No Geopolitics, Just Gold: 5 North American Exploration Plays

Industry Overview - Gold prices have remained strong above $4,300 per ounce, prompting a strategic shift in the mining sector towards jurisdictions with greater stability and lower geopolitical risks [1] - Investors are increasingly favoring North American mining projects, particularly in states like Nevada, Wyoming, and the Dakotas, which are perceived as safer investments compared to emerging markets [1] - Goldman Sachs has raised its gold price forecast for December 2026 to $4,900, while Deutsche Bank anticipates an average price of $4,450 through 2026, driven by continued demand from Western ETFs and central banks [2] Company Developments - Rush Gold Corp. has initiated its first exploration programs at its Skylight and Legal Tender properties in Nevada, utilizing high-resolution satellite imaging to assess gold and silver mineralization [3][4] - The company is employing WorldView-3 satellite technology, which offers improved resolution for geological assessments, to identify high-priority areas for exploration [6] - Historical sampling at the Legal Tender property has shown high-grade results, including 1,875 grams per tonne silver and 3.04 grams per tonne gold, although no prior diamond drilling has been recorded [7] - The Skylight property, identified as an intact epithermal gold-silver system, has previously shown gold mineralization in half of the drilled holes, indicating significant exploration potential [8] - Rush Gold has secured funding for its exploration work through a private placement totaling $500,000, with its shares trading on the CSE since June 2025 [9] Other Company Highlights - Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. is expecting final federal approvals for its Grassy Mountain Gold Project in January 2026, marking a significant milestone as the first gold mining project to seek approval in Oregon [10] - Dakota Gold Corp. has reported high-grade gold mineralization at its Richmond Hill project, with significant drill results indicating strong development potential [12][13] - U.S. Gold Corp. is advancing its CK Gold Project in Wyoming, with strategic property acquisitions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and community engagement [14][15] - Banyan Gold Corp. continues to extend mineralization at its Powerline Deposit in Yukon, with recent drilling results indicating continuity of high-grade mineralization [16][17]