Company Interviews

Interview with Jon Bey, CEO, Standard Uranium

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/standard-uranium-tsxvstnd-jv-funded-exploration-drilling-9336

Recording date: 11th May 2026

Standard Uranium is emerging as a notable player in the revitalized uranium sector, positioning itself for a potentially transformative discovery at its flagship Davidson River project in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. CEO Jon Bey highlights growing global investor interest—particularly across Europe and Asia—driven by increasing recognition of nuclear energy as a reliable, 24/7 clean power source essential for decarbonization.

Founded in 2017, the company operates in a region surrounded by billion-dollar uranium producers, yet maintains a relatively modest market capitalization of about $15 million CAD. This contrast creates significant upside potential if exploration succeeds. To sustain operations while minimizing financial risk, Standard adopted a “prospect generator” model, forming joint ventures on non-core assets. These partnerships fund exploration while Standard retains a 25% stake and ongoing exposure to discoveries, ensuring steady cash flow and operational continuity.

The Davidson River project had long been constrained by technical challenges, particularly 150 meters of glacial overburden that obscured traditional gravity survey data. This barrier was recently overcome using advanced passive seismic technology developed by Fleet Space, which enables accurate subsurface mapping. Combined with historical data and machine learning analysis, the company has identified high-priority drill targets at depths of 200 to 500 meters.

A fully funded 6,000-meter drill program—potentially expanding to 12,000 meters—is set to begin in early June. The use of scintillometer technology allows geologists to obtain near-instant radiation readings from drill core, enabling rapid identification of uranium mineralization and timely market updates.

Standard Uranium’s strategy is not to develop mines but to advance discoveries to feasibility and ultimately sell to larger producers. With strong investor interest, improving technology, and favorable market conditions, the company is entering a critical phase that could significantly redefine its valuation and role within the uranium sector.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/standard-uranium

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Interview with Brian W. Penny, CEO and Director, Wallbridge Mining

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/wallbridge-mining-tsxwm-advances-dual-gold-strategy-in-quebecs-abitibi-belt-8667

Recording date: 12th May 2026

Wallbridge Mining is advancing a significant gold resource base in Quebec’s Abitibi region, one of the world’s most established mining jurisdictions. The company controls approximately 4.25 million ounces of gold across two projects: the more advanced Fenelon deposit with 3.5 million ounces, and the earlier-stage Martiniere project with 750,000 ounces. Both assets remain open for expansion and are being evaluated independently to ensure disciplined capital allocation.

A March 2025 preliminary economic assessment for Fenelon highlights strong project economics, including a net present value of $1.4 billion, a 34% internal rate of return, and a rapid 2.4-year payback period at a conservative gold price of $3,000 per ounce. The project is designed as a 15-year underground operation producing an average of 107,000 ounces annually, with higher-grade output of 127,000 ounces per year in the first five years to accelerate returns.

Management has adopted a “right-sized” development strategy, opting for a 3,000 ton-per-day operation. This approach reduces capital intensity, simplifies permitting, and minimizes environmental impact while preserving upside from the broader resource base. Advancing the project to pre-feasibility will require $50–60 million and is expected to take approximately four years, including permitting and agreements with Indigenous communities.

Near-term catalysts include metallurgical testing to confirm gold recovery rates and validate dry-stack tailings, as well as an active drilling program at Martiniere targeting exploration upside. Despite strong project fundamentals, Wallbridge’s market capitalization remains around $100 million, creating a potential valuation gap.

With improving gold market conditions and a clear pathway to development, Wallbridge is positioned to unlock value through continued de-risking, resource conversion, and strategic flexibility, including the possibility of future acquisition.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/wallbridge-mining

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Interview with Mike Hodgson, CEO, Serabi Gold 

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/serabi-gold-lsesrb-the-playbook-for-growing-to-70000100000oz-while-returning-capital-9197

Recording date: 11th May 2026

Serabi Gold has entered a new phase of growth, transitioning from operational recovery to a financially strong, expansion-focused gold producer. In 2025, the company increased production to 44,000 ounces, up from 38,000 ounces in 2024, while maintaining an all-in sustaining cost of $1,816 per ounce. Supported by a strong gold price environment, this performance generated approximately $30 million in cash, ending the year with $50 million on hand. By the first quarter of 2026, Serabi had eliminated nearly $20 million in debt and grown its cash position to $65 million.

