Company Interviews

Interview with Alan Carter, President & CEO of Cabral Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cabral-gold-tsxvcbr-brazilian-gold-project-advances-toward-mid-2025-production-decision-7194Recording date: 30th July 2025Cabral Gold has released an updated pre-feasibility study (PFS) for its Cuiu Cuiu gold project in northern Brazil, showcasing compelling economics for a staged development approach. The company's Stage 1 operation targets oxide material in the top 60 meters through heap leach processing, requiring $37.7 million in capital expenditure while delivering a 78% IRR and payback period of just 7-8 months at current gold prices. The operation will process 3,000 tons per day, producing approximately 25,000 ounces annually over a 6+ year mine life, generating $50-60 million in pre-tax cash flow yearly.This cash-generative starter operation positions Cabral to self-fund Stage 2 development of the underlying hard rock resources without dilutive equity raises. The company currently holds 1.3 million ounces in indicated and inferred resources, with 300,000 ounces in oxide material and one million ounces in hard rock potential. Management believes the district-scale project could ultimately contain 5-10 million ounces, supported by over 50 unexplored targets and recent high-grade discoveries including 11 meters at 33 grams per ton at Machichie Northeast.Cabral benefits from proximity to G Mining's Tocantinzinho operation, leveraging shared infrastructure including upgraded road access and nearby grid power. The company holds trial mining licenses permitting immediate construction start, with full mining licenses expected by year-end 2025. Three drill rigs are currently expanding the hard rock resource base, with management targeting a resource update when reaching 2-2.5 million ounces to support Stage 2 scoping studies.Financing discussions are advanced with multiple parties interested in a combination of debt, streaming, and limited equity. Construction decision anticipated within three months, followed by 12-month build timeline targeting production in second half 2026. This strategy offers investors near-term cash generation while preserving significant exploration upside in an underexplored gold district.—View Cabral Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/cabral-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining Corp.Our Previous Interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/luca-mining-tsxvluca-growing-significant-value-in-mexico-in-the-new-gold-bull-market-6317Recording date: 25th July 2025Luca Mining has emerged as a compelling turnaround story in the precious metals sector, transforming from financial distress to robust cash generation under CEO Dan Barnholden's leadership. The company operates two mines in Mexico: the Tahuehueto gold-silver mine in northwest Durango and the Campo Marado polymetallic VMS deposit in Guerrero State.The financial transformation has been remarkable. "When I joined we had a million in the bank and we had $18.2 million in debt. Today we sit with almost $25 million cash in the bank and $7.7 million in debt," Barnholden explained, representing a $40 million balance sheet improvement. The company generated $11.7 million in free cash flow during Q1 2025, positioning it to achieve annual forecasts of $30-40 million.Recent exploration success at Campo Marado has validated the company's strategic pivot toward high-grade gold zones. Surface drilling at the La Reforma zone intercepted 15.12 meters of 5.5 grams per ton gold, 150 grams per ton silver, and 8.5% zinc—significantly higher grades than current mining areas. This represents the first surface drilling into La Reforma since 2010, unlocking 15 years of untested potential.Operational improvements have been equally impressive. Campo Marado's mill capacity utilization increased from 60% to near-optimal levels at 2,100 tons per day, while Tahuehueto achieved commercial production in Q1 2025, producing 30,000-35,000 ounces of gold annually.The company's share price has tripled over 12 months, reflecting successful execution and favorable precious metals market conditions. Management is working on mill upgrades to double gold recovery from the current 25-30%, while exploring tailings reprocessing opportunities containing an estimated billion dollars worth of gold.With institutional ownership at just 6%, Luca Mining targets growth to 20% near-term, capitalizing on renewed investor appetite for precious metals exposure during what Barnholden describes as "a bull market for precious metals companies."Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/luca-mining-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Justin van der Toorn, President & CEO of Greenheart Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/greenheart-gold-tsxvghrt-target-rich-cash-backed-and-ready-to-drill-7095Recording date: 28th July 2025Greenheart Gold presents a compelling investment opportunity in one of the world's most underexplored yet highly prospective gold regions. The company has rapidly established itself as a systematic explorer across five projects in Suriname and Guyana, advancing three to drill-ready status within just one year of operations. This accelerated development timeline demonstrates both the quality of the geological targets and management's execution capabilities in challenging frontier environments.CEO Justin van der Toorn brings proven Guiana Shield expertise, having previously contributed to projects now employing 400-500 people in active construction phases. This direct regional experience provides invaluable operational knowledge and stakeholder relationships essential for success