Company Interviews

Interview with Pascal Hamelin, President & CEO of Abcourt Mines Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abcourt-mines-tsxvabi-gold-producer-ready-to-restart-sleeping-giant-mine-7160Recording date: 15th September 2025Abcourt Mines (TSXV:ABI) has successfully completed its first gold pour at the Sleeping Giant Mine in Quebec, marking a critical transition from development company to gold producer. Speaking at the Denver Gold Forum, President and CEO Pascal Hamelin outlined an aggressive production scaling strategy designed to capitalize on favorable gold market conditions.The company plans to ramp production from zero to 30,000 ounces annually within 18 months, following a detailed preliminary assessment released in 2023. This production target represents only 45% of the mill's total capacity, providing significant room for future expansion to potentially 60,000-70,000 ounces annually. The scalability provides multiple expansion avenues as the company develops additional mining fronts within the existing operation.Operationally, Abcourt maintains a strong cost structure with all-in sustaining costs projected at $1,600 USD per ounce and monthly operating costs of approximately $4 million. At current gold prices exceeding $3,600 per ounce, this creates substantial margins and positions the company for rapid cash flow generation.Beyond the Sleeping Giant operation, Abcourt has identified significant exploration potential at its Flordin project. The 2024 discovery exposed a vein measuring 300 meters long by over 10 meters wide, with drilling confirming continuity to 400 meters depth. Geophysical surveys suggest the vein could extend up to 2 kilometers in length, with management projecting a four to five-year timeline to operational status.The company maintains a portfolio of 15 projects within trucking distance of the Sleeping Giant mill, enabling potential infrastructure sharing and operational synergies. With plans for eventual share buybacks rather than dividends to optimize tax efficiency for shareholders, Abcourt appears positioned to benefit from sustained precious metals strength while building a scalable production platform in Quebec's mining-friendly jurisdiction.View Abcourt Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abcourt-mines-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO of Omai Gold Mines Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/omai-gold-mines-tsxvomg-high-grade-discovery-transforms-economics-of-historic-guyana-mine-7355Recording date: 15th September 2025Omai Gold Mines (TSXV:OMG) presents a rare combination of scale, scarcity, and strategic positioning that positions it among the most compelling gold investment opportunities in today's market. The company's dramatic transformation from zero resources to 6.5 million ounces within four years demonstrates exceptional execution capability while creating substantial shareholder value, evidenced by the stock's remarkable 600% appreciation over the past year.The investment thesis centers on Omai Gold's membership in an exclusive group of only seven large-scale, developable gold projects globally that exceed 2 grams per tonne and remain available to public investors rather than being held by major mining corporations. This scarcity premium becomes increasingly valuable as major mining companies generate substantial cash flows from elevated gold prices while facing limited organic growth opportunities.Omai Gold's strategic advantages extend beyond resource scale to encompass exceptional infrastructure benefits. As a former producing mine, the project features existing cleared land, operational airstrip, road access, and critically, existing tailings facilities. These infrastructure elements substantially reduce development risk and capital requirements compared to greenfield projects, while the proximity to established transportation corridors and government-funded road improvements enhance operational economics.The company's financial position provides confidence in execution capability. With $19 million in cash following a February financing round, Omai Gold maintains adequate funding through the completion of its comprehensive preliminary economic assessment expected in early 2026. This capital supports four active drill rigs and high-impact studies that advance the project toward its targeted production capacity of 300,000 ounces annually, positioning the operation as a significant mid-tier producer.Beyond current resources, Omai Gold's exploration program offers substantial upside potential. Deep drilling beneath the Wenot deposit targets mineralization 600 meters below existing resources, with successful results potentially extending mine life from the current 20-30 year projection to 40 years. This exploration strategy addresses investor concerns about resource depletion while positioning Omai Gold as a potential multi-generational mining operation.The macro environment strongly favors Omai Gold's positioning. Central banks have become net buyers of gold for the first time in decades, while institutional investors increasingly view gold as a portfolio hedge against inflation and monetary policy uncertainty. Simultaneously, the mining industry faces supply constraints as major discoveries become rare and development