
November 25, 2024
Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the first ever diamond drill holes completed at the Rhosgobel intrusion, located at the Company's road accessible, district-scale RC Gold Project in Yukon, Canada. Results from DDRCRG-24-001, which is the first diamond drill hole ever completed at Rhosgobel, returned 164.8 metres of 0.82 g/t gold starting 9 metres from surface, including 119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold, 37.9 metres of 2.05 g/t gold and 11.5 metres of 4.32 g/t gold. Initial diamond drilling at Rhosgobel intersected abundant sheeted veining and multiple occurrences of visible gold, with results confirming strong gold mineralization continues from surface to at least 300 metres. Results are currently pending for 6 additional diamond drill holes currently at the assay lab, including the first diamond drill holes ever completed at the Pukelman intrusion, located approximately 2 kilometres southeast of the Blackjack gold deposit (see Figure 4), where abundant sheeted veining has also been observed along with occurrences of visible gold in the drill core (see news release dated October 31, 2024).
- DDRCRG-24-001 returned 164.8 metres of 0.82 g/t gold starting 9 metres from surface, including 119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold, 37.9 metres of 2.05 g/t gold and 11.5 metres of 4.32 g/t gold in the first ever diamond drill hole at Rhosgobel.
- Drilling confirms strong gold mineralization from surface to a depth of at least 300 metres.
- Gold mineralization discovered at Rhosgobel is hosted in feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite similar to that seen at the Blackjack gold deposit located 5 km along trend to the north.
- Holes were drilled under a >300 ppb gold-in-soil anomaly that is part of a larger 1.5 km x 2 km gold-in-soil anomaly with values up to >500 ppb gold.
- Rhosgobel is the largest mapped intrusion target within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex.
- Drill results underscore potential for Rhosgobel to host a significant multi-million ounce intrusion-related gold deposit.
Table 1: Highlights from the first two diamond drill holes ever completed at Rhosgobel
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m)* | Gold (g/t) |
DDRCRG-24-001 | 9.1 | 173.9 | 164.8 | 0.82 |
Including | 30.0 | 149 | 119.0 | 1.05 |
including | 98.5 | 136.36 | 37.9 | 2.05 |
including | 98.5 | 110.03 | 11.5 | 4.32 |
including | 102.0 | 103.67 | 1.7 | 16.25 |
DDRCRG-24-002 | 97.0 | 207.3 | 173.3 | 0.60 |
Including | 105.0 | 133.4 | 28.4 | 1.37 |
Including | 121.0 | 133.4 | 12.4 | 2.43 |
Including | 167.1 | 184.5 | 17.4 | 1.10 |
Including | 269.2 | 270.3 | 1.1 | 8.99 |
"The results of the first two diamond drill holes ever drilled at the Rhosgobel intrusion target have exceeded our expectations, with both holes returning significant intervals of over 1 g/t gold, including 2.05 g/t gold over 37.9 metres and 4.32 g/t gold over 11.5 metres in DDRCRG-24-001", stated Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka Gold. "Rhosgobel is the largest intrusion target within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (see Figure 4) and these holes have confirmed that robust gold mineralization persists here to a vertical depth of at least 300 metres and is laterally open in all directions within a very large, 2 km x 1.5 km gold-in-soil anomaly with values ranging from >100 ppb to > 500 ppb (see Figure 1). This bodes very well for the discovery of a third significant gold deposit at RC Gold, where geochemical surface signatures have been shown to strongly coincide with underlying intrusion-related gold mineralization elsewhere on the property, similar to that seen at our growing Blackjack gold deposit. With $15 million in the treasury and no debt, the Company is well positioned to follow up on this exciting new discovery with a substantial diamond drilling program as we continue to advance several targets at our flagship RC Gold Project."
Figure 1 - Plan map of the 2024 drilling on the Rhosgobel intrusion showing the locations of DDRCRG-24-001 and 002, the first ever diamond drill holes completed at Rhosgobel, within the large 1.5 x 2.0 kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly and mapped intrusion. Geochemical surface signatures such as this have been shown to strongly coincide with underlying intrusion-related gold mineralization elsewhere on the property, similar to that seen at the Blackjack gold deposit located approximately 5 km north along trend (see Figure 4).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Figure 2 - Cross section of DDRCRG-24-001 and 002, the first ever diamond drill holes completed at the Rhosgobel intrusion. These initial diamond drill holes intersected gold at significantly greater depths than the limits of historical shallow reverse-circulation drilling and confirm that strong gold mineralization persists from surface to a depth of at least 300 metres.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Figure 3 - Shallow historical reverse-circulation drilling in the Rhosgobel intrusion in 1995 (labelled CCRC-95-XX on the map) produced numerous intersections of gold mineralization consisting of sheeted quartz veins within megacrystic quartz monzonite, confirming widespread gold mineralization within the Rhosgobel intrusion coincident with the larger 1.5 km x 2.0 km gold-in-soil anomaly (see Figure 1). Higher-grade gold mineralization is also modelled along intersections of structural corridors that form conduits for gold mineralization, such as those mapped at the Rhosgobel intrusion (red and green lines on plan map). The first ever diamond drill holes completed at Rhosgobel (DDRCRG-24-001 and 002) further highlight the potential for this gold system to continue to a depth of at least 300 metres.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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The Rhosgobel intrusion is the largest and southernmost exposed intrusion that forms a part of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC). Intrusions within the CCIC occupy an area of approximately 8 by 15 kilometres and likely have a common magmatic source at depth. The intrusions vary in composition and include quartz monzonite, granodiorite and diorite. Felsic and lamprophyre dykes also occur within the CCIC. All of the intrusions have associated gold mineralization, suggesting that the CCIC forms a large mineralized system with the potential to host several gold deposits. The Rhosgobel intrusion is a megacrystic quartz monzonite (MCQM) similar to the Saddle Intrusion that hosts the Blackjack Deposit 5 km to the north.
Previous shallow reverse circulation drilling by Kennecott in 1995 identified widespread gold mineralization within the Rhosgobel intrusion (see Figure 3). These initial diamond drill holes by Sitka have intersected gold at significantly greater depths, demonstrating the potential for a much larger mineralized system.
Mineralization at Rhosgobel consists of abundant 1-2 cm sheeted quartz veins, larger (10-40 cm) quartz tourmaline veins, and large zones of quartz tourmaline breccias and stockwork within a larger zone cutting the MCQM host intrusion. Coarse scheelite and sulphides, including pyrrhotite and pyrite with subordinate arsenopyrite, occur within the veins and breccias throughout the intrusion. Gold was observed within the quartz veins and breccias and was consistently associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and occasionally molybdenite. Alteration was pervasive quartz-sericite and sericite-chlorite with more intense quartz-sericite-chlorite alteration selvages around the veins.
DDRCRG-24-001
Drill hole DDRCRG-24-001 was drilled to a length of 303.6 metres at a dip of -50 degrees and an azimuth of 010 degrees to test the down dip extension of the gold mineralization intersected in the historical RC drill holes CCRC-95-15 and CCRC-95-16. The hole remained in MCQM throughout its length including approximately 200 metres of altered, faulted, brecciated, and mineralized feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite and approximately 100 metres of weakly altered MCQM cut by occasional 1-10 cm quartz-scheelite sheeted veins. Visible gold was observed at two locations within the hole.
DDRCRG-24-001 intersected significant gold mineralisation from near surface to about 180 metres with 164.8 metres returning 0.82 g/t gold from 9.1 metres. Higher grade intersections within this interval included 119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold from 30.0 metres and 37.9 metres of 2.05 g/t gold from 98.5 metres. A 1.8 metre interval from 102.0 metres returned 16.25 g/t gold, demonstrating the presence of significant high grade gold mineralization in the Rhosgobel system.
DDRCRG-24-002
Drill hole DDRCRG-24-002 was drilled to a length of 400.8 metres at a dip of -75 degrees and an azimuth of 010 degrees to test the down dip extension of the gold mineralization intersected in the historical RC drill holes CCRC-95-15 and CCRC-95-16, and the mineralized interval intersected in DDRCRG-24-001. DDRCRG-24-002 also remained in MCQM throughout its length. The hole intersected approximately 50 metres of oxidized, altered, faulted, and mineralized MCQM, then continued through sections of high vein density and very large, locally brecciated, quartz and quartz tourmaline veins with strong alteration envelopes. Mineralization in the veins included coarse scheelite, molybdenite and bismuthinite. Numerous instances of visible gold were noted throughout the hole.
DDRCRG-24-002 returned 350.1 metres 0.40 g/t gold from 5.5 metres, demonstrating the continuation of widespread gold mineralization intersected in DDRCRG-24-001 to depth. Higher grade intervals from this broad intersection included 173.3 metres of 0.60 g/t gold from 97.0 metres, 28.4 metres of 1.40 g/t gold from 105.0 metres, 12.4 metres of 2.40 g/t gold from 121.0 metres, 0.9 metres of 5.50 g/t gold from 228.8 metres and 1.1 metres of 9.00 g/t gold from 269.2 metres.
Figure 4 - Map showing multiple priority target areas across the recently consolidated Clear Creek Intrusive Complex along with the location of 2024 diamond drilling completed at the Rhosgobel intrusion approximately 5 km south of the Blackjack and Eiger deposits. The Rhosgobel intrusion is approximately 3 km long and 2 km wide. Higher-grade gold mineralization is modelled along intersections of structural corridors that form conduits for gold mineralization. A large mineralized system highlighted by the numerous gold-bearing intrusions and intersecting structural corridors similar to that being defined at the Blackjack Deposit exist at many other target areas within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/231247_22ff53324451b911_004full.jpg
Figure 5 - Examples of several instances of visible gold observed throughout DDRCRG-24-001 (a - b) and DDRCRG-24-002 (c - f). Visible gold is often associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and arsenopyrite.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Figure 6 - Drill core from DDRCRG-24-001 showing the 37.9 m interval from 98.5 m to 136.4 m grading 2.05 g/t Au, including 1.7 m of 16.25 g/t Au from 102.0 m
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/231247_11252024fig6.jpg
Figure 7 - Drill core from DDRCRG-24-002 showing the 28.4 m interval from 105.0 m to 133.4 m grading 1.37 g/t Au
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/231247_11252024fig7.jpg
Table 2: Summary of significant drill hole results from this release
Hole | From (m) | To (m) | Length (m) | Au (g/t) |
DDRCRG-24-001 | 9.14 | 173.9 | 164.76 | 0.82 |
Including | 30 | 149 | 119 | 1.05 |
including | 98.5 | 136.36 | 37.86 | 2.05 |
including | 98.5 | 110.03 | 11.53 | 4.32 |
including | 102 | 103.67 | 1.67 | 16.25 |
DDRCRG-24-002 | 5.5 | 355.7 | 350.1 | 0.40 |
97.0 | 207.3 | 173.3 | 0.60 | |
Including | 105.0 | 133.4 | 28.4 | 1.37 |
Including | 121.0 | 133.4 | 12.4 | 2.43 |
Including | 167.1 | 184.5 | 17.4 | 1.10 |
Including | 228.8 | 236.5 | 7.7 | 1.20 |
Including | 228.8 | 229.7 | 0.9 | 5.50 |
Including | 269.2 | 270.3 | 1.1 | 8.99 |
*Intervals are drilled core length as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to calculate true widths. Totals may not sum precisely due to rounding.
Metallurgical Testing
The Company has initiated additional metallurgical studies on the Blackjack Deposit by ALS Canada Ltd. Metallurgy Services to further investigate the gold recoveries of different types and grades of mineralization. Extraction gold recoveries from previous bottle roll testing by ALS in 2022 averaged 85% and were as high as 94% (See Company press release dated July 13, 2022) .
Three 20 kg composite samples of megacrystic quartz monzonite material grading 0.406 g/t Au, 1.08 g/t Au and 1.99 g/t Au and one 20 kg composite sample of metasedimentary material grading 0.605 g/t Au have been selected for this round of testing. The samples were composited from coarse reject material from 2023 drilling. The objective of the testing is to investigate the recovery potential of gravity concentration and sulphide flotation, and to further investigate cyanide leach recoveries.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
On receipt from the drill site, the HTW/NTW-sized drill core was systematically logged for geological attributes, photographed and sampled at Sitka's core logging facility. Sample lengths as small as 0.3 m were used to isolate features of interest, otherwise a default 2 m downhole sample length was used. Each sample is identified by a unique sample tag number which is placed in the bag containing the core to be assayed. Core was cut in half lengthwise along a predetermined line, with one-half (the same half, consistently) collected for analysis and one-half stored as a record. Standard reference materials, blanks and duplicate samples were inserted by Sitka personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Bagged samples were placed in secure bins to ensure integrity during transport. They were delivered by Sitka personnel or a contract expeditor to ALS Laboratories' preparatory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, with analyses completed in North Vancouver.
ALS is accredited to ISO 17025:2005 UKAS ref. 4028 for its laboratory analysis. Samples were crushed by ALS to over 70 per cent passing below two millimetres and split using a riffle splitter. One-thousand-gram splits were pulverized to over 85 per cent passing below 75 microns. Gold determinations are by fire assay with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish on 50 g subsamples of the prepared pulp (ALS code: Au-ICP-22). Any sample returning over 10 g/t Au was re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50 g subsample (ALS code: Au-GRA21). In addition, a 51-element analysis was performed on a 0.5 g subsample of the prepared pulps by an aqua regia digestion followed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish (ALS code: ME-MS41).
About the flagship RC Gold Project
The RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.
