Company Interviews

Interview with Jason Bontempo, Director & CEO of Gladiator Metals

Recording date: 28th May 2025

Gladiator Metals (TSXV:GLAD) is positioning itself as a compelling copper exploration story in Canada's Yukon Territory, with CEO Jason Bontempo targeting significant value creation from the historically productive Whitehorse Copper Project. The company controls a 35-kilometer copper belt located adjacent to Whitehorse city, combining proven geological potential with exceptional infrastructure access that distinguishes it from typical remote mining ventures.

The project carries substantial historical precedent, building on Hudbay Mining's successful operations from 1967 to 1982, which extracted 10.5 million tons at 1.5% copper and nearly one gram per ton of gold before closure due to copper price decline. Bontempo acquired the entire copper belt through his relationship with drilling contractors Jim and Rob Coyne of Kluane Drilling, providing Gladiator with unprecedented access to what he describes as the first dedicated technical team and funding the project has received in 40 years.

Chief Geologist Marcus Harden's due diligence revealed significant near-surface copper potential, with Bontempo noting "After due diligence, Marcus came back and said, hey I think I see around 15 to 20 million tons at 1.5% copper from the surface." The flagship Cowley Park prospect serves as the primary focus, with recent drilling intercepting impressive high-grade cores ranging from 15 to 30 meters running 2-8% copper.

Gladiator maintains a strong financial foundation with C$15 million in cash treasury supporting a comprehensive 30,000-meter drilling program, while trading at a C$40 million market capitalization. The company has established community partnerships, signing a capacity funding agreement with the Kwanlin Dün (KDFN) First Nations in October 2024, with comprehensive partnership agreements expected by year-end.

Bontempo targets over 100 million tons at above 1% copper across the belt, with plans to deliver a maiden resource estimate in Q1 2026. The company's strategic position near Whitehorse provides year-round operational capability and cost efficiencies, with drilling costs averaging C$200 per diamond meter—significantly below industry benchmarks for remote locations.

View Gladiator Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/gladiator-metals

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Victor Cantore, President & CEO of Amex Exploration Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/amex-exploration-tsxvamx-quebec-gold-developer-evaluates-pfs-option-for-16moz-perron-project-6683

Recording date: 28th May 2025

AMEX Exploration Inc. (TSXV:AMX) has delivered a transformational resource upgrade that positions the company for rapid advancement to gold production in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt. The updated mineral resource estimate reveals 1.615 million ounces in measured and indicated categories at 6.14 g/t, representing a remarkable 172% increase over the 2024 estimate with a 43% grade improvement.

The flagship Champagne Zone forms the production core with 831,000 ounces at an exceptional 16.20 g/t, supported by an additional 128,000 inferred ounces at 9.83 g/t. This high-grade foundation enables CEO Victor Cantore's strategic pivot toward cash flow generation while maintaining exploration activities across 197 square kilometers of prospective land.

AMEX's production strategy leverages unique advantages that distinguish it from typical development projects. Located near the historic mining town of Normétal, the project benefits from existing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and multiple toll milling options throughout the region. The underground mining approach requires minimal surface infrastructure, accelerating permitting timelines compared to open-pit operations.

Management has outlined an aggressive two-year timeline to production, beginning with an updated preliminary economic assessment within 60 days, followed by a feasibility study focused on toll milling operations. This phased approach generates early cash flows while advancing full mine development, supporting Cantore's anti-dilutive growth model that minimizes shareholder dilution through operational cash flow rather than repeated equity raises.

Strategic validation comes through Eldorado Gold's 9.9% ownership, providing technical expertise from their similar high-grade Lamaque operation. The partnership strengthens AMEX's transition from exploration to production while maintaining management independence.

With total resources of 2.313 million ounces and exceptional grades enabling economic toll milling across wide geographic areas, AMEX exemplifies the industry trend toward high-grade, capital-efficient operations that maximize returns per ounce while building sustainable long-term cash flows.

View AMEX Exploration's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/amex-exploration

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Kyle Floyd, CEO, VOX Royalty 

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/vox-royalty-tsxvoxr-strong-growth-potential-with-near-term-revenue-focus-5599

Recording date: 27 May 2025

VOX Royalty Corp has established itself as a distinctive player in the mining royalty sector by prioritizing fundamental value over commodity-specific strategies. CEO Kyle Floyd outlined the company's transformation from a single producing asset five years ago to a diversified portfolio of eight producing assets across nine ore bodies, while maintaining industry-leading return on invested capital.

The company's acquisition strategy targets assets 2-5 years from production, allowing VOX to secure favorable pricing while taking calculated development risks. Floyd emphasizes that unlike competitors who "buy assets at one-times NAV and hope to benefit from optionality," VOX requires "value on the front end in terms of what we're buying and the ultimate net asset value attached to that asset as it stands today."

Recent acquisitions exemplify this approach across different timelines. The Red Hill gold royalty, acquired in September 2023, represents a longer-term opportunity expected to generate "$15 million plus per annum" once Northern Star completes its $1.5 billion mill expansion within 18-24 months. Conversely, the producing Kanmantoo copper royalty acquired for $12 million offers immediate cash flow with significant expansion potential through a planned 60,000-meter drill program.

VOX demonstrated strong financial performance in 2024, achieving record positive free cash flow and increasing 2025 revenue guidance from $12-14 million to $13-15 million. The company maintains a healthy balance sheet with $9 million cash against $11.7 million debt, utilizing 6.8% cost debt financing to fund accretive acquisitions.

Geographic concentration in Western Australia reflects VOX's risk management philosophy, with Floyd calling it "the best mining jurisdiction you can possibly have exposure to as a royalty company." Current gold prices exceeding $5,000 per ounce in Australian dollars create favorable tailwinds for the portfolio.

As Floyd noted regarding the company's enhanced capabilities: "If it rains gold, don't put out the thimble, put out the bucket. I think we're in a position now where the bucket's ready."

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/vox-royalty

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with
Tim Froude, CEO of Sokoman Minerals
Jeffery Wilson, CEO of Precipitate Gold

Recording date: 27 May 2025

Despite gold trading above $3,300 per ounce, junior mining companies continue to face significant challenges in accessing capital and generating investor interest. Two Canadian gold exploration companies, Sokoman Minerals and Precipitate Gold, are adapting their strategies to navigate this complex investment environment.

Sokoman Minerals is making a strategic pivot from traditional drilling to bulk sampling at their Moosehead project in Newfoundland. CEO Tim Froude announced the company will pursue bulk sampling in 2025 after drilling 130,000 meters across seven high-grade gold zones with limited market response. 

The company has allocated $1.5 million for their first conventional bulk sample, extracting 1,000 cubic meters of material to demonstrate economic viability and attract mid-tier partners. Despite strong drill results, including a recent intersection of 70 grams per ton over 4.5 meters, the company's share price remained stagnant, prompting the strategic shift.

Precipitate Gold maintains a stronger financial position with $4 million in treasury, focusing on their Juan de Herrera project in the Dominican Republic. The company benefits from a previous $7 million investment by Barrick Gold and a $5 million land sale to the major. Precipitate plans drilling later in 2025 at their project adjacent to Goldquest Mining's 3.5 million ounce Romero deposit.

Both companies highlighted the disappearance of retail investors from the junior mining sector. The traditional "mom and pop" investors who historically drove capital into exploration companies have largely vanished, forcing companies to target more sophisticated institutional and strategic investors.

The Dominican Republic mining environment shows signs of improvement, with wealthy local investors contributing $23 million to Goldquest Mining in recent financings, signaling renewed confidence in the jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Newfoundland expects $250 million in exploration expenditures for 2025, up from $180 million previously.