in these jurisdictions. Vanatorne's hands-on leadership approach, including extended field presence at exploration camps, ensures real-time decision-making and intimate understanding of geological developments across the portfolio.The company's financial position provides significant strategic advantages with approximately $41 million in treasury funding multi-year systematic exploration programs. This substantial cash position eliminates near-term dilution risks and enables patient capital deployment based on geological merit rather than financing constraints. Management has demonstrated disciplined capital allocation, committing to systematic work programs while maintaining flexibility to optimize the project portfolio through selective advancement or divestment.Greenheart Gold's projects are strategically positioned within proven gold districts of the Guiana Shield, including areas proximate to operating mines and historical workings. The company implements rigorous technical standards including comprehensive QAQC protocols, modern analytical techniques, and systematic geological modeling to maximize discovery probability. With diamond drilling commencing at Miura Dam and multiple projects advancing toward drilling phases, the company offers leveraged exposure to discovery potential in a region experiencing renewed exploration interest from major mining companies. The convergence of experienced management, strong financial backing, and systematic technical approach positions Greenheart Gold for value creation through methodical exploration advancement in this highly prospective geological province.—View Greenheart Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/greenheart-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Hugh Agro, President & CEO of Revival Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/revival-gold-tsxvrvg-fast-tracked-for-100k-production-by-2028-7341Recording date: 28th July 2025Revival Gold Inc. (TSXV: RVG) has successfully completed a $29 million Canadian financing round, marking a significant milestone for the gold developer as it advances two major projects in the western United States. The strategic investment was led by EMR Capital, a respected Australian mining investment firm founded by former Rio Tinto executives, who acquired a 12% stake in the company alongside Dundee Corporation's 5% position.The financing structure stands out for its investor-friendly terms, consisting entirely of straight equity without warrants, royalties, or debt instruments. This clean approach preserves Revival Gold's operational flexibility while providing governance benefits through EMR Capital's board representation. CEO Hugh Agro emphasized the significance of attracting such sophisticated investors, noting that EMR Capital "typically buys private assets privately" but was drawn to Revival Gold's team and western US prospects.The capital immediately funds an aggressive 50,000-foot drilling campaign across Revival Gold's flagship projects. At the Mercur project in Utah, the company plans 40,000 feet of drilling focused on converting inferred resources to measured and indicated categories to support a preliminary feasibility study. The program will deploy up to three drill rigs, with metallurgical testing building on previous results that achieved 84% average heap leach recoveries.Revival Gold has established a clear production timeline, targeting Mercur production by 2028 with formal permitting beginning in early 2026. The project benefits from private land ownership and Utah's favorable permitting jurisdiction, factors that attracted the strategic investors seeking "gold in good geography" with a "capital efficient" production model.The successful financing positions Revival Gold among well-funded North American gold developers, raising its pro-forma market capitalization to approximately $150 million Canadian and enhancing institutional accessibility. With substantial resources totaling 4.6+ million ounces across both projects and significant expansion potential, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on strong gold market fundamentals while advancing toward near-term production.View Revival Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/revival-gold-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Caedmon Marriott, Managing Director of Western Mines GroupOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/western-mines-asxwmg-building-australias-next-major-nickel-resource-6328Recording date: 28th July 2025Western Mines Group presents a compelling investment opportunity in the nickel sector, combining world-class resource scale with strategic market positioning as the commodity establishes a price floor. The company's Mulga Tank project near Kalgoorlie hosts Australia's largest nickel sulfide deposit, containing 5.3 million tons of nickel across a nearly 2 billion ton resource with 0.27% nickel grades. This positions Western Mines among the world's top 10 nickel deposits by contained metal.The investment thesis centers on three key pillars: exceptional resource quality, strategic timing, and significant exploration upside. The deposit demonstrates superior metallurgical characteristics with four times the sulfur content of comparable Canadian projects and grades 25% higher than peer operations. This sulfur-to-nickel ratio approaching pentlandite composition, combined with enrichment in chalcophile and platinum group elements, supports enhanced processing efficiency and recovery rates. The company's conservative approach using a 0.2% nickel cutoff—double the threshold employed by many competitors—demonstrates disciplined resource estimation practices.Market dynamics strongly favor Western sulfide producers like Western Mines. The nickel price has established a durable floor at $15,000 per ton, with Managing Director Caedmon Marriott noting that "absolutely nobody is making money at these prices," including large-scale Indonesian and Chinese producers. This supply discipline, combined with robust demand growth of 6-7% annually in stainless steel and over 10% in defense applications, creates favorable conditions for price recovery. The battery sector maintains 25-30% growth trajectories in Western markets, supporting long-term structural demand.Environmental regulations are creating additional advantages for Western producers. European battery passport requirements mandate detailed CO2 accounting, with nickel representing 30-35% of an electric vehicle's carbon budget. Western Mines' sulfide operation positions it at the bottom of the CO2 intensity curve, benefiting from increasing preference for "green nickel" and supply chain security considerations as buyers diversify away from Chinese-controlled Indonesian operations.The exploration upside provides significant optionality beyond the established resource. Recent drilling has identified 91 occurrences of massive sulfide evidence, including large immiscible sulfide globules described as "tennis ball-sized." This statistical abundance across limited drilling suggests a substantial massive sulfide system at depth. If Western Mines delineates a "Perseverance-style" deposit of 50 million tons at 2% nickel, it would dramatically accelerate development timelines and enhance project economics. Such a discovery would transform the project from a large-scale, low-grade operation into a hybrid system capable of supporting both high-grade standalone developments and integrated large-scale processing.Operational advantages include Western Australia's stable jurisdiction with established mining infrastructure and government support through exploration incentive schemes totaling $220,000 in recent grants. The deposit's shallow nature, with mineralization beginning at 50-60 meters below surface, and anticipated low strip ratios under 2:1 support cost-effective mining scenarios. The modular development approach, potentially scaling from 10 million to 40 million tons annually, offers risk-managed capital deployment.Current drilling programs focus on resource extension and massive sulfide targeting, with results expected to feed into metallurgical testing and scoping studies in early 2025. Western Mines represents a rare opportunity to access a world-class nickel asset at attractive valuations while the sector remains distressed, positioning investors for significant revaluation as market fundamentals improve and the energy transition accelerates demand for critical battery materials.View Western Mines Group's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/western-mines-groupSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Jeff Quartermaine, Managing Director & CEO of Perseus Mining Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/perseus-mining-asxpru-african-gold-producer-targets-25m-ounces-over-five-years-7295Recording date: 25th July 2025Perseus Mining's June 2025 quarter results demonstrate the compelling investment case for this African-focused gold producer, with cash and bullion balances reaching $827 million on continued operational excellence. The company delivered 121,237 ounces during the quarter at all-in sustaining costs of $1,417 per ounce, generating substantial margins of $1,560 per ounce at current gold prices. This performance extends Perseus's track record of consistent operational delivery across its three African mines, with full-year production of 496,551 ounces at $1,235 per ounce costs.The company's financial strength provides a solid foundation for growth initiatives while supporting shareholder returns. Perseus has consistently beaten its own cost guidance over multiple years, demonstrating disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency. CEO Jeff Quartermaine's conservative guidance approach has resulted in the company regularly delivering below the bottom end of cost ranges, building credibility with investors seeking reliable performers in the volatile mining sector.Perseus's growth trajectory centers on the Nyanzaga project in Tanzania, scheduled for January 2027 production startup. Recent drilling results show spectacular intercepts that could significantly extend mine life beyond the current 11-year projection, with potential underground development adding substantial value. The company's five-year outlook demonstrates sustainable production above 500,000 ounces annually, dispelling concerns about production declines.The investment appeal extends beyond operations to strategic positioning. Perseus's diversified African portfolio provides exposure to underexplored geology while management's proven track record of community engagement and government relations mitigates jurisdiction risks. The company's dynamic hedging strategy offers downside protection while preserving upside exposure in the current favorable gold price environment. With strong cash generation, disciplined cost management, and multiple growth catalysts, Perseus Mining presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a well-managed, growing gold producer positioned to capitalize on sustained precious metals demand.—View Perseus Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/perseus-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Shawn Khunkhun, President & CEO of Dolly Varden Silver Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/dolly-varden-silver-tsxvdv-drilling-to-grow-resources-make-new-discoveries-5506Recording date: 24th July 2025Dolly Varden Silver (TSXV:DV) has transformed from a $20 million exploration company into a near-$500 million entity under CEO Shawn Khunkhun's leadership, delivering exceptional 550% shareholder returns while positioning itself as a top-13 global silver equity. The company operates strategically in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, described by Khunkhun as "the richest 20 kilometers on planet Earth for silver and gold."The timing appears opportune as silver faces unprecedented market dynamics. Industrial demand now consumes 50% of silver production, compared to just 10% a century ago, creating a fundamental shift from traditional precious metals investment patterns. With annual demand exceeding supply by 200 million ounces over five years, the market faces structural deficits that pure-play producers like Dolly Varden are positioned to capitalize upon.Khunkhun's aggressive expansion strategy materialized in May 2025 with three strategic acquisitions that expanded the land package six-fold for merely 3% dilution. "For 3% dilution, we grew by 6,000%," he noted, highlighting exceptional value creation through leveraging $100 million in banked assessment credits.The company's operational excellence includes a 55,000-meter drilling program utilizing innovative directional drilling technology borrowed from oil and gas operations. This approach reduces costs while improving precision, targeting both high-grade silver veins and copper-gold porphyry systems across five past-producing mines.Operating advantages include established infrastructure, supportive local communities experiencing 85% unemployment, and jurisdictional stability in contrast to supply disruptions affecting traditional silver-producing regions like Mexico. With $50 million in cash and recent NYSE listing providing institutional access, Dolly Varden maintains financial flexibility for continued growth.Khunkhun's vision extends beyond exploration: "We're not here to make money. We're here to create wealth. This is not a trade. This is an investment." His ultimate goal involves creating the next major silver producer comparable to Pan-American or Hecla, positioning Dolly Varden among only ten primary silver producers globally in an increasingly supply-constrained market.View Dolly Varden SIlver's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/dolly-varden-silverSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Michael Quinert, Executive Chairman of West Wits MiningOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/west-wits-mining-wwi-tolling-agreement-brings-production-date-closer-2663Recording date: 23rd July 2025West Wits Mining Limited (ASX:WWI) has released an updated Definitive Feasibility Study for its Qala Shallows gold project in South Africa, revealing dramatically improved economics that position the company as an attractive near-term gold producer. The study shows post-tax Net Present Value increasing from $246 million to $500 million USD, while the internal rate of return reaches 81%.Executive Chairman Michael Quinert attributes these improvements to higher gold price assumptions, rising from $1,850 per ounce to $2,850 per ounce based on Bloomberg consensus, alongside operational optimizations including lowering the cutoff grade from 2 grams per tonne to 1.31 grams per tonne. These changes extend the mine life from 9 to 12 years at steady-state production of 70,000 ounces annually.The company has secured $50 million USD in binding bank funding from ABSA Bank and the Industrial Development Corporation, with definitive legal documents signed. This funding structure significantly reduces dilution risk for shareholders while validating the project through comprehensive third-party due diligence. The debt facility includes standard commercial terms and hedging requirements structured through put options rather than full hedging arrangements.Production timeline has accelerated substantially, with ore extraction possible within eight weeks of recommencing operations. The project benefits from previous development work establishing infrastructure to the second level on ore, while Modi Mining has been engaged for contract mining services based on their extensive platinum field experience.West Wits Mining has secured a four-year evergreen toll treatment agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater, providing processing certainty while maintaining flexibility through multiple alternative options in the region. The company holds over 5 million ounces of resources within a compact footprint, with expansion potential to 200,000 ounces annually through "Project 200."Trading at approximately $75 million market capitalization, West Wits Mining presents compelling re-rating potential as it transitions from developer to producer, supported by improving South African infrastructure and the favorable gold price environment.View West Wits Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/west-wits-miningSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

 Interview with Trent Mell, CEO of Electra Battery Materials Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/electra-battery-materials-tsxvelbm-ready-to-complete-build-4676Recording date: 22nd July 2025Electra Battery Metals is positioning itself at the forefront of North America's critical mineral security strategy by developing the continent's first cobalt refinery specifically targeting the battery market. The Canadian company's hydrometallurgical facility, located north of Toronto, represents a strategic solution to Western dependence on Chinese mineral processing capabilities.The company's business model centers on a stable tolling arrangement rather than commodity speculation. Through a five-year contract with LG Energy Solution, Electra will process cobalt hydroxide sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo via partnerships with major mining companies Glencore and ERG. This material, which would otherwise flow to Chinese refineries, will be redirected and processed into battery-grade cobalt sulfate in North America."We've locked in a five-year supply contract with LG on a tolling basis, which provides us the margin that ensures we never go out of business," explained CEO Trent Mell. The arrangement targets approximately $30 million USD in annual EBITDA once the facility reaches full capacity of 6,500 tons, equivalent to supplying roughly one million electric vehicles annually.The project has attracted significant cross-border government support, with $20 million from the U.S. Department of Defense through the Defense Production Act and $20 million CAD from the Canadian government. This backing reflects the strategic importance of onshoring critical mineral supply chains amid growing national security concerns.Beyond the core refinery business, Electra is developing battery recycling capabilities through a joint venture with indigenous partner Aki, targeting black mass processing from battery manufacturers. The company's approach prioritizes predictable cash flows over market volatility, positioning it as a utility-like investment rather than a traditional volatile mining stock.With zero cobalt production currently existing in North America for batteries, Electra's first-mover advantage addresses a critical supply chain gap while supporting both civilian EV adoption and defense applications.View Electra Battery Metals' company proflle: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/electra-battery-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com 

Interview withGreg Huffman, CEO of Nuclear FuelsColin Healey, CEO of Premier American Urnaium Inc.Recording date: 21st July 2025The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels represents a significant consolidation in the US uranium exploration sector, creating what executives position as America's leading exploration and development platform. Nuclear Fuels shareholders will receive 41% ownership of the combined entity, bringing $14 million in cash from their November 2024 financing round to support aggressive exploration programs.The combined company will operate the largest exploration drilling programs of any non-production uranium company in the United States. The Kaycee project in Wyoming alone has committed to over 100,000 feet of drilling in 2025, building on successful 2024 results that included both resource expansion and new discoveries. The project carries an exploration target of 11.5 to 30 million pounds of uranium, while the Cyclone project targets 8-12 million pounds. Combined with existing 43-101 compliant resources at the Sevieta project in New Mexico, the portfolio provides diversified exposure across the development spectrum.Both Wyoming projects benefit from critical proximity to existing licensed uranium processing facilities. Kaycee sits within 20 miles of Christensen Ranch and Nichols Ranch processing facilities, while Cyclone is positioned 12-14 miles from Lost Creek and Sweetwater Mill. This infrastructure access could significantly accelerate development timelines through satellite operations or toll milling arrangements, potentially providing faster cash flow generation compared to building standalone processing facilities.CEO Colin Healey noted the strategic advantage: "11.5 million pounds to me is beyond critical mass to be a satellite. I think that 2-3 years from now when those resources are probably potentially being delineated, the existing processing facilities in the US looking for feed and possibly expansion because there's going to be a push to grow uranium production in the US."The combined entity benefits from significant institutional support, including backing from Sachem Cove, IsoEnergy, and Mega Uranium. Nuclear Fuels maintains a strategic relationship with enCore Energy, one of the largest US uranium producers, which holds a buyback option on the Kaycee project at 2.5 times exploration costs once resources reach 15 million pounds. Rather than limiting upside, executives frame this as providing development partnership optionality and potential funding support.The enlarged company expects inclusion in major uranium ETFs, including URJ, URMM, and potentially URA, which could provide sustained institutional buying pressure. Plans for US listing following the merger target the larger US investor base and improved liquidity, addressing key challenges facing Canadian-listed uranium explorers.The transaction occurs against supportive federal policy tailwinds emphasizing domestic nuclear fuel security. Greg Huffman, CEO of Nuclear Fuels, emphasized: "There's going to be a huge push for domestic to reignite that domestic uranium and nuclear fuel supply chain." This policy support, combined with AI-driven electricity demand growth, positions the combined entity to benefit from anticipated uranium sector re-rating.While the merger creates compelling scale and strategic positioning, uranium exploration carries inherent geological and market risks. Resource targets remain unproven until confirmed through drilling, and cash flow generation remains years away. However, the combination of financial strength, infrastructure access, institutional backing, and supportive policy environment creates multiple value creation pathways for investors seeking exposure to US uranium exploration with significant upside potential.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com