
Received More Than $2.5 Billion in Cash Proceeds to Date in 2025 1
Far Northern Resources (ASX:FNR) (FNR or the Company) is pleased to report that a recent targeted drilling program at the Empire Mining Lease confirmed the presence of a zone in the primary vein at the northern end of the Empire Stockworks consisting of a high-grade gold zone (>3 g/t Au refer to Figure 1). The zone is within the greater Empire Stockworks gold system, with mineralisation open at depth and along strike.
Highlights
4m @ 1.24g/t Au from 28m in FNRRC031
(incl. 1m @ 2.90 g/t Au)
1m @ 1.20g/t Au from 43m in FNRRC031
1m @ 1.01g/t Au from 13m in FNRRC032
3m @ 0.93g/t Au from 50m in FNRRC032
1m @ 14.96g/t Au from 9m in FNRRC033
1m @ 9.05g/t Au from 44m in FNRRC033
1m @ 2.49g/t Au from 11m in FNRRC034
8m @ 3.03g/t Au from 18m in FNRRC034 (incl. 5m @ 4.31 g/t Au)
1m @ 1.32g/t Au from 32m in FNRRC034
1m @ 1.02g/t Au from 41m in FNRRC034
1m @ 2.80g/t Au from 0m in FNRRC035
1m @ 1.45g/t Au from 11m in FNRRC035
1m @ 1.24g/t Au from 14m in FNRRC035
6m @ 1.23g/t Au from 29m in FNRRC035
1m @ 1.30g/t Au from 32m in FNRRC036
Table 1 FNR Mineral Resources (see FNR Prospectus lodged 10 April 2024)All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Totals may not sum due to rounding
Figure 1:3D View of Empire Stockworks Block Model
Commenting on the initial assays results the board of Far Northern Resources Ltd, said.
“We are pleased with the assays from the Mining Lease as it will add critical data to the resource model at Empire that is open at depth and in all directions. FNR has been exploring this area for some time and it is pleasing to release some very exciting new gold results from our 2024 drilling campaign that clearly show there is a much bigger picture at play at our Empire Project. We are excited to now have the funding to continue to drill out and model what has the potential to be FNR’s first mine.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Far Northern Resources, 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.
Far Northern Resources is well-placed to capitalize on Australia's resource opportunities and deliver sustainable returns to its shareholders as it pursues strategic exploration across its assets in some of Australia’s most prolific mining jurisdictions.
Far Northern Resources (ASX:FNR) is a newly listed Australian explorer focused on gold and base metals. The company debuted on the ASX on April 12, 2024, after finalizing its IPO, during which it secured AU$4 million in funding. The company has three exploration projects – two based in Northern Queensland (Empire and Rocks Reef) and one in the Northern Territories (Bridge Creek).
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, mining played a pivotal role in Australia's economy by generating a record $455 billion in export revenue, accounting for nearly 66 percent of the total exports. This underscores the industry's significant contribution to the nation's economic stability, government revenues, and the creation of employment opportunities in regional areas.
According to the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2023, Australia is one of the most attractive regions for mining. Fraser Institute ranks the Northern Territories and Queensland as the 6th and 13th most attractive destinations for mining investment.
During 2023, Queensland's mines yielded 12.6 tons of gold, positioning it as the fourth most prolific state in Australia for this precious metal. Its output falls slightly below that of the Northern Territory (13.9 tons).
Its presence in relatively attractive mining jurisdictions positions the company to capitalize on opportunities in Australia's resource sector and deliver sustainable returns to its shareholders. The IPO funds of AU$4 million have provided sufficient funding to the company to advance its exploration projects. Overall, Far Northern is planning a 20,000-meter drilling program over the next two years, which will consist: of over 5,000 meters for Empire; 2,500 to 5,000 meters for Bridge Creek; and 2,500 meters planned at Rocks Reef in the China Wall prospect.
The Empire Project, situated 34 km west of the mining town of Chillagoe in North Queensland which had a mill for treating locally mined ore. The project covers an expansive 252 hectares on a granted mining lease. The tenement boasts a rich exploration history, marked by substantial drilling conducted across various phases. This culminated in the determination of a 2019 mineral resource estimate of 22,505 oz of gold on the Empire Stockworks gold deposit.
