Company Interviews

Interview withMichael Walshe, Managing Director & CEO, MTM Critical Metals& Steve Ragiel, President, Flash Metals USARecording date: 21st of January, 2025MTM Critical Metals is advancing a breakthrough flash joule heating technology for metal recovery and mineral processing, originally developed at Rice University. The company holds exclusive global licenses for applying this technology to mineral ores and metal-containing scrap materials.The technology enables selective recovery of critical metals more efficiently than traditional methods, dramatically reducing processing steps and energy consumption. In lithium extraction from spodumene, for example, the process can achieve in minutes what traditionally takes three hours in a kiln, while producing a purer product.MTM is initially targeting high-value metals including lithium, rare earth elements, gallium, germanium, and indium. The addressable market for gallium, indium, and germanium alone exceeds $10 billion annually, while the e-scrap market represents a $70 billion opportunity. The technology's "feedstock agnostic" nature allows MTM to pivot between different metals based on market conditions.The company is finalizing the design of a one-ton-per-day modular pilot plant, scheduled for completion in February 2025. This plant will demonstrate the process on five different feedstocks: spodumene, monazite, niobium, antimony, and e-scrap. The modular design enables smaller-scale, distributed production with significantly lower capital requirements - approximately $10-20 million compared to $400-700 million for traditional rare earth refining plants.MTM's most advanced commercial partnership is an MOU with Indium Corp. to recover gallium, germanium, and indium from manufacturing scrap. The company's revenue model combines licensing fees, processing fees, and a share of recovered metal value. Even at one ton per day, the pilot plant could address a significant portion of US gallium demand, estimated at 400-500 tons annually.The company has secured investment from Pengana Capital and is pursuing partnerships with the US Department of Defense and Department of Energy. These align with government initiatives to secure domestic critical metal supply chains and reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China.MTM's technology is particularly relevant given the growing demand for critical metals in clean energy technologies and the urgent need for secure supply chains. The company's modular, efficient approach to metal recovery could play a crucial role in establishing distributed, domestic production capacity for these essential materials.The technology offers several key advantages: faster reaction times, lower energy use, reduced acid consumption, selective metal recovery, scalable modular production, and lower capital requirements compared to traditional methods.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mtm-critical-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Colin Rose, Chairman, Marmota LimitedRecording date: 17th of January, 2025Marmota Limited (ASX:MEU) is emerging as a diversified exploration company in South Australia with three strategic projects spanning gold, uranium, and titanium. The company's flagship Aurora Tank gold project has demonstrated exceptional potential, yielding high-grade results exceeding 100g/t gold in five different areas.After seven years of exploration work, Aurora Tank is approaching a significant milestone as the company prepares to define an open pit resource. The project's unique metallurgical properties make it suitable for a heap leach operation, potentially enabling a low-cost pathway to production without the need for expensive mill construction that typically requires hundreds of millions in capital expenditure.The company's uranium project sits in a prime location adjacent to Boss Energy's Honeymoon mine, one of only three producing uranium mines in Australia. With an existing resource base and plans for expansion, Marmota aims to capitalize on the strengthening uranium market, where prices have roughly tripled over the past two years.In a recent development, Marmota has made a promising titanium discovery, with initial drilling revealing exceptional heavy mineral concentrate grades. The mineralization begins at surface and extends to 30-34m depth, suggesting potential for a low-cost mining operation. The company is preparing to launch an aggressive 89-hole drill program to advance this discovery.Led by Chairman Colin Rose and supported by a experienced team including Executive Director Dr Kevin Wills (co-discoverer of the million-ounce Challenger gold deposit) and mining veteran Neville Bergin, Marmota is well-positioned to advance its projects. The company is evaluating the possibility of eventually spinning out its three core assets into separate companies to maximize shareholder value.The next 6-12 months promise significant activity across all three commodities. For the gold project, key milestones include completing metallurgical test work, a scoping study, and maiden resource estimate. The uranium project will focus on resource expansion through exploration drilling, while the titanium project will advance through its major drilling program and initial resource estimation.With strong fundamentals across all three commodities and multiple potential catalysts on the horizon, Marmota offers investors exposure to a diverse portfolio of mineral opportunities. The company's strategic focus on low-cost development pathways, combined with its proximity to existing infrastructure and strong market conditions for its target commodities, positions it well for future growth.