Mining Energy
The Extraction Engine: Mining and the Mechanics of Global Growth
Energy and Utilities Commodities Natural Gas Brent Crude LNG WTI Crude Brent Crude Natural Gas In Asia Natural Gas In Russia Natural Gas In Africa Natural Gas in the Americas Oil & Gas
Capitan Silver Announces 115% Increase in Inferred Gold Resources at Capitan Hill Deposit
Ibrahim Mahama's E&P Bolsters Mining Operations in Tarkwa with 30 Heavy-Duty Equipment Fleet
In a significant move aimed at ramping up production efficiency and reinforcing its commitment to the Western Region’s mining hub, E&P has taken delivery of 30 units of heavy-duty equipment for deployment in Tarkwa.
The strategic dispatch marks one of the company’s largest single fleet expansions this year, signaling a robust response to the increasing demands of large-scale mining operations in the area.The fleet, which arrived at the site earlier this week, includes a mix of dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, and wheel loaders.
Industry sources indicate that the machinery is comprised of the latest models, equipped with advanced safety features and telematics systems designed to optimize fuel efficiency and monitor real-time performance.
A Strategic Investment in Capacity
Speaking during a brief ceremony to mark the arrival of the equipment, the Operations Director of E&P described the deployment as a "game-changer" for their Tarkwa operations."This investment goes beyond just adding numbers to our fleet; it is about reliability and output," he stated. "We are currently in a phase of accelerated development, and these 30 machines will allow us to increase our material movement capacity by approximately 40%.
E&P is making a significantly larger financial commitment, investing $1.2 billion to expand capacity at the Tarkwa and Damang mines, building on a previous $650 million investment in 2018.
This ensures that we not only meet our production targets but also enhance the safety and turnaround time of our operations."The equipment is expected to be integrated into the core mining operations immediately, focusing on overburden removal and ore haulage.
The move is anticipated to create additional auxiliary jobs in the community, including roles for heavy-duty mechanics and plant operators, as the company scales up its maintenance division to service the new fleet.
Impact on Tarkwa’s Mining Landscape
Tarkwa, located in the Western Region of Ghana, is renowned as one of the country’s premier mining districts, hosting several multinational mining companies. The influx of 30 new units of heavy machinery is expected to ease logistical bottlenecks that have occasionally hampered production cycles in the sector.
Local suppliers and subcontractors have welcomed the development.
The Tarkwa Chamber of Commerce noted that such investments have a multiplier effect on the local economy."When a company invests in heavy equipment of this magnitude, it doesn’t just benefit the mine," said a representative from the Chamber. "It boosts the local spare parts market, increases demand for tire supplies, and puts local transport and catering services to work. It is a positive signal that mining remains a vibrant economic driver for the Western Region.
- Strong Investment Appeal: Both local and international investors continue to be drawn to the industry, thanks to a comparatively stable regulatory environment, abundant mineral reserves, and robust global demand for gold and other resources.
- Beyond Equipment: Mining companies are moving beyond just acquiring machinery, they are also putting greater focus on infrastructure development, workforce training, and technological upgrades, all of which strengthen operational resilience and boost productivity.
- A Major Fleet Expansion: The arrival of the final batch of dump trucks not only enhances E&P’s fleet but also highlights the significant capital investment required to stay competitive in today’s mining sector.
- Boosting a Key Hub: As the Tarkwa mining enclave remains one of Ghana’s most strategic centers, E&P’s latest equipment deployment is expected to drive higher production capacity and further fuel the sector’s ongoing growth.
Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
E&P emphasized that the deployment of the new fleet comes with a renewed focus on safety protocols. All 30 units have been fitted with collision avoidance systems and backup cameras to mitigate risks associated with operating heavy machinery in high-traffic mining environments.Furthermore, the company highlighted its adherence to environmental standards, noting that the new equipment meets strict emission control requirements."We are modernizing our fleet not just for scale, but for sustainability," a company spokesperson added.
