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To: LoneClone who wrote (187877)5/28/2025 12:34:52 PM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 194851
 
Headwater Gold Identifies Outcropping High-Grade Veins at its New Doug Target on the Spring Peak Property, Nevada

thenewswire.com

Vancouver, British Columbia - TheNewswire - May 28, 2025: Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG) (OTCQB: HWAUF) (the "Company" or "Headwater") is pleased to announce the identification of outcropping high-grade epithermal veins at the newly identified Doug target, part of its expanding Spring Peak project located in Nevada. Exploration at Spring Peak is fully funded through an earn-in agreement with Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) announced on August 16, 2022. The newly recognized veins at the Doug target were found through a recently completed surface exploration program.

The Doug target lies approximately 9 kilometres (“km”) north of the high-grade Disco Zone and is situated along the trend of the Bear Fault, a regionally significant structure which also hosts the Disco Zone mineralization to the south (see news releases dated January 9, 2023 and February 7, 2025). The Bear Fault projects under thin post-mineral cover to the north from Disco to a small erosional window at Doug where prospective host rocks are again exposed. The occurrence of gold-bearing veins at surface in this area highlights the broader potential of the covered portions of the trend.

Highlights:

  • New High-Grade Veins at Doug Target: Outcropping epithermal quartz veins have been sampled at the Doug target area, returning exceptional gold grades including 21.8 g/t Au, 9.52 g/t Au and 7.82 g/t Au;

  • Bear Fault Corridor Emerging as a District-Scale Structure: The Bear Fault hosts Headwater’s high-grade Disco Zone 9 km to the south of Doug and remains open and untested by drilling under shallow cover between the two target areas; and

  • Preserved Epithermal System: Vein textures and geochemistry at Doug indicate a high-level position within an epithermal system, suggesting potential for a preserved high-grade vein target at depth.

Caleb Stroup, President and CEO of Headwater, comments: "The newly identified outcropping epithermal quartz veins with high-grade gold values at the Doug target provide a compelling indication of the scale and preservation of the mineral system along the Bear Fault corridor within the expanded Spring Peak project. This sampling marks the first confirmation of in-situ epithermal veins at the Doug target, following previously reported widespread mineralized vein float along the northern extension of the Bear Fault corridor. The Bear Fault corridor hosts our high-grade Disco Zone discovery and is interpreted as a district-scale structure that extends beneath cover for several kilometres before daylighting in a limited area at Doug. The high-grade gold values sampled here reinforce our view that this corridor and the entire area between the Aurora and Borealis mines, has the potential to host multiple significant mineralized zones. Headwater now controls over 12 km of strike extent in this well renowned epithermal district and looks forward to advancing these targets along with our partner Newmont to further uncover the full potential of the Spring Peak project.”


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: Map of Bear Fault corridor and extent of post-mineral volcanic cover at Spring Peak and Lodestar, showing location of high-grade rock samples collected in the erosional windows that expose mineralized rocks in the Doug target in the north and the Disco Zone in the south. [1]Vikre and others (2015).

Rock Sampling Program at the Doug Target:

Recent rock chip sampling has confirmed the presence of epithermal quartz veins in outcrop for the first time at the Doug target. Rock chip geochemistry is reported in the table below. The outcropping veins consist of stockwork vein arrays that exhibit classic high-level epithermal textures, including bladed and banded quartz and are strongly anomalous in arsenic, antimony and mercury — geochemical indicators consistent with the upper parts of an epithermal system. The implication is that much of the underlying hydrothermal system could be intact, with organized high-grade vein zones potentially preserved at depth. Representative vein and wall rock material was selected from individual veins up to 2 cm wide within a network of cross cutting veinlets hosted in a hornblende andesite exposed over an area of approximately 30 m2. Vein stockworks are significant exploration vectors in epithermal systems where these dense networks of mineralized veins can develop in fractured host rock peripheral to wider and more continuous quartz lode veins. The vein outcrop lies within a small erosional window where mineralized rocks are exposed beneath younger, post-mineral volcanic rocks.

Sample ID

Au ppm

Ag ppm

As ppm

Hg ppm

Sb ppm

Description

RX997972

21.80

6.00

171.2

2.56

132.70

Quartz vein

RX997968

9.52

2.88

235.2

3.62

70.75

Altered andesite wall rock

RX997967

7.82

2.43

142.5

1.47

457.02

Quartz vein

RX997971

6.08

1.44

233.5

2.19

119.54

Mixed quartz vein and wall rock

RX997965

1.62

0.34

11.7

0.21

11.84

Mixed quartz vein and wall rock

Table 1: All rock chip samples collected by Headwater from the outcropping Doug veins.

While individual orientations vary, the veins generally form a northeast trend that is broadly parallel to the dominant structural trend throughout the district (Figure 1). Geological mapping is underway to better understand the relationship between the stockwork zone and major mineralized structures in the district, including both the Bear Fault and Aurora Mine vein corridor.