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Sam Spring, CEO, Kincora CopperOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/kincora-copper-kcc-gold-explorer-pivoted-from-mongolia-to-australia-327Recording date: 17th of January, 2025Kincora Copper (TSXV:KCC) has successfully transformed its business model by adopting an asset-level funding strategy, securing partnerships for 5 of its 12 projects in response to challenging market conditions for junior miners. The company has unlocked up to $60 million in potential partner funding, with $3-3.5 million deployed in exploration activities during 2024.Operating in Australia's Macquarie Arc, a premier porphyry belt known for significant copper-gold deposits, Kincora is led by a technical team including John Holliday, an expert on the Macquarie Arc, and Peter Leaman, who has previous experience with major discoveries including Reko Diq in Pakistan.The company's strategic pivot began in 2019-2020 with a focus on the Macquarie Arc region in New South Wales. After consolidating 100% ownership of its projects by converting minority interests to the listed company level, Kincora has been able to structure partnerships with major mining companies. A notable example is their agreement with AngloGold Ashanti for the Nevertire and Mulla projects, where AngloGold can earn up to 80% interest by investing $50 million over seven years.The asset-level funding model allows Kincora to advance multiple projects simultaneously while minimizing shareholder dilution. The company maintains minority interests in partnered projects and receives management fees that help cover general and administrative costs. Recently completed partner-funded drilling of 7,000 meters represents significant progress in their exploration efforts.CEO Sam Spring anticipates near-term catalysts including initial drilling results and potentially larger partnership deals. With a current market capitalization of $10 million, the company sees potential for significant revaluation as exploration programs advance and new partnerships are secured. Looking ahead to 2025, Kincora targets $5-10 million in partner-funded exploration activities.The company's strategy aligns with broader industry trends, as major mining companies seek to replenish their project pipelines through partnerships with junior explorers. This shift comes as majors face challenges in organic exploration and increasing competition for producing assets. The arrangement benefits both parties: major miners gain access to early-stage discoveries while juniors receive funding and maintain upside exposure without excessive dilution.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/kincora-copper-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Darren Bowden, CEO, Metals Exploration PLCOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/metals-exploration-aimmtl-acquisitive-cash-generative-gold-junior-4935Recording date: 15th of January, 2025Metals Exploration, an LSE-listed gold producer, is executing a multi-jurisdictional growth strategy anchored by strong operational performance and strategic acquisitions. The company's Runruno mine in the Philippines achieved stellar results in 2024, with over 90% recovery rates and 83,500 ounces of gold production, generating $96 million in free cash flow.In a significant move to expand its portfolio, the company acquired the Condor gold assets in Nicaragua in 2024. The construction-ready Condor project is expected to produce 130,000-150,000 ounces annually, marking a 50% increase over Runruno's current output. To accelerate development, Metals Exploration purchased a secondhand processing plant, targeting production within 18-24 months. With estimated all-in sustaining costs of $900-1,000 per ounce, the project promises robust margins at current gold prices.The company's growth strategy is backed by a strong financial position, with zero debt and consistent quarterly free cash flow of $20-25 million. Projected cash generation of $170-180 million over the next two years will fully fund Condor's $110-120 million capital requirements without shareholder dilution.At Runruno, a recently identified near-mine target could extend operations by 3-10 years beyond the current 2027 mine life. Initial assessments show promising grades of over 15 g/t gold and 7% copper across the strike length, with drilling set to commence soon.CEO Darren Bowden's team brings extensive Latin American experience to navigate the Nicaraguan operation. The Condor acquisition included a seasoned management team with established local relationships, helping mitigate operational risks in the new jurisdiction.Further growth potential lies in the Philippines through the Abra project, acquired in August 2024, which hosts two significant targets including one of the largest copper footprints in the region. This forms part of the company's "pillar four" strategy for longer-term growth once multiple operating mines are established.Metals Exploration aims to achieve a FTSE listing by 2028, driving its ambitious expansion plans. The company's measured approach to growth, combining operational excellence with strategic acquisitions, positions it to evaluate additional opportunities once Condor's development advances, creating a sustainable pathway to mid-tier producer status without overextending resources.