Westgold to Demerge Reedy and Comet Projects into New ASX-Listed Entity, Valiant Gold
Westgold Resources has announced its intention to demerge its non-core Reedy and Comet gold projects into a newly established ASX-listed company, Valiant Gold.
The move, scheduled for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, is designed to streamline Westgold’s portfolio, enabling the company to concentrate on its larger, higher-grade core operations in the Murchison and Southern Goldfields regions.
As part of the initial public offering, Valiant Gold aims to raise between A$65 million and A$75 million before costs, which includes a A$20 million priority offer for eligible Westgold shareholders. The transaction remains subject to ASX approval and is expected to be finalized by late March 2026.
The Reedy and Comet projects consist of four historic underground mines that have seen recent production, with a combined mineral resource totaling 15.6 million tonnes at 2.4 grams per tonne gold, equating to 1.2 million ounces.
Westgold’s managing director and CEO, Wayne Bramwell, explained that the company is concentrating on expanding its larger, core operating assets. He noted that establishing Valiant creates an independent, well-funded gold company capable of realizing value from smaller assets like the Comet and South Emu-Triton underground mines, while also unlocking exploration potential across the Reedy and Comet packages.
Bramwell added that Valiant will have a fast track to cash flow through an ore purchase agreement with Westgold, highlighting that this collaborative, capital-efficient model has already proven successful through Westgold’s existing investment and agreement with New Murchison Gold.
As part of the demerger, Westgold and Valiant plan to enter into an ore purchase agreement, which will allow ore from the demerged assets to be processed at Westgold’s Cue and Meekatharra processing hubs.
Following the demerger and IPO, Westgold will retain a significant stake in Valiant, holding approximately 48% under the minimum subscription scenario and 44% at the maximum, ensuring continued exposure to exploration and production outcomes.
Bramwell added: “This model enabled NMG to transition from explorer to producer, with gold from NMG’s Crown Prince deposit now supplying high-grade oxide ore to Westgold’s Meekatharra processing hub. Valiant is well placed to replicate that success.
“With several small underground mines under care and maintenance, a range of open-pit opportunities, and significant exploration upside, the Valiant team has multiple near-term options for restart and growth to deliver early cash flow.”
Argonaut Securities has been appointed as the lead manager for the IPO, while Thomson Geer is acting as Australian legal adviser on the demerger and listing.
Last April, Westgold divested its Lakewood Mill processing facility near Kalgoorlie, Australia, to Black Cat Syndicate for A$85 million in total consideration.
Ghanaian Firm Engineers & Planners Secures Record $205 Million Loan to Expand Mining Operations
Engineers & Planners Company Limited (E&P), a Ghanaian mining firm owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, has secured a $205 million loan package from Stanbic Bank Ghana and Standard Bank of South Africa.
The deal represents one of the largest financing agreements ever secured by a locally owned mining company in the country.
Structured as a five‑year credit facility, the package is divided into two tranches of $110 million and $95 million. The funds will primarily support E&P’s ongoing contract‑mining work for Gold Fields Ghana Limited.
Ecobank Ghana PLC and Absa Bank Ghana LTD also participated as key lending partners in the transaction.
Beyond expanding operations, the investment is expected to boost the local economy by sustaining thousands of jobs and increasing local procurement across the mining supply chain.
The financing will enable Engineers & Planners (E&P) to expand its hard-rock extraction operations and upgrade its equipment to align with global mining standards.
“Our relationship with E&P spans more than two decades, built on trust and shared ambition,” said Kwamina Asomaning, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana. “By structuring and mobilizing the USD205 million facility, we are not only enabling Engineers & Planners to scale its operations but also reinforcing Stanbic Bank’s role as a long-term partner in advancing localisation, strengthening Ghana’s mining value chain, and driving sustainable growth across the broader economy.”
The deal is also anticipated to provide a significant boost to the local economy by sustaining thousands of jobs and increasing local procurement throughout the mining supply chain.