On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits with 900,000 ounces of gold grading 0.83 g/t and 440,000 ounces of gold grading 0.68 g/t respectively. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au:
RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate
COG g/t Au | Blackjack Zone | Eiger Zone | Combined | ||||||||
Tonnes 000's | Au g/t | 0z Au 000's | Tonnes 000's | Au g/t | 0z Au 000's | Tonnes 000's | Au g/t | 0z Au 000's | |||
0.20 | 35,798 | 0.80 | 921 | 32,523 | 0.45 | 471 | 68,321 | 0.63 | 1,391 | ||
0.25 | 33,743 | 0.83 | 900 | 27,362 | 0.50 | 440 | 61,105 | 0.68 | 1,340 | ||
0.30 | 31,282 | 0.88 | 885 | 22,253 | 0.55 | 393 | 53,535 | 0.74 | 1,279 | ||
0.35 | 29,065 | 0.92 | 860 | 17,817 | 0.60 | 344 | 46,882 | 0.80 | 1,203 | ||
0.40 | 26,975 | 0.96 | 833 | 14,506 | 0.66 | 308 | 41,481 | 0.86 | 1,140 |
Notes
- Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards.
- The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing
- Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45° pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t.
- Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
- Totals may not sum due to rounding.
To date, 72 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system by the Company for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. The initial resource was based on 11,630 m of drilling in 34 holes with 22 holes totaling 7,492 m in the Blackjack deposit. Drilling since the initial resource release has focused on expanding the Blackjack resource with an additional 12-holes totaling 5,212 drilled in 2023 and 15-holes totaling 7162 m to date in 2024. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle zone, Josephine zone and the Rhosgobel zone. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold
(see news release dated October 21, 2024).
(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory
RC Gold Deposit Model
Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4); the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5) and the Valley Deposit, with a current Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.05 million oz gold at 1.66 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.26 million oz at 1.25 g/t gold(6).
(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads...
(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_202...
(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022...
(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&i... d=4984158
(5) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/bany...
(6) Burrell H., Redmond D.J., Haggarty P., Rogue Gold Project: NI43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate, Yukon Territory, Canada. Snowline Gold Corp. May 15, 2024. https://snowlinegold.com
Upcoming Events
Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:
- American Exploration and Mining Association Conference, Reno, NV: December 1 - 6, 2024
- Metal Investors Forum, Vancouver, BC: January 17-18, 2025
- VRIC, Vancouver, BC: January 19 - 20, 2025
- RoundUp, Vancouver, BC: January 20-23, 2025
*All events are subject to change.
About Sitka Gold Corp.
Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with over $15 million in its treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut.
The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023).
(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory
*For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
SITKA GOLD CORP.
President and Director
For more information contact:
Donald Penner
President & Director
778-212-1950
dpenner@sitkagoldcorp.com
or
Cor Coe
CEO & Director
604-817-4753
ccoe@sitkagoldcorp.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.
These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.
Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
SIG:CA
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Halcones Precious Metals Closes Final Tranche of Life Offering and Announces Non-Brokered Offering
Halcones Precious Metals Corp. (TSX-V: HPM) (the “Company” or “Halcones”) announces that it has closed the second and final tranche of its previously-announced private placement of units (the “Offering”) of the Company (the “Units”) pursuant to which the Company issued 7,707,200 Units at a price of $0.07 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $539,504 (the “Final Tranche”). Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share for a period of 36 months following the date of issuance. Together with the first tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued an aggregate of 31,152,200 Units for gross proceeds of $2,180,654.
The Offering was led by Clarus Securities Inc. and iA Private Wealth Inc., as co-lead agents, on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the “Agents”) that included Red Cloud Securities Inc. and Haywood Securities Inc.
The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the Final Tranche to continue the exploration work on its Polaris Project as well as for general corporate working capital purposes.
In connection with the Final Tranche, the Agents received an aggregate cash fee equal to $37,765.28. In addition, the Company issued to the Agents, 539,504 non-transferable compensation warrants (the “Compensation Warrants”). Each Compensation Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to $0.07 for a period of 36 months from the date hereof.
The Common Shares and Warrants issued pursuant to the Final Tranche are not subject to a statutory hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws as the Final Tranche was completed pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106. The Final Tranche remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Non-Brokered Offering
Further to the closing of the Offering, Halcones announces a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 7,150,000 units (the “NB Units”) to be priced at $0.07 per NB Unit for gross proceeds of up to $500,500 (the “NB Offering”).
Each NB Unit will be comprised of one Common Share and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “NB Warrant”). Each NB Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share for a period of 36 months following the completion of the NB Offering. Securities issued under the NB Offering are expected to carry a hold period of 4 months and one day from the date of issue as may be required under applicable securities laws.
The Company plans to use the aggregate net proceeds of the NB Offering to continue the exploration work on its Polaris project as well as general corporate working capital purposes.
The NB Offering is scheduled to close on or about April 22, 2025 and is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Certain insiders of the Company may acquire NB Units in the NB Offering. Any participation by insiders in the NB Offering would constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). However, the Company expects such participation would be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value subscribed for by the insiders under the NB Offering, nor the consideration for the NB Units paid by such insiders, will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.
A material change report including details with respect to the related party transaction is not expected to be able to be filed less than 21 days prior to the closing of the NB Offering as the Company has not received confirmation of the participation of insiders in the NB Offering and the Company deems it reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of potential financing opportunities and complete the NB Offering in an expeditious manner.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
About Halcones Precious Metals Corp.
Halcones is focused on exploring for and developing gold-silver projects in Chile. The Company has a team with a strong background of exploration success in the region.
For further information, please contact:
Vincent Chen, CPA
Investor Relations
+1 (778) 990-9433
vincent.chen@halconespm.com
www.halconespreciousmetals.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, regarding the Offering, NB Offering, the Company’s intended use of proceeds from the Offering and NB Offering, the approval of the Offering and NB Offering by the TSXV, the Company’s ability to explore and develop its Polaris project and the Company’s future plans. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward- looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Halcones, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; risks associated with operation in foreign jurisdictions; ability to successfully integrate the purchased properties; foreign operations risks; and other risks inherent in the mining industry. Although Halcones has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information 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 forward-looking information. Halcones does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
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14h
NevGold Discovers More Significant Oxide Gold-Antimony Results: 1.70 g/t AuEq Over 169.2 Meters (0.89 g/t Au And 0.18% Antimony), Including 2.85 g/t AuEq Over 54.4 Meters (2.26 g/t Au And 0.13% Antimony), and Also Including 13.15 g/t AuEq Over 3.1 Meters (0.76 g/t Au And 2.76% Antimony) at the Limousine Butte Project, Nevada
NevGold Corp. (“NevGold” or the “Company”) (TSXV:NAU) (OTCQX:NAUFF) (Frankfurt:5E50) is pleased to announce that it has discovered further significant oxide gold-antimony (“Antimony”, “Sb”) drill results at the Cadillac Valley target area at its Limousine Butte Project (the “Project”, “Limo Butte”) in Nevada. The Company continues to unlock the substantial gold-antimony potential of the Project, highlighting its promising prospects for further exploration and development in Nevada, one of the world’s prolific mining jurisdictions.
