Category: Canada

Ascot Commences First Development Advance at Premier Northern Lights


Ascot Commences First Development Advance at Premier Northern Lights – Toronto Stock Exchange News Today – EIN Presswire


















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Retailer Groupe Dynamite reports Q3 profit and revenue up from year ago

MONTREAL — Clothing retailer Groupe Dynamite Inc. says it earned $40.4 million in its third quarter, up from $34.9 million in the same quarter last year.

Chief executive and chair Andrew Lutfy says that following a strong summer season, the company’s momentum continued into the third quarter with strong revenue and comparable store sales growth.

The company, which made its debut on the Toronto Stock Exchange last month, says the profit amounted to 38 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Nov. 2, up from 32 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter totalled $258.8 million, up from $220.1 million in the same quarter last year.

Comparable store sales growth for the quarter amounted to 10.1 per cent.

On an adjusted basis, Groupe Dynamite says it earned 41 cents per diluted share, up from an adjusted profit of 33 cents per diluted share a year earlier.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:GRGD)

The Canadian Press

Bunker Hill Mining Intersects High-Grade Zinc-Lead-Silver Mineralization Adjacent to Existing Underground Infrastructure

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HIGHLIGHTS   

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  • Multiple high-grade polymetallic (Zn, Pb, Ag) zones intersected in the upper part of the mine, including:
    • 14.7% Zn 5.2% Pb and 2.10 Ag Opt over 13.2 ft from 380-396.4 ft, DH 7099
    • 8.83% Zn 2.95% Pb and .85 Ag Opt over 13.5 ft from 361.5-375 ft, DH 7093
    • 4.99% Zn 1.40% Pb and .48 Ag Opt over 8.8 ft from 66.5-75.3 ft, DH 7097
  • To date, Bunker Hill has drilled 15 underground drill holes, with the current drill program expected to conclude in December 2024.
  • Mineralization intersected by the definition drilling conforms well to the inferred resource and in areas extending beyond the limits of the current resource model.
  • Bunker Hill intends to issue an updated resource estimate in Q1 2025, incorporating results from the 2024 drill program.

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KELLOG, Idaho and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (“Bunker Hill” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: BNKR | OTCQB: BHLL) is pleased to announce a high-grade zinc zone in drill hole 7099 which is part of the recently completed underground resource conversion drill program at the Bunker Hill Mine located in Kellogg, Idaho.

The aim of this drill program is to inform an ongoing technical and mine planning program in the upper and de-watered part of the mine, close to existing underground infrastructure, thereby potentially increasing the Life of Mine at restart.

Sam Ash, President and CEO, stated, “Our Geology team continues to be impressed by the drill results, which consistently meet or exceed our initial projections. The mineralized intercepts align well with historical mining records, allowing us to confidently model grade distribution and variability.”

ZINC IS A CRITICAL MINERAL TO THE USA

Zinc is designated by the United States Geological Survey as a critical mineral to the USA, as defined by the US Energy Act of 2022, meaning that it is essential to the economic or national security of the United States. The planned restart of Bunker Hill in H1 2025 and the subsequent planned processing of its zinc concentrate at Teck’s Trail smelter in British Columbia will assist in ensuring this critical mineral supply to the US during increasing geopolitical competition.

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DETAIL

Drill hole 7099 is the down-dip extent of the Quill zone, suggesting that the zinc and silver grades increase lower in the mineral system. Drill hole 7093 is toward the upper extents of the Quill zone, with drill hole 7099 at depth, which shows the increasing grade with depth (Figure 3).

FIGURE 1: RECENTLY COMPLETED
DRILLING

RECENTLY COMPLETED DRILLING

FIGURE 2: DRILL HOLE 7099

DRILL HOLE 7099

FIGURE 3: CORE SAMPLES FROM DRILL HOLE 70991

CORE SAMPLES FROM DRILL HOLE 7099
  1. intercept from 383.5 – 398.5’

The Company has completed 15 drill holes totaling 5,996 feet (1,828 meters) as part of the 2024 drill program, which was designed to explore a small portion of the Bunker Hill Mine’s 7 million tons inferred mineralization into higher confidence resource categories and the life of mine plan. Consistent zinc-lead-silver grades and intercepts observed throughout the program have bolstered confidence in the potential for resource conversion and expansion at Bunker Hill (Table 1). Given that this modest resource conversion program only targeted approximately 5% of the substantial inferred resource inventory, the results support the Project’s growth potential and underscore its strategic importance to the Company’s future operations.

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The following table highlights selected intercepts from the Company’s drill program announced today.1,2,3

The full table of results can be viewed in Appendix A.

TABLE 1: HIGHLIGHT SUMMARY OF 2024 DRILLING

Hole ID From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) Zn% Pb% Ag opt
7093 3.2 15.5 12.3 4.90 1.11 0.41
7093 361.5 375 13.5 8.83 2.95 0.85
7093 410.3 413 2.7 7.70 3.30 1.00
7094 6.5 7 0.5 11.70 5.71 2.10
7094 9.3 13.5 4.2 4.55 3.44 1.30
7094 296 300 4 12.39 3.11 0.95
7094 327 330.2 3.2 5.56 1.78 0.50
7094 343 347.8 4.8 7.51 3.12 0.94
7095 0 2 2 6.80 0.90 0.40
7095 6 8 2 3.90 1.04 0.39
7095 246 250 4 3.34 0.91 0.28
7095 255 265 10 5.95 1.71 0.65
7095 313 322 9 9.11 4.22 1.40
7095 330 334 4 4.74 5.30 2.07
7096 0 12 12 4.91 0.67 0.27
7097 66.5 75.3 8.8 4.99 1.40 0.48
7097 243.5 246 2.5 2.22 4.75 1.67
7099 380 396.4 13.4 14.72 5.20 2.10
  1. Cutoff 2% ZN
  2. Minimum width 0.5 feet
  3. Samples are sample length and not necessarily the true width of mineralization

FIGURE 4: QUILL RESOURCE OUTLINE WITH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DRILLING

QUILL RESOURCE OUTLINE WITH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DRILLING

QA/QC

The Company has implemented QA/QC procedures, including inserting blank, duplicate, and standard samples in all sample lots sent to Silver Valley Laboratory (SVL) facilities in Kellogg, Idaho for sample preparation and assaying. The analytical methods are microwave Digest and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP) and select samples will use Fire Assay with gravimetric finish for silver.

