Company Interviews

Interview with Alan Carter, President and CEO of Cabral Gold Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/cabral-gold-tsxvcbr-near-term-production-on-12moz-cui-cui-gold-project-in-brazil-pfs-by-july-5454 Recording date: 15th July 2024 Cabral Gold is a junior mining company with a promising gold project in Northern Brazil that deserves investor attention. The company's flagship Cuiú Cuiú project is strategically located adjacent to G Mining's Tocantinzinho project, soon to be Brazil's third-largest gold mine. This proximity suggests favorable geology and potential infrastructure advantages.Key Investment Highlights:Substantial Resource Base: Cabral has already established indicated and inferred resources of nearly 1.2 million ounces of gold at Cuiú Cuiú. Recent high-grade drilling results, including an impressive intercept of 11 meters at 33 grams per ton of gold, suggest significant potential for resource expansion.District-Scale Potential: The project area boasts 45 gold targets outside the existing known deposits, indicating substantial exploration upside. CEO Alan Carter notes that the soil anomaly at Cuiú Cuiú is seven times larger than that of the neighboring Tocantinzinho project. Two-Stage Development Strategy: Cabral is pursuing a pragmatic approach to development: a) Stage 1 focuses on near-term production from oxide mineralization, which is typically easier and less costly to mine and process. b) Stage 2 aims to use cash flow from oxide production to fund exploration of the project's primary (hard-rock) potential, where management believes multi-million-ounce deposits may be found.Pre-Feasibility Study Nearing Completion: The upcoming PFS will provide crucial economic data for investors to assess the project's viability, including capital expenditure estimates, operating costs, and potential production rates. Experienced Management Team: Cabral has recently strengthened its leadership, bringing in professionals with significant experience in gold exploration and production, including former executives from major companies like Newmont. Potential for Organic Growth: The company plans to start with a modest operation and expand as more resources are defined, potentially reducing initial capital requirements and financial risk. Investors should also consider the following risks: Exploration Risk: Despite promising results, discovering economically viable deposits is not guaranteed. Development and Operational Challenges: Moving from exploration to production involves numerous hurdles. Financing Risk: Junior miners often require multiple funding rounds, which can dilute existing shareholders. Gold Price Volatility: Project economics heavily depend on gold prices. Geopolitical and Regulatory Risks: Operating in Brazil exposes the company to potential political and regulatory changes. Cabral Gold represents an intriguing opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the gold sector with the potential for significant upside. The company's strategic location, substantial existing resources, and district-scale potential offer leverage to gold prices and exploration success. However, as with any junior mining investment, thorough due diligence is essential, and investors should be prepared for potential volatility. The upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study will be a crucial milestone, providing investors with critical economic data to assess the project's viability. As CEO Alan Carter states, "Cuiú Cuiú is going to ultimately be a mine. It'll be a big one, but it's going to take time, and it's going to take money." This encapsulates both the potential and the challenges inherent in developing a major gold project in today's environment. — View Cabral Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/cabral-gold Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Colin Healey, CEO of Premier American Uranium Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/premier-american-uranium-tsxvpur-aggressive-quality-acquisition-strategy-5626Recording date: 11th July 2024Premier American Uranium (PUR) presents a compelling investment opportunity in the uranium sector, offering focused exposure to the growing US nuclear industry. The company's strategy is built on three pillars: acquire, explore, and develop, with a specific emphasis on consolidating assets in key US uranium-producing regions.Premier American Uranium's flagship project is the Cyclone property in Wyoming's Great Divide Basin, where the company has initiated an ambitious 71-hole drill program. This program, split between the 2024 and 2025 drilling seasons, targets two promising areas: Cyclone Rim and Osborne Draw. Historical data suggests high-grade potential, with previous intercepts including 8 feet at 0.92% and 7.5 feet at 0.81% uranium. These grades are particularly attractive for potential In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining, a method well-suited to Wyoming's geological and regulatory environment.The company recently bolstered its portfolio by acquiring American Future Fuel, which brought a significant resource in New Mexico. This addition provides Premier American Uranium with a 23.5 million pound uranium resource across all categories, with 80% in the indicated category. This substantial resource base offers a solid foundation for future development and potential production.Premier American Uranium's strategic focus on Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado is deliberate. These states have a long history of uranium production and are viewed favorably by the industry. In particular, Wyoming is a prime