Looking ahead, the company expects to produce 53,000–55,000 ounces in 2026 and generate $60–100 million in free cash flow, depending on gold prices. This outlook is underpinned by a debt-free balance sheet and strong operating margins, even as Serabi invests $15 million annually in exploration and development.

A central pillar of its strategy is resource expansion. The company increased its resource base from 1 million to 1.4 million ounces in 2025 and is targeting 1.8–2 million ounces by the end of 2026 through extensive drilling. The Coringa project offers particularly strong upside, with significant unexplored potential along its mineralized strike.

A major milestone was the unanimous approval of environmental and indigenous studies for Coringa, significantly de-risking the permitting process. Final approval is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, paving the way for a potential doubling of annual production capacity to 100,000 ounces.

Serabi is also prioritizing shareholder returns through a dividend policy distributing 20% of cash flow, while evaluating disciplined acquisition opportunities. With strong cash generation, expanding resources, and a clear growth pathway, the company is well-positioned to scale production and enhance long-term value.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/serabi-gold

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Interview with Keith Henderson, CEO, Latin Metals

Recording date: 11th May 2026

Latin Metals is redefining the junior mining model through a pure prospect generator strategy focused on Argentina and Peru. Rather than funding costly drilling programs, the company identifies and acquires prospective mineral assets, then partners with well-capitalized operators who earn majority stakes—typically 70–75%—by completing drilling programs. This approach allows Latin Metals to operate on just $2–3 million annually while avoiding shareholder dilution, a common issue among traditional explorers.

A key innovation in its model is structuring earn-in agreements based on drilling meters instead of expenditure commitments. This ensures partners deliver tangible exploration work rather than inflating budgets with overhead costs. Currently, the company has secured approximately $80 million in partner-funded exploration, with expectations to grow this to $160–180 million as additional projects are optioned.

Latin Metals’ portfolio is concentrated in mining-friendly regions where it has deep local expertise, including a 500,000-hectare land position in northwest Argentina prospective for sediment-hosted gold deposits. Its partnerships include major and mid-tier players such as Moxico Resources, alongside past or ongoing relationships with Newmont, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. These collaborations validate the technical quality of its assets while distributing operational risk.

The company’s long-term strategy is to evolve into an organic royalty business. By retaining net smelter return (NSR) royalties and minority stakes, Latin Metals gains exposure to future production and rising commodity prices without assuming development costs. Additional value is realized through staged cash payments tied to resource estimates.

With improving mining sentiment in Argentina and strong demand for advanced projects, Latin Metals is positioned to benefit from multiple near-term exploration catalysts. Its disciplined, capital-light model offers diversified upside while maintaining financial stability and minimizing risk.

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Interview with Daniel Henao, CEO, Mineros S.A.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mineros-sa-tsxmsa-record-800m-revenue-in-2025-sets-up-2026-nicaragua-growth-surge-9396

Recording date: 8th May 2026

Mineros S.A., a long-established gold producer operating in Colombia and Nicaragua, is emerging as a compelling case of market undervaluation despite strong operational and financial performance. In the first quarter of 2026, the company produced 61,000 ounces of gold equivalent and generated $154 million in EBITDA, exceeding production guidance while keeping costs below expectations. Revenue reached $292 million, with significant gains driven not only by favorable gold prices but also by improved recovery rates and operational efficiencies.

Despite this momentum, Mineros trades at just 0.49 times price-to-net asset value, well below industry peers. With a market capitalization of approximately $1.2 billion, over $220 million in cash and gold holdings, and minimal debt, the company’s valuation appears disconnected from its earnings strength and asset base.

A key growth driver is its Nicaragua operation, where production is being constrained by processing capacity. A 50% expansion—from 1,750 to 2,500 tons per day—is underway to eliminate bottlenecks, with approximately 11,000 ounces already stockpiled for future processing. Costs have already declined משמעותfully as operations scale more efficiently.

Mineros is also advancing the Porvenir project, a $200 million development expected to produce 70,000 ounces annually, with strong projected returns. At the same time, the company is investing in a 100-kilometer exploration program while returning capital through a $30 million dividend and an $80 million share buyback.

