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Ground radiometrics, soil geochemistry and mapping reinforce the potential for a Rossing-style system beneath shallow cover

ReeXploration Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) (‘ReeXploration’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce results from its uranium field program, which provide strong support for the scale and technical validity of the previously-announced uranium target at the Eureka Project in Namibia. The Company believes the target has the potential to represent a large, under-cover Rössing-style uranium system. A drill program is planned for early 2026 to provide initial testing of the target.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Strong correlation between airborne and ground uranium signatures strengthens confidence in continuity of target
    • Areas of very high total gamma readings, including zones above 1,500 counts per second (‘cps’), identified above interpreted leucogranites
  • Soil geochemistry confirms the radiometric signal is uranium-bearing
    • Uranium-rich soils mapped with values up to 114 ppm U (pXRF)
  • Mapping highlights key indicators consistent with Rössing-style uranium systems
    • Favourable rock types and grab samples up to 853 ppm U (pXRF) provide encouraging indicators of a uranium-bearing system below cover
  • Evidence points to a large, cohesive uranium system
    • Geological setting and signature show strong similarity with known Namibian uranium systems (Rössing, Omaholo and Etango) when compared at equal scale
  • Drill program planned to test Rössing-style model
    • Program aims to provide initial testing of the large-scale target

Christopher Drysdale, Interim CEO for ReeXploration, added, ‘This field program has materially advanced our understanding of the uranium target at Eureka. The strong alignment between airborne radiometrics, ground radiometrics, geology and soil geochemistry provides exactly the type of multi-layered confirmation you want to see before drilling. Namibia is one of the world’s most important uranium jurisdictions, and Eureka lies in the same structural corridor that hosts Rössing, Husab, Etango, Omaholo and Norasa. The scale of this anomaly, and the quality of the early technical indicators, point to a meaningful discovery opportunity.’

Field Program Results

Four grids across the broad airborne uranium anomalies southwest of the Eureka Dome were defined for follow-up ground investigation (Figure 1). A ground spectrometer survey and soil sampling program were executed by the Company across the four grids. The objectives included obtaining a greater understanding of the nature, cause and extent of the anomalies, and identifying any highly anomalous areas.

Figure 1: Grids 1 to 4 covering the airborne uranium radiometric anomalies.

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Ground Spectrometer Survey

A total of 102-line kilometers of ground spectrometer survey was completed across the four grids, with survey lines running east-west and spaced 100 m apart. Overall, a very good correlation was achieved with the airborne radiometric uranium anomalies. The ground surveying highlighted areas of very high anomalism with values up to 2,255 cps. Low radioactivity corresponds with more massive calc-silicate exposure, covered areas, and drainage sediments, whereas high radioactivity corresponds with gypcretes/calcretes overlying leucogranite. Secondary uranium (carnotite) was found in the overburden (sand/sheetwash), as well as in in-situ leucogranite and schist. Sand cover increases to south attenuating radioactive signal (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Ground spectrometer survey completed across the four grids.

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The field spectrometer survey has confirmed the regional scale of the airborne radiometric uranium anomalies. The anomalies relate to widespread uranium mineralization occurring within thin overburden, which is best visible where drainages have incised a regionally occurring gypcrete/calcrete horizon with anomalous values ranging from 300 to 1,500 cps (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Mineralized leucogranite and gypcrete/calcrete found during reconnaissance field work and the ground spectrometer survey.

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Soil Sampling pXRF Results

A total of 1,040 soil samples were collected across the four grids at 100 x 100 m spacing and analyzed with the Company’s portable XRF. High uranium in soils are evident where secondary uranium (carnotite) was found in gypcrete / calcretes primarily along drainages (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Uranium in soil pXRF results from the soil sampling campaign.

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Initial Drill Target Areas

Six initial drill target areas have been identified based on coincident; 1) airborne uranium radiometric anomalies, 2) high total gamma (>500 cps) from ground spectrometer survey, 3) uranium in soils (>10 ppm pXRF), and 4) zones of interpreted leucogranites in contact with reactive calc-silicate rocks (Figure 5). The target areas include occurrences of visible secondary uranium mineralization identified within leucogranites and gypcretes/calcretes.

Figure 5: Initial drill target areas.

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Next Steps: Diamond Drilling Expected to Commence Early 2026

ReeXploration is in the final stages of contractor selection and anticipates mobilizing in early 2026 for a 2,000-metre inaugural diamond drilling program. The program is designed to test for primary uranium mineralization within the leucogranites (Rössing-style model) beneath the weathering profile. Drilling is expected to comprise a series of heel-to-toe drill fences across priority target areas. The initial program is planned to consist of approximately ten holes averaging 200 metres in length. A detailed drilling schedule will be released once mobilization dates are confirmed, and the program remains subject to financing.

Technical Disclosure

Field analysis of rock and soil samples was carried out using a calibrated SciAps X-555 portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer. The instrument is capable of detecting uranium providing a rapid, preliminary, and semi-quantitative indication of uranium concentrations which is considered sufficiently reliable for initial reporting of initial field reconnaissance results. Select samples are expected to be verified through uranium assay at an accredited laboratory.

Counts per second (‘cps’) results were collected using an RS-125 handheld gamma-ray spectrometer. The RS-125 measures natural radioactivity from potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th), providing real-time counts-per-second (cps) readings that assist in identifying zones of elevated radioactivity and guiding geological mapping and sampling programs. The cps measurements are qualitative in nature and should not be interpreted as equivalent to uranium concentrations obtained through laboratory analysis.

Qualified Person

Tolene Kruger, BSc. (Hons), M.Sc., is a consulting geologist and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mrs. Kruger is registered as Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) with the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP, Reg. No.: 148182), and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About ReeXploration Inc.

ReeXploration (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) is a Canadian exploration company positioned to help meet surging global demand for secure, responsible supplies of critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition, advanced technologies and national defense. The Company’s flagship Eureka Project in central Namibia pairs a technically proven rare earth foundation – supported by the production of a clean, Western-standard monazite concentrate – with a newly defined, high-priority uranium target located within one of the world’s most established uranium corridors. Together, these commodities provide multi-path discovery potential aligned with accelerating global efforts to diversify critical mineral and nuclear fuel supply. Supported by a Namibia-based technical team and guided by global critical minerals experts, ReeXploration is advancing a disciplined, discovery-led strategy, building a credible, ESG-aligned platform positioned to benefit from the global race to diversify and secure responsible supply chains.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions relating to general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. Exploration does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by securities laws applicable to ReeXploration. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings made by ReeXploration with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Further details are available on the Corporation’s website at www.rareearthexploration.com or contact Christopher Drysdale, Interim CEO of ReeXploration Inc., at +1 902-334-1949, contact@rareearthexploration.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277795

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Apex Resources Inc. (TSXV: APX,OTC:SLMLF) (OTCID: SLMLF) (‘Apex’ or the ‘Company’) announces the appointment of Michael Malana as Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) of the Company, effective today, following the resignation of Dennis Cojuco as the Company’s CFO.

Mr. Malana brings more than 20 years of international experience in financial management, financial reporting and general corporate governance. He has held senior financial executive roles across the natural resources, biotechnology, and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Malana holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (Certified Management Accountant).