jurisdiction for uranium development, with multiple ISR operations and processing facilities being built in recent years.The global uranium market is experiencing a fundamental shift in supply-demand dynamics. Years of underinvestment in new mines and growing global demand for clean baseload power have created a scenario where many industry observers expect uranium prices to rise significantly. Premier American Uranium's CEO, Colin Healey, notes that by 2030, the industry could face a severe supply deficit if new mines aren't built and commissioned.Political support for domestic uranium production in the United States is gaining momentum. Premier American Uranium's management team has actively engaged with policymakers, reporting bipartisan support for uranium and nuclear power. This political backdrop could potentially lead to streamlined permitting processes and supportive policies for domestic uranium producers.For investors, Premier American Uranium offers several key attributes:- Focused exposure to the US uranium sector, aligning with the push for domestic production- A diverse portfolio across key uranium-producing states- Near-term catalysts from the Cyclone project drill program- A significant resource base from the New Mexico acquisition- Potential to benefit from favorable political climate and anticipated uranium supply deficitHowever, investors should be aware of the risks associated with mineral exploration and development, including potential delays, cost overruns, and the cyclical nature of commodity markets.In conclusion, Premier American Uranium represents a strategic play on the resurgence of the US nuclear industry and the growing demand for domestic uranium production. With its focused portfolio, experienced management team, and potential catalysts on the horizon, Premier American Uranium offers investors an opportunity to participate in the uranium sector's growth story. As global efforts to decarbonize accelerate and energy security concerns drive support for nuclear power, companies like Premier American Uranium could play a crucial role in meeting future uranium demand.—View Premier American Uranium's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/premier-american-uraniumSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Philip Williams, Director & CEO of Iso Energy Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/isoenergy-iso-highest-uranium-grades-in-the-world-funded-669Recording date: 11th July 2024IsoEnergy (TSX: ISO) presents a compelling investment opportunity in the uranium sector, offering exposure to high-grade assets in top-tier jurisdictions amid a strengthening uranium market. The company's portfolio is anchored by the world-class Hurricane deposit in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, boasting an exceptional grade of 34.5% U3O8 - significantly higher than the global average of 0.1%. This remarkable resource positions IsoEnergy as a potential low-cost producer in the future, with considerable exploration upside as drilling continues to expand the deposit.In addition to its Canadian flagship, IsoEnergy holds a strategic portfolio of past-producing mines in Utah, USA. The company is actively working to bring these assets back into production, with a focus on the Tony M mine. A unique toll milling agreement with Energy Fuels provides IsoEnergy with a clear path to near-term production, a significant advantage in a market where new mill construction can take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.Financially, IsoEnergy is well-positioned with over $50 million in cash and an additional $20 million in equities. This strong balance sheet provides the flexibility to advance projects and pursue opportunistic acquisitions in a consolidating sector. The company's strategic relationship with NexGen Energy, which owns 33% of IsoEnergy, offers financial backing and access to industry-leading expertise and potential synergies.The management team, led by CEO Philip Williams, brings extensive experience in the uranium sector and a track record of value creation through strategic acquisitions and project advancement. The board of directors, which includes key members from NexGen Energy, further strengthens the company's industry connections and technical expertise.IsoEnergy is well-positioned to benefit from the improving fundamentals in the uranium market. Growing global demand for clean, baseload power, coupled with years of underinvestment in new mines, has created a scenario where many industry observers expect uranium prices to rise significantly. The company's focus on top-tier jurisdictions like Canada, the US, and Australia aligns with the increasing emphasis on secure and ethically sourced uranium supplies.Potential catalysts for share price appreciation include ongoing drill results from the Hurricane deposit, progress on restarting US operations, and potential M&A activities. The company's high-grade assets make it particularly leveraged to increased uranium prices, which could drive outsized returns for investors.However, investors should be aware of the risks associated with uranium mining, including potential regulatory changes, public perception challenges, and the cyclical nature of commodity markets. Additionally, developing new mining projects, even in favorable jurisdictions, can face delays and cost overruns.In conclusion, IsoEnergy offers investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the uranium sector through a well-funded company with high-grade assets in stable jurisdictions. With strong financial backing, exploration upside, and potential for value-accretive M&A, IsoEnergy is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy and the anticipated upswing in uranium prices. For investors seeking exposure to the nuclear renaissance and the critical role of uranium in the global energy transition, IsoEnergy presents a compelling investment case with significant potential for long-term value creation.—View IsoEnergy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/isoenergySign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Nic Earner, Managing Director of Alkane Resources Ltd.Our previous interview:  https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/alkane-resources-asxalk-australian-gold-producer-targeting-100000oz-5635Recording date: 11th July 2024Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK) presents an intriguing investment opportunity in the gold and copper mining sector. With a market capitalization of around 300 million AUD, the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on both near-term gold production growth and long-term copper-gold development potential.The company's flagship Tomingley Gold Operations in New South Wales is on track to increase production from its current level of 60,000 ounces per year to 100,000 ounces by 2026. This growth is underpinned by the development of new deposits, including the Roswell underground mine and the San Antonio open-cut deposits. Alkane plans to expand its mill capacity to 1.5 million tons per annum to accommodate this increased production, providing investors with a clear path to enhanced cash flow in the near term.While Tomingley offers immediate growth prospects, the company's Boda-Kaiser copper-gold project represents a significant long-term opportunity. A recent scoping study explored various production scenarios, with the 20 million tons per annum option emerging as the most promising. This scenario could potentially yield 280,000 ounces equivalent per year, with a payback period of about four years at current commodity prices.However, the Boda-Kaiser project comes with substantial capital requirements, estimated at 1.8 billion AUD for the 20 million ton option. Recognizing this challenge, Alkane is actively seeking strategic partnerships to advance the project. The company aims to find a partner that can bring both financial resources and technical expertise, while ensuring that the value of Boda-Kaiser is appropriately reflected in Alkane's share price.Investors should note that the development timeline for Boda-Kaiser is considerable, with a realistic estimate of seven years from start to production. This includes time for environmental studies, impact assessments, and regulatory approvals. While this extended timeline may test investor patience, it also allows the company to thoroughly de-risk the project and optimize its development plans.From a macro perspective, Alkane is well-positioned to benefit from favorable trends in both the gold and copper markets. The ongoing demand for safe-haven assets supports gold prices, while the global push towards clean energy and electrification underpins long-term copper demand.The company's Managing Director, Nick Earner, emphasizes the potential value of Boda-Kaiser by drawing parallels with historical projects: "If people rewind their minds 10, 20, 30 years and look at the copper and gold prices at which some of the large long data projects started and then they look at what that would mean in grade terms today... people will find a lot of projects started around these sort of equivalent grades on a price basis."For investors, Alkane Resources offers a balanced opportunity: near-term production growth at Tomingley provides cash flow and potential for near-term value creation, while Boda-Kaiser represents significant long-term upside. The success of the company will largely depend on its ability to execute the Tomingley expansion plans and secure an appropriate partnership for Boda-Kaiser.While the market may not fully reflect the potential value of Boda-Kaiser at present, this could present an opportunity for investors who appreciate the long-term potential of large-scale copper-gold projects. As always, potential investors should carefully consider the risks associated with mining development, including commodity price volatility, regulatory challenges, and the substantial capital requirements of bringing new projects into production.View Alkane Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/alkane-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Keith Bowes, MD of Lotus Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/lotus-resources-asxlot-reviving-uranium-mine-to-seize-sector-momentum-4886Recording date: 10th July 2024Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT) presents a compelling investment opportunity in the uranium sector, strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for nuclear fuel. With two key projects in Africa, the company is on track to become one of the few near-term uranium producers in a market facing potential supply shortages.The company's flagship asset is the Kayelekera uranium project in Malawi, a past-producing mine poised for a rapid restart. Kayelekera boasts several attractive features that make it stand out in the uranium sector. With a low restart capital of approximately $88 million, the project offers a cost-effective path to production. The short timeline of just 15 months to production further enhances its appeal, allowing Lotus to potentially capitalize on favorable market conditions quickly. The company has set an ambitious target production date of end-2025, positioning Kayelekera as one of the few near-term uranium production opportunities available to investors.Lotus is currently conducting a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study to refine capital costs, operating costs, and the execution schedule. The company's recent A$30 million capital raise provides funding for these critical pre-production activities.In addition to Kayelekera, Lotus holds the Letlhakane project in Botswana, acquired through a merger. Letlhakane represents a significant growth opportunity for the company, boasting a large resource of 75-80 million pounds of uranium. This substantial resource base underpins the potential for a 20+ year mine life, providing Lotus with a long-term production asset. With a projected production capacity of 3-4 million pounds per year, Letlhakane could position Lotus as a major player in the uranium market, complementing the near-term production potential of Kayelekera and offering investors exposure to both immediate and future growth prospects in the uranium sector.Lotus sees substantial optimization potential at Letlhakane, including grade improvements, enhanced recoveries, and simplified processing. The company aims to advance Letlhakane over the next 3-4 years, potentially funding its development through cash flow from Kayelekera.The macro environment for uranium appears increasingly favorable. Growing recognition of nuclear energy's role in decarbonization, coupled with years of underinvestment in new projects, has created a tightening supply-demand balance. Major producers like Cameco and Kazatomprom are reportedly fully contracted for the next several years, forcing utilities to look to the next tier of producers.This dynamic puts Lotus in a strong position to secure offtake agreements, potentially with premium pricing or favorable terms. The company is actively engaging with utilities, primarily in North America and Europe, aiming to contract 50-60% of Kayelekera's production under term agreements.Lotus has bolstered its management team with key hires experienced in project execution, uranium processing, and African mining operations. This expanded team brings the necessary skills to transition from developer to producer.While Lotus presents a compelling investment thesis, investors should be aware of key risks. These include execution challenges in restarting Kayelekera and developing Letlhakane, potential financing hurdles and dilution, uranium price volatility, and political and regulatory risks in African jurisdictions. Despite Malawi and Botswana being considered relatively stable, these factors should be carefully weighed against the company's opportunities when considering an investment in Lotus.Overall, Lotus Resources offers investors exposure to near-term uranium production potential through Kayelekera, with additional long-term growth from Letlhakane. The company's strategy of fast-tracking a past-producing asset while methodically advancing a large-scale project positions it well to potentially benefit from rising uranium demand across market cycles.As one of few potential near-term uranium producers, Lotus warrants attention from investors seeking exposure to the sector's anticipated growth. Monitoring project milestones, offtake agreements, and financing developments will be crucial in assessing the company's progress toward its goals.View Lotus Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/lotus-resources-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with David Smithson, Senior VP of Exploration of Li-FT Power Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/li-ft-power-tsxvlift-the-next-north-american-lithium-supplier-5486Recording date: 6th July 2024Li-FT Power is making significant strides in lithium exploration with its Yellowknife Lithium Project in Canada's Northwest Territories. The company's integrated approach to project development and use of advanced technologies position it as a noteworthy player in the burgeoning lithium market.Senior Vice President of Geology, David Smithson, recently provided insights into the company's progress and strategies. Li-FT Power has completed 49,500 meters of drilling on eight pegmatites, with an initial mineral resource estimate expected in September 2024. This rapid progress demonstrates the company's commitment to swift project advancement.A key differentiator for Li-FT Power is its integrated approach to project development. Rather than following a linear progression, the company is simultaneously conducting exploration, resource definition, metallurgical studies, and environmental assessments. This parallel processing could potentially accelerate the overall development timeline, a crucial factor in the fast-moving lithium market.The company leverages cutting-edge exploration techniques, including spectral core scanning, multi-element geochemistry, and advanced geophysics. These technologies enable real-time data integration and visualization, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the exploration process.Li-FT Power's focus extends beyond drilling known outcrops. The company is actively working to understand the structural and chemical controls on spodumene mineralization across the entire pegmatite field. This comprehensive approach, including collaboration with academic institutions, could lead to significant discoveries beyond currently identified pegmatites.While advancing known pegmatites towards resource definition, Li-FT Power is simultaneously conducting brownfields exploration to expand the project's potential. This dual focus on resource definition and expansion could provide a significant advantage, potentially extending the project's lifespan and increasing its overall