This latest agreement brings the total financing arranged by Stanbic Bank Ghana and Standard Bank for E&P to more than US$450 million.
In 1997, Mahama, the brother of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, established E&P, a prominent engineering and project management firm. The company provides a range of services, including mining support, construction, and project management, with operations spanning Tarkwa, Damang, Bolgatanga, and extending into Liberia. It has grown to become one of the largest engineering companies in West Africa.
Beyond his business endeavors, Maham is widely recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in education, youth empowerment, community development, and healthcare. In a notable recent initiative, he made his private jet available to provide free emergency air-ambulance services for Ghanaian citizens.
Jiangxi Copper Lifts SolGold Takeover Offer to $1.12 Billion
The boards of SolGold and Jiangxi Copper (Hong Kong) Investment Company, acting on behalf of Jiangxi Copper Company (JCC), have announced an increased takeover bid for the Ecuador-focused gold and copper miner.
The revised offer values SolGold at approximately £842 million ($1.12 billion), with the price rising to 28p per share.
In response to the updated proposal, SolGold’s board indicated it is “minded to recommend” the offer to shareholders, should Jiangxi Copper proceed with a formal bid on these terms.
Jiangxi Copper has submitted its third non-binding proposal to acquire SolGold, marking a 7.7% increase from its previous offer of 26p per share, which SolGold turned down last month. The revised bid comes amid a sharp rise in gold prices this year, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, which has intensified demand for safe-haven assets like bullion and spurred consolidation activity in the mining industry.
In a related development, BHP Billiton, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHP Group, has issued a non-binding letter of intent to Jiangxi Copper expressing its current support for the enhanced offer over its 310,965,736 shares in SolGold, representing approximately 10.3% of the company's voting rights.
JCC, which has been a major shareholder in SolGold since December 2022, currently holds 365,757,587 shares, representing approximately 12.2% of the company's issued share capital.
In support of the revised possible offer, JCC has secured Letters of Intent (LoI) from several key shareholders. Newmont has issued an LoI covering its 309,309,996 SolGold shares, which account for 10.3% of the voting rights. Maxit Capital and its affiliates have also provided an LoI for their holdings of 153,366,663 shares, representing 5.1% of the voting rights. Additionally, SolGold CEO Nicholas Mather has issued an LoI supporting the offer over his entire direct and indirect personal holdings of 84,249,282 shares, equivalent to 2.8% of the voting rights.
Combined with the existing support from BHP, the LoIs from Newmont, Maxit Capital, and Nicholas Mather mean that JCC is now backed by shareholders representing a total of 40.7% of SolGold's issued share capital.
Robex Achieves First Gold Pour at Guinea's Kiniéro Project, On Track for 2026 Production Target
Robex Resources has successfully completed the initial gold pour at its Kiniéro project in Guinea, achieving this key milestone on schedule and within budget.
The first on-site smelt produced a gold bar weighing 2.64 kilograms (85 ounces).
This accomplishment follows a construction period of 17 months, which was executed with an outstanding safety record of nearly five million hours without a lost-time injury. Commissioning and ramp-up activities at the processing plant are progressing as planned, with ore feed already commenced and metallurgical recoveries meeting feasibility study expectations.
The company confirms that the Kiniéro plant is anticipated to reach its nameplate production capacity in the first quarter of 2026.
Managing Director and CEO Matthew Wilcox hailed the achievement as a major milestone, stating, “Pouring first gold at Kiniéro reflects the calibre of our people and the strength of our execution. This is the sixth successful project build by this team in 15 years, all delivered on time and on budget.” He emphasized that the team’s proven track record positions them ideally to develop future projects.
With Kiniéro now operational, Robex has two producing assets, alongside the Nampala mine in Mali. The successful delivery of Kiniéro also reinforces the strategic rationale behind Robex’s proposed merger with Predictive Discovery. The merger aims to combine Kiniéro with Predictive’s nearby Bankan project to create a premier gold hub in West Africa, targeting annual production exceeding 400,000 ounces by 2029.