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QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr. Scott Wilson is an independent “qualified person” as defined by NI 43-101 and is acting as the qualified person for the Company. He has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information summarized in this news release, including the sampling, preparation, security and analytical procedures underlying such information, and is not aware of any significant risks and uncertainties that could be expected to affect the reliability or confidence in the information discussed herein.

ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP.

Under Idaho-based leadership, Bunker Hill intends to sustainably restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine as the first step in consolidating and then optimizing several mining assets into a high-value portfolio of operations centered initially in North America. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases.

On behalf of Bunker Hill Mining Corp.

Sam Ash
President and Chief Executive Officer

For additional information, please contact:

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Brenda Dayton
Vice President, Investor Relations
T: 604.417.7952
E: brenda.dayton@bunkerhillmining.com

Cautionary Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX-V”) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase ‘forward-looking information’ in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “plan” or variations of such words and phrases.

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Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, including the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine and the expected date thereof; the achievement of future short-term, medium-term and long-term operational strategies; the Company issuing an updated resource estimate in Q1 2024; the results of the drill program supporting the continued development of the Bunker Hill Mine, including the potential increase of the Life of Mine at restart; and Bunker Hill’s role in the supply of zinc to the USA. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: Bunker Hill’s ability to receive sufficient project financing for the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine on acceptable terms or at all; further drilling and geotechnical work supporting the planned restart and operations at the Bunker Hill Mine; the future price of metals; and the stability of the financial and capital markets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties identified in public filings made by Bunker Hill with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and the following: the Company’s ability to operate as a going concern and its history of losses; the Company’s inability to raise additional capital for project activities, including through equity financings, concentrate offtake financings or otherwise; the fluctuating price of commodities; capital market conditions; restrictions on labor and its effects on international travel and supply chains; failure to identify mineral resources; further geotechnical work not supporting the continued development of the Bunker Hill Mine or the results described herein; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the Company’s ability to raise sufficient project financing, on acceptable terms or at all, to restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine and the risks of not basing a production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, resulting in increased uncertainty due to multiple technical and economic risks of failure which are associated with this production decision including, among others, areas that are analyzed in more detail in a feasibility study, such as applying economic analysis to resources and reserves, more detailed metallurgy and a number of specialized studies in areas such as mining and recovery methods, market analysis, and environmental and community impacts and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit, with no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved; the Company requiring additional capital expenditures than anticipated, resulting in delays in the expected restart timeline; failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations; failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow and future profitability; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; political risks; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inability of the Company to budget and manage its liquidity in light of the failure to obtain additional financing, including the ability of the Company to complete the payments pursuant to the terms of the agreement to acquire the Bunker Hill Mine complex; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; and capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements or information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all, including as to whether or when the Company will achieve its project finance initiatives, or as to the actual size or terms of those financing initiatives, or whether and when the Company will achieve its operational and construction targets. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

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Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations or financial results are included in the Company’s annual report and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or through EDGAR on the SEC website (www.sec.gov).

APPENDIX A – FULL DRILL RESULTS

Hole ID From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) Zn% Pb% Ag opt
7093 3.2 15.5 12.3 4.90 1.11 0.41
including 3.2 4 0.8 17.10 3.68 1.61
and 5.7 6.2 0.5 11.50 5.49 1.83
and 7.2 7.7 0.5 14.50 1.48 0.65
and 13.6 14.5 0.9 21.90 6.04 2.13
7093 26 27.5 1.5 3.02 3.58 1.24
7093 183.5 186.2 2.7 6.58 3.96 1.09
7093 223 225.2 2.2 6.27 0.53 0.19
7093 361.5 375 13.5 8.83 2.95 0.85
including 362 365 3 13.50 3.48 0.95
and 371.5 0.75 3.5 15.80 5.76 1.80
7093 410.3 413 2.7 7.70 3.30 1.00
7094 6.5 7 0.5 11.70 5.71 2.10
7094 9.3 13.5 4.2 4.55 3.44 1.30
7094 29 29.5 0.5 1.04 4.45 1.33
7094 229 231 2 5.01 3.16 1.38
7094 269 270 1 9.10 5.18 2.80
7094 277.5 278.5 1 18.00 0.64 0.33
7094 296 300 4 12.39 3.11 0.95
7094 327 330.2 3.2 5.56 1.78 0.50
7094 343 347.8 4.8 7.51 3.12 0.94
including 343 344.5 1.5 11.70 2.18 0.65
7095 0 2 2 6.80 0.90 0.40
7095 6 8 2 3.90 1.04 0.39
7095 11.5 12 0.5 5.02 2.59 1.10
7095 15 16 1 6.44 1.71 0.54
7095 168.5 169 0.5 0.59 4.36 2.46
7095 181 181.5 0.5 3.68 0.41 0.19
7095 246 250 4 3.34 0.91 0.28
7095 255 265 10 5.95 1.71 0.65
including 255 257 2 11.70 2.91 0.65
7095 277 280.5 3.5 3.89 1.16 0.44
7095 313 322 9 9.11 4.22 1.40
7095 315.2 317.5 2.3 24.00 8.68 3.14
7095 330 334 4 4.74 5.30 2.07
7096 0 12 12 4.91 0.67 0.27
7097 0 4 4 3.42 0.53 0.23
7097 12 16 4 3.72 0.89 0.30
7097 66.5 75.3 8.8 4.99 1.40 0.48
including 73.5 75.3 1.8 12.18 4.09 1.45
7097 243.5 246 2.5 2.22 4.75 1.67
7098 8 12 4 3.44 0.38 0.14
7098 24.5 25 0.5 3.42 2.71 1.31
7098 68.3 69.3 1 8.55 7.90 3.89
7098 295.6 303 3.5 3.57 0.12 0.05
7099 2.5 6 3.5 3.99 1.10 0.45
7099 10 12 2.0 12.40 3.24 1.22
7099 19.5 23 3.5 3.77 0.31 0.11
7099 78 82 4.0 3.44 0.80 0.34
7099 298 299.3 1.3 13.00 5.14 1.93
7099 301.5 305 3.5 3.37 0.53 0.21
7099 316.5 319 2.5 5.92 0.89 0.31
7099 363.5 366 2.5 3.22 2.27 0.84
7099 380 396.4 13.4 14.72 5.20 2.10
including 384.2 385.6 1.4 34.70 11.30 4.85
and 387.5 388 0.5 24.60 1.34 1.89
and 391.1 391.8 0.7 20.40 6.54 2.77
and 393 396.4 3.4 20.20 6.59 2.54
  1. Cutoff 2% ZN
  2. Minimum Width 0.5 feet
  3. Samples are sample length and not necessarily the true width of mineralization

