
November 24, 2024
Processing of Audio Magneto-Telluric Data reveals substantial IOCG potential
Altair Minerals Limited (ASX: ALR) (‘Altair or ‘the Company’) is pleased to report results from reprocessing AMT Data at its Olympic Domain IOCG project, immediately west of BHP’s Oak Dam IOCG project, which has been 3D forward modelled for the first time.
- Acquisition, compilation and reprocessing of Audio Magneto-Telluric (AMT) Data has unveiled a new conductive target body with IOCG discovery potential.
- Major untested conductive and phase anomaly have both been identified proximal to each other within Altair’s Olympic Domain Project which is highly prospective for IOCG style mineralisation.
- The newly uncovered conductive and phase anomaly body located ~5km Northwest of BHP Oak Dam Deposit (1.34Bt @ 0.66% Cu & 0.33g/t Au)1
- Previous drilling appears to have narrowly missed the newly identified phase anomaly with impressive results from the mineralised halo surrounding the target anomaly4,5,6:
- HWDD08: 115m @ 0.32% CuEqi from 1040m (Drilled ~2km North of main phase anomaly)
- HWD1: 61m @ 0.33% CuEq from 901m
- HWDD05: 115m @ 0.62% CuEq from 1095m (Drilled ~700m North of conductive high)
- HWDD05W1: 70m @ 0.67% CuEq from 962m
- Reprocessing for Horse-Well geophysics and interpretation has been led by Jim Hanneson and Chris Anderson, who’s geophysics work has led to world-class discoveries, most notably Carrapateena (BHP acquired asset via AU $9.6 Billion takeover of Oz Minerals)2 and Havieron (AU ~$1Billion takeover valuation from Greatland Gold buying Newmont’s stake in Havieron & Tefler)3
- Ovoid conductive anomalous body shares parallels to those of Khamsin and Carrapateena deposits, with a follow up with TEM survey that can precisely identify the depth of the body for drill targeting
Dr. Hanneson has applied proprietary code to forward-model the AMT data readings from the original data files as previous efforts to model the data have been incomplete and smoothened out.
The forward modelling of AMT data has identified two distinct conductive and phase anomalies within Altair’s Olympic Domain Project which adjoins BHP’s Oak Dam Project. The anomalous bodies which have been identified are located just ~5km Northwest of BHP Oak Dam Deposit (1.34Bt @ 0.66% Cu & 0.33g/t Au)1 and provides a clear target for future drilling with an aim to make a second major IOCG discovery within the prolific region.
Olympic Domain Geophysics – 100% Owned, South Australia
Altair has finalised compilation and reprocessing AMT data for its Olympic Domain Project which for the first time within Olympic Domain has formed a 3D forward geophysics model. The 3D forward geophysics model has defined major conductive and phase anomalous bodies which has shown significant scale to host a potential large IOCG deposit which is analogous to the genesis of the Oak Dam Deposit.
The AMT data model includes 220 different sounding stations covering an area of 146km2, with conductivity and phase readings across a spectrum of 90 frequencies at each sounding station with additional repeat soundings for both Conductivity and Phase, leading to a model formed from analysing ~40,000 data points.
Conductive Anomaly
AMT surveys read multi-frequency EM fields within the subsurface, whereby a conductive zone beneath the surface, such as an IOCG mineralised body induces a current which alter the ratio of electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields, which is detected by the AMT device, and measures of the overall strength of the electric field.
Within the Horse-Well prospect at Olympic Domain, a discrete untested conductive anomaly has been defined by Altair through a 3D forward model of the AMT data occurring at cross section L6574000N.
The larger conductive anomaly spans 4.2km strike along SW-NE. A second higher priority and more distinct ovoid conductive body that spans 1.7km strike SW-NE, which is suspected to be related to IOCG mineralisation and presents a clear drill target. The conductive ovoid body defined by AMT readings in the context of IOCG mineralisation is generally a response from the accumulation of Copper & Iron Sulphides (Chalcopyrite, Pyrite), Iron Oxides (Magnetite) and/or alteration zones which consists of Chlorites, Sericite and hydrothermal alteration.
Figure 1: 3D Forward AMT Model for Conductivity, cross section L6574000N (looking north). Historic holes shown4,6, HWDD08 superimposed onto cross section to show spatial distance from distinct conductive zone. Vertical scale is arbitrarily modelled. Model generated by Adelaide Mining Geophysics Pty Ltd (Jim Hanneson).
