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Top 10 Company Interviews Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Company Interviews episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Company Interviews for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Company Interviews episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
05/13/24 • 10 min
Interview with David Kelley, President & CEO of Chakana Copper
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/chakana-copper-tsx-v-peru-pivotal-3000m-drill-program-for-tier-one-potential-in-peru-5047
Recording date: 10th May 2024
Chakana Copper (TSX-V: PERU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company that is making significant strides in advancing its flagship Soledad project, located in the prolific Ancash mining district of Peru. The company's focus on high-grade copper, gold, and silver mineralization has positioned it as an attractive investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to the growing global demand for these metals.
Since 2017, Chakana Copper has been systematically exploring the Soledad project, which now encompasses a impressive 4,200 hectares of highly prospective land. The company's efforts have been rewarded with the discovery of numerous high-grade, outcropping tourmaline breccia pipes, which have consistently delivered strong copper, gold, and silver grades.
Recent drilling at the Estremadoyro breccia pipe has further highlighted the potential of the project, with intercepts of 1% copper, 0.6 g/t gold, and 26 g/t silver, equating to an impressive 1.65% copper equivalent grade. The presence of high-grade copper minerals such as bornite intergrown with chalcopyrite suggests the potential for even higher grades as exploration continues.
In addition to the high-grade breccias, Chakana Copper is also excited about the potential of its Mega Gold porphyry target. Porphyry deposits are known for their large size potential, and early indications from drilling at Mega Gold are encouraging. Visual observations of alteration and the presence of key minerals such as chalcopyrite and molybdenite suggest that the company may be onto a significant discovery.
Chakana Copper is currently in the midst of a 3,000-meter drill program, which is now being expanded based on the positive results received to date. This expansion is being supported by Gold Fields, a major shareholder in the company, which is a strong endorsement of the project's potential.
For investors, Chakana Copper offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to a major new copper-gold-silver discovery in a well-established mining jurisdiction. The company's strong technical team, backed by supportive shareholders and a tight share structure, is well-positioned to unlock the value of the Soledad project as exploration continues.
With the global demand for copper, gold, and silver expected to remain strong in the coming years, driven by the growth of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure development, Chakana Copper is poised to benefit from its strategic position in the market.
As the company continues to advance the Soledad project, investors can look forward to a steady stream of news flow, including drill results and resource updates, which have the potential to re-rate the stock as the true scale of the discovery becomes apparent.
In summary, Chakana Copper represents a compelling investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to the next major copper-gold-silver discovery in Peru. With a large, prospective land package, high-grade results, and a promising porphyry target, the company is well-positioned to deliver significant value to shareholders in the near term and beyond.
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Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/chakana-copper
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Ridgeline Minerals (TSXV:RDG) - Leveraging Partnerships for Gold and Copper Exploration Success
Company Interviews
10/10/24 • 23 min
Interview with Chad Peters, President & CEO of Ridgeline Minerals Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ridgeline-minerals-tsxvrdg-major-partner-funded-exploration-in-nevada-5826
Recording date: 8th October 2024
Ridgeline Minerals presents a compelling investment opportunity in the mineral exploration sector, focusing on high-potential gold and copper projects in Nevada, one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. The company has developed a unique business model that balances risk and reward by combining strategic partnerships with major mining companies and the advancement of wholly-owned exploration assets.
A key strength of Ridgeline's approach is its ability to attract substantial funding through partnerships with industry giants. The company has secured three earn-in agreements totaling $60 million across three projects. Notable partnerships include a $20 million deal with South32 for the Selena project and ongoing exploration funded by Nevada Gold Mines at the Swift project. These partnerships not only provide significant exploration funding but also validate the potential of Ridgeline's asset portfolio.
Importantly, Ridgeline maintains non-dilutive free carries to production on its partnered projects, typically retaining a 20-25% interest. This structure allows the company to preserve long-term value for shareholders while minimizing financial risk. In the near term, investors can expect substantial exploration activity, with President and CEO Chad Peters noting that partners are expected to spend about $3.5 million on Ridgeline's projects in Q4 2024 alone.
