With multiple catalysts ahead, including resource upgrades, expanded production, and further development of its Laverton, Menzies, and Sandstone hubs, Brightstar Resources presents a compelling investment case in a rising gold market.
Gold has continued to demonstrate its resilience as a store of value, with prices peaking at US$3,500.05 per ounce, its all-time high. Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, including inflationary pressures, rising geopolitical tensions, and volatile interest rate environments, investors have turned to gold as both a safe haven asset and a hedge against macroeconomic instability.
Brightstar Resources (ASX:BTR) is strategically positioned to capitalize on this environment as a low-cost, multi-asset gold developer with near-term production potential. The company controls over 1,500 square kilometers of highly prospective ground across three of Western Australia’s most prolific gold belts: the Laverton Tectonic Zone, the Menzies Shear Zone, and the Sandstone Greenstone Belt.
Unlike many junior exploration companies, Brightstar has a key differentiator: it owns a fully permitted, strategically located processing facility near Laverton. This existing infrastructure offers the company a critical advantage, enabling a low-capex restart scenario and faster time to cash flow compared to peers who must first secure permits and fund costly plant construction. This plant is subject of a DFS due for announcement in June 2025.
Through a focused multi-hub strategy, Brightstar has built a robust pipeline of development-ready and resource-growth projects, supported by:
With global gold demand remaining strong, Brightstar is well-positioned to deliver material shareholder value through its integrated production plan, supported by scalable infrastructure, a growing resource base, and access to capital. The company’s strategic approach includes combining brownfields development, organic exploration, and corporate M&A, placing it at the forefront of a new generation of Australian gold producers.
Brightstar’s Laverton hub is comprised of the Cork Tree Well, Jasper Hills, Second Fortune, Beta and Alpha project areas.
The Menzies Hub comprises a tenement holding of a contiguous land package of granted mining leases over a strike length of more than 20 km. The majority of deposits hosted along the Menzies Shear Zone are located adjacent to the Goldfields Highway in Menzies (130km north of Kalgoorlie).
The consolidated Sandstone project is over 100 km from existing third-party milling operations in the Murchison. This third processing hub boasts Alto’s Sandstone project with a mineral resource of 1.05 Moz at 1.4 g/t gold and Gateway’s Montague gold project with a mineral resource of 0.5 Moz @ 1.6 g/t gold.
Growth Drivers:
Alex Rovira is a qualified geologist and an experienced investment banker having focused on the metals and mining sector since 2013. Rovira has experience in ASX equity capital markets activities, including capital raisings, IPOs and merger and acquisitions.
Richard Crookes has over 35 years’ experience in the resources and investments industries. He is a geologist by training having previously worked as the chief geologist and mining manager of Ernest Henry Mining in Australia.
Crookes is managing partner of Lionhead Resources, a critical minerals investment fund and formerly an investment director at EMR Capital. Prior to that he was an executive director in Macquarie Bank’s Metals Energy Capital (MEC) division where he managed all aspects of the bank’s principal investments in mining and metals companies.
Andrew Rich is a degree qualified mining engineer from the WA School of Mines and has obtained a WA First Class Mine Managers Certificate. Rich has a strong background in underground gold mining with experience predominantly in the development of underground mines at Ramelius Resources (ASX:RMS) and Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX).
Ashley Fraser is an accomplished mining professional with over 30 years experience across gold and bulk commodities. Fraser was a founder of Orionstone (which merged with Emeco in a $660-million consolidation) and is a founder/owner of Blue Cap Mining and Blue Cap Equities.
Jonathan Downes has over 30 years’ experience in the minerals industry and has worked in various geological and corporate capacities. Experienced with gold and base metals, he has been intimately involved with the exploration process through to production. Downes is currently the managing director of Kaiser Reef, a high grade gold producer, and non-executive director of Cazaly Resources.
Dean Vallve holds technical qualifications in geology & mining engineering from the WA School of Mines, an MBA, and a WA First Class Mine Managers Certificate. Vallve was previously in senior mining and study roles at ASX listed mid-cap resources companies Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) and Calidus Resources (ASX:CAI).
Nicky Martin is an experienced finance and accounting professional holding tertiary qualifications in accounting and finance and is a qualified CPA. Martin was previously the Head of Finance at Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS) where she oversaw and was actively involved in a rapidly growing mining success story.
