Interview with Richard Young, CEO, i-80 Gold

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/i-80-gold-tsxiau-production-path-to-200000-ounces-8586

Recording date: 16th January 2026

Nevada-based i-80 Gold is executing an ambitious three-phase development plan to transform from a small producer into a mid-tier gold company, targeting production growth from under 50,000 ounces annually to over 600,000 ounces within six years. All five projects are brownfield developments at historic Nevada mines, offering reduced execution risk through existing permits and infrastructure.

The company delivered five preliminary economic assessments in Q1 2025 and has raised approximately $300 million toward a targeted $900 million to $1 billion recapitalisation. Management expects to complete balance sheet restructuring by end of Q1 2026, which will enable full construction approval for the critical Lone Tree autoclave refurbishment project.

The Lone Tree facility refurbishment represents a cornerstone investment, with total capital costs of approximately $430 million and completion scheduled for end of 2027. Once operational, the facility is projected to produce 200,000 ounces annually and generate $200-400 million in EBITDA at current gold prices. i-80 Gold will be one of only two companies operating an autoclave in Nevada.

Project economics have improved substantially with higher gold prices. At $3,000 gold, the net asset value of the five projects was approximately $5 billion versus the company's current market capitalization of $1.3 billion fully diluted. At current gold prices above $4,600, NAV is estimated between $8-10 billion, with all-in sustaining costs averaging approximately $1,400 per ounce.

The company has significantly strengthened its technical team and is advancing feasibility studies for multiple underground mines including Archimedes and Granite Creek. Management is also accelerating work on Mineral Point, the flagship asset capable of producing 300,000 ounces over a 17-year mine life, pulling development forward by approximately two years.

Operating exclusively in Nevada provides advantages including world-class geology, skilled workforce, supportive regulatory environment, and the current macro environment featuring high gold prices without corresponding input cost inflation.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/i-80-gold

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Interview with Philip Williams, Director & CEO of IsoEnergy Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/isoenergy-tsxiso-multi-jurisdictional-uranium-portfolio-8580

Recording date: 15th January 2026

IsoEnergy Ltd. (TSX:ISO) differentiates within the uranium sector through near-term production advancement at the Tony M project in Utah while maintaining exposure to ultra-high-grade exploration upside at the Hurricane deposit in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The company has commenced bulk sampling operations at Tony M, extracting approximately 2,000 tons of material for processing at the White Mesa Mill. This program validates three critical decision criteria for full-scale production restart: current operating costs for mining, trucking, and processing; updated capital requirements; and scalability of beneficiation techniques tested on smaller samples that could substantially reduce waste material sent to mill.

The strategic toll milling arrangement with Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill—the only operational conventional uranium mill in the United States—eliminates processing infrastructure capital while providing established metallurgical pathway, as the mill historically processed ore from Tony M during previous 2007-2008 production period. Tony M's existing surface and underground infrastructure substantially reduces restart capital intensity compared to greenfield mine development, positioning the project as IsoEnergy's primary near-term production opportunity.

CEO Philip Williams emphasized the competitive advantage: "In our market cap range, there's not so many of them so we want to be one of those producers and be able to deliver material into a rapidly rising uranium price environment which we think is coming in the United States."

Concurrently, IsoEnergy has mobilized two drill rigs to Hurricane for a winter campaign exceeding 5,000 meters. The program tests expansion potential within and adjacent to known ultra-high-grade mineralization, extending up to 3 kilometers along structural trend. Hurricane ranks among the world's highest-grade uranium deposits, with exceptional grade concentration reflected in small physical footprint relative to contained uranium. The exploration strategy follows the Athabasca Basin geological model where high-grade deposits form as multiple lenses along structural corridors, suggesting discovery potential for additional proximate ore zones.

Portfolio diversification spans multiple development stages and top-tier jurisdictions. Beyond Tony M and Hurricane, IsoEnergy maintains the Coles Hill project in Virginia—a large-scale development opportunity potentially benefiting from federal policy support for domestic production—plus a 50% joint venture with Purepoint Energy exploring additional Athabasca Basin targets. The pending acquisition of Toro Energy, expected to close April 2026, adds Western Australian exposure and development-stage assets.

