Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced High grade gold in early stage drilling at Sandstone
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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (July 2) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$109,452, up by four percent in the last 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$107,542.
Bitcoin price performance, July 2, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Bitcoin’s price gain was driven by a calming in Middle East tensions and growing optimism after the US Federal Reserve signaled a dovish tilt; both factors boosted investor risk appetite. Additionally, continued inflows into US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and favorable regulation expectations helped sustain upward momentum.
Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$2,584.30, up by 7.5 percent over the past 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$2,446.41.
A US bankruptcy judge is allowing a US$40 billion lawsuit against stablecoin issuer Tether to proceed, according to court documents filed in New York on Monday (June 30). The lawsuit was launched by crypto lender Celsius, which accused Tether of improperly liquidating nearly 40,000 Bitcoin from its platform in June 2022.
Tether attempted to dismiss claims, arguing that the liquidation was to cover Celsius’s US$812 million debt when Bitcoin prices plummeted. Tether also claimed that US courts lacked authority over Tether’s non-US operations, a claim the judge disagreed with, and maintains that Celsius had directed the liquidation.
Coinbase has acquired Liquifi, a startup that builds token management platforms for crypto projects, continuing its busy M&A streak in 2025. Liquifi, backed in its 2022 seed round by Dragonfly and investors like Balaji Srinivasan, helps projects track token vesting, manage crypto cap tables, and handle tax requirements. Coinbase declined to disclose the purchase price, but said Liquifi will help streamline token launches and distribution. This puts Coinbase closer to an “end-to-end” model, similar to Binance’s launchpad, which supports crypto creation from early stages.
Liquifi has been locked in a legal fight with competitor Toku over alleged business document theft, claims which it denies, and Coinbase said it will stand by Liquifi’s defense.
The deal follows other Coinbase acquisitions this year, including Spindl, Iron Fish’s team and the company’s record-breaking US$2.9 billion Deribit buy.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly considering a change to its listing structure that would allow ETF issuers to submit a Form S-1, the initial listing registration filing, without having to first file a Form 19b-4.
This is according to crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett, who added that she was told issuers would only need to wait 75 days before listing their tokens if they met the criteria for a general listing standard, the details of which are still unknown but could involve criteria like market capitalization, liquidity and trading volume.
A group of prominent tech investors, including Anduril’s Palmer Luckey, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, are backing a new US-based crypto bank called Erebor, as per the Financial Times.
Erebor has applied for a national banking charter and plans to serve technology-driven sectors like artificial intelligence, defense and crypto, as well as individuals working in these fields.
The digital-only bank will be headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with an additional office in New York.
Erebor intends to hold stablecoins on its balance sheet, offering a stable value backed by reserves. The bank is led by Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirshman, a former Circle adviser.
Erebor’s mission is to address the gap left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which had been a critical channel for startups and venture investors until its 2023 failure.
Germany’s financial watchdog, BaFin, has granted regulatory approval to Deutsche Bank and its asset management arm, DWS, for their joint venture, AllUnity. They will launch a euro stablecoin called EURAU, pegged 1:1 to the euro.
The approval allows AllUnity to launch its stablecoin in compliance with new MiCA regulations. The stablecoin aims to facilitate secure, transparent and compliant digital payments for institutions and businesses across Europe.
In other news out of Europe, the European Central Bank said it plans to test a new system using blockchain technology by late 2026 to settle payments in euros. This initiative, called Pontes, is part of a two-track approach that will connect modern blockchain platforms with the eurozone’s existing payment systems.
Policy advisors in China are pressing Beijing to explore stablecoins for cross-border payments, even as the country’s broad crypto ban remains in place, Bloomberg reported.
People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Governor Pan Gongsheng noted that stablecoins could make international finance more resilient to geopolitical disruptions, a view echoed by other senior officials.
Former PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan suggested dollar-linked stablecoins might even accelerate dollarization, while others see a case for yuan-backed coins to support China’s long-term currency goals.
