Canada

Aston Bay Holdings (TSXV: BAY) is advancing the Storm Copper Project in Nunavut toward potential production by 2028. In a PDAC 2026 interview, CEO Thomas Ullrich outlined a low-capex development plan supported by ore sorting and a funding agreement with Ocean Partners. The project hosts high-grade near-surface copper, while new geophysical work is targeting deeper mineralization. Meanwhile, the Epworth project continues to deliver early exploration results, with new showings and initial drilling planned. The company remains free-carried at Storm through its partnership with American West Metals (ASX: AW1). [more]

Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) is positioning its Copper Dome Project in British Columbia as a low-cost exploration play in a proven copper belt. In a recent PDAC 2026 interview, CEO Peter Berdusco outlined the company’s strategy, including its five-year drill permit, proximity to Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain Mine, and ongoing work to refine drill targets. The project benefits from road access and nearby infrastructure, helping keep exploration costs lower than remote projects. With multiple zones identified and additional geophysical work underway, the company is working toward a future drill program aimed at advancing the project toward potential discovery. [more]

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]

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]

BHP CEO Mike Henry outlined a bold vision at PDAC 2025, emphasizing the rising global demand for critical minerals and the investment opportunities ahead. With the world’s population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, demand for copper alone is projected to increase by 70%, requiring significant exploration and innovation. He stressed the importance of policy reforms to maintain global competitiveness and highlighted BHP’s commitment to sustainability and local partnerships. He positioned BHP as a leader in shaping the future, ensuring that the mining industry remains essential to global infrastructure and economic development in the decades to come. [more]

PDAC 2025, the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, takes place March 2-5, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Registration is now open at www.pdac.ca/convention. The event will feature over 1,100 exhibitors, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. Highlights include the Investors Exchange, showcasing junior miners, producers, and prospectors, as well as keynotes on commodity and industry outlooks. Notable speakers include Eric Sprott (Eric Sprott Family Office) and Mike Henry (BHP Group). Programs emphasize advancements in mining technology, sustainability, and Indigenous partnerships, with opportunities for students and early-career professionals. [more]

Paladin Energy’s proposed $1.14 billion acquisition of Fission Uranium faces further delays as Canada’s national security review under the Investment Canada Act continues. Originally expected to close in September, the deal has been extended until at least December 30, 2024. The review, focused on the Patterson Lake South (PLS) uranium project, highlights concerns over foreign control of critical resources. Despite a court ruling in Paladin’s favor, government clearance remains uncertain, posing a significant hurdle. If approved, the deal would position Paladin as a major uranium supplier with assets in Canada, Namibia, and Australia, meeting the growing demand for clean energy. [more]

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) has announced its 2025 Awards recipients, recognizing excellence in the global mining industry. The awards highlight achievements in mineral exploration, Indigenous contributions, sustainability, and mine development. Recipients include the Canadian Malartic Exploration Team for the East Gouldie Deposit discovery, David Kritterdlik for advancing Inuit values, Teck Resources and UN Women for their Originarias Program in Chile, the Onto Discovery Team for the Onto Deposit discovery, and John Robins for his leadership in mining. The recipients will be celebrated during the PDAC 2025 Convention on March 4, 2025, in Toronto. [more]