Company Interviews

Interview with Victor Cantore, President & CEO of Amex Exploration Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/amex-exploration-tsxv-amx-133m-in-annual-free-cash-flow-within-reach-at-quebec-gold-project-6378Recording date: 11th February 2025Amex Exploration is advancing its Perron gold project in Quebec's Abitibi region, pursuing a dual strategy of resource expansion and development validation. The project currently hosts 1.6 million ounces of gold across multiple high-grade zones, with only 20-25% of the 4,518-hectare property explored to date.The company's 2024 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) outlines robust project economics. The study projects average annual production of 101,000 ounces of gold over a 10-year mine life, with higher production of 124,000 ounces in the first five years. All-in sustaining costs are estimated at US$807/oz life-of-mine, dropping to US$739/oz in the first five years. At a US$2,000/oz gold price, the project demonstrates an after-tax NPV(5%) of $525 million and an IRR of 40.2%, with projected cumulative after-tax free cash flow of $767 million.Amex has two drill rigs currently operating on the property and is planning a balanced approach to its 2025 exploration program. The company will split its remaining funds equally between infill drilling to upgrade existing resources and exploration drilling to expand known zones and make new discoveries. The technical team is utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify the most promising targets in the unexplored 75-80% of the property.On the development front, Amex is evaluating several initiatives including a potential preliminary feasibility study and a bulk sample program similar to Osisko Mining's approach at their Windfall project. The company has also begun early-stage permitting work.Mid-tier producer Eldorado Gold holds a 9.9% strategic stake in Amex and provides quarterly technical guidance through regular meetings. While Amex is focused on advancing Perron independently, CEO Victor Cantore acknowledges the possibility of eventual acquisition interest from major miners given the project's high-grade nature and location in the mining-friendly Quebec jurisdiction.The investment thesis for Amex centers on its high-grade resource base, strong PEA economics, significant exploration upside, and strategic backing from Eldorado Gold. The company is operating in Quebec's Abitibi Greenstone Belt, a prolific gold region that has historically produced over 200 million ounces. With gold prices at multi-year highs and growing investor interest in development-stage companies, Amex appears well-positioned to deliver value through both resource growth and project advancement.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/amex-explorationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with David Cataford, CEO of Champion Iron Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/champion-iron-tsxcia-targets-even-much-higher-grade-iron-ore-in-a-decarbonizing-steel-industry-5913Recording date: 11th February 2025Champion Iron, operating from Quebec, Canada, is advancing its position as a leading producer of premium iron ore with its flagship Bloom Lake Mine currently producing 15 million tons annually. The company is undertaking a significant strategic initiative, investing C$470 million in a new flotation plant to upgrade half of its production to 69% purity iron ore by late 2025, targeting the growing direct reduction (DR) steel market.The company has navigated recent challenges, particularly in rail transportation, which led to a stockpile of 2.7 million tons at the mine in late 2024. However, these logistical issues are being resolved with new locomotives and trained personnel, setting the stage for increased sales volumes in 2025. The ability to clear this inventory is expected to drive margin expansion without raising costs.Since 2018, Champion has invested C$1.7 billion in expanding mining operations, upgrading products, and improving transportation infrastructure. Significantly, 2026 will mark the first year without major growth capital expenditure, allowing the company to demonstrate its full earnings potential and focus on shareholder returns.Market diversification is a key strategic priority. Currently, over 50% of production goes to China, but the company is actively expanding its customer base in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The new 69% purity product will facilitate this diversification while offering improved margins and reduced shipping costs to these markets.Beyond Bloom Lake, Champion is developing the Kami project in partnership with Nippon Steel (the world's fourth-largest steelmaker) and Sojitz. This partnership includes a commitment from the partners to fund the first $500 million of investment, minimizing Champion's near-term capital requirements. Over the next two years, the company will advance feasibility studies and permitting activities for Kami.The company's growth strategy aligns with the global steel industry's decarbonization trends. DR plants paired with electric arc furnaces produce significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional blast furnaces, driving increasing demand for high-purity iron ore. As steel producers worldwide face pressure to reduce carbon emissions, Champion's high-grade products position it to benefit from this structural shift in the market.With its conservative balance sheet, Champion Iron appears well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities while maintaining financial flexibility. The combination of resolving logistical challenges, completing major capital investments, and increasing production of premium products sets the stage for potentially significant cash flow generation from 2026 onward.View Champion Iron's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/champion-iron-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with John Cash, CEO of Ur-Energy Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ur-energy-amexurg-ramping-up-uranium-production-and-poised-for-us-uranium-market-growth-6233Recording