In a separate development, Robex has secured an exclusive option to fully repurchase and eliminate the Mansounia royalties, subject to certain conditions.
Revival Gold Secures Full Ownership of Mercur Gold Project with Acquisition of Barrick's Stake
Revival Gold has exercised its option to acquire 100% of Barrick Mining’s interest in the Mercur gold project in Utah, a pivotal move toward restarting production at the site.
The acquisition, executed under a 2021 mineral lease and option agreement, covers 996 hectares of mineral interests.
This consolidates Revival Gold's control and expands the total project area to approximately 7,200 hectares.
This milestone follows the company's recent preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed in mid-2025. Key projections from the PEA include:
Average Annual Production: 95,600 ounces of gold over a 10-year mine life.
Project Value: An after-tax net present value (NPV) of $294 million, using a 5% discount rate and a gold price of $2,175 per ounce.
To advance the project, Revival Gold conducted a 13,000-meter drill program this year. The data will support a planned pre-feasibility study (PFS) in 2026 and the initiation of state mine permitting processes in Utah.
Revival Gold has exercised its option to acquire Barrick Mining Corporation's 100% stake in Utah's Mercur Gold Project, a key step towards restarting production at a historic site.
Strategic Consolidation of a Major System
By exercising this option, Revival Gold achieves full control over a substantial land package and gains significant operational advantages.
Complete Land Control: The deal covers 996 hectares of mineral interests, consolidating the entire Mercur project area to approximately 7,200 hectares. As CEO Hugh Agro stated, this unifies a "large Carlin-style gold system – a rarity outside the Nevada gold majors".
Inherited Infrastructure: The project comes with valuable existing infrastructure, including paved road access, a powerline to the site, and extensive historical technical information, which can lower future development costs and timelines.
Key Project Economics and Terms
The decision follows a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and involves structured payments to Barrick.
Project Potential: A mid-2025 PEA outlined a project with a 10-year life, aiming for average annual production of 95,600 ounces of gold. The after-tax net present value is estimated at $294 million (at a $2,175/oz gold price), with significant upside at higher gold prices.
Deal Structure: Revival Gold met the key condition of spending at least C$6 million on exploration by January 2026. Compensation to Barrick includes:
A $5 million payment at the option closing.
Three subsequent payments of $5 million each on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the start of commercial production.
Barrick will also receive a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on the acquired claims and a 1% NSR on nearby properties.
Expected Timeline: The permitting process is expected to take about two years to complete. The final acquisition is scheduled to close on or around April 1, 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Next Steps and Project Momentum
The company is actively advancing the project on multiple fronts, with clear milestones for 2026.
Path to Production: Revival Gold's primary objective is to restart gold production at Mercur, which it considers its top priority.
Ongoing Work: A 13,000-meter drill program completed in 2025 will support a planned Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in 2026. Recent drilling results continue to confirm resource models and show potential extensions.
Permitting Preparations: Work has begun with consultants like Stantec on baseline environmental studies and permit planning, with field activities starting in Q1 2026.
Corporate Context
This transaction is part of a transformative year for Revival Gold, which also secured C$34 million in strategic equity financing in 2025 from investors including Dundee Corporation and EMR Capital to fund its growth.
Financial Terms of the Acquisition
The transaction involves a combination of deferred cash payments and long-term royalties to compensate Barrick.
Upfront and Milestone Payments: Revival Gold will pay Barrick US$5 million upon the closing of the acquisition. Following the start of commercial production, three additional payments of US$5 million each are due on the first, second, and third anniversaries .
Payment Method Flexibility: For each of these payments, Barrick holds the sole discretion to choose to receive the amount in cash or in common shares of Revival Gold .
Long-Term Royalty Agreements: Upon closing, Barrick will also receive two Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalties. This includes a 2% NSR on the core mining claims covered by the agreement and a 1% NSR on any mineral properties within 1 kilometer of those claims in which Revival Gold holds an interest . This structure provides Barrick with ongoing revenue tied to future production and exploration success in the immediate area.
