Interview with Ian Cockerill, CEO of Endeavour Mining

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/endeavour-mining-tsxedv-free-cash-flow-surges-to-411m-in-q1-7087

Recording date: 17th September 2025

Endeavour Mining, one of the world's top 10 gold producers, is demonstrating exceptional operational execution amid gold's surge beyond $3,600 per ounce. The West African-focused miner delivered 58% of annual production guidance in the first half of 2025 while maintaining industry-leading costs across its five-mine portfolio.

The company's disciplined capital allocation strategy has positioned it as a leader in shareholder returns. Endeavour will distribute $379 per ounce produced through dividends and buybacks, including $150 million in cash dividends and $69 million in share repurchases by end of H2 2025. "We have class leading dividends both in terms of guaranteed dividends, supplemental cash dividends as well as buybacks," noted CEO Ian Cockerill.

Despite generous shareholder distributions, management is strategically reinvesting windfall cash from elevated gold prices. The company plans material increases in exploration spending, leveraging historical discovery costs of just $25 per ounce versus current gold prices exceeding $3,600. "Our discovery cost historically has been $25 an ounce. $100 to find something that's worth $3,500. Think of the value add that brings to us," Cockerill emphasized.

Endeavour has secured 30% organic production growth through 2030, targeting 1.5 million ounces annually from existing project pipelines. This growth foundation provides flexibility for additional opportunities without execution pressure. The company is evaluating geographic expansion beyond West Africa, focusing on similar geological terrains where its frontier market expertise applies.

While current gold prices create approximately $1,500 per ounce windfall above guidance assumptions, management recognizes commodity price cyclicality. Their balanced approach of returning substantial cash to shareholders while investing in high-return exploration and operational improvements positions Endeavour to maintain industry-leading performance regardless of future price movements.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/endeavour-mining

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Interview with Shawn Khunkhun, CEO of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/dolly-varden-silver-tsxvdv-targets-top-10-global-producer-status-7537

Recording date: 12th September 2025

Dolly Varden Silver Corporation has emerged as a compelling consolidation story in the precious metals sector, delivering exceptional returns while positioning for significant growth in an improving silver market. Under CEO Shawn Khunkhun's leadership since February 2020, the company has systematically transformed from a $20 million market cap explorer into a $550 million silver platform, generating 650% share price appreciation for shareholders.

The company's strategic approach centers on consolidating high-grade silver assets in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, accumulating five past-producing mines through methodical acquisitions. Khunkhun's contrarian timing proved prescient, entering the market when $16 silver prices provided minimal exploration incentives for major producers. "We've raised $150 million, and the idea has been, let's create an instrument where investors could get exposure to silver," he explained, describing the systematic vehicle construction.

Technical fundamentals support the growth trajectory. The company's assets demonstrate exceptional metallurgy with 88% silver recovery rates, backed by 196,000 meters of drilling and strong community support in a region seeking economic development. A robust $40 million treasury provides flexibility for both organic growth through a 55,000-meter drill program and strategic acquisitions.

The institutional investor base reflects confidence in management execution, with 50% institutional ownership including Fidelity, US Global, and Eric Sprott's 10% stake. The April 2025 US listing delivered an immediate 38% share price bump, enhancing access to American capital markets.

With only ten primary silver producers globally, Khunkhun sees a clear path to becoming "the 11th" through continued consolidation. Management targets ambitious but achievable goals: $2 billion market cap, 400% share price appreciation, and production status within 18 months. As silver trades at $42 per ounce and generalist investors increase precious metals allocations, Dolly Varden appears positioned to capitalize on both sector rotation and metal price appreciation.

Learn more: http://cruxinvestor.com/companies/dolly-varden-silver

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Interview with David Wolfin, CEO, Avino Silver & Gold Mines

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/avino-silver-gold-tsxasm-silver-junior-plans-8-10m-oz-annual-output-by-2030-6788

Recording date: 17th September 2025

Avino Silver & Gold Mines Limited presents a compelling transformation story in the precious metals sector, positioning itself for intermediate producer status through strategic organic growth. Under CEO David Wolfin's leadership, the company is executing a clear five-year plan to expand from one to three producing assets, all owned outright and designed to drive substantial operational leverage.

