Company Interviews Crux Investor

Interview with Jeff Quartermaine, Chairman & CEO of Perseus Mining Ltd.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/perseus-mining-asxpru-poised-for-growth-in-africa-beyond-5246
Recording date: 24th April 2024
Perseus Mining, an Australian gold producer focused on operating mines and development projects in Africa, continues to deliver solid performance while executing a balanced growth strategy. The company's recent quarterly results showcase its operational strength, while the acquisition of OreCorp's Nyanzaga project in Tanzania project will provide a clear path for future growth.
In Q1, Perseus produced 127,471 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of just over $1,000 per ounce, generating a robust margin of $934 per ounce. This translated to a notional cash flow of US$19 million for the quarter, further bolstering the company's already strong financial position. With over US$700 million in cash and no debt, Perseus is well-positioned to fund its growth initiatives and navigate potential market challenges.
The acquisition of the Nyanzaga project will mark a significant milestone for Perseus. On April 17th, Perseus passed 90% ownership of OreCorp, and on April 18th, the company commenced compulsorily acquiring all outstanding shares in OreCorp. The offer closed on 19 April 2024. Perseus’s senior management team has engaged with senior government official, key stakeholders and employees in Tanzania, all of whom have confirmed their strong support for Perseus’s investment in Tanzania and their commitment to helping Perseus achieve its aim of commencing commercial production of gold from the Nyanzaga Gold Mine.
In addition to the Nyanzaga, Perseus is actively reassessing optimization opportunities at its existing assets, particularly the Edikan mine in Ghana. By re-evaluating past decisions in light of the current high gold price environment, the company aims to enhance margins and returns from these operations.
Perseus has articulated a clear growth strategy, targeting a portfolio of at least four long-life mines with an ore reserve inventory of 10 to 12 million ounces. The company will pursue this goal through a combination of exploration, acquisitions, and development, funded by its strong cash position and ongoing cash generation from operations.
Investors should also take note of Perseus' disciplined approach to capital allocation. The company aims to return surplus cash to shareholders through dividends, with a current policy targeting an annualized yield of 1% and the potential for additional bonus dividends. However, Perseus remains open to other capital management options, such as capital returns or share buybacks, and will carefully evaluate these alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
With a consistent track record of operational performance, a strong financial position, a clear growth pipeline, and an experienced management team, Perseus Mining presents a compelling investment case in the gold mining sector. As the company continues to execute its strategy and unlock value from its assets, investors may find Perseus an attractive opportunity for exposure to a growing, financially robust African gold producer.
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View Perseus Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/perseus-mining
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Interview with Morgan Poliquin, President & CEO of Almadex Minerals Ltd.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/almadex-minerals-dex-north-american-gold-silver-exploration-2196
Recording date: 24th April 2024
Morgan Poliquin, President and CEO of Almadex Minerals, discussed the company's unique approach to mineral exploration and value creation during an interview with Matthew Gordon. Almadex Minerals is focused on early-stage exploration, primarily targeting large copper and gold porphyry deposits in the Western United States. The company's strategy is to generate new exploration opportunities through a combination of big-picture geologic ideas and advanced exploration techniques.
Almadex Minerals differentiates itself from other prospect generators by having sufficient capital and its own diamond drilling capacity, which reduces the cost of the most expensive and critical stage of exploration: drilling. This allows the company to test their projects independently without giving away the upside potential through joint ventures or option agreements, unless strategically beneficial.
The company's exploration approach involves identifying areas that have been overlooked or under-explored due to the historical focus on near-surface oxide gold deposits in the Western United States. By utilizing advanced exploration techniques, such as the Terespec instrument, Almadex Minerals can quickly and inexpensively identify the most prospective targets for porphyry copper-gold deposits. This enables the company to efficiently allocate resources and minimize the risk of wasting time and money on less promising projects.
Almadex Minerals' current portfolio includes several early-stage projects that have been carefully selected based on their potential to host large mineral deposits. The company plans to aggressively advance these projects to the drill stage while also drilling at least one property, called Paradise, where they have identified a well-defined target indicative of a porphyry system.
In addition to its early-stage exploration projects, Almadex Minerals holds a portfolio of securities valued at around CAD 1 million and several early-stage NSRs (net smelter returns). The company also has a legacy zinc-silver project in Southern Yukon with a 43-101 resource, which could be monetized in the future when zinc prices improve.
Investors can expect updates on the advancement of Almadex Minerals' early-stage projects, with several potentially reaching the drill target stage this year. The company also plans to commence drilling at its Paradise Project in Nevada, pending permitting and logistics. If successful in making a discovery, Almadex Minerals would seek to partner with a developer or major mining company to further advance the project, as the company's focus remains on early-stage exploration and discovery rather than mine development.
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View Almadex Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/almadex-minerals
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Interview with Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/marimaca-copper-tsxmari-metallurgical-test-reduces-operating-costs-dfs-in-2025-4378
Recording date: 22nd April 2024
Marimaca Copper presents a compelling investment opportunity as it advances its flagship Marimaca oxide copper project in Chile towards production. With a robust project, experienced leadership, and exposure to an increasingly supply-constrained copper market, Marimaca is well-positioned to deliver significant shareholder value in the near-term.
