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Many Peaks Minerals
Investor Insight
Significant acquisitions of projects in some of the most prolific gold districts of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, position Many Peaks for significant discoveries, giving the stock a compelling investment case.
Overview
Many Peaks (ASX:MPK) is an Australia-based mineral exploration company with gold assets in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and exposure to key energy transition assets in Newfoundland, Canada. With drill-ready targets across its projects, Many Peaks aims to realise growth and value creation through exploration discovery and near-term mineral resource definition.
In West Africa, the company is focused on four recent acquisitions in Côte d’Ivoire totaling 1,919 square kilometres, including the more advanced-stage Odienné and Ferké gold projects with recent gold discoveries and more than US$4 million in previous exploration expenditures.
The company acquired a portfolio of three projects from Turaco Gold Ltd in May 2024, consolidating interests held in the projects by Turaco and Predictive Discovery Ltd. The Company’s establishment into one of the fastest growing gold regions in the world was quickly followed with a binding agreement securing an exclusive option to acquire a 100 percent interest in the Baga gold project, which comprises two permits totaling 644 square kilometres in eastern Côte d’Ivoire.
Many Peaks’ Canadian asset targets the lithium potential in Newfoundland, where an emerging lithium district is strategically positioned with access to both European and North American markets.
A management team with a range of experience throughout the natural resources industry leads the company towards achieving its goals of strengthening shareholder value through exploration.
Company Highlights
- Many Peaks is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its gold projects in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa: Odienné, Ferké, Baga and Oumé.
- Land holding in West Africa comprises 1,919 sq km within the Birimian Gold Terrain, providing the company a strategic near-term gold resource potential
- Also holds a 100 percent interest in the Aska lithium project in Newfoundland, Canada.
- An expert management team with extensive experience throughout the natural resources industry leads the team toward fully exploring its assets.
Key Projects
Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
Many Peaks’ assets in Côte d’Ivoire comprise four projects – Odienné, Ferké, Baga and Oumé.
Odienné Gold Project
Located in northwest Côte d’Ivoire, Odienné comprises two granted exploration permits covering a total area of 758 square kilometres. It is situated on the flexure of a regional scale structure zone hosting mineralisation to the northwest in neighbouring Guinea and immediately south along the margin of the Archean-aged Man craton.
Odienné Project location in the context of Siguiri Basin geology compilation and gold project locations regionally
Auger drilling in early 2023 defined coherent gold in saprolite anomalism, which prompted a maiden air core drilling campaign in late 2023.
Many Peaks has followed up 2023 success with aggressive exploration, expanding the project’s auger drilling coverage within weeks of acquisition. Systematic coverage of auger has succesfully defined three prioritised targets extending across more than 16 kilometres of a 30-kilometre gold anomaly.
The company is now well positioned for follow-up air core and diamond drilling campaigns to further define confirmed gold mineralisation on the project over the coming 2024-25 field season.
Ferké Gold Project
Located in northern Côte d’Ivoire, the Ferké gold project covers 300 square kilometres within a single granted exploration licence. Ferké is situated on the eastern margin of the Daloa greenstone belt at the intersection of major regional scale shear zones.
Ferké Gold Project outline with drill collar locations, including the location of the Ouarigue discovery within the >16km Leraba Gold Trend
Initial exploration work conducted at Ferké defined a more than 16-kilometre-long gold-in-soils anomaly on the Leraba Gold Trend. Previous exploration included systematic surface geochemistry, trenching and reconnaissance reverse circulation (RC) drilling across the broader Ferké area. Early success in reconnaissance RC drilling included initial intercepts into the Ouarigue target area, including results of 25 metres @ 3.06 grams per ton (g/t) gold from 64 metres in hole FNRC016.
The success in RC drilling was followed up with trenching and an initial 18 diamond drill holes, which confirmed a significant outcropping mineralised body associated with a granite intrusion, including intercepts from surface of 91.1 metres @ 2.02 g/t gold in hole FNDC008 and 47 metres @ 3.72 g/t gold from surface in hole FNDC012.
Baga Gold Project
Baga and Oumé project locations on generalised regional scale geology interpretation
The Baga gold project is a 644 sq km landholding comprising two granted permits in Côte d’Ivoire. The project is located 150 km east of the city of Bouaké and covers an underexplored region of structural complexity located just 21 km east of a recent greenfields gold discovery by Endeavour Mining, which over the past three years rapidly defined the 4.5 Moz Assafou gold resource estimate within their Tanda-Iguela permit areas.
Within weeks of securing the option to acquire a 100 percent interest in Baga, Many Peaks has completed the first surface geochemical campaign covering the project area.
