Minimize

Welcome!

Sitka Gold – Expanding the RC Gold Project in the Yukon: Saddle Zone Delivers Strong Grades, Eiger Deposit Expanding

Cory
July 21, 2025

 

In this company update, I reconnect with Mike Burke, Director & VP of Corporate Development at Sitka Gold (TSX.V:SIG – OTCQB:SITKF – FRE:1RF), to discuss the latest drill results from the RC Gold Project in the Tombstone Gold Belt, Yukon.

 

On July 17th, Sitka reported new results from the Saddle Zone, an area within the conceptual pit boundary of the Blackjack deposit. These intersections are demonstrating near-surface, multi-gram gold mineralization roughly 300 meters east of the current resource outline – effectively converting previously classified waste into potentially economic material.

 

Key discussion points:

  • Saddle Zone Expansion: Intersections grading ~2 g/t gold, double the Blackjack resource average, with implications for future economics.

  • Eiger Step-Outs: New drilling on the western margin intersecting broad widths of Iger-style mineralization, linking deposits.

  • Resource Growth Potential: Blackjack & Eiger already host 2.8M ounces (Inferred and Indicated) combined; ongoing drilling continues to grow these cornerstone deposits.

  • Steady News Flow: Over half of the 30,000m drill program completed with results expected through year-end and into early 2026.

 

  • Shareholder Interest: Insights from recent Yukon site tours, showcasing the proximity of multiple targets and the project’s scale.

 

If you have any follow up questions for Mike please email me at Fleck@kereport.com

 

Click here visit the Sitka Gold website to learn more about the Company. 

Discussion
12 Comments
    Jul 21, 2025 21:19 PM
    Jul 21, 2025 21:50 PM

    To be fair I like Terry’s Deepseek platform that provides analysis of any stock it is like having an extra arrow in your quiver. I don’t think this new technology is anything to be concerned about in a negative way.

    As far as IPT is concerned Matthew has liked it for many years and a lot of other investors here like Matthew’s stock charts and reasoning. Matthew has a lot of investing experiencing and it shows in his patience and his stock selection.

    As investors we are all responsible for our own decisions. The world we live in is constantly in flux and the more tools we can use the better.

    Who could have predicted even a year ago what President Trump would do while being in office for such a short time and/or the challenge that we see between the resource-based economy of The East and the debt-based economy of The West. DT

    Reply
      Jul 21, 2025 21:52 PM

      I have learned a lot from Matthew and from this site in general. My problem with IPT is in not recognising it for what it really is as an investment.
      Deepseek, yes, an arrow in the quiver, very fast and efficient. I’m going to ask Deepseek about Brixton and post it later. Hecla and Equinox were very informative. Are there any others you want Deepseek to check?

      Reply
        Jul 21, 2025 21:20 PM

        Hi Terry, I would like to see an analysis of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (WRLG) I can’t understand what is holding it back other than Madsen Mine’s past association with Pure Gold and possibly the huge number of warrants. Maybe Deepseek can shed some light on it.

        There is another stock which I like a lot that is very speculative and hard to get information on, and that is Cosigo Resources. V.CSG Thanks, Terry

        Reply
          Jul 21, 2025 21:44 PM

          Deepseek on WRLG
          West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG; OTCQB: WRLGF) is a Canadian junior mining company focused on restarting the high-grade Madsen Gold Mine in the prolific Red Lake district of Ontario. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, why the stock might not be moving significantly, and potential challenges:

          1. **The Core Asset: Madsen Mine**
          * **History:** Madsen was a past producer (over 2.5 million oz historically) but has been dormant for years.
          * **Potential:** WRLG acquired the asset in 2023 (merging with Pure Gold Mining) believing it has significant remaining high-grade gold potential and is amenable to restart.
          * **Feasibility Study (Nov 2023):** This key study outlined a plan for an 800-tonne-per-day underground mine with robust economics (based on ~$1900/oz gold):
          * Avg Annual Production: ~87,000 oz over first 5 years.
          * All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC): ~$1,167/oz.
          * Initial Capex: ~C$287 million.
          * After-Tax NPV (5%): ~C$411 million.
          * After-Tax IRR: ~30%.
          * **Current Status:** The company is squarely in the **pre-production/development phase**, focused on:
          * **Permitting:** Securing the necessary permits to restart mining and milling.
          * **Financing:** Raising the significant capital required (~C$287M + contingencies) outlined in the feasibility study.
          * **De-risking:** Detailed engineering, procurement planning, and exploration to potentially expand resources.