The momentum comes after the US Senate passed a stablecoin bill in June, advancing President Donald Trump’s digital currency agenda. Stablecoin supply is projected to reach US$3.7 trillion by 2030, driven by cheaper, faster settlement options compared to traditional banking.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Walker Lane Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:WLR, FRA: 6YL) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Walker Lane’) is pleased to announce that is has received results from Coeur Silvertip Holdings Ltd. (‘Coeur’) on field geophysical and geological studies completed in late 2024 on the Silverknife Property, British Columbia. Coeur contracted Expert Geophysics Limited (‘Expert’) and Precision Geophysics (‘Precision’) to complete the airborne geophysical surveys, and 39627 Yukon Inc. to complete geological mapping of the Silverknife Property and an initial geochemical survey of the northern portion of the property.
This work was completed by Coeur as a part of the option agreement for the Silverknife Property with Walker Lane. The four-year option agreement provides for $3.55 million in work expenditures and $500,000 in property payments by Coeur to earn a 75% interest in the Silverknife Property which is immediately adjacent to Coeur’s Silvertip Mine claims.
The primary results of these work efforts are:
Kevin Brewer, President and CEO of Walker Lane noted, ‘We are very pleased with that the geological mapping and airborne geophysics has clearly served to better define and confirm the zones of exploration prospectivity. This work identified key structural features such as faults which are known in the region to be controls and loci of mineralization. Other features such the presence of fugitive calcite in outcrops typically demonstrates that you are in close proximity toa potential carbonate replacement deposit (‘CRD’). The four prospective areas on the Silverknife property are both significant and of substantial areal extent and present valid drill targets for future exploration efforts. The property has been subjected to limited drilling confined primarily to the Silverknife Prospect that in itself remains open for further expansion along strike and at depth. Given the propensity of potential mineralization in such close proximity to the Silvertip deposit, one of the world’s largest and highest grade CRD deposits, finding this much prospectivity is a very exciting development. There clearly is a great amount of work to be completed at Silverknife. We look forward to Coeur’s continued commitment to explore Silverknife, which may include some drilling.’
Precision Geophysics – Airborne High Resolution Gradient Magnetic and Radiometric Survey Results
When magnetic and radiometric data are integrated into a single-pass airborne geophysical survey, they provide complimentary information that serve as a robust geophysical framework. The magnetic and radiometric data collected by Precision was useful in mapping lithology, structure and alteration features present on the Silverknife Property. The Total Magnetic Intensity (‘TMI’) data (see Figure 1) indicated the potential existence of three main lineaments within the Silverknife Property. In the instance of Silverknife, the lineaments express underlying geological structures such as faults. Faults are important as they present corridors for the migration of mineralizing fluids. Two lineaments, northeasterly and northwesterly trending are prominent throughout the property area. The third lineament is a more northerly feature that occurs in the area of the Silverknife Property. The most prominent structural feature identified from the TMI data, was a northeasterly trending structure known as the SVT NE Fault, which is a major regional fault that transects the central portion of the Silverknife Property. In this area, the SVT NE Fault and the secondary lineaments appear to be in a cross-cutting relationship which are often prime target areas for mineralization, and are considered highly prospective as the coincide with historical soil geochemical anomalies in the Silverknife Central Zone. Geological mapping has also indicated the presence of Atan and Kechika Group limestones in this area which are favorable rock units to host carbonate replacement deposits. The Silvertip mine is characterized as a carbonate replacement deposit. In addition, the potential of additional structures throughout the Silverknife Central Zone to the western boundary of the Silverknife claims presents numerous targets for drilling and expansion of mineralization identified in the Silverknife Property, and this area is yet to be drilled.
Figure 1: Total Magnetic Intensity survey with geological and structural interpretation by Symonds (2024). Note the potential cross cutting fault structures in the central portion of the property (after Precision, 2024).
The Precision TMI data also indicated a near-north trending fault that cuts the McDame Limestones and Tapioca Group in the Silverknife South Zone. The TMI data was complimented by Residual Magnetic Intensity (‘RMI’) and Reduced to Magnetic Pole (‘RTP’) that also showed the same structural lineaments.