Environmental and Operational Stewardship
Revival Gold has committed to continuing the responsible practices previously established at the site.
Commitment to Existing Standards: Company President & CEO Hugh Agro stated that "Barrick has operated to high standards of environmental and community stewardship at Mercur and Revival Gold is committed to upholding the same high standards" . Revival Gold's official news release confirms the company is "committed to continuing the strong stewardship standards set by Barrick" .
Current Actions in 2026: Recent updates show this commitment is being actioned. Revival Gold's lead consultant, Stantec, has completed work plans for baseline biological studies, with field work scheduled to begin in Q1 2026. Furthermore, phased planning is underway to mitigate historical mining-related archaeological sites on the property, with the next stage of field work expected in Q2 2026 .
Transaction Status and Context
The acquisition is progressing toward a planned closing date.
Expected Closing: The transaction is scheduled to close on or around April 1, 2026, pending the fulfillment of several conditions .
Closing Conditions: Completion is contingent upon regulatory approvals, the execution of a formal Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (MIPA), and other customary closing conditions. One specific requirement is for Revival Gold to arrange environmental surety bonding .
Company Precedent: While separate from this transaction, Revival Gold has prior experience with NSR agreements. In 2023, the company terminated a 1% NSR on claims within its Beartrack-Arnett project in Idaho through a combination of a cash payment and issuing common shares .
Hamelin Gold Launches Major On-Ground Exploration at Venus Project in WA’s Murchison District
Hamelin Gold has commenced on-ground exploration at its Venus gold project in Western Australia’s prolific Murchison district, following the grant of a second exploration licence.
This milestone brings the company’s total tenure at the project to 300km², positioning it as one of the largest tenement holders in the Cue region.
The Venus project is strategically located approximately 15 kilometres south-east of Cue and just 10 kilometres east of Caprice Resources’ significant Island Gold discovery. It lies to the south-west of the major Comet and Tuckabianna gold corridors, both of which host multi-million-ounce gold deposits.
A key aspect of the project is its exploration potential, as the majority of the tenements are concealed beneath shallow lake sediments and have seen very limited historical exploration. This presents Hamelin Gold with a prime opportunity for new discoveries in a highly endowed gold district.
Hamelin Gold Expands Venus Project Tenure
Hamelin Gold has commenced on-ground exploration at its Venus Gold Project in Western Australia’s Murchison goldfield, following the recent grant of a second exploration licence. Managing Director Peter Bewick noted the project now comprises 300km² of granted tenure, positioning Hamelin as one of the largest tenement holders in the Cue region.
The expanded tenure covers the southern extensions of both the Tuckabianna and Comet gold corridors, along with significant unexplored greenstone stratigraphy. A surface soil sampling programme has already been completed over the western and southern extensions of the +1moz Comet gold deposit.
The newly granted licence, E58/644, covers the interpreted southern extension of the Tuckabianna shear zone. The company is now finalising plans for a heritage survey across multiple targets within the project area, scheduled for completion in February 2026. This will pave the way for the inaugural drilling programme at Venus, expected to commence shortly after the survey.
Bewick added: “A detailed aeromagnetic survey over the southern tenement is planned for January 2026. This will be followed by a heritage survey early in the year, with drilling of lake targets to commence shortly thereafter. The Venus gold project is an exciting new addition to our portfolio, and launching exploration here is a key milestone for Hamelin Gold.”
The company has a compelling opportunity to explore for gold beneath Lake Austin, an area with strong conceptual structural geology that remains previously unexplored.
Mithril Moves to Acquire Strategic La Dura Gold-Silver Property in Durango, Mexico
Mithril Silver and Gold has executed a purchase option agreement to acquire the La Dura gold-silver property, advancing its strategic consolidation of assets in the prolific Durango State, Mexico.