These strategic adaptations reflect a broader maturation in the junior mining sector, where companies must demonstrate economic viability beyond exploration results to attract investment in today's challenging capital markets.

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with
Bruce Lane, CEO of GTI Energy
Thomas Lamb, CEO of Myriad Uranium

Recording date: 22 May 2025

The Trump administration's energy emergency declaration and focus on artificial intelligence infrastructure demands are creating unprecedented support for domestic uranium development, according to industry executives leading next-generation mining projects.

Bruce Lane, CEO of GTI Energy, and Thomas Lamb, CEO of Myriad Uranium, recently outlined how federal energy policies are driving new investment dynamics in the uranium sector. Both companies are developing projects in Wyoming and New Mexico, positioning themselves to capitalize on growing electricity demands from AI and data centers.

The executives emphasized that current energy policy prioritizes practical electricity needs over environmental considerations. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are "extremely committed to increasing the amount of energy or electricity in particular for the grid," Lane noted, highlighting the administration's urgency around energy infrastructure development.

However, regulatory implementation remains measured. Wyoming and New Mexico officials support faster project processing while maintaining proper environmental and cultural survey requirements. "The executive orders aren't laws," Lamb explained, noting that existing regulatory frameworks remain unchanged despite executive guidance.

The companies are pursuing different strategic approaches while maintaining capital discipline. GTI Energy is preparing a scoping study for its Lo Herma in-situ recovery project, targeting institutional investors beyond traditional retail funding. Myriad Uranium is advancing its Copper Mountain project in Wyoming and Red Basin project in New Mexico, with recent drilling revealing uranium grades up to 50% higher than historical estimates.

Industry consolidation appears likely over the next 12 months, with private equity groups and technology companies potentially entering the sector to secure future uranium supply. Both executives expect increased merger and acquisition activity, driven by strategic rather than purely financial considerations.

The uranium market faces timing challenges despite positive policy catalysts, with utilities contracting below replacement rates while maintaining substantial inventory buffers. Companies with credible projects and proper development strategies are positioning themselves to benefit from evolving investment dynamics in the uranium sector.

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with
Victor Cantore, CEO of AMEX Exploration
Dan Noone, CEO of G2 Goldfields

Recording date: 27 May 2025

Two prominent gold exploration executives highlighted their companies' substantial resource bases and positive market outlook during a recent industry discussion, underscoring the current strength in precious metals fundamentals.

Victor Cantore, CEO of AMEX Exploration, reported his company's updated mineral resource estimate of 2.3 million ounces in Quebec's established Normétal mining district. The resource includes 1.6 million ounces in measured and indicated categories, with a particularly notable high-grade "Champagne Zone" containing 831,000 ounces at 6.2 grams per tonne. AMEX's strategic location benefits from existing infrastructure, electricity access, and proximity to established communities, reducing development costs and operational complexity.

Dan Noone, CEO of G2 Goldfields, announced his company's 3 million ounce resource in Ghana at approximately 3 grams per tonne, with additional discoveries at the Oko North area currently under exploration. G2 operates adjacent to significant mining activity, including recent acquisitions by G Mining and AngloGold's 15% regional investment, which has validated the district's potential and enhanced investor confidence in Ghana's mining jurisdiction.

Both executives reported exceptionally positive investor reception at the recent Canaccord conference, with fully booked meeting schedules and strong institutional interest from North American, Australian, and Asian investors. Market sentiment reflects bullish expectations for gold prices exceeding $3,000, driven by structural changes including central bank purchasing and global currency diversification strategies.

The companies pursue different strategic approaches: AMEX focuses on a dual-path strategy combining near-term production through bulk sampling and toll milling with continued exploration, while G2 Goldfields emphasizes resource expansion before potential merger and acquisition opportunities.

Both executives emphasized the importance of high-grade resources in current market conditions, noting that quality deposits maintain profitability across various gold price scenarios. The financing environment remains selective, favoring advanced projects with proven management teams and substantial resources, while access to capital remains constrained for less developed opportunities.