timelines extend, creating a scarcity premium for large-scale, developable projects in stable jurisdictions.Guyana's political and economic environment provides additional investment security. President Irfaan Ali's recent re-election with 57% majority support and parliamentary control ensures policy continuity, while the country's transformation driven by offshore oil discoveries has generated the world's highest GDP growth rate. The government actively supports mining development as part of its economic diversification strategy, unlike jurisdictions where mining faces political opposition.The convergence of strong gold fundamentals, limited new supply, and Omai Gold's unique positioning creates compelling value realization potential. Whether through independent development or strategic acquisition by cash-rich major mining companies seeking growth opportunities, shareholders are positioned to benefit from multiple pathways to value maximization in an environment that rewards quality assets with premium valuations.View Omai Gold Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/omai-gold-minesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Sam Lee, CEO, Northisle Copper & GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/northisle-copper-gold-tsxvncx-2b-npv-project-signals-significant-value-gap-at-current-prices-7271Recording date: 11th September 2025Northisle Copper & Gold has positioned itself as a compelling copper-gold investment opportunity following a transformational $40 million equity financing that marked the company's entry into institutional investment circles. The financing attracted nine institutional investors, with seven being completely new to the Northisle story, while Wheaton Precious Metals provided strategic backing through an unusual equity investment rather than their typical streaming arrangement.The company's preliminary economic assessment demonstrates robust project economics with a $2 billion after-tax net present value at conservative commodity prices of $4.20 copper and $2,150 gold. At current gold prices near $3,600, the economics improve dramatically to a $5 billion NPV with a 45% internal rate of return. The project's unique structure addresses typical copper porphyry capital intensity challenges through high-margin gold-dominant zones that generate 65-70% margins, enabling initial capital payback within 1.9 years.Management has strengthened its leadership team with world-class appointments, including Kevin O'Kane as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 35 years of BHP experience from projects like Escondida, and Alex Davidson to the board with extensive Barrick Gold expertise. These appointments signal management's commitment to operational excellence as the company advances toward feasibility studies.Beyond the starter pit opportunity, Northisle controls a 35-kilometer district with over 70 years of exploration data, presenting significant upside potential through deep drilling programs targeting district-scale discoveries. The company has allocated $10 million for exploration programs led by Dr. Pablo Mejia Herrera, targeting "1% copper equivalent over 1,000 meters" intersections that would indicate proximity to high-grade porphyry cores.CEO Sam Lee characterized the current environment as unprecedented for natural resource extraction, with federal government support through trade missions and political alignment creating optimal development conditions. This macro backdrop, combined with the company's proven capital allocation track record and institutional validation, positions Northisle to capitalize on favorable commodity cycles while pursuing both near-term development economics and long-term district potential.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/northisle-copper-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Tim Clark, CEO, Fury Gold MinesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/fury-gold-mines-tsxfury-multi-asset-canadian-high-grade-gold-explorer-with-strong-financials-5957Recording date: 11th September 2025Fury Gold Mines has emerged as a compelling investment opportunity in the junior gold mining sector, presenting multiple pathways to value creation through its high-grade Eau Claire resource in Quebec and diversified portfolio approach. The company's recently released preliminary economic assessment demonstrates robust standalone economics with a $554 million net present value and 41% internal rate of return, based on conservative $2,400 gold pricing.What sets Fury apart from typical junior miners is its strategic toll milling optionality, which could dramatically enhance returns while reducing capital requirements. Located 50-60 kilometers from an underutilized processing facility, the company has modeled scenarios showing potential IRR increases to 84% under full toll milling arrangements. This flexibility addresses one of the primary challenges facing junior developers: substantial upfront capital expenditure.The company's financial strength provides significant competitive advantages through its $65 million equity position in Dolly Varden Silver Corporation and New York Stock Exchange listing, which grants access to US retail investors comprising two-thirds of the shareholder base. CEO Tim Clark emphasizes this