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/metals-exploration-plcSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Troy Boisjoli, CEO, ATHA Energy CorpOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/atha-energy-tsxvsask-advanced-north-american-uranium-project-6308Recording date: 17th of January, 2025ATHA Energy Corporation has emerged as a significant player in Canada's uranium sector, controlling the largest uranium exploration land package in the country with 8.5 million acres across the Athabasca and Thelon Basins. The company's flagship Angilak project in Nunavut Territory hosts a high-grade inferred resource of 43 million pounds U3O8 at 0.69% grade, comparable to Cameco's former Eagle Point mine.In 2024, ATHA completed a transformative year, executing a three-way merger with 92 Energy and Latitude Uranium while conducting an extensive exploration program at Angilak. The company drilled 10,000 meters across 25 holes, with each hole intersecting uranium mineralization and expanding the existing resource. Recent geophysical surveys have identified a 25-kilometer-long conductor trend, suggesting significant exploration potential.ATHA has outlined an exploration target of up to 98 million pounds at Angilak, positioning it potentially among the top five uranium projects in Canada. The company plans to focus 70% of its 2025 efforts on advancing Angilak while exploring its broader land package.According to CEO Troy Boisjoli, ATHA sees significant opportunity in the current market environment. The company's peer analysis shows uranium companies in the Canadian landscape trading at $6-12 per pound on an enterprise value basis, suggesting potential upside as ATHA advances its resource development.The broader uranium market context appears favorable, with growing nuclear energy adoption globally as countries pursue decarbonization goals. Supply constraints, following years of underinvestment, combined with increasing demand from major producers and new market participants like the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust, are creating bullish market conditions.The geopolitical landscape adds another dimension to ATHA's strategic position. With Russia and Kazakhstan controlling over half of global uranium supply, Western utilities are seeking alternative sources, enhancing the value of projects in stable jurisdictions like Canada.Looking ahead, ATHA's investment thesis rests on several pillars: its large, high-grade resource with expansion potential, tier-one asset potential at Angilak, extensive exploration upside across its land package, and exposure to rising uranium prices. The company's 2025 plans include resource expansion and development studies, which could serve as major catalysts for growth as the uranium market continues to strengthen.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/atha-energySign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview withChristopher Taylor, Chairman, Kodiak Copper& Claudia Tornquist, President & CEO, Kodiak CopperOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/kodiak-copper-tsx-v-kdk-unlocking-a-premier-copper-gold-porphyry-project-in-british-columbia-6295Recording date: 17th of January, 2025Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV:KDK) is advancing toward a significant milestone at its MPD copper project in southern British Columbia, with plans to deliver its first mineral resource estimate (MRE) in 2025. The project, located in the prolific Quesnel Trough mining district, sits amongst established operations including Teck Resources' Highland Valley Mine and Copper Mountain Mining's Copper Mountain Mine.After six years of exploration and over 85,000 meters of drilling, the company will quantify mineralization across approximately seven of its ten identified zones. The MPD property, spanning 338 km², features two distinct porphyry clusters in the northern and southern sections of the property.President and CEO Claudia Tornquist emphasizes the MRE's importance in demonstrating the project's true scale to investors. The company's Chairman and Founder, Chris Taylor, whose previous success includes the C$1.8 billion sale of Great Bear Resources to Kinross, draws parallels between MPD and nearby producing mines like Copper Mountain and New Afton, which similarly developed from single discoveries into multi-deposit operations.Despite significant exploration progress, Kodiak's market capitalization remains at approximately C$30 million, notably lower than peer companies North Isle and Faraday Copper, which command valuations exceeding C$100 million. Management views the upcoming resource estimate as a potential catalyst for market revaluation while maintaining active exploration across the property.The company benefits from strong shareholder support, with Teck Resources as its largest shareholder. Its strategic position in the copper sector aligns with growing demand driven by global electrification and renewable energy trends, against a backdrop of constrained supply due to years of underinvestment in new mine development.Taylor notes the transformative potential of porphyry copper systems, stating that companies are "always one drill hole away from a $100 million market cap." While the resource estimate represents a crucial milestone, Kodiak remains committed to ongoing exploration, testing new targets and expanding known zones.The investment thesis centers on the upcoming resource estimate as a near-term catalyst, the project's strategic location in a proven mining district, continued exploration upside, and exposure to strengthening copper market fundamentals. With experienced management, strong institutional backing, and multiple potential catalysts ahead, Kodiak Copper aims to close the valuation gap with its more advanced peers while advancing the MPD project toward its full potential.