More than 7,460 meters of RC drilling and 750 meters of diamond core drilling have been carried out by Far Northern Resources, resulting in multiple intersections of copper, gold and silver. Rock chip assays yielded noteworthy grades, with results showing up to 12.64 percent copper (FNRRCS24001) and 4.12 grams per ton (g/t) gold (FNRRCS24002). Further surface sampling unveiled copper grades ranging from 2.61 percent to 11.89 percent and gold grades from 0.70 g/t to 2.16 g/t.
The rock chip assays extended the strike of known mineralization at the Empire Stockworks prospect by a further 750 meters and management believes it could be part of a bigger porphyry-style target.
The company is in the process of updating its current resource and block model before returning to site in 2025 to continue exploration.
Several targets have already been identified on the Empire tenement:
Empire Stockworks Prospect: Located close to the northern Breccia zone, this is the most advanced Far Northern target, in respect of exploration progress.
FNR has completed an RC drilling program at the Empire Gold Deposit designed to update and infill the 2020 resource model drilling program at the Empire Mining Lease. The program confirmed the presence of a zone in the primary vein at the northern end of the Empire Stockworks consisting of a high-grade gold zone within the greater Empire Stockworks gold system, with mineralisation open at depth and along strike. Assays from all six drill holes intercepted the high-grade quartz veins that formed the basis of the previous modeling. These results will provide further data on the known resources at the Empire Stockwork that will enable FNR to update the resource and economic modelling at the current gold prices, to move into future feasibility studies.
United Empire: Situated south of the Empire Stockworks prospect and adjacent to the Pinnacles breccia zone, this anomaly exhibits copper/gold characteristics, as revealed by previous exploration efforts conducted by entities other than Far Northern.
Copper Pit: It is also located south of the Empire Stockworks prospect and close to Pinnacles breccia. The analysis of the minor mullock heaps in the vicinity suggests the area holds promise for copper and gold prospects.
Pinnacles Prospect: It is situated in the Pinnacles breccia zone to the south of the Empire Stockworks Prospect. Far Northern has done very minimal exploration work so far on this prospect.
The project is located 150 km south of Darwin in the Northern Territories. It comprises three mining leases situated within the Pine Creek Geosyncline. The project is in the historical mining area of Cosmos Howley – Pine Creek which has produced over 2 million oz of gold. It covers a sector of the axis of the Howley Anticline, approximately 12 km along strike north from the Cosmopolitan Howley gold mine currently owned by Kirkland Lake Gold.
A mineral resource estimate was completed in 2022 containing 70,560 oz of inferred gold resources.
Far Northern is looking to accelerate its exploration activity at Bridge Creek, with a planned 2,500 to 5,000-meter drilling program in 2025, aiming to move the inferred resources to indicated status, as well as extend the mineralization both along the strike and at depth.
The Rocks Reef Project is located 52 km west of Chillagoe and comprises exploration permit 26473, which covers the Georgetown Tectonic Province. It is situated along a northeast structural trend spanning over 20 kilometers, within a large quartz-veined and altered porphyry formation. Geochemical sampling has revealed anomalous gold and silver veins within a 3-km by 1-km area.
The Rock Reefs property presents a prospective upside for Far Northern with historical exploration confirming the presence of a mineralized vein system at the China Wall prospect. The project shows early-stage promise for gold and copper deposits. Far Northern has completed an extensive early exploration program and results are expected over the coming months.
FNR has already identified targets for the tenement:
China Wall: Situated north of the tenement, this represents the most advanced target in terms of exploration progress within Rocks Reef. The previous operator had drilled a total of 155 air track holes along major and minor epithermal veins and structures, reporting precious metal mineralization. Subsequently, Far Northern conducted rock chip and soil analyses as part of follow-up investigations. Management is now planning a 2,500-meter drill program at the China Wall prospect.
Savannah Way and Single Peak: It is located about 1.3 km north of the China Wall. Far Northern has undertaken a rock chip and soil sampling program.
Roadside Copper: The target is located about 4.5 km from the China Wall Prospect. It saw little exploration work when it was held by the previous owner. Far Northern has conducted preliminary exploration including the analysis of rock chips and soils, which revealed the presence of gold, copper and associated minerals in the area.