positioning enables selective capital raising while maintaining disciplined dilution management of just 3-4% annually.Beyond the flagship Eau Claire project approaching 2 million ounces, Fury maintains additional growth catalysts including a partnership with Agnico Eagle on Committee Bay properties in Nunavut and recently acquired Quebec assets. The company also holds the only full feasibility study on an unbuilt rare earth project, adding further monetization potential.Despite recent 30% share price appreciation following the PEA release, Clark believes Fury remains significantly undervalued at $25 per ounce compared to peer averages of $50 per ounce. With sustained gold price strength driving renewed investor interest in quality junior miners, Fury appears positioned to capture disproportionate value as market recognition increases and development activities advance across its diversified portfolio.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/fury-gold-minesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Nick Appleyard, President & CEO of TriStar Gold Inc.Our previous interview:Recording date: 11th September 2025TriStar Gold Corporation represents a compelling high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity centered on the exceptional economics of its Castelo de Sonhos gold project in Brazil's Pará state. The project's fundamentals are outstanding, containing 1.4 million ounces of probable gold reserves that generate a post-tax net present value of $1.4 billion at conservative $3,200 per ounce gold assumptions. This creates a remarkable valuation disconnect with TriStar's current market capitalization of approximately $55 million.The investment thesis is built on the project's technical simplicity and robust economics. CEO Nick Appleyard characterizes the operation as "sand and gold. Nothing else. Simplest processing you're ever going to see." This straightforward metallurgy reduces both technical risk and capital requirements while supporting strong margins throughout the mine life. Production profiles indicate significant scale, with the first seven years averaging 150,000 ounces annually before stabilizing at 120,000 ounces, positioning Castelo de Sonhos as a meaningful mid-tier gold operation.Location advantages further enhance the project's attractiveness. Proximity to existing road infrastructure reduces capital requirements typically associated with remote site development, while the technical simplicity of processing sand-hosted gold mineralization supports both economic viability and development timeline efficiency.The current investment opportunity stems from regulatory challenges that have created substantial valuation dislocation. TriStar faces permit suspension recommendations from Brazilian prosecutors based on allegedly insufficient indigenous consultation. However, the factual basis for these concerns appears questionable, with referenced indigenous groups located over 100 kilometers from the project site and no demonstrated environmental or cultural impact from exploration activities.Importantly, TriStar maintains strong local support where it matters most. Communities within reasonable proximity to the project support the company's activities, benefiting from employment opportunities and development programs. State regulatory agencies have provided robust defense of TriStar's permit applications, with the state environmental agency emphasizing that the company has followed all proper procedures and operates far from any potential impact areas.The legal process follows a defined timeline with defense filings expected by mid-October 2025, followed by judicial review through early 2026. Management estimates that approximately $1.5 million in legal and consultation expenses could provide project clarity and unlock construction licensing, representing modest capital deployment relative to potential value creation.Risk mitigation factors support the investment thesis despite regulatory uncertainty. TriStar maintains sufficient capital to navigate the legal process without forced fundraising at disadvantageous terms, while the company's single-asset focus allows management to concentrate entirely on resolution. The involvement of FUNAI, Brazil's federal indigenous affairs agency, provides procedural safeguards through evidence-based assessment standards rather than subjective claims.Historical precedent supports optimism for resolution. Similar regulatory challenges in Pará state have generally been resolved with projects advancing to production, suggesting these hurdles follow predictable patterns with established resolution mechanisms. Brazilian mining attorneys view such challenges as part of the operating environment rather than terminal project risks.For investors comfortable with Brazilian regulatory complexity and willing to accept defined timeline risk, TriStar Gold offers exceptional return potential through what management estimates could be a $100 million market value recovery upon regulatory clarity.