Emerging gold producer and district-scale resource developer in Western Australia
Kobo Resources Inc. (" Kobo" or the " Company ") ( TSX.V: KRI ) is pleased to announce it has entered into a new earn-in agreement as part of its broader regional exploration strategy to evaluate prospective gold bearing structural corridors in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250731071790/en/
Figure 1: Location Map Yakassé Gold Project
Key Highlights
Edward Gosselin, CEO and Director of Kobo commented: "Our earn-in agreement on the Yakassé Project marks a meaningful step in Kobo's strategy to expand our exploration portfolio in one of Côte d'Ivoire's promising gold regions. This project sits within a structurally complex and underexplored area that has already returned high-grade results from past drilling by reputable operators. With its expected strong regional potential and well-developed infrastructure, the Yakassé Projec t aligns with our long-term growth strategy. Subject to the approval of the pending application, we look forward to advancing exploration on this project with Geoservices as we continue unlocking new opportunities alongside the development of our flagship Kossou Project ."
Geoservices – Earn-In Agreement Overview
Geoservices applied for a gold exploration license on February 23, 2021, in the Adzopé/Yakassé-Attobrou departments which was updated and its perimeter increased at Kobo's request from 67 km 2 to 74.06 km 2 on July 17, 2025. The application is in the vicinity of the Nesdave permit (PR-0973 73.5 km 2 ) which is covered by another earn-in agreement signed in February 2025 as well as to the Kuniboa application (18.3 km 2 ) located next to the Nesdave permit (see Figures 1 & 2).
Subject to Geoservices being granted a research permit for an initial four-year term, the Company and Geoservices will conduct the exploration activities. The Company has made an initial payment of C$20,000 upon the signing of the Geoservices Earn-In agreement following the update of the application. Another payment in the amount of C$10,000 will be made by the Company upon approval of the Application by the Interministerial Commission and a final payment of C$20,000 and, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc., the issuance of 30,000 common shares of the Company to Geoservices upon it being granted by decree an exploration permit.
Once the exploration permit is issued by decree, the Company can acquire a 90% interest in the license over the first four years by investing a minimum of 295 million CFA F (approximately C$719,500). The first year requires an investment of 77 million CFA F or approximately C$187,800 to acquire an interest of 18% in the permit. The second year requires a minimum investment of 67 million CFA F (approximately C$163,400) to acquire an 19% interest in the exploration permit. The third year requires the Company to invest a minimum of 68 million CFA F (approximately C$165,853) for a 28% interest in the permit and the fourth year requires a minimal investment of 83 million CFA F (approximately C$202,400) for an additional 25% interest in the permit bringing the total to 90% over the four years.
In the event the Company elects to apply for an exploitation license (an " Exploitation License ") with respect to any of the properties covered under the Geoservices Earn-In Agreement , the Company and Geoservices will constitute a joint venture with respect to the exploitation of such property which will be held as to 81% by the Company, 9% by Geoservices and 10% by the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. The Company will be entitled to purchase, at any given time, from Geoservices an additional 4% interest in the joint venture for a cash payment of C$2.0 million.
The Geoservices Earn-In Agreemen t grants a 1% net smelter return (" NSR ") to Geoservices with the Company retaining the right to buy back 50% of such 1% NSR in consideration of a C$1.0 million payment. Following commissioning of facilities to commercially exploit a discovery, Geoservices will also be entitled to receive, subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV "), 350,000 common shares of the Company's share-capital.
Subject to approval from the TSXV, Kobo will issue 30,000 common shares to Geoservices upon Geoservices being granted by decree an exploration permit. Such common shares will be issued to Geoservices pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws and will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.
Yakassé Gold Project – Overview
The Yakassé Project is located approximately 100 km northeast of Abidjan and is easily accessible by paved and gravel roads. The 74.06 km² permit application lies within a highly prospective region characterized by NE-SW trending Birimian metavolcanic and metasedimentary units intruded by granitoids. Gold mineralization in the area is structurally controlled, associated with shear zones and quartz veining, and has been the focus of significant historic artisanal and small-scale mining activity.