About the Bear Fault and the Bodie–Aurora–Borealis Trend:

The Bear Fault is a major extensional structure believed to be a primary control on epithermal mineralization at the Spring Peak project. At the Disco Zone, Headwater drilling intercepted 34.72 metres grading 2.73 g/t Au within the Bear Fault structure. The newly identified Doug target demonstrates that this structure potentially persists well to the north where it continues to be gold-bearing.

The broader Bodie–Aurora–Borealis trend has produced over 4 million ounces of gold from multiple high-grade systems 1,2,3. Much of the trend is covered by thin Miocene basalt, and the recent land consolidation provides Headwater with the opportunity to explore systematically for additional mineralized windows like Doug.

District Expansion and Next Steps:

The discovery at Doug coincided with a major expansion of Headwater’s land position through the staking of 509 new mining claims. This brings the combined Spring Peak–Lodestar land position to over 15 km of continuous strike length along the Bodie–Aurora–Borealis trend. This corridor includes several past-producing mines, such as Aurora (1.9 Moz Au1), Borealis (0.8 Moz Au2) and Bodie (1.5 Moz Au3), and has seen little modern exploration under post-mineral cover.

Headwater recently completed a suite of geophysical surveys at Spring Peak and Lodestar, including gravity, CSAMT, airborne magnetics, and radiometrics. The results are currently being interpreted and will guide follow-up target definition. A systematic program of geological mapping and geochemical sampling is also underway.

About the Spring Peak Project:

The Spring Peak project is located in the Aurora Mining District in the Walker Lane belt, west-central Nevada, approximately 50 km southwest of the town of Hawthorne. The project adjoins Hecla Mining Company’s past-producing Aurora Mine complex, where existing infrastructure includes a 350 ton per day mill, several production water wells and high-voltage three-phase power. Recent drilling at the Disco Zone has confirmed the presence of high-grade gold mineralization, including significant intersections such as 15.92 g/t Au over 2.38 m and 10.43 g/t Au over 2.01 m within a broader zone of 2.73 g/t Au over 34.72 m. Headwater holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Spring Peak project from Orogen Royalties (TSXV: OGN), subject to retained royalties and subject to Newmont’s option to acquire up to 75% of the project following certain expenditures and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study within a designated time frame.

About Headwater Gold:

Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG, OTCQB: HWAUF) is a technically-driven mineral exploration company focused on exploring for and discovering high-grade precious metal deposits in the Western USA. Headwater is actively exploring one of the world’s most well-endowed, mining-friendly jurisdictions, with a goal of making world-class precious metal discoveries. The Company has a large portfolio of epithermal vein exploration projects and a technical team with diverse experience in capital markets and major mining companies. Headwater is systematically drill-testing several projects in Nevada and has strategic earn-in agreements with Newmont on its Spring Peak and Lodestar projects. In August 2022, May 2023, and September 2024, Newmont and Centerra Gold Inc. acquired strategic equity interests in the Company, further strengthening Headwater’s exploration capabilities.

Headwater is part of the NewQuest Capital Group which is a discovery-driven investment enterprise that builds value through the incubation and financing of mineral projects and companies. Further information about NewQuest can be found on the company website at www.nqcapitalgroup.com.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.headwatergold.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Caleb Stroup

President and CEO

+1 (775) 409-3197

cstroup@headwatergold.com

For further information, please contact:

Brennan Zerb

Investor Relations Manager

+1 (778) 867-5016

bzerb@headwatergold.com

References:

1Vikre, P.G., John, D.A., du Bray, E.A., and Fleck, R.J., 2015, Gold-silver mining districts, alteration zones, and paleolandforms in the Miocene Bodie Hills volcanic field, California and Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5012, 160 p.

2Borealis Mining Company Limited, 2024, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Project Status Report Borealis Mine Nevada USA: Prepared by Douglas Reid. Effective Date: October 10, 2023; Report Date: February 16, 2024.

3Long, K.R., DeYoung, J.H., and Ludington, S.D., 1998, Database of significant deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-206 A, B, 33 p.

Qualified Person:

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Scott Close, P.Geo (158157), an independent “Qualified Person” (“QP”) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Analytical Methods:

Headwater rock samples were delivered to Bureau Veritas (“BV”) facilities in Sparks, Nevada. Samples were prepared by crushing and grinding via BV method PRP70-500 to obtain a 500g sub-sample. Geochemical analyses including fire assay were carried out at ISO 17025:2017 accredited Bureau Veritas laboratories in Vancouver, British Columbia. Pulps were assayed for 59 elements via method MA250 using a 25g sample after a four acid near total digest with an ICP-MS finish. Gold was assayed by fire assay using BV method FA330 with a 30g sample charge and ICP-ME finish. Results exceeding the upper limit for FA330 (10g/t) are further analyzed by a gravimetric method capable of reporting at higher concentrations, FA530. FA530 has a detection limit of 0.9g/t. Overlimit results are reported by BV to the tenth of a gram. Results of the laboratory's quality control program which includes reference materials, analytical blanks, and analytical replicates are monitored by Headwater.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, exploration activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them, Newmont’s anticipated funding of the earn-in projects and the timing thereof, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as “pro forma”, “plans”, “expects”, “may”, “should”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “potential” or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company’s exploration plans and the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, the risk that Newmont will not elect to obtain any additional prognostic interest in the earn-in projects in excess of the minimum commitment, the ability of the Company to obtain the required permits, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company’s limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s prospectus dated May 26, 2021 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company’s profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.