North Drift Breccia and South Drift: Here again, the rock chip and soil samples have returned positive results indicating potential for mineralization.
Cameron Woodrow has over two decades of experience in the financial and mining industries, both domestically and internationally. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the company in collaboration with FNR's geologist. Woodrow's professional background commenced in the investment banking sector in Europe and Australia, where he held positions as a corporate advisor and sales trader at Paterson Securities and the Stonebridge Group. Earlier in his career, he served in various roles at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse in London.
Mattew Bashford has nearly 28 years of experience serving as CFO and company secretary at various public and private firms. Bashford has played a crucial role in the success of Far Northern Resources since its inception, contributing to its structuring, all capital raises to date, and accounting/tax compliance. He has been serving as a director of Far Northern since May 17, 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland and is also a chartered accountant.
Catriona Glover is a qualified lawyer with over two decades of experience in corporate and commercial law, specializing in corporate governance and providing company secretarial advice to both listed and unlisted entities. She has offered legal counsel, corporate governance expertise, and company secretarial services to numerous companies across diverse industries such as biopharma, financial services, mining, stockbroking, education, manufacturing, software and not-for-profit organizations. Glover has been the company secretary for several listed and unlisted companies, including Far East Gold, Maronan Metals, VGI Health Technology (NSX:VGI), Aeramentum Resources, and Invictus Biopharma.
With more than two decades of experience, Michael Stephenson has served as an exploration project manager for prominent companies such as Hancock Prospecting, Murchison Metals and Great Central Mines. He has extensive expertise in exploration project management, accumulated over 20 years of professional practice. Stephenson has played a pivotal role at Far Northern, overseeing all exploration activities, including structural mapping, rock chipping and soil sampling. Notably, he played a crucial role in enhancing the JORC Resource at Empire by executing the drilling program in 2020.
Australia-based gold and copper explorer
Received More Than $2.5 Billion in Cash Proceeds to Date in 2025 1
Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) ("Newmont" or the "Company") announced today that it has finalized the previously disclosed sales of its Akyem operation in Ghana and its Porcupine operation in Canada. With these transactions now closed, the Company has completed the divestiture program announced in February 2024 2 .
"Today, I am pleased to announce the successful completion of our non-core asset divestiture program with the sale of Akyem and Porcupine, generating total after-tax cash proceeds of approximately $850 million before closing adjustments," said Tom Palmer, Newmont's President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is a significant milestone for Newmont, as we have now divested all six of our non-core operations from the program announced in early-2024. With the cash proceeds received this year, we remain committed to continuing to strengthen our balance sheet and return capital to shareholders through ongoing share repurchases."
Total gross proceeds from announced divestitures are expected to total up to $4.3 billion, which includes $3.8 billion from non-core divestitures and $527 million from the sale of other investments.
Porcupine Early Warning Disclosure
Under the terms of Newmont's sale of the Porcupine operation in Ontario, Canada, the consideration received included 119,716,667 common shares of Discovery (the "Consideration Shares") in the capital of Discovery Silver Corp. ("Discovery").
The Consideration Shares are held by Goldcorp Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Newmont. As a result of the closing, Newmont, which did not hold any common shares of Discovery prior to the transaction, now beneficially owns shares representing approximately 15% of Discovery's issued and outstanding common shares.
Newmont will evaluate its investment in Discovery from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease its shareholdings as circumstances require through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise.
This press release is issued pursuant to the early warning provisions of Canadian securities legislation. To obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report filed by Newmont under National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, please contact Neil Backhouse at +1 (303) 837-5002 or investor.relations@newmont.com .
Newmont's address is 6900 E Layton Avenue, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80237. Discovery is listed on the TSX and its address is 55 University Avenue, Suite 701, Toronto, ON Canada, M5J 2H7.
About Newmont
Newmont is the world's leading gold company and a producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The Company's world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. Newmont is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Founded in 1921, the Company has been publicly traded since 1925.
At Newmont, our purpose is to create value and improve lives through sustainable and responsible mining. To learn more about Newmont's sustainability strategy and initiatives, go to www.newmont.com .