          2. **Why the Stock Might Not Be Moving (Stagnation):**
          * **Pre-Production Phase:** Junior miners in the development stage often trade sideways or drift lower without major catalysts. The market is waiting for concrete progress on permits and financing.
          * **Lack of Major Recent Catalysts:** Since the Feasibility Study (Nov 2023) and subsequent resource updates, there haven’t been massive, market-moving announcements like a finalized permit or a complete financing package. Progress reports on permitting/financing are important but often incremental.
          * **Financing Overhang:** Raising ~C$287 million is a *major* undertaking for a junior miner. The market is concerned about:
          * **Dilution:** Will they need to issue a huge number of new shares, significantly diluting existing shareholders?
          * **Terms:** Will they secure financing on favorable terms, or will it be expensive (high interest, royalties, streams)?
          * **Timing:** *When* will they secure the full amount? Delays create uncertainty.
          * **Permitting Timeline:** Permitting in Canada, while generally predictable, takes time. Any perceived delays or unexpected hurdles can weigh on sentiment.
          * **Broader Gold Market & Risk Appetite:** Junior gold stocks are highly sensitive to:
          * The spot gold price (which has been volatile).
          * Overall market sentiment towards risk assets. In risk-off environments, juniors often underperform.
          * Sector-specific sentiment (e.g., flows into gold ETFs, interest rates impacting gold).
          * **Execution Risk:** The market is pricing in the significant risk that comes with building/restarting a mine – cost overruns, technical difficulties, labor issues, etc. Until production is achieved, this risk premium remains high.
          * **Post-Merger Integration:** Integrating the Madsen asset after the merger with Pure Gold (which had encountered financial/operational difficulties) takes time and focus.

          3. **Are They Having Problems?**
          * **Not Necessarily “Problems,” but Inherent Challenges:** The lack of significant stock movement is more likely due to the **natural challenges of the development stage** (financing, permitting) and a lack of recent massive positive catalysts, rather than any specific, unexpected disaster.
          * **Key Challenges They ARE Facing:**
          * **Financing:** This is the single biggest hurdle. Securing ~C$287M is a monumental task. This is the primary focus and the main reason for market caution.
          * **Permitting:** While ongoing, final approvals are needed. No major red flags reported, but it’s a complex process.
          * **Market Conditions:** Raising capital in a potentially higher interest rate environment (though gold often benefits) and competing for investor attention.
          * **Inherited Issues:** The Madsen mine requires restarting, which involves overcoming the history of the previous operator’s challenges.

          4. **What to Watch For (Catalysts):**
          * **Financing News:** This is **THE** biggest potential catalyst. Announcement of a major debt facility, strategic investment, royalty/stream, or equity raise (though dilution is a concern) could move the stock significantly, either up (favorable terms) or down (highly dilutive).
          * **Permitting Milestones:** Receiving key permits (especially the main operational permits) would de-risk the project substantially.
          * **Construction/Development Start:** Breaking ground signals commitment and progress.
          * **Exploration Success:** Significant new high-grade intercepts near planned infrastructure could add value and improve project economics.
          * **Gold Price Surge:** A sustained strong move upwards in gold prices makes the project more valuable and financing potentially easier.
          * **Operational Updates:** Progress reports on de-watering, underground development (once permitted/funded), and mill refurbishment.