Key Highlights
- Cadillac Valley target area has positive oxide gold-antimony drillholes including:
- LB22-007: 1.70 g/t AuEq* over 169.2 meters (0.89 g/t Au and 0.18% Sb), including 2.85 g/t AuEq* over 54.4 meters (2.26 g/t Au and 0.13% Sb), and also including 13.15 g/t AuEq* over 3.1 meters (0.76 g/t Au and 2.76% Sb)
- LB22-006: 1.34 g/t AuEq* over 124.7 meters (0.84 g/t Au and 0.11% Sb), including 2.23 g/t AuEq* over 24.3 meters (1.32 g/t Au and 0.20% Sb)
- *Gold equivalents (“AuEq”) are based on assumed metals prices of US$2,000/oz of gold and US$35,000 per tonne of antimony (~30% discount to current spot prices), and assumed metals recoveries of 85% for gold and 70% for antimony.
- Cadillac Valley oxide gold-antimony mineralization footprint spans over 1.5 km by 500 m and is over 2 km from Resurrection Ridge; results from both Resurrection Ridge and Cadillac Valley demonstrate the significant oxide gold-antimony potential across a large, open mineralized footprint
- All areas at the Project with gold-antimony potential are permitted and ready to drill under the Limo Butte Plan of Operations (“PoO”) approved in November-2024 (see NevGold News Release from November 27, 2024)
- Significant antimony (Sb) upside: historical drilling had an upper detection limit of 1% Sb but many drill intervals exceeded the limit; these holes are currently being re-assayed at American Assay Lab in Reno, Nevada without the 1% upper detection limit
- NevGold will continue re-evaluating historical drilling from the Project, focusing on both oxide gold and antimony; large portions of the existing database were not analyzed for antimony creating a significant, low-cost opportunity to re-assay historical drilling
Limo Butte Planned 2025 Activities / Status Update
NevGold will continue its active exploration program at Limo Butte including:
- Evaluate the historical geological database with focus on gold and antimony (in progress);
- Re-analyze historical drilling with focus on gold and antimony (in progress);
- Drill test gold-antimony targets (subject to the results of the evaluation);
- Initiate preliminary metallurgical studies (in preparation).
Figure 1 – Limousine Butte Gold-Antimony Project with selected gold-antimony drillhole results.
To view image please click here
Figure 2 – Limousine Butte Gold-Antimony Project cross-section with selected gold-antimony drillhole results. Thin colored discs show Antimony (Sb ppm) in drilling, and wide colored discs show Gold (Au ppm) in drilling.
To view image please click here
NevGold CEO, Brandon Bonifacio, comments: “The discovery of more significant oxide gold-antimony drill results in drillholes at Cadillac Valley is a key development at our Limo Butte oxide gold-antimony project. Cadillac Valley is over 2 km from Resurrection Ridge, and we have now defined over 5 km of strike length between these two advanced target areas. The oxide gold-antimony grades, near-surface mineralization, and hole thickness highlight the significant gold-antimony potential that we have at the Project. We continue to analyze and re-assay holes from both Resurrection Ridge and Cadillac Valley and we have a number of holes to release with combined gold-antimony results. The timing and market conditions are opportune to continue to advance the gold-antimony potential at Limo Butte as there is a clear commitment from the United States to advance high-quality, domestic, mineral projects.”
Historical and Re-Assayed Drill Results
Hole ID | Length, m* | g/t Au | % Sb | g/t AuEq** | From, m | To, m |
Cadillac Valley | ||||||
LB22-007 | 169.2 | 0.89 | 0.18% | 1.70 | 213.5 | 382.7 |
including | 54.4 | 2.26 | 0.13% | 2.85 | 213.5 | 267.9 |
also including | 3.10 | 0.76 | 2.76% | 13.15 | 259.2 | 267.9 |
LB22-006 | 124.7 | 0.84 | 0.11% | 1.34 | 127.4 | 252.1 |
including | 24.3 | 1.32 | 0.20% | 2.23 | 160.6 | 184.9 |
LB22-019 | 28.9 | 1.09 | 0.04% | 1.27 | 170.7 | 199.6 |
LB054 | 12.2 | 0.42 | 0.08% | 0.79 | 12.2 | 24.4 |
Resurrection Ridge | ||||||
LB006*** | 86.9 | 1.11 | 0.30% | 2.46 | 36.6 | 123.4 |
Including | 12.8 | 1.83 | 0.87% | 5.75 | 79.2 | 92.0 |
also including | 6.7 | 2.29 | +1%**** | 6.77 | 85.3 | 92.0 |
LB001*** | 63.9 | 0.21 | 0.33% | 1.69 | 13.1 | 77.0 |
including | 17.7 | 0.38 | 0.83% | 4.10 | 55.2 | 72.8 |
also including | 6.4 | 0.16 | +1%**** | 4.64 | 55.2 | 61.6 |
LB003*** | 22.3 | 2.26 | 0.32% | 3.69 | 67.1 | 89.3 |
including | 7.9 | 5.97 | 0.57% | 8.55 | 81.4 | 89.3 |
LB004*** | 110.4 | 0.19 | 0.12% | 0.73 | 0.0 | 110.4 |
including | 36.6 | 0.24 | 0.21% | 1.16 | 6.7 | 43.3 |
LIM-40*** | 54.9 | 1.20 | 0.64% | 4.07 | 18.3 | 73.2 |
including | 12.2 | 2.12 | +1%**** | 6.60 | 48.8 | 61.0 |
LIM-45*** | 36.6 | 1.23 | 0.40% | 3.02 | 24.4 | 61.0 |
including | 12.2 | 0.35 | +1%**** | 4.83 | 36.6 | 48.8 |
LIM-48*** | 61.0 | 0.77 | 0.41% | 2.61 | 24.4 | 85.4 |
including | 24.4 | 0.37 | 0.77% | 3.82 | 48.8 | 73.2 |
*Downhole thickness reported; true width varies depending on drill hole dip and is approximately 70 to 90% of downhole thickness.
**The gold equivalents (“AuEq”) are based on assumed metals prices of US$2,000/oz of gold and US$35,000 per tonne of antimony (~30% discount to current spot prices), and assumed metals recoveries of 85% for gold and 70% for antimony.
***Selected drillholes released in previous News Releases on February 27, 2025 and March 26, 2025.
**** Historical drilling had an upper detection limit of 1% Sb but many drill intervals exceeded the limit.
Limo Butte Geology & Antimony Potential
A review of historical geochemical and drilling data at the Limousine Butte Project has identified multiple areas with strong gold-antimony potential. These zones correlate closely with outcrops of the Devonian Pilot Shale, the primary host rock for Carlin-type gold mineralization in the area. Positive gold grade at Limousine Butte is typically associated with silicification and the formation of jasperoid breccias within the Pilot Shale, an alteration feature also observed in the positive antimony results.
Through the Project data review, the Company uncovered reports detailing two small-scale historic mining operations at the Nevada Antimony Mine and Lage Antimony Prospect within the Limo Butte Project boundary. The Nevada Antimony Mine featured two prospect pits that extracted stibnite (formula: Sb2S3) from a hydrothermal breccia. The Lage Antimony Prospect reported historical unverified sampling results with up to 14.46% Antimony with additional prospect pits extracting antimony. The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (“NBMG”) had historical reports on both of these which can be found here: Nevada Antimony Mine Report Lage Antimony Prospect Report
Historical geochemical rock chip sampling within the past-producing Golden Butte pit from a Brigham Young University (“BYU”) Thesis study produced numerous results that exceeded 1% antimony in jasperoid breccias (see Figure 1). Several results were greater then 5% antimony, including a sample of 9.6% antimony with visible stibnite and stibiconite. BYU Thesis Report
NevGold VP Exploration, Greg French, comments: “The antimony re-assay program continues to produce positive gold-antimony results, and we are encouraged by the gold-antimony grade as well as the footprint at Limo Butte. We have currently defined over 5 km of strike length between Resurrection Ridge and Cadillac Valley, and these initial results at Cadillac Valley have a footprint that spans over 1.5 km by 500 meters. We are continuing to analyze the data from both Resurrection Ridge and Cadillac Valley to incorporate results in the planning for the next drill program.”
Figure 3 – Limousine Butte Project with historical antimony in rock chips and soils. The total strike length between Resurrection Ridge and Cadillac Valley is +5km. To view image please click here
Drillhole Orientation Details
Hole ID | Target Zone | Easting | Northing | Elevation (m) | Length (m) | Azimuth | Dip |
LB22-007 | Cadillac Valley | 665211 | 4415453 | 2031 | 403.5 | 254 | -86 |
LB22-006 | Cadillac Valley | 664692 | 4414921 | 2042 | 379.8 | 144 | -77 |
LB22-019 | Cadillac Valley | 664433 | 4414318 | 2096 | 335.3 | 116 | -66 |
LB054 | Cadillac Valley | 665323 | 4415090 | 2059 | 157.0 | 0 | -90 |
LB006 | Resurrection Ridge | 667030 | 4417384 | 2125 | 152.7 | 0 | -90 |
LB001 | Resurrection Ridge | 667036 | 4417384 | 2125 | 77 | 0 | -90 |
LB003 | Resurrection Ridge | 667134 | 4417528 | 2133 | 129.4 | 0 | -90 |
LB004 | Resurrection Ridge | 667313 | 4417277 | 2239 | 198.7 | 270 | -50 |
LIM-40 | Resurrection Ridge | 667018 | 4417409 | 2124 | 289.6 | 0 | -90 |
LIM-45 | Resurrection Ridge | 666929 | 4417389 | 2103 | 179.8 | 0 | -90 |
LIM-48 | Resurrection Ridge | 666927 | 4417374 | 2105 | 286.5 | 0 | -90 |
Figure 4 – Limousine Butte Land Holdings and District Exploration Activity To view image please click here
US Executive Order – Announced March 20, 2025
The Company is pleased to report the recent, sweeping Executive Order to strengthen American mineral production and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign nations for its mineral supply. Antimony (Sb) has been identified as an important “Critical Mineral” in the United States essential for national security, clean energy, and technology applications, yet no domestically mined supply currently exists.
The Executive Order invokes the use of the Defense Production Act as part of a broad United States (“US”) Government effort to expand domestic minerals production on national security grounds. As it relates to project permitting, the Order states that it will "identify priority projects that can be immediately approved or for which permits can be immediately issued, and take all necessary or appropriate actions…to expedite and issue the relevant permits or approvals." Furthermore, the Order includes provisions to accelerate access to private and public capital for domestic projects, including the creation of a "dedicated mineral and mineral production fund for domestic investments" under the Development Finance Corporation ("DFC").
This decisive action by the US Government highlights the urgent need to expand domestic minerals output to support supply chain security in the United States. This important Order will help revitalize domestic mineral production by improving the permitting process and providing financial support to qualifying domestic projects.
Importance of Antimony
Antimony is considered a “Critical Mineral” by the United States based on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list (U.S.G.S. (2022)). “Critical Minerals” are metals and non-metals essential to the economy and national security. Antimony is utilized in all manners of military applications, including the manufacturing of armor piercing bullets, night vision goggles, infrared sensors, precision optics, laser sighting, explosive formulations, hardened lead for bullets and shrapnel, ammunition primers, tracer ammunition, nuclear weapons and production, tritium production, flares, military clothing, and communication equipment. Other uses include technology (semi-conductors, circuit boards, electric switches, fluorescent lighting, high quality clear glass and lithium-ion batteries) and clean-energy storage.
Globally, approximately 90% of the world’s current antimony supply is produced by China, Russia, and Tajikistan. Beginning on September 15, 2024, China, which is responsible for nearly half of all global mined antimony output and dominates global refinement and processing, announced that it will restrict antimony exports. In December-2024, China explicitly restricted antimony exports to the United States citing its dual military and civilian uses, which further exacerbated global supply chain concerns. (Lv, A. and Munroe, T. (2024)) The U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) has designated antimony as a “Critical Mineral” due to its importance in national security, and governments are now prioritizing domestic production to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Projects exploring antimony sources in North America play a key role in addressing these challenges.
Perpetua Resources Corp. (“Perpetua”) has the most advanced domestic gold-antimony project in the United States. Perpetua’s project, known as Stibnite, is located in Idaho approximately 130 km northeast of NevGold’s Nutmeg Mountain and Zeus projects. Positive advancements at Stibnite including the technical development and permitting has led to US$75 million in Department of Defense (“DOD”) awards, and over $1.8 billion in indicative financing from the Export Import Bank of the United States (“US EXIM”) (see Perpetua Resources News Release from April 8, 2024) (Perpetua Resources. (2025))
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
“Signed”
Brandon Bonifacio, President & CEO
For further information, please contact Brandon Bonifacio at bbonifacio@nev-gold.com, call 604-337-4997, or visit our website at www.nev-gold.com.
Historical Data Validation
NevGold QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project and include insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in all drill holes. A 30g gold fire assay and multi-elemental analysis ICP-OES method was completed by ISO 17025 certified American Assay Labs, Reno.
The Company’s Qualified Person (“QP”), Greg French, Vice President, Exploration has completed a review of the historical data in this press release. The historic data collection chain of custody procedures and analytical results by previous operators appear adequate and were completed to industry standard practices. For the Newmont and US Gold data a 30g gold fire assay and multi-elemental analysis ICP-OES method MS-41 was completed by ISO 17025 certified ALS Chemex, Reno or Elko Nevada.
Geochemical ICP (5g) analysis for the Wilson, Christianson and Tingey report was completed by Geochemical Services Inc. and the XRF analyses (glass disk or pellets) by Brigham Young University.
Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg French, CPG, the Company’s Vice President, Exploration, who is NevGold’s Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.
About the Company
NevGold is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the proven districts of Nevada and Idaho. NevGold owns a 100% interest in the Limousine Butte and Cedar Wash gold projects in Nevada, and the Nutmeg Mountain gold project and Zeus copper project in Idaho.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company’s current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “suggest”, “indicate” and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the proposed work programs at Limousine Butte, and the exploration potential at Limousine Butte. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions, and the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals. There is some risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management’s assumptions may not be correct or that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
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14h
New Zealand’s Mining Reforms Unlock Investment Opportunities in Gold Exploration
New Zealand is making important changes to how it manages mining and exploration. Known more for its natural beauty than its mineral resources, the country is now taking steps to attract more investment into its mining sector. The government is rolling out new rules that make it easier and faster for companies to explore and develop gold and other valuable minerals.
These changes come at a time when the world is looking for more secure sources of metals and minerals. For investors, this shift opens the door to new opportunities to take advantage of New Zealand’s updated approach to mining.
Global push for secure mineral supply chains
The geopolitical urgency to secure critical minerals has prompted many countries to revisit outdated mining frameworks. Gold, while not classified as a critical mineral, remains a vital store of value and hedge against inflation, making it an attractive target for renewed exploration efforts.
In this climate, investor-friendly reforms are increasingly seen as a cornerstone of modern resource policy. When governments reduce regulatory friction and clarify permitting pathways, capital flows more freely into exploration and development, fostering both economic growth and national resilience.
New Zealand’s recent shift reflects this broader global trend. Historically seen as cautious when it comes to mining, the country is now embracing a more pragmatic approach that balances environmental responsibility with economic opportunity.
Reforms reshaping New Zealand’s mining sector
In late 2023 and into 2024, New Zealand’s coalition government introduced several key reforms aimed at modernizing the permitting and regulatory process for mineral exploration.
These changes signal a turning point for the industry, creating a more agile and transparent system designed to support sustainable development while attracting domestic and international investment.
Among the most notable changes is the streamlining of permitting timelines.
Previously, companies could face delays of up to two years to secure exploration permits, a major deterrent, particularly for junior explorers. The new system is designed to cut through bureaucratic delays, enabling exploration programs to commence faster and with greater certainty.
If proposed amendments to the Crown Minerals Act 1991 are passed, land access can also become more straightforward. The proposed reforms will simplify negotiations with private landowners and government agencies, offering a clearer path for explorers to access prospective ground. This is a critical improvement in a country where overlapping land uses and complex tenure systems have traditionally been a barrier to progress.
Environmental oversight remains strong, but the new framework reduces duplication and fosters better coordination between agencies. This results in a more predictable and efficient permitting process without compromising New Zealand’s commitment to ecological preservation.
For investors, these regulatory reforms translate into reduced project risk and improved timelines for potential returns. A clearer, faster permitting process enhances the economic viability of early stage projects and increases the likelihood of successful discoveries advancing to production.
Moreover, regulatory stability is a key consideration for foreign direct investment. With the new rules in place, New Zealand is becoming a more attractive jurisdiction for partnerships and joint ventures. The country’s track record of mineral production, including high-profile operations like OceanaGold’s (TSX:OGC,OTCQX:OCANF) Waihi mine, underscores its geological potential and operational capability. These established successes provide a strong foundation upon which new discoveries can build.
For comparison, jurisdictions with slow or inconsistent permitting often lose out on exploration spending. New Zealand, by contrast, is now charting a course that welcomes innovation, investment, and responsible resource development.
Spotlight on Rua Gold
Rua Gold (TSXV:RUA,OTCQB:NZAUF) is strategically positioned to benefit from the government's pro-mining pivot, with exploration assets in historically productive gold belts in New Zealand. The company is well equipped to advance its projects under the new, streamlined regulatory regime.
Rua Gold's exploration strategy prioritizes projects with high-grade potential in underexplored regions, balancing upside with the de-risking offered by historical data. The company's community engagement focus aligns with the importance of ESG considerations in today's investment climate.
The company’s exploration assets are located in some of the country’s most historically productive gold belts, including the Reefton and Hauraki Goldfields. These regions, located on New Zealand’s South and North Islands, respectively, have long been known for their rich mineralization, but have seen limited modern exploration in recent years, making them ideal targets for discovery.
Crucially, the company is approaching a series of milestones that could act as catalysts for investor interest. With permitting pathways becoming more efficient, Rua Gold is expected to accelerate its exploration activities in 2025, potentially unlocking new discoveries that could add significant value.
With New Zealand's mining reforms creating a more favorable environment for mineral exploration, Rua Gold stands to benefit from the country's updated regulatory framework. The company’s land holdings, high-grade potential and commitment to responsible exploration make it an attractive opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on New Zealand’s emerging mining landscape.
Investor takeaway
With these reforms, New Zealand is signaling a clear intention to become a serious player in the global mining sector. For long-term investors, the implications are significant. A more responsive regulatory environment not only supports near-term exploration but also lays the groundwork for a robust mining ecosystem that can deliver consistent value over time.
Indicators to watch include the volume of new exploration permits granted, increases in exploration expenditure, and the performance of companies operating under the new framework. As more explorers and developers capitalize on these reforms, the market could see a wave of discoveries and project advancements — bringing renewed attention to New Zealand as a premier mining jurisdiction.
In a world where mineral security is top of mind, New Zealand’s policy shift is a welcome signal to investors: the door is open, and the ground is rich with opportunity.
This INNSpired article is sponsored by Rua Gold (TSXV:RUA,OTCQB:NZAUF,WKN:A4010V). This INNSpired article provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by Rua Goldin order to help investors learn more about the company. Rua Gold is a client of INN. The company’s campaign fees pay for INN to create and update this INNSpired article.
This INNSpired article was written according to INN editorial standards to educate investors.
INN does not provide investment advice and the information on this profile should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. INN does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company profiled.
The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with Rua Gold and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
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14h
Blue Lagoon Resources
Investor Insight
Blue Lagoon offers a compelling low-risk, high-upside opportunity in a rising gold price environment driven by a focused transition from junior exploration to gold production, strong insider ownership and low capital intensity.
Overview
Blue Lagoon Resources (CSE:BLLG,OTCQB:BLAGF,FSE: 7BL) is emerging as British Columbia’s next high-grade underground gold producer. The company’s 100 percent owned Dome Mountain gold mine has achieved the rare milestone of securing a full BC mining permit, setting the stage for near-term production. The company will use early cash flow to expand the existing high-grade resource and unlock the significant exploration potential across the vast land package.
Over $30 million has already been invested in development and drilling at Dome Mountain since 2019, including more than 48,000 meters of drilling that led to the discovery of two new zones: Chance Structural and the Federal zone. The current NI 43-101 resource—focused solely on the Boulder Vein—includes 45,000 oz of gold (measured), 173,000 oz (indicated), and 16,000 oz (inferred), along with over 1.1 million oz (Moz) of silver. However, this represents just a fraction of the potential: Dome Mountain hosts 15 known high-grade veins on only 10 percent of the 22,000-hectare land package, 90 percent of which remains unexplored.
What sets Blue Lagoon apart is its disciplined business model—generating revenue through production to fund exploration, instead of relying on continuous dilution. By minimizing upfront capital requirements and leveraging strong partnerships—including community support from the Lake Babine Nation and financial backing from strategic investors—Blue Lagoon is positioned to scale efficiently.
Blue Lagoon is led by a seasoned team of entrepreneurs, mine builders, and technical experts with deep experience in financing, permitting, and operating gold projects.
Company Highlights
- One of only seven precious metal projects permitted in British Columbia over the last decade. Dome Mountain is set to restart in Q3 2025 with all major permits in hand.
- First gold sales expected in Q3 2025; initial production of 15,000 oz gold/year from 55,000 tons of underground mineralized material.
- Toll milling agreement in place with Nicola Mining; pre-production capex limited to the completion of a water treatment plant.
- Property spans nearly 22,000 hectares with 15 known high-grade veins, but only 10 percent has been explored.
- Strong alignment with shareholder value, Blue Lagoon’s strategy is to minimize dilution by funding exploration through mine cash flow.
- Strong working relationship with Lake Babine Nation and full community support.
Key Project
Dome Mountain Gold Project
The Dome Mountain gold project is Blue Lagoon Resources’ flagship and sole focus, representing a rare near-term production opportunity in a premier jurisdiction. Located just 50 minutes from the mining-friendly town of Smithers, BC, the project spans nearly 21,000 hectares of mineral titles in a richly endowed gold belt with excellent infrastructure, road access and power. The mine has a long history, with more than $80 million in historical investment from Noranda, Timmins and Blue Lagoon, including more than $30 million since 2019.
The Dome Mountain mine is a fully permitted, high-grade, underground gold-silver project. In February 2025, the company secured both its mine permit from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and an associated effluent discharge permit from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. These permits enable full-scale mining operations to commence—an achievement few companies have attained in British Columbia over the past decade.
Initial operations will focus on the Boulder Vein System, which hosts the current NI 43-101 resource. The resource includes 45,000 oz of measured gold at 10.32 grams per ton (g/t), 173,000 oz indicated at 8.15 g/t, and 16,000 oz Inferred at 6.02 g/t Au. These zones also contain significant silver by-products, totaling over 1.1 Moz across categories. The resource is based on a 3.5 g/t gold cutoff and only covers one of at least 15 known high-grade veins on the property.
Dome Mountain project site layout
The Boulder Vein is being developed for initial production of 15,000 oz of gold per year, processed via a toll milling agreement with Nicola Mining. Metallurgical recoveries from a previously processed 5,000-ton bulk sample returned 95 percent gold and 90 percent silver recoveries, confirming the project's strong economics. Pre-production capital costs are minimal, with the only major requirement being the completion of the on-site water treatment facility, expected by May 2025.
Despite the historical work, 90 percent of the property remains unexplored. Blue Lagoon has already completed over 48,000 meters of drilling since 2020 and made two new discoveries (Chance Structural and Federal One). Recent airborne magnetic and IP geophysical surveys have identified numerous new drill targets, and internal modeling suggests the potential to grow the resource to more than 1 Moz. All exploration is fully funded through anticipated cash flow, minimizing dilution and offering investors exposure to both near-term revenue and long-term discovery potential.
Management Team
Rana Vig – Founder, CEO & Director
A veteran entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in public and private markets, Rana Vig has a deep history of building and financing ventures in the mining, cannabis and technology sectors. Prior to founding Blue Lagoon, he served as CEO of Lead Ventures, where he orchestrated a $5-billion reverse takeover of Curaleaf Holdings—Canada’s largest cannabis financing to date. Under his leadership, Blue Lagoon secured its final mine permit for Dome Mountain, raised over $30 million, and positioned the company for near-term gold production. Known for his execution-focused strategy and shareholder alignment, Vig and his family are among the company’s largest shareholders, having recently increased their stake with additional personal investments.
William Cronk – Chief Geologist
With over 35 years of global experience, William Cronk leads the company’s exploration programs. He has worked across North and South America, Africa and Europe, and has contributed to both grassroots and advanced-stage projects. His past roles include senior positions at Dundee Precious Metals and Northern Empire (acquired by Coeur Mining). Cronk has overseen Blue Lagoon’s extensive drilling campaigns at Dome Mountain, including over 48,000 meters of drilling, and was instrumental in the discovery of the Chance Structural and Federal One zones. His understanding of structurally controlled gold systems has positioned the company to unlock the broader exploration potential of the property.
Roy Edvardsen – Dome Mountain Mine Manager
Roy Edvardsen brings more than four decades of operational mining experience and is currently overseeing the preparation and execution of the Dome Mountain restart. His background includes roles as mine superintendent and underground mine manager at some of Canada’s most recognized operations, including the Wolverine Mine (Yukon), Ekati Diamond Mine (NWT) and Eskay Creek (BC). Known for his focus on underground mine safety and operational efficiency, Edvardsen has implemented robust ground control, ventilation and emergency protocols at Dome in preparation for production.
Gurdeep Bains – Director
Gurdeep Bains is a chartered professional accountant with more than two decades of financial and corporate development experience. He spent 10 years at Canaccord Genuity, where he managed internal audits, financial analysis, and played a key role in global expansion projects totaling over $850 million across Canada, the US, UK, Australia and China. His expertise in due diligence, M&A integration and financial governance supports Blue Lagoon’s capital discipline and operational transparency.
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14h
Triumph Gold CEO Talks Strategy Amid Gold Bull Market
Triumph Gold (TSXV:TIG,OTC Pink:TIGCF) Chairman and CEO John Anderson shares plans to unlock the value of the company's projects as it leverages the benefits and opportunities of a continuing gold bull market.
17h
Trigg Minerals
Investor Insight
Trigg Minerals is well-positioned to become a globally significant supplier of antimony, a critical mineral essential to the defense, clean energy and semiconductor sectors. Backed by a strategic focus, a supportive jurisdiction, and timing that aligns with macroeconomic urgency, Trigg is uniquely placed to deliver value from the ground up.
Overview
Trigg Minerals (ASX:TMG,OTCQB:TMGLF) is an emerging leader in the global critical minerals space, focused exclusively on the development of antimony—a metal designated as essential by the United States, Australia and the European Union for its role in national defense, energy transition technologies, and advanced industrial applications. The company’s flagship asset, the Wild Cattle Creek deposit within the Achilles antimony project in New South Wales, is the highest-grade undeveloped antimony resource in Australia and one of the few large-scale, standalone antimony projects globally. As geopolitical and industrial dynamics shift, Trigg Minerals is uniquely positioned to provide a secure, sovereign source of antimony to Western markets, amid a continuing global supply crunch.
In 2024, China—responsible for 83 percent of global production—imposed a complete export ban on antimony products to the US, following earlier restrictions on powdered forms. Combined with sanctions on Russian producers and the depletion of strategic stockpiles across NATO and allied nations, these developments have triggered a severe global supply shortage. Spot prices have surged to over US$51,000 per tonne—more than double their 2023 average—underscoring the urgent need for alternative sources.
Antimony spans a wide range of applications. It is a critical component in flame retardants, semiconductors, night vision optics, military alloys, solar panel coatings, and battery technologies. Demand is accelerating, particularly in the defense and renewable energy sectors, with a projected CAGR of 6.1 percent. However, viable new supply is extremely limited outside of China and its allies, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity for companies like Trigg to fill the gap and anchor Western critical mineral supply chains.
Trigg’s growth strategy is built around three key points. First, the company is advancing a high-impact resource expansion program at Wild Cattle Creek, aiming to increase its current JORC-compliant resource of 1.52 million tons (Mt) @ 1.97 percent antimony for 29,902 tonnes contained metal to more than 100,000 tonnes—potentially making it one of the top three antimony deposits in the world. Second, Trigg is capitalizing on the structural shift in global supply chains. With a Tier-1 jurisdiction, ESG-aligned operations, and backing from government incentives, the company is ideally placed to serve downstream processors and strategic buyers, particularly in the U.S. and allied nations seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply. Third, Trigg is maintaining disciplined and focused execution. Over 90 percent of capital and operational resources are allocated to advancing Wild Cattle Creek, ensuring near-term value creation.
Company Highlights
- Trigg Minerals is an ASX-listed company entirely focused on antimony, a critical mineral vital for solar panels, flame retardants, semiconductors and military applications.
- The flagship Achilles project’s Wild Cattle Creek deposit hosts a high-grade JORC resource of 1.52 Mt @ 1.97 percent antimony for ~30,000 tonnes contained antimony—Australia’s highest-grade undeveloped antimony deposit.
- The company’s aggressive expansion plan includes a near-term drilling program targeting a threefold increase in contained antimony to over 100,000 tonnes, positioning Trigg among the top three antimony deposits globally.
- Trigg is attracting growing attention as a potential partner to support Western antimony supply chains amid rising demand and geopolitical tension.
- Operating in New South Wales—a Tier 1 jurisdiction—Trigg benefits from government incentives, including co-investment, exploration support and deferred royalty schemes.
- China controls 83 percent of global antimony production and recently banned exports to the US, creating a strategic opening for Western suppliers like Trigg.
Key Project
Achilles Antimony Project – Wild Cattle Creek Deposit
Trigg Minerals’ flagship asset is the Wild Cattle Creek (WCC) deposit, located within its Achilles antimony project in northern New South Wales. Hosting a JORC 2012-compliant mineral resource of 1.52 Mt @ 1.97 percent antimony for 29,902 tonnes of contained metal, WCC is Australia’s highest-grade undeveloped antimony resource and among the most significant globally. The deposit lies along the Bielsdown Fault, a 6 km underexplored mineralised corridor within the New England Orogen—a prolific metallogenic belt.
Geologically, the deposit is hosted in a steeply dipping, silicified breccia lode bounded by metasedimentary rocks. The high-grade core (>2 percent antimony) extends 350 metres down plunge, is exposed at surface, and maintains an average true width of ~20 metres—ideal for future underground bulk mining. The current mineral resource estimate is conservative, focused on cemented breccia zones, but upcoming drilling will include the broader tungsten-antimony stockwork and disseminated stibnite-bearing mineralisation, potentially widening the mining envelope to more than 15 metres. The system is also enriched in tungsten, mercury and gold, with 30 regional gas and geochemical targets identified. Historic hits such as 1.3 m @ 11.8 percent antimony at the Jezebel prospect underscore the broader potential.
Trigg’s near-term strategy is simple and high-impact: secure land access, initiate an aggressive drilling program, and grow the antimony resource to more than 100,000 tonnes. Drilling contracts are in place, target zones have been defined, and land access negotiations are nearing completion, with execution anticipated in mid-2025. With China’s dominance being actively challenged by the West, Trigg offers timely, scalable exposure to a critical mineral that is scarce in nature and increasingly strategic.
Other Projects
Taylors Arm Antimony Project
Taylors Arm is a high-grade antimony district with more than 80 historic workings across seven known mining camps. Samples have returned grades of more than 50 percent antimony, including 63 percent at the Testers Mine—the highest antimony assay on record in Australia. The project also hosts silver grades more than 840 grams per ton (g/t0 and gold up to 24 g/t, indicating a polymetallic system with strong exploration upside. Trigg is conducting early-stage work to refine targets for follow-up drilling.
Spartan Antimony Project
Located adjacent to the Hillgrove antimony-gold operation (Australia’s largest known antimony deposit), Spartan is strategically situated along the Hillgrove Fault and shares geological characteristics with the adjoining high-grade system. Early exploration has confirmed structural continuity and polymetallic potential, particularly for stibnite-gold veining. Spartan complements Trigg’s core project with near-mine growth opportunities.
New Project Areas – Nundle, Upper Hunter, Cobark/Copeland
Trigg recently secured new exploration tenements across the Nundle, Upper Hunter, and Cobark/Copeland regions, all highly prospective for gold-antimony mineralisation. These projects, located within structurally complex terrains analogous to Achilles, will be progressively advanced as part of Trigg’s long-term project pipeline strategy.
Management Team
Timothy Morrison – Executive Chairman
Tim Morrison is a highly experienced executive in the Australian resource and capital markets sector. With a background in law and investment banking, Morrison has held senior roles in both private and public resource companies, including those focused on critical minerals, base metals, and energy. His leadership at Trigg is defined by a clear strategic focus: unlock value from the Wild Cattle Creek deposit and position the company as a cornerstone in the global antimony supply chain. Morrison brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, project financing, and government relations, having previously led funding rounds, IPOs, and major project negotiations across multiple jurisdictions. His vision for Trigg is underpinned by a disciplined growth strategy and sovereign supply positioning.
Jonathan King – Technical Director
Jonathan King is a seasoned geologist with over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration and resource development. He has worked across a broad range of commodities including antimony, gold, copper, and rare earths, and has been instrumental in leading exploration teams across Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. At Trigg, King is responsible for designing and executing the company’s exploration programs, including the upcoming high-impact drill campaign at Wild Cattle Creek. His technical leadership ensures that resource expansion is driven by rigorous geoscientific methodology, with a focus on unlocking district-scale potential across the broader Achilles project area.
Andre Booyzen – Non-executive Director
Andre Booyzen is an experienced mine operator and leader and has 25+ years of experience in operational, senior and executive roles, and is a specialist in antimony mining. He brings extensive experience in mine development, operational strategy, and off-take agreements. Booyzen previously served vice-president of Mandalay Resources (TSX:MND, OTCQB:MNDJF), where he had full strategic and operational control including product sales, off takes and funding negotiations at the Costerfield gold-antimony mine in Victoria, currently Australia’s only producer of antimony concentrate. Booyzen also served on the board of the Minerals Council of Australia (Victoria) for more than five years and was chairman for three of those.
Bishoy Habib – Non-executive Director
Bishoy Habib holds a Bachelor’s in Applied Science (Software Eng) and has been a global investor for more than a decade, with a particular focus in the resources sector. He is a qualified and experienced leader, with over 15 years’ project delivery and management experience in large multinational organisations. Habib has a strong understanding of the resources sector, with access to a wide-reaching network and project delivery expertise across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South America.
Nicholas Katris – Non-executive Director and Company Secretary
Nicholas Katris has over 15 years of experience in corporate advisory and public company management, having begun his career as a chartered accountant. He has been actively involved in the financial management of public companies within the mineral and resources sector, holding roles on both the board and executive management teams. His expertise spans the advancement and development of mineral resource assets, as well as business development. Throughout his career, Katris has worked across Australia, Africa, Brazil and Canada, gaining extensive experience in financial reporting, capital raising, and treasury management for resource companies. He currently serves as company secretary for Leeuwin Metals (ASX:LM1) and Perpetual Resources (ASX:PEC).
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