The conductive response measured by the AMT survey indicate potential for a large chargeable sulphide bearing IOCG unit located beneath sedimentary cover. The distinctive ovoid conductive anomaly presents a clear untested and high-priority drill target.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Altair Minerals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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10h
Editor's Picks: Gold Knocks Out Inflation-Adjusted High, Silver Breaks US$42
Gold's record-setting price run continued this week, with yet another new all-time high in the books. Silver also fared well, breaking US$42 per ounce.
According to Bloomberg, gold has now also surpassed its inflation-adjusted all-time high of US$850 per ounce, which it set more than 45 years ago on January 21, 1980. The news outlet notes that at the time the US was dealing with currency issues, inflation and recession concerns.
These are problems that sound all too familiar today. This week brought the release of the latest US consumer price index (CPI) data, which shows a 0.4 percent month-on-month increase for the all-items index — that's ahead of estimates and the most since the start of 2025.
Meanwhile, core CPI, which excludes the food and energy categories, was up 0.3 percent from July. On an annual basis, core CPI was up 3.1 percent, while overall CPI rose 2.9 percent.
US producer price index (PPI) data also came out this week.
The index, which measures costs at a wholesale level, showed an unexpected 0.1 percent month-on-month decrease for August; the result was the same for core PPI.
Attention is now shifting to the US Federal Reserve's next meeting, which is set to run from September 16 to 17. For weeks now the central bank has been widely expected to cut interest rates, and experts believe this week's CPI and PPI numbers support that idea.
“Today’s CPI may appear to offset yesterday’s PPI, but it wasn’t hot enough to distract the Fed from the softening jobs picture. That translates into a rate cut next week — and, likely, more to come" — Ellen Zentner, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
CME Group's (NASDAQ:CME) FedWatch tool now shows odds of 93.9 percent for a 25 basis point cut, while the likelihood of a 50 basis point reduction stands at 6.1 percent.
Bullet briefing — Mining majors in mega M&A, Newmont to exit TSX
Anglo, Teck to merge in US$53 billion deal
Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) and Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TSX:TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) announced that they plan to merge in a US$53 billion transaction.
The new entity, which the companies say will be one of the world's largest copper producers, will have assets in Canada, the US, Latin America and Southern Africa.
Its primary listing will be in London, but its headquarters will be in Canada — a commitment that Teck CEO Jonathan Price told BNN Bloomberg will be "perpetual." In a bid to safeguard its critical minerals sector, Canada said last year that it will only greenlight foreign takeovers of large critical minerals miners in "exceptional circumstances."
The companies expect annual pre-tax synergies of about US$800 million by the end of the fourth year following the completion of the arrangement.
Experts say the zero-premium, all-share tie up is the second largest mining deal ever, and the biggest in more than a decade. It comes not long after other high-profile M&A attempts involving both companies — Teck rejected a bid from (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) in 2023, and Anglo turned down an offer from BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) last year.
Newmont to delist from TSX
While the Anglo-Teck deal puts Canada front and center, major miner Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) is backing away from the northern nation. The company said it has applied to voluntarily delist its shares from the TSX amid low volumes.
Newmont also said the move will help boost administrative efficiency and reduce expenses. The firm has faced increasing costs since acquiring Newcrest Mining in 2023, and sources familiar with the matter recently told Bloomberg that it's looking to lower costs by around 20 percent.
Newmont will retain its primary listing in New York, as well as listings in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its TSX delisting is expected to be effective on September 24.
Barrick to sell Hemlo for US$1.09 billion
Also making a move away from Canada this week was Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B), which has agreed to sell its Hemlo gold mine to Carcetti Capital (TSXV:CART.H) for US$1.09 billion.
Located in Ontario, Hemlo has operated for 30 years, producing over 21 million ounces of gold during that time. The sale comes as Barrick divests non-core assets and pivots toward copper.
The company put Hemlo up for sale earlier this year, and in July was rumored to be selling the operation to Discovery Silver (TSX:DSV,OTCQX:DSVSF); that deal ultimately didn't pan out.
Carcetti will be renamed Hemlo Mining once the transaction closes, and is expected to uplist from the TSX Venture Exchange's NEX Board. Its backers include Robert Quartermain, who is known for leading SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM,NASDAQ:SSRM) and Pretium Resources.