While partnerships form a crucial part of Ridgeline's strategy, the company also maintains a portfolio of 100% owned early-stage exploration assets. The standout among these is the Big Blue project, which has recently yielded impressive high-grade copper and gold samples, including up to 4% copper and 16 grams per ton gold. These results suggest the potential for a significant porphyry copper-gold system, a type of deposit known for its large scale and long mine life.
Ridgeline's exploration efforts target various deposit types, including Carlin-type gold deposits, porphyry copper-gold systems, and Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRDs). This diversity provides multiple avenues for potential discovery and helps to spread geological risk.
The current market environment presents both challenges and opportunities for junior explorers like Ridgeline. While overall market sentiment has been subdued, there are signs of increasing interest from major mining companies in funding exploration and making strategic investments in juniors. This trend could provide Ridgeline with additional avenues for funding its exploration programs, particularly on its 100% owned assets.
Looking ahead, investors can anticipate several potential catalysts, including results from ongoing drilling programs at partnered projects, advancement of the Selena project with South32, exploration progress at the 100% owned Big Blue project, and possible new strategic partnerships or investments.
However, as with all junior exploration companies, investors should be aware of the inherent risks and speculative nature of early-stage mineral exploration. Ridgeline's success will ultimately depend on exploration results and the company's ability to make significant discoveries.
In conclusion, Ridgeline Minerals offers investors exposure to a well-structured exploration company with a portfolio of high-potential projects in Nevada. The company's hybrid model of partnered and 100% owned assets provides a balance of funded exploration and discovery upside. With active programs underway and a strong network of industry partnerships, Ridgeline is well-positioned to capitalize on exploration success in a tier-one mining jurisdiction.
View Ridgeline Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/ridgeline-minerals
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Callinex Mines (TSXV:CNX) - Drilling for High-Grade Copper Riches in Manitoba's Flin Flon Belt
Company Interviews
10/10/24 • 27 min
Interview with Max Porterfield, President & CEO of Callinex Mines Inc.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/callinex-mines-tsxvcnx-the-high-grade-copper-play-in-canada-for-a-supply-constrained-world-5467
Recording date: 7th October 2024
Callinex Mines (TSXV:CNX) is positioning itself as a promising player in the copper exploration sector, focusing on high-grade discoveries in the prolific Flin Flon Mining District of Manitoba, Canada. With a fully funded 5,000-meter drill program underway, the company is targeting potentially significant copper-rich massive sulfide deposits that could drive substantial value creation for investors.
The company's flagship Pine Bay Project, located near Flin Flon, Manitoba, boasts a century-long history of exploration and sits in one of the world's premier districts for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. The project area encompasses the largest known felsic volcanic rock package in the Flin Flon belt, which has historically hosted 90% of the region's mines despite comprising only 10% of the rock package.
Callinex's most exciting prospect is the Descendant discovery, made in late 2022. This target is associated with a massive alteration system spanning at least 700 by 1100 meters, approximately ten times larger than the alteration footprint of the company's existing Rainbow deposit. Initial drilling has intersected wide intervals of mineralization indicative of a large VMS system, with grades comparable to the upper portions of the Rainbow deposit. Management believes Descendant could potentially host over 30 million tons of mineralization.
The company is employing advanced exploration techniques, including Magnetotelluric (MT) surveys, to guide its drilling efforts. This adaptive approach to technology demonstrates Callinex's commitment to maximizing its chances of success and potentially uncovering deposits that may have been missed by previous explorers.
While Descendant is a primary focus, the current drill program will also test several other promising target areas on the property, including Poseidon, Odin, and Ra. This multi-target approach diversifies exploration risk and increases the potential for new discoveries.
Callinex is also taking steps to advance its existing resources towards potential development. The company has completed baseline studies for an Advanced Exploration Permit (AEP) application, which it plans to submit by December 2024. This proactive approach to permitting could accelerate the timeline for moving discoveries into production, should they prove economically viable.
