Ernest HoffmanErnest Hoffman is a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News. He has over 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, broadcaster and producer for media, educational and cultural organizations. Ernest began working in market news in 2007, establishing the broadcast division of CEP News in Montreal, Canada, where he developed the fastest web-based audio news service in the world and produced economic news videos in partnership with MSN and the TMX. He has a Bachelor's degree Specialization in ...

Core Viewpoint - The stronger-than-expected January jobs report indicates a robust economy, suggesting that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates in the near term [1] Group 1: Economic Indicators - The January jobs report exceeded expectations, reinforcing the notion that the economy is performing strongly [1] - The positive job market data is interpreted as potentially negative news for precious metals, as it may lead to sustained higher yields [1] Group 2: Precious Metals Market - Despite initial pressure on precious metals due to the prospect of steady interest rates, prices rebounded as investors sought safe-haven assets amid global volatility [1] - The attractiveness of precious metals as a safe haven is highlighted in the context of a fluctuating global landscape [1]

Core Insights - Captivision Inc. announced positive results from an independent assessment by Hard Rock Consulting, reaffirming the gold and precious metals resources of Montana Tunnels Mining Inc. and its Montana Tunnels Mine [1][2] - The assessment identified significant opportunities to expand mining output through exploration and technology, potentially extending the mining life of Montana Tunnels Mining Inc. beyond the current estimate of 10 years [2][3] - Captivision plans to acquire Montana Tunnels Mining Inc., with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, and intends to reposition as a diversified gold mining and related services business, renaming itself Montana Gold Inc. [3] Company Developments - The HRC report confirms substantial reserves of gold, silver, and other precious metals, indicating significant growth potential for the mining life of the asset [3][6] - Captivision has executed a letter of intent to acquire Montana Tunnels Mining Inc., with ongoing negotiations for an extension of the LOI's mutual exclusivity [3] - The company plans to disclose mineral resources and reserves through a Regulation SK-1300 filing following the acquisition [2] Market Position - The findings from the HRC report position Montana Gold Inc. as an early-stage diversified mining growth company with a clear operational plan [3] - The planned restart of mining operations is anticipated within the year, reflecting the company's strategic direction towards mining [3]

Core Points - Newterra Resources Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement, issuing 2,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $100,000 [1] - A director of the Company participated in the Offering, purchasing 100,000 units for gross proceeds of $5,000, which is classified as a related party transaction [3] - All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring on June 7, 2026, in accordance with CSE policies [2] Company Overview - Newterra Resources Inc. is a mineral resource exploration company focused on precious metals, with its primary property being the Iron Horse Project, which consists of nine mineral title claims covering 2,439.5 hectares in British Columbia [5]

Core Viewpoint - Metalite Resources Inc. is increasing its non-brokered private placement due to strong investor demand, raising total gross proceeds from $465,000 to $700,000 [1] Private Placement Details - The private placement will consist of units priced at $0.15 each, with each unit comprising one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant [4] - The warrants will allow holders to purchase one common share at a price of $0.25, with an expiry date two years from issuance, subject to acceleration if the share price exceeds $0.50 for ten consecutive trading days [4] Debt Settlement - Concurrently, the company plans to settle $352,842 of debt by issuing 2,352,277 common shares at a deemed price of $0.15 per share [2] - The debt settlement is part of a strategy to manage obligations to senior management and advisors [2] Closing Timeline - The private placement and debt settlement are expected to close around February 9, 2026 [3] Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes [6] Shareholder Approval - Due to the issuance exceeding 100% of the currently outstanding common shares, shareholder approval is required before the issuance of certain shares and warrants [6] - The company intends to obtain this approval through written consent from a majority of shareholders [6] Insider Participation - Certain insiders are expected to participate in the private placement, which is classified as a related party transaction [7] - The company will rely on exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements, as the participation does not exceed 25% of the company's market capitalization [7] Company Overview - Metalite Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration issuer focused on precious metals projects in New South Wales, Australia [8]

Holders of digital as well as tangible assets are feeling the pinch amid the recent slide in bitcoin and precious metals. Where can investors turn to for defensive positioning in the meantime? ...