The permits are situated where the southern extent of the Duango-Fitini shear zone in Côte d’Ivoire’s north forms a flexure or structural splay into the Oumé-Fetekro parallel shears within Birimian metasediments and metavolcanics. At this change of orientation in structures within the Birimian terrane the Baga project area also covers the intersection, or truncation of the Bui Belt structural trend which hosts Tarkwaiian sediments and conglomerate units extending east and northeast into central Ghana. Baga Gold represents a highly prospective area to advance exploration activity by Many Peaks.
Oumé Gold Project
The Oumé project is an early-stage exploration asset located in south-central Côte D’Ivoire. It comprises a single exploration permit (the Beriaboukro licence) and is situated on the Oumé-Fetekro belt, historically one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most productive greenstone belts. The area is host to Allied Gold’s 2.5 million-ounce (Moz) Bonikro, the 1.9 Moz Agbaou gold deposit and Endeavour’s 3 Moz Lafigué gold project.
Newfoundland (Canada)
Aska Lithium
Many Peaks’ 100-percent-owned Aska project is approximately 45 kilometres east of Cape Ray, Newfoundland. The project covers 193 square kilometres in proven lithium terrane and is situated in a growing lithium district known to host lithium-caesium-tantalum type pegmatites.
Management Team
Travis Schwertfeger - Executive Chairman
Travis Schwertfeger is a geologist with over 25 years of global industry experience primarily in gold and copper projects across Africa, Australia, Africa and the Americas. Schwertfeger has previously held several technical roles in exploration and production, including over seven years operating in West Africa with Newmont Mining and other ASX-listed explorers. He has prior experience as a director of ASX-listed mineral resource companies through previous roles, including a former role with Exore Resources (acquired by Perseus in September 2020 for ~A$80m).
Ben Phillips - Non-executive Director
Ben Phillips has more than 15 years of experience in commercial negotiations and has worked in several industries, including oil and gas, resource, technology and defence. He provides advice on a wide range of operational aspects, from R&D and exploration to production, commercialization and sales. Phillips is the executive chairman of Norfolk Metals (ASX:NFL), was previously a non-executive director at Bronson Group (ASX:BGR) and, subsequently, Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN). He is currently a corporate executive at Ironside, focused on sourcing, structuring, funding, and management requirements for public and private small-cap companies.
Marcus Harden - Independent Non-executive Director
Marcus Harden is a geologist with extensive gold and base metals exploration and management experience throughout Australia, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Harden's more recent roles include chief geologist of AuTECO Minerals, head of regional exploration for Bellevue Gold, chief geologist of Alicanto Minerals Ltd, and other senior exploration roles with Gryphon Minerals and First Quantum Minerals. He has played key roles in the discovery and definition of several gold deposits globally with ASX-listed junior companies. Among previous projects with contributions to discovery, three are currently operating mines and one is in development. He is also a member of The Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
Aaron Bertolatti - Company Secretary
Aaron Bertolatti is a chartered accountant and company secretary with more than 10 years of experience in the mining industry and accounting profession. Bertolatti has significant experience in the administration of ASX-listed companies, corporate governance and corporate finance.
Advancing gold discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa
Inca Minerals: Advancing High-grade Gold-Antimony Project in Northern Queensland
Inca Minerals (ASX:ICG) is an Australian exploration company focused on uncovering high-grade gold and gold-antimony mineralization. The company recently acquired Stunalara Metals, a transformational deal that enhances its exploration assets.
Inca Minerals' flagship Hurricane Project in Northern Queensland presents exceptional exploration potential, benefiting from a highly prospective geological setting. With record gold prices and rising demand for critical minerals, Inca is strategically positioned to seize this growing market opportunity.
Gold and antimony prospects at the Hurricane projectInca Minerals is committed to advancing its flagship Hurricane Project through a high-impact exploration strategy. The company plans to launch a shallow drilling program in Q2 2025, targeting high-priority gold-antimony mineralization identified through rock chip sampling and structural mapping.
Company Highlights
- The flagship Hurricane project in Northern Queensland features exceptional gold and antimony grades, with assays returning up to 81.5 g/t gold and 35.1 percent antimony. Despite its strong potential, the project remains undrilled, offering a first-mover advantage in an underexplored high-grade system.
- A shallow, cost-effective drilling campaign in Q2 2025 aims to define a maiden gold-antimony resource at Hurricane, with the potential to deliver rapid upside for shareholders.
- Inca Minerals’ acquisition of Stunalara Metals significantly expands its footprint across Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, strengthening its exposure to high-value gold and critical minerals like antimony.
- With China restricting antimony exports and global supply tightening, Inca is well-positioned to benefit from rising demand across the energy storage, defense and high-tech sectors.
- Northern Queensland has seen limited modern exploration compared to Western Australia. Inca is leveraging advanced techniques to uncover new high-grade gold-antimony systems.
