are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

Qualified Person
Dr. Aleksandar Mišković, P.Geo, is the Company’s designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release as accurate.

About the Company
Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 100% of the Kaludra and Ceovishte mineral exploration licences in southern Serbia. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terra Balcanica Resources Corp.
“Aleksandar Mišković”

Aleksandar Mišković
President and CEO

For further information, please contact Alex Mišković at amiskovic@terrabresources.com, or visit our website at www.terrabresources.com.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively “forward-looking statements”). The use of any of the words “will”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Categories
Base Metals Energy Exclusive Interviews Junior Mining Precious Metals

Goldshore Resources – Canada’s Next Tier 1 Gold Asset

Must watch interview with a serial wealth builder sharing his valuable insights into the gold exploration stocks and how you may profit. Learn how to appraise gold exploration and mining companies.
Joining us for a conversation is Brett Richards of Goldshore Resources, which is on a journey to become Canada’s next Tier 1 Gold Asset. In this interview will cover a number of fundamental aspects about speculation in the gold exploration companies, 5 key criteria that all speculators should know before buy a resource stock. We will cover the cost basis for gold 43-101 Mineral Resource categories for inferred, indicated, measured resources, along with proven, and probable reserves.

After a comprehensive review of the aforementioned we discuss the unique investment proposition for Goldshore Resources, which hosts the 6,000,000 Oz. (Inferred) Moss Lake Gold Project, along with catalyst for 2024.

Timestamp:
:17 Gold price and disconnect with gold mining and gold exploration stocks
4:30 Have we reached capitulation
5:25 5 Key Criteria for Natural Resource Speculators
9:28 Gold Grades and Cost Per Oz. for Inferred, Indicated, Measured, Proven and Probable
11:26 Investment Proposition for GoldShore Resources
13:12 Let’s go on-site
19:17 Updated MRE
21:13 Summary:
23:17 Next Unanswered Question
27:14 Capital Structure
28:55 Stock took a hit
30:40 Why you don’t sell because the stock price drops
31:47 What keeps you up at night
33:40 What did I forget to ask

Goldshore Resources – (TSX.V: GSHR | OTCQB: GSHRF)
CEO: Brett Richards
Website: https://goldshoreresources.com/
3D Deck: https://goldshoreresources.com/investors/#corporate-presentation

About Goldshore Resources:

Goldshore is an emerging junior gold development company, and owns the Moss Gold Project located in Ontario. Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. is currently a large shareholder of Goldshore. Supported by an industry-leading management group, board of directors and advisory board, Goldshore is positioned to advance the Moss Gold Project through the next stages of exploration and development.

Join us Saturday Jan. 20th @ 4PM EST: http://bit.ly/3S0lqwS

Categories
Base Metals Energy Junior Mining Precious Metals

Gold Mining Stocks, A Clear and Compelling Investment Case

Original Source: https://sprott.com/media/6899/sprott-gold-equities-strategy-q4-2023-commentary.pdf

We offer herein an investment rationale for gold mining equities that rests primarily on investment fundamentals particular to the mining sector. Speculation on the future course of the gold price takes a back seat. A tailwind from higher metal prices would, of course, be helpful but in our view would only add heft to an already powerful investment case.

1. Extreme Undervaluation

Gold mining stock valuations are the lowest in 25 years. The spread between the gold price and the discount implied to spot based on the market price of the equities is a massive $700+ per ounce. In other words, cash flow from a gold price 65% of the current spot price would return the entire market value of the group based on existing reserves. BMO calculates an average return on capital of 14.4% for mid-capitalization producers and 25.8% for small-cap producers in a semi-liquidation scenario (see Figure A2). We believe investment returns would be substantially greater in a full liquidation scenario, which would assume the elimination of all discretionary capital spending. In essence, the theoretical returns from taking many of the mid- and small-cap producers private would be compelling from the perspective of a corporate raider. The “corporate raider” perspective is of course only a notional concept to illustrate the extreme undervaluation of the sector. The risk typically associated with extreme undervaluation is the amount of time required for the investment thesis to prove out, not loss of capital.

Figure A1. Gold Price Discounted by the Market @ 0% Discount Rate

Source: BMO Capital Markets. Data as of 12/31/2023. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Figure A2. Return on Capital for Gold Miners

2. Divergence from Gold Price

The average annual gold price has increased over 20% since 2011. The gold price is the single most important fundamental driver of earnings and returns on capital. However, gold stocks have declined over 40% (based on GDX1) since 2011. We have enumerated several reasons for this 60% performance divergence in an earlier commentary, Gold vs. Gold Stocks, An Unresolved Incongruity. In our view, those factors have been excessively discounted. In our opinion, there is near-term potential for a substantial mean reversion trade even assuming no further rise in the gold price.