The long-term fundamentals for copper remain strong, driven by increasing global demand from electrification, urbanization, and technological advancement. On the supply side, challenges such as declining ore grades and limited new discoveries support a favorable outlook for copper prices.
For investors, Callinex Mines offers exposure to a potentially significant copper discovery story in its early stages. The company's focus on a proven mining district, experienced management team, and well-funded exploration program help mitigate some of the risks inherent in junior mining investments. Investors should maintain awareness that junior exploration companies carry significant risks, including the potential for share price volatility and the possibility that exploration efforts may not yield economic deposits. A long-term investment horizon is advisable to allow for potential discovery and development.
In summary, Callinex Mines presents an intriguing opportunity for investors seeking exposure to copper exploration in a world-class mining district, with multiple avenues for potential value creation and strong long-term fundamentals supporting the copper market.
View Callinex Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/callinex-mines
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
DRDGOLD (NYSE:DRD) - Turning Mine Waste into Sustainable Gold Production
Company Interviews
07/05/24 • 28 min
Interview with Niël Pretorius, CEO of DRDGOLD Ltd.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/drdgold-nysedrd-gold-recovery-land-restoration-dividends-4932
Recording date: 3rd July 2024
DRDGOLD Limited (NYSE:DRD) presents a unique investment opportunity in the gold mining sector, combining profitable gold production with environmental remediation. As a long-standing player in the South African mining industry, DRDGOLD has adapted its business model to address both the challenges and opportunities presented by the country's rich mining history.
The company specializes in recovering gold from mine dumps, focusing on reclaiming and reprocessing tailings scattered across the Witwatersrand basin. This approach not only allows for gold recovery but also contributes to environmental cleanup and land rehabilitation.
DRDGOLD is currently in a transitional phase, moving from its "old Ergo" operations to a new phase of growth. The company has successfully mined out the initial 190 million ton resource at Ergo and is now working on extending the life of mine by an additional 15 years. Simultaneously, DRDGOLD is expanding its Far West Gold Recoveries operation, aiming to double its throughput.
To support this growth, DRDGOLD is making significant capital investments, planning to spend around 70% of its current market capitalization on new infrastructure over the next few years. Importantly, the company intends to fund this primarily through operational cash flows, demonstrating the robustness of its business model.
A key aspect of DRDGOLD's strategy is its focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices. The company is investing heavily in renewable energy, including a 60 megawatt solar plant and 160 Mwh battery storage system. This not only ensures reliable, affordable electricity but also aligns with the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
From a financial perspective, DRDGOLD has established a track record of consistent dividend payments, having paid dividends for the past 17 years. The company typically aims for a dividend yield in the range of 3-5%, making it attractive for income-focused investors.
DRDGOLD's profitability is closely tied to the gold price, particularly in South African Rand terms. The company benefits when gold prices are high and the Rand is relatively weak, as it produces in Rand but sells in dollars.
For investors, DRDGOLD offers a unique value proposition. It provides exposure to gold price movements, a consistent dividend income, strong ESG credentials, and potential for future growth. The company's focus on sustainable practices and environmental remediation positions it well in an investment landscape increasingly concerned with ESG factors. While the investment thesis for DRDGOLD is compelling, investors should be aware of certain risks. These include gold price volatility, operational risks associated with tailings reprocessing, potential regulatory changes in South Africa, and execution risks related to the company's growth strategy.
As CEO Neil Pretorius states, "We take away a lot of the tension in investing in a gold stock because we don't dig new holes, we fill existing holes." This encapsulates DRDGOLD's unique position at the intersection of gold mining and environmental remediation.
In conclusion, DRDGOLD represents an interesting opportunity for investors seeking exposure to gold with a sustainable twist. Its unique business model, growth plans, and environmental focus set it apart in the mining sector. However, as with any investment, potential investors should carefully consider the risks and conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.