Looking ahead, Mineros aims to increase production to 300,000 ounces in the near term and 500,000 ounces by 2030 through operational improvements, project development, and acquisitions. With solid cash flow, disciplined capital allocation, and visible growth pathways, the company positions itself as a mid-tier producer whose current valuation may not fully reflect its underlying potential.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mineros-sa

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 Interview with Colin Joudrie, CEO, Selkirk Copper Mines

Recording date: 8th May 2026

Selkirk Copper Mines is advancing the restart of a high-grade copper-gold-silver operation in Canada’s Yukon, targeting production by mid-2028. The project stands out for its exceptional geology, with copper grades ranging from 6% to 10% across more than 85 mineralized lenses, and recovery rates averaging 91%. These characteristics position Selkirk among the highest-grade copper producers globally, with concentrate grades of 39–40%, significantly above the industry average of 26–28%.

A major advantage lies in the project’s existing infrastructure. More than $330 million has already been invested in processing facilities, roads, and power, reducing restart capital requirements to roughly one-quarter of a comparable new development. This capital efficiency allows the company to focus spending on targeted upgrades and mine development rather than large-scale construction.

The project also features a groundbreaking partnership with the Selkirk First Nation, which holds approximately 20% equity in the company. This unique arrangement aligns community and corporate interests while unlocking exploration potential in a district that has seen little modern exploration for decades.

Recent drilling has reinforced confidence in the asset, achieving an 87% success rate across 175 holes, with results ranking among the best in the project’s history. These findings support a projected mine life of 12 to 15 years, with annual production targeted at around 30,000 tons of copper equivalent.

Following bankruptcy proceedings, the company emerged free of legacy financial burdens, including a gold-silver streaming agreement, enabling full exposure to favorable metal prices. Combined with strong market demand for high-quality copper concentrates, Selkirk is well positioned to secure flexible, non-dilutive financing through offtake agreements.

Overall, the project represents a rare combination of high-grade resources, existing infrastructure, and strong stakeholder alignment, offering a lower-risk path to near-term copper production.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/selkirk-copper

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Interview with Kiran Patankar, CEO, Maple Gold Mines

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/maple-gold-mines-ltd-tsxvmgm-funded-drilling-targets-douay-update-maiden-joutel-mre-9451

Recording date: 7th May 2026

Maple Gold Mines has significantly expanded its gold resource base to 5.2 million ounces across its Douay and Joutel deposits in Quebec’s Abitibi greenstone belt, marking a major step in establishing itself as a leading undeveloped gold project in the region. The updated estimate reflects strong growth, with indicated resources increasing by 77% and inferred resources by 70%. Douay accounts for approximately 4 million ounces as a large-scale, lower-grade open-pit project, while Joutel contributes over 1 million ounces at grades exceeding 4 g/t, highlighting its high-grade underground potential.

The company is well-funded, holding around $35 million in cash, which is expected to support operations through 2027. This financial position enables an aggressive exploration strategy, including up to 80,000 meters of additional drilling following a recently completed 32,000-meter program. Notably, results from recent drilling have yet to be incorporated into the current resource estimate, suggesting further upside potential.

Maple is advancing a dual-track strategy that combines resource expansion with early-stage engineering studies. These efforts aim to inform a potential preliminary economic assessment (PEA), expected in the first half of 2026. The company is evaluating multiple development scenarios, including blending higher-grade underground ore from Joutel with lower-grade open-pit material from Douay to enhance overall project economics.

Strategically, Maple benefits from strong infrastructure advantages, including existing shafts at Joutel and proximity to regional milling facilities. Its partnership with Agnico Eagle, a major player in the Abitibi region, further strengthens its development outlook.

Despite these strengths, Maple trades at a significant discount to peers, at roughly $26–27 per ounce compared to $50–60 per ounce for similar companies, with recent acquisitions valued even higher. This valuation gap underscores potential upside as the company advances toward development and demonstrates economic viability.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/maple-gold-mines-ltd

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Interview with Brian Miller, CEO, Astra Exploration

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/astra-exploration-tsxvastr-7500m-drilled-third-exploration-program-to-commence-9520

Recording date: 6th May 2026

Astra Exploration has secured $15 million in its largest financing to date, raising the funds near its all-time high share price and without issuing warrants—a strong signal of investor confidence. The financing was heavily oversubscribed, with $12.5 million coming from major institutional investors such as Schroders and Terra Capital. This backing reflects growing confidence in Astra’s geological model and disciplined exploration strategy at its flagship La Manchuria gold-silver project in southern Argentina.