Previous exploration by reputable operators, including, most recently, Newmont (2007–2010), outlined widespread gold anomalies and confirmed the potential for mineralized systems at the Yakassé Project . Newmont's work included extensive soil geochemistry, auger drilling, and over 3,500 metres (" m ") of reverse circulation (" RC ") drilling 1 . Several broad, near-surface gold intercepts were reported, including 44.0 m at 2.32 g/t Au , 48.0 m at 1.20 g/t Au , and 20.0 m at 1.69 g/t Au , highlighting the strong mineral potential associated with NE-SW trending shear zones. Importantly, the Company believes the structural trends observed at Yakassé may represent parallel systems to those present at its nearby Nesdave permit and Kuniboa application, underscoring the broader regional opportunity to consolidate and explore an underexplored but prospective gold corridor in southeastern Côte d'Ivoire.
Nesdave Earn-In Agreements
As announced on March 4, 2025, Kobo previously entered into earn-in agreements (the " Nesdave Earn-In Agreements ") with NESDAVE MINING SARL (" Nesdave ") with respect to two exploration licences, PR-0970 and PR-0973.
Pursuant to the Nesdave Earn-In Agreements , as amended on July 25, 2025, the Company can acquire (i) a 90% interest in the PR-0970 license over the next four years by investing 550 million CFA F (approximately C$1.25 million), with 75 million CFA F (approximately C$171,500) being invested in the first year, and (ii) a 90% interest in the PR-0973 license over the next four years by investing 555 million CFA F (approximately C$1.27 million), with 80 million CFA F (approximately C$183,000) being invested in the first year.
Furthermore, in the event Kobo elects to apply for an Exploitation Licence with respect to any of the properties covered under the Nesdave Earn-In Agreements , Kobo and Nesdave will constitute a joint venture with respect to the exploitation of such property which will be held as to 80% by Kobo , 10% by Nesdave and 10% by the Government of Côte d'Ivoire.
Finally, each of the Nesdave Earn-In Agreements grants a 1% NSR to Nesdave with the Company retaining the right to buy back 50% of such NSR in consideration of a C$1.0 million payment. Following the completion of a positive Feasibility Study leading to the issuance of an Exploitation License, Nesdave will also be entitled to receive (i) a bonus payment of C$1.00 per proven and probable ounce of gold discovered and (ii) subject to approval of the TSXV, 350,000 common shares of the Company's share-capital.
Subject to approval from the TSXV, Kobo will issue 60,000 common shares to Nesdave in connection with the execution of the Nesdave Earn-In Agreements . Such common shares will be issued to Nesdave pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws and will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.
Review of Technical Information
The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Paul Sarjeant, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Persons as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Sarjeant is the President and Chief Operating Officer and Director of Kobo.
About Kobo Resources Inc.
Kobo Resources is a growth-focused gold exploration company with a compelling new gold discovery in Côte d'Ivoire, one of West Africa's most prolific and developing gold districts, hosting several multi-million-ounce gold mines. The Company's 100%-owned Kossou Gold Project is located approximately 20 km northwest of the capital city of Yamoussoukro and is directly adjacent to one of the region's largest gold mines with established processing facilities.
With over 18,500 metres of diamond drilling, nearly 5,900 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling, and 5,900 metres of trenching completed since 2023, Kobo has made significant progress in defining the scale and prospectivity of its Kossou's Gold Project . Exploration has focused on multiple high-priority targets within a 9+ km strike length of highly prospective gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies, with drilling confirming extensive mineralisation at the Jagger, Road Cut, and Kadie Zones. The latest phase of drilling has further refined structural controls on gold mineralisation, setting the stage for the next phase of systematic exploration and resource development.
Beyond Kossou , the Company is advancing exploration at its Kotobi Permit and is actively expanding its land position in Côte d'Ivoire with prospective ground, aligning with its strategic vision for long-term growth in-country. Kobo remains committed to identifying and developing new opportunities to enhance its exploration portfolio within highly prospective gold regions of West Africa. Kobo offers investors the exciting combination of high-quality gold prospects led by an experienced leadership team with in-country experience. Kobo's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "KRI". For more information, please visit www.koboresources.com .
NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information:
This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements, including statements related to the issue of the common shares, the future development of the Company and the Company's plan with respect to the properties subject to the Geoservices Earn-In Agreement and the Nesdave Earn-In Agreements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable as at the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inherent risks involved win the exploration and development of mineral properties; unanticipated costs and expenses; the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and other risk factors listed from time to time in our documents filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Kobo assumes no obligation and/or liability to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
1 Newmont Mining, Internal Report, Adzope License (Coté d'Ivoire) Final Report, October 2010
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250731071790/en/
For further information, please contact:
Edward Gosselin
Chief Executive Officer and Director
1-418-609-3587
ir@kobores.com
Twitter: @KoboResources | LinkedIn: Kobo Resources Inc.
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
With high-quality, drill-ready assets with world-class discovery potential, Piche Resources is a compelling business case for investors looking to leverage a bull market for uranium and gold.
Piche Resources (ASX:PR2) is an ASX-listed mineral exploration company focused on uranium and gold exploration in Tier-1 jurisdictions: Western Australia and Argentina. The company holds 100 percent ownership of all of its projects and is supported by a highly experienced board and technical team.
Targeting globally significant discoveries in Tier-1 mineral provinces
Piche’s portfolio includes the advanced-stage Ashburton uranium project in Western Australia and two large-scale exploration projects in Argentina: the Cerro Chacon gold-silver project and the Sierra Cuadrada uranium project. These projects have delivered high-grade exploration results and are drill-ready, positioning the company to unlock significant shareholder value through systematic exploration programmes.
Piche has an internationally recognized board focused on creating long-term shareholder value, and an in-country technical team in Argentina with a proven track record of taking projects from discovery through to development.
Cerro Chacon interpreted geology and tenement holding
Cerro Chacon is a large-scale, early-stage gold-silver exploration project located in the Chubut Province of Argentina. The project is situated within a region known for hosting world-class low-sulphidation epithermal systems, including Cerro Negro and Cerro Vanguardia. With multiple gold-bearing structures confirmed over a 14 km corridor, Cerro Chacon is emerging as a highly promising and underexplored precious metals system with substantial scale and grade potential.
Location: ~40 km southwest of Paso de Indios, Chubut Province
Tenure: 414 sq km across multiple tenements
Highlights:
The Ashburton project is Piche’s flagship uranium exploration asset in Australia, situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Located within a historically underexplored but highly prospective unconformity-related uranium district, the project provides the company with strong leverage to the growing global demand for uranium. The project is geologically analogous to world-class Proterozoic uranium systems, with multiple confirmed mineralised zones and a regional corridor of 60 km.
Sierra Cuadrada is Piche’s primary uranium asset in Argentina, covering a vast area within the San Jorge Basin. This large-scale project has demonstrated strong surface uranium mineralisation with multiple drill-ready prospects. With mineralisation confirmed across extensive zones and supported by historical radiometric and geochemical data, Sierra Cuadrada has the potential to host multiple Tier-1 uranium deposits in a cost-effective, near-surface setting.
Teo 5 and 6 prospect 2024 auger drill programme
Location: San Jorge Basin, ~200 km north of Comodoro Rivadavia
Tenure: 1,310 sq km across multiple licences
Highlights:
John Simpson has over 37 years of experience in mineral exploration, development and mining. Previously the executive chairman and founder of Peninsula Energy Limited (ASX:PEN), a USA uranium producer.
Stephen Mann is a geologist with over 40 years of experience in exploration, discovery and development of mining projects, including 20 years in the uranium sector. Formerly the Australian managing director of Orano, the world’s third-largest uranium producer.
Pablo Marcet is a senior geoscientist with 38 years of experience in exploration, discovery and development of mineral deposits. Currently an independent director of lithium producer Arcadium Lithium (NYSE:ALTM) and previously a director of Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) and U3O8 (TSX:UWE).
Clark Beyer is an internationally recognized nuclear industry executive with over 35 years of experience. Formerly the managing director of Rio Tinto Uranium and currently principal of Global Fuel Solutions, providing strategic consulting to the international uranium and nuclear fuels market.
Stanley Macdonald is a nationally recognized mining entrepreneur, founding director and instrumental in the success of numerous ASX-listed companies, such as Giralia Resources, Northern Star and Redhill Iron. He is currently a director of Zenith Minerals.