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/kodiak-copper-corpSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Dan Noone, CEO of G2 Goldfields Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g2-goldfields-tsxvgtwo-aggressively-drilling-as-guyana-ma-heats-up-6029Recording date: 14th January 2025G2 Goldfields, a high-grade gold exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV:GTWO) and OTCQB (GUYGF), is advancing its gold projects in Guyana while preparing for significant corporate restructuring. The company's flagship Oko project, discovered in late 2019, has already established a resource of over 2 million ounces, with an updated estimate expected in Q1 2025 following an additional 58,000 meters of drilling.The company has announced plans to split its assets into two entities. The core G2 assets, which host the current resource, will be positioned for sale, while the regional exploration properties will be spun out into a new company called G3 Goldfields. Current shareholders will receive G3 shares on a 1:2 ratio, allowing them to benefit from both the potential G2 sale and ongoing exploration upside.G2's success in Guyana has attracted significant attention from major mining companies, with AngloGold Ashanti taking a 15% stake in the company. This investment validates both G2's assets and Guyana as an emerging mining jurisdiction. The country has seen increased interest from international miners, partly driven by Exxon's major oil discoveries that have raised Guyana's profile with American investors.In preparation for a potential sale, G2 is completing key milestones, including converting claims to prospecting licenses and updating its resource estimate. The company has already completed a year of environmental baseline studies to facilitate future permitting processes. CEO Dan Noone emphasizes the supportive nature of Guyana's government and the efficiency of its permitting system.The new G3 entity will control approximately 44,000 acres of property north of the main G2 project area, including several historic mine sites such as Peters and Aremu. G2 plans to provide G3 with $5-10 million in initial funding to support its first year of exploration activities, allowing the new company to create value before seeking additional capital.The company's strategy reflects a focused approach to creating shareholder value: developing and de-risking assets to the point of sale rather than becoming a mine operator, while maintaining exploration upside through the G3 spin-out. This dual-track approach, combined with Guyana's emergence as an attractive mining jurisdiction and strong institutional backing, positions G2 Goldfields shareholders to potentially benefit from both near-term asset monetization and ongoing exploration success.View G2 Goldfields' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/g2-goldfieldsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar Helium Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/pulsar-helium-tsxvplsr-tapping-into-helium-shortages-with-flagship-us-project-4705Recording date: 14th January 2025Pulsar Helium, a dedicated helium exploration company, is advancing its flagship Topaz project in Minnesota, which has shown exceptional potential with helium concentrations up to 14.5%. The project, acquired in 2021 from a nickel exploration company that made the initial helium discovery, represents a significant opportunity in the North American helium market.The company recently completed deepening its Jetstream-1 discovery well from 2,200 feet to 5,100 feet, encountering additional helium-bearing reservoir rock. In parallel, Pulsar is drilling a second well, Jetstream-2, to further delineate the resource. The company employs air drilling technology, which allows faster penetration through the crystalline basement rock, though this method provides conservative estimates of helium concentrations due to dilution.Pulsar has partnered with Chart Industries, a multi-billion-dollar U.S. company, to design and engineer the processing facilities. The planned helium plant will be modest compared to typical natural gas facilities, focusing on separating carbon dioxide before processing helium through cryogenic distillation. The separated carbon dioxide could provide additional value, given the current U.S. shortage.The company aims to reach a final investment decision (FID) within 24 months, followed by an 18-month construction period before commencing production. This timeline aligns with favorable market conditions, as global helium demand continues to grow, driven by semiconductor manufacturing, MRI scanners, and space launch applications.A key market challenge Pulsar aims to address is the current industry's reliance on helium as a byproduct of natural gas production, which accounts for over 95% of global supply. This dependency creates inflexibility in the supply chain, as helium production is tied to natural gas extraction rather than market demand. When customers don't need the product, it's often wasted, venting into the atmosphere.Pulsar's strategic advantage lies in being a pure-play helium producer, offering dedicated production that can respond to market demands. With the U.S. Federal Helium Reserve winding down sales and domestic production declining, the company is positioned to capture market share in the evolving helium landscape.The project benefits from its location in Minnesota, a stable jurisdiction, and the high concentration of helium discovered. These factors, combined with the partnership with Chart Industries and the company's focused development strategy, present Pulsar Helium as a significant player in addressing the growing supply-demand gap in the U.S. helium market.View Pulsar Helium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/pulsar-heliumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview withAlex Black, Executive Chairman of Rio2 Ltd.Peter Akerley, President & CEO of Erdene Resource Development Corp.Recording date: 13th January 2025Two junior gold companies are approaching a significant transition from developers to producers, marking a rare success in the challenging mining sector. Erdene Resource Development and Rio2 Limited are both fully funded and on track to begin gold production, with their projects in Mongolia and Chile respectively.Erdene Resource Development is advancing its Bayan Khundii project in southwestern Mongolia, with first gold expected in Q3 2025. The company has partnered with Mongolian Mining Corporation to fund and develop what CEO Peter Akerley describes as a "multi-million ounce camp." With an after-tax NPV of US$170 million at $1,800 gold, the project shows strong economics despite Erdene's current market cap of around US$146 million.In Chile's Atacama Desert, Rio2 Limited is developing its Fenix Gold Mine, backed by Wheaton Precious Metals through a comprehensive funding package that includes $25 million in stream money, $100 million in pre-pay financing, $45 million cash in bank, and a $20 million cost overrun facility. The project hosts a substantial 5 million ounce gold reserve, with clear expansion potential.Both companies face similar market challenges despite their progress. Rio2's Executive Chairman Alex Black notes that despite their project's NPV of about $800 million at current gold prices, the company's market value remains under $200 million. However, Erdene has seen some market recognition, with its share price doubling since September 2024.Several factors support a positive outlook for gold mining development. Geopolitical instability, including Russia-Ukraine conflict and China-Taiwan tensions, reinforces gold's safe-haven status. Rising inflation and currency risks make gold an attractive hedge, while operating in countries with weaker currencies provides margin benefits for miners.The sector also faces supply constraints as miners struggle with depleting reserves and limited new discoveries. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pressures add another layer of complexity, as evidenced by Rio2's experience with environmental permitting in Chile.Both companies have positioned themselves for success through strategic partnerships and experienced management teams. While risks such as cost overruns, delays, and permitting challenges remain, their projects are largely derisked and fully funded. As they transition to producer status, both companies could see significant share price appreciation, though management emphasizes the importance of taking a longer-term view on these investments.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Morgan Poliquin, President & CEO, Almadex MineralsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/almadex-minerals-tsxvdex-prospect-generator-with-16m-cash-nsrs-5276Recording date: 10th of January, 2025Almadex Minerals, under the leadership of President Morgan Poliquin, is positioning itself to discover large-scale copper-gold porphyry deposits in the Western United States. The junior exploration company has assembled a portfolio of six early-stage porphyry projects across Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico in 2024, marking a strategic shift from its previous 25-year focus in Mexico.The company employs advanced exploration techniques to identify potential porphyry deposits, focusing on detecting large zones of clay alteration that typically overlie these mineral systems. These clay alteration zones, known as lithocaps, can be identified from space and serve as markers for potential deposits beneath the surface. The company has already delineated such zones at its six key projects.A distinguishing feature of Almadex is its ownership of diamond drilling equipment and an experienced drilling team. This in-house capability provides both cost advantages and operational flexibility, allowing the company to conduct proof-of-concept drilling programs without the constraints of contractor agreements. The company can adapt its drilling plans based on results and execute shorter, targeted campaigns when needed.Entering 2025, Almadex is well-positioned with over $13 million in working capital. The company plans to drill one to two projects itself while seeking joint venture partnerships to advance other properties. Target refinement will continue through the first half of 2025 using mapping, sampling, and geophysical surveys.The company's exploration strategy aligns with current market conditions. With copper being crucial for clean energy transition and electrification, and gold serving as a safe haven in uncertain times, the demand for new discoveries remains strong. The scarcity of major copper and gold discoveries in recent years, combined with the strategic value of deposits in stable jurisdictions like the United States, enhances the potential value of Almadex's portfolio.Poliquin sees increasing market recognition of the sector's importance and expects growing interest in the company's verifiable portfolio of copper-gold targets in the United States. The company's investment thesis rests on its potential for world-class discoveries, technical expertise, cost-effective drilling capabilities, and strong financial position. As exploration activities ramp up in 2025, Almadex aims to capitalize on the favorable macro environment for copper and gold exploration while maintaining the flexibility to advance projects either independently or through partnerships.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/almadex-mineralsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com