date: 10th February 2025Ur Energy (NYSE: URG), currently the largest uranium producer in the United States, is positioning itself for significant growth in an increasingly tight uranium market. The company operates the Lost Creek facility in Wyoming, which has been the country's largest uranium mine over the past four quarters according to EIA data.The company is pursuing a two-pronged growth strategy. At Lost Creek, which is licensed to produce 1.2 million pounds of uranium annually, Ur-Energy is ramping up production with 21 drill rigs currently operating on site. Simultaneously, the company is constructing its second project, Shirley Basin, also in Wyoming. Expected to commence production in late 2025 or early 2026, Shirley Basin is initially licensed for 1 million pounds per year, with potential to expand to 2 million pounds.From a cost perspective, Ur-Energy has historically maintained competitive margins. The company expects Lost Creek's all-in costs to range between $45-50 per pound, while Shirley Basin's costs are projected to be slightly above $50 per pound. With current spot uranium prices around $70 per pound and term prices in the $80s, these operations are positioned to generate healthy margins.The company has secured its revenue stream through several long-term contracts with U.S. and European utilities, with prices ranging from the $60s to $80s per pound. These agreements cover approximately half of the company's production capacity for the coming years, providing stable cash flow while maintaining exposure to potentially higher spot prices.Ur Energy's management team, which has worked together for 18 years, brings extensive industry experience, with many executives having 30-35 years in the uranium sector. This expertise has helped the company navigate industry challenges, including recent supply chain issues and labor market constraints.The company maintains a strong financial position with $110 million in unrestricted cash as of September 2024, providing flexibility for growth initiatives and operational needs.Looking ahead, Ur-Energy is well-positioned to benefit from expected growth in uranium demand, driven by new nuclear reactor construction and the restart of idled capacity globally. Additionally, geopolitical shifts, particularly Kazakhstan's increasing orientation toward supplying Russia and China, could create opportunities for Western uranium producers like Ur-Energy.While uranium prices remain volatile, the company's combination of established production, growth projects, experienced management, and strong balance sheet offers investors exposure to the uranium sector's potential upside while maintaining operational stability.View Ur--Energy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/ur-energy-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Todd Williams, MD of Unico SilverRecording date: 6th February 2025Unico Silver (ASX:USL) is rapidly emerging as a significant player in Argentina's silver sector, having assembled a substantial resource base in the Santa Cruz mineral province. The company has built a 160-million-ounce silver equivalent (AgEq) resource through strategic acquisitions and exploration, positioning itself as the third-largest holder of silver resources in the region behind Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti.Starting as a A$3 million junior explorer in 2019, Unico Silver executed a focused consolidation strategy, acquiring two key adjacent projects - Cerro Leon and Joaquin - at a remarkably low cost of A$0.10 per silver equivalent ounce. The acquisitions followed two years of complex negotiations to consolidate the district from five separate owners.The company's flagship Cerro Leon project holds over 90 million ounces of silver equivalent resources, while the adjacent Joaquin project contains over 65 million ounces. Management sees significant exploration upside in the unexplored depth extensions of high-grade polymetallic vein systems across both projects.To capitalize on this potential, Unico Silver has launched a major 50,000-meter drill program, currently 5% complete, aimed at expanding the resource base to 250-300 million ounces. The company is developing a conceptual mine plan centered on a processing facility at Cerro Leon, which could potentially produce 8-12 million ounces of silver annually.The proposed development strategy involves a two-phase approach: initial processing of oxide material from both projects in the first five years, followed by the addition of a flotation plant to treat deeper polymetallic mineralization. This staged approach aims to optimize the project's economics while building towards a long-life mining operation.The investment case for Unico Silver is strengthened by broader market dynamics in the silver sector. Demand for silver is experiencing significant growth, particularly from the photovoltaic industry, which now consumes over 300 million ounces annually - up from minimal levels a decade ago. This increasing demand, coupled with flat to declining mine supply and limited new projects in development, creates a favorable environment for new silver producers.Managing Director Todd Williams summarizes the opportunity: "I think tomorrow will not be like the past, you know, I think we're moving into a new paradigm and we're preparing ourselves for that paradigm." With strong institutional backing and a clear development strategy, Unico Silver aims to establish itself as a major player in the global silver market by meeting the growing demand for silver in the renewable energy sector.View Unico Silver's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/unico-silverSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Christian Easterday, Managing Director & CEO of Hot Chili Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/hot-chili-asxhch-advancing-low-cost-large-scale-copper-gold-project-in-chile-6048Recording date: 10th February, 2025Hot Chili Limited (ASX:HCH) is an emerging copper-gold developer