          **Conclusion:**

          West Red Lake Gold is a development-stage company sitting on a potentially high-grade, high-margin gold project. The lack of recent stock movement is **primarily due to its current phase:** waiting for major catalysts like full financing and final permits. The biggest challenge is unequivocally **securing the substantial capital needed** to restart the mine without overly diluting shareholders. While this isn’t necessarily an indication of specific “problems” beyond the inherent difficulties of mine development, it represents significant execution risk.

          **Investor Takeaway:**

          * **High Risk / High Reward:** WRLG is a speculative investment typical of pre-production juniors.
          * **Catalyst Driven:** Expect the stock to remain relatively stagnant until major news on **financing** or **permitting** emerges.
          * **Due Diligence is Crucial:** Investors should closely monitor:
          * Company press releases and presentations for financing/permit progress.
          * Quarterly financials to track cash position and burn rate.
          * Management commentary on timelines and strategy.
          * The overall gold price and junior mining sector sentiment.
          * **Patience Required:** Mine development is measured in years. Significant re-rating likely only comes with successful financing, permitting, and ultimately, production.

          **Recommendation:** Keep a close eye on their news flow, specifically regarding financing initiatives and permitting updates. These will be the primary drivers of the stock price in the near-to-medium term. Understand that the current stagnation is largely characteristic of the development stage and the market waiting for these key milestones.

          Reply
            Jul 22, 2025 22:56 AM

            Thanks for the information, on WRLG Terry, a lot of it seems dated and not current. DT

          Jul 22, 2025 22:53 AM

          I can provide **publicly available information** about Cosigo Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CSG), but **I cannot offer investment advice or opinions on the stock’s future performance**. Here’s a summary based on recent disclosures and its business profile:

          ### Key Facts About Cosigo Resources (V: CSG):
          1. **Business Focus**:
          – Junior mining exploration company focused on **gold projects**.
          – Primary asset: **Maguarí gold project** in the Amazonas region of Colombia, near the Brazil border.

          2. **Recent Developments & Challenges**:
          – **Trading Halted** (as of 2024):
          – Trading on TSX Venture Exchange has been suspended since **February 20, 2024**, due to failure to maintain exchange requirements.
          – **License Suspension in Colombia**:
          – Colombia’s National Mining Agency (ANM) suspended its environmental license in 2023/2024 over alleged lack of prior consultation with indigenous communities. This is under legal dispute.
          – **Financial Distress**:
          – The company has reported minimal revenue, negative equity, and significant operational/legal challenges. Its latest financials (Q3 2023) show **~CAD $3,000 in cash** and mounting liabilities.

          3. **Stock Status**:
          – Last trading price (pre-halt): **CAD $0.015** (penny stock status).
          – Classified as **”NEX”** (a sub-exchange for companies no longer meeting TSXV’s ongoing requirements).

          4. **Major Risks**:
          – Legal battles over mining rights in environmentally sensitive/indigenous territories.
          – Inability to fund operations or exploration.
          – Delisting risk if exchange requirements aren’t met.

          ### Where to Find Reliable Information:
          1. **SEDAR (Canadian Securities Filings)**:
          Access [CSG’s latest financials, MD&A, and legal updates here](https://sedar.com/). Look for disclosures about the Colombia license suspension and NEX status.

          2. **TSX Venture Exchange Page**:
          [TMX Money – CSG](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/CSG) for trading halts and bulletins.

          3. **Company Website**:
          Review announcements at [Cosigo Resources’ site](http://www.cosigoresources.com/) (though updates may be sparse).

          ### Important Considerations:
          – **Extreme High-Risk**: CSG faces existential threats from legal, financial, and regulatory challenges. Survival depends on resolving Colombian licensing issues and securing financing.
          – **No Investment Opinion**: I cannot speculate on the stock’s potential. Always consult a financial advisor and perform due diligence.
          – **Environmental/ESG Factors**: Operations in the Amazon involve significant ethical/regulatory scrutiny. This impacts project viability.