The foundation of this growth strategy rests on the flagship Avino Mine, which generates 2.5 to 2.8 million ounces of silver equivalent annually. This cornerstone operation provides the cash flow foundation supporting expansion while maintaining competitive cost metrics. The company's Q2 2025 financial results demonstrate strong execution with $21.8 million in revenue, $10 million in operating income, and $4.4 million in free cash flow, achieved at all-in sustaining costs of $20.93 per ounce.

The next phase centers on La Preciosa, acquired from Coeur Mining in 2022 and permitted in Q1 2025. Recent drilling results have exceeded expectations, revealing 7.9 meters of 1,600 grams of silver equivalent, substantially higher than the 200-gram resource grid used in original planning. This higher-grade ore will contribute to lower costs and improved margins when processed through existing mill infrastructure.

Avino's financial strategy distinguishes it from peers. "We're doing the opposite of our peers. We're unlevering, unhedging, and buying back the royalty," Wolfin explains. This approach has created a debt-free balance sheet with $50 million in cash, providing flexibility for self-funded expansion without equity dilution.

Market recognition has followed operational success. The company achieved 600% stock performance over three years, earning inclusion in both the TSX30 and GDXJ index. With daily trading volumes of 6-8 million shares on NYSE American, institutional accessibility continues improving.
The third asset, oxide tailings processing, completes Avino's measured expansion approach, targeting combined all-in sustaining costs in the "mid-teens to low teens" range across all operations.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/avino-silver-gold-mines-ltd

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Interview with Lon Shaver, President of Silvercorp Metals Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/20-year-silver-producer-silvercorp-tsxsvm-expands-to-ecuador-with-12-costs-vs-35-prices-7436

Recording date: 15th September 2025

Silvercorp Metals (TSX: SVM) has positioned itself as a compelling investment opportunity in the current precious metals cycle, combining operational excellence with strategic growth initiatives across multiple jurisdictions. The company's financial foundation anchors its investment thesis, with $377 million in cash plus an investment portfolio providing substantial strategic flexibility without requiring dilutive equity raises.

The company's core Chinese operations at the Ying mine continue delivering consistent performance despite facing operational challenges earlier this year. Management is strategically transitioning from labor-intensive mining methods to mechanized approaches, improving both safety and operational efficiency. This evolution positions the company for sustained profitability while reducing operational risks associated with manual mining processes.

Silvercorp's most significant near-term catalyst is the El Domo project in Ecuador, targeting commercial production by end-2026. The project benefits from a favorable financing structure with Wheaton Precious Metals contributing $175 million of the $240 million capital requirement through a streaming arrangement. Legal challenges have been definitively resolved through Ecuador's judiciary system, clearing the path for development execution.

Trading at a $1.2 billion market capitalization against consensus net asset value estimates of $1.6 billion, Silvercorp offers investors discounted exposure to silver markets. As a silver-dominant producer with over 60% of revenues derived from silver, the company provides leveraged exposure to precious metals strength while maintaining operational cash generation capabilities.

Management's disciplined approach to mergers and acquisitions, supported by a $400 million shelf prospectus, positions the company for strategic growth through value-accretive transactions. Their expertise in challenging jurisdictions creates competitive advantages in acquiring assets where other operators demand risk premiums. With a 20-year track record of profitable operations and near-term production growth catalysts, Silvercorp presents an attractive entry point for precious metals exposure in the current market environment.

View Silvercorp's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/silvercorp-metals

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Interview with David Londoño, President & CEO of Mineros SA

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mineros-sa-tsxmsa-cash-rich-gold-miner-eyes-expansion-7128

Recording date: 15th September 2025

American gold mining, combining exceptional financial performance with an aggressive expansion strategy across Colombia, Nicaragua, and Chile. The company reports record revenues, earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA while maintaining over $100 million in cash, providing substantial financial flexibility for growth initiatives without requiring external financing.