The Board, management, and extended Apex team extend their sincere thanks to Mr. Cojuco for his exemplary service and dedication and contribution to the company.

Clarification on the Amended Lithium Creek Project Option Agreement

The Company also wishes to clarify that the exploration and development expenditures due to be completed on or before August 25, 2026, in its news release dated October 27, 2025, increased from $1,000,000 (instead of $1,200,000) to $1,266,000.

About Apex Resources Inc.

Apex is a Vancouver-based exploration company with a suite of precious and critical minerals projects and historic mines located in the United States and Canada.

The Lithium Creek Project is Apex’s flagship project with placer claims covering hundreds of square miles within the aerially extensive Fernley, Humboldt, and Carson Sinks, and includes widespread naturally flowing lithium brine groundwater. The Lithium Creek Project is strategically located near the City of Reno and within 40 minutes of the principle North American battery hub, hosting the Tesla Gigafactory and other key industry players in the Lithium Ion battery supply chain.

The Jersey-Emerald Property is wholly owned by Apex and encompasses the historic Jersey Lead-Zinc Mine – British Columbia’s second largest historic zinc mine, and the Emerald Tungsten Mine – Canada’s second largest historic tungsten mine, both located in southern British Columbia.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

Apex Resources Inc.

Ron Lang
President and CEO
info@apxresources.com website: www.apexresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term in defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277830

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Aurum Resources (ASX: AUE, “Aurum” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce encouraging, broad gold intercepts from its ongoing 30,000m drilling program at the 0.87Moz Napié Gold Project1 in Côte d’Ivoire. The drill program is designed to grow Mineral Resources at Napié and has successfully confirmed multiple shallow, open-pitable gold intercepts from 18 holes drilled for 5,479m at the Tchaga deposit (0.54Moz @ 1.16g/t Au).

Encouraging new drill intercepts from Napié’s Tchaga deposit include2:

  • Tchaga Deposit:
    • 5.00m @ 10.09 g/t Au from 209.00m inc. 1.00m @ 49.10 g/t Au (NADD062)
    • 50.00m @ 0.62 g/t Au from 363.00m inc. 1.00m @ 7.55 g/t Au (NADD062)
    • 10.80m @ 4.52 g/t Au from 73.00m inc. 1.90m @ 23.45 g/t Au (NADD060)
    • 36.70m @ 0.66 g/t Au from 93.30m inc. 4.70m @ 1.06 g/t Au (NADD076)
    • 6.00m @ 3.82 g/t Au from 226.00m inc. 1.00m @ 22.37 g/t Au (NADD064).

Exploration Growth & Project Development:

  • Mineralisation remains open: Gold mineralisation confirmed over 2,300m and remains open along strike and at depth (tested to over 400m vertical), indicating significant potential for resource growth.
  • Drilling fleet expanded: Aurum has two drill rigs working at Napié and 12 drill rigs at Boundiali and is targeting more than 130,000m of drilling at Boundiali and Napié in CY2025.
  • Major Resource updates pending: Two major MRE updates (Boundiali and Napié) are scheduled for Q1 CY2026, aimed at growing the Company’s current 3.28Moz resource base.
  • Well-funded for growth: Aurum maintains a strong balance sheet with ~$43M cash3 to fund its exploration and development programs.

Aurum’s Managing Director Dr. Caigen Wang said: “We are hitting multiple broad shallow, open-pitable gold intercepts from this latest round of step-back diamond drilling at Napié’s Tchaga deposit. Most of these intercepts are outside of the current MRE and have been drilled on a 100m line spacing, and in places down to over 400m vertical depth, well below the current MRE. Within this we are seeing a higher-grade core of around 400m strike, which includes our previous result 17m @ 9.38 g/t gold4 from 236m. Drilling is ongoing and we are awaiting assays which will be used for the planned MRE update in Q1 CY2026.

Our unique advantage is our owned and operated fleet of 12 diamond drill rigs, which allows us to aggressively and cost- effectively test these major gold systems, and we continue to drill with two rigs at Napié in parallel with our aggressive program at Boundiali. We have 12 diamond drill rigs active at Boundiali on multiple deposits, as we focus on delivering an increase in quantity and confidence in our Mineral Resources.

As we close out CY2025 we have a strong cash balance of $43M, a clear development pathway with the Boundiali PFS underway, and resource growth from major updates at both gold projects pending. This places Aurum in an excellent position to continue to deliver substantial shareholder value in 2026.’


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finlay minerals ltd. (TSXV: FYL,OTC:FYMNF) (OTCQB: FYMNF) (‘Finlay’ or the ‘Company’) announces that it has granted an aggregate of 2,725,000 stock options of the Company (each, a ‘Stock Option’) to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. Each Stock Option entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.13 until December 10, 2030. The Stock Options were issued pursuant to the terms of the Company’s rolling 10% stock option plan, which was most recently approved by the shareholders of the Company on June 20, 2025.

The above-noted stock option grant brings the total number of the Company’s issued and outstanding stock options to 11,925,000.

The Stock Options vest as of the date of the grant. The Stock Options and any common shares of the Company issued upon exercise of the Stock Options will be subject to a four-month resale restriction from the date of grant of the Stock Options.

About finlay minerals ltd.

Finlay is a TSXV company focused on exploration for base and precious metal deposits through the advancement of its ATTY, PIL, JJB, SAY and Silver Hope Properties; these properties host copper-gold porphyry and gold-silver epithermal targets within different porphyry districts of northern and central BC. Each property is located in areas of recent development and porphyry discoveries with the advantage of hosting the potential for new discoveries.

Finlay trades under the symbol ‘FYL’ on the TSXV and under the symbol ‘FYMNF’ on the OTCQB. For further information and details, please visit the Company’s website at www.finlayminerals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert F. Brown,
Executive Chairman of the Board

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information: This news release includes certain ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements’) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘plan’, ‘anticipate’, ‘project’, ‘target’, ‘potential’, ‘schedule’, ‘forecast’, ‘budget’, ‘estimate’, ‘intend’ or ‘believe’ and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘should’ or ‘might’ occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, the exploration plans for the Properties. Although Finlay believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, the ability of Finlay and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Finlay’s proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Finlay does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. 

SOURCE finlay minerals ltd.