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4d54316-197b-4644-8990-e26161559c27

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/882de2c7-fed4-4c73-b72c-804c960d809c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54d979c8-88a9-49e3-8ab4-d5c62a2cddb7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8246690-a933-4e40-8f1b-23c351f4c2e9


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Bunker Hill Mining Intersects High-Grade Zinc-Lead-Silver Mineralization Adjacent to Existing Underground Infrastructure


Bunker Hill Mining Intersects High-Grade Zinc-Lead-Silver Mineralization Adjacent to Existing Underground Infrastructure – Toronto Stock Exchange News Today – EIN Presswire


















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HPX Announces Name Change to Ivanhoe Atlantic

Name change reflects evolution to a world-class mining Company alongside Ivanhoe Mines and Ivanhoe Electric 

Ivanhoe Atlantic continues to advance development plans for its high-grade, long-life Guinea iron ore project

Definitive Feasibility Study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment underway.  Due for completion in 2025

Company remains on track for Final Investment Decision and commencement of construction in 2025

Ivanhoe Atlantic enjoys the strong support of its majority US-based shareholders and remains well funded to move to construction in 2025

LONDON: US Company Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc. announced today it has confirmed its name change from High Power Exploration Inc. The name change reflects the Company’s continued evolution to producer with the planned commencement of construction at the Kon Kweni iron ore project in Guinea, the Company’s commitment to the Liberty Corridor multi-user infrastructure project in Liberia and its focus on growing its asset portfolio. 

Company Comment:President and CEO, Bronwyn Barnes  

“We are delighted to transition to our new Ivanhoe Atlantic name and branding, which reflects our inclusion into the Ivanhoe group of companies which include Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., TSX:IVN and Ivanhoe Electric Inc., TSX:IE, NYSE:IE. 

As we continue our path to construction at Kon Kweni in Guinea and advance our exploration plans at St John River in Liberia, it gives the Board great pleasure to join the Ivanhoe group of Companies operating in multiple international jurisdictions.”

Our name change is symbolic of our focused growth over the last two years that has been supported by our committed shareholders, which are majority US domiciled.  We are well funded to move to a final investment decision in 2025 and our shareholder base and project ownership remains unchanged.  

Our focus on including Atlantic in the new name reflects our strong roots in the United States and our vision to develop this important mineral trade route focused on the Atlantic.

Ivanhoe Atlantic is pleased to report the following key activities which are currently underway for Kon Kweni

  • Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for Phase 1 of the Kon Kweni Iron Ore Project commenced in Q3 2024 and is expected to be completed by mid-2025
  • The DFS will support the Final Investment Decision (FID) in H2 2025 by advancing key engineering and contracting workstreams to execution readiness
  • Delivery of the DFS is planned to coincide with the completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) by mid-2025
  • The Project’s DFS will provide both a Capital Cost Estimate and Operating Cost Estimate to a ±15% accuracy, in alignment with AACE Class 3 (±15%) standards
  • Multinational engineering and infrastructure advisory consulting group, Zutari, has been appointed as the lead consultant for the DFS
  • Site visits have been completed and the DFS is progressing on track 

About Zutari 

Zutari has a 90-year history, operating extensively across Africa and the Middle East and specialises in infrastructure development on the African continent, with a particular focus on bulk logistics transport.  Further information on Zutari can be found at https://www.zutari.com

Management Comment: Chief OperatingOfficer, Kevin McLean

“We are excited to partner with Zutari on the Kon Kweni DFS which will provide the final capital cost and operating estimates that will be essential for FID in 2025.  Zutari’s expertise in bulk logistics transport infrastructure development will be instrumental in optimising and de-risking the project in advance of commencement of construction.  Our focus is on ensuring the project’s infrastructure design enables the safe, reliable, and sustainable delivery of Kon Kweni’s high-grade iron ore to international markets.”

About Ivanhoe Atlantic

Ivanhoe Atlantic is an American mining company focused on advancing its flagship high-grade long-life iron ore mine in Guinea and other projects in Liberia that meet the US and global critical mineral supply chain.   We are rapidly progressing a number of corporate and project activities that include preparing for a listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2025. 

Ivanhoe Atlantic’s major shareholder and technology provider is I-Pulse Inc, a US Company founded and chaired by Mr. Robert Friedland and has a number of high profile American institutional and private investors as shareholders.

