Interview with Noora Ahola, President & CEO of Mawson Finland Ltd.

Recording date: 21st July 2025

Mawson Finland, a TSX Venture-listed exploration company, is positioning itself as a compelling investment opportunity through its Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Northern Finland's established Lapland mining region. The company, which spun out from Mawson Gold in 2023, offers investors exposure to 867,000 ounces of gold and 4,311 tons of cobalt in one of the world's most stable mining jurisdictions.

The appointment of CEO Noora Ahola represents a strategic advantage for navigating Finland's complex regulatory environment. Her 12-year tenure with Finnish environmental administration provides crucial insight into permitting processes that often challenge international mining companies. "Working for the authority as an authority was very important. To get that kind of background is good for this job because it's all about the permitting," Ahola explained, emphasizing the importance of regulatory expertise and local community acceptance.

Project economics appear increasingly attractive given current market conditions. The 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment was conducted at $1,700 per ounce gold, while current prices exceed $3,300, suggesting substantial improvement in returns. At $2,000 gold, the internal rate of return increases from 27% to 37%, demonstrating significant leverage to metal price appreciation.
Recent drilling campaigns totaling 22.8 kilometers over two winter seasons have identified additional ounces not yet incorporated into resource estimates. The company faces a strategic decision within the next two months between updating the current assessment or advancing directly to prefeasibility study level.

The cobalt component provides additional strategic value beyond traditional economics. As a designated EU critical and strategic mineral, cobalt offers potential for accelerated permitting timelines not exceeding 24 months and access to specialized European funding mechanisms. This dual-commodity approach positions Mawson Finland advantageously within European supply chain security initiatives while providing exposure to gold's monetary premium amid ongoing currency debasement concerns.

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Interview with Mark Chalmers, President & CEO of Energy Fuels Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/the-next-uranium-supercycle-energy-fuels-isoenergy-on-geopolitics-mills-and-market-gaps-7209

Recording date: 21st July 2025

Energy Fuels (NYSE/TSE) has emerged as a unique critical minerals company, anchored by its position as the largest uranium producer in the United States while strategically expanding into rare earth elements production. Under CEO Mark Chalmers' leadership, the company operates the White Mesa Mill, which serves as a critical processing hub capable of switching between uranium and rare earth campaigns, providing operational flexibility and consistent cash flow generation.

The company's rare earth strategy centers on producing both light and heavy rare earth elements, with particular strength in heavies like dysprosium and terbium where China maintains a stranglehold on global supply. Energy Fuels has already achieved commercial production of NDPR oxide and is advancing heavy separations, positioning itself as the third-largest publicly traded rare earth company globally behind MP Materials and Lynas. The fully permitted Donald project in Australia represents a significant strategic asset, offering heavy mineral sands with high-grade rare earth concentrates that can be processed at White Mesa.

Recent market recognition has been driven by government support for critical mineral independence, exemplified by Department of Defense and Apple investments in MP Materials. Energy Fuels is well-positioned to benefit from similar government backing, given its proven production capabilities and strategic assets. The company's approach emphasizes building rather than promoting, with demonstrated technical competence across multiple critical mineral streams.

The uranium business provides immediate cash flow strength, particularly from the high-grade Pinyon Plain project, which has delivered grades significantly exceeding expectations. With approximately $250 million in working capital and a clear pathway to scaling production across both uranium and rare earths, Energy Fuels offers investors exposure to critical minerals essential for energy transition and national security, backed by operational expertise and a diversified asset base spanning the United States, Australia, and Brazil.

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Recording date: 21st July 2025

AngloGold Ashanti has emerged as one of the most compelling large-cap gold mining investments, delivering exceptional returns while maintaining significant upside potential. The company has generated a remarkable 300% return for investors since trading around $17 per share, now valued at $50 with a $25 billion market capitalization as the world's fourth-largest gold producer.