Figure B. Gold Mining Equities vs. Average Gold Price2

Source: BMO Capital Markets. Data as of 12/31/2023. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

3. 2024 Profitability Set for Sharp Improvement

Profit margins will improve even in a flat gold price environment. Inflation has started to cool off thanks to the Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) tight money campaign. More importantly, this capital-intensive industry has made significant advances in productivity that will drive margin expansion. BMO Research forecasts a decline in production costs (All In Sustaining Costs or AISC) of 14%, 11% and 25% for large-, mid- and small-cap producers, respectively. These projections are based on BMO’s “bottoms up” analysis of each company’s 2024 outlook. The improvement can be explained by general cost deflation, across-the-board productivity advances and, for smaller producers, the normal post-start-up improvement in recently completed mine construction.

Figure C. Gold Miners: All In Sustaining Costs Estimates

Source: BMO Capital Markets, Bloomberg, FactSet. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

4. Chronic Underinvestment Sets Up Potential Demand/Supply Squeeze

According to Bloomberg, the reserve life of the top 10 miners has declined 33% in the last 10 years. As noted in #1 above, the gold mining industry is in a quasi-liquidation mode.

Figure D. Gold Reserves by the Top 10 Miners

Source: Bloomberg. Data as of 12/31/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

5. Understatement of Book Value

According to anecdotal inputs from industry management, the replacement cost of existing capacity is substantially above (50% or more) stated book value. That observation suggests a consistent metal price range of $2,500 to $3,000 would be necessary to sustain the current annual mine production of 3,500 metric tonnes. The response of production to higher gold prices has been non-existent, with little rise since 2018.

Figure E. Annual Gold Mine Production Has Been Relatively Flat

Source: World Gold Council. Data as of 12/31/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

6. Classic Contrarian Setup

Gold mining equities represent a classic contrarian setup, especially if gold prices continue their steady historic rate of increase. GDX (passive) and active managers have experienced minimal inflows in recent years. In fact, GDX has seen outflows of nearly 17% over the past five years. Peak assets under management for GDX were $18.4 billion in 2020, versus $13 billion at the end of 2023. The market cap of the entire gold mining sector is ~$300 billion, less than the market caps of individual companies like The Home Depot, Costco and Mastercard.

7. Fed Pivots Precede Outsized Performance

Every Fed pivot has been followed by outsized gains in gold mining equities. GDX gains:

  • Period 5/00-1/08: 400%
  • Period 1/16-8/16: 238%
  • Period 3/20-7/20: 208%

The current Fed pivot, telegraphed at the December Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, appears related to pressure from U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen (and the Biden administration) due to election-year politics. In a December 12, 2023, interview, just ahead of the December FOMC meeting, Treasury Secretary Yellen stated, “Of course, as inflation comes down, other things equal, real interest rates tend to rise, which causes a tightening of monetary policy in a sense. So that’s one factor that could weigh in a decision that the Fed makes about the path of interest rates.” 

A subtle hint, to be sure, but there is no doubt that the administration views current Fed policy as too restrictive. Could the subsequent Fed pivot amount to a premature declaration of victory over inflation?  We must wait and see, but wage settlements, a major component of manufacturing costs, have been rising at an accelerating rate, as shown in Figure F.

Figure F.

Source: Bloomberg Law labor. Data as of Q1 2023. Note: Starting with Q1 2016, averages are based on each contract’s ratification date. Prior to 2016, averages are based on the date each contract was added to Bloomberg Law’s database. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Productivity gains notwithstanding, it is not a stretch to suggest that another Fed policy mistake may be in the cards.

8. New Geopolitical Landscape Favors Gold

The emerging geopolitical landscape favors gold and outweighs the traditional inverse relationship of gold to restrictive central bank monetary policy. Central bank buying of gold bullion increased 14% through Q3 2023 versus 2022 and easily exceeded the record level established the previous year. Importantly, official purchases are not sensitive to market prices. Such purchases are integral to a strategy recently formulated by the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) trading block to recycle trade surpluses through channels other than U.S. Treasuries, which have lost luster as safe, neutral assets. Even though the realignment of geopolitical forces that has become obvious in recent months has been gestating for several years, the actions taken to reduce U.S. dollar exposure are, in our opinion, in their infancy. In December, JPMorgan Chase estimated that 20% of oil is now traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. (Luke Gromen, 1/5/2024 Ten Interesting Things We Have Read Recently.)