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections and other applicable laws. Where a forward-looking statement expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, (i) expectations regarding total proceeds estimates, including receipt of any deferred consideration in the future, (ii) future financial conditions and balance sheet strength, (iii) future return of capital to shareholders, including share repurchases, and (iv) other statements regarding future events or results. Estimates or expectations of future events or results are based upon certain assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions include, but are not limited to: (i) certain exchange rate assumptions approximately consistent with current levels; (ii) certain price assumptions for gold, copper, silver, zinc, lead and oil; (iii) with respect to disclosed sales that have not yet completed, all closing conditions for such sales being satisfied; and (iv) conditions necessary for receipt of deferred consideration being met in the future. For additional information regarding the terms and conditions for receipt of deferred consideration payments and total consideration estimates, refer to the press releases available on the Company's website at www.newmont.com (see the September 10, 2024 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest Telfer and Havieron, the October 8, 2024 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest Akyem, the November 18, 2024 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest Musslewhite, the November 25, 2024 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest Éléonore, the December 6, 2024 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest CC&V, and the January 27, 2025 press release for further details regarding the agreement to divest Porcupine). No assurances can be provided with respect to the receipt of deferred consideration. For a discussion of risks and other factors that might impact future looking statements , see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 21, 2025, under the heading "Risk Factors" (including without limitation under the subheading the headings "Assets held for sale may not ultimately be divested and we may not receive any or all deferred consideration" and "The Company's asset divestitures place demands on the Company's management and resources, the sale of divested assets may not occur as planned or at all, and the Company may not realize the anticipated benefits of such divestitures"), available on the SEC website or at www.newmont.com . Investors are also cautioned that the extent to which the Company repurchases its shares, and the timing of such repurchases, will depend upon a variety of factors, including trading volume, market conditions, legal requirements, business conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be discontinued at any time, and the program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares of its common stock. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly revisions to any "forward-looking statement," including, without limitation, outlook, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued "forward-looking statement" constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement.
____________________ |
1 Represents after-tax cash proceeds before closing adjustments.
2 All previously announced operating sites having been divested, with the Coffee development project remaining designated as held for sale. No agreement has been reached with respect to Coffee as of the date of this release.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416251818/en/
Investor Contact – Global
Neil Backhouse
investor.relations@newmont.com
Investor Contact – Asia Pacific
Natalie Worley
apac.investor.relations@newmont.com
Media Contact – Global
Shannon Lijek
globalcommunications@newmont.com
News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia
WIN Metals Ltd (ASX: WIN) (“WIN” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide shareholders with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) for its flagship Butchers Creek Gold deposit, part of the Butchers Creek Gold Project (“BCGP”) located in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Highlights
WIN Metals Managing Director and CEO, Mr Steve Norregaard, commented:
“Our first update of the Butchers Creek Mineral Resource following the successful maiden drill campaign completed late in 2024 has delivered an 8C% increase in the Indicated Resource. This paves the way for the Company to advance development studies while we continue to drill our other high-priority, high-grade targets.
With readily accessible mineralisation located immediately below the shallow open pit amenable to low-cost open pit mining methods, the opportunity to monetise this asset in the current high gold price environment is now an imperative.
To complement this great outcome, the Company will continue to enhance the resource base focussing on the Golden Crown area during the forthcoming dry season, building on the promising high-grade drill intersections reported last year.
The significant achievements by WIN during the short time we have held this project, and the opportunities we see in this underexplored goldfield in WA’s Kimberley region, provide a strong foundation for our future growth.”
This latest April 2025 MRE update increases the Mineral Resource to 321,000oz of gold at 1.G1g/t Au, with 258,000oz gold at 2.24g/t Au representing 80% of the MRE classified as Indicated available for economic studies for project development.
Table 1: Butchers Creek Gold Resource SummaryNote: Figures are rounded and reported at 0.5g/t cut-off to 150m below surface (open pit) and 0.8g/t below 150m of surface
This update reflects the successful conversion of an additional 11G,000oz at 2.24g/t Au into the Indicated category representing an 86% increase in Indicated gold resource ounces compared to the 2021 MRE1 as demonstrated in the waterfall chart in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Mineral Resource Changes by Classification
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This article includes content from Win Metals, 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.
BC has long been a land of promise for gold seekers.