View DRDGOLD's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/drdgold-limited
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Pan Global Resources (TSXV:PGZ) - Unveils High-Grade Copper Project
Company Interviews
07/05/24 • 12 min
Interview with Tim Moody, President & CEO of Pan Global Resources Inc.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/copper-explorers-aiming-to-fill-the-growing-supply-gap-5598
Recording date: 4th July 2024
Pan Global Resources, a copper exploration company, has recently made a strategic move that could significantly enhance its value proposition for investors. The company has acquired a new high-grade copper property in northern Spain, complementing its existing projects in the southern part of the country.
The acquisition is particularly noteworthy due to the exceptional grades reported from initial sampling. President and CEO Tim Moody revealed that samples from the Profunda site showed copper grades as high as 10.3%, substantially above the global average for copper deposits of around 0.4%. Moreover, the samples indicated significant presence of valuable by-products including cobalt, nickel, silver, and gold, potentially enhancing the project's economics.
This new property has a rich mining history dating back to the 1870s, with major operations running through the 1930s. The historical context provides Pan Global with valuable data to guide their exploration efforts, including underground sampling and mapping information from previous work conducted in 2016.
Currently, Pan Global is conducting a cost-effective reconnaissance program, including a 1000-sample soil survey and detailed geological mapping. The company is utilizing portable XRF technology for rapid, on-site analysis, allowing for efficient initial screening of mineralization. Importantly, this work is being conducted within the company's existing budget, demonstrating prudent financial management.
Near-term catalysts for investors include the results from the ongoing ground exploration work and a planned drilling program. Moody indicated that the company aims to drill one or two holes at the Providencia mine site before year-end, which could provide crucial validation of the high-grade mineralization suggested by surface sampling and historical data.
The timing of this acquisition appears favorable given the macro environment for copper. The global transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles is driving increased demand for copper, with some analysts predicting a significant supply deficit in the coming years. In this context, high-grade deposits like the one Pan Global is exploring become particularly valuable, as they typically allow for lower production costs and higher profit margins.
Moreover, the project's location in Spain, a stable jurisdiction with well-developed infrastructure and a history of mining, adds to its appeal. As geopolitical tensions grow in some traditional copper-producing countries, projects in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions may command a premium.
While the initial results are promising, it's important for investors to remember that this is still an early-stage exploration project. The planned drilling program will be crucial in confirming the extent and continuity of the high-grade mineralization. However, if Pan Global can successfully delineate a substantial high-grade resource, it could attract attention from major mining companies and potentially lead to significant value creation for shareholders.
In summary, Pan Global Resources' new high-grade copper project in Spain presents an intriguing opportunity for investors interested in the copper sector. The combination of exceptional grades, valuable by-products, favorable jurisdiction, and increasing global copper demand creates a compelling investment thesis. However, as with all early-stage exploration projects, investors should closely monitor the company's progress and consider the associated risks before making investment decisions.
View Pan Global Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/pan-global-resources
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
12/11/23 • 5 min
Interview with Dan Noone, CEO of G2 Goldfields Inc.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g2-goldfields-tsxvgtwo-huge-grades-discovered-at-ghanie-south-in-omz-project-4194
Recording date: 8th December 2023
Expanding a High-Grade Gold Discovery in Guyana
G2 Goldfields is focused on rapidly expanding their initial high-grade gold discovery at the OKO project in Guyana's Cuyuni region. With an initial inferred resource of 1.2 million ounces grading 9 g/t gold already outlined, drilling is underway to grow the resource base and make additional discoveries across 20km of prospective mineralized structure.
The current 1.2 million ounce resource is open for expansion, with drilling having encountered even higher grades at depth below the main OKO zone. As CEO Dan Noone explained, "As we drill deeper and we're targeting the higher grade, the average grade of the quartz veining was 22 g/t.” These exceptional grades showcase the potential as mining extends to depth. An updated resource estimate incorporating recent high-grade results will be released in Q1 2024.
While occasional exceptionally high-grade “jewelry box” intercepts generate headlines and showcase upside, Noone stressed that consistency and continuity of the overall mineralization is most important economically. As he cautioned, “You need mining width and you need continuity.” The focus remains on expanding the known zones of economic mineralization through step-out and infill drilling. Still, intersecting occasional spectacular high-grade pockets can provide a significant value boost.