- Led by an experienced team with a track record of discovery success, Inca maintains a disciplined capital allocation strategy to maximize shareholder value
This Inca Minerals profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Inca Minerals (ASX:ICG) to receive an Investor Presentation
Lode Gold Resources: Discovering the Next Orogenic Intrusive Deposit in Yukon and New Brunswick
Lode Gold (TSXV:LOD) owns three key orogenic gold assets with a proven gold endowment. Its flagship Fremont Gold Project, located on the Mother Lode Belt in Mariposa County, California, sits on patented private land. Lode Gold is the first owner since mining was suspended in 1942 to explore the site’s underground mining potential. Fremont boasts a gold resource of 1.16 Moz (Indicated) and 2.02 Moz (Inferred), underscoring its strong development prospects.
Lode Gold is spinning out its Canadian assets into a new company, Gold Orogen, which holds projects in Yukon and New Brunswick. Backed by $3 million raised in October 2024, Gold Orogen is well-funded for exploration. Additionally, Lode Gold is securing an extra $1.5 million, ensuring that drilling will take place during the 2025 exploration season.
The Fremont Gold Project spans a 4 km strike along California’s historic Mother Lode Belt, on 3,351 acres of privately patented land in Mariposa County. Lode Gold is launching a 2025 drilling campaign targeting an additional 400,000+ ounces of gold, further strengthening Fremont’s resource base and development potential.
Company Highlights
- Lode Gold has three key orogenic assets with proven gold endowment.
- Strong management and technical team led by Wendy T. Chan who has over 20 years of experience developing and executing strategic plans for Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial companies.
- Tight share structure, where four family offices and institutional funds owning over 60 percent.
- The company’s flagship Fremont project boasts a resource of 1.16 Moz of gold and 2.02 Moz of gold in the Indicated and Inferred categories, respectively.
- 2025 MRE 1.3 Moz of gold at 4.4 g/t Au (previously mined in the 1930s at 10.7 g/t)
- Upside potential; only 8 percent of the total 2023 MRE resources has been exploited; mostly in the first 250 m; much has been left unmined.
- Brownfield with 23 km of underground workings and over 43,000 m drilled (cores preserved)
- The deposit remains open along strike and at depth (three step out holes at depth over 1300 m hit structure and were mineralized) over 43 000 m have been drilled.
- Lode Gold will spin out its Canadian assets in the Yukon and New Brunswick into a new company called Gold Orogen to unlock value.
This Lode Gold Resources profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with Lode Gold Resources (TSXV:LOD) to receive an Investor Presentation
Trigg Expands Tier-1 Australian Antimony-Gold Tenure with Grades up to 61% Sb & 1045 g/t Au
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trigg Minerals signs a binding purchase agreement to acquire 100% rights of the Nundle, Upper Hunter, Cobark/Copeland projects, conditional upon completion of due diligence. Covering a total area of 1,039.7 km².
- These projects will be developed as Trigg’s second flagship exploration asset behind its primary, advanced stage high-grade Wild Cattle Creek deposit. Trigg will have two exploration teams advancing both these new projects and Wild Cattle Creek simultaneously.
- The package includes five historical antimony deposits, with rock chips grading 61% Sb and 9.7% Sb, and 12 tonnes of recorded Sb production (EL 9594, Nundle), plus a 37% Sb sample collected from 12m down adit indicating potential mineralisation at depth (EL 9655, Upper Hunter).
- The tenements also feature 60+ historical gold mines/occurrences across each tenement with historical recorded high-grade production. As an example, Standard Reef was worked in 1904 with an estimated production of 15,000oz at 53.8 g/t Au.
- Total historical production across the tenement package is estimated at 174,000 oz Au without modern mining techniques and significantly lower gold prices. Initial review suggests that mineralisation is interpreted to be open along strike and down depth and with considerable high grade rock chip grades ranging from 30 g/t Au to 1,045 g/t Au.
- The addition of the Nundle Project to TMG’s North Nundle holdings extends the Company’s prospective strike along the underexplored and prolific Peel Fault to approximately 40 km, significantly enhancing exploration potential.
Figure 1; TMG's latest tenement acquisition overlying local geology, historical Au and Sb occurrences (https://minview.geoscience.nsw.gov.au)
The acquisition includes four key projects:
Nundle (EL 9594)
The Nundle Goldfield has a rich history of gold production, with several historical antimony mines present within the region. It covers parts of the major Peel Fault and contains numerous old workings where typically small high-grade gold deposits occur in dolerites. The expanded Nundle Project, encompassing both Nundle and North Nundle, provides Trigg access to a 40 km length of the Peel Fault, a deep-seated conduit for mineralising fluids, controlling the localisation of auriferous (gold-bearing) quartz veins and antimony deposits. Several historical goldfields, including Nundle, Hanging Rock, and Bingara, are closely associated with this fault system.