The company's flagship Porvenir project in Nicaragua has achieved significant engineering optimization, with preliminary feasibility studies reducing initial capital requirements from over $250 million to the mid-$100 millions. The project features a scalable 2,000 tons per day processing plant expandable to 5,000 TPD capacity, targeting 4-5 grams per ton gold grades with valuable byproduct credits from copper, silver, and zinc. Recent exploration success around the main deposit has identified additional mineralization that could accelerate expansion timelines and extend mine life.

Operational expansion centers on a $45 million investment to increase the Hemco plant capacity from 1,800 to 2,300 tons per day. This expansion leverages the company's unique relationship with artisanal miners, who provide both high-grade feed material and valuable geological intelligence. The capacity increase targets production growth from current levels of 120-130,000 ounces annually to 200,000 ounces, representing approximately 55% growth from Nicaragua operations alone.

Mineros SA recently acquired the La Pepa exploration property in Chile for $40 million cash, adding 2 million ounces of gold resources at 0.56 grams per ton average grade. Located near Copiapó in an established mining district, the property benefits from existing infrastructure and experienced personnel. Management targets production within five years, supported by shallow, oxide-dominated mineralization suitable for heap leach processing.

The company maintains its commitment to shareholder returns through a $30 million annual dividend policy while reinvesting excess cash flow into growth projects. Although the dividend yield has decreased from 10-15% to below 5% due to share price appreciation, the absolute payment remains consistent, demonstrating management's balanced approach to growth investment and shareholder returns in a strengthening gold price environment.

View Mineros SA's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mineros-sa

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Interview with Paul Chawrun, COO of i-80 Gold Corp.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/i-80-gold-tsxiau-meet-the-team-tyler-hill-7946

Recording date: 15th September 2025

i-80 Gold (TSX:IAU) is positioning itself as Northern Nevada's next significant gold producer through a systematic three-phase development strategy targeting over 600,000 ounces annually. Under new leadership, the company has assembled an experienced management team led by COO Paul Chawrun, who brings over 35 years of mining engineering expertise and a proven track record of scaling operations, having previously helped build Teranga Gold into a mid-tier producer later acquired by Endeavour Mining.

The company's development strategy leverages well-understood Carlin trend geology across multiple high-grade assets. Currently operating the Granite Creek mine, i-80 Gold possesses underground resources exceeding 10 grams per ton gold, providing exceptional economics for future development. "The geology is well understood. This is Carlin trend. It's epithermal that's been mineralized inside a sediment host," Chawrun explains, emphasizing the predictability that underpins their expansion plans.

The cornerstone of Phase 1 involves refurbishing the company-owned Lone Tree Autoclave by end-2027, which will eliminate the current $1,000-1,200 per ounce margin loss from toll milling arrangements. Phase 2 expands production through the Cove underground mine and Granite Creek open pit, while Phase 3 centers on the flagship Mineral Point asset, featuring a 17-year mine life and 3 million ounces of measured and indicated resources.

i-80 Gold's approach emphasizes capital efficiency and risk mitigation, with each phase designed to generate cash flow supporting subsequent development. The company has engaged Hatch Engineering, recognized experts in autoclave technology, to manage the technical execution while maintaining operational continuity through existing toll milling arrangements.

Operating in Nevada's supportive regulatory environment provides significant jurisdictional advantages, with established infrastructure and community support facilitating development timelines. The company's strategic focus on organic growth through systematic asset development positions it to capitalize on strong gold prices while building toward mid-tier producer status in North America's premier gold district.

View i-80 Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/i-80-gold

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Interview with Frederick H. Earnest, President & CEO of Vista Gold

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/from-mega-mines-to-lean-machines-rio2-ltd-vista-golds-blueprint-for-fast-track-gold-production-7298

Recording date: 16th September 2025

Vista Gold Corp (TSX:VGZ) presents a compelling investment opportunity through its strategic transformation of the Mt Todd Gold Project, Australia's second largest undeveloped gold asset and the largest not owned by an existing producer. The company's recent feasibility study represents a fundamental strategic pivot that has created enhanced economics, reduced capital requirements, and multiple pathways for value realization.