La Manchuria presents a dual exploration opportunity. Near the surface, the project hosts a bulk tonnage gold-silver system, currently estimated at 146,000 gold-equivalent ounces at an average grade of about 2 grams per tonne, with significant room for expansion. At depth, Astra is targeting a high-grade feeder zone, where converging veins may indicate a richer “plumbing system” feeding the mineralization above. This concept, if confirmed, could significantly enhance the project’s economic potential, similar to other major discoveries in the region.

The company has launched its Phase 3 drilling program, targeting 5,000 to 7,000 meters, with the possibility of expanding to 20,000–30,000 meters over the next 12 to 18 months depending on results. Drilling focuses on both extending shallow mineralization and testing deeper convergence zones. Initial assay results are expected in July 2026 and will guide future exploration.

La Manchuria also benefits from strong infrastructure advantages, including proximity to two existing processing facilities and favorable topography that supports efficient open-pit mining. Combined with Argentina’s improving mining investment climate, Astra is well positioned to advance the project. The latest financing underscores institutional belief that the company’s methodical approach could unlock a significant gold-silver discovery.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/astra-exploration

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Interview with Sean Whiteford, CEO, NexMetals Mining

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/nickel-enters-a-new-era-as-indonesia-tightens-supply-and-prices-surge-10057

Recording date: 8th May 2026

NexMetals Mining is advancing the redevelopment of its Selebi and Selkirk copper-nickel-PGM deposits in Botswana through a combination of metallurgical innovation and aggressive exploration. A key breakthrough has been the successful production of separate, saleable copper and nickel concentrates, eliminating the need for costly smelter construction. This shift significantly reduces capital requirements and execution risk, making the projects more feasible for a development-stage company.

The deposits currently host approximately 28 million tons grading over 3% copper equivalent, with ongoing drilling aimed at expanding the resource base. A newly identified “flexure zone” at Selebi Main, defined through modern geophysical techniques, represents a high-priority target with strong indications of extensive mineralisation. Wide-spaced drilling has already demonstrated the potential for rapid resource growth.

Metallurgical testing has delivered results well above previous assumptions, with copper recoveries improving to 88% from 70% and palladium to 78.5% from 59%. Additional payable metals, including cobalt, gold, and silver, further enhance project value. These improvements are expected to increase net smelter return values and lower cutoff grades in the upcoming resource update, strengthening overall project economics.

Backed by an $80 million financing, NexMetals is progressing toward a maiden preliminary economic assessment, which will outline capital costs, operating metrics, and returns under the new concentrate-based development plan. Analysts have set price targets ranging from $8.50 to over $12, suggesting potential upside from current levels.

Strategically, the company is evaluating options such as a joint venture or spin-out of the Selkirk asset to unlock value while focusing on Selebi. Botswana’s stable, mining-friendly environment, existing infrastructure, and streamlined permitting further support a potentially accelerated path to production compared to greenfield projects.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/nexmetals-mining-corp

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 Recording date: 4th May 2026

Olive Resource Capital reported strong performance in April 2026, delivering double-digit returns that significantly outpaced traditional mining indices, which posted flat to modest gains. The outperformance was driven primarily by stock-specific gains rather than broader commodity trends, highlighting the fund’s emphasis on targeted investment selection.

The firm has simultaneously adopted a more defensive posture, increasing cash holdings to over $3 million—more than half of its liquid assets—following the monetisation of its Aurion Resources position after a takeover by Agnico Eagle, along with selective trimming of other holdings. Despite this, the portfolio remains approximately 85% invested, reflecting a balanced approach between caution and opportunity.

A key concern shaping strategy is the perceived underpricing of geopolitical risks tied to the Iran-Strait of Hormuz situation. While oil prices remain elevated, management believes equity markets are overly optimistic about a quick resolution and are failing to account for potential prolonged supply disruptions, particularly affecting Asia-Pacific economies. As a result, the fund has reduced exposure to that region and shifted focus toward North American assets, which are viewed as more resilient due to stronger domestic energy infrastructure.

The fund also identified a shift in market dynamics from momentum-driven gains to a more selective, catalyst-driven environment. In this new phase, meaningful stock performance depends on significant corporate developments rather than general sector tailwinds.

Looking ahead, Olive Resource Capital is positioning around several anticipated catalysts, including economic assessments, resource updates, and active drilling programs across multiple portfolio companies. This strategy aims to generate returns through company-specific developments while maintaining flexibility to navigate potential volatility.

Overall, the fund combines strong recent performance with prudent risk management, adapting to both changing market conditions and evolving geopolitical uncertainties.

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