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Shane Williams, President & CEO, West Red Lake Gold Mines

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/west-red-lake-gold-mines-tsxvwrlg-bulk-sample-results-validate-mine-restart-plan-7088

Recording date: 23 May 2025

West Red Lake Gold Mines has achieved a significant operational milestone with the successful restart of production at its flagship Madsen mine in Canada's prolific Red Lake mining district. Following an intensive 18-month preparation period, the company secured board approval after completing a comprehensive bulk sampling program that validated resource models and operational capabilities.

The bulk sampling program delivered exceptional technical results, achieving 96% grade reconciliation across three mining areas and 94% mill recovery rates. These metrics exceeded industry standards and provided robust validation of the company's geological modeling, particularly impressive given the deposit's complex geology that had challenged previous operators. President and CEO Shane Williams emphasized that the program confirmed "the resource and the work we've done is fully into place as expected."

Economic conditions have dramatically improved project viability, with current gold prices around $3,300 compared to the $1,600 used in original feasibility studies. This price environment has enabled the company to reduce cut-off grades to 1-2.5 grams, effectively doubling minable material and providing substantial operating margins. Williams noted that previous operators produced gold at just under $2,500 per ounce despite operational challenges, highlighting the significant margin potential at current prices.

The operation benefits from scalable infrastructure, with mill capacity expandable from 800 to 1,200 tonnes per day through minimal modifications. Recent infrastructure improvements include shaft renovation, 24/7 underground hauling capabilities with larger trucks, and a connection drift linking mining portals that eliminates surface transportation constraints.

Ongoing drilling programs have identified new high-grade zones, particularly in the South Austin area, enabling lateral expansion rather than expensive deep development. With 150,000 ounces of drill inventory providing two years of mine planning visibility, the company has established a solid foundation for sustained production growth in one of Canada's premier gold mining districts.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/west-red-lake-gold-mines-inc

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Compass, episode 16

Our previous interview: www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/silver-companies-merging-to-gain-scale-in-rising-market-7145

Recording date: 20 May 2025

Resource exploration companies operating in northern regions like Canada and Alaska follow a predictable seasonal pattern that creates potential investment opportunities for informed investors. According to experts Samuel Pelaez and Derek Macpherson from Olive Resource Capital, these "seasonal explorers" operate primarily during summer months due to weather constraints, creating a predictable annual cycle in both operations and stock performance.

The cycle begins in late spring (May) when companies announce exploration programs and mobilize crews. Summer (June-August) brings active exploration with ongoing drilling programs and preliminary updates. By fall (September-November), companies release results from summer programs, often coinciding with major industry conferences. Winter and spring (December-April) see limited operational activity and news flow, typically resulting in declining share prices.

A significant factor influencing this pattern is the structure of flow-through funding in Canada. Flow-through funds, which provide tax advantages to investors, often conduct raises in the fall that must be deployed by year-end. These investments typically have a four-month hold period, creating selling pressure around April when funds liquidate positions to return capital to investors.

This selling pressure, combined with the natural lull in news flow during spring, creates potential buying opportunities for investors who understand the pattern. The experts suggest that 2025 presents unique circumstances, with the resource sector having stronger momentum than in previous years, particularly in copper and gold.

For investors looking to capitalize on these patterns, the experts recommend identifying companies operating in areas with defined seasonal constraints, focusing on early-stage companies where the pattern is more pronounced, and considering companies with multiple assets that can maintain year-round news flow.

Currently (May 2025), the experts suggest this may be an opportune time for entry positions in seasonal explorers, particularly in gold and copper, with potential exit opportunities in the fall when exploration results are reported.