Want more YouTube content? Check out our expert market commentary playlist, which features interviews with key figures in the resource space. If there's someone you'd like to see us interview, please send an email to cmcleod@investingnews.com.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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10h
Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Guardian Exploration Gains 94 Percent
Welcome to the Investing News Network's weekly look at the best-performing Canadian mining stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE, starting with a round-up of Canadian and US news impacting the resource sector.
On Thursday (September 11), Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed the first tranche of projects selected by the newly created Major Projects Office.
The goal of the office is to accelerate timelines for projects deemed to be in the national interest, which include infrastructure, natural resources and technology. The office is being led by Dawn Farrell, who previously served as president and CEO of TransAlta (TSX:TA) and Trans Mountain. Three of the five projects announced are well into permitting or development and the Prime Minister said that the intention was to help them with a final regulatory push or to find the financing needed to complete.
The projects include the Phase 2 expansion of LNG Canada’s Kitimat facility, which will double capacity of liquified natural gas to 28 million metric tons per annum, the development of Foran Mining's (TSX:FOM) McIlvenna Bay copper-zinc mine in Saskatchewan, and an expansion of Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) and Imperial Metals' (TSX:III) Red Chris copper-gold mine in Northern British Columbia.
Carney also stated that a second set of projects would be announced before the CFL’s Grey Cup on November 16.
In major M&A news, mining giants Teck (TSX:TECK.B,TSX:TECK.A,NYSE:TECK) and Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) announced on Monday (September 8) that they would combine in a US$70 billion “merger of equals.” If approved, the resulting company will be called Anglo Teck, and will be headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In a news release, Teck said the deal would create US$800 million in pre-tax recurring annual synergies by year four, with US$1.4 billion in pre-tax yearly earnings from optimizations at the adjacent Collahuasi and Quebrada Blanca copper mines in Chile.
Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) announced on Wednesday (September 10) that it had reached an agreement to sell its Hemlo Gold Mine in Ontario to Carcetti Capital, which will be renamed Hemlo Mining, for gross proceeds of US$1.09 billion through a combination of cash and shares.
The sale marks Barrick's continued divestment of non-core assets following the sale of its Donlin and Alturas projects earlier in the year.
Also, this week saw the TSX release its annual TSX30 top companies list, which included 17 resource companies, 15 of which are precious-metals-focused. The top three precious metals stocks were Lundin Gold (TSX:LUG,OTCQX:LUGDF), Avino Silver & Gold (TSX:ASM) and New Gold (TSX:NGD,NYSE:NGD). The top overall company was Celestica (TSX:CLS), which focuses on AI supply chain optimizations.
In other TSX news, Newmont applied to delist its shares from the exchange on Wednesday citing low trading volumes. The company has been looking to cut overhead in recent years, and the move could lower administrative costs and improve efficiency, Reuters reports.
South of the border, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released its consumer price index data on Thursday, which showed inflation had ticked up to 2.9 percent over the same period last year. The numbers, along with last week’s weak jobs report, will be factors for the Federal Reserve when it meets for its September meeting next week.
As of Friday afternoon, over 95 percent of analysts are expecting the central bank to make a 25 point cut to the rate, bringing it to the 4 to 4.25 percent range.
For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news.
Markets and commodities react
Canadian equity markets were mostly positive this week. The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) set another new record high on Thursday, climbing to 29,409.74 before retreating to end the week up 0.97 percent to 29,283.82.
The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) performed even better, climbing 3.67 percent to finish Friday at 879.67. However, the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) went the opposite direction, shedding 2.17 percent to end the week at 153.81.
The gold price was in focus again this week as it climbed to a new record high of US$3,667 per ounce on Tuesday, as analysts predict a rate cut by the Federal Reserve when it meets next week. Gold ended the week up 2.74 percent at US$3,642.70 per ounce.
Silver had a similarly explosive week, climbing past US$42 per ounce for the first time since 2011 and gaining 3.82 percent on the week to close Friday at US$42.16.
Copper also saw gains this week rising 2.17 percent to US$4.65 per pound. Meanwhile, the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) posted a slight decrease of 0.1 percent to end the week at 548.34.
Top Canadian mining stocks this week
How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?
Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.
Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView's stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.
1. Guardian Exploration (TSXV:GX)
Weekly gain: 94.44 percent
Market cap: C$14.34 million
Share price: C$0.175
Guardian Exploration is an exploration and development company with a portfolio of oil and gas and mineral properties.
Among its properties is the Sun Dog gold project covering an area of 9,415 hectares in the Kivalliq Region in Nunavut, Canada. The site is located near the historic Cullaton Lake mine, which produced 100,000 ounces of gold between October 1981 and September 1985.