In-line gradient (‘ILG’) and horizontal gradient showed the same structure features as the TMI data (see Figures 2a and 2b).
Figure 2a: In Line gradient survey (ILG) with lineament interpretation in the Silverknife region (After Precision, 2024).
Figure 2b: Horizontal Gradient (HG) with lineament interpretation in the Silverknife region (After Precision, 2024).
However, they also showed the potential for more complex faulting along the southern and northern contacts of the Cassiar batholith that could represent block faulting in the metasediments. In addition, this data showed the presence of a north-oriented structure in the northeastern most portion of the Silverknife Property, that presented a new area of exploration prospectivity previously undetected.
Calculated Vertical Gradient (‘CVG’) data (see Figure 3) presented a distinct continuum of structures extending from south of the Silverknife Property into the Silverknife South Zone.
Figure 3: Calculated Vertical Gradient (CVG) with lineament interpretation of the Silverknife region (after Precision, 2024).
The radiometric data serves to delineate the extent and potential contacts of different lithological rock units. Areas of high potassium were noted to occur in the Tootsee River North and the Northeastern zones. The significance of this data is not yet determined.
Expert Geophysics Helicopter-Borne Electromagnetic and Magnetic Survey Results
Electromagnetic and magnetic surveys were carried out to:
The electromagnetic survey verified information from the data in Precision’s surveys but also identified new information (see Figures 4a and 4b). A conductivity low south-southeast of the Silverknife Property suggests the presence of a near surface intrusive in that area. This is important because an intrusive provides a potential heat source and driver for mineralizing fluids into the overlying sediments which comprise of limestones and sandstone which are good hosts for CRD mineralization. The survey also indicated a conductivity high in the northeastern zone further strengthening exploration interest in that area.
Figure 4a: Electromagnetic apparent conductivity at 49 Hz in the Silverknife region. Note the anomaly in the northeastern part of the property (After EGL, 2024).
Figure 4b: Electromagnetic apparent conductivity at 1067 Hz in the Silverknife region (After EGL, 2024).
Several axes of high conductivity/low resistivity were found to transect the Silverknife Property and are coincident with interpreted fault structures (see Figure 5). This relationship is important as mineralization within the Rancheria Silver District is often associated with faults and may also be correlated with the axes of a conductivity anomaly.
Three conductive axes occur in the (i) Tootsee River North Zone; (ii) the Silverknife Central Zone; and (iii) coincident with the regional SVT NE Fault structure that transects the central portion of the property. This last axis extends from outside of the Silverknife claim block and thence east-northeasterly across the entire claim block. This therefore represents the potential for a major fault structure with the geophysical signatures of silver rich CRD being that of high conductivity and low resistivity. Additional resistivity data enabled the development of a three-dimensional lithographic model suggesting the orientation and extent of the rock units within the Silverknife Property. This information is expected to significantly aid the planning of future drill programs.
VLF-EM data served to further verify other datasets as to the possible extent and location of fault structures within the Silverknife Property.
Figure 5: Axes of conductive and resistivity anomalies in the frequency range of 165-267 Hz plotted on a Total Magnetic Intensity color grid (After EGL, 2024).
Geological Mapping
An updated geological map (see Figure 6) has been constructed from field mapping, drill data, and geophysical surveys. The extent of prospective units to host CRD mineralization has been found to be considerable. More specifically, the highly prospective McDame limestone occurs in both the Tootsee River North Zone and the Silverknife South Zone. Other prospective units in the central part of the property including the Atan and Kechika Group limestones occur within the central portion of the property which is now assumed to be of significant prospectivity from previous known CRD mineralization, and positive geochemical and geophysical signatures.
Summary
This recent geophysical work in combination with property mapping and previous geophysical data has contributed significantly to the understanding of the geology of the Silverknife Property. It has also contributed significantly to better defining targets for CRD mineralization and assisting to pinpoint targets for extensive drill campaigns.