Upper Hunter (EL 9655)
The Upper Hunter Goldfield in NSW is a historic gold-producing region known for its structurally controlled, quartz-vein-hosted gold deposits. Mineralisation occurs in fault breccia and shear zones within sedimentary rocks, with gold typically found alongside pyrite, arsenopyrite, minor chalcopyrite, and, locally, stibnite (antimony).
Cobark and Copeland (EL 9653)
The Cobark and Copeland Goldfields in NSW were prominent during the late 1800s gold rush. Mining focused on high-grade quartz veins hosted in faults and shear zones. The Copeland area became a key mining hub, with underground workings targeting gold-rich sulphides such as pyrite, stibnite (antimony), arsenopyrite, and minor chalcopyrite. The region remains highly prospective for modern exploration.
The association of antimony mineralisation with gold enhances the project's critical mineral potential, aligning with Trigg Minerals’ strategy to explore and develop high-value, multi- commodity assets in Tier-1 mining jurisdictions.
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
The Projects are in an underexplored yet highly prospective region, with historical workings and strong geological indicators suggesting significant upside potential. The presence of both gold and antimony presents an exciting opportunity for Trigg to unlock new resources and expand its footprint in the strategic metals sector.
Tim Morrison, Executive Chairman of Trigg Minerals, commented:
“The acquisition of the Nundle and other Projects marks an exciting expansion for Trigg Minerals into historically productive goldfields with strong critical mineral potential. The presence of both gold and antimony in this underexplored region aligns perfectly with our focus on high-value, strategically significant minerals. We look forward to applying modern exploration techniques to uncover new opportunities within this proven mineral province.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Trigg Minerals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
How Would a New BRICS Currency Affect the US Dollar? (Updated 2025)
Central to this ongoing situation is the US trade war with China, as well as US sanctions on China and Russia. Should the BRICS nations establish a new reserve currency, it would likely significantly impact the US dollar, potentially leading to a decline in demand, or what's known as de-dollarization. In turn, this would have implications for the United States and global economies.
Another factor is former US president Donald Trump returning for a second term beginning on January 20. Trump's America-first policies are expected to drive up the value of the dollar compared to its global counterparts, as was already on display the day following his election win on November 5 as China's yuan, Russia's ruble, Brazil's real, India's rupee and South Africa's rand all fell. This could in turn push these BRICS member nations to look for new paths to move away from the US dollar.
At the 2024 BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared on stage holding what appeared as a prototype of a possible BRICS banknote. However, he seemed to back away from previous aggressive calls for de-dollarization, stating the goal of the BRICS member nations is not to move away from the US dollar-dominated SWIFT platform, but rather to deter the "weaponization" of the US dollar by developing alternative systems for using local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and with trading partners.
"We are not refusing, not fighting the dollar, but if they don't let us work with it, what can we do? We then have to look for other alternatives, which is happening," he stated.
It's still too hard to predict if and when a BRICS currency will be released in 2025 or beyond, but it's a good time to look at the potential for a BRICS currency and its possible implications for investors.
In this article
- Why do the BRICS nations want to create a new currency?
- When will a BRICS currency be released?
- Which nations are members of BRICS?
- What would the advantages of a BRICS currency be?
- What is Donald Trump's stance on a BRICS currency?
- How will Trump's tariffs affect BRICS nations?
- How would a new BRICS currency affect the US dollar?
- Will BRICS have a digital currency?
- How would a BRICS currency impact the economy?
- How can investors prepare for a new BRICS currency?
- Investor takeaway
- Is a BRICS currency possible?
- Would a BRICS currency be backed by gold?
- How much gold do the BRICS nations have?
Why do the BRICS nations want to create a new currency?
The BRICS nations have a slew of reasons for wanting to set up a new currency, including recent global financial challenges and aggressive US foreign policies. They want to better serve their own economic interests while reducing global dependence on the US dollar and the euro.
In recent years, the US has placed numerous sanctions on Russia and Iran. The two countries are working together to bring about a BRICS currency that would negate the economic impacts of such restrictions, according to Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalal, speaking at a press conference during the Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum in May 2024.
Some experts believe that a BRICS currency is a flawed idea, as it would unite countries with very different economies. There are also concerns that non-Chinese members might increase their dependence on China's yuan instead. That said, when Russia demanded in October 2023 that India pay for oil in yuan as Russia is struggling to use its excess supply of rupees, India refused to use anything other than the US dollar or rupees to pay.
When will a BRICS currency be released?
There's no definitive launch date as of yet, but the countries' leaders have discussed the possibility at length.
Looking back at the timeline of BRICS currency discussions, during the 14th BRICS Summit, held in mid-2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the BRICS countries plan to issue a "new global reserve currency," and are ready to work openly with all fair trade partners.
In April 2023, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva showed support for a BRICS currency, commenting, “Why can’t an institution like the BRICS bank have a currency to finance trade relations between Brazil and China, between Brazil and all the other BRICS countries? Who decided that the dollar was the (trade) currency after the end of gold parity?”