The company acquired the project on May 2 from New Break Resources (CSE:NBRK). Under the terms of the deal, Guardian received a 100 percent interest in the property, along with mineral rights and 60 drums of Jet A fuel in exchange for 5 million shares and a cash payment of C$75,000.
Guardian also reimbursed New Break C$18,830 for annual rent and granted New Break the option to buy back a 20 percent interest in the property for C$1.00.
The most recent news from the project came on Monday, when the company reported that it is commencing a one-month field program at the site that will include geological mapping, soil sampling and trenching. Guardian plans to perform follow-up exploration and drilling in 2026.
2. Sokoman Minerals (TSXV:SIC)
Weekly gain: 80 percent
Market cap: C$13.57 million
Share price: C$0.045
Sokoman Minerals is a discovery-oriented company with a portfolio of gold projects and one of the largest land positions in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It also owns a 40 percent stake in the Killick lithium project, a 40/40/20 joint venture with Benton Resources (TSXV:BEX,OTC:BNTRF) and Piedmont Lithium (OTC Pink:PLLTL).
Its primary focus is on its flagship Moosehead gold project located in Central Newfoundland. The advanced project consists of 98 claims covering 2,450 hectares and hosts an orogenic Fosterville-style gold system, according to Sokoman. The company has defined seven zones with high-grade mineralization through over 130,000 meters of drilling.
Sokomon announced on Friday that it was commencing diamond drilling at the site with the focus on testing the Eastern and Western Trend gold zones for depth extensions as well as undiscovered parallel zones. The drill holes will test to a depth of 1,000 meters.
Additionally, the company reported on September 2 that it expanded its land position at its Crippleback Lake gold-copper property to 13,000 hectares and planned to mobilize for induced polarization surveys, sampling and mapping of the site immediately.
3. CopAur Minerals (TSXV:CPAU)
Weekly gain: 61.11 percent
Market cap: C$11.84 million
Share price: C$0.145
CopAur is a gold exploration and development company advancing its flagship Kinsley Mountain oxide gold project in Nevada, United States.
The project is home to a historic open pit gold mine that produced approximately 138,000 ounces between 1995 and 1999. According to the project page, the property hosts an indicated mineral resource of 418,000 ounces of gold with an average grade of 2.63 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold.
On August 7, the company announced that it was shifting its full focus to advance work at its Kinsey Mountain project.
The company’s most recent news came on Monday when it reported that it had hired Andrew Neale as its new CEO. Neale brings more than 35 years of mining experience to CopAur and has held senior positions with Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) where he oversaw operations at its Grasberg copper-gold mine in Indonesia.
The company added that it was currently awaiting a decision from the Nevada Bureau of Land Management on a pair of permits for the Kinsey Mountain site, with one allowing it to test for reclamation at the heap leach pad and the other to allow it to restart production.
4. Silver North Resources (TSXV:SNAG)
Weekly gain: 60 percent
Market cap: C$26.72 million
Share price: C$0.40
Silver North Resources is primarily focused on advancing a portfolio of silver assets in the Yukon, Canada.
Its flagship Haldane silver project covers an area of 8,164 hectares in the Yukon’s Keno Hill Silver District and has seen silver exploration dating back to the late 1800s. The property hosts several deposits, including the Main Fault and the West Fault targets, which have produced high-grade silver assays up to 3,267 g/t over 1.26 meters at the West Fault and both zones hosting additional amounts of gold, lead, and zinc.
The company announced on August 15 that it commenced a 10 hole drill program at Haldane to follow up on the discovery of the Main Fault zone in 2024.
Additionally, the company announced on August 20 that it had begun its initial exploration program at the Veronica property at its GDR project in the Yukon. The program is eligible for partial funding up to C$30,000 as part of the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program.
5. Blue Star Gold (TSXV:BAU)
Weekly gain: 53.12 percent
Market cap: C$25.67 million
Share price: C$0.245
Blue Star Gold is a gold exploration and development company operating in Nunavut, Canada.
Its flagship asset is the Ulu gold project, which includes the Ulu mining lease and the Hood River property, together forming a 12,000 hectare land package. The property features a renewable 21 year mining lease for the advanced-stage Flood Zone deposit.
As per a February 2023 updated mineral resource estimate (MRE), Ulu holds a measured and indicated resource of 572,000 ounces of gold from 2.54 million metric tons of ore at an average grade of 7.02 g/t gold, along with an additional inferred resource of 303,000 ounces of gold from 1.28 million metric tons of ore at 7.34 g/t.
Blue Star also owns the Roma gold project, located on 11,532 hectares of crown mineral claims and 4,119 hectares of mineral exploration agreements in Nunavut's High Lake greenstone belt.
On Wednesday, Blue Star reported results from surface samples at its Auma prospect at Roma. The company said it had collected a total of 133 samples, with 44 returning gold grades above 1 g/t, including two samples with grades of 151 g/t and 125 g/t gold. The sampling program extended Zone 3, which is untested by drilling, by an additional 35 meters for a strike length of 130 meters.
Additionally, Blue Star also found high values of copper in quartz veining, with one sample producing a grade of 7.64 g/t gold and 4.2 percent copper.
FAQs for Canadian mining stocks
What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?
The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.
How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?
As of May 2025, there were 1,565 companies listed on the TSXV, 910 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,899 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.
Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.
How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?
There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.
The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.
These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.
How do you trade on the TSXV?
Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange's trading hours.
Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Kirkland Lake Discovery Gains 88 Percent
Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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15h
Admission to Trading on the OTCQB Market
Hamak Gold Limited (LSE: HAMA / OTCQB: HASTF), a company combining traditional gold exploration in West Africa with a Digital Asset Treasury Management strategy, is pleased to announce that the Company's shares have been admitted to trading on the OTC Venture Market ("OTCQB") in the United States, under the symbol "HASTF". No new Ordinary Shares have been issued by the Company for this parallel trading of its shares.
The purpose of the listing of shares on the OTCQB is to broaden the Company's exposure to the North American investor markets and to increase trading liquidity in a drive to deliver shareholder value.
The OTCQB is a middle-tier market for entrepreneurial and development U.S. and International companies, and is recognised by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an established public market.
Nick Thurlow, Executive Chairman of Hamak Gold, commented:
"We are pleased to announce approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority for Hamak to list on the OTCQB market. This is an important first step in a larger U.S. strategy designed to widen the investor base for Hamak."
For further information you are invited to view the Company's website at www.hamakgold.com or please contact:
Hamak Gold Limited Nick Thurlow Karl Smithson | n.thurlow@hamakgold.com k.smithson@hamakgold.com |
Peterhouse Capital Limited (Corporate Broker) Yellow Jersey PR Annabelle Wills | +44 (0) 20 7469 0930 +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 |
About Hamak Gold Limited
Hamak Gold Limited (LSE: HAMA) is a UK listed company focussed on gold exploration in Africa and with a strategy of pursuing a BTC/ crypto treasury management policy. Through its LSE main board listing investors underweight crypto can get professional exposure to this asset class.
Important Notice
The Company maintains some of its treasury reserves and surplus cash in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency. The Company is not authorised or regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bitcoin investments are generally not subject to regulaton by the FCA or otherwise in the United Kingdom. Neither the Company nor investors in the Company's shares are protected by the UK's Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
However the FCA considers Bitcoin investments to be high-risk. The value of Bitcoin can go up as well as down, leading to fluctuations in the value of the Company's Bitcoin holdings, and the Company may not be able to realise its Bitcoin holdings for the same amount it paid to acquire them, or even for the value the Company currently attributes to its Bitcoin positions.
The Company's Board of Directors have identified the following risks in relation to the holding of Bitcoin, which are not exhaustive:
- The value of Bitcoin can be highly volatile, with its value falling as quickly as it rises. Investors in Bitcoin must be prepared to lose all money invested.
- The Bitcoin market is largely unregulated. There is a risk of losing money due to factors such as cyber-attacks, financial crime, and counterparty failure.
- The Company may not be able to sell its Bitcoin at will. The ability to sell Bitcoin depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time. Operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks, and comingling of funds could cause unwanted delays.
- Cryptoassets carry a perception of fraud, money laundering, and financial crime.
An investment in the Company is not an investment in Bitcoin itself, but prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to conduct their own research before investing and should be aware that they will have indirect exposure to the high-risk nature of cryptoassets, including their volatility, and could therefore sustain large or total losses of their investment.
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16h
Barrick’s Plan to Sell Hemlo Mine for US$1 Billion Marks Canadian Exit
Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) has agreed to sell its Hemlo gold mine in Ontario for up to US$1.09 billion, transferring one of Canada’s most storied gold operations to a new owner and continuing Barrick’s shift away from non-core assets.