Figure 6 : Geology Map of the Silverknife Property (After Symonds, 2024)
Clarification of Nevada Transactions
The Company wishes to clarify that in its June 9, 2025 Press release all payments to be made to the optionors are to be made in US Dollars, the floor price for the shares that may be used to make property payments is also in US dollars at $0.21 USD, and the maximum number of common shares that could be issued by property are as follows:
for a total number of common shares that could be issued to be 1,952,381 for the life of the agreements.
Qualified Person
Kevin Brewer, a registered professional geoscientist, is the Company’s President and CEO, and Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has given his approval of the technical information reported herein. The Company is committed to meeting the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consistency in reporting technical content, including geological reporting, geophysical investigations, environmental and baseline studies, engineering studies, metallurgical testing, assaying and all other technical data.
About Walker Lane Resources Ltd.
Walker Lane Resources Ltd. is a growth-stage exploration company focused on the exploration of high-grade gold, silver and polymetallic deposits in the Walker Lane Gold Trend District in Nevada and the Rancheria Silver District in Yukon/B.C. and other property assets in Yukon. The Company intends to initiate exploration programs to advance the drill-ready Tule Canyon (Walker Lane, Nevada) and Amy (Rancheria Silver, B.C.) projects to resource definition stage through proposed drilling campaigns that the Company desires to undertake in the near future.
On behalf of the Board:
‘Kevin Brewer’
Kevin Brewer, President, CEO and Director
Walker Lane Resources Ltd.
For Further Information and Investor Inquiries:
Kevin Brewer, P. Geo., MBA, B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. Mine Eng.
President, CEO and Director
Tel: (709) 327 8013
kbrewer80@hotmail.com
Suite 1600-409 Granville St.,
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2
Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and related figures, contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ ‘targeted’, ‘can’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘likely’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or grammatical variations thereof and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: our strategy and priorities including certain statements included in this presentation are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule Canyon, Cambridge, Silver Mountain, and Shamrock Properties in Nevada (USA), and its properties including Silverknife and Amy properties in British Columbia, the Silver Hart, Blue Heaven and Logjam properties in Yukon all of which now comprise the mineral property assets of WLR. WLR has assumed other assets of CMC Metals Ltd. including common share holdings of North Bay Resources Inc. and all conditions and agreements pertaining to the sale of the Bishop mill gold processing facility and remains subject to the condition of the option of the Silverknife Property with Coeur Silvertip Holdings Ltd. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to the Company and assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. The Company has made various assumptions, including, among others, that: the historical information related to the Company’s properties is reliable; the Company’s operations are not disrupted or delayed by unusual geological or technical problems; the Company has the ability to explore the Company’s properties; the Company will be able to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute its business plan; the Company’s current corporate activities will proceed as expected; general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; and budgeted costs and expenditures are and will continue to be accurate.
Actual results and developments may differ materially from results and developments discussed in the forward-looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including: public health threats; fluctuations in metals prices, price of consumed commodities and currency markets; future profitability of mining operations; access to personnel; results of exploration and development activities, accuracy of technical information; risks related to ownership of properties; risks related to mining operations; risks related to mineral resource figures being estimates based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently anticipated; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; changes in operating expenses; changes in general market and industry conditions; changes in legal or regulatory requirements; other risk factors set out in this presentation; and other risk factors set out in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Although the Company has attempted to identify significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other risks that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or benefits to, or effect on, the Company.
The information contained in this presentation is derived from management of the Company and otherwise from publicly available information and does not purport to contain all of the information that an investor may desire to have in evaluating the Company. The information has not been independently verified, may prove to be imprecise, and is subject to material updating, revision and further amendment. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this presentation and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person for such information or opinions. The forward-looking statements and information in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, prospective investors should not read forward-looking information as guarantees of future performance or results and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nothing in this presentation is, or should be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the future. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this presentation constitutes ‘future-oriented financial information’ or ‘financial outlooks’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the anticipated market penetration and the reader is cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and the reader should not place undue reliance on such future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management’s current expectations and, as a result, the Company’s revenue and expenses. The Company’s financial projections were not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of International Financial Reporting Standards and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by the Company’s accountants or auditors. The Company’s financial projections represent management’s estimates as of the dates indicated thereon.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) rolled out a bold new push into tokenized equities on Monday (June 30), announcing the launch of commission-free stock tokens for EU customers.