With five drill rigs active, resource expansion drilling is targeting depth and strike extensions of high-grade shoots in the Main Zone and Ganny Zone. At the same time, regional exploration continues testing targets across 20km of highly prospective ground holding potential for new discoveries. As Noone asserted, "The discoveries are what really adds value in the mining industry."
For investors, G2 Goldfields offers exposure to resource expansion and new discoveries around an initial 1 million-ounce high-grade gold deposit in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with district-scale upside. Upcoming catalysts include an updated resource estimate in Q1 2024 expected to demonstrate substantially higher grades from depth extensions of mineralization. The consistently impressive gold grades highlight potential to develop into a high-margin underground mining operation.
Consider building an exposure while the resource is still early stage, allowing investors to ride substantial growth from resource drilling and ongoing exploration upside. Significant news flow should be expected through 2024, with 80,000 meters of drilling completed this year already. As resources grow towards a critical mass, the high grades should command premium valuations. The project's profile appears well-suited to underground mining scenarios which can deliver solid investment returns.
Key Takeaways:
Initial 1.2Moz gold resource at 9 g/t open for expansion through drilling
Updated resource coming Q1 2024 expected to show substantially higher grades
80,000 meters drilled in 2022, huge exploration upside across 20km strike
High grades suggest potential low-cost underground mining scenario
Opportunity to buy into resource growth and new discoveries
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View G2 Goldfields' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/g2-goldfields
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Kodiak Copper (TSXV:KDK) - Hunting for More Copper Discoveries in BC
Company Interviews
12/12/23 • 10 min
Interview with Claudia Tornquist, President & CEO of Kodiak Copper Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/kodiak-copper-tsxvkdk-20000m-of-drill-assays-coming-soon-3884
Recording date: 11th December 2023
Exploring a Potential Major Copper District in Southern BC
Despite an extensive 2023 drill campaign spanning over 18,500 meters at multiple new regional targets, junior explorer Kodiak Copper has endured a declining share price amid broader junior mining market weakness. While full assay results are still pending, management believes early drilling confirms their working porphyry model at the MPD copper-gold project in British Columbia. Their thesis is that MPD could represent a significant-scale copper system with high-grade mineralized centers surrounded by lower-grade envelope halos.
President and CEO Claudia Tornquist explains that while the market is frustrated by intercepts below 0.2% copper, MPD requires context. Nearby mines like Copper Mountain have demonstrated economic grades at cutoff levels around 0.12% copper. Recent Kodiak holes reporting strong mineralization over kilometer lengths signal a substantial footprint, even at modest grades. Most promising are the emerging high-grade zones found thus far at the Gate Zone, West Zone and elsewhere that hold the key to any production scenario.
With sector sentiment poor but treasury still healthy at $4 million, Kodiak's focus is demonstrating the large scale potential at MPD. An early strategic investment by major base metals miner Teck Resources maintained to this day signals Teck sees district possibilities. Tornquist believes a portfolio of 18 defined regional targets, with most still untested, can drive substantial resource growth through new discoveries. This would bolster Kodiak's case as an attractive project for a future acquirer.
With its exploration model seemingly validated in early drilling, Kodiak plans to stay the course at MPD in 2024. Well funded for now thanks to earlier financing, upcoming exploration will zero in on the next batch of regional targets aiming to show substantial scale. Though dilution risks are real for Kodiak, demonstrating enough mineralized footprint to suggest possible development could mean a substantial upside re-rating when markets strengthen.
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View Kodiak Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/kodiak-copper-corp
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
12/22/23 • 28 min
Interview with Max Porterfield, President & CEO of Callinex Mines Inc.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/callinex-mines-tsxvcnx-technical-analysis-due-diligence-4008
Recording date: 20th December 2023
Callinex Mines (TSXV: CNX) has made significant progress during 2023 advancing its 100% owned Pine Bay copper-zinc-gold-silver project located in the Flin Flon Mining District in Manitoba.