In the lead up to the 2023 BRICS Summit last August, there was speculation that an announcement of such a currency could be on the table. This proved to be wishful thinking, however.
"The development of anything alternative is more a medium to long term ambition. There is no suggestion right now to creates a BRICS currency," Leslie Maasdorp, CFO of the New Development Bank, told Bloomberg at the time. The bank represents the BRICS bloc.
Most recently, government officials in Brazil, which took the rotating presidency of the BRICS group for 2025, have said there are no plans to take any significant steps toward a BRICS currency. However, measures to reduce the reliance on the US dollar are very much on the table with cross-border payment systems, including exploring blockchain technology, set to be a major theme at the 2025 BRICS summit to be hosted in Rio de Janeiro in July, reported Reuters.
Which nations are members of BRICS?
As of 2025, there are 10 BRICS member nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
The group was originally composed of the four nations Brazil, Russia, India and China and named BRIC, which it changed to BRICS when South Africa joined in 2010.
At the 2023 BRICS Summit, six countries were invited to become BRICS members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All but Argentina and Saudi Arabia officially joined the alliance in January 2024, and in 2025, Indonesia became the 10th full member of BRICS.
Additionally, at the 2024 BRICS Summit, 13 nations signed on as BRICS partner countries, which are not yet full-fledged members: Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.
The expanded group of 10 full member countries is sometimes referred to as BRICS+, although BRICS's name hasn't officially changed.
What would the advantages of a BRICS currency be?
A new currency could have several benefits for the BRICS countries, including more efficient cross-border transactions and increased financial inclusion. By leveraging blockchain technology, digital currencies and smart contracts, the currency could revolutionize the global financial system. Thanks to seamless cross-border payments, it could also promote trade and economic integration among the BRICS nations and beyond.
A new BRICS currency would also:
- Strengthen economic integration within the BRICS countries
- Reduce the influence of the US on the global stage
- Weaken the standing of the US dollar as a global reserve currency
- Encourage other countries to form alliances to develop regional currencies
- Mitigate risks associated with global volatility due to unilateral measures and the diminution of dollar dependence
What is Donald Trump's stance on a BRICS currency?
New US President Donald Trump has not been shy about upping the ante on American protectionism with his plans to slap tariffs on imported goods beginning this year. During the first US Presidential Debate between him and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10 last year, Trump doubled down on his pledge to punish BRICS nations with strict tariffs if they seek to move away from the US dollar as the global currency.
He is taking a particularly strong stance against China, threatening to implement 60 percent to 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, although these hefty tariffs would be paid by American companies and consumers purchasing Chinese products, not by China itself.
In early December, Trump posted an even more direct threat to BRICS nations on the social media platform Truth Social. “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new Brics currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy,” he wrote.
In response to Trump demanding a "commitment" from BRICS nations not to challenge the supremacy of the US dollar, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov sounded less than threatened.
"More and more countries are switching to the use of national currencies in their trade and foreign economic activities," Peskov said, per Reuters. "If the U.S. uses force, as they say economic force, to compel countries to use the dollar it will further strengthen the trend of switching to national currencies (in international trade)."
How will Trump's tariffs affect BRICS nations?
If US President Donald Trump were to come through on his promise to enact 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations the outcome could prove costly for all parties involved. “The action would result in slower growth and higher inflation than otherwise in the US and most of the targeted economies,” according to analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
Of all the BRICS member nations, China would likely experience slower GDP growth the worst as the United States is its largest trading partner. One silver lining for China is that its disciplined central bank will help to save it from accelerated inflation.
Trump’s 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports set on March 12, 2025 will impact Brazil and China as well as the UAE. Brazil ranks in the top three sources for US steel imports; while China and the UAE represent significant sources of US aluminum imports.
How would a new BRICS currency affect the US dollar?
RomanR / Shutterstock
For decades, the US dollar has enjoyed unparalleled dominance as the world's leading reserve currency. According to the US Federal Reserve, between 1999 and 2019, the dollar was used in 96 percent of international trade invoicing in the Americas, 74 percent in the Asia-Pacific region and 79 percent in the rest of the world.
According to the Atlantic Council, the US dollar is used in approximately 88 percent of currency exchanges, and 59 percent of all foreign currency reserves held by central banks. Due to its status as the most widely used currency for conversion and its use as a benchmark in the forex market, almost all central banks worldwide hold dollars. Additionally, the dollar is used for the vast majority of oil trades.
Although the dollar's reserve currency share has decreased as the euro and yen have gained popularity, the dollar is still the most widely used reserve currency, followed by the euro, the yen, the pound and the yuan.