For more information about Ivanhoe Atlantic and its projects, please contact:

media@ivanhoeatlantic.com

www.ivanhoeatlantic.com

Closing of Fundraising and Admission

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Reykjavík, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES SECTION WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF AMAROQ MINERALS LTD.

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO 596/2014, WHICH IS PART OF ICELANDIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE ACT NO 60/2021 ON MEASURES AGAINST MARKET ABUSE AND ASSIMILATED REGULATION NO 596/ 2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF THE LAW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED.  ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.

(“Amaroq” or the “Company”)

Closing of Fundraising and Admission

TORONTO, ONTARIO – 17 December 2024 – Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM, TSX-V, NASDAQ Iceland: AMRQ), an independent mining company with a substantial land package of gold and strategic mineral assets in Southern Greenland, today announces further to its announcements on 3 and 4 December 2024, the closing of its fundraising pursuant to which it raised gross proceeds of approximately £27.5 million (C$49.0 million, ISK 4.8 billion) through a placing of 9,150,927 common shares of the Company pursuant to the UK Placing, 20,100,648 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Icelandic Placing, and 2,783,089 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Canadian Subscription, which have been issued and will be admitted to trading on AIM, Nasdaq Iceland’s main market, and the TSX-V. A total of 32,034,664 new common shares have been placed as part of the Fundraising.

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Following admission, Amaroq’s total issued share capital will consist of 397,694,407 common shares of no par value. Given the Company does not hold any common shares in Treasury, this figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Icelandic Act No 20/2021 on Disclosure Obligations of Issuers and Notifications on Major Holdings.

The Fundraising Shares will be subject to statutory resale (hold) restrictions for a period of four months and one day in Canada under the applicable Canadian securities laws, which will expire on 18 April 2025. Such restrictions shall not apply to any Fundraising Shares acquired outside of Canada.

Net proceeds from the Fundraising will be used to strengthen the Company’s working capital position whilst Nalunaq is in commissioning phase and accelerate growth opportunities within the Company’s portfolio of assets in Greenland in Greenland. More specifically, the net proceeds from the Fundraising will be to fund further resource drilling at Nalunaq to expand resource and provide mining flexibility, further exploration drilling at Nanoq to define resource potential and the development opportunity, investments in mining equipment, other facilities and green energy production to further optimise operations in Nalunaq, and advancement of the Company’s strategic portfolio, alongside JV partners with further target exploration, and to provide additional working capital.

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Amaroq director, Eldur Olafsson, has participated in the Canadian Subscription, acquiring a total of 582,690 new common shares representing gross proceeds of approximately £0.50 million (C$0.89 million, ISK 88.2 million) via Vatnar hf.. Following Admission, Eldur Olafsson will be interested in a total of 10,084,863 common shares in the capital of the Company, representing approximately 2.5 per cent. of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital.

Amaroq director, Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson, has also participated in the Canadian Subscription, acquiring a total of 1,165,382 new common shares representing gross proceeds of approximately £1.00 million (C$1.78 million, ISK 176.4 million) via Klettar fjarfestingar ehf.. Following Admission, Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson will be interested in a total of 12,037,640 common shares in the capital of the Company, representing approximately 3.0 per cent. of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital.

Amaroq director, David Neuhauser, has also participated in the Canadian Subscription, acquiring a total of 116,538 new common shares representing gross proceeds of approximately £0.10 million (C$0.18 million, ISK 17.6 million) via Livermore Strategic Opportunities LP. Following Admission, David Neuhauser will be interested in a total of 14,738,462 common shares in the capital of the Company, representing approximately 3.7 per cent. of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital.

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As such, the Canadian Subscriptions will constitute a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) and within the meaning of Policy 5.9 of the TSX-V rules.

Related party transactions require the Company to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval unless exemptions from these requirements are available under applicable Canadian securities laws. With respect to the Canadian Subscription, the Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirements and minority approval requirements in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities distributed to, and the consideration received from, interested parties does not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to the closing of the Canadian Subscription as participation of the insiders had not been confirmed at that time and the Company wishes to close on an expedited basis for business reasons.

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Panmure Liberum acted as nominated adviser, joint bookrunner and joint broker, alongside Canaccord, who also acted as joint bookrunner and joint broker on the UK Placing. Landsbankinn, Acro and Fossar acted as joint bookrunners on the Icelandic Placing and Landsbankinn acted as underwriter. In consideration for their services, Panmure Liberum, Canaccord, Landsbankinn, Acro and Fossar received a cash commission equal to C$1,857,555.23, consisting of (i) a total of C$274,003.23 (£154,098.88) to Panmure Liberum and Canaccord representing a 4.0% base commission, 1.0% discretionary commission and a 0.25% settlement commission for the UK placing, including a corporate finance fee of C$124,467.00 (£70,000.00) payable to Panmure Liberum and (ii) a total of C$1,049,841.00 to Landsbankinn, Acro and Fossar, representing a total of 3.4% commission for the Icelandic Placing, in addition to a C$533,711.00 underwriting fee payable to Landsbankinn.

The Fundraising is subject to final acceptance of the TSX-V.

Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in the text of this announcement have the meanings given in the Company’s Fundraising announcement dated 3 December 2024.