To: LoneClone who wrote (187877)5/29/2025 10:06:52 AM
From: LoneClone  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 194851
 
Column: Cobalt Holdings bets the battery metal's fortunes have turned: Andy Home

reuters.com

By Andy Home
May 29, 20253:30 AM PDTUpdated 3 hours ago

CommentaryBy Andy Home

LONDON, May 29 (Reuters) - The price of cobalt has fallen so far over the last couple of years that even Congo's artisanal miners have given up on the battery metal.They have been swept aside by a wave of production from the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) formal sector and a secondary flood of metal from Indonesia.

The market was over-supplied for the third consecutive year in 2024 even though global demand exceeded 200,000 metric tons for the first time.

Metals investor Cobalt Holdings is betting that the worst is over.

The company is aiming to raise $230 million from an initial public offering in London the majority of which it will use to buy 6,000 tons of physical cobalt from Glencore (GLEN.L) , opens new tab. Chief Executive Jake Greenberg believes the purchase from Glencore, the first of several, will be "at or near a low point in the cycle", according to the company's registration filing.

Greenberg helped launch Yellow Cake (YCA.L) , opens new tab, which offers investors a physical uranium play, and Cobalt Holdings is a similar vehicle for punters wanting to ride the cobalt cycle.

It's likely to be a bumpy ride and the longer-term bull thesis hinges both on whether the Congo, and to a lesser extent Indonesia, can restrain supply and on whether cobalt can maintain its position as a critical new energy input.



LME cash cobalt

FINDING THE FLOOR

The DRC government's imposition of a four-month export ban in February is a positive sign that the world's largest cobalt producer has woken up to the fact it is producing too much. Cobalt has a history of boom-and-bust pricing as super-strong rallies such as those in 2018 and 2022 generated an artisanal supply response.

Not this time.

Congo's informal sector saw output drop to a historic low last year, both in absolute and relative terms, according to analysts at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI).

Rather, it was China's CMOC Group (603993.SS) , opens new tab which caused the supply shock, more than doubling production to 114,000 tons, above both guidance and assumed nameplate capacity at its TFM and KFM mines in the DRC.

The output surge continues unabated. The company reported first-quarter output of 30,414 tons, up 21% year-on-year.

That material is stuck for now as the government decides what it will do when the export ban expires in June.

But any decision "will inevitably imply a strict limitation of exports in whole or in part until market balance is reached with regard to the supply and demand of cobalt", according to Patrick Luabeya, head of the government's strategic metals authority.

Congo's apparent readiness to address its over-production has dispelled some of the cobalt blues, boosting the price to $16 per pound from a 10-year low of $10.

The market is now on tenterhooks as it awaits Kinshasa's next move.

But if the world's largest producer is prepared to limit exports or production, the market may have found a price floor, an elusive concept for a metal that is largely produced as a by-product of either copper or nickel.
BATTERY WARS

Cobalt demand grew by a robust 14% year-on-year in 2024, driven by the metal's usage in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, according to BMI's annual market report commissioned by The Cobalt Institute.

The bull case for the metal rests on EV battery demand continuing to expand to the point that cobalt usage starts outstripping production some time around the turn of the decade.

BMI expects market surpluses to shrink going forwards, even without any production curbs in the DRC, with a structural supply deficit emerging "from at least the early 2030s".

However, cobalt's share of the EV battery market is in flux as Chinese EV producers pivot to battery chemistries that don't use any cobalt at all.

This is also true of the fast-growing energy storage sector, which is dominated by lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.

The good news is that Western automakers are still heavily committed to cobalt-chemistry batteries and may become more so as China tightens export controls on LFP technologies.

But cobalt's fortunes remain in significant part dependent on the global battle to produce ever more efficient and powerful batteries. Some of them will contain cobalt, others will not.

STRATEGIC STOCKPILE

Cobalt Holdings is not the only entity looking to scoop up cobalt at bargain-basement prices.

China's state stockpiler has been doing the same. BMI estimates the National Development and Reform Commission received around 16,600 tons of cobalt in 2024, up from 7,200 tons in 2023.

That reduced last year's supply surplus from over 50,000 tons to a still substantial 36,000 tons.

While China is well stocked, the West isn't, even though just about every country classifies cobalt as a strategically important metal, not just for its use in batteries but also in the form of super-alloys for aircraft manufacturing.

Cobalt Holdings' plans to accumulate what amounts to a Western strategic stockpile is an interesting development in the broader competition between the West and China for access to critical minerals.

It helps loosen China's mine-to-market grip on the cobalt supply chain and simultaneously offers a hedge against future disruption in a supply chain which is highly concentrated geographically.

However, it remains to be seen how long investors will have to wait to see the cobalt cycle once again turn from bust to boom.

There is a lot of cobalt around right now and there still will be even after Cobalt Holdings takes another 6,000 tons off the market.

The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.
Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise