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12 February
American Rare Earths Limited
Investor Insight
American Rare Earths is unlocking the USA’s rare earths potential through its strategic, high-value asset in Wyoming, ramping up its development to bolster the North American critical minerals supply chain.
Overview
American Rare Earths (ASX:ARR,OTCQX:ARRNF,ADR:AMRRY) is a critical minerals exploration company focused on its 100 percent owned Halleck Creek project in Wyoming. This project represents the largest known rare earth deposit in the US, with high concentrations of key magnet elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium—essential components for renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced defense systems.
The US currently depends on China for 80 to 90 percent of its rare earth processing, which poses a significant supply chain risk. Halleck Creek’s vast resource, with a 2.63-billion-ton JORC estimate at 3,292 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxide (TREO), provides an opportunity to secure domestic supply for nearly 100 years.
Beyond its substantial resource base, the project offers significant exploration upside, presenting a multi-generational opportunity to establish a sustainable rare earths supply chain in the US. The support from EXIM Bank further highlights the strategic importance of Halleck Creek in reducing U.S. dependency on foreign suppliers.Company Highlights
- American Rare Earth’s flagship project, Halleck Creek, is one of North America’s largest REE deposits. With a 2.63-billion-ton JORC resource at 3,292 ppm TREO, it holds the potential to meet US rare earths demand for approximately 100 years.
- The company is completely focused on developing a US-based critical minerals supply chain, aligning with US policies to reduce reliance on China for rare earth supply.
- The Halleck Creek project’s planned development consists of two phases. Phase 1 entails development of the Cowboy State mine, which is located entirely on Wyoming state land, enabling faster permitting and streamlined regulatory processes. Subsequently, cash flow generated from CSM will support development of the federal portions of Halleck Creek in Phase 2.
- This phased approach allows ARR to accelerate its pathway to production, enhance shareholder value, and strengthen its position as a key domestic supplier of rare earth elements in the United States.
- Well-positioned to address critical supply chain vulnerabilities, Halleck Creek benefits from strong federal and state support, including a non-binding EXIM Bank letter of interest for funding up to $456 million.
Key Projects
Halleck Creek Project (Wyoming)
The Halleck Creek project in Albany County, Wyoming, is the cornerstone of ARR’s growth strategy. Recognized as one of the largest, rare-earth deposits in North America, it boasts a JORC-compliant resource of 2.63 billion tons at 3,292 ppm TREO. The deposit is hosted in Precambrian granites and metamorphic rocks, which contain REE-enriched minerals like monazite and bastnaesite. The coarse-grained nature of the mineralization ensures cost-effective extraction and processing.
The high TREO content and low levels of impurities make Halleck Creek well-suited for producing separated rare earth oxides, particularly key magnet elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium. The project’s proximity to established infrastructure, including roads and utilities, supports cost-efficient development. Detailed geological surveys have delineated a large, continuous mineralized zone, which currently covers only 16 percent of the total land package. Advanced metallurgical testing has confirmed recovery rates of up to 67 percent, with further optimization efforts ongoing. Drilling campaigns in 2024 successfully expanded resource estimates, validating the deposit’s scalability.
ARR plans to take a phased development approach for Halleck Creek, designed to maximize early value while minimizing risk. Phase 1 entails the development of the Cowboy State mine (CSM), which will focus on mining high-grade zones and generating early cash flow. Phase 1 will be developed entirely on Wyoming state land, enabling faster permitting and streamlined regulatory processes.
According to the Phase 1 Scoping Study, the CSM development is projected to require an initial capex of $380 million, with a 20 percent contingency. The study estimates an NPV of $430 million at a 10 percent discount rate and an IRR of 21.1 percent, based on a 3-million-ton-per-annum throughput rate. The project is expected to have a payback period of 2.9 years and a life of mine exceeding 20 years, with significant potential for future expansion.
In Phase 2, ARR plans to expand operations into federal land areas within the Halleck Creek property. This phase involves de-risking the federal portions of the project by leveraging cash flow from the initial phase and advancing permitting processes in parallel. Additionally, ARR is actively engaging with state regulators and local stakeholders to ensure compliance and support for its phased development approach.
Upcoming Work
ARR is advancing its development efforts on Halleck Creek over several fronts. The company plans to conduct additional drilling aimed at expanding the resource by targeting unexplored zones with known mineralization. In parallel, Phase 2 metallurgical testing will focus on improving recovery rates and producing high purity separated rare earth oxides to enhance project economics. To maintain its accelerated timeline, ARR is making progress on permitting, including advancing state-level approvals and environmental baseline studies for the CSM area. Furthermore, the company plans to initiate a pre-feasibility study (PFS) by late 2025, emphasizing a phased development strategy that includes the CSM as a key component.
La Paz Project (Arizona)
The La Paz project, located in western Arizona, is a promising asset in ARR’s portfolio, featuring a 171-million-ton JORC resource. The deposit is enriched in light rare earth elements, particularly cerium, lanthanum and neodymium, which are critical for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to roads and power. ARR continues to evaluate the potential for expanding the resource and advancing the project through further drilling and metallurgical testing. Although secondary to Halleck Creek, it holds potential as a long-term asset for ARR’s portfolio.
Beaver Creek (Wyoming)
This project is located near Halleck Creek and shares similar geological characteristics, indicating potential for significant rare earth mineralization. Preliminary fieldwork has identified areas with elevated rare earth element concentrations, and ARR plans to conduct detailed mapping and geophysical surveys to define drill targets.
Searchlight (Nevada)
Situated close to Mountain Pass, the only currently operating rare earth mine in the US, the Searchlight project is strategically located in a region known for its rare earth potential. ARR’s exploration strategy includes leveraging historical data and conducting modern geochemical sampling to identify high-priority areas for further exploration.
Leadership Team
Chris Gibbs - CEO & Executive Director
Appointed in November 2021, Chris Gibbs brings more than 30 years of experience in the resource sector across Australia, Canada, the US, South America, Africa and Europe. His track record includes driving growth and operational excellence for industry-leading mining companies. Prior to joining ARR, Gibbs held senior positions at Argonaut Gold, Centerra Gold, Barrick Gold, Placer Dome and Millennium Chemicals.
Joe Evers - President
Joe Evers has served in various leadership roles in the energy and mining industry. Most recently, Evers served as general counsel of American Rare Earths. Prior to that, he was corporate counsel at an international mining company and held positions of increasing responsibility in the land and policy departments at a publicly traded oil and gas company. Originally hailing from Sheridan, Wyoming, Evers received a bachelor’s degree and JD/MA in Environment & Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming. Evers was instrumental in securing a US$7.1 million grant from the State of Wyoming with support from partners Wyoming Energy Authority and the University of Wyoming Energy Resources Council.
Dwight Kinnes - Chief Technical Officer
A geologist with decades of experience, Dwight Kinnes has specialized in geological modeling of complex deposits in various international locations. Before joining ARR, he served as president of Highland GeoComputing LLC for 17 years, providing geological field services, modeling, GIS and database management to the mining industry.
Wayne Kernaghan - Company Secretary
Appointed on September 25, 2020. Wayne Kernaghan is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia with over 35 years’ experience in various areas of the mining industry. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a chartered secretary.
Board of Directors
Richard Hudson - Chairman
Richard Hudson contributes deep leadership expertise in mining and exploration, with a focus on mineral royalties, mineral economics, financial management, strategic planning and acquisitions. His extensive experience enhances the board's capacity to guide ARR's strategic initiatives.
Sten L Gustafson - Non-executive Director and Deputy Chairman
Sten Gustafson is the chief executive officer and a director of Pyrophyte Acquisition (NYSE:PHYT), a special purpose acquisition company focused on companies that provide products, services, equipment and technologies that support a variety of energy transition solutions. He is a highly experienced energy service industry executive, investment banker and corporate securities attorney. With over 25 years of experience in the global energy sector, Gustafson has advised on more than 100 corporate transactions worldwide worth over US$100 billion in value.
Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson - Non-executive Director
Melissa Sanderson’s international career has spanned diplomacy and mining for more than 30 years. She is adept at cross-cultural communication and brings exceptional leadership experience in inclusivity and diversity issues. At global mining leader Freeport-McMoRan, Sanderson sited, staffed and ran a corporate office focused on government and public relations and social responsibility programs. She has also served as a senior diplomat in the US Department of State.
Hugh Keller - Non-executive Director
Hugh Keller had a successful 34 year career as a partner at the law firm Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) until retirement from full time legal practice in 2010. During this time, Keller served as joint national managing partner, Sydney office managing partner, chairman of the staff superannuation fund, one of the practice leaders, and as a board member. He was a non-executive director of ASX listed Thakral Holdings and a member of its audit committee until the company was acquired in a public takeover by Brookfield. He was a non-executive director of LJ Hooker and a member of its audit committee. He has also served as chairman of a large private investment company, several small investment companies and a private small exploration company. Keller has extensive legal experience and expertise in commercial contracts and arrangements, and public company audit committee procedures and requirements. He has led large teams of professionals and successfully managed people and resources in large projects.
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Advancing one of the largest REE deposits in North America
23 February
Updated Scoping Study - Halleck Creek
10 April
Canadian Election Candidates Unveil Plans to Fast Track Mining and Energy Projects
With Canada’s energy and critical minerals sectors at a crossroads, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has unveiled a sweeping plan to overhaul the country’s resource project approvals process, fast tracking 10 major projects and pledging over US$1 billion in funding to open up Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.
At a Monday (April 7) press conference held in Terrace, BC, Poilievre introduced his “One-and-Done” policy — a streamlined permitting system aimed at eliminating regulatory bottlenecks and cutting multi-year wait times, which he blames for stalling development and weakening Canada’s global economic position.
Under the proposal, a new Rapid Resource Project Office would act as a centralized hub to manage all regulatory approvals across the federal and provincial levels. Each project would be subject to a single application and environmental review, with decisions promised within a year and a target of six months.
“After the Lost Liberal decade, Canada is poorer, weaker, and more dependent on the US than ever before, especially as a market for our natural resources,” Poilievre said in a release. “My ‘One-and-Done’ rule will quickly and safely unleash Canada’s natural resources by rapidly approving the projects Canadians need more of now: mines, roads, LNG terminals, hydro projects, and nuclear power stations, so we can stand on our own two feet and stand up to the Americans."
LNG Canada, Ring of Fire projects top Conservative agenda
Among the most significant commitments is the LNG Canada Phase II expansion in Northern BC, which would double liquefied natural gas output from 14 million to 28 million metric tons annually.
The expansion has faced numerous delays due to emissions caps and concerns over power supply.
A Conservative government, Poilievre said, would repeal federal legislation he calls obstructive — notably Bill C-69, which he brands the “No Pipelines - No Development Law” — and lift the emissions cap that could impede Phase II.
Also at the top of Poilievre’s list is development of the Ring of Fire — a vast area in Northern Ontario rich in chromite, nickel, cobalt and other critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and defense technologies.
Three weeks ago, Poilievre pledged that a Conservative government would approve all federal permits for Ring of Fire projects within six months and commit C$1 billion over three years to build a long-awaited access road connecting mineral deposits and Indigenous communities to the provincial highway network.
“We could boost our economy with billions of dollars, allowing us to become less dependent on the Americans, while our allies overseas would no longer have to rely on Beijing for these metals, turning dollars for dictators into paychecks for our people,” Poilievre said at the time, emphasizing the importance of supply chain security.
He also said companies operating in the Ring of Fire would be allowed to redirect a portion of their federal corporate taxes directly to local Indigenous groups, a move he argues would foster economic reconciliation and local buy in.
Nine other projects slated for acceleration
In addition to LNG Canada Phase II and the Ring of Fire road, Poilievre named nine other projects that his government would prioritize for review and approval:
- Suncor Energy's (TSX:SU,NYSE:SU) Base mine extension (Alberta): A 225,000 barrel per day bitumen expansion that has been under review since 2020.
- NexGen Energy's (TSX:NXE,NYSE:NXE) Rook 1 uranium project (Saskatchewan): A major uranium development awaiting Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approval since 2019.
- First Mining Gold's (TSX:FF,OTCQX:FFMGF) Springpole gold-silver project (Ontario): A proposed gold-silver mine with an on-site mill, in review since 2018.
- Agnico Eagle Mines' (TSX:AEM,NYSE:AEM Upper Beaver gold-copper project (Ontario): A gold-copper underground mine pending review since 2021.
- Northern Road Link (Ontario): A key multi-use road to connect Ring of Fire deposits, under review since 2023.
- Canada Nickel Company's (TSXV:CNC,OTCQX:CNIKF) Crawford nickel project (Ontario): A nickel project and mill, pending since 2022.
- Troilus Gold's (TSX:TLG,OTCQX:CHXMF) Troilus gold-copper project (Québec): In federal assessment since 2022.
- Sorel-Tracy port terminal (Québec): A new terminal in the St. Lawrence industrial corridor.
- AuMEGA Metals' (TSXV:AUM,OTCQB:AUMMF) Cape Ray gold project (Newfoundland): In review since 2017.
Each of these projects has faced lengthy delays under the current review framework, Poilievre said, and would be reviewed immediately to identify and remove administrative barriers.
Carney outlines "One Project, One Review" agenda
At a campaign stop in Calgary, Alberta, Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney introduced the "One Project, One Review" policy, which is intended to expedite approvals for major mining projects in Canada.
The initiative aims to eliminate redundant federal and provincial environmental assessments by recognizing provincial evaluations, thereby streamlining the permitting process. The policy is designed to accelerate the development of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are essential for clean energy technologies.
By reducing regulatory delays, the government would seek to enhance Canada's competitiveness in the global mining sector and support its transition to a sustainable energy future.
Carney told the crowd his goal is to make Canada an "energy superpower."
“We are going to aggressively develop projects that are in the national interest in order to protect Canada’s energy security, diversify our trade, and enhance our long-term competitiveness — all while reducing emissions,” Carney explained in a written statement on Wednesday (April 9). “We can lead the energy transition while ensuring affordable energy at home and building the strongest economy in the G-7.”
He pledged to expand Canada's critical mineral exploration tax credit to cover minerals used in defense, semiconductors, energy and cleantech. Carney also plans to broaden eligible exploration expenses to include technical studies and extend the clean manufacturing tax credit to support brownfield site development.
"This is huge,” Pierre Gratton, CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, told Bloomberg. “It includes an awful lot of stuff that we’ve been advocating for for a while, and not getting.”
He added, “This could really help increase Canadian production of critical minerals in the short- to medium-term.”
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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08 April
Global Tactical Metals Corp. Expands Portfolio to Nevada, Staking Past-Producing Green Antimony Mine
Global Tactical Metals Corp. (CSE: MONI) ("Global Tactical Metals Corp." or the "Company") is excited to announce the successful staking of the Green Mine, a historically significant antimony deposit located in the Wildhorse Mining District of the Humboldt Range, Pershing County, Nevada, U.S.A. This strategic staking aligns with our commitment to securing and developing critical mineral resources essential for modern industries.
Discovered during World War I, the Green Mine has a well-documented history of antimony production, with operations recorded during three distinct periods: 1936-1937, 1952-1954, and 1962-1967. Historical data confirms that the site produced 46 tons of antimony, with documented mineralization occurring along fault zones within altered gabbro, limestone and shale. Notably, historical sampling results from the Green Mine have demonstrated impressive grades, including:
- Antimony (Sb): 1.20% to 32.95%
- Lead (Pb): 0.6% to 3.9%
- Silver (Ag): 0.70 oz/ton to 16.20 oz/ton
- Gold (Au): 0.01 oz/ton to 0.07 oz/ton
Key minerals identified on the property include pyrite, arsenopyrite, jamesonite (Pb4FeSb6S14) and secondary bindheimite (Pb2Sb2O6(O,OH), and possibly boulangerite (Pb5Sb4S11) , further underscoring the site's mineral potential (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology online database; USGS Bulletin 2218).
High-grade antimony oxide ore has been identified in multiple locations across existing mine workings and surface outcrops, further validating historical reports of mineralization. To quantify the extent and grade of these occurrences, our team has collected a series of representative samples, which are currently being prepared for laboratory analysis. These assays will provide critical data on Sb content, associated metals, and ore characteristics, guiding our next phase of exploration and development.
Figure 1: Antimony Oxide Showings
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9172/247704_8c744cf3444a1ab0_001full.jpg
Figure 2: Exploration Team On Site
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9172/247704_8c744cf3444a1ab0_002full.jpg
To build upon the mine's proven history, Global Tactical Metals has launched an extensive on-site verification program, incorporating geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. These initiatives will refine our understanding of the deposit and guide future exploration and development efforts.
In addition to laboratory testing, we will be conducting structural mapping and geochemical surveys to delineate the continuity of high-grade zones and assess their economic potential. These efforts will inform future drilling programs aimed at defining resource tonnage and optimizing potential extraction methods.
In line with our modern exploration approach, the company may deploy cutting-edge technologies, including drone-based LiDAR scanning and hyperspectral imaging, to identify potential extensions of known mineralization and optimize future drilling targets. Our objective is to unlock the full potential of the Green Mine and contribute to the secure, domestic supply of antimony-a critical mineral with applications in flame retardants, batteries, and military-grade alloys.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Global Tactical Metals Corp.
Kelly Abbott
CEO
Phone: +1 877-892-7633
Website: globaltacticalmetals.com
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical disclosure for Global Tactical Metals Corp. included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smyk P.Geo. Mr. Smyk is a Technical Advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
About Global Tactical Metals Corp.
Global Tactical Metals Corp. is focused on acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a highly prospective mineral asset in Newfoundland, Canada, positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential.
The company has also significantly expanded its exploration portfolio with a substantial land package staked in Darling Township, southeastern Ontario-approximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This property, now exceeding 1,400 hectares, targets critical mineral exploration with a primary focus on antimony, a vital element for renewable energy, defense, and electronics industries.
In addition, Global Tactical Metals Corp. has extended its strategic footprint into the United States by staking the Green Mine, a past-producing antimony deposit in Nevada, further strengthening its commitment to securing critical mineral resources.
Forward Looking Statement
Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: The exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, including the St. Anthony Property, the Ontario claims, and the newly staked Green Mine; The potential value and economic viability of these mineral assets; The growing demand for antimony and its impact on the Company's strategic initiatives; and The Company's ability to execute exploration programs, conduct geological assessments, and advance its assets towards potential resource development.
Forward-looking information in this press release is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully conduct exploration and development activities, access to funding and infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions for critical minerals.
These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: Challenges in obtaining permits, regulatory approvals, or financing; Geological or technical difficulties in mineral exploration and extraction; Changes in market demand or commodity prices; and Unforeseen environmental or operational risks.
Readers are cautioned that the above list is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to change. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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02 April
White House Considers Executive Order to Speed Up Deep-Sea Mining Permits
The White House is reportedly considering an executive order aimed at expediting the process for deep-sea mining in international waters, according to a Reuters exclusive.
The potential order could allow US companies to bypass the United Nations-backed review system currently in place and seek faster approval from US regulatory agencies for the extraction of key critical minerals.
These minerals, including nickel and copper, are essential for industries ranging from technology to energy, and the push is part of a broader US strategy to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, especially China.
The order could pave the way for companies to apply for permits through the US Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instead of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The ISA has been working for years to develop a regulatory framework for deep-sea mining in international waters, but has faced delays due to ongoing debates over environmental and operational guidelines.
The Trump administration’s proposed move to fast-track mining permits is part of a broader “America First” agenda that prioritizes boosting domestic production of minerals critical for national security and technological infrastructure.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump invoked emergency powers to accelerate domestic mineral production.
This new executive order would extend that push to international waters, reinforcing the US commitment to reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly China. China has strong control over supply of many key minerals, especially those vital for the defense and high-tech sectors. Recent steps from the US to secure alternative sources include the pursuit of potential partnerships with nations like Greenland and Ukraine for mineral extraction.
The executive order under consideration would allow American companies to extract seabed resources while following US regulations, sidestepping the slow-moving ISA process.
Regulatory disputes and growing frustration
Under current international law, deep-sea mining in international waters is governed by the ISA, which was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
However, the ISA has yet to finalize its mining regulations, largely due to disputes over environmental issues, such as the impact of mining on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
One major company, the Metals Company (TMC) (NASDAQ:TMC), which has been involved in deep-sea mining for over a decade, has expressed frustration over the ISA’s delays.
In a recent statement, TMC CEO Gerard Barron said while the company has invested heavily in developing environmentally responsible mining techniques, it has been unable to move forward due to the ISA’s lack of action.
“We believe we have sufficient knowledge to get started and prove we can manage environmental risks. What we need is a regulator with a robust regulatory regime, and who is willing to give our application a fair hearing,” he said.
TMC has already taken steps to apply for mining permits under existing US laws, and intends to submit its application for exploration licenses and recovery permits in the second quarter of 2025.
The ISA, which is composed of 36 member nations, recently held a council meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, where it once again failed to resolve critical regulatory issues surrounding deep-sea mining.
The meeting, which took place earlier this month, ended without an agreement on key amendments to the draft mining code that has been under discussion for years.
Delays from the ISA have led some companies, such as TMC, to seek alternatives. Barron has voiced support for a US-led permitting process, arguing that the US already has a robust framework under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980, which gives NOAA the authority to regulate deep-sea mining activities in international waters.
“Despite collaborating in good faith with the ISA for over a decade, it has not yet adopted the Regulations on the Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area in breach of its express treaty obligations under UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement,” Barron continued, adding that the company is confident it can manage risks.
The ISA's failure to resolve these issues has raised concerns among nations and companies that have staked claims in international waters. Bypassing the ISA could strain relations with countries that support its oversight role, especially those advocating for a global regulatory approach to ensure fair and sustainable resource extraction.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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27 March
Generation Mining Announces Feasibility Study Report Update for the Marathon Copper-Palladium Project
Generation Mining Limited (TSX: GENM; OTCQB: GENMF) (“Gen Mining” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce positive results on the updated Feasibility Study (“2025 FS” or the “Feasibility Study”) for the Marathon Copper-Palladium Project (the “Project”) located near the Town of Marathon in Northwestern Ontario. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars (“$” or “C$”) unless otherwise stated. All references to “Mlbs” are to millions of pounds and “Moz” are to millions of troy ounces and “koz” are to thousands of troy ounces.
Highlights:
- Robust Base Case economics1: An after-tax NPV6% of $1.07 billion, IRR of 28% and 1.9 year payback period based on the 3-yr trailing average metal prices at the effective date2
- Strong critical mineral production during pre-production and the first three years of commercial operation: 151 Mlbs of payable copper, 720 koz of payable palladium and 156 koz of platinum
- Initial Capital: C$992 million3
- Attractive AISC:Life of mine (“LOM”) all-in sustaining costs (“AISC”) of US$2.05/CuEq lb or US$781/PdEq oz3
- At recent long-term consensus prices2: An after-tax NPV6% of $876 million, IRR of 24% and 2.2 year payback period, with 41% of payable metal revenues attributable to copper and 41% attributable to palladium
- At recent spot prices2: An after-tax NPV6% of $749 million, IRR of 21% and 2.4 year payback period, with 44% of payable metal revenues attributable to copper and 37% attributable to palladium.
- Average annual payable metals: 42 Mlbs copper,168 koz palladium, 38 koz platinum, 12 koz gold and 240 koz silver over approximately 13 years of mine life
- Jobs: Creation of over 800 jobs during construction and over 400 direct permanent jobs during operations
- The Next Critical Mineral, Shovel-Ready Project: Fully Permitted for Construction federally and waiting for approval on last permit from the Government of Ontario.
The 2025 FS incorporates the results of the Project optimization work reported by the Company in a news release entitled “Generation Completes Optimization Work for the Marathon Project with Improved Mine Plan and Reduced Capex” issued on November 20, 2024, which focused on two key aspects: 1) optimization of the mine plan to maximize metal production and defer waste stripping in the early years of operations in order to improve early cash flows and reduce the payback period (“Mine Plan Optimization”); and 2) optimization of the process plant design and layout, including sizing of key equipment, plant footprint and foundations, in order to reduce the initial Project capital costs (“Initial Capital Optimization”, and together with the Mine Plan Optimization, the “Optimization Work”).
The Optimization Work has now been further updated to incorporate changes to Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves, the Life-of-Mine (LOM) mining plan and operating and capital costs, using the same metal price assumptions which formed the basis of the November 20, 2024 news release.
The 2025 FS was prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC (“Ausenco”), along with contributions from Moose Mountain Technical Services (“MMTS”), Knight Piésold Ltd. (“KP”), P&E Mining Consultants Inc. (“P&E”), and JDS Energy and Mining, Inc (“JDS”).
The 2025 FS outlines the operation of an open pit mine and process plant over a mine life of 12.5 years and replaces the Company’s previous feasibility study entitled “Amended Feasibility Study Update, Marathon Palladium & Copper Project, Ontario, Canada” dated May 31, 2024.
Jamie Levy, President and CEO of the Company, commented, “The updated Feasibility Study for the Marathon Copper-Palladium Project clearly underscores its potential to be Ontario’s next producing critical mineral mine. The project not only benefits from a strong commodity mix of critical metals but also stands as a strategic Canadian response to growing threats in the global mineral supply chain.
The Marathon Project’s significant exposure to copper and palladium positions it as a uniquely attractive opportunity in the critical mineral space in North America. With copper facing long-term supply constraints and persistent supply risks from the primary palladium producers in Russia and South Africa, the Marathon Project is well positioned to support North American and European smelters. The Project’s advanced development and permitting is also a key differentiator, which positions us to bring metal to market faster than any other North American copper project not yet in construction.”
Kerry Knoll, Executive Chairman of the Company commented, “Anticipating the final permit approvals from the provincial government in the near future, the Marathon Project is on track to become the next major shovel-ready critical metal project in Ontario and Canada. The potential backing from provincial and national critical metal funds, combined with support from banks, private equity, institutional investors, and retail shareholders, provides a strong foundation for securing full financing in the near term.”
Economic Analysis
The updated Feasibility Study underscores the continued economic robustness of the Marathon Project with an after-tax NPV6% of $1.07 billion, IRR of 28% and 1.9 year payback period based on the 3-yr trailing average metal prices as of November 1, 2024.
The following table presents the key outputs of the economic analysis for the 2025 FS using 3-year trailing average metal prices, together with the same analysis performed using spot and consensus metal prices, and foreign exchange rate assumptions:
Item | Units | 2025 FS(c) | March 25, 2025 Spot(d) | March 2025 long-term consensus(e) |
Key Assumptions | ||||
Exchange rate (C$/US$) | C$/US$ | 1.35 | 1.44 | 1.37 |
Palladium Price | US$/oz | 1,525 | 965 | 1,133 |
Copper Price | US$/lb | 4.00 | 4.43 | 4.52 |
Platinum Price | US$/oz | 950 | 1,003 | 1,240 |
Gold Price | US$/oz | 2,000 | 2,983 | 2,511 |
Silver Price | US$/oz | 24.00 | 33.68 | 31.19 |
Revenue Split (a) | ||||
Palladium | % | 52 | 37 | 41 |
Copper | % | 34 | 44 | 41 |
Platinum | % | 7 | 9 | 10 |
Gold | % | 5 | 9 | 7 |
Silver | % | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Economic Results (b)(f) | ||||
Pre-Tax Cash Flow (undiscounted) | $M | 3,009 | 2,291 | 2,576 |
Pre-Tax NPV6% | $M | 1,660 | 1,189 | 1,375 |
Pre-Tax IRR | % | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.8 |
Pre-Tax Payback | years | 35.1% | 27.6% | 30.6% |
After-Tax Cash Flow (undiscounted) | $M | 2,032 | 1,554 | 1,744 |
After-Tax NPV6% | $M | 1,070 | 749 | 876 |
After-Tax IRR | % | 1.9 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
After-Tax Payback | years | 27.6% | 21.4% | 23.8% |
Notes: | ||||
(a) Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. Splits presented before adjustments for the impact of the Precious Metals Purchase Agreement (“PMPA”) with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (“Wheaton”). | ||||
(b) The economic analysis was carried out in real terms (i.e., without inflation factors) in Q4 2024 Canadian dollars, assuming no project construction financing but inclusive of mining equipment leasing. | ||||
(c) Metal price assumptions are based on the adjusted 3-year historical trailing averages as of November 1, 2024 for each of the metals. The 3-year averages are as follows: Palladium - US$1,523/oz, Copper at U$4.02/lb, Platinum at US$964/oz, Gold at US$1,995/oz and Silver at US$24.02/oz. | ||||
(d) March 25, 2025 spot prices of US$965/oz palladium, US$4.58/lb copper US$981/oz platinum, US$3,020/oz gold, US$33.68/oz silver and exchange rate of C$1.43 : US$1.00, source: Bloomberg | ||||
(e) Long-term consensus pricing provided by Haywood Securities as of March 24, 2025. | ||||
(f) See Non-IFRS Financial Measures, below, for additional information on Pre-Tax and After-Tax Cash Flows. |
Sensitivities
The Project has significant leverage to palladium and copper prices. The after-tax valuation sensitivities for the key metrics are shown below.
After-Tax NPV6% Results | Palladium Price Sensitivity (US$/oz) | ||||||||
800 | 1,000 | 1,250 | 1,500 | 1,525 | 1,750 | 2,000 | 2,200 | ||
Copper Price Sensitivity (US$/lb) | 2.50 | (291) | (9) | 308 | 612 | 643 | 916 | 1,214 | 1,466 |
3.00 | (120) | 145 | 452 | 758 | 788 | 1,057 | 1,368 | 1,606 | |
3.50 | 41 | 296 | 598 | 899 | 929 | 1,211 | 1,509 | 1,746 | |
4.00 | 194 | 438 | 741 | 1,040 | 1,070 | 1,352 | 1,649 | 1,886 | |
4.50 | 337 | 582 | 883 | 1,195 | 1,225 | 1,492 | 1,788 | 2,023 | |
5.00 | 484 | 723 | 1,023 | 1,335 | 1,365 | 1,632 | 1,927 | 2,165 | |
5.50 | 625 | 866 | 1,178 | 1,475 | 1,505 | 1,771 | 2,067 | 2,306 |
After-Tax IRR Results | Palladium Price Sensitivity (US$/oz) | ||||||||
800 | 1,000 | 1,250 | 1,500 | 1,525 | 1,750 | 2,000 | 2,200 | ||
Copper Price Sensitivity (US$/lb) | 2.50 | - | 5.7% | 13.5% | 19.9% | 20.5% | 25.5% | 30.7% | 34.5% |
3.00 | 2.8% | 9.6% | 16.4% | 22.4% | 23.0% | 27.8% | 32.7% | 36.4% | |
3.50 | 7.0% | 12.9% | 19.2% | 24.8% | 25.4% | 30.0% | 34.7% | 38.3% | |
4.00 | 10.5% | 15.8% | 21.7% | 27.1% | 27.6% | 32.1% | 36.6% | 40.1% | |
4.50 | 13.6% | 18.5% | 24.1% | 29.3% | 29.8% | 34.1% | 38.5% | 41.9% | |
5.00 | 16.4% | 21.0% | 26.4% | 31.4% | 31.9% | 36.0% | 40.3% | 43.6% | |
5.50 | 19.0% | 23.5% | 28.6% | 33.4% | 33.8% | 37.8% | 42.1% | 45.3% |
After-Tax Payback | Palladium Price Sensitivity (US$/oz) | ||||||||
800 | 1,000 | 1,250 | 1,500 | 1,525 | 1,750 | 2,000 | 2,200 | ||
Copper Price Sensitivity (US$/lb) | 2.50 | - | 7.8 | 4.3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
3.00 | 10.4 | 5.6 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.4 | |
3.50 | 6.8 | 4.9 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.4 | |
4.00 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.3 | |
4.50 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | |
5.00 | 4.2 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.2 | |
5.50 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
After-Tax Results | OPEX Sensitivity | ||||
+30% | +15% | 0% | -15% | -30% | |
NPV6% ($M) | 669 | 871 | 1,070 | 1,282 | 1,479 |
Payback (yrs) | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
IRR (%) | 21.2% | 24.6% | 27.6% | 30.5% | 33.1% |
After-Tax Results | CAPEX Sensitivity | ||||
+30% | +15% | 0% | -15% | -30% | |
NPV6% ($M) | 860 | 966 | 1,070 | 1,173 | 1,277 |
Payback (yrs) | 3.0 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.2 |
IRR (%) | 19.6% | 23.1% | 27.6% | 33.8% | 42.7% |
After-Tax Results | FX Sensitivity | ||||
1.25 | 1.30 | 1.35 | 1.40 | 1.45 | |
NPV6% ($M) | 840 | 955 | 1,070 | 1,199 | 1,313 |
Payback (yrs) | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
IRR (%) | 23.7% | 25.7% | 27.6% | 29.5% | 31.3% |
Capital Costs
The initial capital costs for construction and ramp-up, together with expected sustaining capital and closure costs, are presented in the table below:
Capital Area | 2025 FS ($M) |
Mobile Equipment for Construction(a) | 74 |
Processing Plant | 280 |
Infrastructure | 88 |
TSF, Water Management and Earthworks | 97 |
EPCM, General and Owners Cost | 198 |
Preproduction, Startup, Commissioning | 169 |
Contingency | 87 |
Initial Capital | 992 |
Preproduction revenue(b) | (184) |
Total | 809 |
Sustaining Capital | 565 |
Closure and Reclamation Costs | 72 |
Notes: | |
(a) Mobile equipment acquired for Construction is presented as the cost of equipment deposits and lease payments during the construction and pre-production period. The remainder of the equipment leasing costs are incurred during operations and included in sustaining capital. | |
(b) Revenue net of Related Off-Site Costs (Transport, Smelter, and Royalties) and working capital adjustments. See Economic Analysis, above, for additional information on the metal price assumptions used in the 2025 FS. |
Operating Costs
The Project operating costs have been updated and are reflected in the table below.
Description | Units | Operating Cost |
Mining(a) | $/t processed | 12.93 |
Processing | $/t processed | 8.57 |
General & Administration | $/t processed | 2.62 |
Concentrate Transport Costs | $/t processed | 1.96 |
Treatment & Refining Charges | $/t processed | 2.38 |
Royalties | $/t processed | 0.10 |
Total Operating Costs | $/t processed | 28.56 |
Average Operating Cost | US$/oz PdEq(c) | 663 |
Average All-in Sustaining Cost (b) | US$/oz PdEq(c) | 781 |
Average Operating Cost | US$/lb CuEq(c) | 1.74 |
Average All-in Sustaining Cost (b) | US$/lb CuEq(c) | 2.05 |
Notes: | ||
(a) Mining cost per tonne mined is C$3.49/t . | ||
(b) All-in sustaining cost excludes the impact of the Wheaton PMPA. | ||
(c) See Non-IFRS Financial Measures, below, for additional information on Operating Costs, AISC, PdEq and CuEq. |
Mine Plan
The life of mine plan has been updated and the production details are summarized in the table below.
Units | 2025 TR | |
LOM Throughput | ||
Peak Process Plant Throughput | tpd | 27,700 |
Mt/year | 10.1 | |
Peak Mining Rate | tpd | 164,000 |
Mt/year | 60 | |
Mine Production (LOM) | ||
Total Mined | Mt | 489.7 |
Total Waste Mined | Mt | 361.4 |
Total Ore Mined | Mt | 128.3 |
Strip Ratio | waste:ore | 2.8 |
Payable Metal (LOM) | ||
Palladium | koz | 2,161 |
Copper | Mlbs | 532 |
Platinum | koz | 488 |
Gold | koz | 160 |
Silver | koz | 3,051 |
Mineral Resources
The Mineral Resource Estimate below is for the combined Marathon, Geordie and Sally Deposits. The Mineral Resource Estimates for Marathon, Geordie and Sally were prepared by P&E.
Pit Constrained Combined Mineral Resource Estimate for the Marathon, Geordie and Sally Deposits (Effective date November 1, 2024)
Mineral Resource Classification | Tonnes | Pd | Cu | Pt | Au | Ag | |||||
Mt | g/t | koz | % | Mlbs | g/t | koz | g/t | koz | g/t | koz | |
Marathon Deposit | |||||||||||
Measured | 164.0 | 0.56 | 2,973 | 0.20 | 712 | 0.18 | 970 | 0.07 | 358 | 1.7 | 9,089 |
Indicated | 38.1 | 0.39 | 476 | 0.18 | 153 | 0.13 | 159 | 0.06 | 71 | 1.6 | 1,896 |
Meas. + Ind. | 202.0 | 0.53 | 3,449 | 0.19 | 865 | 0.17 | 1,129 | 0.07 | 429 | 1.7 | 10,985 |
Inferred | 2.9 | 0.36 | 34 | 0.16 | 10 | 0.13 | 12 | 0.06 | 6 | 1.2 | 112 |
Geordie Deposit | |||||||||||
Indicated | 17.3 | 0.56 | 312 | 0.35 | 133 | 0.04 | 20 | 0.05 | 25 | 2.4 | 1,351 |
Inferred | 12.9 | 0.51 | 212 | 0.28 | 80 | 0.03 | 12 | 0.03 | 14 | 2.4 | 982 |
Sally Deposit | |||||||||||
Indicated | 24.8 | 0.35 | 278 | 0.17 | 93 | 0.2 | 160 | 0.07 | 56 | 0.7 | 567 |
Inferred | 14.0 | 0.28 | 124 | 0.19 | 57 | 0.15 | 70 | 0.05 | 24 | 0.6 | 280 |
Total Project | |||||||||||
Measured | 164.0 | 0.56 | 2,973 | 0.20 | 712 | 0.18 | 970 | 0.07 | 358 | 1.7 | 9,089 |
Indicated | 80.1 | 0.41 | 1,066 | 0.21 | 379 | 0.13 | 339 | 0.06 | 152 | 1.5 | 3,814 |
Meas. + Ind. | 244.1 | 0.51 | 4,039 | 0.20 | 1,091 | 0.17 | 1,309 | 0.06 | 510 | 1.6 | 12,903 |
Inferred | 29.8 | 0.39 | 370 | 0.22 | 147 | 0.10 | 94 | 0.05 | 44 | 1.4 | 1,374 |
Notes: | |||||||||||
a. Mineral Resources were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council. | |||||||||||
b. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, marketing, or other relevant issues. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. | |||||||||||
c. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. | |||||||||||
d. The Marathon Mineral Resource is reported within a constrained pit shell at a NSR cut-off value of $13.6/t. | |||||||||||
e. Marathon NSR ($/t) = (Cu % x 111.49) + (Ag g/t x 0.73) + (Au g/t x 80.18) + (Pd g/t x 56.02) +(Pt g/t x 36.49) – 2.66 | |||||||||||
f. The Marathon Mineral Resource Estimate was based on metal prices of US$1,550/oz Pd, US$4.250/lb Cu, US$1,100/oz Pt, US$2,300/oz Au and US$27/oz Ag, and a C$:US$ exchange rate of C$1.35 to US$1.00. | |||||||||||
g. The Sally and Geordie mineral resources are reported within a constraining pit shell at a NSR cut-off value of $13/t. | |||||||||||
h. Sally and Geordie NSR ($/t) = (Ag g/t x 0.48) + (Au g/t x 42.14) + (Cu % x 73.27) + (Pd g/t x 50.50) + (Pt g/t x 25.07) – 2.62 | |||||||||||
i. The Sally and Geordie Mineral Resource Estimate was based on metal prices of US$1,600/oz Pd, US$3.00/lb Cu, US$900/oz Pt, US$1,500/oz Au and US$18/oz Ag, and a C$:US$ exchange rate of 1.30 C$ to 1.00 US$. | |||||||||||
j. Contained metal totals may differ due to rounding. |
Mineral Reserves
The Mineral Reserve estimate for the Project includes only the Marathon Deposit. The Mineral Reserve Estimate was prepared by MMTS.
Marathon Project Open Pit Mineral Reserve Estimates
(Effective Date of November 1, 2024)
Mineral Reserves | Tonnes | Pd | Cu | Pt | Au | Ag | |||||
Mt | g/t | koz | % | M lb | g/t | koz | g/t | koz | g/t | koz | |
Proven | 115.5 | 0.66 | 2,434 | 0.22 | 549 | 0.20 | 754 | 0.07 | 264 | 1.7 | 6,242 |
Probable | 12.7 | 0.47 | 193 | 0.20 | 56 | 0.15 | 61 | 0.06 | 26 | 1.6 | 635 |
P & P | 128.3 | 0.64 | 2,627 | 0.21 | 605 | 0.20 | 815 | 0.07 | 291 | 1.8 | 6,877 |
Notes: | |||||||||||
a. The mineral reserves estimate were prepared by Marc Schulte, P.Eng., who is also an independent Qualified Person, reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of November 1, 2024. | |||||||||||
b. Mineral reserves are a subset of the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources Estimate that has an effective date of November 1, 2024. Inferred class Mineral Resources are treated as waste. | |||||||||||
c. Mineral Reserves are based on the 2024 Marathon Project Feasibility Study Update mine plan. | |||||||||||
d. Mineral Reserves are mined tonnes and grade; the reference point is the process plant feed at the primary crusher. Process Plant feed tonnes and grade include consideration of mining operational dilution and recovery. | |||||||||||
e. Mineral Reserves are reported at a cutoff grade of $16/t NSR. The NSR cut-off assumes Pd Price of US$1,525/oz, Cu price of US$4.00/lb, Pt Price of US$950/oz, Au price of US$2,000/oz, Ag price of US$24/oz, at an exchange rate of 0.74 US dollar per 1.00 Canadian dollar; payable percentages of 95% for Pd, 96.5% for Cu, 93% for Pt, 93.5% for Au, 93.5% for Ag; refining charges of US$24.5/oz for Pd, US$0.079/lb for Cu, US$24.5/oz for Pt, US$0.50/oz for Ag; minimum deductions of 2.875 g/t for Pd, 1.1% for Cu, 2.875 g/t for Pt, 1.0 g/t for Au, 30.0 g/t for Ag; treatment charges of US$79/t and transport and off-site costs of US$125/t concentrates, concentrate ratio of 90.9%; metallurgical recoveries are based on variable grade dependent metallurgical recovery curves. | |||||||||||
f. The NSR cut off-value covers process costs of $8.27/t, general and administrative (G&A) costs of $2.63/t, sustaining and closure costs of $3.13/t, ore mining differential costs of $0.57/t, and stockpile rehandle costs of $1.40/t. | |||||||||||
g. Numbers have been rounded, which may result in summation differences. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (CIM (2014) definitions) were used for Mineral Reserve classification. |
Qualified Persons
The news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel Janusauskas, P.Eng., Technical Services Manager of Generation PGM Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
The 2025 FS was prepared through the collaboration of the following consulting firms and Qualified Persons, each of whom has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release which was within their primary area of responsibility:
Consultant Company | Primary Area of Responsibility | Qualified Persons |
Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC | Overall integration, capital cost estimation compilation, process plant capital and operating costs, economic analysis, recovery methods, mineral processing and metallurgical testwork | Tommaso Roberto Raponi, P. Eng. |
JDS Energy and Mining, Inc. | Infrastructure, and earthworks capital cost estimates, and project execution plan | Jean-Francois Maille, P.Eng. |
Knight Piésold Ltd. | Tailings Storage Facility, water balance, geotechnical studies (mine rock storage piles, open pit and local infrastructure and foundations) | Craig N. Hall, P.Eng. |
Moose Mountain Technical Services | Mineral Reserves, mining methods, mining operating and capital cost estimate | Marc Schulte, P. Eng. |
P&E Mining Consultants, Inc. | Property description and location, accessibility, history, geological setting and mineralization, deposit types, exploration, drilling, sample preparation and security, data verification, Mineral Resource Estimates and adjacent properties | Eugene J. Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET Jarita Barry, P.Geo. Fred H. Brown, P.Geo. David Burga, P.Geo. William Stone, PhD, P.Geo. |
NI 43-101 Technical Report
The 2025 FS was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted May 19, 2014, and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Gen Mining intends to file the 2025 FS referenced in this news release as an NI 43-101 Technical Report on or before March 31, 2025. Readers are encouraged to read this Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the details summarized in this news release. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
About the Company
Gen Mining’s focus is the development of the Marathon Project, a large undeveloped copper-palladium deposit in Northwestern Ontario. The Marathon Property covers a land package of approximately 22,000 hectares, or 220 square kilometers. Gen Mining is dedicated to fostering a greener future by promoting sustainability, empowering communities, and delivering value to our stakeholders.
About Ausenco
Ausenco is a global company redefining what's possible. The team is based out of 21 offices working across 5 continents to deliver services worldwide. Combining deep technical expertise with a 30-year track record, Ausenco delivers innovative, value-add consulting, studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions to the minerals and metals and industrial sectors (www.ausenco.com).
Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Other Measures
The Company has included certain financial measures in this news release, including initial capital cost, operating costs, AISC, and Pre-Tax and After-Tax Cash Flows, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning. These non-IFRS financial measures are included in this document because these statistics are measures that management will use to monitor future financial performance, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of future mining operations. The Company does not have historical non-IFRS financial measures nor historical comparable measures under IFRS, and therefore the foregoing prospective non-IFRS financial measures may not be reconciled to the nearest comparable measures under IFRS. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Non-IFRS performance measures used herein are defined as follows:
- Initial Capital includes all costs incurred from the effective date of the 2025 FS (excluding historical sunk costs) until the point where commercial production is achieved, including expenses related to engineering, equipment purchase and installation, process plant and mine infrastructure construction, and any other costs associated with putting the Project into operations.
- Operating Costs includes mining, processing, general and administrative and other, concentrate transportation costs, treatment and refining charges, and royalties. Costs related to the Wheaton PMPA are excluded.
- AISC includes Operating Costs, closure and reclamation costs, and sustaining capital.
- Pre-tax Cash Flow includes total revenue less Operating Costs, working capital adjustments, equipment financing, initial capital, sustaining capital, closure costs. Costs related to the Wheaton PMPA are included.
- After-tax Cash Flow includes Pre-tax Cash Flow less income taxes payable.
The Marathon Project is a polymetallic deposit. For purposes of estimating the Company’s anticipated costs and future financial performance, the Company discloses certain financial measures herein based on estimates of future palladium equivalent (“PdEq”) and copper equivalent (“CuEq”) metal production. The Company’s estimated PdEq and CuEq are calculated using the payable metals estimates derived from the Company’s LOM, as follows:
- Palladium Equivalent ounces uses the formula PdEq oz = Pd oz + (Cu lb x 4.00 US$/lb + Pt oz x US$950/oz + Au oz x US$2000/oz + Ag oz x US$24.00/oz) / US$1525 Pd/oz.
- Copper Equivalent pounds uses the formula CuEq lbs = Cu lbs + (Pd oz x US$1,525/oz + Pt oz x US$950/oz + Au oz x US$2000/oz + Ag oz x US$24.00/oz) / US$4.00 Cu/lb.
Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources
The Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates in this press release have been disclosed in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and information with respect to mineralization and Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.
The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the “SEC Modernization Rules”) with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Under the SEC Modernization Rules, the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants included in Industry Guide 7 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be rescinded and replaced with disclosure requirements in subpart 1300 of SEC Regulation S-K. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources.” In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of “Proven Mineral Reserves” and “Probable Mineral Reserves” to be “substantially similar” to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. While the SEC will now recognize “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources”, U.S. investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in these categories will ever be converted into a higher category of Mineral Resources or into Mineral Reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any Measured Mineral Resources, Indicated Mineral Resources, or Inferred Mineral Resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, “Inferred Mineral Resources” have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the “Inferred Mineral Resources” exist. There is no assurance that any Mineral Reserves or Mineral Resources that the Company may report as “Proven Mineral Reserves”, “Probable Mineral Reserves”, “Measured Mineral Resources”, “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources” under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Reserve or Resource Estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.
Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves, and do not have demonstrated economic viability, but do have reasonable prospects for economic extraction. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are sufficiently well defined to allow geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed and permit the application of technical and economic parameters in assessing the economic viability of the Mineral Resource. Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated on limited information not sufficient to verify geological and grade continuity or to allow technical and economic parameters to be applied. Inferred Mineral Resources are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them to enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that Mineral Resources of any classification can be upgraded to Mineral Reserves through continued exploration.
The Company’s Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource figures are estimates and the Company can provide no assurances that the indicated levels of mineral will be produced or that the Company will receive the price assumed in determining its Mineral Reserves. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that these Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates are well established and the best estimates of the Company’s management, by their nature Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If the Company’s Mineral Reserve or Mineral Reserve Estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, results or operations and financial condition.
The Company estimates the future mine life of the Marathon Project. The Company can give no assurance that its mine life estimate will be achieved. Failure to achieve this estimate could have an adverse impact on the Company’s future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “targets” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements related to mineral resource and reserve estimates; proposed mine production plans; projected mining and process recovery rates (including mining dilution); estimates related to reclamation and closure costs; the timing for receipt of government permits, sufficient financing or to commence construction of the Marathon Project, metal prices and other economic assumptions (including currency exchange rates); projected capital and operating costs (including the AISC); the timing and volume of payable metal production and revenues; and the economic analysis and results (including cash flows, IRRs, NPVs and payback period).
Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include the timing for a construction decision; the progress of development at the Marathon Project, including progress of project expenditures and contracting processes, the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to liquidity management, continued availability of capital and financing, the future prices of palladium, copper and other commodities, permitting timelines, exchange rates and currency fluctuations, increases in costs, requirements for additional capital, and the Company’s decisions with respect to capital allocation, and the impact of COVID-19, inflation, global supply chain disruptions, global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Israel, the project schedule for the Marathon Project, key inputs, staffing and contractors, continued availability of capital and financing, uncertainties involved in interpreting geological data and the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates, environmental compliance and changes in environmental legislation and regulation, the Company’s relationships with Indigenous communities, results from planned exploration and drilling activities, local access conditions for drilling, and general economic, market or business conditions, as well as those risk factors set out in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the continuous disclosure documents filed by the Company on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca/.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company’s public filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Footnotes: |
1 Unless otherwise noted, the economic analysis includes the impact of the WPM PMPA |
2 See Economic Analysis, below, for metal price and exchange rate assumptions |
3 See Non-IFRS Financial Measures, below, for additional information on Initial Capital, AISC, PdEq and CuEq. |
Contacts
For further information please contact:
Jamie Levy
President and Chief Executive Officer
(416) 640-2934 (O)
(416) 567-2440 (M)
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26 March
St-Georges Confirms the Presence of Niobium at Notre-Dame
St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. (CSE: SX) (OTC: SXOOF) (FSE: 85G1) announces that it has received preliminary results from surface sampling and early-stage mineralogical analysis on its Notre-Dame Critical Minerals Project, located within the Nitassinan, the traditional and ancestral territory, of the Innu First Nation of Mashteuiatsh in Québec. The results have confirmed the presence of niobium, tantalum, gallium and rare earths in multiple samples collected from a channel at surface and select drill intervals.
These results support the Company’s initial exploration hypothesis and reinforce the project's growing potential to host valuable technology and energy transition metals. The discovery stems from detailed earlier geochemical assays conducted over the past several months. The past and recent sampling reveal consistent anomalous values of niobium, tantalum, gallium and other rare earth minerals occur in multiple targets throughout the Notre-Dame Project. This new data confirms the presence of these critical elements in concentrations that warrant further investigation and support expanding exploration activities in the upcoming field season.
"These initial findings validate our ongoing efforts on the Notre-Dame Project and underscore the potential significance of this underexplored region," said Herb Duerr, CEO of St-Georges Eco-Mining. “(…) it is particularly encouraging to identify a carbonatite body that appears to extend at least 75 meters in length and up to 20 meters in width, based on limited early drilling. Even more significant is the surface mineralization, which can be traced consistently to depths ranging from 16 to 36 meters. Notably, every drill hole targeting the lens observed at surface successfully intersected the expected geological structure and encountered niobium mineralization at depth, with several intercepts over meaningful widths. Drilling has outlined 75 meters of strike along a shallow-dipping system that remains open at depth and begins virtually at surface (…)."
The company will initiate additional fieldwork this spring, including trenching, detailed mapping, and expanded sampling, to delineate mineralized zones and better understand the geological controls behind these critical metal occurrences. Further metallurgical testing will also be undertaken to assess the extractability of niobium, tantalum, gallium and the suite of rare earth minerals under the company’s eco-friendly approach.
The mapping, drilling, and sampling works carried out at the Notre-Dame Project in 2024 confirmed the presence of a carbonatite dike measuring 75 meters by 20 meters that is open in several directions and at depth, inside which anomalous REE, and Nb-Ta elements were found. Some analysis triggered the analysis overlimit threshold and will be sent to the labs for further analysis. The Company is providing the available preliminary results in the table below.
The Company’s surface sampling, taken from one channel of 8 meters at surface, yielded the following results with the lower number considered as a background value on the project:
Niobium (Nb) – from 100 to 2,360 ppm (143ppm to 3,376 ppm or 0.3376% of niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅)
Tantalum (Ta) – from 10 to 60 ppm
Gallium (Ga) – from 15 to 48 ppm
Total Rare Earth (TREEs) – from 200 to 4,000 ppm
The exploration drilling campaign yielded the following results in the table below on one of the targeted zones adjacent to the project access road. These values contained intervals of Nb that exceeded the assay detections limit of 2,500 ppm (in excess of 3,578ppm or 0.3578% of niobium pentoxide or Nb₂O₅)
Drill Hole # | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Nb ppm* | Ta ppm | Ga ppm | TREE ppm |
24-02 | 20.0 | 24.0 | 4.0 | >2,215** | 103.0 | 15 | 1,390 |
24-04 | 19.0 | 20.0 | 1.0 | 1,085 | 38.0 | 19 | 578 |
24-05 | 13.4 | 15.0 | 1.6 | 335 | 11.0 | 13 | 3,023 |
and | 15.0 | 21.0 | 6.0 | 845 | 22.0 | 15 | 1,008 |
24-06 | 13.0 | 16.0 | 3.0 | 470 | 18.0 | 9 | 1,320 |
and | 18.0 | 20.0 | 2.0 | 1,240 | 30.0 | 18 | 786 |
24-09 | 47.0 | 50.0 | 3.0 | >1,907** | 106.0 | 24 | 449 |
24-12 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 0.9 | 1,250 | 36.0 | 17 | 1,842 |
24-13 | 36.0 | 37.0 | 1.0 | 715 | 6.0 | 21 | 1,199 |
24-14 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 1,405 | 35.4 | 18 | 1,069 |
Channel-1*** | 0.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 670 | 17.0 | 15 | 1,217 |
included | 2.0 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 2,124 | 39.2 | 25 | 1,615 |
* | Geochemistry done via Li Borate Fusion Method with ICP-MS finish (ALS, ME-MS81) | ||||||
** | Assay value of some samples is greater than 2500 ppm Nb (over limit) and results could increase or decrease after further analysis | ||||||
*** | Mineralization in channel sampling conducted at surface intersected the same carbonatite at depth via drilling |
DRILL HOLES | |||||||||
Hole Name | UTM-X* | UTM-Y | Elev | Az(°) | Dip (°) | Length | Qty | From | To |
NDL24-02 | 682578E | 5441883N | 224 | N225 | -45 | 81 | 24 | L273389 | L273412 |
NDL24-03 | 682578E | 5441883N | 224 | N225 | -70 | 48 | 26 | L273363 | L273388 |
NDL24-04 | 682578E | 5441883N | 224 | N265 | -45 | 78 | 22 | L273341 | L273362 |
NDL24-05 | 682578E | 5441883N | 224 | N265 | -70 | 51 | 26 | L273315 | L273340 |
NDL24-06 | 682578E | 5441883N | 224 | N290 | -45 | 87 | 21 | L273294 | L273314 |
NDL24-07 | 682598E | 5441843N | 218 | N215 | -45 | 60 | 25 | L273269 | L273293 |
NDL24-08 | 682598E | 5441843N | 218 | N310 | -45 | 150 | 30 | L273239 | L273268 |
NDL24-09 | 682551E | 5441882N | 219 | N60 | -45 | 54 | 51 | L273188 | L273238 |
NDL24-10 | 682551E | 5441882N | 219 | N60 | -60 | 30 | 0 | No sample taken | |
NDL24-11 | 682551E | 5441882N | 219 | N140 | -38 | 21 | 13 | L273175 | L273187 |
NDL24-12 | 682564E | 5441874N | 218 | N315 | -45 | 54 | 13 | L273162 | L273174 |
NDL24-13 | 682564E | 5441874N | 218 | N50 | -45 | 69 | 50 | L273112 | L273161 |
NDL24-14 | 682564E | 5441874N | 218 | N235 | -45 | 51 | 11 | L273101 | L273111 |
Quality Control
An 8-meter surface channel was cut directly above the mineralized carbonatite intersected in drilling. The channel was sampled at 1-meter intervals, with cuts 20 cm deep and 2 cm wide. Each sample was geo-referenced, described, tagged, sealed, and placed in identified transport bags. These were securely shipped to Magnor Exploration Inc.’s warehouse in Saguenay, Québec, and then forwarded to ALS Laboratories for analysis. No company-inserted standards, blanks, or duplicates were included. Instead, ALS Laboratories added certified reference materials (OREAS L11, OREAS 232b, and OREAS 243), blanks, and duplicates upon receipt. Results were verified by an ALS geochemist.
All recovered drill core was stored in NQ-sized boxes, labeled, sealed, and securely stored before shipment to Magnor’s facility. The core was logged, measured, and geologically characterized. Selected intervals were tagged, split in half, sealed, and sent via secure transport to ALS Laboratories in Val-d'Or, Québec. Samples were crushed to 70% passing <2 mm, split by riffle splitter, then pulverized to 85% passing <75 µm. Geochemical assays were performed for 36 trace elements (including REEs) by lithium borate fusion with ICP-MS (ME-MS81). A separate analysis using four-acid digestion with ICP-MS was conducted for 60 trace elements, including lithium.
The technical information contained in this report has been reviewed by Jean-Paul Barrette Géo/ P.Geo, is is an independent project geologist and consultant. Mr. Barrette is a member of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec (OGQ, # 619). Mr. Barrette has sufficient experience (40 years) relevant to the style of mineralization and the type of deposit under study and the activity undertaken to qualify as a competent person as defined by NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Barrette carried out several geological reconnaissance works in the Notre-Dame sector and recently made a of compilation of historical works.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
‘Herb Duerr’
HERB DUERR
President & CEO
About St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp.
St-Georges develops new technologies and holds a diversified portfolio of assets and patent-pending Intellectual Property within several highly prospective subsidiaries including: EVSX, a leading North American advanced battery processing and recycling initiative; St Georges Metallurgy, with metallurgical R&D and related IP, including processing and recovering high grade lithium from spodumene; Iceland Resources, with high grade gold exploration projects including the flagship Thor Project; H2SX, developing technology to convert methane into solid carbon and turquoise hydrogen; and Quebec exploration projects including the Manicouagan and Julie (CSM) projects on Quebec’s North Shore, and Notre-Dame niobium Project in Lac St Jean.
Visit the Company website at www.stgeorgesecomining.com
For general information: public@stgeorgesecomining.com
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
the accuracy of the contents of this release.
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24 March
Trump Invokes Wartime Powers to Boost US Critical Minerals Production
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to accelerate domestic production of critical minerals, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources — particularly China.
The order, signed on March 20, identifies mineral production as a national security imperative and authorizes the Department of Defense, in coordination with the International Development Finance Corporation, to facilitate financing, permitting and investment support for mining and processing essential minerals.
It also directs the Department of the Interior to expedite permits and prioritize mining operations on federal land.
"Our national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers’ mineral production," the order states. "It is imperative for our national security that the United States take immediate action to facilitate domestic mineral production to the maximum possible extent."
The Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law originally enacted in 1950, grants the government the authority to direct private industry toward national security objectives. In recent years, the law has been used to ramp up production of defense materials, medical supplies and renewable energy components.
Trump's use of the act signals a strong shift toward prioritizing domestic resource extraction to counteract China's dominance in the supply chain and dependence on other nations.
US reliance on foreign minerals
Despite possessing significant reserves, the US remains heavily dependent on mineral imports.
According to the US Geological Survey, the country imports at least 15 critical minerals in large quantities, with 70 percent of America's rare earths coming from China.
The US also relies on imports for nearly 50 percent of its lithium, 90 percent of its gallium and nearly 100 percent of its graphite, all essential for defense applications and the growing electric vehicle industry.
The move to boost domestic production comes amid growing concerns over China's tightening export controls.
Beijing has recently begun restricting shipments of germanium, gallium and antimony — materials that are vital for semiconductors and defense systems. In response, US policymakers have pushed for strategic stockpiles and expanded domestic production to reduce vulnerability.
Mixed market response to executive order
Industry leaders have applauded the order, calling it a necessary step toward securing a stable supply chain.
Some US mining companies have also issued statements in support of the executive order.
Ucore Rare Metals (TSXV:UCU,OTCQX:UURAF), which is currently working with the Department of Defense on rare earth elements processing technology, called the order a move that "underscores the urgent need to establish robust, domestic rare earth processing capabilities" in a recent press release.
CEO Pat Ryan noted that the Trump administration's efforts align with Ucore’s plans to commercialize its refining technology, which would help reduce the country's dependence on Chinese processing facilities.
Similarly, American Tungsten (CSE:TUNG,OTCQB:DEMRF) praised the initiative, citing the need for an independent tungsten supply chain. "This Executive Order is a clear endorsement for America’s mining industry. We believe our tungsten project, the IMA Mine, is a core example of why critical mineral production in the U.S. must be prioritized and addressed without delay," commented CEO Murray Nye in a statement.
However, environmental groups have criticized the order, warning that it could weaken safeguards meant to protect public lands from excessive mining activity. "Yet again, President Trump is trying to ignore the law and dictate that our national public lands be handed over to private companies for extraction and profit above all else," Bloomberg quotes Rachael Hamby, policy director at the Center for Western Priorities, as saying.
Many environmental advocates prefer stronger regulations, and have long warned that increased mining activity, particularly on federal lands, could lead to pollution, habitat destruction and water contamination.
The order directs federal agencies to produce a list of US mines that could be quickly approved, and to assess which federal lands, including those managed by the Pentagon, could be used for mineral processing.
It also mandates the creation of a centralized forum for buyers and sellers in the critical minerals industry.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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