The cornerstone of AngloGold's investment appeal lies in its Arthur Deposit (formerly Silicon-Merlin) in Nevada, representing a rare tier-one greenfield discovery of approximately 16 million ounces. This entirely buried deposit showcases the geological characteristics of a low sulphidation epithermal system with significant expansion potential beyond current estimates. The Nevada project positions AngloGold among the few major miners with substantial organic growth prospects.

AngloGold has successfully transformed from a South African-focused company to a globally diversified operation, relocating headquarters to Denver and securing primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange. This strategic repositioning reflects management's commitment to operating in favorable jurisdictions that appeal to international investors.

The company's operational excellence shines through its impressive cash generation, producing approximately $8 million in daily free cash flow at current gold prices above $3,300 per ounce. This financial strength enables self-funded development of the Nevada project without dilutive financing. Strategic acquisitions, including Centamin's 500,000-ounce Sukari mine in Egypt and Augusta Gold's Nevada assets, have consolidated over 21 million ounces in the district.

Despite this strong performance, AngloGold trades at an approximate 40% discount to peers like Agnico Eagle, with the Nevada project receiving minimal market valuation. The development timeline extends to 2030, with initial production estimates of 100,000-200,000 ounces annually, potentially scaling to one million ounces. For investors seeking exposure to gold mining with immediate cash generation and long-term growth potential, AngloGold Ashanti represents an attractive opportunity in a proven jurisdiction.

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Interview with Tim Harrison, Managing Director of Ionic Rare Earths

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/ionic-rare-earths-asxixr-pioneering-sustainable-magnet-recycling-in-the-uk-with-govt-backing-6414

Recording date: 21st July 2025

Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) presents a compelling investment opportunity in the strategically critical rare earth elements sector, positioned to capitalize on the fundamental transformation of global supply chains away from Chinese dominance. The company's unique combination of proprietary recycling technology, government backing, and geographic diversification strategy addresses urgent Western supply chain security needs while targeting the most constrained segments of the rare earth market.

Following China's April 2025 export restrictions on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements, Ionic has experienced substantial increased inquiry for its dysprosium and terbium production capabilities. The company's Belfast recycling facilities produce separated oxides with consistent quality, differentiating it from competitors who typically produce mixed concentrates. This technology enables magnet manufacturers to achieve specific performance characteristics required for defense applications, electric vehicles, and wind turbine systems.

The recent US Department of Defense investment establishing floor pricing for neodymium-praseodymium at $110 per kilogram by MP Materials—representing approximately 100% premiums—demonstrates the strategic priority and improved economics for alternative suppliers. Apple's subsequent supply agreement with MP Materials further validates customer willingness to pay premiums for supply chain security, creating opportunities for complementary suppliers like Ionic.

Ionic's proprietary intellectual property for magnet recycling produces separated oxides, enabling precise control over rare earth compositions. The Belfast facility serves as a scalable template for rapid global deployment, reducing development risks and capital requirements for expansion. Managing Director Tim Harrison emphasized: "On recycling, we'll be able to rapidly deploy recycling in Brazil. So what we do in Brazil will be a natural beneficiary of all of the work, all the school fees that have been paid in Belfast."

The company's focus on heavy rare earths—dysprosium and terbium—addresses the most strategically valuable and constrained market segment. Unlike mining operations requiring extensive permitting, recycling facilities benefit from streamlined approvals and access to urban waste streams, enabling faster deployment timelines.

Ionic operates across multiple jurisdictions, reducing single-country risk while accessing different funding sources. The company has secured £11 million from the UK government's supply chain initiative and is progressing toward additional grant funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre for the Belfast commercial facility, estimated at £85 million total project cost.

The Viridion joint venture in Brazil with Viridis Mining and Minerals combines upstream resources with Ionic's downstream processing capabilities. The partnership is pursuing substantial funding through Brazil's BNDES and FINEP programs, with announcements expected near-term. The company has already demonstrated operational capability by recycling Brazilian-sourced magnets and delivering separated oxides to local supply chain partners.

US market expansion represents the largest opportunity, driven by defense spending priorities and reshoring initiatives. The company has been actively engaging Washington DC stakeholders and potential partners throughout 2025.

The convergence of geopolitical tensions, supply shortages, and government backing creates unprecedented conditions for value creation in rare earth processing. Ionic's NATO-aligned supply chain positioning enables access to defense contracts with stable, long-term pricing. The strategic importance of rare earths has unlocked government funding mechanisms, reducing traditional project finance risks while customer urgency creates opportunities for advance payment structures and premium pricing.

Ionic Rare Earths represents exposure to the structural transformation from cost-optimization to security-prioritization in strategic materials procurement, positioning investors to benefit from the emerging Western rare earth ecosystem.

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Interview with Morgan Poliquin, President & CEO of Almadex Minerals Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/almadex-minerals-tsxvdex-junior-explorer-targets-blind-copper-gold-porphyries-across-western-us-6553

Recording date: 17th July 2025

Almadex Minerals (TSXV:DEX) represents a unique proposition in the junior mining sector as a proven prospect generator with a systematic approach to early-stage exploration. Led by CEO Morgan Poliquin, a geological engineer with PhD-level expertise from the University of Exeter's Camborne School of Mines, the company has achieved what over half of exploration companies never accomplish: making actual discoveries.

The company's track record includes three major discoveries over 15 years, including the Caballo Blanco discovery that drove the stock to over $2, the successful one-hole Ixtaca discovery in 2010, and the El Cobre copper-gold porphyry discovery in 2016. This success stems from Almadex's focus on magmatic hydrothermal systems, specifically porphyry copper-gold deposits that produce 80% of the world's copper and 25% of its gold.

Almadex's competitive advantage lies in its operational capabilities and scientific approach. The company owns six diamond drill rigs, providing cost advantages and operational flexibility that enables rapid decision-making and efficient first-pass drilling. Rather than becoming wedded to individual projects, management employs a "drill to kill" philosophy, quickly moving on from prospects that don't meet geological criteria.

The company's geological thesis centers on exploring buried porphyry systems beneath alteration zones or "lithocaps" in the western United States. As Poliquin explains, "What you have to do now is look under cover," targeting hidden deposits as traditional surface discoveries become exhausted.

With $12-13 million in cash plus an expected $8 million settlement, Almadex is well-capitalized for systematic drilling across multiple Nevada properties over the next 18 months. This strong financial position, combined with proven discovery capabilities and exposure to copper's growing demand fundamentals, positions the company as a compelling opportunity in the early-stage exploration space.

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Interview with Darrin Campbell, President & CEO of Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/namibia-critical-metals-tsxvnmi-jv-funded-rare-earth-project-pfs-due-oct-24-5707

Recording date: 17th July 2025

Namibia Critical Metals (TSXV:NMI) is positioning itself as a critical player in the global supply chain security landscape through development of the Lofdal heavy rare earth project in Namibia. The project represents one of the largest deposits of dysprosium and terbium outside China, targeting annual production of 150 tons of dysprosium and 30 tons of terbium from a compact 1,500-2,000 ton TREO operation.

The company's strategic advantage lies in its focus on premium heavy rare earth elements rather than the more common light rare earths. While most projects target neodymium-praseodymium selling at $65 per kilogram, Lofdal's dysprosium commands $250 per kilogram and terbium exceeds $1,000 per kilogram. These elements are essential for high-temperature permanent magnet applications in defense systems, aerospace, and advanced electric vehicle motors.

Namibia Critical Metals has secured a transformational partnership with JOGMEC, the Japanese government agency responsible for securing natural resources for Japanese industry. JOGMEC has invested $17 million to earn 40% of the project, with plans to reach 50% ownership through $20 million total investment. The partnership structure offers exceptional optionality for shareholders, including potential full project funding with a 26% carried working interest.

Technical development has progressed substantially through 2025, with pilot-scale testing validating the hydrometallurgical flowsheet and XRT/XRF sorting technology demonstrating significant grade enhancement capabilities. The Pre-Feasibility Study remains on track for completion by year-end 2025, with capital expenditure targets under $300 million.