resource base.Alongside geological work, crucial metallurgical studies are underway to determine the most effective methods for recovering lithium from the pegmatites. The results of these studies will play a key role in determining the project's economic viability.Investors should note several upcoming milestones. The initial mineral resource estimate is expected in September 2024. Ongoing drilling to expand and further define the resource will continue. Metallurgical test results are anticipated to provide crucial information about processing methods. Finally, the company aims to advance towards a pre-feasibility study, which will incorporate economic parameters and feasibility considerations.It's important to recognize that while Li-FT Power's approach may mitigate some risks, mineral exploration and development are inherently risky endeavors. Challenges remain in defining an economically viable resource, developing effective processing methods, and navigating environmental and social aspects of project development.The broader context of the lithium market adds to the investment thesis. With projected demand increases of up to 40 times by 2040 (IEA), and growing interest in "friendshoring" critical materials, Canadian lithium projects like Li-FT Power's could be well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.Investors considering Li-FT Power should closely monitor the upcoming resource estimate and metallurgical test results, as well as ongoing drill results and lithium market trends. As with any early-stage mineral exploration company, thorough due diligence is essential, considering not only the geological potential but also the broader economic, environmental, and social contexts in which the company operates.View Li-FT Power's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/li-ft-power-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Tim Moody, President & CEO of Pan Global Resources Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/copper-explorers-aiming-to-fill-the-growing-supply-gap-5598Recording date: 4th July 2024Pan Global Resources, a copper exploration company, has recently made a strategic move that could significantly enhance its value proposition for investors. The company has acquired a new high-grade copper property in northern Spain, complementing its existing projects in the southern part of the country.The acquisition is particularly noteworthy due to the exceptional grades reported from initial sampling. President and CEO Tim Moody revealed that samples from the Profunda site showed copper grades as high as 10.3%, substantially above the global average for copper deposits of around 0.4%. Moreover, the samples indicated significant presence of valuable by-products including cobalt, nickel, silver, and gold, potentially enhancing the project's economics.This new property has a rich mining history dating back to the 1870s, with major operations running through the 1930s. The historical context provides Pan Global with valuable data to guide their exploration efforts, including underground sampling and mapping information from previous work conducted in 2016.Currently, Pan Global is conducting a cost-effective reconnaissance program, including a 1000-sample soil survey and detailed geological mapping. The company is utilizing portable XRF technology for rapid, on-site analysis, allowing for efficient initial screening of mineralization. Importantly, this work is being conducted within the company's existing budget, demonstrating prudent financial management.Near-term catalysts for investors include the results from the ongoing ground exploration work and a planned drilling program. Moody indicated that the company aims to drill one or two holes at the Providencia mine site before year-end, which could provide crucial validation of the high-grade mineralization suggested by surface sampling and historical data.The timing of this acquisition appears favorable given the macro environment for copper. The global transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles is driving increased demand for copper, with some analysts predicting a significant supply deficit in the coming years. In this context, high-grade deposits like the one Pan Global is exploring become particularly valuable, as they typically allow for lower production costs and higher profit margins.Moreover, the project's location in Spain, a stable jurisdiction with well-developed infrastructure and a history of mining, adds to its appeal. As geopolitical tensions grow in some traditional copper-producing countries, projects in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions may command a premium.While the initial results are promising, it's important for investors to remember that this is still an early-stage exploration project. The planned drilling program will be crucial in confirming the extent and continuity of the high-grade mineralization. However, if Pan Global can successfully delineate a substantial high-grade resource, it could attract attention from major mining companies and potentially lead to significant value creation for shareholders.In summary, Pan Global Resources' new high-grade copper project in Spain presents an intriguing opportunity for investors interested in the copper sector. The combination of exceptional grades, valuable by-products, favorable jurisdiction, and increasing global copper demand creates a compelling investment thesis. However, as with all early-stage exploration projects, investors should closely monitor the company's progress and consider the associated risks before making investment decisions.View Pan Global Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/pan-global-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Walter Coles, Executive Chairman of Skeena Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/skeena-resources-tsxske-465000-oz-pa-high-grade-gold-production-4464Recording date: 3rd July 2024Skeena Resources (TSX:SKE) presents a compelling investment opportunity in the gold mining sector, with its flagship Eskay Creek project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle fully funded and progressing towards production. The company has recently secured a landmark C$1 billion financing package, positioning it strongly in a challenging market for mining companies.Eskay Creek stands out for its combination of scale and grade, with projected production of nearly 500,000 gold equivalent ounces annually in its first 4-5 years. The November 2022 Feasibility Study outlines robust economics, including an after-tax NPV of C$3 billion at spot prices and an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$687 per gold equivalent ounce. With an average grade of 3.6 g/t gold equivalent over the life of mine, Eskay Creek ranks among the highest-grade open-pit gold projects globally.The financing package, comprising equity, a gold stream, senior secured debt, and a cost overrun facility, is notable not just for its size but also its structure. The equity was raised at a premium to market, while the gold stream is available before final permits – both unusual and favorable terms. The debt facility includes flexible terms allowing Skeena to pursue alternative funding if better options arise.A key strength of Skeena's position is its strong relationship with the Tahltan First Nation, on whose traditional territory Eskay Creek is located. This partnership provides social license and mitigates potential operational risks. The Tahltan Nation benefits from tax sharing, an impact benefit agreement, and prioritization for competitive contracts.Skeena sees significant growth potential beyond the current project economics. Potential avenues for increasing the project's value include mine life extension through satellite deposits like Snip, steepening of pit walls to access deeper ore, and inclusion of base metal credits in future economic studies. These factors could potentially drive the after-tax NPV from C$3 billion to closer to C$4 billion.The company is keenly aware of execution risks and has implemented several mitigation strategies. These include over-capitalizing the project, building a six-month ore stockpile, focusing on internal team building, and taking time to refine engineering studies. The brownfield nature of Eskay Creek, with existing infrastructure, further reduces execution risk.Currently trading at a significant discount to NAV, Skeena offers potential for substantial share price appreciation as it transitions from developer to producer. Management expects the company to trade closer to 1x NAV in about two and a half years, implying a potential four-fold increase in share price from current levels.While risks remain, as with any mining project, Skeena's approach to risk mitigation, the quality of its asset, and its fully funded status make it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to gold. As the company progresses through construction and towards first gold pour, it represents a unique opportunity to invest in a high-grade, large-scale gold project in a tier-one jurisdiction, with strong potential for value creation in the near to medium term.View Skeena Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/skeena-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Niël Pretorius, CEO of DRDGOLD Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/drdgold-nysedrd-gold-recovery-land-restoration-dividends-4932Recording date: 3rd July 2024DRDGOLD Limited (NYSE:DRD) presents a unique investment opportunity in the gold mining sector, combining profitable gold production with environmental remediation. As a long-standing player in the South African mining industry, DRDGOLD has adapted its business model to address both the challenges and opportunities presented by the country's rich mining history.The company specializes in recovering gold from mine dumps, focusing on reclaiming and reprocessing tailings scattered across the Witwatersrand basin. This approach not only allows for gold recovery but also contributes to environmental cleanup and land rehabilitation.DRDGOLD is currently in a transitional phase, moving from its "old Ergo" operations to a new phase of growth. The company has successfully mined out the initial 190 million ton resource at Ergo and is now working on extending the life of mine by an additional 15 years. Simultaneously, DRDGOLD is expanding its Far West Gold Recoveries operation, aiming to double its throughput.To support this growth, DRDGOLD is making significant capital investments, planning to spend around 70% of its current market capitalization on new infrastructure over the next few years. Importantly, the company intends to fund this primarily through operational cash flows, demonstrating the robustness of its business model.A key aspect of DRDGOLD's strategy is its focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices. The company is investing heavily in renewable energy, including a 60 megawatt solar plant and 160 Mwh battery storage system. This not only ensures reliable, affordable electricity but also aligns with the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.From a financial perspective, DRDGOLD has established a track record of consistent dividend payments, having paid dividends for the past 17 