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Company Highlights:

  • Upside Case shows US$972M post tax NPV5, 59.3% IRR, with a 1.4 year payback at a US$3,900/oz gold price

  • 1.31M GEOs produced over a 15.3 year mine life, averaging approximately 85,700 GEOs/yr (94,000 GEOs/yr over Years 1-5) at a co-product AISC of US$1,390/GEO

  • Initial capital expenditure of US$195.3M for an open pit, heap leach mine and SART plant, including owner’s costs, contingency and initial working capital requirements

  • Average annual free cash flow of US$47.6M at $2,300/oz gold price (US$104.5 at $3,900/oz) driven by 0.73 g/t AuEq life of mine head grade, low strip ratio (0.3:1) and low sustaining capital

  • Indicated resource of 240Mt grading 0.63 g/t AuEq for 4.9M GEOs (0.38g/t gold, 13.78g/t silver, 0.10% copper), and an Inferred resource of 24Mt grading 0.52 g/t AuEq for 0.4M GEOs (0.28g/t gold, 13.67g/t silver, 0.09% copper), providing significant upside opportunities if property boundary constraints lifted

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – December 11, 2025) – Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar‘ or the ‘Company‘) is pleased to announce strong economics in an updated Prefeasibility Study (‘PFS’) for its 100% owned Cerro del Gallo project located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘The Cerro del Gallo Prefeasibility Study demonstrates a mine that fits perfectly with Heliostar’s growth trajectory to larger, lower cost operations. The project has low CAPEX, shows strong free cash flow at a conservative gold price and significant resource upside. With this study the value of Cerro del Gallo to Heliostar has now been established, having been delayed due to our initial focus on operations following the acquisition of the mines and properties in November 2024. This study confirms Cerro del Gallo as an important development project in the Heliostar portfolio, and the Company plans to continue technical work, permitting and community engagement to advance the project to a feasibility level. Organic growth from Ana Paula first, and later from Cerro del Gallo, is planned to launch Heliostar to 300,000 ounces of annual gold equivalent production by the end of the decade.’

The technical report supporting this news release will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website (www.heliostarmetals.com) within the next 45 days. The Cerro del Gallo technical report that is the subject of this news release will use United States dollars (USD or US$) unless otherwise noted.

Cerro del Gallo Prefeasibility Study Overview

The Prefeasibility Study is based on the current reserve base of 2.27M GEOs of Probable Mineral Reserves as shown in the Mineral Reserves Update effective July 31, 2025.

The study outlines a 15.3 year mine life, producing 85,700 koz gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) per year at an average total cash cost of $1,252/GEO and an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,390 GEO, and costing $195.3M in initial capital expenditures (‘CAPEX’) to bring into production. At the base case gold price of $2,300 per ounce, this results in an after-tax NPV of $424M, an IRR of 33.1% and a payback period of 2.3 years.

The Cerro del Gallo project is envisaged as a 6 million tonne-per-year open-pit mining operation using conventional drill, blast, load, and haul methods, with mining activities performed by a contractor-supplied fleet. Ore will be crushed using a multi-stage crushing circuit, including conventional crushing and High Pressure Grinding Roll (‘HPGR’), and stacked on a lined heap-leach pad. Leaching will use conventional cyanide solution application. Pregnant solution will be processed through an adsorption, desorption and recovery (‘ADR’) circuit for gold recovery, producing gold doré on-site. Copper and silver dissolved in solution will be recovered through a sulphidization, acidification, recycling, and thickening (‘SART’) circuit and shipped to smelters.

A dedicated waste rock storage facility will be located adjacent to the open pit, sized according to life-of-mine requirements, with engineered drainage and environmental controls. Processing residues will consist primarily of leached material on the heap-leach pad; therefore, no conventional tailings storage facility will be required. Site infrastructure will include an upgraded connection to the national power grid, a reliable water supply from permitted local wells, and supporting buildings such as a maintenance shop, warehouse, administration offices, security facilities, and expanded camp accommodations for operational staff.

Key Highlights

Forecast Production Highlights
Ore Feed 6,000 Ktpa
Strip Ratio 0.32:1 W:O
Grade – LOM 0.73 g/t AuEq
Grade – Years 1-5 0.80 g/t AuEq
Life of Mine Produced 1,310 Koz GEO
Processing Rate 16,438 Tpd
Process Recovery (Gold / Silver / Copper) 59.4 / 49.3 / 61.8 %
Life of Mine 15.3 Years
Annual Production – LOM 85.7 Koz GEO
Annual Production – Years 1-5 94.2 Koz GEO

 

Forecast Financial Highlights
Average Cash Costs (US$ per GEO) 1 $1,252 /oz
Average AISC (US$ per GEO) 1 $1,390 /oz
Total Initial Capital Cost $195.3 M
Total Sustainable Capital Cost $160.3 M
Total Life of Mine Capital Cost 2 $355.6 M

 

  1. Non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were first issued by the World Gold Council (WGC) in 2013 with an updated Guidance note issued in 2018.
  2. Includes US$132.0 million reclamation expenditure at the end of the mine life.
 Forecast Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1, 2
   US$2,300/oz 3  US$3,900/oz 4
 IRR 33.1%  59.3%
 NPV @ 5% discount $423.9M  $972.4M
 Payback 2.3 years  1.4 years

 

  1. All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis will be presented in the full technical report.
  2. After tax return estimates.
  3. Base gold price assumption used in the technical report.
  4. Comparison gold price of US$3,900 with reference to US$4,198 London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) PM gold price on trading day December 9, 2025.

Figure 1 – Isometric View of Cerro del Gallo Resource with Reserve Pit Shell

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Figure 2 – Cross Section through Cerro del Gallo Resource with Reserve Pit Shell

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Forecast Operating Cost Estimates

Operating costs at the Cerro del Gallo Project will benefit from the simplicity of a truck and shovel open pit mine, very low strip ratio, and access to low-cost grid power and regional infrastructure. The crush-agglomerate-heap-leach-ADR-SART flowsheet utilizes industry standard equipment and processes. It supports efficient processing of the Cerro del Gallo ore with moderate reagent use and no requirement for milling or conventional tailings storage.

Estimations of total cash costs average US$1,252/GEO, with AISC of US$1,390/GEO over the 15.3-year mine life. Revenue credits from copper and silver recovered through the SART circuit further strengthen operating margins and contribute to a robust, long-life cost profile.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost
(US$/GEO)
Operating Cost
(US$/t ore)
Total mining $274.02 $3.79
Total processing $658.44 $9.12
Total site general and administrative $65.61 $0.91
Smelter, Refinery and Transport $68.55 $0.95
Cash operating costs $1,066.62 $14.77
Production taxes $80.29 $1.11
Royalties $105.12 $1.46
Total cash costs $1,252.03 $17.33
Sustaining capital costs $138.2 $1.91
Total AISC $1,390.23 $19.25

 

Forecast Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost for the project is estimated to be $195.3M including $15.6M for initial working capital (60 days) and $22.3M in total contingency. The total initial required capital expenditure will benefit from proximity to infrastructure and the assumption of a contractor-supplied fleet. Sustaining capital costs are primarily related to completion of a powerline to the site and three leach pad expansions. The cost estimate is based on more advanced work that will progress into a feasibility study, however, it includes a contingency of 17.5% of the total cost.

The Company’s LOM plan allocates US$132.0M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Forecast Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial
(US$M)
Sustaining
(US$M)
Total LOM
(US$M)
Mining Costs $1.4 $1.4
Mobile Equipment $3.9 $3.9
Site & Utilities General $10.2 $10.2
Power Generation & Site Distribution $11.0 $11.0
Crushing Circuit $28.8 $28.8
Agglomeration $4.9 $4.9
Stacking System $6.8 $6.8
Heap Leach Solution $21.1 $21.1
SART Plant $20.3 $20.3
Recovery Plant $13.3 $35.1 $48.4
Reagents $2.5 $2.5
Laboratory $2.9 $2.9
Total direct costs $127.2 $35.1 $162.3
Spare Parts $5.7 $5.7
Initial Fills $0.9 $0.9
Contingency $22.1 $8.8 $30.9
Indirect Costs $6.5 $6.5
Other Owner’s Costs $3.6 $3.6
EPCM $13.8 $13.8
Working Capital (60 days) $15.6 -$15.6
Closure and reclamation $132.0 $132.0
Total indirect costs $68.2 $125.2 $193.4
Total Costs (excluding IVA) $195.3 $160.3 $355.6

 

Economic Analysis

The economic analysis shows a base case after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$423.9M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 33.1%, and a payback period of 2.3 years at US$2,300/oz gold. The projected mine life is 15.3 years in the PFS. Approximately 1,310k GEOs (888 koz gold, 22.2 Moz silver and 59 kT copper) are projected to be produced and sold over the life of the mine.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax
Total cash flow US$ M $724.1 $1,166.9
Average annual cash flow US$ M $47.6 $76.3
Average annual cash flow – Years 1-5 US$ M $77.6 $104.7
NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M $423.9 $699.4
Internal rate of return % 33.1% 44.9%
Payback period Years 2.3 1.8
Payback multiple x 4.4 6.5

 

Metal Prices

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years. The gold price at the effective date of the technical report is about 83% above the base case gold price used in the study.

The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$4,100/gold ounce (near spot prices) to understand the potential impact of continued gold price movements. From the base case price of $2,300/oz, a change in the average gold price of 10% (US$230/gold ounce) would change the after-tax NPV5% by approximately US$76.2M.

The economics of the Prefeasibility Study are most sensitive to changes in gold price and grade and less sensitive to operating costs and initial capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Gold Price
(US$/oz Gold)
Net Cash Flow
(US$M)
After-Tax NPV
@ 5.0% Discount Rate
(US$ M)
IRR
(%)
Payback Period
(years)
Payback Multiple
900 -$43.38 -$60.62 9.5 0.8
1,100 $66.08 $9.89 6.1% 5.6 1.3
1,300 $176.64 $79.94 12.4% 3.9 1.8
1,500 $286.0 $148.8 17.3% 3.1 2.3
1,700 $395.4 $217.6 21.6% 3.5 2.8
1,900 $505.3 $286.8 25.7% 2.9 3.4
2,100 $614.7 $355.4 29.5% 2.6 3.9
2,300 $724.1 $423.9 33.1% 2.3 4.4
2,500 $833.5 $492.5 36.7% 2.0 4.9
2,700 $942.8 $561.0 40.1% 1.9 5.4
2,900 $1,052.2 $629.6 43.5% 1.8 5.9
3,100 $1,161.6 $698.2 46.8% 1.7 6.4
3,300 $1,270.9 $766.7 50.0% 1.6 6.9
3,500 $1,380.3 $835.3 53.2% 1.5 7.4
3,700 $1,489.66 $903.85 56.3% 1.4 7.9
3,900 $1,599.03 $972.41 59.3% 1.4 8.5
4,100 $1,708.40 $1,040.97 62.3% 1.3 9.0

 

Figure 3 – Planned Cerro del Gallo Site Layout

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/277693_7638a1be94ca1834_003full.jpg

Figure 4 – Cerro del Gallo Process Flow Sheet

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/277693_7638a1be94ca1834_004full.jpg

Figure 5 – Cerro del Gallo Planned Production Schedule

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/277693_7638a1be94ca1834_005full.jpg

Next steps

The next steps by Heliostar at Cerro del Gallo will focus on conversion of resources to reserves and additional resource growth.

This plan includes additional resource and reserve drilling, updating geological interpretations, metallurgical testing and trade off studies. Positive changes to the gold price have resulted in an increase to the potential size of the reserve. Additional metallurgical analysis and data points are required on the deposit to support this increase.

The Company intends to drill with a focus on increasing both mineral resources and reserves and to improve the geological interpretation for the deposit. Mineralization remains open to the north and at depth. The north is considered a high potential target for reserve growth but historically was not drilled due to surface access limitations. The drill density decreases at depth as noted in Figure 2 with in-fill drilling having potential to improve resource classifications. Further, mineralization is open at depth with potential to expand resources.

Subject to confirming the extent of the mineral resource at Cerro del Gallo, the Company intends to refine the planned process flowsheet, start preparing permitting and social plans and commence work to prepare a feasibility study. Development of Cerro del Gallo is planned after Ana Paula has been commissioned and is in production.

Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources for the Cerro del Gallo deposit were updated as part of the 2025 Prefeasibility Study and are summarized in the accompanying table. The Mineral Resources have an effective date of July 31, 2025, and are reported on an in-situ basis in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

Mineral Resources Statement

Classification Material 
Type
NSR Cutoff Tonnes (kt) Grade Contained Metal
Au 
g/t
Ag 
g/t
Cu
%
AuEq 
g/t
Gold 
(koz)
Silver (koz) Copper 
(t)
AuEq (koz)
Indicated Oxide $11.81 10,733 0.41 17.92 0.09 0.60 141 6,184 9,659 207
Mix Oxide $10.66 13,613 0.28 11.12 0.08 0.50 123 4,867 10,890 219
Mix Sulfide $11.81 70,066 0.40 13.70 0.09 0.68 901 30,862 63,060 1,532
Sulfide $11.23 145,572 0.38 13.77 0.11 0.62 1778 64,447 160,129 2,902
Total 239,984 0.38 13.78 0.10 0.63 2,944 106,359 243,739 4,859
Inferred Oxide $11.81 2,042 0.19 21.08 0.09 0.40 12 1,384 1,838 26
Mix Oxide $10.66 1,604 0.14 16.12 0.07 0.40 7 831 1,123 21
Mix Sulfide $11.81 10,501 0.28 13.75 0.11 0.57 95 4,642 11,552 192
Sulfide $11.23 10,300 0.33 11.74 0.07 0.51 109 3,888 7,210 169
Total 24,448 0.28 13.67 0.09 0.52 224 10,746 21,722 408

 

Notes to accompany Mineral Resources table:

  1. Mineral Resources are reported within a resource shell constrained by the property boundary using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards.
  2. Mineral Resources have an effective date of 31 July 2025. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Timothy O. Kuhl, Reg Mem SME and Principal Geologist with Mine Technical Services.
  3. An NSR is used for reporting Mineral Resources by material type. NSR cutoffs of $11.81 for Oxide, $10.66 for Mixed Oxide, $11.81 for Mixed Sulfide and $11.23 for Sulfide were used. The NSR is determined based on estimated processing costs of US$9.10/t, general and administrative costs of US$0.90t, production taxes and royalty costs of US$1.40/t. Metal prices of US$2,500/oz Au, US$30.50/oz Ag, and US$4.60/lb Cu were used in calculating the NSR. In addition, a gold recovery of 74%, a silver recovery of 60% and a copper recovery of 17% were used for Oxide material; a gold recovery of 68%, a silver recovery of 73% and a copper recovery of 62% were used for Mixed Oxide material; a gold recovery of 61%, a silver recovery of 58% and a copper recovery of 73% were used for Mixed Sulfide material; and a gold recovery of 53%, a silver recovery of 35% and a copper recovery of 59% were used for Sulfide material in the NSR calculation.
  4. Based on the stated metal prices and recoveries, the gold equivalent grades were calculated as AuEq = Au Grade + (((Cu Price in US$/lb * 22.0462 * Cu Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Cu Grade) + (((Ag Price in US$/g * Ag Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Ag Grade). The average overall payables from the smelter and refineries were estimated at 98.8% for gold, 90.1% for silver, and 88.2% for copper.
  5. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units.
  6. Mineral Resource tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

Mineral Reserve Estimates

Mineral Reserves for the Cerro del Gallo deposit as part of the 2025 Prefeasibility Study have an effective date of July 31, 2025, are reported at the point of delivery to the leach facility, and are stated in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

The Mineral Reserves estimate is based on a 6 Mtpa open-pit mining operation, with ore processed through the established crushing, agglomeration, heap-leach, ADR, and SART circuits. The resulting Mineral Reserves statement is provided in the following table.

Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Material 
Type
Tonnes (kt) Grade Contained Metal
Au 
g/t
Ag
 g/t
Cu
%
AuEq 
g/t
Gold 
(koz)
Silver (koz) Copper 
(t)
AuEq (koz)
Probable Oxide 9,198 0.46 18.46 0.08 0.65 137 5,459 7,714 193
Mix Oxide 4,411 0.42 10.74 0.09 0.64 59 1,524 4,115 91
Mix Sulfide 38,761 0.50 15.26 0.10 0.80 629 19,020 37,354 995
Sulfide 39,524 0.53 15.00 0.12 0.78 670 19,064 45,557 997
Total 91,893 0.51 15.25 0.10 0.77 1,495 45,066 94,740 2,275

 

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

  1. Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards.

  2. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 31 July 2025. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., of Hard Rock Consulting.

  3. An NSR cutoff of $12.50/t was used for reporting the Mineral Reserves which is based on estimated processing costs of US$9.10/t, general and administrative costs of US$0.90t, production taxes and royalty costs of US$1.40/t. Metal prices of US$2,200/oz Au, US$26.50/oz Ag, and US$4.00/lb Cu were used in calculating the NSR. In addition, a gold recovery of 74%, a silver recovery of 60% and a copper recovery of 17% were used for Oxide material, a gold recovery of 68%, a silver recovery of 73% and a copper recovery of 62% were used for Mixed Oxide material, a gold recovery of 61%, a silver recovery of 58% and a copper recovery of 73% were used for Mixed Sulfide material and a gold recovery of 53%, a silver recovery of 35% and a copper recovery of 59% were used for Sulfide material in the NSR calculation.

  4. Based on the stated metal prices and recoveries, the gold equivalent grades were calculated as AuEq = Au Grade + (((Cu Price in US$/lb * 22.0462 * Cu Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Cu Grade) + (((Ag Price in US$/g * Ag Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Ag Grade). The average overall payables from the smelter and refineries were estimated at 98.8% for gold, 90.1% for silver and 88.2% for copper.

  5. Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design.

  6. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units.

  7. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the Cerro del Gallo Project will be prepared for Heliostar Metals Ltd. by Mr. Ted Eggleston, Ph.D., RM SME, PGEO, Mr. Tim Kuhl, MSc, RPG, RM-SME, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Marvin Silva, PhD, PE, PEng., Mr. Todd Minard P.E., Mr. Travis Manning, P.E., QP, Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

Qualified Persons with Respect to this News Release

Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Mike Gingles, the Company’s Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information not derived from the updated technical reports and included in this news release in the Company Overview, Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters and Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting sections for each property and have approved the disclosure herein.

Data Verification

The Qualified Persons for the technical reports verified the data in the report for their areas of expertise and concluded that the information supported Mineral Resource estimation, and could be used in mine planning and economic analysis. The verification completed by each Qualified Person is discussed in each technical report and included site visits, and could include data audits, evaluation of the suitability of data for use in estimation and mine planning, quality assurance and quality control checks, review of available technical and economic study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts.

The Company’s Qualified persons verified the information that was not derived from the technical reports. The data verification included site visits, data audits, review of available study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts, and consideration of the Company’s plans for the projects.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold mining company with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and the San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development and exploration stage projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur, all in Mexico and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (together, ‘forward-looking statements’) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: the economic potential or projections of the PFS, including, but not limited to, estimates of capital and operating costs, mine life, throughput, grades, recoveries, production rates, payback period, NPV and IRR; statements regarding expected timing, scope and cost of planned exploration, drilling, metallurgical and engineering programs, or any future work or social programs generally; the anticipated timing of completion of a Feasibility Study; expectations concerning permitting, submission and approval of amendment applications; the timing and potential development of an underground decline or early-works program; the potential for additional mineralization at depth and future exploration success or improvements in resource classification; the availability of the PFS within the prescribed deadline, the Company’s plans regarding financing arrangements, including the potential for a project finance facility; the expectation that cash flow from existing operations may fund future development; projections of future metal prices; the potential for Cerro Del Gallo to be placed into production and the timing thereof; and other statements regarding the Company’s future plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions considered reasonable by management at the time of making such statements, including, without limitation: the accuracy of the PEA assumptions and parameters; that required permits and approvals will be obtained on reasonable terms and within expected timeframes; the availability of financing for exploration and development activities on acceptable terms; that projected metallurgical recoveries and operating costs will be achieved; that community and governmental support for operations will continue; the reliability of certain assumptions and known risks; and general stability in economic and market conditions, exchange rates and commodity prices.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks include, without limitation: the preliminary nature of the PFS; risks related to exploration, development, permitting and operating activities; cost escalation and inflation; geopolitical or economic uncertainty or force majeure events; changes in metal prices and exchange rates; financing and liquidity risks; community and environmental risks; reliance on contractors and third parties; title, tax and legal risks; and those risks set out in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

There can be no assurance that the Cerro del Gallo Project will be developed into a producing mine or that the results of the PFS will be realized. The purpose of the forward-looking statements is to provide information about management’s current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Production Decision: The Company cautions that it has not made a production decision with respect to the Cerro del Gallo Project. Any such decision would only be made following completion of a Feasibility Study, the arrangement of project financing, and receipt of all necessary permits and approvals.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, and U.S. investors are cautioned that terms such as ‘Measured,’ ‘Indicated’ and ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ are recognized and required by Canadian regulations but may not be comparable to similar terms used in U.S. reporting standards.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This news release includes certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) performance measures, including cash costs (‘Cash Costs’) and all-in sustaining costs (‘AISC’). These measures are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. They are provided as additional information to investors and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Cash Costs and AISC are common financial performance measures in the gold mining industry but do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use these metrics to evaluate the economic performance of mining projects and their potential to generate operating earnings and cash flow.

AISC is calculated in accordance with the guidelines published by the World Gold Council (‘WGC’) in 2013, as updated in 2018, which define AISC as the sum of total cash costs, sustaining capital expenditures, and corporate general and administrative costs, among other items. Other companies may calculate this measure differently due to variations in underlying principles and policies applied. Note that in respect of AISC metrics disclosed herein, corporate general and administrative expenses have not been included, as such economics are presented at the project level.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277693

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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After 2024’s rapid rise, the U3O8 spot price remained more constrained through 2025, fluctuating between a relatively short range of US$63.17 (March 13) and US$83.33 (September 25) per pound.