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Pascal Hamelin, President & CEO of Abcourt Mines Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abcourt-mines-tsxvabi-self-funded-high-grade-gold-mill-expands-4922

Recording date: 20th May 2025

Abcourt Mines (TSXV:ABI) is positioning itself as an emerging gold producer in Quebec, with plans to pour first gold from its 100%-owned Sleeping Giant mine in the second half of 2025. Led by President and CEO Pascal Hamelin, the company has transformed its strategy over the past three years, shifting focus from its unprofitable Elder mine to the high-grade Sleeping Giant project.

The Sleeping Giant mine boasts approximately 400,000 ounces of gold resources at an impressive grade of 8 g/t, split evenly between indicated and inferred categories. With significant exploration potential to the east and at depth, Abcourt aims to expand this resource to one million ounces over the next two years using three drill rigs currently operating at the site.

Financially, the company has secured an $8 million USD loan from Nebari and is finalizing additional equity financing to complete its funding requirements. Initial production is targeted at 10,000 ounces in the first year, ramping up to 30,000 ounces annually over a six-year mine life. With all-in costs projected at $1,400 USD per ounce, the operation promises substantial margins in the current gold price environment.

The project benefits from existing infrastructure, including an operational mill that will initially run at only 40% capacity, creating future expansion opportunities. Multiple mining stopes are already prepared for immediate production once financing is finalized and workers are hired.

Abcourt's strategy prioritizes extending the mine life before expanding production. As Hamelin explained: "Our focus will be 80% of the free cash flow, we'll go on Sleeping Giant to make sure that we're extending the life of mine."

Beyond Sleeping Giant, the company holds a 500-square-kilometer land package with several earlier-stage assets that could eventually provide additional mill feed. With its modest market capitalization of approximately C$40 million, Abcourt presents a potential re-rating opportunity as it executes its transition to producer status during a favorable gold price environment.

View Abcourt Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abcourt-mines-inc

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo Metals Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/prismo-metals-csepriz-junior-explorer-targets-deep-porphyry-system-in-arizonas-copper-triangle-6645

Recording date: 23rd April 2025

In a recent interview, Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo Metals, shared insights on political developments and commodity markets affecting the mining sector. With over three decades of experience in junior capital markets since 1987, Lambert provided valuable perspectives for resource investors navigating current market conditions.

Lambert predicts the upcoming Canadian federal election on April 28, 2025, will likely result in a Liberal majority government under Mark Carney, continuing similar policies to the Trudeau administration. He attributes this political shift to anti-American sentiment in Canada, particularly in response to comments from US President Trump about Canada becoming "the 51st state." Despite current US-Canada trade tensions, Lambert expresses confidence these issues will be resolved once the new Canadian government is formed.

On US trade policy, Lambert views Trump's tariff strategy as a negotiation tactic aimed at reducing trade deficits, addressing government spending, and managing national debt. He anticipates these policies will ultimately benefit the US economy, predicting "an historical economic boom."

Lambert references a March executive order directing US government departments to streamline approvals for critical mineral projects, including copper. This policy environment could accelerate development timelines and improve capital access for companies operating in the US resources sector.

Regarding metals markets, Lambert acknowledges gold's dramatic price increase from approximately $2,000 to $3,400 over 15 months but expects a correction. He notes mid-cap producers have benefited from the price rally, while junior explorers haven't seen proportional gains. Lambert cautions that any gold price correction could disproportionately impact junior exploration companies.

Lambert is particularly optimistic about copper market dynamics, highlighting artificial intelligence as a significant demand driver that is often overlooked. "One thing they don't talk about enough is the impact of AI on electricity demand and the need for more electricity," he stated, adding this factor could be "more pronounced than demand because of electric vehicles."

Prismo Metals is strategically positioned with a large copper exploration target approximately 40km from the Resolution Copper project (Rio Tinto/BHP joint venture) in Arizona. Lambert reports significant interest from major mining companies in US copper projects, creating potential partnership opportunities for companies like Prismo in jurisdictions set to benefit from favorable policy developments and strong underlying copper demand.

View Prismo Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/prismo-metals

Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com