years. The company typically aims for a dividend yield in the range of 3-5%, making it attractive for income-focused investors.DRDGOLD's profitability is closely tied to the gold price, particularly in South African Rand terms. The company benefits when gold prices are high and the Rand is relatively weak, as it produces in Rand but sells in dollars.For investors, DRDGOLD offers a unique value proposition. It provides exposure to gold price movements, a consistent dividend income, strong ESG credentials, and potential for future growth. The company's focus on sustainable practices and environmental remediation positions it well in an investment landscape increasingly concerned with ESG factors. While the investment thesis for DRDGOLD is compelling, investors should be aware of certain risks. These include gold price volatility, operational risks associated with tailings reprocessing, potential regulatory changes in South Africa, and execution risks related to the company's growth strategy.As CEO Neil Pretorius states, "We take away a lot of the tension in investing in a gold stock because we don't dig new holes, we fill existing holes." This encapsulates DRDGOLD's unique position at the intersection of gold mining and environmental remediation.In conclusion, DRDGOLD represents an interesting opportunity for investors seeking exposure to gold with a sustainable twist. Its unique business model, growth plans, and environmental focus set it apart in the mining sector. However, as with any investment, potential investors should carefully consider the risks and conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.View DRDGOLD's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/drdgold-limitedSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Tim Moody, President & CEO of Pan Global Resources Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/copper-explorers-aiming-to-fill-the-growing-supply-gap-5598Recording date: 4th July 2024Pan Global Resources, a copper exploration company, has recently made a strategic move that could significantly enhance its value proposition for investors. The company has acquired a new high-grade copper property in northern Spain, complementing its existing projects in the southern part of the country.The acquisition is particularly noteworthy due to the exceptional grades reported from initial sampling. President and CEO Tim Moody revealed that samples from the Profunda site showed copper grades as high as 10.3%, substantially above the global average for copper deposits of around 0.4%. Moreover, the samples indicated significant presence of valuable by-products including cobalt, nickel, silver, and gold, potentially enhancing the project's economics.This new property has a rich mining history dating back to the 1870s, with major operations running through the 1930s. The historical context provides Pan Global with valuable data to guide their exploration efforts, including underground sampling and mapping information from previous work conducted in 2016.Currently, Pan Global is conducting a cost-effective reconnaissance program, including a 1000-sample soil survey and detailed geological mapping. The company is utilizing portable XRF technology for rapid, on-site analysis, allowing for efficient initial screening of mineralization. Importantly, this work is being conducted within the company's existing budget, demonstrating prudent financial management.Near-term catalysts for investors include the results from the ongoing ground exploration work and a planned drilling program. Moody indicated that the company aims to drill one or two holes at the Providencia mine site before year-end, which could provide crucial validation of the high-grade mineralization suggested by surface sampling and historical data.The timing of this acquisition appears favorable given the macro environment for copper. The global transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles is driving increased demand for copper, with some analysts predicting a significant supply deficit in the coming years. In this context, high-grade deposits like the one Pan Global is exploring become particularly valuable, as they typically allow for lower production costs and higher profit margins.Moreover, the project's location in Spain, a stable jurisdiction with well-developed infrastructure and a history of mining, adds to its appeal. As geopolitical tensions grow in some traditional copper-producing countries, projects in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions may command a premium.While the initial results are promising, it's important for investors to remember that this is still an early-stage exploration project. The planned drilling program will be crucial in confirming the extent and continuity of the high-grade mineralization. However, if Pan Global can successfully delineate a substantial high-grade resource, it could attract attention from major mining companies and potentially lead to significant value creation for shareholders.In summary, Pan Global Resources' new high-grade copper project in Spain presents an intriguing opportunity for investors interested in the copper sector. The combination of exceptional grades, valuable by-products, favorable jurisdiction, and increasing global copper demand creates a compelling investment thesis. However, as with all early-stage exploration projects, investors should closely monitor the company's progress and consider the associated risks before making investment decisions.View Pan Global Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/pan-global-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com