Entering the year, the price was sitting at US$74.56 before economic and geopolitical uncertainty pushed values to a year-to-date low of US$63.71 in mid-March. Long-term positivity in the demand forecast began pushing the price upward in April through to the end of June, when spot U3O8 touched US$78.93, an H1 high.

Following a brief dip to an H2 low of US$70.98 in mid-July, investor appetite, supply concerns and government support converged, driving the price to US$83.33 on September 25, a year-to-date high. Starting December at US$76.36, U3O8 appears to have found a floor at the US$75 level, holding above the threshold since the end of August.

U3O8 spot price, December 5, 2024, to December 5, 2025.

Chart via Trading Economics.

Despite a subdued stretch for the price, uranium’s long-term drivers remain firmly intact, and arguably have only improved over the course of the year. Combined with renewed investor appetite, that strength has helped lift uranium equities throughout 2025, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s long-term thesis.

Uranium investment demand surges

For Joe Kelly, CEO of Uranium Markets, one of the most compelling uranium market trends in 2025 was the growth in investor demand, particularly for physical uranium.

SPUT had added 7.8 million pounds, growing its uranium holdings to 74.04 million pounds, as of December 2, a 12 percent increase from 2024’s tally. Its net asset value had increased to US$5.68 billion.

Kelly explained that SPUT’s momentum was the result of broader investor enthusiasm, allowing the trust to purchase millions of pounds from the spot market, which “drove the price considerably higher.”

That dynamic extended beyond institutional vehicles.

“You also had investors buying uranium directly because they thought it was cheap and a good investment,” he said.

The result was a layer of financial demand on top of utility needs. According to Kelly, this speculative interest created demand outside of the nuclear power plants in the world. “That drove the price up a little bit higher than it would have been otherwise, without that enthusiasm from the investing community,” he added.

SPUT’s aggressive accumulation has become a clear market signal.

The trust’s growing holdings highlight how institutional investors increasingly view uranium as scarce, tightening available supply by removing material from the open market. As inventories shrink, upward pressure on prices builds.

At the same time, SPUT’s rising net asset value reflects renewed investor confidence tied to reactor buildouts, energy security priorities and the broader clean energy shift.

If the trust keeps buying while mine output lags and utilities lock in long-term contracts, the market could be moving toward a structural deficit, drawing even more attention to uranium equities and physical vehicles.

Uranium term price underscores market momentum

Often described as a more accurate barometer of market activity and sentiment, the long-term contract price displayed less volatility in 2025, starting the 12 month period at US$80 and reaching US$86 at the end of November.

Tiggre stressed that the uranium sector’s “real market is the long-term contract price,” not the day-to-day noise of the spot price. Long-term contracting, he said, is where “actual buyers, sellers, users and suppliers” negotiate prices that determine what it really takes to bring new pounds to market.

The challenge, however, is opacity. “It’s not transparent … they don’t disclose individual contracts,” he said. That leaves analysts to piece together trends from quarterly averages.

Long-term contract price, January 1 to November 30, 2025.

Chart via Cameco.

That underlying market has continued to strengthen from 2024 to 2025.

As Tiggre noted, the long-term price has been “going up, pausing, consolidating, going up,” reaching levels that “clearly do incent production” — yet even the world’s biggest producers have struggled to deliver.

Global uranium majors Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) and Kazatomprom “both failed to hit their targets and have officially moved their goal posts,” a signal he called “significant and … bullish.”

Meanwhile, would-be junior producers have not stepped in to fill the gap.

“None of them have been able to say, ‘Yeah, we’re going to build this or rehabilitate that’ and deliver on time,” he noted. What looked like low-hanging fruit has proven “thorny,” reinforcing that supply remains constrained.

At the same time, demand momentum has only accelerated. Headlines showcasing new reactor builds are now “weekly,” Tiggre said, with BRICS nations expanding aggressively and western governments shifting decisively pro-nuclear. Even in the US, he noted, “Trump has doubled down … he’s strongly pro-nuclear.”

The result: A structurally tight market where volatile spot moves obscure a far more durable trend.

“The fundamentals are just super strong,” Tiggre said. “I’m very bullish.”

Uranium doubles as a tech play

Part of uranium’s demand story is tied to forecast growth in artificial intelligence (AI) data center deployment, a segment where electricity consumption has grown by 12 percent since 2019, as per the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Currently data centers use 415 terawatt hours (TWh), representing 1.5 percent of global electricity demand, and that number is projected to increase rapidly over the next five years.

“Our Base Case finds that global electricity consumption for data centres is projected to double to reach around 945 TWh by 2030 in the Base Case, representing just under 3 percent of total global electricity consumption in 2030,” the IEA’s Energy Demand from AI report reads. “From 2024 to 2030, data centre electricity consumption grows by around 15 percent per year, more than four times faster than the growth of total electricity consumption from all other sectors.”

For Gerardo Del Real, publisher at Digest Publishing, the uranium sector’s momentum has shifted as an unexpected coalition of “tech bros” and “mining bros” reshapes the narrative around nuclear power.

“Who would have thought?” said Del Real, noting that after an 18 month stretch where the uranium trade “seemed stuck in the mud,” sentiment turned sharply once markets began viewing nuclear as a technology story.

“The market is one part fundamentals and the other part psychology,” Del Real explained, adding that the psychological boost from the booming tech sector has been powerful.

While he’s skeptical that every AI-fueled data center proposal will materialize, Del Real argued that even limited progress could supercharge energy demand. If tech companies “fulfill 35 percent to 50 percent of their promises,” he said, the resulting power requirements would be “absolutely spectacular.”

This comes as the uranium market was already heading toward a significant deficit by 2026, a trend Del Real believes has now accelerated. Leaning into his contrarian instincts, he said he has written “more checks than ever” for early stage uranium companies with trusted management teams.

“I am thrilled with the results thus far,” said Del Real.

“I think 2026 is going to be an inflection year where the breakout is really pronounced across the board.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article

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Investor Insight

Sankamap Metals offers exposure to new copper–gold discovery potential in one of the last underexplored regions of the Ring of Fire, with two fully owned, drill-ready assets positioned along a world-class mineral belt.

Company Highlights

  • Two 100 percent owned copper and gold properties – Kuma and Fauro – within a highly prospective copper-gold trend in the Solomon Islands.
  • Drill-ready targets supported by strong historical sampling, including grab samples up to 11.7 percent copper, 13.5 grams per ton (g/t) gold at Kuma, and 173 g/t gold; plus, drill intercepts of 35 m at 2.08 g/t gold at Fauro.
  • Strategically located along the same mineral belt as major deposits, including Newmont’s 71.9 Moz Lihir gold mine.
  • Underexplored mining-friendly jurisdiction with strong government support and established local workforce.
  • Large-scale system potential, including a km-scale copper-gold anomaly at Kuma and multiple high-grade epithermal and porphyry-style targets at Fauro.
  • Inaugural drilling at Kuma, scheduled to begin in January 2026, marking a major catalyst for the project.
  • Strong technical leadership, with a management team that has collectively raised over $1 billion and delivered significant shareholder returns.

Overview

Sankamap Metals (CSE:SCU) is a Canadian exploration company advancing the Oceania Project, a high-impact copper–gold opportunity in the mineral-rich South Pacific. The project includes two fully permitted properties – Kuma and Fauro – in the Solomon Islands, one of the last untapped frontiers of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The company’s land package is strategically positioned near world-class deposits, such as Newmont Mining’s 71.9 Moz Lihir gold mine and Bougainville Copper’s historic Panguna deposit with 19.3 Moz gold and 5.3 Mt copper resources.

CEO John Florek investigating mineralized outcrop at Kuma property during the summer site visit

Kuma and Fauro are 100 percent owned and drill-ready. Both assets benefit from compelling historical sampling, large-scale geophysical anomalies, and district-scale geological characteristics that support the potential for major porphyry and epithermal systems.

The company focuses on systematic exploration, delineating high-priority drill targets to unlock discovery opportunities. With strong national support for mining and a leadership team deeply experienced in major global jurisdictions, Sankamap is well positioned to generate early and meaningful shareholder value as exploration advances.

Key Properties

Kuma Property

The Kuma property spans 43 sq km and lies 37 km southeast of Honiara on Guadalcanal Island. The property is considered a highly compelling drill-ready porphyry target. Historical sampling returned values up to 11.7 percent copper and 13.5 g/t gold, accompanied by a kilometre-scale copper-gold geochemical anomaly. Airborne geophysical surveys, including mobile magnetotelluric (MT), reveal resistive and conductive features consistent with porphyry, epithermal and skarn-style mineral systems.

Kuma benefits from year-round access and proximity to the Gold Ridge mine. Lidar, surface geochemistry, and geophysics surveys have advanced target definition toward a 2026 drill program. Alteration mapping defined a 2 km lithocap, indicating a potential significant porphyry below that’s not yet tested by drilling.

Kuma is positioned for discovery potential on a scale comparable to other major systems in the region.

Current work at Kuma is focused on refining priority drill targets through ongoing analysis of newly released geophysical and geological datasets. A field visit in November was aimed at ground-truthing these targets, confirming interpretations, and finalizing on-the-ground logistics. Pad and camp construction began in late November, ahead of the inaugural drilling campaign set for January 2026, an important milestone in advancing the Kuma property toward discovery.

Fauro Property

The 147 sq km Fauro property encompasses a high-grade epithermal gold target with indications of a porphyry system at depth. Formed by the collapse of the Fauro calc-alkaline volcano, the property hosts seven prospects, three of which are drill-ready. Historical results include a grab sample of 173 g/t gold, trench results of 8 m at 27.95 g/t gold, and drilling intercepts such as 35 m at 2.08 g/t gold. Multiple zones, including Meriguna, Ballyorlo and Kiovakase, exhibit robust soil anomalies and magnetic highs, underscoring the property’s potential to host a large-scale deposit comparable in setting to the Lihir gold system.

Since 2024, new sampling has confirmed continued high-grade potential, with assays returning up to 19.25 g/t gold and up to 4 percent copper, expanding evidence for a hybrid epithermal-porphyry system. With year-round drilling access and efficient transport via helicopter and boat, Fauro represents a major exploration opportunity with multiple existing gold intercepts and untested porphyry indicators.

Management Team

John Florek – Chief Executive Officer

John Florek has more than 35 years of experience with major and junior mining companies, including BHP, Placer Dome, Barrick, Teck, and Detour Gold/Kirkland Lake Gold/Agnico Eagle. He has identified and advanced significant mining assets from early exploration through development and currently sits on the board of McEwen Mining. He is also CEO, president and director of Emperor Metals.

John Williamson – Chairman, Co-founder and Director

A professional geologist with more than 35 years in the global mining sector, John Williamson founded more than 20 successful companies and the Metals Group. He has raised more than $1 billion across public and private markets, delivering strong returns to shareholders.

Sean Mager – CFO and Director

With 30+ years in the global mining sector, Sean Mager brings extensive experience in corporate development, stakeholder relations, regulatory affairs, finance and operations. He is a co-founder of the Metals Group.

Krystle Adair – Vice-president, Exploration

A geologist with more than 13 years of exploration experience across the Americas, Krystle Adair has managed projects across multiple deposit types. She has worked extensively with Metals Group companies and is a registered professional geoscientist in British Columbia.

Hannett – Director

A Bougainville Island national and professional engineer with 17+ years of experience, Arthur Hannett has worked with major operators including Placer Dome, Barrick, Glencore and Agnico Eagle.

Donald Marahare – Director

A seasoned legal professional with 20+ years of experience in the Solomon Islands, Donald Marahare is the principal at DNS & Partners Law Firm, admitted to the High Court in 2000. He also serves as president of the Solomon Islands Football Federation.

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Both major and junior gold stocks are seeing heightened interest in 2025 amid a surging gold price, which has climbed more than 50 percent since the start of the year and set dozens of new record highs along the way.

The yellow metal’s staggering rise has been fueled by numerous factors, including economic chaos caused by an ever-changing US trade and tariff policy, uncertainty stemming from geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and, most recently, the shutdown of the US federal government.

These events have driven investors to look to safe-haven assets like gold as a hedge to provide greater stability to their portfolios, and experts have weighed in on just how high gold could rise.

What does this gold bull run mean for junior gold companies?

Data for this article was retrieved on December 1, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener, and only companies with market capitalizations greater than C$10 million at that time are included.

1. San Lorenzo Gold (TSXV:SLG)

Year-to-date gain: 641.18 percent
Market cap: C$55.06 million
Share price: C$0.80

San Lorenzo Gold is an exploration company working to advance its Salvadora project in the Chañaral province of Chile. The property consists of 25 exploration and nine exploitation concessions covering an area of 8,796 hectares, and hosts a large copper and gold porphyry system with several significant targets.

According to the project page, the site geology resembles that of the nearby Codelco-owned Salvador copper mine, which has operated since the early 1950s and is expected to continue until the mid-2060s following an expansion.

San Lorenzo’s share price gained significantly in the first quarter starting on March 3, when the company announced a significant discovery hole, the first of three holes drilled at Salvadora’s Cerro Blanco gold-copper target.

The discovery hole demonstrated an average grade of 1.04 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold over a broad 153.5 meters starting at a depth of 229 meters, including an intersection grading 12.78 g/t gold over 3.8 meters.

The same day, it also released partial results for the first of three holes drilled at its Arco de Oro gold target. They returned multiple instances of high-grade gold, including 5.61 g/t gold over 6.6 meters at a depth of 15.7 meters and 4.8 g/t gold over 23.3 meters 174.4 meters from surface.

Assays for the remaining holes were released in mid-March and April, respectively. San Lorenzo released the most recent results from exploration on August 6, reporting that an induced polarization geophysical survey at Salvadora identified multiple prospective anomalies that would be the focus of its upcoming drill program.

San Lorenzo announced on September 24 that it initiated the aforementioned drill program, with plans in place for a minimum of three holes at Cerro Blanco and four holes at Arco de Oro.

After leveling out in Q2, company shares began gaining momentum in early August, largely continuing to move through the rest of Q3 and into Q4. Shares of San Lorenzo jumped to a year-to-date high of C$0.86 on October 23.

2. Prospector Metals (TSXV:PPP)

Year-to-date gain: 833.31 percent
Market cap: C$129.56 million
Share price: C$1.12

Prospector Metals is exploring its flagship ML gold project near Dawson City in Yukon, Canada.

The 10,869 hectare property is located within the Tintina Gold Belt, which hosts significant historic mining operations and current exploration and development projects. The ML project’s Skarn Ridge and North Vein targets were the focus of significant historical work through 2008, including 117 diamond drill holes. According to Prospector, historical work also led to the discovery of more than two dozen untested high-grade gold surface occurrences.

A maiden drill program at the site commenced on June 23, with the primary focus on the Bueno target, which delivered rock samples with grades up to 156 g/t during May 2025 exploration. The program will include testing of six targets, including Bueno, identified during the company’s 2024 exploration program.

After trending upwards throughout the year from their start of C$0.12, shares of Prospector surged from C$0.31 to C$1.17 when it reported the discovery of the new TESS gold-copper zone on October 1. The company reported a drill hole intersected the broad, high-grade zone, with an average grade of 13.79 g/t gold from 62 meters to 106 meters downhole, including 288 g/t over 1 meter within 21.93 g/t over 24.65 meters. The hole also intersected the North Vein zone from 138 meters to 145.36 meters downhole, over which it had an average grade of 5.69 g/t gold.

Prospector CEO Rob Carpenter said, “The discovery represents an exciting new style of gold mineralization for the ML project. The high-grade and near surface intercept occurs within a distinct zone that is coincident with a diagnostic surface geochemical signature.” He indicated that the company has traced the trend on the surface for at least 500 meters.

Shares of Prospector reached a year-to-date high of C$1.30 the following day.

On November 26, Prospector reported the final assays from its drill program, including an interval at the TESS Zone grading 7.29 g/t gold and 0.91 percent copper over 14 meters, as well as one in the Skarn Ridge Zone that graded 2.04 g/t gold and 0.42 percent copper over 27 meters. Carpenter said the company is planning a fully funded drill program to extend the zones along trend and test new targets.

3. PPX Mining (TSXV:PPX)

Year-to-date gain: 785.71 percent
Market cap: C$219.63 million
Share price: C$0.31

PPX Mining is a precious metals company that is focused on its Igor project, which contains the operating Callanquitas underground mine, located in the Otuzco province of Northern Peru.

An updated resource estimate for Callanquitas released by the company in January 2024 showed a measured and indicated oxide resource of 81,090 ounces of gold and 2.9 million ounces of silver. The inferred resource as sulfides stands at 34,450 gold equivalent ounces from ore grading 4.63 g/t gold equivalent.

According to a prefeasibility study for Igor amended in January 2022, the 1,300 hectare site previously hosted small-scale mining operations and holds a 50 MT per day gold-processing plant from the 1980s.

In November 2024, PPX started construction of a 350 metric ton per day carbon-in-leach and flotation plant that will be used to process oxide and sulfide ore from Callanquitas.

The latest construction update came on September 24, when the company said development was continuing at an accelerated pace while it worked on parallel activities. These advancements included the installation of leach tanks and the assembly of the crushing line. In all, the PPX reported that construction was 55 percent complete.

Meanwhile, exploration at Callanquitas carried on during the third quarter, with PPX reporting assay results on August 20. In that release, the company said it had encountered a highlighted grade of 3.55 g/t gold over 4.2 meters, which included an intersection of 5.16 g/t gold over 2 meters.

Additionally, PPX announced on September 11 that it had closed an upsized non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$2.58 million, which will be used for ongoing exploration at Callanquitas.

The following month, the company announced a binding letter of intent with Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) for a strategic investment, offtake agreement and technical collaboration, which it closed in December.

The investment results in gross proceeds of C$19.92 million for PPX, which will be used to advance a variety of work at the project, including the construction, commissioning and start-up of the plant. Additionally, under the agreement, Glencore has the right to acquire 100 percent of precious metals concentrate from the Igor project and plant beginning once the plant is commissioned.

Shares of PPX Mining reached a year-to-date high of C$0.48 on October 8.

4. Pelangio Exploration (TSXV:PX)

Year-to-date gain: 728.57 percent
Market cap: C$56.03 million
Share price: C$0.29

Pelangio Exploration is a gold exploration company with projects in Ghana and Canada. In Ghana, it owns two large-scale gold projects, the Manfo property and the Obuasi property. The latter is located 4 kilometers along strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti’s (NYSE:AU,JSE:ANG) high-grade Obuasi mine.

Much of Pelangio’s market moving news came in the second half of the year.

In July, the company kicked off a high-resolution aeromagnetic drone survey at its Manfo and Nkosuo deposits. The following month, Pelangio announced the completion of an updated mineral resource estimate for Manfo covering four gold deposits, including the Nkasu deposit, which was not included in the maiden resource estimate.

The updated resource shows a total indicated mineral resource of 441,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.16 g/t gold, up 126 percent from the maiden resource estimate, and a total inferred mineral resource of 396,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.77 g/t gold, up 395 percent.

In September, Pelangio shared its plans for a US$7.6 million staged exploration program including up to 45,000 meters of drilling. Then, on October 22, the company closed the last tranche of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$4.5 million.

Shares of Pelangio reached a year-to-date high of C$0.29 on December 1.

5. Kirkland Lake Discoveries (TSXV:KLDC)

Year-to-date gain: 650 percent
Market cap: C$49.97 million
Share price: C$0.30

Kirkland Lake Discoveries is a gold and copper exploration company focused on projects in its district-scale land package located in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario, Canada.

Its holdings span an area of approximately 38,000 hectares in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt and are broadly divided into KL West and KL East, which contain the Goodfish-Kirana and Lucky Strike gold projects, respectively, among others.

On April 29, the company expanded KL West’s southern portion by entering into a mining option agreement with Val-d’Or Mining (TSXV:VZZ) to acquire a 100 percent interest in the Winnie Lake and Amikougami properties, and mining claim purchase agreements with two vendors for further claims around the Winnie Lake Pluton.

On August 6, Kirkland Lake initiated the inaugural diamond drill program at the site, designed to follow up on historic drill results and recent surface exploration. Early results from the program came on August 12 when the company reported the discovery of an intrusion-related system at KL West’s Winnie showing.

Next, on August 26, Kirkland expanded the mineralized system after intersecting semi-massive and massive sulfide mineralization across three additional holes at KL West, with assay results pending.

On September 23, Kirkland Lake announced a C$7 million private placement with a significant portion coming from investors Eric Sprott, Rob McEwen and Crescat Capital. It had been upsized to C$14 million as of October 3.

Drilling at KL West resulted in a new gold discovery 2 kilometers northeast of the Winnie Shaft, the company reported on October 27, which Kirkland says is an intrusive-related mineralizing system centered on the Winnie Pluton with a 17 kilometer perimeter. The testing confirmed a distinct and coexisting copper-rich massive sulfide system as well.

In late November, Kirkland commenced a fully funded 25,000 diamond drill program focused on KL West and ‘surrounding structures associate with the Winnie Lake Stock.’

Shares of Kirkland Lake reached a year-to-date high of C$0.39 on October 28.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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