IsoEnergy operates within a bifurcated uranium market where large-cap producers trade at premiums to net asset value while smaller companies trade at substantial discounts, creating consolidation conditions. The company's mid-tier market capitalization provides optionality as both potential acquirer of discounted junior assets and potential target for larger producers seeking high-grade Athabasca Basin exposure. NextGen Energy's 30% ownership provides strategic shareholder stability, while IsoEnergy maintains approximately $60 million in equity positions in smaller uranium companies.

Management reports accelerating institutional investor engagement as the production timeline clarifies and uranium market fundamentals strengthen. The recent addition of commercial and marketing expertise signals preparation for uranium sales as production approaches. Near-term catalysts include the Tony M production restart decision following bulk sampling results, Hurricane drilling outcomes, Toro acquisition closure, and potential uranium import policy changes under the Section 232 investigation.

Williams acknowledged uranium equity performance ultimately depends on physical price movement despite strong fundamentals: "The space can get ahead of the price for some period of time, but the price has to also move." However, when utility contracting accelerates—whether driven by policy changes, supply disruptions, or other factors—price movements can occur rapidly given concentrated uranium market structure.

View IsoEnergy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/isoenergy

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Interview with Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/canada-nickel-tsxvcnc-major-projects-office-fast-tracks-crawford-build-8552

Recording date: 14th January 2026

Canada Nickel has achieved critical milestones positioning its Crawford nickel sulfide project for a construction decision by year-end 2026, securing both federal Major Projects Office designation in November 2025 and Ontario's "one project, one process" fast-track permitting status on January 13, 2026. These designations reflect coordinated government commitment to establishing domestic critical mineral supply chains independent of Chinese influence.

The company has transformed the Timmins region into the world's largest nickel sulfide district, expanding from two resources at year-end 2024 to eight separate resources totaling over 20 million tons of contained nickel. The recently announced Reid deposit demonstrates superior economics with half Crawford's strip ratio, one-third less overburden, and 15% chromium content. CEO Mark Selby indicated the company has identified three to four additional deposits potentially offering higher value than the flagship Crawford project.

Strategic validation comes from a diversified investor base including Anglo American, Agnico Eagle, Samsung SDI, and Taykwa Tagamou Nation, which invested $20 million directly. This cornerstone group spans major mining operators, battery supply chain participants, and Indigenous partners, demonstrating confidence across the value chain.

Canada Nickel's downstream processing strategy targets 70-90 cent per pound North American premiums by converting concentrate into products for stainless steel and battery markets. This approach aligns with government priorities around value-added manufacturing while capturing sustained regional pricing advantages. The company has completed front-end engineering design with Hatch, moving beyond standard feasibility-level work to reduce execution risk.

The 2026 timeline includes federal permit approval by mid-year, initial government funding announcements in Q1, and financing package completion by Q3. Ontario Minister Stephen Lecce publicly committed to "go full tilt to unlock one of the world's largest nickel deposits," representing invested political capital that reduces regulatory uncertainty. Combined with first-quartile cost positioning from iron and chromium byproducts, existing infrastructure, and an experienced local workforce, Crawford represents Canada's tactical execution of critical mineral supply chain independence.

View Canada Nickel's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/canada-nickel

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

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/energy-fuels-nyseuuuu-completes-oversubscribed-700-million-funding-for-ree-uranium-duo-track-8223

Recording date: 14th January 2026

Energy Fuels CEO Mark Chalmers discusses the company's breakout 2025 performance as the best-performing uranium stock, with returns more than double its nearest competitor. This in-depth interview covers Energy Fuels' unique positioning as America's only integrated critical minerals platform, combining uranium production targeting 2+ million pounds annually with rare earth processing capabilities at the White Mesa Mill.
Key discussion points include:

- Uranium production ramp to 2M+ pounds and December's record 350,000-pound monthly output
- White Mesa Mill's rare earth processing capabilities and recent IMREC circuit addition
- Toliara project in Madagascar: world-class heavy mineral sands with $1.5B+ NPV
- $700M convertible note at just 0.75% coupon—dramatically below competitor rates
- Donald project and White Mesa upgrade feasibility studies expected Q1 2026
- Government engagement on critical minerals security
- Strong balance sheet with ~$1 billion cash providing development flexibility

View Energy Fuels' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/energy-fuels

Interview with Ryan King, EVP Capital Markets of Equinox Gold

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/equinox-gold-tsxeqx-canadian-gold-giant-forms-in-merger-of-equals-with-calibre-mining-6826

Recording date: 14th January 2026

Equinox Gold concluded 2025 with record-breaking production of 920,000 ounces, including a quarterly high of 247,000 ounces in Q4, driven primarily by its ramping Canadian operations. The Greenstone mine in Northern Ontario demonstrated particularly strong momentum, increasing output by 29% quarter-over-quarter as the company transitions from construction to operational excellence.

In a strategic pivot prioritizing quality over quantity, Equinox announced the sale of its four Brazilian mines for over $1 billion. These assets, producing 200,000-250,000 ounces annually, will be divested to reduce the company's $1.5 billion debt load by more than $800 million and refocus operations on tier-one North American jurisdictions. Executive Vice President Ryan King emphasized that management's expertise lies in optimizing large-scale open pit operations rather than managing multiple smaller mines.

Production guidance for 2026 is set at 700,000-800,000 ounces with all-in sustaining costs of $1,800-1,900 per ounce. Canadian assets alone are expected to deliver 400,000-500,000 ounces at industry-leading margins, representing two-thirds of total output from the company's highest-quality operations.

The company maintains a robust organic growth pipeline without requiring acquisitions. Castle Mountain in California is advancing through federal permitting with a decision expected in Q4 2026, potentially adding 200,000-225,000 ounces annually. The Los Filos expansion in Mexico could contribute 250,000-300,000 ounces yearly once community land access issues are resolved. Combined with phase 2 expansion opportunities at Newfoundland assets, these projects could add 450,000-700,000 ounces of annual production.

Management is prioritizing operational execution and deleveraging over mergers and acquisitions, with the company potentially becoming nearly debt-free by year-end 2026. This improved financial position opens possibilities for shareholder returns through buybacks or dividends while maintaining a $300 million capital expenditure budget and $75-100 million exploration program focused on expanding resources at existing operations.

View Equinox Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/equinox-gold

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Interview with Mike Garbutt, President & CEO of Clean Air Metals

Recording date: 13th January 2026

Clean Air Metals (TSXV:AIR) is advancing one of North America's rare primary platinum assets at a pivotal moment for the metal. The company's Thunder Bay North project in Ontario holds 14.9 million tons of indicated resource with a polymetallic composition including platinum, palladium, copper, nickel, gold, and silver. With an 11-year mine life processing 2,500 tons daily, the project's economics have transformed as metal prices surged.

CEO Mike Garbett, who brings 14 years of operational experience from Falconbridge and project development expertise, explained the compelling market dynamics. "Platinum is an interesting case. It is a precious metal, but it has some great industrial use. The bottom line is it's a pretty small market, 6 to 7 million ounces, and there's a growing deficit, nearing a million ounces a year," he noted.

The company's Preliminary Economic Assessment showed a post-tax NPV of CAD $219 million at 39% IRR using conservative metal prices. However, with spot prices approximately doubling since the study, Garbett stated they're now "looking at $700 million NPV at 8% discount rate and 100% IRR, just astronomical numbers."

Management is pursuing a dual-track strategy for 2026. The primary path involves toll milling, which ships material to existing facilities and keeps upfront capital under CAD $100 million. Simultaneously, the company is evaluating a standalone mill option that could position the site as a regional processing center for northwestern Ontario.

Recent exploration success strengthens the investment case. The company intersected 50 meters of mineralization 400 meters down plunge on the Escape deposit, validating targeting methodology across 2.5 kilometers of largely untested strike length. With approximately CAD $1 million in treasury, Clean Air Metals is pursuing strategic partnerships with mid-tier producers for non-dilutive financing while advancing technical studies and exploration permitting toward near-term production.