The company announced on Thursday (September 11) that Carcetti Capital (TSXV:CART.H,LSE:ORUG), which will be renamed Hemlo Mining (HMC), will acquire the mine under terms that include US$875 million in cash, US$50 million in HMC shares, and as much as US$165 million in contingent payments tied to future gold prices and production.
Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that the sale is part of the company’s ongoing capital allocation approach, noting that proceeds will help bolster the company’s balance sheet and fund returns to shareholders.
“The sale of Hemlo at an attractive valuation marks the close of Barrick’s long and successful chapter at the mine and underscores our disciplined focus on building value through our Tier One gold and copper portfolio,” Bristow said.
Hemlo, located near Marathon, Ontario, has produced more than 25 million ounces of gold over three decades of continuous operation.
Once hailed as a cornerstone of Canadian gold production, the mine transitioned from open-pit to underground operations in 2020. Its future will now rest with HMC, a vehicle backed by a group of well-known industry investors and leaders.
The incoming HMC board will include Robert Quartermain, founder of Pretium Resources (TSX:PVG) and former CEO of SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM,TSX:SSRM), who played a key role in the original discovery of Hemlo while at Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B,NYSE:TECK,OTC:TCKRF).
The company will also be led by Jason Kosec, named incoming CEO, and supported by a consortium that includes Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM,NYSE:WPM) and Orion Mine Finance.
To finance the acquisition, HMC has secured a US$1 billion package comprised of US$400 million in gold streaming from Wheaton, US$415 million in equity, and US$200 million in debt. Wheaton will also take up to US$50 million of the equity raise.
“Hemlo offers a unique opportunity to add immediate, accretive gold ounces from a politically stable jurisdiction, backed by a long history of production and a capable operating team,” Wheaton CEO Randy Smallwood said in a company press release.
Under the streaming agreement, Wheaton will initially purchase 13.5 percent of Hemlo’s payable gold until 181,000 ounces are delivered, after which the rate will fall to 9 percent for another 157,330 ounces, and then to 6 percent for the remainder of the mine’s life.
Wheaton’s attributable production is expected to average around 20,000 ounces annually for the first decade and more than 17,000 ounces annually over the life of mine, which is forecast to extend for at least 14 years.
For Barrick, the sale continues a multi-year effort to trim smaller, less profitable operations in favor of large, long-life assets that meet its “Tier One” criteria.
Earlier this year, the company also divested its stakes in Donlin and Alturas, bringing expected gross proceeds from non-core asset sales in 2025 to more than US$2 billion.
While Barrick emphasized that Canada remains an important exploration jurisdiction, the Hemlo deal effectively ends its role as a mine operator in its home country.
Reports of a potential sale had circulated since mid-2024, spurring rumors that Barrick was in advanced talks with Discovery Silver (TSX:DSV,OTCQX:DSVSF) to divest Hemlo.
While those discussions did not result in a deal, Thursday’s announcement confirms the company’s intent to fully exit the Canadian mining landscape.
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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11 September
Top 5 Australian Mining Stocks This Week: Zenith Minerals Strikes Gold at Red Mountain
Welcome to the Investing News Network's weekly round-up of the top-performing mining stocks listed on the ASX, starting with news in Australia's resource sector.
Companies focused on a mix of minerals and resources once again form this week’s top stocks list, including ones searching for gold, rutile, graphite, lithium and oil.
Significant news, including broad mineralisation discoveries and new acquisitions, drove the top performers this week, which you can learn more about in the list below.
Looking at the bigger picture, Australian lithium stocks took a hit this week following the announcement of Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology's (SZSE:300750,HKEX:3750) reported production restart at its Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun. Lithium prices and mining companies had previously been lifted in mid-August after the mine was suspended.
Market and commodities price round-up
The S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) posted a 0.75 percent decrease this week, opening at 8,871.20 on Monday (September 8) and closing at 8,805.00 on Thursday (September 11).
As for precious metals, gold increased 1.3 percent increase in US dollars, going from US$3,586.27 per ounce on Monday to US$3,632.87 by the close of Australian trading on Thursday. The metal also saw an increase in Australian dollars, climbing 0.5 percent from AU$5,468.95 to AU$5,496.45 over the same period.
Silver ended the period flat in US dollars, starting on Monday and closing on Thursday at US$41.07, but fell 0.77 percent in Australian dollars, moving from AU$62.63 to AU$62.15.
Top ASX mining stocks this week
How did ASX mining stocks perform against this backdrop?
Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Australian mining stocks below as the Investing News Network breaks down their operations and why these companies are up this week.
Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. AEST on Thursday (September 11) using TradingView's stock screener and reflects price movements between Monday and Thursday. Only companies trading on the ASX with market capitalisations greater than AU$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.
1. Zenith Minerals (ASX:ZNC)
Weekly gain: 83.33 percent
Market cap: AU$31.77 million
Share price: AU$0.11
Zenith Minerals is an exploration company based in West Perth, Australia. Previously focused on lithium, this year the company has pivoted strategically to focus on gold at its Red Mountain and Dulcie gold projects. It still owns three lithium projects across its portfolio, alongside one zinc project.
Pending the release of significant news, Zenith requested a trading halt on Tuesday (September 9), and normal trading recommenced Thursday alongside its release.
That day, Zenith announced the first gold assay results from its Red Mountain gold project in Queensland. The results from its 2025 drilling campaign included one core that intersected a broad mineralized gold zone, extending 139.7 metres at an average grade of 1.05 grams per tonne gold. The interval, which started at a depth of 214.9 metres, included semi-massive sulphide mineralisation. Further assays are expected in the coming weeks.
Zenith added that it is preparing to start a fully funded 9,000 to 12,000 metre reverse circulation drilling program at its Dulcie gold project in Western Australia by the end of September.
Shares of the company gained significantly once trading recommenced, closing at AU$0.11 on Thursday.
At the start of the week, the company announced a share sale facility of unmarketable parcels under a value of AU$500 based on a share price of AU$0.06. The 1,233 shareholders with these small holdings can opt out by October 20, but otherwise the company will purchase the shares back automatically.
2. Fortuna Metals (ASX:FUN)
Weekly gain: 81.82 percent
Market cap: AU$13.11 million
Share price: AU$0.10
Fortuna Metals is an exploration company focused on rutile-graphite projects in Malawi following acquisition news this week. Its portfolio also includes rare earth and base metal assets in Western Australia and South Australia. The company changed its name from Lanthanein Resources last month.
Fortuna announced the acquisition agreement for the Mkanda and Kampini rutile-graphite projects on Thursday. The projects sit south of Sovereign Metals’ (ASX:SVM) Kasiya rutile and flake graphite deposit.
“The projects cover some of the most prospective geology outside of Kasiya, which hosts the world’s largest rutile and second largest flake graphite resource,” CEO Tom Langley commented. The mineral rutile is a high-grade source of titanium.
In its acquisition presentation, the company shared next steps, including data review and Phase 1 soil sampling and hand auger drilling, for which results are expected in Q4. Further exploration at identified targets will begin in 2026.
Fortuna requested a trading halt on Wednesday pending the acquisition news, which it released during pre-market trading Thursday. Its share price spiked to AU$0.125 at Thursday’s open and closed at a weekly high of AU$0.10.
3. IRIS Metals (ASX:IR1)
Weekly gain: 70.33 percent
Market cap: AU$32.39 million
Share price: AU$0.155
US-focused IRIS Metals is a hard-rock lithium explorer and developer that is currently advancing near-term production through its Beecher and Tin Mountain lithium projects on private land in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The company aims to develop a hub-and-spoke model in the state, with multiple mines and centralised processing.
Adding to its holdings in the state, the company said on Wednesday that it acquired a portfolio of private lands and federal mineral claims in the region from Rapid Critical Metals (ASX:RCM). The acquisition includes the Ingersoll project, which hosts the past-producing Bob Ingersoll lithium-beryllium mine. IRIS intends to start drilling at the Ingersoll project towards the end of 2025.
“Combined with our Beecher, Tin Mountain and Edison projects, (Ingersoll) establishes a robust foundation for IRIS’ near-term lithium production ambitions and enhances our exposure to critical minerals such as beryllium and tantalum,” US Operations President Matt Hartmann stated.
He added that private land ownership is strategically advantageous as it positions IRIS as “the leading lithium explorer in the region.” The acquisition brought the company’s private land holdings to over 41 hectares.
Shares of the company climbed to AU$0.14 by Wednesday’s close and closed even higher Thursday at AU$0.155.
4. Red Sky Energy (ASX:ROG)
Weekly gain: 66.67 percent
Market cap: AU$27.11 million
Share price: AU$0.005
Established in 2001, Red Sky Energy is an oil and gas exploration company headquartered in Melbourne.