The recent US Department of Defense investment in MP Materials, establishing 70% premium floor pricing for rare earths, validates the strategic importance of supply chain security and suggests growing government support for critical minerals projects outside Chinese control. With China controlling approximately 70% of global rare earth production, projects like Lofdal address acute supply vulnerabilities in Western defense and technology industries.

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Interview with Scott Sheldon, President & CEO of Go Metals Corp.

Recording date: 14th July 2025

Go Metals Corp (CSE:GOCO) has emerged as a compelling player in Canada's critical metals exploration sector, positioning itself strategically within the growing demand for copper, cobalt, and nickel. Led by CEO Scott Sheldon and geological partner Harley Slade, this Vancouver-based company has evolved from gold exploration to critical metals since its 2010 establishment, demonstrating adaptability and market awareness.

The company's flagship Monster IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) project in Yukon's Dawson mining district represents its most significant opportunity. Located within a recognized IOCG geological setting, the project offers tier-one potential comparable to world-class deposits like Olympic Dam. Systematic geophysical surveys have identified massive gravity anomalies suggesting substantial mineralization at depth, while surface sampling has revealed encouraging grades with visible cobalt mineralization presenting as "nice pink erythrite blooms."

Go Metals' lean two-person structure maximizes capital allocation to exploration activities, reflecting a cost-conscious approach that has yielded results. The company successfully vended its Wels gold project to K2 Gold in 2017, while its HSP project generated significant industry interest in 2023, sparking a million-kilometer staking rush in the surrounding area.

Innovation drives the company's exploration strategy through a partnership with MineCompare AI, enhancing geological interpretation and target refinement. As Sheldon noted, "We found that using the AI, as you look at it more as a team member, so something that you can ask questions to and even debate it becomes pretty valuable."

The company's diversified portfolio includes additional projects spanning natural hydrogen prospects and a large vanadium-titanium-magnetite discovery, providing multiple pathways to value creation. Operating within Canada's mining-friendly jurisdiction offers political stability and established infrastructure advantages during a period of rising commodity prices and increased focus on critical metals supply security.

With copper prices strengthening and global supply chain concerns driving investment toward politically stable mining regions, Go Metals appears well-positioned to capitalize on favorable market conditions while advancing its high-potential exploration portfolio.

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Interview with Keith Boyle, CEO of New Found Gold Corp.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/new-found-gold-tsxvnfg-a-model-for-responsible-mining-development-7373

Recording date: 17th July 2025

New Found Gold Corporation (TSXV:NFG) has released its first preliminary economic assessment for the Queensway Gold Project in Newfoundland, presenting an innovative three-phase development strategy designed to minimize capital requirements while maximizing investor returns. The approach marks a strategic shift toward early cash generation rather than traditional large-scale mine development.

The company plans to produce 1.5 million ounces of gold over a 15-year mine life with all-in sustaining costs of $1,256 per ounce. CEO Keith Boyle emphasized the strategy's focus on internal rate of return over net present value, stating: "We sacrificed NPV for IRR. In phasing the approach, we really pushed out that big production number because the capital cost of the small starter is much more attractive to us and much better fit for our shareholders."

Phase one involves constructing a 700 ton-per-day operation requiring $155 million in capital expenditure, utilizing a toll mill in Newfoundland for five years. This initial phase will produce 69,000 ounces annually, generating substantial margins of approximately $2,000 per ounce at current gold prices. The second phase scales up significantly with a 7,000 ton-per-day processing plant beginning construction in years three and four, commencing production in year five at 172,000 ounces annually.

The project demonstrates exceptional economics, delivering $742 million net present value with 56% internal rate of return at $2,500 gold assumptions. At current spot prices around $3,300, the IRR exceeds 100%, showcasing the project's leverage to gold price movements.

New Found Gold benefits from exceptional infrastructure proximity, located one hour from Gander, Newfoundland. The company expects rapid permitting based on government support targeting five mines by 2030, with recent examples showing 10.5-month approval timelines. Additional upside comes from active drill programs at Dropkick and other targets, plus underground development adding 230,000 ounces as a "sweetener" to the open pit operation.

View New Found Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/new-found-gold

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