The 2,052-hectare property consists of five contiguous concessions and is located adjacent to Mithril's existing Copalquin project.
Its position, less than 5 kilometers from the town of El Durazno and under 20 kilometers from the Copalquin district, offers excellent logistical access.
La Dura hosts multiple historic mines and workings, most notably the four-level La Dura gold-silver mine. The site includes a historical 60-tonne-per-day processing facility and was last operated in 2013. It is supported by an extensive historic database, with mining records and sampling data compiled from the 1990s through 2018, providing a substantial foundation for future exploration and development.
Mithril Silver and Gold has secured an exclusive four-year option to acquire a 100% interest in the La Dura concessions for a fixed payment of $4 million (A$6.03 million).
To maintain the option, the company must keep the mining concessions in good standing and meet specific exploration commitments:
Conduct LiDAR and aerial magnetic surveys within the first year, with LiDAR scheduled for this month and the magnetic survey for early 2026.
Spend a minimum of $200,000 on exploration in the second year.
The company confirms there are no further exploration expenditure requirements beyond these obligations.
Strategically, La Dura expands Mithril's land position near its Copalquin District property, where drilling is currently underway at Targets 1 and 5, with drilling at Target 3 scheduled to commence in January 2026.
Mithril Expands Gold-Silver Prospectivity in Mexico
“The acquisition of the historic La Dura mine represents a strategic expansion of our portfolio in Durango. This property, a notable past producer, lies within the same high-prospectivity geologic locality as our flagship Copalquin district and is situated just five kilometers from our established support office.
Our immediate plan is to leverage modern exploration techniques, beginning with LiDAR and aerial magnetic surveys, to systematically assess the 20 km² concession area. This data will guide detailed mapping and sampling, paving the way for future drill testing.
We are not starting from scratch. Our management team completed exploration work here in 2017-18, giving us a strong foundational knowledge. More importantly, the same proven technical team that is driving discoveries at Copalquin is now positioned to unlock the significant potential at La Dura.”
Context and Background of the Announcement
The statement is based on the context of Mithril's strategic move to consolidate its position in a prolific Mexican mining district.
The Transaction: Mithril secured an exclusive, low-commitment option to acquire 100% of the La Dura property over four years for a total of US$4 million. The property consists of five contiguous concessions totaling 2,052 hectares.
Property Potential: La Dura is a brownfields site with a history of small-scale production, hosting a four-level mine and a 60-tonne-per-day processing facility last used in 2013. It features a gold-silver vein system with at least 650 meters of strike length on the surface, and mineralization has been historically mined to a depth of about 140 meters. Recent, unrelated sampling by another company in the area has reported gold-silver mineralization extending along a 500-meter horizon.
Exploration Timeline: Mithril’s near-term work is methodical and budget-conscious. Following the LiDAR and magnetic surveys, the company has committed to a minimum exploration spend of US$200,000 in the second year. The focus is on target generation, with drilling considered a possibility for later in 2026 or 2027.
Leadership Expertise: John Skeet’s confidence stems from over 35 years of experience, including 20 years on the ground in Mexico where he has led successful mine developments and corporate transactions. This deep regional expertise underpins the company's strategy in the Copalquin district and now at La Dura.
Key Strategic Rationale
The acquisition is not about rushing into production but about smart, low-cost portfolio growth.
District-Scale Consolidation: La Dura is located less than 20 km from Mithril’s flagship Copalquin project. Acquiring it allows for shared logistics, unified geological modeling, and creates a larger, contiguous land package in a proven precious metals belt.
Risk-Managed Approach: The option agreement requires minimal upfront cash and contains no mandatory drilling commitments, allowing Mithril to advance the property without diverting significant resources from its primary focus at Copalquin.
A Pipeline Asset: La Dura is viewed as a potential future source of mill feed or a standalone project. However, analysts caution that while the historic infrastructure is useful for context, any restart would require substantial capital and a modern, compliant resource estimate.
Tweet