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Enquiries:

Amaroq Minerals Ltd.        
Eldur Olafsson, Executive Director and CEO
eo@amaroqminerals.com

Eddie Wyvill, Corporate Development
+44 (0)7713 126727
ew@amaroqminerals.com

Panmure Liberum Limited (Nominated Adviser, Joint Bookrunner and Corporate Broker)
Scott Mathieson
Nikhil Varghese
Kieron Hodgson
Josh Moss
+44 (0) 20 7886 2500

Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Bookrunner and Corporate Broker)
James Asensio
Harry Rees
George Grainger
+44 (0) 20 7523 8000

Landsbankinn hf. (Joint Bookrunner and Underwriter)
Björn Hákonarson
Sigurður Kári Tryggvason
+354 410 4000

Acro verðbréf hf. (Joint Bookrunner)
Hannes Árdal
Þorbjörn Atli Sveinsson
+354 532 8000

Fossar Investment Bank hf. (Joint Bookrunner)
Steingrímur Arnar Finnsson
Kristín Alexandra Gísladóttir
+354 522 4000

Camarco (Financial PR)
Billy Clegg
Elfie Kent
Fergus Young
+44 (0) 20 3757 4980

IMPORTANT NOTICES

This Announcement does not constitute, or form part of, a prospectus relating to the Company, nor does it constitute or contain an invitation or offer to any person, or any public offer, to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares in the Company or advise persons to do so in any jurisdiction, nor shall it, or any part of it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment with the Company.

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This Announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Australia, The Republic of South Africa (“South Africa”), Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. This Announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or issue, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities in the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia (collectively, the “United States”)), Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, or under the securities laws of Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, or any state, province or territory thereof or any other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state, province or other jurisdiction of Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan (as the case may be). No public offering of securities is being made in the United States, Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or elsewhere.

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No action has been taken by the Company, Panmure Liberum, Canaccord, Landsbankinn, Acro, Fossar or any of their respective affiliates, or any of its or their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, consultants, advisers and/or agents (collectively, “Representatives”) that would permit an offer of the Fundraising Shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or any other publicity material relating to such Fundraising Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons receiving this Announcement are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions contained in this Announcement. Persons (including, without limitation, nominees and trustees) who have a contractual or other legal obligation to forward a copy of this Announcement should seek appropriate advice before taking any action. Persons distributing any part of this Announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

This Announcement, as it relates to the UK Placing, is directed at and is only being distributed to: (a) if in a member state of the EEA, persons who are qualified investors (“EEA Qualified Investors”), being persons falling within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “EU Prospectus Regulation”); or (b) if in the United Kingdom, persons who are qualified investors (“UK Qualified Investors”), being persons falling within the meaning of Article 2(e) of assimilated Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of the law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”), and who are (i) persons falling within the definition of “investment professional” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services And Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”) or (ii) persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Order, or (c) persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (all such persons referred to in (a), (b) and (c) together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”).

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The Fundraising Shares have not been qualified for distribution by prospectus in Canada and may not be offered or sold in Canada except in reliance on exemptions from the requirements to provide the relevant purchaser with a prospectus and, as a consequence of acquiring securities pursuant to this exemption or exemptions, certain protections, rights and remedies provided by the applicable Canadian securities laws will not be available to the relevant purchaser. The Fundraising Shares will be subject to statutory resale (hold) restrictions for a period of four months and one day in Canada under the applicable Canadian securities laws and any resale of the Common Shares must be made in accordance with such resale restrictions or in reliance on an available exemption therefore. Such restrictions shall not apply to any Fundraising Shares acquired outside of Canada.

For the attention of residents of Australia: This Announcement is not a prospectus or product disclosure statement or otherwise a disclosure document for the purposes of Chapter 6D or Part 7.9 of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act”) and does not constitute an offer, or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for the Fundraising Shares offered by this Announcement except to the extent that such an offer or invitation would be permitted under Chapter 6D or Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act without the need for a lodged prospectus or product disclosure statement. In addition, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the Fundraising Shares, no transfer of any interest in the Fundraising Shares may be made to any person in Australia except to “sophisticated investors” or “professional investors” within the meaning of sections 708(8) and (11) of the Corporations Act or otherwise in accordance with section 707(3) of the Corporations Act.

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No other person should act on or rely on this Announcement as it relates to the UK Placing and persons distributing this Announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. By accepting the terms of this Announcement, you represent and agree that you are a Relevant Person. This Announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this Announcement or the Fundraising relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

No offering document or prospectus will be made available in any jurisdiction in connection with the matters contained or referred to in this Announcement or the UK Placing or the Fundraising, unless applicable in relation to admission to trading in Iceland and no such prospectus is required (in accordance with either the EU Prospectus Regulation for the purpose of the offer or sale of the Common Shares, the UK Prospectus Regulation or Canadian securities laws) to be published. The offering as it relates to the Icelandic Placing is subject to the exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus provided for in Articles 1(4)(a) and 1(4)(b) of the EU Prospectus Regulation.

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Panmure Liberum, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the UK Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the UK Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the UK Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the UK Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. The responsibilities of Panmure Liberum, as nominated adviser, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange and are not owed to the Company or to any director or any other person and accordingly no duty of care is accepted in relation to them. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Panmure Liberum as to, and no liability whatsoever is accepted by Panmure Liberum in respect of, any of the contents of this Announcement (without limiting the statutory rights of any person to whom this Announcement is issued).

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Canaccord, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the UK Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the UK Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the UK Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the UK Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement.

Acro, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Icelandic Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the Icelandic Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the Icelandic Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the Icelandic Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. Some Icelandic Placees may however be customers of Acro.

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Fossar, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Icelandic Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the Icelandic Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the Icelandic Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the Icelandic Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. Some Icelandic Placees may however be customers of Fossar.

Landsbankinn, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Icelandic Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the Icelandic Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the Icelandic Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the Icelandic Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. Some Icelandic Placees may however be customers of Landsbankinn.

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This Announcement is being issued by and is the sole responsibility of the Company. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by or on behalf of Panmure Liberum, Canaccord, Landsbankinn, Acro and/or Fossar (apart from in the case of Panmure Liberum and Canaccord the responsibilities or liabilities that may be imposed by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (“FSMA”) or the regulatory regime established thereunder) and/or by any of their respective affiliates and/or any of their respective Representatives as to, or in relation to, the accuracy, adequacy, fairness or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or their respective advisers or any other statement made or purported to be made by or on behalf of Panmure Liberum, Canaccord, Landsbankinn, Acro and/or Fossar and/or any of their respective affiliates and/or by any of their respective Representatives in connection with the Company, the UK Placing Shares, the UK Placing, the Common Shares or any part of the Fundraising and any responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise therefor is expressly disclaimed. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Panmure Liberum, Canaccord, Landsbankinn, Acro and/or Fossar and/or any of their respective affiliates and/or any of their respective Representatives as to the accuracy, fairness, verification, completeness or sufficiency of the information or opinions contained in this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or their respective advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed.

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The information in this Announcement may not be forwarded or distributed to any other person and may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever. Any forwarding, distribution, reproduction or disclosure of this Announcement, in whole or in part, is not authorised. Failure to comply with this directive may result in a violation of the Securities Act or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions.

This Announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor’s options with respect to the UK Placing or any part of the Fundraising. Recipients of this Announcement should conduct their own investigation, evaluation and analysis of the business, data and other information described in this Announcement. This Announcement does not identify or suggest, or purport to identify or suggest, the risks (direct or indirect) that may be associated with an investment in the UK Placing Shares or the Common Shares. The price and value of securities can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon the disposal of the shares. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The contents of this Announcement are not to be construed as legal, business, financial or tax advice. Each investor or prospective investor should consult his or her or its own legal adviser, business adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, business, financial or tax advice.

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Any indication in this Announcement of the price at which the Company’s shares have been bought or sold in the past cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast or profit estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings, earnings per share or income, cash flow from operations or free cash flow for the Company for the current or future financial periods would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings, earnings per share or income, cash flow from operations or free cash flow for the Company.

All offers of the Fundraising Shares will be made pursuant to an exemption under the EU Prospectus Regulation and the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus. This Announcement is being distributed and communicated to persons in the United Kingdom only in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply.

The Fundraising Shares to be issued pursuant to the Fundraising will not be admitted to trading on any stock exchange other than AIM, the TSX-V and the Icelandic Exchange.

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Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This Announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “envisages”, “estimates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, “targets” or “will” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and factors which are beyond the Company’s control. The actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or developments in the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements or industry developments expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement speak only as at the date of this Announcement. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement, except as required in order to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations.


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You will never explore alone!

CEO Stephen Mullowney on TRX Gold’s future

Conveyor belt moving ore from the crusher at the Buckreef Gold mine. CREDIT: TRX GOLD

Last October, TRX Gold announced its best drill result ever, intersecting 5.48 g/t gold over 35.5 metres at the Buckreef Gold project in Tanzania. The company also announced the discovery of a promising new gold mineralization shear zone, named “Stamford Bridge zone,” at which the drill results are revealing geological characteristics and mineral alterations that are similar to that at Buckreef’s main zone.

“The Stamford Bridge zone is an exceptional discovery, resulting in the most significant mineralization identified within Buckreef Gold’s drill history,” said TRX Gold’s CEO Stephen Mullowney (SM).

After the announcement, I had the opportunity to discuss the company’s recent successes with Mr. Mullowney.

Being an English Premier League (EPL) fan myself, I noticed the naming of exploration sites such as Anfield and Stamford Bridge after EPL stadiums in England, so I asked what the story was behind that. Mullowney explained that many of TRX Gold’s employees at site follow “football” and cheer for these same teams. It is a bit of fun and a form of team building if you will! It inspired the title of this article: “You will never explore alone!”

CMJ: As a conversation starter, let’s talk a bit about history: Can you please talk to us about the history of TRX Gold, your background, and how you became CEO? 

SM: Working at PWC as partner in the mining M&A department, I worked as a consultant to many mining companies on transactions, balance sheet clean-ups, and all matters of sort. I came across TRX Gold and its Buckreef Gold project, then named, Tanzanian Gold Corp., and really liked what I was seeing in terms of the project, the deposit, and believed that I could make a positive contribution to improving operations and the balance sheet, and really getting the project off the ground. I introduced myself to the founder and then the CEO, James Sinclair, and the rest is history. I was invited to join TRX Gold at the helm and then formed the team of executives and board of directors that you see in place today. In three short years, this refreshed team has taken Buckreef Gold from an exploration company to a junior gold producer, with two million ounces in mineral resources and with tremendous potential for future production and discovery growth.

CMJ: Can you please explain the reason for the recent change of the ticker symbol in TSX in 2023? 

SM: The ticker symbol in the U.S. on the NYSE-American was already TRX. It was a strategic decision, and one to facilitate marketing and awareness, to change our name to TRX Gold, and at the same time, change our Canadian ticker symbol on the Toronto Stock Exchange to TRX.

CMJ: Can you please walk us through the current portfolio and activities at the Buckreef Gold project in Tanzania? 

SM: We are growing the Buckreef Gold project in Tanzania in a low-risk, phased approach, consisting of a low-risk, high-margin open pit gold mining operation and more than two million oz. of gold in measured and indicated mineral resources (at the 16 km2 property). Our company completed its third mill expansion in July 2024 and expects to increase its annual gold production guidance for 2025.

CMJ: What is your growth strategy and the status of the plant expansion? 

SM: The strategy is simple: We utilize the positive cash flow from operations to reinvest back into growth activities that are value-accretive to our shareholders. This is achieved by increasing the milling capacity to increase annual gold production and by drilling to uncover more ounces in the ground. It can also, if value accretive, be for M&A opportunities. The company is debt-free and has not had to raise equity since 2021. This is unique for a junior miner in development.

CMJ: How does Tanzania fare as a mining jurisdiction? How do you compare it to other jurisdictions in Africa, especially West Africa?

SM: Tanzania is in the East part of Africa. It benefits greatly from a mature mining sector, with many Tier 1 gold producers operating some of their most important projects in the country for the last few decades. In fact, Barrick’s Bulyanhulu’s gold mine is about 40 km east of us, and about the same distance to the north of Buckreef is Anglo Gold Ashanti’s Geita mine. These are what we would call “elephant” sized operations. Because of this maturity, the country benefits from mature infrastructure, skilled labour force, and available mining related materials, contractors, and builders. Everything we need to grow, build, and operate can be found in the country, which reduces waiting times and cost versus if we had to rely on a foreign supply chain. The country welcomes foreign investment, demonstrated by the approximate US$2 billion of mining investment in the country in the last two years or so, primarily from either M&A transactions in the sector or newer projects (deposits) being developed (thanks to the increasing price pf gold). Mining makes up about 10% of the country’s GDP.

CMJ: How does TRX Gold interact with local community in Tanzania as part of the company’s social responsibility? 

SM: We have been in the country for at least a decade now, so our relationships in the country are very good. We know and understand the people, the politicians, the mining ministries, and the local communities. This makes for a very strong foundation. Along with our JV partner, the State Mining Company, we partner every year on social well-being and community projects for the improvement and sustainability of the communities that surround us and where 100% of our employees and contractors and their families live (up to 600 and counting employees and contractors working at Buckreef Gold). We set aside a budget to work on projects such as building or improving schools, healthcare facilities, social programs such as skills training, and programs of sort. On site, employees benefit from ongoing health and safety training, skills training, and from time to time we host students for apprenticeships.

CMJ: Finally, how does the future look like for TRX Gold?  

SM: The future is very bright. TRX Gold is a unique investment opportunity. We have and will continue to grow in a low risk, phased manner, whereby we will continue to create shareholder value with a focus on non-dilution. Near term catalysts or drivers will be an increase in annual gold production expected for fiscal 2025 and exploration and brownfield drill results, especially from the newly discovered Stamford Bridge zone. Additionally, the price of gold is at an all-time high, with growing public opinion that it will continue to rise. For a low-cost, high-margin project like ours, the future is bright indeed! 


A Canadian miner that is truly international

Interview with Jorge A. Ganoza, president, CEO, and director of Fortuna Mining on growth and combating political instability

The Séguéla open pit mine in Côte d’Ivoire consists of the Antenna,
Koula, Agouti, Boulder, Ancien, and Sunbird deposits, with a mine life
of eight years, based on reserves reported as of Dec. 31, 2023. It is
located near existing infrastructure, including grid power, transport,
and water resources. CREDIT: FORTUNA MINING

Recently, I had a conversation with Jorge A. Ganoza (JG), president, CEO, and director of Fortuna Mining to discuss the company’s transformation into a renowned mid-tier precious metals producer, and how it is continuing to grow its portfolio in premier international mining regions.

CMJ: As a conversation starter, let’s talk a bit about history: Can you please talk to us about the history of Fortuna Mining and its current portfolio? 

JG: Fortuna Mining is a Canadian-based precious metals mining company, with five operating mines and an advanced exploration project located in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, Peru, and Senegal. We produce gold and silver and generate shared value over the long term for our stakeholders through efficient production, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

Fortuna is a public company, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FSM), Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FVI), and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Frankfurt: F4S). Our corporate office is in Vancouver, B.C., and our regional head offices are located in Lima, Peru and in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Fortuna was founded in 2005. Initially, focused on silver opportunities in Latin America, the company acquired the Caylloma silver-lead-zinc mine located in Arequipa, Peru. A year later, we re-initiated production at Caylloma mine, and acquired 76% stake in the San Jose silver-gold project located in Oaxaca, Mexico. In 2009, we acquired 100% interest in San Jose project, and construction began in 2010. In 2016, we acquired the Lindero gold project in Salta, Argentina, and started construction on the project in 2017. In 2021, Fortuna expanded into West Africa by acquiring the Yaramoko mine in Burkina Faso, and the advanced Séguéla gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, and immediately started construction on the Séguéla project; a 3,750 t/d open pit gold mine. The Séguéla mine poured first gold in May, 2023. We also strengthened our presence in West Africa by acquiring the Diamba Sud gold project in Senegal. Today, Fortuna is a seasoned, mid-tier precious metals producer that continues to grow its portfolio in premier mining regions.

CMJ: Effective June 20, 2024, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. changed its name to Fortuna Mining Corp. Can you please explain the reason for the rebranding?

 JG: In the early days of the company, we did not have much money, but we had big ideas, and the company was not well-known. At that time, silver was trading at a good price, and it made sense to focus on it and on our operations in Peru and Mexico, which were two of the largest silver producing countries. It made sense to use “Silver” as an identifier in alignment with that strategy.

Today, Fortuna is a very different company from what it was 20 years ago. With more than US$1 billion in sales and more than 500,000 oz. of gold targeted in annual production for 2024, gold accounts for 80% of our total sales, and silver accounts for only 10%. The remaining 10% comes from lead and zinc sales. We employ over 5,000 people, with a diverse workforce that includes 16% women.

We believe the old name does not represent who we are anymore, nor it aligns with the future vision of the company. We continue to grow our portfolio in premier mining jurisdictions, and we are pursuing more opportunities in gold, but we have not given up on silver. We remain enthusiastic about both of them, but we have achieved more success in gold; hence, the name change.

CMJ: Last year, I attended the commissioning of the new Séguéla mine in Côte d’Ivoire. How does Côte d’Ivoire fare as a mining jurisdiction? How do you compare it to other jurisdictions in, for example, Latin America?

JG: Côte d’Ivoire is an extremely welcoming jurisdiction for responsible mining investment, and we rate it very highly. The country has a competitive mining code and a strong vision to become a leader in gold production in West Africa and is making significant strides toward this goal. The leaders and government officials are well-educated and have a good technical background and understanding of the industry. Compared to other regions where we operate, Côte d’Ivoire certainly ranks among the most welcoming and supportive jurisdictions.

CMJ: The company has two mines in West Africa. With the acquisition of Chesser in Senegal, what is the current portfolio and your growth strategy in West Africa? 