The Menlo Park-based brokerage said the tokens will trade 24 hours a day, five days a week, via a partnership with blockchain firm Arbitrum. Robinhood also revealed plans to expand the service to “thousands” of stock tokens by the end of the year and to eventually develop its own blockchain to enable full 24/7 trading.
Robinhood surged nearly 13 percent to an all-time high of US$93.63 on Monday after the announcement.
“Tokenization is going to open the door to a massive trading revolution,” Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev said at the company’s keynote event, held in Cannes, France.
In a significant first, Robinhood also introduced tokenized shares linked to private companies — specifically Sam Altman’s OpenAI and Elon Musk’s SpaceX — which will be made available exclusively to EU customers.
To mark the launch, Robinhood is offering 5 euros worth of OpenAI and SpaceX stock tokens to every eligible EU user who joins the platform by July 7. Altogether, the company has earmarked US$1 million worth of OpenAI tokens and US$500,000 worth of SpaceX tokens for the incentive program.
Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood’s general manager and senior vice president of crypto, said the move reflects a desire to break open traditionally exclusive investment opportunities.
“We wanted to make sure we were giving access,” he said in Cannes.
“What we discussed on stage was how to address the inequality between people who have historically had access to these kinds of companies and everyone else. That’s the really exciting part: Now everyone will be able to get it.”
He added: “The goal with tokenization is to let anyone participate in this economy.”
Access to private equity has historically been limited to institutional or ultra-wealthy investors, but the EU’s more flexible regulatory environment allowed Robinhood to move quickly.
The tokenized shares will be distributed directly into users’ Robinhood custody wallets and support dividend payments, the company said, promising the same ownership and rights as traditional shares.
Robinhood’s effort reflects growing enthusiasm around so-called tokenized equities, which merge the advantages of traditional finance with blockchain-powered flexibility and low costs.
The model allows round-the-clock trading, fractional ownership, and lower barriers to entry.
Still, regulatory uncertainties cloud the future of tokenized equities, especially in the United States, where definitions around securities and investor protection rules remain unresolved.
Robinhood execs made clear that US customers should not expect to see similar private equity tokens anytime soon. The company is lobbying for more open frameworks to let retail US users participate in private equity markets.
For now, Robinhood will continue rolling out tokenized assets in the EU and expand to other jurisdictions as rules evolve.
Robinhood also announced crypto perpetual futures for its EU users, as well as the launch of crypto staking for US customers.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
David Erfle, editor and founder of Junior Miner Junky, shares his short-term outlook for gold, saying it could see a healthy test of US$3,200 per ounce — or even US$2,950 to US$3,000.
Erfle also shares his thoughts on what’s coming for silver and copper prices.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
With a disciplined exploration strategy and a high-grade discovery focus, FinEx Metals is poised to become one of the most compelling new gold exploration companies in Europe. The company is led by a technically experienced and locally embedded team, backed by a tight share structure and strategic investor alignment.
FinEx Metals (TSXV:FINX) is an exploration-stage company focused on discovering Finland’s next high-grade gold deposit. Backed by NewQuest Capital Group, FinEx is strategically positioned near Europe’s largest gold mine, the Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä Mine, and sits within one of the most prospective but underexplored terrains globally – the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt.
FinEx has defined a 2.7-kilometer-long anomalous gold zone through a combination of trenching, rock sampling, and top-of-bedrock (ToB) drilling. The ToB campaign yielded 29 samples with assays ranging from 0.1 to 4.2 grams per ton (g/t) gold and revealed broad pathfinder anomalies in tellurium, bismuth, silver and arsenic, highlighting a robust geochemical footprint consistent with orogenic gold systems.