The potential impact of a new BRICS currency on the US dollar remains uncertain, with experts debating its potential to challenge the dollar's dominance. However, if a new BRICS currency was to stabilize against the dollar, it could weaken the power of US sanctions, leading to a further decline in the dollar's value. It could also cause an economic crisis affecting American households. Aside from that, this new currency could accelerate the trend toward de-dollarization.
Nations worldwide are seeking alternatives to the US dollar, with examples being China and Russia trading in their own currencies, and countries like India, Kenya and Malaysia advocating for de-dollarization or signing agreements with other nations to trade in local currencies or alternative benchmarks.
While it is unclear whether a new BRICS currency would inspire the creation of other US dollar alternatives, the possibility of challenging the dollar's dominance as a reserve currency remains. And as countries continue to diversify their reserve holdings, the US dollar could face increasing competition from emerging currencies, potentially altering the balance of power in global markets.
However, a study by the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center released in June 2024 shows that the US dollar is far from being dethroned as the world's primary reserve currency.
"The group's 'Dollar Dominance Monitor' said the dollar continued to dominate foreign reserve holdings, trade invoicing, and currency transactions globally and its role as the primary global reserve currency was secure in the near and medium term," Reuters reported.
Warwick J. McKibbin and Marcus Noland of the Peterson Institute for International Economics agree with this sentiment, writing in their analysis of the impacts of US tariffs on BRICS nations that "the BRICS pose no serious threat to the dollar’s dominance."
Ultimately, the impact of a new BRICS currency on the US dollar will depend on its adoption, its perceived stability and the extent to which it can offer a viable alternative to the dollar's longstanding hegemony.
Will BRICS have a digital currency?
BRICS nations do not as of yet have their own specific digital currency, but a BRICS blockchain-based payment system is in the works, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov in March 2024. Known as the BRICS Bridge multisided payment platform, it would connect member states' financial systems using payment gateways for settlements in central bank digital currencies.
The planned system would serve as an alternative to the current international cross-border payment platform, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system, which is dominated by US dollars.
“We believe that creating an independent BRICS payment system is an important goal for the future, which would be based on state-of-the-art tools such as digital technologies and blockchain. The main thing is to make sure it is convenient for governments, common people and businesses, as well as cost-effective and free of politics,” Ushakov said in an interview with Russian news agency TASS.
Another dollar-alternative digital currency cross-border payment system in the works is Project mBridge, under development via a collaboration between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Bank of Thailand, the Digital Currency Institute of the People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of the UAE. Saudi Arabia has also recently decided to join the project. The central bank digital currencies traded on the platform would be backed by gold and local currencies minted in member nations.
In June 2024, Forbes reported that the mBridge platform had reached a significant milestone by completing its minimal viable product stage (MVP). The MVP platform can undertake real-value transactions (subject to jurisdictional preparedness) and is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), a decentralized virtual environment that executes code consistently and securely across all Ethereum nodes," stated the publication. "MVP thus is suitable as a testbed for new use cases and interoperability with other platforms."
In a recent interview with the Investing News Network, Andy Schectman, president of Miles Franklin, explained how Project mBridge relates to the BRICS Unit.
"(New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff) came out and publicly said that there has been an agreement in principle to use a new settlement currency called the Unit, which will be backed 40 percent by gold and 60 percent by the local currencies in the BRICS union — the BRICS+ countries. That gold will be in the form of kilo bars and will be deliverable or redeemable for those entities," Schectman said.
"The basket of gold and the basket of currencies will be minted in the member countries ... it will be put into an escrow account, taken off the ledger so to speak — off of their balance sheet and put onto the mBridge ledger, and held in an escrow account in their own borders. It doesn't need to be sent to a central authority."
How would a BRICS currency impact the economy?
A potential shift toward a new BRICS currency could have significant implications for the North American economy and investors operating within it. Some of the most affected sectors and industries would include:
- Oil and gas
- Banking and finance
- Commodities
- International trade
- Technology
- Tourism and travel
- The foreign exchange market
A new BRICS currency would also introduce new trading pairs, alter currency correlations and increase market volatility, requiring investors to adapt their strategies accordingly.
How can investors prepare for a new BRICS currency?
Adjusting a portfolio in response to emerging BRICS currency trends may be a challenge for investors. While it does not currently seem like a BRICS currency is on the immediate horizon, Trump's aggressive trade tactics have pushed allies away from the US, making diversification important.
Several strategies can be adopted to capitalize on these trends and diversify your portfolio:
- Diversify currency exposure by investing in assets such as bonds, mutual funds exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar.
- Gain exposure to BRICS equity markets through stocks and ETFs that track BRICS market indexes.
- Invest a portion of your portfolio in precious metals gold and silver as a hedge against currency risk.
- Consider alternative investments such as real estate or private equity in the BRICS countries.
Prudent investors will also weigh these strategies against their exposure to market, political and currency fluctuations.