Through disciplined exploration drilling this year, Callinex has continued expanding higher-grade resources, especially at its recent Rainbow discovery, while also discovering new zones of mineralization. Rainbow encompasses three steeply dipping lenses which start just 100m below surface. An updated resource estimate in July outlined 3.44M tons indicated grading at 3.59% CuEq, positioning Rainbow as one of the highest grade undeveloped copper projects in Canada. Meanwhile early indications point to a strong exploration upside remaining along trend and at depth.
Equally exciting, new drill results announced in September highlighted a significant new discovery called Descendant (named after early regional explorers). Four zones of high-grade copper-zinc-gold-silver sulphides were encountered spanning an interval of ~350 meters vertical depth. With mineralization open in all directions, this large system shows early similarities to some of the world’s premier VMS deposits. Assays from several step-out holes are anticipated in early 2024, which will provide initial clues on the potential scale emerging at Descendant.
Between resource expansion underway at Rainbow and the new discovery potential unlocked at Descendant, CEO Max Porterfield sees a clear line of sight to double Callinex’s global resource inventory from the current 6M ton baseline over the next 12-18 months.
Callinex is funded for its near-term exploration campaign with a strengthened cash position. The company has attracted necessary capital raises from long-term supportive shareholders in each of the past cycles when entering new discovery phases. Even amidst the challenging junior mining equity backdrop during 2022, key technical catalysts drove Callinex 65% higher in early 2022 before drifting back to the current $1.80 share price. With two potential mines already significantly de-risked and copper supply/demand fundamentals continuing to tighten globally, the company expects tailwinds from a constructive base metals pricing environment as exploration progresses into 2024.
In summary, Callinex Mines provides investors uniquely leveraged exposure amongst junior miners to what many expect will be a prolonged copper bull market. Near-term upside exists from both continued exploration success as well as discoveries being re-rated higher by the market as copper deficit conditions persist. With a strengthened technical team confident they’re onto a very large system at Descendant based on early drilling and supporting geophysical surveys, Callinex shows potential as key catalysts hit over the coming 6-12 months.
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View Callinex Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/callinex-mines
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
Empress Royalty (TSXV:EMPR) - The Pure-Play Precious Metals Royalty Growth Opportunity
Company Interviews
06/11/24 • 12 min
Interview with David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, and Alexandra Woodyer Sherron, President & CEO of Empress Royalty Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/empress-royalty-tsxvempr-expands-portfolio-with-revenue-generating-mining-assets-3300
Recording date: 5th June 2024
Empress Royalty is an emerging royalty and streaming company offering investors an attractive way to gain exposure to gold and silver. The company has identified a unique niche in the market, providing $5-10 million in financing to near-production or producing mines to fund expansions, development, and equipment purchases. This strategy allows Empress to generate revenue quickly by partnering with proven operators and assets.
A key differentiator for Empress Royalty is the strength and track record of its management team. Endeavour Financial, a leading mining financial advisory firm, reassembled a team of veterans at Empress, leveraging their expertise to source, structure and execute royalty and streaming transactions. This experience allows Empress to conduct rigorous due diligence, navigate complex jurisdictions, and create win-win financing solutions for mining companies.
Importantly, Empress Royalty is the only sizable royalty and streaming company solely focused on gold and silver. While its peers have diversified into other metals like cobalt and copper, Empress has remained steadfast in its precious metals focus, providing a pure-play investment vehicle for those seeking gold and silver exposure. Management believes the macro backdrop of rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty will continue to drive demand for gold and silver as safe-haven assets and stores of value.
Empress has moved quickly to build a portfolio of four cash-flowing royalty and streaming assets across Peru, Mozambique, South Africa, and Mexico. These investments generated approximately $4 million in revenue in 2023, with annual revenue expected to roughly double to $7-8 million in 2024. The existing portfolio is projected to generate $60 million in revenue over the next five years before accounting for any additional acquisitions.
Empress is not standing still and is actively working to scale and diversify its asset base. The company is currently conducting due diligence on several new opportunities with term sheets outstanding on three potential transactions. It is targeting 3-4 new investments in the $5-10 million range this year, which could meaningfully increase its revenue and cash flow profile. While Empress is keen to deploy capital, it remains disciplined in its approach, having turned down six deals in the past 18 months after extensive analysis determined they did not meet its investment criteria.
With a market cap of over $30 million, Empress Royalty appears to be flying under the radar of most investors despite its attractive business model, experienced management team, and significant growth potential. As the company continues to scale its portfolio and cash flow per share, it would not be surprising to see Empress Royalty garner greater attention from investors seeking precious metals exposure. Given the company's pure-play focus on gold and silver, investors can use Empress to gain royalty and streaming exposure to these metals without taking on the operational, financial, and geopolitical risks of mining companies. As the precious metals bull market gains momentum, Empress Royalty offers a compelling way to participate.
View Empress Royalty's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/empress-royalty
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
04/03/24 • 38 min
Interview with Sam Lee, President & CEO of NorthIsle Copper & Gold Inc.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/northisle-copper-gold-ncx-exciting-copper-gold-porphyry-in-british-columbia-3223-8180e
Recording date: 2nd April 2024
NorthIsle Copper & Gold (TSXV:NCX) is advancing the North Island Project, a district-scale copper-gold porphyry discovery located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. With a large established resource, extensive existing infrastructure, and strong government and First Nations support, NorthIsle offers investors an attractive opportunity to gain exposure to rising copper and gold prices.
The company's flagship North Island Project covers over 34,000 hectares of mineral claims prospective ground and hosts several porphyry copper-gold deposits, including the advanced-stage Hushamu and Red Dog deposits. These deposits host combined Indicated resources of 5 million ounces of gold and 3 billion pounds of copper, positioning North Island among the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects in Canada.
Importantly, the project benefits from extensive existing infrastructure, including paved road access, a deep-water port, and an ample supply of low-cost hydroelectric power. This infrastructure advantage significantly reduces the capex and development timeline compared to more remote projects. NorthIsle has also established strong relationships with the local First Nations, signing consent agreements that provide a clear framework for consultation and economic participation.
While the 2021 PEA demonstrated robust economics for a large-scale, 22-year mine at North Island, NorthIsle has recently pivoted to a phased development approach to fast-track the project to production. The company plans to first develop a smaller, higher-grade starter pit operation focused on the Red Dog and Northwest Expo zones, with the larger Hushamu deposit serving as a longer-term growth opportunity.
Recent drilling at Northwest Expo has intercepted multiple zones of near-surface, high-grade copper-gold mineralization, including 96 m grading 1.42 g/t gold eq. and 87m grading 1.46g/t gold eq. These results underscore the potential for NorthIsle to develop a low-cost, high-margin initial mining operation with a small footprint and low strip ratio. By starting small, the company can significantly reduce upfront capital costs and accelerate the timeline to first production and cash flow.
Importantly, NorthIsle is fully funded to execute on this strategy after raising $6.4 million in an oversubscribed private placement in December 2023. The financing was anchored by several prominent resource-focused funds and positions the company to aggressively advance the project through drilling, economic studies, and permitting in 2024.
Looking ahead, NorthIsle offers investors multiple paths to value creation. In the near-term, the company is focused on expanding and upgrading the resource at Northwest Expo and Red Dog to support the development of the starter pit operation. Continued exploration success and the completion of engineering studies and permitting milestones should help to re-rate the stock as the project advances towards a construction decision.
Longer-term, NorthIsle has significant optionality to expand the operation to incorporate the larger Hushamu resource as market conditions warrant. The company also controls a large prospective land package with several untested exploration targets that could deliver new discoveries to further enhance the project. With a proven management team, a world-class copper-gold asset, and a clear path forward, NorthIsle is well-positioned to capitalize on the strong long-term fundamentals for critical metals.
View NorthIsle Copper & Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/northisle-copper-gold
Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
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