          ### Bottom Line:
          Cosigo Resources is a **distressed junior miner** with operations paralyzed by legal and financial issues. Its future is highly uncertain. Investors should prioritize reviewing its **SEDAR filings** and consulting licensed professionals before any action.

          *Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Mining stocks, especially juniors, carry high risk of capital loss.*
          KER is taking down my Deepseek posts so here is my third attempt with Cosigo(CSG)

          Reply
        Ann
        Jul 21, 2025 21:12 PM

        MAXX.cn
        Salt. cdnx.. if you have the time
        TIA.. Terry

        Reply
          Jul 21, 2025 21:23 PM

          Deepseek on CSE:MAXX
          Based on publicly available information (as of July 2024), here’s an overview of Maxpower Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX) and its prospects:

          **Company Overview:**

          1. **Status:** Junior mineral exploration company.
          2. **Primary Focus:** Exploration and development of battery metals projects, particularly **nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co)**.
          3. **Flagship Project:** The **Dunlop Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Property** in Quebec, Canada.
          * **Location:** Near the town of La Motte, within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt – a world-renowned mining district known for base and precious metals.
          * **Geology:** Targets magmatic sulphide deposits (similar to Norilsk or Voisey’s Bay), which are prime sources of Ni, Cu, and Co.
          * **History:** The property has known Ni-Cu-Co showings with historical high-grade grab samples. Past exploration (pre-Maxpower) identified electromagnetic (EM) conductors, key targets for massive sulphides.
          * **Recent Work:** Maxpower has been consolidating the land position, compiling historical data, conducting ground geophysics (including EM), and identifying drill targets. They announced a significant property expansion in late 2023/early 2024.
          4. **Other Assets:** Previously held lithium assets in Quebec and Alabama. Recent focus and news flow are almost exclusively on Dunlop. Lithium assets appear non-core currently.
          5. **Management:** Experienced team with backgrounds in geology, finance, and mining development.
          6. **Capital Structure:** Typical junior explorer structure – relatively tight share structure (around 60-70 million shares outstanding pre-financings), low market capitalization (fluctuates, but often in the single-digit millions CAD), reliant on equity financing for exploration.
          7. **Exchange:** Trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: MAXX) – known for listing early-stage ventures.

          **Prospects for the Future:**

          Maxpower’s future is **highly speculative and entirely dependent on exploration success at Dunlop (and potentially leveraging its other assets)**. Key prospects and factors to consider:

          1. **High-Risk, High-Reward Exploration:**
          * **Upside:** Discovery of a significant magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulphide deposit at Dunlop would be transformative. Battery metal demand (especially Ni for EVs) is projected for strong long-term growth. Success here could lead to massive share price appreciation, partnerships with majors, or an acquisition.
          * **Downside:** Exploration is inherently risky. Drilling could fail to intersect economic mineralization. Targets defined by geophysics might not yield significant results. The company could run out of funds before proving the concept. Share price could decline significantly on unsuccessful results.

          2. **Near-Term Catalysts (Dunlop Focus):**
          * **Drilling Results:** The single most important factor. Maxpower needs to drill its high-priority EM targets identified through recent ground surveys. Positive drill results (visual sulphides, assays showing significant Ni-Cu-Co grades and widths) would be a major positive catalyst. Negative results would be detrimental.
          * **Continued Target Definition:** Further geophysical work or prospecting identifying new high-priority targets adds prospectivity.
          * **Resource Definition (Longer-Term):** If drilling is successful, the next steps would involve defining an initial mineral resource estimate – a critical milestone for valuation.

          3. **Financing:** As a junior explorer, MAXX will need to raise capital regularly to fund exploration programs. This typically involves issuing new shares (equity financing), which dilutes existing shareholders. Their ability to raise funds depends heavily on market sentiment towards exploration stocks and their recent results.