In terms of investment vehicles, investors could consider ETFs such as the iShares MSCI BIC ETF (ARCA:BKF) or the Pacer Emerging Markets Cash COW 100 ETF (NASDAQ:ECOW). They could also invest in mutual funds such as the T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Equity Fund, or in individual companies within the BRICS countries.
Simply put, preparing for a new BRICS currency or potential de-dollarization requires careful research and due diligence by investors. Diversifying currency exposure, and investing in commodities, equity markets or alternative investments are possible options to consider while being mindful of the associated risks.
Investor takeaway
While it is not certain whether the creation of a BRICS reserve currency will come to pass, its emergence would pose significant implications for the global economy and potentially challenge the US dollar's dominance as the primary reserve currency. This development would present unique investment opportunities, while introducing risks to existing investments as the shifting landscape alters monetary policy and exacerbates geopolitical tensions.
For those reasons, investors should closely monitor the progress of a possible BRICS currency. And, if the bloc does eventually create one, it will be important watch the currency's impact on BRICS member economies and the broader global market. Staying vigilant will help investors to capitalize on growth prospects and hedge against potential risks.
FAQs for a new BRICS currency
Is a BRICS currency possible?
Some financial analysts point to the creation of the euro in 1999 as proof that a BRICS currency may be possible. However, this would require years of preparation, the establishment of a new central bank and an agreement between the five nations to phase out their own sovereign currencies; it would most likely also need the support of the International Monetary Fund to be successful internationally.
The impact of its war on Ukraine will continue to weaken Russia's economy and the value of the ruble, and China is intent on raising the power of the yuan internationally. There is also a wide chasm of economic disparity between China and other BRICS nations. These are no small obstacles to overcome.
Would a new BRICS currency be backed by gold?
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested hard assets such as gold or oil, a new BRICS currency would likely be backed by a basket of the bloc's currencies. However, this basket could potentially contain gold as well, as Andy Schectman explained to INN.
Additionally, speaking at this year's New Orleans Investment Conference, well-known author Jim Rickards gave a detailed talk on how a gold-backed BRICS currency could work. He suggested that if a BRICS currency unit is worth 1 ounce of gold and the gold price goes to US$3,000 per ounce, the BRICS currency unit would be worth US$3,000, while the dollar would lose value compared to the BRICS currency as measured by the weight of gold.
Importantly though, he doesn't see this as a new gold standard, or the end of the US dollar or the euro.
“(With) a real gold standard, you can take the currency and go to any one of the central banks and get some gold,” Rickards said at the event. “With BRICS they don’t have to own any gold, they don’t have to buy any gold, they don’t have to prop up the price. They can just rise on the dollar gold market."
How much gold do the BRICS nations have?
As of Q3 2024, the combined central bank gold holdings of the original BRICS nations plus Egypt (the only nation of the five new additions to have central bank gold reserves) accounted for more than 20 percent of all the gold held in the world's central banks. Russia, India and China rank in the top 10 for central bank gold holdings.
Russia controls 2,335.85 metric tons (MT) of the yellow metal, making it the fifth largest for central bank gold reserves. China follows in the sixth spot with 2,264.32 MT of gold and India places eighth with 853.63 MT. Brazil and South Africa's central bank gold holdings are much smaller, coming in at 129.65 MT and 125.44 MT, respectively. New BRICS member Egypt's gold holdings are equally small, at 126.82 MT.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2023.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Inca Minerals
Investor Insight
With a clear, execution-focused strategy, Inca Minerals is poised to become a leading gold and antimony exploration company in Australia. The company is led by an experienced management team dedicated to unlocking value through strategic exploration and resource development.
Overview
Inca Minerals (ASX:ICG) is an Australia-focused exploration company targeting high-grade gold and gold-antimony mineralization. The company’s strategy is underpinned by its recent acquisition of Stunalara Metals, a transformational deal that strengthens its portfolio with high-grade exploration assets. The Hurricane project in Northern Queensland is Inca’s key focus, offering exceptional exploration potential in a region with significant structural controls for mineralization. With a strong macro backdrop of record gold prices and increasing demand for critical minerals, Inca is well-positioned to capitalize on this market opportunity.
Inca Minerals' primary objective is to advance the flagship Hurricane project through an aggressive exploration strategy. The company plans to initiate shallow drilling in Q2 2025, targeting high-priority gold-antimony mineralization identified from rock chip sampling and structural mapping. Concurrently, Inca is conducting geophysical and geochemical surveys to refine drill targets and expand the exploration footprint, ensuring a comprehensive approach to unlocking the project’s full potential.
Recognizing the increasing demand for critical minerals, Inca is strategically positioning itself as a key player in the antimony market. With China imposing export restrictions on this vital commodity, global supply constraints present a significant opportunity for Inca. The company aims to capitalize on this trend by advancing its high-grade gold-antimony deposits at Hurricane, demonstrating the economic viability of the project. Additionally, Inca is focused on educating the market about antimony’s essential role in energy transition, defence and high-tech applications, further reinforcing its value proposition to investors.