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Keith Boyle, CEO of New Found Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/new-found-golds-strategic-maritime-resources-acquisition-building-canadas-next-gold-producerRecording date: 15th September 2025New Found Gold Corp. has strategically strengthened its leadership team with three key appointments that position the company for its transition from developer to producer following the Maritime Resources acquisition. The headline appointment sees Dr. Andrew Furey, former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joining the board of directors, bringing unparalleled political connections and regulatory expertise to guide operations in the province where both Hammerdown and Queensway projects are located. CEO Keith Boyle emphasized the strategic value, noting that "the political world and all those connections really do help a business and that oversight, making sure that we advance in the right way, that's gold."The operational leadership team has been enhanced with the appointment of Hashim Ahmed as CFO, bringing proven experience from Mandalay Resources and Jaguar Mining, and the promotion of Robert Assabgui to COO, leveraging his decades of mining engineering experience including successful development of Hudbay's Lalor mine. These appointments address the sophisticated financial and operational requirements as New Found Gold manages both Hammerdown's production ramp-up starting in early 2026 and Queensway's C$155 million Phase 1 development.The leadership expansion builds on the Maritime acquisition's strategic rationale, which Boyle described as creating synergies where "Maritime's got a nice little gold mine operation coming into production later this year and that gold production will help fund phase one of the Queensway project." With Hammerdown projected to contribute approximately C$70 million in cash flow and Queensway Phase 1 targeting 69,300 ounces annually, the enhanced team provides the expertise needed to achieve the company's objective of "cracking the 200,000-ounce mark." The appointments collectively reduce political, operational, and financial risks while positioning New Found Gold to capitalize on district-scale exploration opportunities across its expanded Newfoundland land position in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Recording date: 12th September 2025The precious metals mining sector is experiencing a fundamental transformation as institutional capital floods into gold equities and junior exploration companies secure financing levels unseen in over a decade. Olive Resource Capital, reporting their strongest performance since inception, exemplifies the sector's momentum with exceptional returns through traditionally challenging summer months.Junior mining companies now routinely raise $20-30 million compared to historical norms of $3-4 million, enabling drilling programs of 100,000+ meters annually versus previous budgets limited to 5,000 meters. This capital influx positions well-funded exploration companies to potentially transform million-ounce discoveries into tier-one deposits exceeding 5 million ounces, attracting major producer acquisition interest.The Anglo American-Teck merger announcement signals accelerating consolidation activity, with both companies essentially placing themselves in acquisition play. Cash-rich gold producers are shifting from capital discipline messaging toward growth strategies, fundamentally altering the M&A landscape. Companies previously considered acquisition targets, such as IAMGOLD, now possess the balance sheet strength to become buyers themselves, dramatically expanding the potential acquirer pool.Silver sector opportunities are multiplying as $40 silver prices make virtually every global silver company economical, attracting significant investment including backing from Eric Sprott across multiple ventures. The sector benefits from both improved economics and the crypto community's embrace of gold as "natural bitcoin."Institutional participation extends beyond traditional resource funds, with generalist money driving gold equity outperformance versus the underlying commodity. New faces at industry conferences indicate capital sources outside the typical mining investment circle are entering the space.The upcoming Denver Gold Forum will reveal whether major producers formally pivot from capital discipline rhetoric to growth-focused strategies, potentially triggering additional M&A activity as the sector matures into a more sophisticated phase of the current bull market cycle.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Simon Marcotte, CEO, Northern Superior ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/northern-superior-resources-tsxvsup-consolidating-canadas-next-major-gold-camp-7570Recording date: 10th September 2025Northern Superior Resources is positioning itself at the forefront of what CEO Simon Marcotte believes will be a historic transformation in the gold sector, driven by both macroeconomic forces and strategic asset consolidation in Quebec's emerging Chibougamau Gold Camp.Marcotte presents a compelling case for gold reaching $30,000 per ounce, based on debt-to-gold reserve ratio analysis comparing current conditions to the 1970s currency reset. His framework suggests that to match 1970s reset levels, gold would need to reach $24,000, with additional structural factors potentially driving prices higher. This bold prediction reflects his view that despite recent gold strength, "we don't even think the game has started... we're [just] walking into