The cornerstone of Vista Gold's investment thesis lies in its decision to redesign Mt Todd from a massive 50,000 ton per day operation requiring over $1 billion in initial capital to a more focused 15,000 ton per day operation with $425 million capex—a 59% reduction that makes financing significantly more achievable. This strategic shift prioritizes grade over volume, raising the cut-off grade from 0.35 g/t to 0.5 g/t, resulting in a 23% improvement in reserve grade while maintaining over 5 million ounces of gold reserves.

The redesigned project delivers exceptional economics with an NPV5 of $1.1 billion using a conservative $2,500 gold price assumption. At $3,300 gold price, closer to current market levels above $3,600, the NPV increases to $2.2 billion with an IRR approaching 45%. The production profile shows consistent output of 153,000 ounces annually over the first 15 years, providing predictable cash flow generation that appeals to investors seeking stable gold exposure.

The market has responded overwhelmingly positively to Vista Gold's strategic direction, with shares surging 133% from 93 cents to $2.17 following the July feasibility study publication. This appreciation reflects both the favorable gold price environment and increased recognition of the project's improved risk-reward profile, demonstrating investor confidence in management's strategic execution.

Vista Gold's strategic approach provides investors with exposure to three distinct value realization scenarios: joint venture partnerships, potential sale or corporate transactions, and self-development. This optionality ensures the company can adapt to market conditions and capitalize on the most favorable outcome for shareholders. The reduced capital requirements have expanded the pool of potential joint venture partners, while the project's improved economics make it more attractive for corporate transactions.

Mt Todd's unique positioning as Australia's largest undeveloped gold project not owned by a producer provides significant strategic value in the current consolidation environment. The project benefits from Australia's political stability, established mining infrastructure, and proximity to Asian gold demand centers, reducing development risk compared to emerging market alternatives.

Vista Gold offers investors exposure to a premier undeveloped gold asset with management that has demonstrated strategic flexibility to optimize shareholder value. The combination of proven reserves exceeding 5 million ounces, enhanced project economics, reduced capital requirements, and multiple development pathways positions the company as an attractive vehicle for gold sector exposure. With gold prices providing substantial operational margins above feasibility study assumptions and strong market validation through share price appreciation, Vista Gold represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to Australia's gold sector through a strategically positioned development company.

View Vista Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/vista-gold-corporation

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Interview with Pascal Hamelin, President & CEO of Abcourt Mines Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/abcourt-mines-tsxvabi-gold-producer-ready-to-restart-sleeping-giant-mine-7160

Recording date: 15th September 2025

Abcourt Mines (TSXV:ABI) has successfully completed its first gold pour at the Sleeping Giant Mine in Quebec, marking a critical transition from development company to gold producer. Speaking at the Denver Gold Forum, President and CEO Pascal Hamelin outlined an aggressive production scaling strategy designed to capitalize on favorable gold market conditions.

The company plans to ramp production from zero to 30,000 ounces annually within 18 months, following a detailed preliminary assessment released in 2023. This production target represents only 45% of the mill's total capacity, providing significant room for future expansion to potentially 60,000-70,000 ounces annually. The scalability provides multiple expansion avenues as the company develops additional mining fronts within the existing operation.

Operationally, Abcourt maintains a strong cost structure with all-in sustaining costs projected at $1,600 USD per ounce and monthly operating costs of approximately $4 million. At current gold prices exceeding $3,600 per ounce, this creates substantial margins and positions the company for rapid cash flow generation.

Beyond the Sleeping Giant operation, Abcourt has identified significant exploration potential at its Flordin project. The 2024 discovery exposed a vein measuring 300 meters long by over 10 meters wide, with drilling confirming continuity to 400 meters depth. Geophysical surveys suggest the vein could extend up to 2 kilometers in length, with management projecting a four to five-year timeline to operational status.

The company maintains a portfolio of 15 projects within trucking distance of the Sleeping Giant mill, enabling potential infrastructure sharing and operational synergies. With plans for eventual share buybacks rather than dividends to optimize tax efficiency for shareholders, Abcourt appears positioned to benefit from sustained precious metals strength while building a scalable production platform in Quebec's mining-friendly jurisdiction.

View Abcourt Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/abcourt-mines-inc

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