          4. **Battery Metal Market Dynamics:**
          * **Positive:** Long-term demand fundamentals for nickel (stainless steel & EVs), copper (electrification), and cobalt (batteries) are strong. Supply constraints could benefit new discoveries. Quebec is a top-tier mining jurisdiction.
          * **Negative:** Short-to-medium term prices for these metals can be volatile, impacting market sentiment towards explorers. Competition for investment dollars in the battery metals space is fierce. New technologies (e.g., lower-cobalt batteries) could impact specific metal demand.

          5. **Other Assets:** While Dunlop is the clear focus, the lithium or other assets could potentially be optioned, sold, or explored if market conditions shift, providing alternative value streams or funding.

          **Key Considerations & Risks:**

          * **Early Stage:** Dunlop is at a very early exploration stage (target generation/pre-drill/drill target testing). **No mineral resources or reserves have been defined yet.**
          * **Speculative Investment:** MAXX is a classic high-risk, high-potential-reward penny stock. Only suitable for investors with a high risk tolerance and speculative capital.
          * **Dilution Risk:** Frequent capital raises are likely, diluting shareholder ownership.
          * **Market Volatility:** Share price can be extremely volatile based on exploration news, broader market sentiment, and commodity price fluctuations.
          * **Exploration Risk:** The fundamental risk that no economic deposit is found.
          * **Jurisdiction Risk (Mitigated):** Quebec is generally a low-risk, mining-friendly jurisdiction.

          **Conclusion:**

          Maxpower Mining (MAXX) is a pure-play exploration company betting on the discovery potential of its Dunlop Ni-Cu-Co property in Quebec. **Its future prospects are binary and hinge entirely on exploration success:**

          1. **Positive Outcome:** Successful drilling proving up significant mineralization could lead to substantial value creation, leveraging strong battery metal demand fundamentals.
          2. **Negative Outcome:** Unsuccessful drilling, inability to raise funds, or failure to define an economic deposit could result in significant shareholder value erosion or the company failing.

          **For investors:** MAXX is suitable only for those comfortable with high-risk speculation. Diligence should focus heavily on upcoming drill results, the quality of the geological interpretation at Dunlop, management’s execution ability, and the company’s financial position. Closely monitor news releases related to drilling and exploration progress. Remember that investing in junior miners like MAXX carries a very high risk of loss.

          **Always conduct your own thorough due diligence before making any investment decisions.** Consult financial advisors and review the company’s official filings on SEDAR+ (Canada’s securities database).

          Reply
          Jul 22, 2025 22:44 AM

          Ann
          Here is Deepseek on Atlas Salt(V:SALT)
          Here’s a structured overview of key information and areas to research for your due diligence (DD) on **Atlas Salt Inc. (TSXV: SALT)**, focusing on its flagship **Great Atlantic Salt Project** in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada:

          ### 1. **Core Asset: Great Atlantic Salt Project**
          – **Location:** Western Newfoundland (near Stephenville/St. George’s Bay).
          – **Resource Size:** One of North America’s largest **underground rock salt deposits**.
          – **Indicated Resource:** 1.036 Billion tonnes @ 96.6% NaCl.
          – **Inferred Resource:** 475 Million tonnes @ 95.9% NaCl.
          – **Target Market:** De-icing salt for roads in eastern Canada/Northeastern US, industrial salt, potential for export.
          – **Advantages:**
          – Shallow depth (~300m), thick seams (up to 400m), high purity.
          – Proximity to deep-water port (potential for low-cost shipping).
          – Located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with existing infrastructure.

          ### 2. **Progress & Milestones**
          – **Current Stage:** Pre-production/Feasibility.
          – **PEA (2022):** Highlighted robust economics (see below).
          – **Ongoing Work:** Permitting, feasibility study, engineering, market studies.
          – **Permitting:** Key focus. Environmental assessment and mining lease applications underway.
          – **Recent Updates (Check SEDAR):**
          – Drilling results (confirmation/resource expansion).
          – Strategic partnership discussions (e.g., off-take agreements, JV, financing).
          – Feasibility study progress.

