After years of grassroots exploration in Newfoundland, Exploits is shifting its focus to resource-backed growth with the acquisition of four gold projects across Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland, totaling approximately 680,000 ounces of gold.

Jessop explains why the company is prioritizing ounces in the ground at a time when gold prices are rising and investor appetite is returning to hard assets. With new option agreements in hand and a $4 million treasury, Exploits has moved quickly to assemble a portfolio of advanced-stage assets with immediate exploration upside. “We’re providing immediate exposure to our shareholders for gold moving even higher,” Jessop says, outlining the rationale behind this strategic pivot.

The company’s Ontario flagship is the Hawkins Project, located in a Hemlo-style geological setting with a current inferred resource of 328,000 oz at 1.65 g/t Au, most of it within 200 meters of surface. Jessop describes the project as “tremendously underexplored at depth,” drawing comparisons to how Hemlo transformed from a modest deposit into a 20Moz district through deeper drilling. With $2.4M in assessment credits and $10M in prior exploration, Hawkins offers a low-cost path to potential resource expansion.

In Quebec, Exploits acquired three properties—Benoist, Wilson, and Fenton—from Cartier Resources. Benoist brings a historical resource of ~240,000 oz, while Wilson and Fenton offer high-grade drill hits, visual gold, and near-term discovery potential. Located near major mining infrastructure in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, these assets provide regional diversification and optionality in one of the world’s most prolific gold camps.

Jessop emphasizes the company’s disciplined capital strategy. Instead of diluting shareholders to chase speculative discoveries, Exploits will use a “rate-and-rank” system to prioritize drilling targets based on cost-efficiency and potential return. The first steps include securing permits, refining targets, and focusing early drilling on shallow zones that can quickly add value.

The interview also covers Exploits’ relationship with New Found Gold, whose 2Moz Queensway Project borders Exploits’ Newfoundland claims. While not currently the focus of immediate spending, Jessop highlights the upside potential of these assets should regional consolidation occur. “New Found has always been our big brother in the area,” he says, hinting at long-term collaboration possibilities.

If you’re following emerging gold developers, this interview offers insight into how a small-cap explorer is adapting to current market conditions, de-risking its asset base, and positioning for potential rerating as new ounces are added.