Additionally, 263 grab samples were collected from trench exposures, 52 of which returned values above 1 g/t gold, including 19 samples exceeding 10 g/t gold. The highest grade recorded to date is 95.1 g/t gold from a quartz-carbonate vein system, located within a zone extending over 250 meters. Ruoppa is fully permitted and drill-ready, with the maiden core drilling campaign scheduled to begin in August 2025. With an experienced local team, high-grade mineralization and proximity to active operations, FinEx offers a unique opportunity to invest in an early-stage gold explorer positioned for rapid value creation.
The Ruoppa project is FinEx Metals’ flagship exploration asset, situated approximately 17 kilometers from Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä Mine, the largest primary gold producer in Europe. Located within Finland’s Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB), Ruoppa lies on the same structural and geological trend that hosts other major gold systems like Rupert Resources’ Ikkari discovery. The project is fully permitted and drill-ready, with a maiden diamond drill program scheduled to commence in Q3 2025.
The anomalous gold zone identified at Ruoppa extends over 2.7 kilometers and remains open in all directions. Ten trenches totaling 641 meters have been excavated across the highest-priority geophysical and geochemical anomalies, confirming both the lateral continuity and high-grade potential of the gold-bearing structures. This robust dataset has defined a compelling sulphide-rich gold target at depth, which will be tested during the upcoming diamond drill program.
Notably, the project will see its first-ever diamond drilling in Q3 2025. Ruoppa benefits from excellent access to infrastructure, including all-season roads, grid power and 5G connectivity.
Over the past four years, FinEx has conducted extensive early-stage exploration, including ToB drilling, trenching and rock sampling. A total of 263 rock grab samples have been collected from trench exposures, with 52 samples returning assays greater than 1 g/t gold and 19 samples exceeding 10 g/t gold. The highest recorded sample yielded 95.1 g/t gold, hosted in quartz-carbonate vein systems. ToB drilling, an efficient shallow drilling method ideal for glacially covered terrains, revealed additional gold potential with assays up to 4.2 g/t gold and strong pathfinder element anomalies in tellurium, bismuth, silver and arsenic.
The Luova project is located within the thickest core portion of the CLGB, less than 10 kilometers from the Kittilä Mine and adjacent to key exploration prospects such as Hanhimaa and Hakokodanmaa. This underexplored project shows all the hallmarks of a classic orogenic gold system, including thick sequences of Fe-tholeiitic basalts, large-scale shear zones acting as fluid conduits, and favorable trap rocks such as graphitic tuffs and banded iron formations.
Historical base-of-till sampling conducted by Outokumpu and Agnico Eagle revealed anomalous gold and copper values, including results up to 0.38 g/t gold and 0.49 percent copper. Despite these encouraging results, the Luova project remains undrilled, representing a significant near-surface gold discovery opportunity. Ionic leach soil samples and detailed magnetic surveys are planned to refine drill targets, with a focus on zones where interpreted thrust faults intersect favorable host rocks.
The Kero project, explored in the early 2000s by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), is another advanced gold target in FinEx’s portfolio. GTK completed an extensive dataset that includes 7.7 kilometers of diamond drilling, trenching, bedrock mapping and multiple geophysical surveys (including IP, VLF-R and ground magnetics). Historic drill intercepts at Kero include 1.05 meters at 12.6 g/t gold and 3.3 meters at 2.3 g/t gold, while surface grab samples returned up to 25.6 g/t gold from carbonate-sulphide veins.
The gold mineralization is associated with hydrothermal alteration and complex structural settings, including fold hinges and lithological contacts. A 1.2-kilometer-long gold anomaly has been defined, and the structural complexity – characterized by multiple deformation orientations – indicates strong potential for structurally controlled high-grade zones. Kero is accessible year-round via gravel roads and is a strong candidate for follow-up trenching and re-logging of the historical core.
Located in the Eastern Lapland Granite-Greenstone Belt, the Tulppio project represents FinEx’s entry into critical mineral exploration, specifically targeting nickel sulphides and platinum group elements (PGE). The project is positioned adjacent to the Sokli project, a world-class phosphate, iron and REE deposit operated by Finnish Minerals Group. Tulppio contains a large (5 km x 2 km) ultramafic intrusive complex, with a gravity signature suggesting the body extends to 2 kilometers in depth.
Historic shallow drilling (less than 100 meters depth) has already intercepted 3 meters at 1.12 g/t platinum+palladium and 0.49 percent nickel (including 1.5 meters at 1.54 g/t platinum+palladium), and 24 meters at 0.33 percent nickel with sulfur content up to 4,600 ppm. Ionic leach soil sampling across the project has identified multiple significant nickel-cobalt-copper-palladium-gold anomalies, underscoring the project’s polymetallic potential. According to the Geological Survey of Finland (2010), Tulppio’s PGE and nickel potential should be factored into future development of the Sokli region.
The Ukko project targets orogenic and potentially metamorphosed epithermal gold systems in an Archean greenstone setting. The geology comprises komatiites, mafic volcanics, massive sulphide lenses and mica schists – favorable hosts for both gold and base metal mineralization. Historical drilling by Outokumpu in 1985 intersected 2.05 meters at 2.25 g/t gold. Recent soil sampling has revealed a new gold-copper anomaly in the southeastern portion of the property, coinciding with high magnetic and conductive geophysical zones. Further geochemical and IP surveys are planned to constrain the structure and assess the potential for deeper epithermal or orogenic systems.
A seasoned venture capitalist and natural resources investor, Tero Kosonen brings more than 30 years of experience in private equity and management. As co-founder of NewQuest Capital, he has led numerous early-stage ventures across energy and mining. He provides strategic leadership and capital markets expertise to FinEx.
A globally respected exploration geologist with over 30 years of experience in gold, nickel and iron ore exploration, Dr. Petri Peltonen is the former exploration manager – Europe for FQM. He is an Associated Professor at the University of Helsinki. Peltonen ensures technical rigour and exploration success at FinEx.
With over 20 years in financial leadership roles across publicly listed companies, Sandra Wong brings deep experience in accounting, compliance and governance – critical for a newly listed entity with aggressive exploration goals.
A local geologist with direct exploration experience with Agnico Eagle, Eetu Jokela is responsible for day-to-day field operations and geological planning, combining practical know-how with deep regional knowledge.
Experienced in regional greenfields exploration, Olli Silvonen supports mapping, sampling and trenching programs with a strong focus on gold and nickel-copper-PGE systems within the CLGB.
The former CEO of Anglo American Sakatti Mining, Jukka Jokela offers more than 35 years of exploration and ESG leadership in the Nordic region, adding valuable permitting and stakeholder engagement capacity.
With 40 years in academic and field exploration, Dr. Pasi Eilu is a recognized expert on greenstone-hosted gold and critical minerals in Finland. His work has shaped much of the geological understanding in Lapland.
Phil Smerchanski brings more than two decades of experience in nickel and gold systems. A former senior technical lead at Oxygen Capital and Anglo American, he provides technical guidance across project pipeline development.
Critical minerals and energy company QEM Limited (ASX: QEM) is pleased to announce completion of the previously announced Leadership Transition (refer ASX Announcement 29 May 2025).
Highlights:
With the Company entering its next stage of development, founder Gavin Loyden has retired as Managing Director and CEO effective 1 July 2025.
Mr Loyden has been instrumental in shaping the Company’s vision since 2014, securing the Julia Creek asset and progressing it into a nationally significant critical minerals project.
The Board is pleased to announce that Robert Cooper is appointed to the QEM board as Managing Director, effective 2 July 2025
Mr Cooper brings over 30 years of global mining experience, including senior executive leadership and non-executive board roles across the resources and battery materials sectors. He most recently served as MD/CEO of New Century Resources, and prior to that, as CEO of Round Oak Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Washington H. Soul Pattinson (ASX:SOL). He has held senior roles with Discovery Metals, BHP, and has been a NED at Novonix ASX:NVX), Syndicated Metals, and Verdant Minerals.
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