From the historic gold rushes of the 1800s to today’s high-tech exploration campaigns, the province remains one of the most geologically prospective regions in the world. But beneath its mineral-rich surface lies a regulatory landscape as formidable as its mountain ranges.
For junior mining companies — the entrepreneurial heart of the industry — the real test isn’t just finding gold. It’s getting permission to mine it.
BC’s permitting regime is among the most demanding in the world. And rightly so. This is a province that takes its environment seriously. With soaring alpine lakes, ancient forests and Indigenous territories steeped in cultural heritage, development comes with responsibility.
Before a shovel ever hits the ground, a mining company must navigate a maze of requirements:
These frameworks are not designed to say "yes" quickly. They're designed to say "yes" carefully.
For investors, that means understanding the permitting process isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s essential due diligence.
Junior companies are typically lean, agile and risk-tolerant — qualities that make them excellent explorers. But in BC, the challenge isn’t just discovering deposits; it’s surviving the multi-year, multi-stakeholder process of turning those discoveries into permitted projects.
It’s not uncommon for permitting timelines to stretch seven, 10 or even 15 years. During that time, markets can shift, investors can lose interest, and costs can mount with little to show for it.
Many juniors don’t make it. But some do — and in doing so, they provide a blueprint for success.
In the past decade, less than 10 projects in BC have emerged with full permits in hand.
The Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell (KSM) project, touted as the largest undeveloped gold-copper project globally, secured its environmental assessment certificate and key permits after extensive engagement with local Indigenous groups.
This project exemplifies the scale of investment and long-term planning required, with Seabridge investing over $1 billion in development to date.
Osisko Development recently announced receiving critical permits under the BC Mines Act and Environmental Management Act for its Cariboo gold project. This success came after robust stakeholder consultations and underscores the importance of community engagement in the permitting process.
Artemis Gold's receipt of the BC Mines Act permit for the Blackwater project marked a significant milestone, allowing the commencement of major construction activities. This case highlights the potential for expedited processes when companies effectively address regulatory and community concerns.
Ascot Resources received a BC Mines Act permit for the Premier gold project located in Northwestern BC's Golden Triangle. The project is expected to create approximately 140 jobs during construction and about 280 jobs during operations.
These projects have one thing in common: they treated permitting not as a barrier, but as a strategic discipline.
And now, another name is joining that list: Blue Lagoon Resources (CSE:BLLG).
Tucked into the mountains near Smithers, BC, Blue Lagoon’s Dome Mountain gold project has achieved what many junior companies only dream of: securing both a BC Mines Act permit and an Environmental Management Act permit — clearance to move forward with production.
That puts Dome Mountain in rare company. Since 2015, only nine new mining permits have been granted in BC. Blue Lagoon just became the recipient of one of them.
How did a relatively small company clear such a high bar?
The result? A fully permitted operation with the green light to extract up to 55,000 tons annually to start, which is expected to yield approximately 15,000 ounces of gold in the first year.
For investors evaluating junior mining companies, BC’s permitting gauntlet is more than a bureaucratic hurdle — it’s a crucible. Companies that emerge on the other side have demonstrated not just resource potential, but operational discipline, financial stamina and social credibility.
In other words: they’ve been tested.
Blue Lagoon’s success isn’t just a milestone for the company. It’s a signal to the market that this team can navigate complexity, deliver results, and operate responsibly in one of the toughest jurisdictions out there.
BC doesn’t make it easy — and that’s the point. The province’s high standards ensure that only the most committed, capable operators go into production. For investors, that filters out the noise.
Blue Lagoon Resources is now one of those operators.
For those tracking the future of junior mining in BC, it’s a name that deserves a closer look — not just because of what they’ve found, but because of what they’ve earned.
Production is expected to start this summer (2025) paving the way for the company to self-fund numerous exploration targets identified through more than 50,000 meters of drilling during the 2021 to 2023 drill campaigns.
This INNSpired article is sponsored by Blue Lagoon Resources (CSE:BLLG,OTCQB:BLAGF,FWB:7BL). This INNSpired article provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by Blue Lagoon Resourcesin order to help investors learn more about the company. Blue Lagoon Resources 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 Blue Lagoon Resources and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
Mali's government has shut down Barrick Gold’s (TSX:ABX,NYSE:GOLD) office in the capital, Bamako, as part of an escalating dispute over alleged non-payment of taxes, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters.
The closure marks a significant development in a long-running standoff between the Canadian mining giant and the West African country, which has seen tensions rise over mining revenues and the implementation of Mali's new mining code.
The latest development, which saw staff in Bamako locked out of the company’s offices, is linked to a separate tax dispute that has been brewing since 2023.
Barrick signed an agreement with Mali's government in February to end the nearly two-year-long conflict. This agreement, however, still awaits official approval from Malian authorities.
One source close to the situation noted that the closure of Barrick’s Bamako office did not affect Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, located in the western part of Mali.
Barrick suspended operations at Loulo-Gounkoto after the Malian government seized around 3 metric tons of gold in January, as the government accused the company of failing to meet its tax obligations.
This move was part of an ongoing battle between Barrick and the Malian government, which has been blocking the company’s gold exports since November 2024.
The company released a statement addressing the office closure, and stated that the Malian government is also "threatening to place the Loulo-Gounkoto mine under provisional administration unless the mine was reopened and tax payments were made."
The company said is prepared to honor the agreement and restart production once the government finalizes it. "Its conclusion now appears to be obstructed by a small group of individuals placing personal or political interests above the long-term interests of Mali and its people," Barrick wrote in the release.
Barrick has transferred nearly 40 Malian staff members from the Loulo-Gounkoto mine to the company's Kibali mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to transfer up to 100 employees.
This move suggests that the resumption of operations at Loulo-Gounkoto may not happen in the immediate future, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the mine's future.
The closure of Barrick’s Bamako office is only the latest chapter in the tense relationship between the mining giant and the military-led government in Mali, which took power following coups in 2020 and 2021.
Since then, Mali has taken a more assertive stance in its dealings with foreign companies, especially in the mining sector, and the country is one of Africa’s leading producers of gold.
The suspension of operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which produces a significant portion of Mali’s gold, has raised concerns about the country's future output.
Mali's mines ministry has already forecast a slight recovery in industrial gold output in 2025, with an expected rise to 54.7 metric tons of gold from the 51.7 metric tons produced in 2024. However, the ministry included Loulo-Gounkoto production in its calculations.
In February, Barrick’s CEO, Mark Bristow, said that the company’s operations would be able to resume once it could export its gold again. However, in its annual report released in mid-March, Barrick acknowledged that the timeline for a resolution remained uncertain, and as such did not include the mine in its production guidance for 2025.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Greatland Gold’s (LSE:GGP,OTC Pink:GRLGF), which is based in Western Australia, is on track to pursue its cross-listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
In a press release issued on April 11, the company said that the proposed corporate reorganization will be affected through a UK scheme of arrangement.
If the reorganisation is approved, Greatland Gold and its subsidiaries would fall under a new parent company called Greatland Resources that will be incorporated in Australia. The company would maintain its listing on the AIM, an LSE submarket that hosts smaller and growing companies.
The ASX listing aligns with Greatland Gold's position in the country, as its entire portfolio is located in Western Australia.
The company enhanced that position significantly last year when it acquired a 70 percent interest in the Havieron gold-copper project and 100 percent interest in the Telfer gold-copper mine from Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM). Havieron was previously a 30/70 joint venture between the company and Newmont, and this acquisition consolidated 100 percent ownership of the project under Greatland.
Days after the completion of the acquisition in December, the first gold bars under Greatland ownership were poured at Telfer.
"The acquisition of Telfer and Havieron … immediately transformed Greatland Gold into a leading Australian gold and copper producer,” Greatland Gold Managing Director Shaun Day said. “We enjoyed significant Australian institutional investor support for our equity raising to fund the acquisition, and Greatland Gold continues to see strong engagement and interest from the Australian market.”
He added that proceeding with the reorganisation and listing after these acquisitions should benefit Greatland by boosting its capital markets profile and helping facilitate increased research coverage and greater institutional ownership.
Documents concerning the listing were filed with the UK Court on April 11 and a court approval hearing is scheduled for April 23.
“While we see the ASX listing as important in supporting the continued growth of long-term shareholder value, we remain committed to the AIM market and shareholders will continue to be able to trade Greatland Resources shares on AIM."