Beyond Hurricane, Inca is committed to maintaining a balanced and de-risked exploration portfolio. The company plans to commence fieldwork at the Mt Read project in Tasmania in late 2025, evaluating its potential for polymetallic mineralization, including copper, lead, zinc and gold.
Company Highlights
- The flagship Hurricane project in Northern Queensland features exceptional gold and antimony grades, with assays returning up to 81.5 g/t gold and 35.1 percent antimony. Despite its strong potential, the project remains undrilled, offering a first-mover advantage in an underexplored high-grade system.
- A shallow, cost-effective drilling campaign in Q2 2025 aims to define a maiden gold-antimony resource at Hurricane, with the potential to deliver rapid upside for shareholders.
- Inca Minerals’ acquisition of Stunalara Metals significantly expands its footprint across Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, strengthening its exposure to high-value gold and critical minerals like antimony.
- With China restricting antimony exports and global supply tightening, Inca is well-positioned to benefit from rising demand across the energy storage, defense and high-tech sectors.
- Northern Queensland has seen limited modern exploration compared to Western Australia. Inca is leveraging advanced techniques to uncover new high-grade gold-antimony systems.
- Led by an experienced team with a track record of discovery success, Inca maintains a disciplined capital allocation strategy to maximize shareholder value
Key Projects
Hurricane Project
The Hurricane project is Inca Minerals’ flagship asset, located in Northern Queensland, approximately 110 km west-northwest of Cairns. The project consists of three tenements positioned within a structurally favorable corridor between the Hurricane and Retina Faults. The project is highly prospective for gold and antimony mineralization, with multiple high-grade targets identified through historical and recent rock chip sampling.
Recent assay results from Hurricane confirm the presence of significant gold and antimony grades, with highlights including 81.5 grams per ton (g/t) gold at Hurricane South, 12.95 g/t gold at Hurricane North, and 35.1 percent antimony at Bouncer. Despite these impressive surface results, the project remains undrilled, offering a rare opportunity to test a virgin high-grade gold-antimony system. The mineralization is epithermal in nature, hosted within structurally controlled quartz veins that show strong alteration signatures, suggesting a robust hydrothermal system.
Gold and antimony prospects at the Hurricane project
Inca plans to commence an initial shallow drilling program in Q2 2025, targeting the highest-priority areas identified from geochemical and structural mapping. The company is also conducting geophysical surveys and additional rock chip sampling to refine its understanding of the mineralized system and expand its exploration footprint.
With a strong technical basis and excellent exploration upside, Hurricane is positioned as a potential near-term discovery opportunity for high-grade gold and antimony resources.
Mt Read Project
The Mt Read project is an early-stage exploration asset located in Tasmania, a region well-known for its polymetallic mineralization. While not the immediate focus of Inca’s exploration strategy, Mt Read presents a significant longer-term opportunity for base metals, including copper, lead, zinc and, potentially, gold. The project is situated within a geologically prospective setting that has seen limited modern exploration.
Fieldwork at Mt Read is expected to begin in late 2025, following the advancement of the Hurricane project. Initial exploration efforts will include geological mapping, geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys to identify potential drill targets. While still in its infancy, Mt Read aligns with Inca’s strategy of securing highly prospective projects in stable jurisdictions with strong mineral endowments.
Management Team
Adam Taylor – Non-executive Chairman
Adam Taylor brings more than 20 years of experience in the civil construction and mining sectors. As CEO of a family-owned group of businesses, he oversees operations in mining, construction, waste management, dewatering and infrastructure maintenance across Western Australia. His core competencies include business management, strategy development, contract negotiation and implementing innovative solutions.
Trevor Benson – Chief Executive Officer
Trevor Benson has extensive experience in the mining and finance sectors, having worked with mining companies, investment banks and finance houses. He has completed mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions across various natural resources and related industries. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Australia.
Brad Marwood – Non-executive Director
With more than 40 years in the mining and exploration industry, Brad Marwood has held executive roles, including CEO and managing director positions at various companies, including Middle Island Resources and Tiger Resources. An engineer by training, he has been responsible for over 50 feasibility studies and has secured $500 million in funding for project development. His expertise encompasses exploration, project implementation, operational management and strategic planning.
Andrew Haythorpe – Non-executive Director
Andrew Haythorpe has more than 30 years of experience in the resources and investment industries. His background includes roles as a geologist with CRA, mining analyst with Suncorp and Hartleys, and fund manager at Bankers Trust, managing more than $40 billion. He has raised over $200 million for junior companies and led Crescent Gold from an $8 million explorer to a $250 million gold producer. Haythorpe currently serves as a director of Allup Silica and a non-executive director of Tempest Minerals.
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