Figure G. Gold Buying by Central Banks Has Reached All-Time High

Source: State Street Global Advisors, Metals Focus, Refinitiv GFMA, World Gold Council. Data as of 12/31/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

9. Western Investment Absent from Gold Ascent to Record High

Under 1% of all global AUM is allocated to gold versus 8% at the peak in 1980. Is it not somewhat astonishing that gold is managing to trade at record highs with virtually no participation from Western investors? These same investors helped drive gold to its previous record high in 2011 of $1,921 per ounce by piling into SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD)3 and other fledgling gold-backed ETFs whose AUMs grew from infancy in (2004) to over 2,500 tonnes at the peak in 2012. In our view, a gold rush proportional to 2008-2011 could easily double the gold price from current levels. What might drive allocation, as reflected in Figure H, to 2% or even 3%? The 8% of 1980 might be a stretch as there was no Bitcoin, little private equity, AI or other exotic options for portfolio “diversifiers”  in those ancient days. However, it doesn’t take much to imagine that these overcrowded trades (the opposite of gold) could become discredited and/or played out, somewhat similar to the dot-com bust of 2000.

Figure H. Gold’s % Share of Global Equity and Bond Securities

Source: BIS, ICE Benchmark Administration, Metals Focus, Refinitiv GFMS, World Bank, World Federation of Exchanges, World Gold Council. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

10. Catalyst = Higher Gold Prices

Value trades can drag on endlessly without a spark. What is the catalyst to ignite performance in gold mining equities? The simple answer is the continuation of the rising trend of gold prices. The chart below instructs that gold has soundly outpaced the S&P 5004 over the past 25 years, excluding income, and more than kept pace with income included. The gold price is not in nosebleed territory. One must simply expect the 25-year trend to continue for gold stocks to combust spontaneously. The simple explanation for the trend is the long-term devaluation of the US dollar against physical assets.

Figure Ia. Gold vs. S&P 500 for 25 Years Ended 12/31/2023

Cumulative Returns

  • Gold Bullion                                                                                     617%
  • S&P 500 Index                                                                                 288%
  • S&P 500 Total Return Index (Dividends Reinvested)                             518%

Source: Bloomberg. Data as of 12/31/2023. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The optically flashy $2,035 per ounce gold price of yesterday’s closing, is well below the peaks set in 2011 and 1980 on an inflation-adjusted basis. 

Figure Ib. Inflation Adjusted Gold Price, Adjusted to Today’s Dollar

Source: GuruFocus. Data as of 12/31/2023. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Taking only the past decade into account, most would agree that the macroeconomic landscape for the U.S. dollar, the principal competitor for gold, is materially worse. Our view that the metal would be more properly priced in the range of $2,500-$3,000 does not seem farfetched.

Our expectation of further upside for gold and related mining stocks is corroborated by technical analysis:

Figures J.

Source: Worth Charting. Data as of 12/31/2022. Included for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

11. M&A Activity Set to Accelerate

The present-day investment case for gold stocks echoes that for quality industrial stocks of the late 1970s. In essence: solid, cash flow generating companies that in many instances could be worth more in liquidation than as going concerns. Corporate raiders acquired investment stakes to pressure management to “surface” values for the benefit of long-suffering shareholders. We do not think this highly specialized sector will attract corporate raiders.  However, we do think impatient shareholders could welcome predatory M&A (mergers and acquisitions). A perfect example is the recently announced takeover of Marathon Gold by Calibre Mining. The related information circular states that as many as 20 counterparties expressed potential interest in acquiring Marathon. We believe that many of the rejected suitors are likely to be actively considering other takeover targets. On this note, we saw yet another opportunistic acquisition of Osino Resources by Dundee Precious Metals near the end of 2023.

The Investment Case: Clear and Compelling

In our opinion, the investment case for gold mining equities is clear and compelling. It is based on considerations of value and circumstances. The unknown element is the requisite patience before investors discover the attraction. In our view, that uncertainty is easily outweighed by the asymmetric proposition of minimal downside offset by outsized upside potential.

1VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) tracks the overall performance of companies involved in the gold mining industry.
2Gold bullion is measured by the Bloomberg GOLDS Comdty Spot Price.
3The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) tracks the price of gold bullion in the over-the-counter (OTC) market.
4The S&P 500 or Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

Important Disclosure

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index. Investments, commentary and statements are unique and may not be reflective of investments and commentary in other strategies managed by Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc., Sprott Asset Management LP, Sprott Inc., or any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may vary widely from opinions of other Sprott affiliated Portfolio Managers or investment professionals. 

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The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation to anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. 

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