          ### 3. **Economics (Based on 2022 PEA)**
          – **Initial Capex:** ~C$567M (including contingency).
          – **Operating Cost:** ~C$31/tonne FOB port.
          – **Production:** 2.5 Million tonnes/year (Phase 1), expandable to 4 Mtpa.
          – **NPV (8% discount):** C$1.4 Billion (pre-tax).
          – **IRR:** 30% (pre-tax).
          – **Payback:** ~3.5 years.
          – *Note: PEA is preliminary – Feasibility Study will refine these numbers. Commodity price assumptions are critical.*

          ### 4. **Market & Demand**
          – **Salt Market:** Driven by de-icing (~60% of US rock salt use). Industrial/chemical uses are stable.
          – **Regional Advantage:** Targets supply-constrained Northeast US/Canada. Existing producers (Compass Minerals, K+S) face aging mines and logistical challenges.
          – **Competition:** Low-cost producers (e.g., Sifto Canada), but Atlas emphasizes its scale, purity, and port access.
          – **Price Sensitivity:** Salt prices fluctuate with winter severity and transportation costs.

          ### 5. **Management & Ownership**
          – **Key Executives:**
          – **Ralph Pelham (Chairman):** Mining finance experience (ex-RBC).
          – **Patrick Laracy (Director):** Geologist, Newfoundland mining veteran (ex-Alderon Iron Ore).
          – **Ownership Structure:** Check recent financials for insider ownership, institutional holders, and float. Monitor for dilution from financings.

          ### 6. **Financial Health (Check Latest Filings on SEDAR)**
          – **Cash Position:** Junior explorer – track cash burn rate and funding needs.
          – **Financing Strategy:** Likely requires significant capital (C$500M+). Look for:
          – Strategic partnerships (mining/chemical companies).
          – Government grants/loans (Newfoundland supports critical minerals).
          – Debt/equity mix.
          – **Revenue:** None currently. Pre-revenue until project financing/build-out.

          ### 7. **Key Risks**
          – **Project Execution:** Permitting delays, cost overruns, construction risks.
          – **Financing:** Raising ~C$500M+ in volatile markets is challenging. Dilution risk.
          – **Commodity Prices:** Salt prices can be volatile (weather-dependent demand).
          – **Competition:** Large incumbents with existing contracts.
          – **Logistics:** Port development/access agreements are critical.
          – **Macro:** Interest rates impact financing costs and NPV.

          ### 8. **Catalysts (Near/Mid-Term)**
          – **Feasibility Study Completion:** The *most critical near-term catalyst*.
          – **Permitting Milestones:** Mining lease, environmental approvals.
          – **Strategic Partnership Announcement:** Off-take agreement, JV, or investment.
          – **Financing News:** Debt/equity raises (watch terms).
          – **Resource Upgrades:** Potential to expand resource size/quality.

          ### 9. **Additional Assets**
          – **Knob Lake Salt Project:** Smaller-scale project in western Newfoundland (drilled, resource estimate expected). Could be a secondary project or strategic asset.

          ### 10. **Valuation Considerations**
          – **Market Cap (Current):** ~C$30M (July 2024) – *highly speculative*.
          – **Comparative Analysis:** Value vs. peers (e.g., smaller developers) is difficult. Focus on NPV/share vs. current price once Feasibility Study is out.
          – **Upside:** Leveraged to project success (potential multi-bagger if built).
          – **Downside:** High risk of dilution or failure if financing/permitting falters.

          ### Essential Resources for Your DD:
          1. **Company Filings (SEDAR):** [www.sedar.com](https://www.sedar.com) (Search “Atlas Salt Inc.”) – *Financials, MD&A, Technical Reports (PEA), News Releases.*
          2. **Company Website:** [www.atlassalt.com](https://www.atlassalt.com) – Presentations, project details, news.
          3. **Technical Reports:** Read the **2022 PEA** for Great Atlantic in full on SEDAR.
          4. **Industry Data:** USGS Salt Reports, Statista (salt market trends).
          5. **Competitor Analysis:** Compass Minerals (CMP), K+S AG (SDFG), Stone Canyon (SALT).
          6. **Newfoundland Govt. Resources:** Mineral Development Division (permitting process).
          7. **News & Analysis:** Financial news sites (Globe & Mail, Financial Post), mining-focused outlets (The Northern Miner).