Its flagship asset is its wholly owned Killanoola oil project in Otway Basin, South Australia, which covers an area of 17.5 square kilometres and has recorded rates of 300 barrels per day.
On Thursday, Red Sky Energy reported that construction has commenced at Killanoola’s KN2 well site following approval from the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining (DEM).
Drilling and completion costs for the KN2 well are being 75 percent funded by Condor Energy Services, Chawla Group and VB Energy through a farm-in agreement. Once complete, the companies will hold a 45 percent working interest in the well, and Red Sky will retain 55 percent.
Completion of construction is expected within the next two weeks, with initial activities including the removal and stockpiling of topsoil. The company added that installation of the access gate and fencing will follow after construction is complete.
Red Sky Energy shares climbed on the news, closing at AU$0.005 on Thursday.
5. Resources & Energy Group (ASX:REZ)
Weekly gain: 45 percent
Market cap: AU$20.93 million
Share price: AU$0.029
Resources & Energy Group is a gold explorer and miner headquartered in Sydney.
It is currently performing small-scale gold production at its East Menzies gold project in Western Australia, which is located 130 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie and consists of over 50 tenements.
The company performed its second gold doré pour in Q2, with 34.14 ounces of gold minted at the Perth Mint.
On Tuesday, Resources & Energy Group announced that an amendment to its mining proposal for the Maranoa deposit at East Menzies has been approved, meaning it can construct eight additional vat leach cells with combined processing capacity of 40,000 tonnes of ore. The approval allows the company to move from small-scale trial to full-scale vat leach production at the deposit.
“Ultimately, cash flow from production will directly support resource drilling, exploration, and further development across the entire East Menzies gold project. This marks the beginning of a new growth phase for REZ,” Managing Director J. Daniel Moore said.
Shares of Resources & Energy Group climbed through the week after the announcement, closing at AU$0.029 on Thursday.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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11 September
Newmont to Exit Toronto Stock Exchange as Cost Cuts Deepen
Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) is preparing to withdraw from the Toronto Stock Exchange later this month, the latest in a string of moves to streamline operations and rein in costs following its US$15 billion takeover of Newcrest Mining in 2023.
The Denver-based miner said Wednesday it has applied for a voluntary delisting of its common shares from the TSX, effective at the close of trading on September 24.
The company cited “low trading volumes” on the Canadian exchange and said the decision is expected to “improve administrative efficiency and reduce costs for the benefit of Newmont’s shareholders.”
Newmont’s shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange, where it maintains its primary listing, as well as on the Australian Securities Exchange and the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NEM.
Rising costs and restructuring plans
Newmont’s all-in sustaining costs reached record levels earlier this year, eroding profits even as bullion prices hit all-time highs above US$3,500 an ounce in April and remained above US$3,300 through most of the summer.
The company has acknowledged that its cost base has outpaced peers. In the second quarter, Newmont’s costs were nearly 25 percent higher than those of Agnico Eagle Mines, a Canadian rival considered one of the industry’s leanest producers.
Costs have also risen more than 50 percent over the past five years, driven by higher energy, labor, and material prices, as well as integration expenses tied to Newcrest’s operations.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Palmer told investors in July that Newmont was pursuing additional measures to lower its expenses.
Behind the scenes, Newmont has been preparing for more aggressive measures.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News that management has set an internal target to lower costs by as much as US$300 per ounce, or roughly 20 percent.
Meeting that benchmark could require thousands of layoffs across the company’s global workforce of about 22,000, excluding contractors.
While Newmont has not disclosed the scope of planned reductions, some employees have already been informed of redundancies, according to the report. Managers have also been briefed on potential curbs to long-term incentive programs as part of a broader restructuring.
A company spokesperson confirmed earlier this year that Newmont launched a cost and productivity improvement program in February.
Alongside cost cutting, Newmont has moved swiftly to divest non-core assets acquired in the Newcrest deal.
Since late 2024, the company has sold multiple Canadian operations: the Eleonore mine for about US$795 million, the Musselwhite mine in Ontario for $850 million, and its stake in the Porcupine operations for US$425 million.
The asset sales are intended not only to cut debt but also to sharpen focus on higher-margin operations, particularly in North America and Australia.
Despite higher costs, Newmont shares have surged 95 percent this year, followed by also announcing a US$3 billion share repurchase program in July.
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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