Following the scheduled hearing, a shareholder meeting will be held on May 12 to conduct voting on the UK Scheme.
Once approved, the listing process and AIM Admission of Greatland Resources are expected to be completed in late June 2025.
Shares of Greatland have increased significantly in recent days, closing at GBP 13.89 on Monday, April 14, compared to GBP 10.18 on April 9. The company also released its activities report for the March quarter on Monday.
As of April 8, the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) is now open for trading globally. In a press release, the exchange said that the Interactive Brokers platform now offers full global access to CSE-listed securities.
“Our issuers and investors stand to benefit from the reach of the Interactive Brokers platform," CSE CEO Richard Carleton said. "Our securities are now more easily accessible to a global investor base that has shown itself to be keenly interested in the Canadian markets."
Through this adjustment, Australian investors can now trade all CSE-listed stocks, allowing them to access the exchange's array of companies, including its many mining firms.
To locate a specific CSE-listed company on the Interactive Brokers platform, investors simply need to search the company's ticker symbol with .CN added to the end, such as ABC.CN for a company with the ticker CSE:ABC.
The move by the CSE also offers significant opportunities for small-cap resource and mining companies on the exchange to widen their audience and increase their investor pool. Major mining companies are currently not listed on the CSE, reducing competition for small-cap miners with global investors using the Interactive Brokers platform.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) confirms that it has continued to engage in good faith with the Government of Mali to finalise an agreement that was fully negotiated and accepted by the Ministry of Finance in February 2025.
From the outset of its engagement, Barrick has worked to find a constructive solution. In October 2024, it agreed to a framework aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution of all outstanding disputes and paid $85 million as part of the ongoing negotiations.
Despite this, the Government subsequently took a series of escalatory actions, including the arrest of Barrick employees – who remain unfairly in detention – and the suspension of gold shipments.
More recently, although Barrick signed the agreement presented by the Government as requested in February, the Government has failed to execute it. Its conclusion now appears to be obstructed by a small group of individuals placing personal or political interests above the long-term interests of Mali and its people.
This week, departments within the Government escalated matters by closing Barrick's Bamako office and threatening to place the Loulo-Gounkoto mine under provisional administration unless the mine was reopened and tax payments were made – even though gold exports remain blocked.
It is regrettable that the Government continues to obstruct gold exports while simultaneously demanding tax payments on revenue it has actively prevented from being realised.
Barrick remains ready to honour the agreement envisioned by both partners and stands prepared to immediately restart production. This would unlock substantial revenue for the country, including tax and royalty flows that form a very significant part of the national budget. This would also see the dropping of unfounded criminal charges against its employees and their release from detention.
The consequences of the Government's continued inaction are serious both from an economic and human angle. The long-term viability of one of Mali's most strategic mining assets and a key contributor to the national economy is at risk. Barrick brings the unique expertise required to successfully operate this world-class mine. In addition, four innocent Malian citizens continue to be deprived of their freedom, without any justification nor prospect for a quick solution.
Barrick has long been a committed partner to the people of Mali and a reliable corporate citizen, consistently supporting local content and economic development, even in times of uncertainty. As private banks face mounting pressure to keep the country afloat, Barrick has continued to meet its obligations in good faith, paying wages, sustaining workers and contractors' livelihoods as well as the broader supply chain. However, this situation is not sustainable for the longer term.
While Barrick continues to seek a constructive solution, it remains prepared to pursue international arbitration and legal remedies against the Government and any individuals or entities, acting in bad faith.
Barrick urges the Government of Mali to act now in the interest of its people and the national economy by concluding the agreement which stands ready to be implemented.
Enquiries:
Investor and Media Relations
Kathy du Plessis
+44 20 7557 7738
Email: barrick@dpapr.com
Website: www.barrick.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "continue", "intended", "committed", "engage", "negotiate", "pursue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: the status of the gold stock removed from site; the outcome of dispute resolution through arbitration; the status of negotiations with the Government of Mali in respect of ongoing disputes regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto Complex and Barrick's commitment to reach a mutually acceptable solution; the potential to increase the Government of Mali's share in the economic benefits of Loulo-Gounkoto; and Loulo-Gounkoto's partnership with the Government of Mali.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Mali and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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