          ### Critical Questions for Your DD:
          – **Permitting Timeline:** What is the realistic path/timing for permits? Any major hurdles?
          – **Financing Plan:** How will they fund C$500M+? Who are potential partners?
          – **Off-take Agreements:** Are there signed MOUs or contracts? What pricing terms?
          – **Feasibility Study vs. PEA:** How have costs/assumptions changed?
          – **Management’s Track Record:** Have they successfully financed/built mines before?
          – **Market Demand:** Can they displace incumbents? What are long-term salt price projections?

          **Disclaimer:** This is not investment advice. Atlas Salt is a **high-risk, pre-revenue exploration company**. Its value hinges entirely on successfully permitting, financing, and building a large-scale mine – a process with significant execution risk, dilution potential, and long timelines. Thoroughly review all official documents and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

          Reply
    Jul 22, 2025 22:26 AM

    It seems KER has been taking down my Deepseek posts so here is my third attempt with Atlas Salt.
    Here’s a structured overview of key information and areas to research for your due diligence (DD) on **Atlas Salt Inc. (TSXV: SALT)**, focusing on its flagship **Great Atlantic Salt Project** in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada:

    ### 1. **Core Asset: Great Atlantic Salt Project**
    – **Location:** Western Newfoundland (near Stephenville/St. George’s Bay).
    – **Resource Size:** One of North America’s largest **underground rock salt deposits**.
    – **Indicated Resource:** 1.036 Billion tonnes @ 96.6% NaCl.
    – **Inferred Resource:** 475 Million tonnes @ 95.9% NaCl.
    – **Target Market:** De-icing salt for roads in eastern Canada/Northeastern US, industrial salt, potential for export.
    – **Advantages:**
    – Shallow depth (~300m), thick seams (up to 400m), high purity.
    – Proximity to deep-water port (potential for low-cost shipping).
    – Located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with existing infrastructure.

    ### 2. **Progress & Milestones**
    – **Current Stage:** Pre-production/Feasibility.
    – **PEA (2022):** Highlighted robust economics (see below).
    – **Ongoing Work:** Permitting, feasibility study, engineering, market studies.
    – **Permitting:** Key focus. Environmental assessment and mining lease applications underway.
    – **Recent Updates (Check SEDAR):**
    – Drilling results (confirmation/resource expansion).
    – Strategic partnership discussions (e.g., off-take agreements, JV, financing).
    – Feasibility study progress.

    ### 3. **Economics (Based on 2022 PEA)**
    – **Initial Capex:** ~C$567M (including contingency).
    – **Operating Cost:** ~C$31/tonne FOB port.
    – **Production:** 2.5 Million tonnes/year (Phase 1), expandable to 4 Mtpa.
    – **NPV (8% discount):** C$1.4 Billion (pre-tax).
    – **IRR:** 30% (pre-tax).
    – **Payback:** ~3.5 years.
    – *Note: PEA is preliminary – Feasibility Study will refine these numbers. Commodity price assumptions are critical.*

    ### 4. **Market & Demand**
    – **Salt Market:** Driven by de-icing (~60% of US rock salt use). Industrial/chemical uses are stable.
    – **Regional Advantage:** Targets supply-constrained Northeast US/Canada. Existing producers (Compass Minerals, K+S) face aging mines and logistical challenges.
    – **Competition:** Low-cost producers (e.g., Sifto Canada), but Atlas emphasizes its scale, purity, and port access.
    – **Price Sensitivity:** Salt prices fluctuate with winter severity and transportation costs.