JG: We first ventured into West Africa in mid-2021 through the acquisition of Roxgold and have pursued steady growth in the region. Since the acquisition, we have grown from one operating mine to two (Yaramoko mine in Burkina Faso and Séguéla mine in Côte d’Ivoire) and added an advanced exploration and development project, Diamba Sud gold project in Senegal, through our acquisition of Chesser Resources.

West Africa offers a prime landscape for the gold mining industry, and we are actively pursuing strategic opportunities as they arise. While major players like Newmont and Barrick are well-established, we see significant potential in the mid-sized producer segment, where competition is less intense. Fortuna has established itself as a strong player within this segment, and we intend to continue building on that strategic advantage.

CMJ: There is an ongoing nationalization pattern of African governments, especially those under military juntas, attempting to exert greater control over their natural resources. Yaramoko mine in Burkina Faso is Fortuna’s highest-grade gold mine, and the government recently nationalized two gold mines, ending legal dispute between rival companies. How does this affect your operations in the West African country?

JG: In the case of the dispute between Endeavour Mining and Lilium, my understanding is that the government intervention yielded a positive outcome. In response to comments by Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré in October regarding mining companies operating in Burkina Faso and the possible withdrawal of existing mining permits, we sought direct clarification from the Ministry of Mines and received confirmation that the government has no plans to withdraw existing mining permits which are in compliance with Burkina Faso’s laws. The Yaramoko mine is in compliance with all material laws, and operations continue to be conducted normally.

While the mining environment in Burkina Faso has become more complex in recent years, we continue to find government officials responsive and open to engagement. We are currently focusing investment only within the fence of Yaramoko mine.

CMJ: Moving from Africa to Latin America, how much does the political instability affect Fortuna Mining’s operations?

JG: Operating in developing economies means the rule of law is not necessarily stable. The success of a mining project is dependent on government support. When countries with long mining traditions, like Mexico, are changing the mining concessions law and are making permitting difficult, project developments are hindered. In addition, all these new laws prevent us from using our mineral titles, so we are not able to sustain the capital-intensive construction phase anymore. Finally, Mexico has reserved all open ground mineral operations for the state, so there will be no more private explorations there in the predictable future. 

CMJ: How does Fortuna work with local communities as part of the company’s social responsibility?

JG: Our approach to social responsibility starts with understanding the unique development goals of each region where we operate. We aim to become a strategic partner by working collaboratively with local stakeholders to help achieve these goals. Our initiatives are typically focused on key areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

In 2023, we invested approximately US$8 million in social responsibility and support programs, and we expect to maintain similar levels of investment this year. We are deeply engaged in each of the communities where we operate, ensuring we listen to their needs and strive to align ourselves as true partners to both our host communities and governments.

In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, we have partnered with the central government to combat cataract-related blindness. To date, we have supported surgeries for nearly 2,000 individuals, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

CMJ: Finally, what are the future priorities for Fortuna? 

JG: Looking ahead, our focus is not on reaching the symbolic milestone of one million oz. of annual production in the immediate term. Instead, we are committed to solidifying our position as a leading mid-sized gold producer. We are targeting a production range of approximately 500,000 oz./y, with a strong emphasis on keeping our all-in-sustaining costs highly competitive — at or below the industry median of US$1,500 per oz.

Fortuna’s current reserves amount to just over three million oz. of gold equivalent in reserves and approximately 1.7 million oz. in inferred resources across our portfolio.

While we currently lack the long-life mines that would allow us to project operations for a decade or more, we are actively working to build a portfolio that supports this vision. Over the coming years, we will focus on deploying capital to pursue high-value opportunities as they arise. 


Inside Chrystia Freeland’s surprising resignation — and the fallout that has Justin Trudeau fighting for his political life

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is fighting once again for his political life. Behind closed doors. 

At an emergency meeting Monday evening — called after Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s now former top deputy and one-time “minister of everything” quit as finance minister — the prime minister came face to face with Freeland along with an angry and bewildered caucus before he planned to go explain the crisis to the Liberal party’s top donors.

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Barrick Gold threatens to suspend Mali operations over blocked exports

Barrick Gold will suspend operations in Mali if gold shipments continue to be blocked, the company said on Monday as it struggles to reach agreement with authorities on a new mining code in the West African country.

Conditions at the miner’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex have “deteriorated significantly”, Barrick said, adding that employees have been imprisoned without cause and shipments of bullion have been blocked.

“If shipments remain suspended, Barrick will be compelled to suspend operations, further impacting the viability of this critical economic driver for Mali,” the company said.

Shares of Barrick Gold were trading down by 1.8% at the Toronto Stock Exchange at 12.13pm ET (5.30pm GMT).

A spokesperson for Mali’s mines ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. The ministry has previously not commented on the arrests of mining executives in the country.

The world’s second-largest gold miner by volume has been negotiating with authorities in Mali for a new mining code to govern its operations in the country for about a year. Barrick said those talks have been “unsuccessful”.

In a research note, Jefferies said the market was already expecting challenging negotiations for the company in Mali.

Negotiations stalled even after Barrick made “significant concessions”, which the government rejected, Barrick said.

A senior official at the Ministry of Mines told Reuters “negotiations are continuing, they’re ongoing”.

The government wants Barrick’s mine in the country to be governed under new mining rules adopted in 2023, Barrick said, but the law has no application to existing operations.

Mali authorities have arrested staff from Australia’s Resolute Mining, including its CEO Terence Holohan, who were released after the company agreed to pay $160-million to resolve a tax dispute. Executives from Barrick have also been detained and the government has an arrest warrant for Barrick CEO Mark Bristow.

Barrick said the charges against its staff are unfounded and called the arrest warrant against Bristow “illegitimate”.

“Recent developments further erode investor confidence in Mali’s mining sector and will deter future investment,” the company said.

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