Core Viewpoint - Andean Precious Metals Corp. has announced a secondary offering of 7,915,000 common shares at a price of C$10.50 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of C$83,107,500 to the Selling Shareholder [1][3] Group 1: Secondary Offering Details - The Underwriters have a one-time option to purchase an additional 15% of the common shares to cover over-allotments [2] - The net proceeds from the offering will go directly to the Selling Shareholder, with the Company not receiving any proceeds [3] - The Secondary Offering is expected to close on or about January 28, 2026, subject to necessary approvals [5] Group 2: Shareholder Impact - Following the offering, the Selling Shareholder will own approximately 47.94% of the outstanding common shares, down from 53.22% [8][9] - The Selling Shareholder has agreed not to sell any common shares for 90 days post-closing, and the Company will also refrain from issuing new shares during this period [7] Group 3: Company Strategy - The transaction aims to strengthen the shareholder base by attracting institutional investors and improving trading liquidity [3][4] - The Company emphasizes its commitment to avoiding shareholder dilution while enhancing liquidity and attracting new investors [4]

Core Viewpoint - Sable Resources Ltd. has entered into a binding letter agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the "La Esquina" property in San Juan, Argentina, which will be consolidated into the "Zorro Project" comprising 5,236 hectares [1][11]. Project Overview - The Zorro Project is located in the Frontal Cordillera of San Juan, adjacent to significant copper and polymetallic deposits, including the Minsud/South32 Chita Valley Project and the Chita South Porphyry Deposit [2]. - The project area has historical mineral occurrences and is characterized by a large magnetic anomaly measuring approximately 7km by 4km [3]. Mineralization Styles - **Intrusion-Related Cu Mineralization**: Copper mineralization has been identified near the Chita South and Chinchillones deposits, with plans for detailed mapping and a drill program in the second half of 2026 [4]. - **Magmatic-Hydrothermal Breccias**: A breccia zone measuring approximately 180m by 100m has been observed, indicating potential for copper mineralization at depth [5]. - **Epithermal Veins**: Discrete epithermal veins have been found in the periphery of the magnetic anomaly, with various minerals observed, including galena and sphalerite [6]. Exploration Activities - During the initial reconnaissance, Sable collected 98 rock samples for analysis, benefiting from excellent road access and low elevation, which will reduce exploration costs [7]. - The company is committed to exploring the Zorro Project, which is part of a larger regional program in San Juan, Argentina [8][13]. Option Agreement Details - The binding letter agreement allows Sable to conduct due diligence until February 28, 2026, with a 1% net smelter royalty on the property that can be purchased for US$1,000,000 [11][14].

Company Overview - New Earth Resources Corp. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company focused on acquiring and developing advanced and early-stage exploration projects [3] - The company's flagship project is the 100% owned Lucky Boy Uranium Property located in Gila County, Arizona, covering approximately 273 acres with a history of uranium production in the 1950s and 1970s [3] - In addition to the Lucky Boy project, the company has three uranium claims in Saskatchewan, Canada, covering 365 hectares [3] Recent Developments - Tim Henneberry has been appointed to the advisory board of New Earth Resources Corp., bringing 45 years of experience in uranium, precious and base metals, and industrial minerals [1][3] - Henneberry has a background in both production and consulting within the mining sector, having served as a founding Director and CEO for several junior mining companies [2] Additional Projects - The company has the option to acquire a 100% interest in 23 claims in the Strange Lake area of Quebec, known as the "SL Project," which is prospective for rare earth elements, covering approximately 1,102 hectares [4] - Additionally, New Earth has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Red Wine Rare Earth Project, comprising 2 non-contiguous mineral claims in Labrador, Canada, covering approximately 1,575 hectares [4]

Industry Overview - The basic materials sector includes companies involved in discovering, developing, and processing raw materials essential for other industries, closely tied to economic cycles [1] - It comprises five industries: metals and mining, chemicals, construction materials, paper and forest products, and containers and packaging [1] Recent Performance - The sector has shown mixed performance over the past year, with the S&P 500 Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) advancing 15.3% as of January 13 [2] - Metals and mining sectors performed well, while construction materials and chemicals lagged due to slower global growth and inflation concerns [2] - The cyclical nature of the sector makes it sensitive to global economic conditions, interest rates, and the effectiveness of China's stimulus [2] Future Outlook - The outlook for 2026 appears promising, with expected strong earnings growth for materials companies driven by pricing power from tariffs on steel and robust packaging demand [3] - Demand drivers such as electrification, infrastructure spending, and rising consumption of industrial commodities like lithium, copper, and rare earths are expected to support growth [3] Investment Opportunities - Materials funds can act as portfolio diversifiers and inflation hedges, as raw material prices often rise with inflation [4] - Well-managed materials mutual funds may capture growth while balancing risk across multiple industries within the sector [4][5] Selected Mutual Funds - **Fidelity Select Materials (FSDPX)**: Invests in companies involved in raw materials production, with a 3-year annualized return of 2.3% and a 5-year return of 7.2%, net expense ratio of 0.69%, and a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 2 [7][8] - **Franklin Gold and Precious Metals (FKRCX)**: Focuses on gold and precious metals operations, with a 3-year annualized return of 48.4% and a 5-year return of 21.1%, net expense ratio of 0.87%, and a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 2 [9][10] - **American Century Global Gold (ACGGX)**: Invests in gold-related companies, with a 3-year annualized return of 44.8% and a 5-year return of 20.1%, net expense ratio of 0.91%, and a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 [12]