    ### 5. **Management & Ownership**
    – **Key Executives:**
    – **Ralph Pelham (Chairman):** Mining finance experience (ex-RBC).
    – **Patrick Laracy (Director):** Geologist, Newfoundland mining veteran (ex-Alderon Iron Ore).
    – **Ownership Structure:** Check recent financials for insider ownership, institutional holders, and float. Monitor for dilution from financings.

    ### 6. **Financial Health (Check Latest Filings on SEDAR)**
    – **Cash Position:** Junior explorer – track cash burn rate and funding needs.
    – **Financing Strategy:** Likely requires significant capital (C$500M+). Look for:
    – Strategic partnerships (mining/chemical companies).
    – Government grants/loans (Newfoundland supports critical minerals).
    – Debt/equity mix.
    – **Revenue:** None currently. Pre-revenue until project financing/build-out.

    ### 7. **Key Risks**
    – **Project Execution:** Permitting delays, cost overruns, construction risks.
    – **Financing:** Raising ~C$500M+ in volatile markets is challenging. Dilution risk.
    – **Commodity Prices:** Salt prices can be volatile (weather-dependent demand).
    – **Competition:** Large incumbents with existing contracts.
    – **Logistics:** Port development/access agreements are critical.
    – **Macro:** Interest rates impact financing costs and NPV.

    ### 8. **Catalysts (Near/Mid-Term)**
    – **Feasibility Study Completion:** The *most critical near-term catalyst*.
    – **Permitting Milestones:** Mining lease, environmental approvals.
    – **Strategic Partnership Announcement:** Off-take agreement, JV, or investment.
    – **Financing News:** Debt/equity raises (watch terms).
    – **Resource Upgrades:** Potential to expand resource size/quality.

    ### 9. **Additional Assets**
    – **Knob Lake Salt Project:** Smaller-scale project in western Newfoundland (drilled, resource estimate expected). Could be a secondary project or strategic asset.

    ### 10. **Valuation Considerations**
    – **Market Cap (Current):** ~C$30M (July 2024) – *highly speculative*.
    – **Comparative Analysis:** Value vs. peers (e.g., smaller developers) is difficult. Focus on NPV/share vs. current price once Feasibility Study is out.
    – **Upside:** Leveraged to project success (potential multi-bagger if built).
    – **Downside:** High risk of dilution or failure if financing/permitting falters.

    ### Essential Resources for Your DD:
    1. **Company Filings (SEDAR):** [www.sedar.com](https://www.sedar.com) (Search “Atlas Salt Inc.”) – *Financials, MD&A, Technical Reports (PEA), News Releases.*
    2. **Company Website:** [www.atlassalt.com](https://www.atlassalt.com) – Presentations, project details, news.
    3. **Technical Reports:** Read the **2022 PEA** for Great Atlantic in full on SEDAR.
    4. **Industry Data:** USGS Salt Reports, Statista (salt market trends).
    5. **Competitor Analysis:** Compass Minerals (CMP), K+S AG (SDFG), Stone Canyon (SALT).
    6. **Newfoundland Govt. Resources:** Mineral Development Division (permitting process).
    7. **News & Analysis:** Financial news sites (Globe & Mail, Financial Post), mining-focused outlets (The Northern Miner).

    ### Critical Questions for Your DD:
    – **Permitting Timeline:** What is the realistic path/timing for permits? Any major hurdles?
    – **Financing Plan:** How will they fund C$500M+? Who are potential partners?
    – **Off-take Agreements:** Are there signed MOUs or contracts? What pricing terms?
    – **Feasibility Study vs. PEA:** How have costs/assumptions changed?
    – **Management’s Track Record:** Have they successfully financed/built mines before?
    – **Market Demand:** Can they displace incumbents? What are long-term salt price projections?

    **Disclaimer:** This is not investment advice. Atlas Salt is a **high-risk, pre-revenue exploration company**. Its value hinges entirely on successfully permitting, financing, and building a large-scale mine – a process with significant execution risk, dilution potential, and long timelines. Thoroughly review all official documents and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    Reply
      Ann
      Jul 22, 2025 22:29 PM

      Thankyou very much for taking the time!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *