Interview with Sam Lee, CEO, Northisle Copper & Gold

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/northisle-copper-gold-tsxvncx-2b-npv-project-signals-significant-value-gap-at-current-prices-7271

Recording date: 11th September 2025

Northisle Copper & Gold has positioned itself as a compelling copper-gold investment opportunity following a transformational $40 million equity financing that marked the company's entry into institutional investment circles. The financing attracted nine institutional investors, with seven being completely new to the Northisle story, while Wheaton Precious Metals provided strategic backing through an unusual equity investment rather than their typical streaming arrangement.

The company's preliminary economic assessment demonstrates robust project economics with a $2 billion after-tax net present value at conservative commodity prices of $4.20 copper and $2,150 gold. At current gold prices near $3,600, the economics improve dramatically to a $5 billion NPV with a 45% internal rate of return. The project's unique structure addresses typical copper porphyry capital intensity challenges through high-margin gold-dominant zones that generate 65-70% margins, enabling initial capital payback within 1.9 years.

Management has strengthened its leadership team with world-class appointments, including Kevin O'Kane as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 35 years of BHP experience from projects like Escondida, and Alex Davidson to the board with extensive Barrick Gold expertise. These appointments signal management's commitment to operational excellence as the company advances toward feasibility studies.

Beyond the starter pit opportunity, Northisle controls a 35-kilometer district with over 70 years of exploration data, presenting significant upside potential through deep drilling programs targeting district-scale discoveries. The company has allocated $10 million for exploration programs led by Dr. Pablo Mejia Herrera, targeting "1% copper equivalent over 1,000 meters" intersections that would indicate proximity to high-grade porphyry cores.

CEO Sam Lee characterized the current environment as unprecedented for natural resource extraction, with federal government support through trade missions and political alignment creating optimal development conditions. This macro backdrop, combined with the company's proven capital allocation track record and institutional validation, positions Northisle to capitalize on favorable commodity cycles while pursuing both near-term development economics and long-term district potential.

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

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