the arena."A critical investment opportunity emerges from current sector mispricing. Gold developers currently trade at approximately 0.5% of their gold-in-ground value, compared to historical averages of 3-5% since 2001. As Marcotte explains, "If gold just stays where it is and we re-rate back to the long-term average, we're looking at a 10 bagger for the sector." This valuation disconnect coincides with gold producers facing reserve depletion challenges, having "depleted about a third of their reserves in the ground over the past 15 years," creating inevitable consolidation pressure.Northern Superior's core strategy centers on consolidating Quebec's Chibougamau Gold Camp, which Marcotte positions as "the next big camp to emerge globally." The Philibert deposit serves as the foundational asset, with 22,000 meters of successful drilling demonstrating "enormous success to the southeast" and discovering "a high-grade underground zone at depth." The company has strategically acquired neighboring properties to enable northwestern expansion, with a new resource estimate in development.IAMGOLD's role as the camp's driving development force provides significant validation, having "publicly stated several times that their next stop is to develop Chibougamau." Additionally, Northern Superior's 50% ownership of OnGold represents hidden value through two key assets: the TPK project (North America's largest gold-in-till anomaly) and Monument Bay (historical 3 million ounce resource). Both assets are now actively being drilled following years of preparation and community engagement.The company maintains strong governance with 25% insider ownership and solid institutional backing, protecting against opportunistic takeovers while maintaining strategic flexibility. Management's approach balances active development with strategic patience, recognizing potential for significant value creation as gold prices advance and sector consolidation accelerates.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/northern-superior-resources-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Marco Roque, President & CEO of Cassiar Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cassiar-gold-tsxvgldc-dual-strategy-drives-growth-to-234moz-eyes-5moz-target-7293Recording date: 11th September 2025Cassiar Gold Corporation represents a unique investment opportunity in the current elevated gold market environment, combining substantial existing resources with rare infrastructure advantages that position the company for accelerated development timelines. With gold prices above $3,600 per ounce, the company's 59,000-hectare flagship project in northern British Columbia offers investors exposure to both immediate development potential and significant exploration upside.The project's resource inventory of 2.3 million ounces provides immediate scale, with 1.9 million inferred ounces grading 0.95 g/t and 410,000 indicated ounces at 1.43 g/t. Critically, this mineralization starts from surface and remains open for expansion, offering both development certainty and growth potential. The ongoing 7,000-meter drill program targets resource expansion at the established Taurus deposit while defining the promising Newcoast prospect, which features a footprint three times larger than Taurus with similar mineralization characteristics.Cassiar Gold's most significant competitive advantage lies in its existing infrastructure, a rare asset in the exploration and development sector. The project includes mine permits, road access, and a fully owned and permitted mill—infrastructure elements that typically require years to develop and permit. This positioning enables the company to potentially achieve production within three years for bulk tonnage operations, compared to the industry average of 18 years from discovery to production.The geological setting supports multiple development pathways through its orogenic nature, providing both predictability and operational flexibility. The bulk tonnage component grading approximately 1 g/t offers foundation for large-scale operations appealing to major mining companies, while discrete high-grade veins averaging 3 meters wide with grades between 10-20 g/t provide opportunities for earlier cash flow generation through selective mining approaches.Multiple near-term catalysts position the company for value creation over the next 18 months. Drill results are expected through year-end, metallurgical results in Q1 2026, and the critical Preliminary Economic Assessment in the first half of 2026. These studies will translate the geological and infrastructure advantages into economic terms, providing production scenarios, capital requirements, and return projections at current elevated gold prices.The investment thesis is strengthened by favorable market dynamics. Current gold prices provide robust economic margins for gram-per-ton mineralization starting from surface, while infrastructure advantages reduce typical capital intensity requirements. The combination creates attractive return profiles without extended development timelines that have historically challenged investor patience in the mining sector.Management's strategic vision balances near-term value creation through advancing known resources toward production with longer-term growth through systematic exploration of the broader land package. President and CEO Marco Roque notes the sector is buzzing with current market conditions creating favorable environments for advancing development projects and securing financing.The Cassiar Gold opportunity represents a new category of gold investments that bridge traditional exploration and development stage classifications. The company's existing mine permits, processing facilities, and access infrastructure address primary concerns that have historically deterred institutional investment: regulatory uncertainty, extended timelines, and capital intensity. For investors seeking exposure to gold sector growth while mitigating traditional development risks, Cassiar Gold offers a compelling combination of resource scale, infrastructure advantages, and development optionality positioned to benefit from current market strength.View Cassiar Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/cassiar-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman & CEO of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/santacruz-silver-tsxvscz-q1-revenue-hits-70m-as-turnaround-plan-delivers-results-7297Recording date: 11th September 2025Santacruz Silver Mining represents a compelling investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a financially disciplined silver producer with strong fundamentals and clear growth catalysts. The company has successfully completed a strategic financial restructuring that positions it as one of the cleanest balance sheet stories in the precious metals sector.The company's financial transformation is remarkable. Santacruz has completely eliminated its acquisition-related debt obligations, paying off the final $15 million of its Glencore asset acquisition ahead of schedule while securing an additional $40 million in savings through an acceleration clause execution. This achievement has resulted in a pristine balance sheet with no streaming agreements, no royalties, and minimal debt beyond a strategically structured $20 million promissory note in Bolivia that carries a negative implied interest rate.Operationally, Santacruz demonstrates impressive resilience and diversification through its portfolio of four producing mines and one ore sourcing company spanning Mexico and Bolivia. The company generates over 7 million ounces of pure silver annually alongside significant zinc credits, with management projecting $90-120 million in annual free cash flow. This operational strength was evidenced when recent flooding at two Bolivian veins was immediately offset by San Lucas trading operations, which sourced replacement ore from third-party miners to maintain full mill capacity utilization.The investment thesis is strengthened by favorable currency dynamics in Bolivia, where 80-85% of operational costs are denominated in Bolivianos. The recent devaluation of the Boliviano creates ongoing cost advantages that directly improve all-in sustained cash costs and enhance profit margins, particularly beneficial in the current rising silver price environment.Santacruz's primary growth catalyst centers on the advanced Soracaya brownfield project, which management characterizes as "advanced organic growth." This asset features existing 43-101 resource reporting and previous development work by Glencore, with full permitting expected within 7-10 months. Once operational, Soracaya will contribute an additional 4 million ounces of annual silver production - representing approximately a 60% increase in output - funded entirely through internal cash generation without equity dilution.The company's resource base offers exceptional longevity and expansion potential. Current reserves and resources provide approximately 12 years of mine life in Bolivia alone, supported by vein systems that allow for both deeper development and strike length extension. Notably, the Porco mine represents the longest continuously producing mine in the Americas with 500 years of non-stop operation, while other assets have maintained production for over 200 years, demonstrating the sustainability of these geological systems.From a valuation perspective, Santacruz appears attractively positioned with an enterprise value approximately six to seven times projected EBITDA of $110-120 million, trading at a discount to many precious metals peers. This valuation gap, combined with the company's strong cash generation capabilities and strategic flexibility for acquisitive growth, presents multiple pathways for value creation.The macro environment further supports the investment case, as silver benefits from dual demand drivers spanning both industrial applications and monetary hedge demand. Industrial consumption continues expanding through renewable energy infrastructure and electronics manufacturing, while supply constraints from primary silver operations create additional price support.For investors seeking exposure to a well-managed silver producer with proven operational capabilities, clean financials, and clear growth visibility, Santacruz Silver offers a compelling risk-adjusted opportunity in the current precious metals landscape.View Santacruz Silver Mining's company mining: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/santacruz-silver-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com