that has consolidated a major land position along the Chilean coastal range. After years of diligent exploration and strategic acquisitions, the company is on the cusp of a transformational re-rating as it rapidly advances its Costa Fuego project towards development.At the heart of the Hot Chili story is Costa Fuego - a cluster of large-scale copper-gold deposits that the company has systematically pieced together over the last decade. Costa Fuego already boasts a resource base of 724Mt grading 0.48% CuEq for 2.9Mt Cu, 2.7Moz Au, 9.9Moz Ag and 64kt Mo, putting it among the largest copper development projects globally. But recent exploration success suggests this is just the beginning.The game-changer is the new La Verde discovery, situated just 30km from Costa Fuego's planned processing hub. Wide drill intersections like 320m @ 0.3% Cu, 0.1g/t Au and 202m @ 0.6% Cu, 0.3g/t Au confirm La Verde as a large-scale, bulk tonnage porphyry system in its own right. Importantly, mineralization begins from surface, making it ideal for open pit extraction. Eight of the first twelve holes drilled ended in mineralization, hinting at the depth potential yet to be unlocked.La Verde looks to be a carbon copy of the company's Cortadera discovery, a neighboring porphyry that extends beyond 1.2km vertical depth. Cortadera underpins 70% of Costa Fuego's current resource base, so it's no wonder that the market is sitting up and taking notice of La Verde's early drill results. Hot Chili has already expanded the La Verde footprint to 550m by 400m and is now stepping-out to test a potentially much larger porphyry system masked by shallow gravel cover.Aside from outstanding growth potential, Costa Fuego boasts many of the key attributes majors look for in a copper development project: scale, grade, by-product credits, access to infrastructure and a Tier-1 jurisdiction. The company is on-track to complete Pre-Feasibility Studies on both the copper-gold project and a related water asset this year, paving the way for an accelerated path to production.One factor that sets Hot Chili apart is its partnership with Glencore. The commodities giant owns a 7.8% stake in Hot Chili and has offtake rights to 60% of Costa Fuego's first eight years of production. This is a strong endorsement of the project's technical and economic merits. As the La Verde discovery firms up, expect to see heightened M&A interest from other big names in the copper space.With the copper market facing a multi-million tonne supply deficit by the end of the decade, Costa Fuego's importance as a strategic asset is only set to increase. Hot Chili offers a unique combination of near-term development potential, long-term resource upside and experienced management - all the ingredients to become a key supplier into a structurally tight copper market. If the drills continue to deliver, this is a story that could heat up very quickly.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/hot-chili-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Tara Christie, President & CEO of Banyan Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/banyan-gold-tsxvbyn-16000-meters-drilled-and-funded-through-2025-pea-on-7moz-gold-resource-5945Recording date: 4th February 2025Banyan Gold Corp. (TSXV:BYN) is advancing its AurMac gold project in the Yukon, which currently hosts 7 million ounces of gold. The company's recent drilling program has successfully identified higher-grade zones within the proposed starter pits, highlighted by intercepts including 1.6 g/t gold over 32 meters between the Powerline and Airstrip zones.The company is working to earn 100% ownership of AurMac and must complete an updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2025 to satisfy the final earn-in requirements. While some recent high-grade drill results won't be included in this update due to timing constraints, CEO Tara Christie views the upcoming resource update and PEA as an interim snapshot, with significant potential for continued growth.Christie believes the deposit could expand to 10 million ounces with additional drilling. The company's technical team is currently evaluating drill targets to identify areas with the highest probability of adding high-grade ounces and expanding the mineralized footprint.Banyan is well-funded for its 2025 activities, having deliberately conserved cash in 2024 during challenging market conditions. The company plans to continue aggressive drilling while advancing engineering studies beyond the upcoming resource update and PEA.Currently trading at a market valuation of approximately C$63 million, Banyan's valuation of $5 per ounce of gold in the ground represents a substantial discount to its peers, who trade at US$30-50 per ounce. The company's share price suffered a 50% decline in June 2024 due to external market factors, but with gold prices reaching C$4,100 and improving market sentiment, Banyan appears well-positioned for a recovery.The macro environment remains supportive of gold equities, with factors including rising geopolitical tensions, elevated inflation, and increasing central bank gold purchases. The mining industry's improved capital discipline and the scarcity of large, developable gold deposits in stable jurisdictions further strengthen the investment case for companies like Banyan.With existing infrastructure including power lines and roads on the property, a substantial resource base in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, and multiple near-term catalysts, Banyan offers investors exposure to a rapidly advancing gold project with significant upside potential. The company's upcoming resource update and PEA in 2025 could serve as key catalysts for a market revaluation.View Banyan Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/banyan-gold-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/first-mining-gold-tsxff-ceo-believes-they-are-a-standout-in-a-dwindling-field-of-advanced-assets-6314Recording date: 4th February 2025First Mining Gold (TSX: FF) is strategically positioned with two of Canada's largest undeveloped gold projects - Springpole in Ontario and Duparquet in Quebec. Each project boasts over 5 million ounces of gold resources, placing them in the coveted "world-class" category at a time when such large-scale development projects are becoming increasingly scarce in Canada.The company's flagship Springpole project is advancing through the final stages of the federal Environmental Assessment process, with approval anticipated by the end of 2025. The Duparquet project, located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold belt, is also progressing with an environmental impact study underway.The timing appears favorable for First Mining, as the gold mining industry faces a significant challenge in replenishing reserves. Recent years have seen six major gold mines built in Canada, with Osisko's Windfall project becoming the seventh to enter construction. This development surge has left few large-scale projects in the pipeline, creating a potential supply gap that major producers will need to address.The scarcity of advanced gold projects, particularly those exceeding 5 million ounces, has driven up valuations in recent transactions. Projects of this scale in Canada have consistently commanded prices of $500 million or more, even before securing final permits. Notable examples include Newcrest Mining's $2.8 billion acquisition of Brucejack and Kirkland Lake Gold's $4.9 billion purchase of Detour Lake.Despite these comparable transactions, First Mining's market capitalization stands at just C$150 million, suggesting potential upside as the company progresses through key permitting milestones. The company has demonstrated capital efficiency by raising over $60 million through non-dilutive means over the past five years, including asset sales, royalty creation, and strategic partnerships.CEO Dan Wilton believes the industry is approaching a critical juncture, noting that only three projects are likely to secure approvals and permits for construction before 2030, with Springpole among them. This scarcity, combined with depleting reserves at major producers and a strong gold price environment, creates a compelling opportunity for First Mining.The current market dynamics, characterized by rising gold prices amid economic uncertainty and major producers' urgent need to replenish reserves, provide a supportive backdrop for advanced gold developers. With two large-scale projects advancing through permitting in tier-one jurisdictions, First Mining offers investors exposure to this emerging opportunity in the gold sector.View First Mining Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/first-mining-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Mark Chalmers, President & CEO of Energy FuelsOur previous interview:  https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/energy-fuels-nyse-uuuu-multi-phase-plan-to-overcome-us-critical-minerals-shortage-6377Recording date: 3rd February 2025Energy Fuels (NYSE: UUUU) is emerging as a unique way for investors to gain exposure to two of the most critical inputs to the clean energy transition - uranium and rare earth elements. As the leading US-based uranium producer with a growing rare earths business, Energy Fuels offers significant upside potential that the market appears to be overlooking.On the uranium side, Energy Fuels is the leading US-based producer with about 1 million pounds per year of current production and a path to 2-6 million pounds over the next several years from a combination of its own mines, toll milling agreements, alternate feed, and ore purchases. This flexible "hub and spoke" model positions Energy Fuels to be the dominant uranium supplier to the US nuclear fleet, which requires about 50 million pounds per year, much of which is currently imported.The company's rare earth elements business, based at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, is ramping up to produce rare earth carbonates and oxides vital for electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators. Energy Fuels began producing a high purity mixed rare earth carbonate in 2021 and is now moving towards individual separated rare earth oxides with a definitive feasibility study underway to expand capacity 5-10x by 2027. Successful execution would establish Energy Fuels as the first major US-based rare earths processor.The macro backdrop for Energy Fuels could hardly be more favorable. Governments around the world are embracing nuclear power as a 24/7 zero-carbon energy source, supporting robust growth in uranium demand for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the US and other Western nations are rushing to build domestic critical mineral supply chains after decades of relying on China, which currently controls 80%+ of rare earths production and processing. This is driving government support and capital into the sector.Despite this compelling setup, Energy Fuels trades at a significant discount to its uranium peers and the market is essentially ascribing no value to the rare earths business. The company's uranium assets alone are worth more than the current enterprise value based on most price to net asset value estimates. That means investors can gain exposure to a strategic US rare earths producer essentially for free at current valuations - a mispricing that is unlikely to persist as commercial contracts are signed.Energy Fuels' recent deal with the Navajo Nation to transport ore and assist with mine cleanup shows strong stakeholder relationships and de-risks the investment case. When combined with the company's first mover status and deep technical know-how, Energy Fuels stands out as a compelling way to play the global energy transition and rising geopolitical importance of critical minerals supply chains. Energy investors with a long-term time horizon should consider adding exposure at these levels before the market catches on to the opportunity.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/energy-fuelsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Michael Konnert, President & CEO of Vizsla Silver Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/vizsla-silver-tsxvvzla-all-known-questions-answered-6110Recording date: 3rd February 2025Vizsla Silver represents a unique investment opportunity in the silver sector, combining robust financials, clear development momentum, and significant growth potential. The company's recent transition from explorer to developer has been backed by several strategic decisions that differentiate it from peers in the precious metals space.At the core of Vizsla's investment case is its financial strength, with approximately C$130 million (US$90+ million) in treasury. This substantial cash position wasn't just opportunistic fundraising - it represents a deliberate strategy to de-risk the project's development pathway and provide flexibility in execution timing. As CEO Michael Konnert emphasizes, this approach ensures the company won't face pressure for discounted financings at crucial development stages.The company's flagship project in Sinaloa, Mexico, demonstrates compelling economics with an industry-leading NPV to CAPEX ratio of 5x. Recent resource growth of 43% in the Measured & Indicated category, now totaling over 222 million ounces, provides strong foundational support for the upcoming feasibility study. The project's sub-$9 AISC positions it to generate substantial margins across various silver price scenarios.Development progress is evident in the ongoing test mine, which represents more than just exploration - it's the permanent production access being developed ahead of schedule. This strategic approach to development, learning from successful predecessors like SilverCrest, aims to de-risk the crucial startup phase by building significant ore stockpiles before mill construction begins.Near-term catalysts include the feasibility study expected in the second half of 2025, ongoing permitting progress, and potential construction commencement in the first half of 2026. The company targets production for the second half of 2027, with project payback potentially as quick as six months at current silver prices.Beyond the initial development project, Vizsla offers substantial exploration upside across its expanded 30,000-hectare land package in the Sinaloa Silver Belt. The company's strategy of district consolidation, rather than external M&A, focuses value creation within a proven geological terrain.What makes Vizsla particularly compelling in the current market is the scarcity of quality silver development projects. As Konnert notes, "There's really only a handful of development stories at all in silver, and there's really only a small few, Vizsla certainly included, that have any real economic value."This positioning, combined with silver's positive supply-demand dynamics and its role as both a precious and industrial metal, creates a unique investment opportunity in the silver sector.For investors seeking exposure to silver with a clear path to production, strong management execution, and multiple avenues for value creation, Vizsla presents a compelling investment case backed by substantial financial resources and strategic development planning.—Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/vizsla-silver-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Maura Kolb, President of Dryden Gold Corp.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/dryden-gold-tsxvdry-drilling-high-grade-gold-over-30-gt-in-the-heart-of-historic-gold-camp-6252Recording date: 30th January 2025Dryden Gold is ramping up exploration at its Gold Rock project in Northwestern Ontario, backed by a fully-funded $5.8 million budget for 2025. The company recently secured a strategic $3.38 million investment from Centerra Gold, providing strong validation of its systematic exploration approach and district-scale potential.Recent drilling at the company's Elora zone has yielded promising results, including intersections of 6 g/t Au over 12 meters. Unlike typical vein-hosted deposits in the region, mineralization at Elora occurs within shear zones, potentially indicating greater continuity and scale. The company's geological team has identified striking similarities between the Gold Rock camp and the prolific Red Lake district, particularly in structural controls and mineralization styles.Surface sampling across regional targets has produced impressive results, with values up to 34 g/t Au at the Hyndman target and historical samples reaching 617 g/t Au at Sherridon. The company has systematically prioritized these targets based on grade potential, size potential, and exploration feasibility.President Maura Kolb emphasizes the company's methodical approach to exploration: "Grade is always King, so that's forefront and foremost something we rate everything on." This disciplined strategy, modeled after major mining companies, has been instrumental in attracting strategic investment.Drilling is scheduled to resume February 10th, focusing on expanding the Elora zone both at depth and along strike. Current drilling reaches approximately 250 meters depth, with plans to test deeper extensions. Step-out drilling will target the northeast extension towards a historical high-grade mine that averaged 14 g/t Au, located approximately one kilometer along trend.The company has allocated 36% of its 2025 budget to test high-priority regional targets, providing multiple opportunities for discovery. This balanced approach between advancing the known Elora zone and testing regional targets aligns with Centerra Gold's investment mandate to pursue both brownfield and regional exploration opportunities.In a challenging market for junior explorers, Dryden Gold stands out with its strong treasury, systematic exploration approach, and strategic backing. The company's focus on high-grade gold in a premier jurisdiction, combined with its experienced management team and methodical approach to target generation, positions it well for potential discovery success in 2025.View Dryden Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/dryden-goldSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com