View Clean Air Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/clean-air-metals-inc

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Interview with George Salamis, President & CEO of Integra Resources Corp.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/integra-resources-tsxvitr-us-gold-producer-with-400-cash-flow-growth-8884

Recording date: 14th January 2026

Integra Resources has achieved a significant milestone for its DeLamar gold-silver project in Idaho through acceptance into the federal FAST-41 permitting program. This designation establishes a defined 15-month review timeline with the Bureau of Land Management targeting a record of decision in Q2/Q3 2027, providing unprecedented certainty for a US mining development.

According to George Salamis, President and CEO of Integra Resources, "for the first time in DeLamar's history as our project, the US federal government has put our project on a clock and it's a fast clock, far faster than certainly anybody expected." The FAST-41 framework assigns a dedicated Federal Permitting Council advisor to coordinate inter-agency reviews while maintaining rigorous environmental standards through compressed response times rather than reduced scrutiny.

A key feature of the designation is quarterly congressional accountability, with the assigned coordinator required to report directly to Congress on project progress and explain any delays. This oversight mechanism creates strong incentives for maintaining momentum while a public tracking dashboard allows shareholders to monitor advancement in real-time.

The company has demonstrated effective regulatory collaboration, reducing the project footprint by 25% between preliminary and final feasibility studies through consultations with the BLM. Public hearings scheduled for spring 2026 will serve as the first formal litmus test for stakeholder acceptance, though extensive pre-engagement with Idaho stakeholder groups has already occurred.

Salamis emphasised the capital planning benefits, noting that "these clear timelines for us equate to better capital planning, and the reduced risk for us means lower cost of capital ultimately to finance and build this project." The designation fundamentally addresses what Salamis identified as "the single biggest risk for new mines anywhere in the world, let alone the US"—permitting uncertainty—while Integra simultaneously advances required state-level permits for air quality, water quality, and cyanidation that must synchronise with the federal timeline.

View Integra Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/integra-resources

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Interview with Jason Jessup, CEO of Magna Mining Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/magna-mining-tsxvnicu-permits-cash-and-polymetallic-grades-set-stage-for-rapid-growth-7927

Recording date: 12th January 2026

Magna Mining executed a remarkable transformation in 2025, evolving from a junior exploration company into a diversified base and precious metals producer focused exclusively on Ontario's Sudbury mining camp. The company's growth trajectory accelerated dramatically following its February 2025 acquisition of the McCreedy West copper mine from KGHM International, expanding its workforce from 25 to over 200 employees while establishing cash flow positive operations.

McCreedy West reached a critical operational inflection point in Q4 2025, achieving three simultaneously active stopes that enable consistent production. The mine currently focuses on the high-grade 700 copper zone, though CEO Jason Jessup indicated the company is evaluating a restart of the Intermediate nickel zone if prices sustain above $7.75 per pound. This operational foundation positions the company for sustained cash generation in 2026.

The company's Levack mine presents perhaps the most exciting near-term opportunity following the August 2025 R2 zone discovery. Results showed spectacular high-grade copper and precious metals intersections, with many delivering multiple ounces of precious metals alongside significant copper and silver grades. The geological team describes R2 as the upper branches of a system that could lead to much larger mineralisation at depth. A preliminary economic assessment expected in Q3 2026 will evaluate a dual-access strategy using both ramp and existing shaft infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Crean Hill advances toward a prefeasibility study in 2026, with grid power connection and permanent dewatering infrastructure progressing. Unlike typical development projects, Magna has secured definitive offtake terms with Vale and favorable indications from Glencore based on bulk sample metallurgical testing, providing unusual commercial certainty.

With over 500 square kilometers of prospective ground, $50 million in treasury, and proven M&A capabilities, Magna has positioned itself as the natural consolidator of non-core Sudbury assets. The company's polymetallic focus across copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, gold, and silver provides commodity diversification while capitalising on one of the world's most prolific mining districts.

View Magna Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/magna-mining

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