Newcore Gold (TSXV:NCAU) - Ghana Project Shows 92% IRR & Expands Drilling

Mar 16, 2025

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Interview with Luke Alexander, President & CEO of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/newcore-gold-tsxvnew-advancing-enchi-a-gold-developer-to-watch-4714

Recording date: 11th March 2025

Newcore Gold is rapidly developing its flagship Enchi gold project in Ghana, establishing itself as one of the country's most advanced greenfield gold projects. The company recently strengthened its financial position through an oversubscribed financing round that raised $15 million—exceeding the initial $12 million target—with 90% backed by institutional investors. This funding, combined with existing cash reserves and in-the-money warrants, gives Newcore over $20 million to advance its ambitious plans.

The Enchi project demonstrates compelling economics per its 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), showing an after-tax NPV of $630 million, a remarkable 92% IRR, and a swift 1.1-year payback period at a $2,350 gold price. Currently trading at approximately 0.1 times its NPV, the company presents significant upside potential as it progresses toward a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) expected in the first half of 2026.

Newcore has expanded its drilling program from 10,000 to 35,000 meters, focusing on multiple objectives: converting inferred resources to indicated, expanding along strike, testing parallel structures, and exploring high-grade feeder zones at depth. The company aims to increase its indicated resources from 740,000 ounces to approximately 1.3 million ounces to support the upcoming PFS.

The company's development strategy involves a phased approach to production, beginning with an open-pit heap leach operation processing oxide and transitional material, projected to produce approximately 122,000 ounces annually over a 9-year mine life. As the sulfide resource grows, Newcore plans to add a CIL plant around year five or six, potentially increasing production to 200,000-250,000 ounces annually.

Ghana's status as Africa's largest gold producer and the sixth-largest globally provides Newcore with a stable operating environment. The country hosts operations from major miners including Newmont, Goldfields, and AngloGold Ashanti, underscoring its attractiveness as a mining jurisdiction.

With management and the board owning approximately 15% of the company, interests are strongly aligned with shareholders. Newcore maintains strategic flexibility to either develop the project independently with its manageable $106 million capital requirement or position for acquisition as the resource and production profile grows.

Through its aggressive drilling campaign, strong treasury position, and clear development pathway, Newcore Gold is well-positioned to create substantial value for shareholders while advancing one of Ghana's most promising gold projects.

View Newcore Gold's company proflle: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/newcore-gold