Mining

Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD) will acquire Sandstorm Gold (TSX: SSL | NYSE: SAND) and Horizon Copper (TSXV: HCU) in transactions valued at approximately US$3.5 billion and $196 million, respectively. The deals are expected to close in late 2025 and will significantly expand Royal Gold’s streaming and royalty portfolio to 393 assets, including 80 producing properties. The company anticipates a 26% increase in gold equivalent output and an 87% revenue mix from precious metals. The acquisitions align with a broader trend of consolidation and diversification in the mining royalty space amid rising demand for gold and copper. [more]

Eagle Royalties (CSE: ER) has agreed to a reverse takeover by privately held Summit Royalty , valuing Eagle shares at C$0.18 and implying a 47 percent premium to the prior closing price. Upon completion, Summit shareholders will own approximately 80 percent of the combined entity. The transaction is expected to close in Q4/2025, subject to approvals, and will result in Eagle being renamed Summit Royalty Corp. The merged company will hold more than 40 royalty and streaming interests, primarily in precious metals, positioning it as a new publicly traded participant in the royalty sector. [more]

Ontario has begun construction on Canada’s first small modular reactor (SMR), a $20.9B project led by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington site. The build includes four GE Hitachi BWRX-300 units, with the first scheduled to come online in 2030. The SMRs aim to meet Ontario’s rising electricity demand and provide a case study for global nuclear investment. The government projects $38.5B in long-term GDP contribution and over 18,000 jobs. Execution risks remain, but Ontario is positioning itself as a nuclear leader. [more]

Hercules Metals is progressing exploration at its 100%-owned Hercules Project in Idaho, where drilling has defined a copper porphyry system known as Leviathan beneath an upper silver zone. Backed by strategic investor Barrick Mining, Hercules Mining plans a 12,000m program in 2025 targeting deeper porphyry zones and potential new targets across the property. Newly permitted areas and additional land agreements strengthen the company’s position. Historic and recent drilling suggest multi-metal potential, and planned activity across the Eastern Block, Southern Flats, and Grade Creek zones may provide key catalysts for shareholders in the coming months. [more]

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement gives U.S. firms access to Ukraine’s rare earths, lithium, and hydrocarbons in exchange for ongoing aid and a revenue-sharing model. The deal establishes a reinvestment fund for infrastructure and energy development, though the governance structure remains incomplete. Ukraine’s Parliament must still ratify the agreement, and the war adds significant uncertainty. Several U.S. and European mining and defense companies are reportedly assessing opportunities. With no production timeline and limited transparency rules, the arrangement reflects geopolitical positioning as much as economic strategy. However, investors are watching for signs of stability before capital begins to flow at scale. [more]

Canadian North Resources Inc (TSXV: CNRI) continues to advance its 100%-owned Ferguson Lake Project in Nunavut, Canada. The polymetallic resource includes copper, nickel, cobalt, palladium, and platinum, all key metals for the clean energy transition. A 2024 mineral resource estimate outlines 66.1 Mt Indicated and 25.9 Mt Inferred, including 1.093 billion pounds of copper and 678 million pounds of nickel in the Indicated category, with most of the resource mineable by open pit. Ongoing metallurgical and geophysical work supports further resource expansion. With over C$190 million in historical investment, the project is positioned as a potential joint venture or acquisition target as CNRI works toward future technical studies and project de-risking. [more]

Canadian Gold Corp (TSXV: CGC) is progressing its Tartan Lake Gold Mine project in Manitoba, supported by a strategic investment from mining financier Rob McEwen. A pending updated resource estimate will include more than 30,000 metres of drilling completed since 2021. With an average grade of 6.32 g/t Au and strong infrastructure access, the Company is targeting a potential restart of underground operations. CGC also holds projects near Agnico Eagle’s Hammond Reef and Malartic mines. Multiple near-term catalysts, including a resource update, PEA, and additional drill results, could impact valuation as the company advances toward development. [more]

Blue Star Gold Corp (TSXV: BAU) is advancing its exploration and development program in Nunavut’s High Lake Greenstone Belt. The company’s flagship Ulu Gold Project holds 875,000 ounces of gold in NI 43-101 resources. Last month, Blue Star completed a $3.5 million private placement and reported new high-grade gold intercepts at Ulu, expanded the Central Prospect to 525 metres of strike, and confirmed the drill-readiness of the Axis and Auma targets. Additional work is planned at the Ataani VMS discovery in the Roma Project. Shares have gained 130% year-to-date, supported by exploration results and renewed market interest. [more]