The wholly-owned Marimaca project is a shallow open pit oxide copper deposit with low technical risk and modest capital requirements. A Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is expected by Q4 2024 and will further refine the project's economics, with management targeting sub-$500M initial capex – a rarity in an industry dominated by multi-billion dollar developments.
Marimaca is taking a proactive approach to permitting and project execution to minimize risk and establish a clear path to construction and production. They are building an experienced owners' team and have partnered with top-tier engineering firm Ausenco to instill confidence in their ability to deliver.
Exploration work will continue in parallel with project development, providing opportunities to further expand the resource base and extend the mine life through regional targets. With strong cash management, Marimaca is able to simultaneously advance its flagship asset while testing compelling greenfield targets to build out its long-term growth pipeline.
The company is operating against an extremely favorable copper market backdrop. A dearth of new mine supply, declining grades, and growing demand from electrification are expected to sustain a structural deficit and support strong prices in the medium-term. CEO Hayden Locke believes copper has "one of the best setups of any commodity" with the potential for "spectacular price appreciation in the next 5-10 years."
As one of the few projects capable of delivering production by mid-decade, Marimaca is poised to capitalize on this window of opportunity. Near-term catalysts for the stock include the delivery of the DFS, submission of permits, conversion of resources to reserves, and exploration results. Investors should also watch for potential strategic partnerships or financing agreements as the company seeks to secure funding through to production.
In summary, Marimaca Copper presents a derisked path to near-term copper production, with a management team, asset base, and market setup that is well-aligned for success. As the company looks to transition from explorer to developer to producer in the coming years, it offers investors a unique opportunity to gain exposure to a critical metal of the future and the potential for significant value creation.
View Marimaca Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/marimaca-copper
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Interview with Dr. Mike Jones, MD of Impact Minerals Ltd.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/impact-minerals-asxipt-surging-demand-for-hpa-investment-4477
Recording date: 22nd April 2024
Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT) is an emerging player in the high purity alumina (HPA) market, developing the Lake Hope project in Western Australia. HPA is a critical material for the global energy transition, with applications in lithium-ion batteries, LEDs, sapphire glass, semiconductors, and catalysts. As the demand for clean energy technologies continues to grow, Impact Minerals is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing need for HPA.
The Lake Hope project boasts unique advantages that set Impact Minerals apart from its competitors. The deposit is located in the top two meters of a salt lake, allowing for simple and cost-effective mining operations. The fine particle size of the clay at Lake Hope provides a high surface area, enabling efficient processing and extraction of HPA. These natural advantages, combined with the company's innovative processing routes, position Impact Minerals to become one of the lowest-cost HPA producers globally.
Impact Minerals has developed two cutting-edge processing routes: the sulfate process and the low-temperature (LTL) process. The sulfate process, designed by the company's geologist, Rolland Gottard, uses sulfuric acid to extract HPA from the clay. This process formed the basis for the scoping study released in November 2023, which demonstrated Impact Minerals' potential to achieve industry-leading low production costs. The LTL process, a more recent development, utilizes a different set of reagents and has the potential to further reduce capital and operating costs by eliminating one stage of the production process.
The global HPA market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% by the end of the decade. This growth will be primarily driven by the increasing demand for LEDs, which Impact Minerals plans to target as its primary application for HPA. The LED industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by the adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions, smart screens, and displays. Government regulations, such as the ban on incandescent light bulbs in the United States, further support the growth of the LED market and, consequently, the demand for HPA.
Impact Minerals is making steady progress in advancing the Lake Hope project. The company is currently conducting feasibility studies, with the pre-feasibility study (PFS) expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The PFS will include a decision on which processing route to pursue for the 10,000 ton per annum HPA plant. Following the PFS, Impact Minerals will commence the definitive feasibility study (DFS), with completion targeted for the end of 2025. In parallel, the company plans to initiate marketing efforts by mid-2024, engaging with potential end-users in the LED industry to secure off-take agreements and partnerships.
Investors seeking exposure to the growing HPA market should consider Impact Minerals for its unique advantages, innovative processing technologies, and strategic focus on the expanding LED sector. With a strong management team, led by Dr. Mike Jones, and a clear path to low-cost production, Impact Minerals is poised to become a significant player in the global HPA supply chain. As the company continues to advance the Lake Hope project and approach commercial production, it presents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical materials space, offering the potential for substantial returns in the years to come.
View Impact Minerals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/impact-minerals
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Interview with Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & CEO of G Mining Ventures.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/g-mining-ventures-tsxgmin-producing-gold-by-year-end-4938
Recording date: 23rd April 2024
G Mining Ventures, led by President and CEO Louis-Pierre Gignac, has announced a merger with Reunion Gold to acquire the Oko West project in Guyana. This strategic move aligns with G Mining's goal of becoming an intermediate gold producer, targeting an annual production of 500,000 ounces.The Tocantinzinho mine, currently under construction by G Mining, is 89% complete and expected to start producing gold within the next three months. With an average annual production of 175,000 ounces, Tocantinzinho is projected to generate over $200 million in cash flow per year. The merger with Reunion Gold will enable G Mining to redeploy this cash flow towards the development of Oko West, minimizing shareholder dilution.
Gignac and his team have conducted extensive due diligence on the Oko West project, including site visits and meetings with the President of Guyana. The Guyanese government has expressed strong support for the mining industry and the swift development of Oko West. G Mining's management expertise, coupled with the financial backing of major shareholders La Mancha and Franco, who have committed $25 million each to support early works, positions the company well to advance the project rapidly.
Despite concerns about the "Venezuela factor" and a longstanding boundary dispute, G Mining remains confident in the stability of Guyana's mining sector. The dispute is expected to be resolved through international courts, with support from key players such as Brazil, the United States, and European nations.
The merger between G Mining and Reunion Gold is expected to close in the beginning of the third quarter, following a shareholder vote. As part of the transaction, a spin-off company will be created to hold Reunion's exploration assets in French Guiana and Suriname, with G Mining retaining a 19.9% stake and the option to maintain its pro-rata share in future funding rounds.
Gignac sees potential for the Oko West project to produce 200,000 ounces of gold annually, with a combination of open-pit and underground mining. The company plans to refine the trade-offs between the two mining methods and optimize the timing of underground development. The high-grade underground resource, with an average grade of 3 grams per tonne, is expected to complement the open-pit operation and create significant value.
G Mining's institutional shareholders have responded positively to the merger announcement, recognizing the strategic fit and the company's ability to leverage its expertise and systems in developing the Oko West project. With a strong track record of building mines in the Guiana Shield and a network of experienced Guyanese expats, G Mining is well-positioned to integrate the Reunion Gold team and advance the project seamlessly.
As gold prices continue to rise, reaching nearly $2,400 per ounce, the timing of this merger and the anticipated start of gold production at Tocantinzinho appears to be ideal for G Mining Ventures and its shareholders. The company's strong financial position, experienced management team, and strategic partnerships place it in an excellent position to capitalize on the growing demand for gold and create significant value for investors in the years ahead.
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Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/g-mining-ventures
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Interview with Chairman & CEO Paul Huet, Karora Resources and Wayne Bramwell, Managing Director of Westgold Resources.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/karora-resources-tsxkrr-westgold-merger-creates-gold-powerhouse-5192
Recording date: 19th April 2024
Karora Resources and Westgold have announced a merger that will create Australia's third largest gold company, with annual production of 400,000 to 450,000 ounces. The combined entity will have a proven management team, a focus on profitable ounces, and significant organic growth potential.
The merged company brings together two teams that have successfully executed operational turnarounds in recent years. Karora Chairman and CEO Paul Andre Huet praised his counterpart, saying, "What an amazing journey, only in this for two years...What a better man - you don't want this in the best person to run our company. That's the kind of person we want. Don't worry so much about making the ounces every time. Worry about making money."
Under Wayne Bramwell's leadership, Westgold has pivoted from a "myopic focus on producing gold at all costs" to a more sustainable model centered on margin and free cash flow. By shutting down money-losing mines, redeploying resources, and empowering site teams, Bramwell and his team have generated positive cash flow for five straight quarters.
The merger will allow the combined company to apply this cash flow focus to Karora's assets, which include the high-potential Beta Hunt mine. Bramwell sees an opportunity to reduce contracting costs by deploying Westgold's extensive mining fleet. "Removing those contractors and driving the cost out, replacing them with the expanded Westgold resources is going to be a quick win," he explained.
The combined company will also have significant organic growth potential. Westgold is acquiring additional drill rigs, with plans to "give at least three to Steve Devlin and the team at Beta Hunt to basically start beating the hell out of that asset," according to Bramwell. Huet noted that the company's free cash flow generation will allow it to both pay dividends and reinvest in high-return projects.
Given the shared focus on profitable growth and the existing relationships between the Karora and Westgold teams, the companies expect a smooth integration focused initially on back-office synergies and learning the combined asset base. "You probably won't start to see the real market-visible integration until probably the second or the third quarter," said Bramwell.
For investors, the merged company presents a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to a leading mid-tier gold producer with scale, free cash flow, and organic growth. The combined management team has a demonstrated track record of operational execution and margin-focused decision-making. With a larger profile and potential index inclusion on the horizon, the company appears well-positioned for a re-rating as the gold industry continues to consolidate.
While the merger is not without risks, including the inherent challenges of integrating two companies, the strategic rationale is sound and the potential rewards are significant. As Huet put it, "Watch what happens with the rerate when the ASX 200 comes in, when the GDX comes in, all those ETFs comes in. People will see, wow, this is one heck of a great story. This is a great company led by a great man."
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Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/karora-resources
https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/westgold-resources-limited
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