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Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: Onyx Gold Shines with 118 Percent Gain

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Statistics Canada released April’s gross domestic product (GDP) numbers on Friday (June 27). The data showed a slowing in the Canadian economy with a 0.1 percent monthly decline after it increased 0.2 percent in March as businesses attempted to get ahead of US tariff deadlines.

In April, the shift in US trade policy led to significant declines in the manufacturing sector, which saw its largest drop in four years at 1.9 percent. Durable goods manufacturing declined for the first time in four months, dropping 2.2 percent d. The most heavily impacted sub-sectors were transportation equipment and the auto sector, which fell 21.6 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.

On the positive side, finance and insurance experienced growth of 0.7 percent, with investment services and funds contributing 3.5 percent growth to the sector. StatsCan indicated that the US tariff announcement on April 2 led to increased selling activity in Canadian equity markets.

The Canadian resource sector was flat overall during the month. The oil and gas extraction, excluding oil sands, fell 1.1 percent in April, while oil sands extraction remained unchanged. The agency said that higher bitumen extraction was offset by lower synthetic crude production. Additionally, a temporary shutdown in the Keystone pipeline due to a rupture contributed to a decline in activity.

However, losses were offset by a 4.8 percent gain in support activities for the mining and oil and gas extraction subsectors, with an increase in rigging and drilling activities.

While some of the month-over-month decline was due to the increase in output in March, StatsCan suggests that further slowing is on the way. The agency reported that advanced figures for May show a further 0.1 decline, noting a decrease in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction category.

South of the border, the US Bureau of Economic Activity released May’s personal consumption expenditures price index (PCE) data on Friday. The index is a key inflation indicator and is the preferred measure used by the Federal Reserve when making its rate decision. The central bank has held its current rate at the 4.25 to 4.5 percent range since it last lowered it in November 2024.

The report shows inflation ticked up 2.3 percent on an annualized basis, higher than the 2.2 percent recorded in April. The increase came after two consecutive months of slowing from 2.7 percent in February and 2.3 percent in March.

Less the more volatile food and energy categories, PCE gained 2.7 percent during the period. While costs for goods increased, current-dollar personal income was down 0.4 percent and disposable income fell 0.6 percent.

US President Donald Trump again signaled his displeasure with the slow pace of rate cuts earlier in the week, and with the Wall Street Journal reporting on Wednesday (June 25) that he may announce a replacement for Chairman Jerome Powell as early as this summer.

While it’s unclear if he will try to remove Powell from the post, the president may try to create a “shadow Fed” that could work to influence markets and undermine decisions made by the current chairman. Powell’s term as chairman is set to expire in May 2026, while his time as board governor won’t end until 2028. His removal would require an act of Congress.

Markets and commodities react

In Canada, major indexes ended the week up. The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) gained 0.77 percent during the week to close at 26,687.14 on Friday. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared better, gaining 1.47 percent to 724.26, while the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) climbed 0.74 percent to 117.39.

US equities were also in positive territory this week, with the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) gaining 3.41 percent to close at a record high of 6,173.08, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) surging 4.17 percent to its own all-time high of 22,534.20. While it didn’t break its previous high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) also climbed significantly, up 3.89 percent to 43,819.26.

On the other hand, the gold price declined this week, falling 2.8 percent to US$3,274.15 by Friday at 4 p.m. EDT. The silver price ended the week down just 0.05 percent at US$35.99.

In base metals, the COMEX copper price surged 5.59 percent over the week to US$5.12 per pound. Prices have been rising due to increased purchases ahead of US tariffs and significant drawdowns of inventories in London Metals Exchange warehouses.

Meanwhile, the S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) lost 6.07 percent to close at 545.71.

Top Canadian mining stocks this week

How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

Stock data for this article was retrieved at 4 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market capitalizations greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

1. Onyx Gold (TSXV:ONYX)

Weekly gain: 121.28 percent
Market cap: C$106.84 million
Share price: C$2.08

Onyx Gold is an exploration company advancing its Munro-Croesus project, located near Timmins in Ontario, Canada. The company has increased the size of the land package by 200 percent between 2020 and 2025, and the project now covers an area of 109 square kilometers.

Munro-Croesus hosts the historic Croesus mine, which produced 14,859 ounces of gold between 1915 and 1936 with an average grade of 95.3 grams per metric ton (g/t). Onyx is the first company to explore the property since the mine closed.

Shares in Onyx have seen gains in recent weeks as it made several investment and project announcements.

The first came on June 12, when the company announced that it had completed a private placement with Windfall Mining, a subsidiary of Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI), which purchased 9.4 percent of Onyx’s issued and outstanding shares. Onyx said the investment is an endorsement of its long-term vision.

As for this week, on Tuesday (June 24), Onyx announced that it signed a mineral property purchase and sale agreement to acquire a 100 percent interest in the Munro and Hewitt properties, both located near the existing Munro-Croesus project. The acquisition will expand the company’s land package to 109 square kilometers from the previous 95 square kilometers.

In its most recent update on Thursday (June 26), the company reported the first drill results from its 10,000 meter spring drill program at the Argus North zone at Munro-Croesus. One highlighted assay contained 1.8 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold over 91 meters, including 4 g/t over 32 meters and 5.3 g/t over 17 meters.

The company said the results demonstrate the continuity of broad zones of high-grade gold mineralization. It added that mineralization was confirmed along strike and that the zone is still open in all directions.

2. US Copper (TSXV:USCU)

Weekly gain: 83.33 percent
Market cap: C$14.5 million
Share price: C$0.11

US Copper is an exploration company working to advance its Moonlight-Superior project in Northeast California, United States.

The project covers approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Lights Creek Copper District, near the Nevada border.

A preliminary economic assessment released on January 6 demonstrated a post-tax net present value of US$1.08 billion with an internal rate of return of 23 percent and a payback period of 5.3 years, assuming a copper price of US$4.15 per pound.

The included mineral resource estimate shows a total indicated resource of 2.5 billion pounds of copper, 21.7 million ounces of silver and 140,042 ounces of gold from 402.83 million metric tons of ore with a grade of 0.31 percent copper, 1.85 parts per million (ppm) silver and 0.012 ppm gold. The majority is hosted at its Moonlight and Superior deposits.

Although the company did not release news this week, its shares have seen significant gains alongside a rising price of copper.

3. ArcWest Exploration (TSXV:AWX)

Weekly gain: 68.42 percent
Market cap: C$11.21 million
Share price: C$0.16

ArcWest Exploration is an exploration company that has most recently been working to advance its Todd Creek and Oweegee Dome properties within the Golden Triangle in British Columbia, Canada.

The Todd Creek property is a 21,343 hectare site that adjoins Newmont’s (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM) Brucejack property and hosts widespread copper and gold mineralization. Historical exploration of the site yielded grab samples with up to 37.7 g/t gold and 5.3 percent copper. The project is covered by a March 2023 earn-in agreement with Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) that could see Freeport earn a 51 percent stake, with C$20 million in investments over a five year period.

The 31,077 hectare Oweegee Dome property is located 34 kilometers northeast of the Brucejack mine and hosts underexplored copper and gold systems, including Delta and Skowill East. Oweegee Dome is covered by a July 2021 option agreement with Sanatana Resources (TSXV:STA). Under the terms of the agreement, Sanatana can earn an initial 60 percent interest in the property through cumulative exploration investments of C$6.6 million over four years.

Shares in ArcWest gained this week after a pair of announcements.

The first came on Wednesday, when the company reported results from a 2024 drill program, funded and operated by Sanatana, that extended the mineralized zone at Oweegee Dome. Sanatana President Buddy Doyle said, “We now think the alteration and mineralization we see at surface at Delta is only the southeast corner of a larger system.”

The other news was released on Thursday, when it announced it had mobilized for a drill program at Todd Creek. The program will receive a minimum of C$4 million in funding from Freeport-McMoRan.

4. Belo Sun (TSXV:BSX)

Weekly gain: 62.79 percent
Market cap: C$163.35 million
Share price: C$0.35

Belo Sun Mining is an exploration and development company focused on advancing its Volta Grande gold project in Brazil.

The property covers approximately 2,400 hectares within the Tres Palmeiras greenstone belt in Para State, Brazil. The company has been working on the project since 2003, and acquired necessary development permits in 2014 and 2017.

A 2015 mineral reserve estimate demonstrated a proven and probable reserve of 3.79 million ounces of gold from 116 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 1.02 g/t.

Development at the site stalled in 2018 after a federal judge ruled that the Federal Brazilian Institute of the Environment (IBMA) would be the competent authority for issuing environmental permits. The decision was overturned in 2019 with the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability of the State of Para (SEMAS) reassuming its permitting authority. The decision was once again reversed in September 2023, returning authority to IBMA.

On January 23, Belo Sun announced that the Federal Court of Appeals had reassigned SEMAS as the permitting authority for the Volta Grande project. The company said it was pleased with the decision, as the agency is familiar with the project and enjoys a constructive and transparent relationship with it.

On Monday (June 23), the company announced shareholders approved a renewal of the company’s governance structure and elected four new directors to the board. Four of the board’s six members are now either Brazilian or have spent significant parts of their careers working in Brazil.

5. Reyna Silver (TSXV:RSLV)

Weekly gain: 52.94 percent
Market cap: C$33.05 million
Share price: C$0.13

Reyna Silver is a silver exploration company with a portfolio of assets in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Nevada, US.

One of its two Mexican assets is Guigui, a 4,750 hectare property covering a significant portion of the Santa Eulalia Mining District. The area has a history of mining dating back to the 1700s with production of almost 450 million ounces of silver between then and 2001.

Its other one is Batopilas, a 1,183 hectare site that covers 94 percent of the Batopilas Mining District, which has significant deposits of pure, native silver. Historic mining at the site produced an estimated 200 million to 300 million ounces of silver dating back to the mid-1600s.

Its primary American asset is the Gryphon Summit project located along the Carlin-trend. The project covers an area of 10,300 hectares and is prospective for gold, silver and critical minerals.

It also owns the Medicine Springs project, which spans 4,831 hectares south of Elko City. Previous exploration at the site identified lead, zinc and silver mineralization.

Shares in Reyna gained this week after it entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Torex Gold (TSX:TXG).

The deal, valued at US$26 million, will see Torex acquire all issued and outstanding common shares in Reyna, thereby gaining access to its wholly owned Mexican portfolio. Additionally, Torex will have the option to acquire a 70 percent stake in the Gryphon Summit project and a 100 percent interest in Medicine Springs.

FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

As of February 2025, there were 1,572 companies listed on the TSXV, 905 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,859 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

Together the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

How do you trade on the TSXV?

Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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John Ciampaglia: Uranium Turnaround? Spot Price Pop, Stocks and SPUT Raise

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John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management, discusses uranium supply, demand and pricing, also sharing details on the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust’s (TSX:U.U,OTCQX:SRUUF) recently closed US$200 million bought-deal financing.

‘It’s clearly acted as a very positive catalyst — the spot price has popped, a lot of the equities have popped on this,’ he said about the agreement.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Tudor to Acquire American Creek in Latest Gold M&A Deal

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Tudor Gold (TSXV:TUD,OTC Pink:TDRRF) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire American Creek Resources (TSXV:AMK,OTCQB:ACKRF) in an all-share transaction, marking a consolidation in BC’s Golden Triangle.

Under the deal, dated Wednesday (June 25), each American Creek shareholder will receive 0.238 shares of Tudor for each share held, effectively giving Tudor an 80 percent ownership stake in the Treaty Creek project — one of Canada’s largest undeveloped gold-copper porphyry systems. American Creek previously held a fully carried 20 percent interest.

‘Our acquisition of American Creek increases our interest to 80 percent in the Treaty Creek Project, which hosts one of the largest gold discoveries in Canada with excellent potential for expansion and additional gold-copper discoveries, at a reasonable per ounce of gold equivalent cost,’ said Joe Ovsenek, Tudor Gold president and CEO, in a press release.

According to Tudor, Treaty Creek is located adjacent to world-class deposits held by Seabridge Gold (TSX:SEA,NYSE:SA) and Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM). Treaty Creek’s flagship Goldstorm deposit is a large-scale system that holds both gold and copper mineralization, and the project has consistently returned high-grade intercepts.

The transaction also includes the settlement of up to US$2.22 million in severance obligations to American Creek insiders — US$1 million in cash and the remainder in Tudor shares at a price of US$0.537 per share.

These shares will be subject to a four month statutory hold period, pending approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

Golden Triangle deal mirrors global M&A trend

The Tudor-American Creek deal is the latest in a wave of mining sector consolidations driven by a record gold price, rising corporate cash reserves and dwindling new deposit discoveries.

Notable deals in the first half of 2025 include the C$2.6 billion merger of Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX,NYSEAMERICAN:EQX) and Calibre Mining, which was announced in February and closed this month.

In Australia, Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST,OTC Pink:NESRF) closed its AU$5 billion acquisition of De Grey Mining in May. De Grey was the owner of the massive Hemi gold deposit. The same month, Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI,JSE:GFI) made a US$2.4 billion bid for Gold Road Resources (ASX:GOR,OTC Pink:ELKMF).

Ramelius Resources’ (ASX:RMS,OTC Pink:RMLRF) AU$2.4 billion acquisition of Spartan Resources (ASX:SPR,OTC Pink:GYYSF), announced in March, further underscores the appetite for consolidation.

Data from S&P Global Commodity Insights shows last year’s M&A activity laid the groundwork for this trend.

With US$26.54 billion in deal value across 62 qualifying transactions, gold remained the dominant metal of focus, accounting for 43 deals and US$19.31 billion of total deal value. ‘Ever-depleting mining reserves and limited exploration success mean that acquisition is now the key strategy for growth,’ the report notes.

Gold’s record price rise, which took it to the US$3,500 per ounce level in April, has made previously uneconomic deposits viable and pushed miners’ margins to historic highs.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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​Copper​ Market Hit by Major Supply Squeeze as LME Inventories Drop

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One of the sharpest copper supply crunches in recent memory is rattling global commodities markets, as inventories at the London Metal Exchange (LME) plummet and the spot price soars.

Bloomberg reported that as of Monday (June 23), copper for immediate delivery was trading at a premium of US$345 per metric ton over three month futures, the widest spread since a record squeeze in 2021.

That dramatic price divergence reflects the market’s acute concerns over access to physical copper, with readily available inventories on the LME falling by around 80 percent this year alone.

Available stockpiles now cover less than a single day of global demand, amplifying anxiety across the supply chain.

Historic backwardation signals market distress

Backwardation in metals markets typically suggests that buyers are scrambling to obtain physical supply. In copper’s case, a combination of logistical, geopolitical and structural forces is driving the surge.

LME stockpiles have been rapidly drawn down as traders and manufacturers shift metal to the US in anticipation of potential trade barriers, spurred by US President Donald Trump’s tariff moves.

That migration has created acute shortages in Europe and Asia. Chinese smelters, responding to the price premium and slackening domestic demand, have begun exporting surplus copper to global markets. Yet those flows have not kept pace with the drawdowns, and China’s own inventories have also dwindled.

The LME had hoped recent regulatory interventions would prevent another disorderly squeeze like the one that disrupted the nickel market in 2022. Last week, the exchange enacted new rules mandating that traders with large front-month positions offer to lend those holdings if they exceed available inventories.

The so-called “front-month lending rule” is meant to discourage hoarding and promote liquidity.

However, recent copper trading data suggest that no single trader is behind the current squeeze. On Monday, the Tom/next spread — a one day lending rate — spiked to US$69 per metric ton.

This would only occur if no one entity held enough copper to trigger lending obligations under the new rules, indicating the tightness is likely the result of broad-based market dynamics rather than manipulation.

LME tightens oversight

As mentioned, the LME has begun cracking down on oversized positions across its metals complex.

In a June 20 statement, the exchange introduced a temporary, market-wide rule to manage large front-month exposures. Under the updated rules, traders holding positions in the front-month contract for a metal that exceed the total available exchange inventories — excluding any stock they already own — must offer to lend those positions at “level,” meaning they are required to roll them over to the next month at the same price.

The rule aims to rein in aggressive moves by commodities trading houses that have made deep inroads into metals markets over the past year. The LME emphasized in its release that recent market interventions are targeted, adding that the newly introduced rule offers a standardized approach.

Still, the unprecedented depth of copper’s backwardation — now extending years into the future — suggests that broader supply/demand dynamics are at play, beyond what position limits alone can control.

For manufacturers and industrial users, the squeeze presents a serious cost and planning risk. Many rely on the LME as a pricing and hedging mechanism. But when exchange inventories drop this low, even large players can face trouble sourcing metal to meet contract obligations. With exchange-based supply nearly exhausted, companies may increasingly turn to off-market deals or bilateral supply agreements — often at higher prices.

This shift weakens the LME’s role as a central clearinghouse for global copper, and raises questions about its ability to handle future shocks, especially as energy transition policies boost long-term demand for the metal.

Market watchers will also be looking to the next moves from Chinese exporters, US trade policy under Trump and the LME’s enforcement of its new regulations.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Cobalt Prices Surge as DRC Extends Export Ban to September

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Cobalt prices are surging after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s largest producer, extended its export ban by three months in a bid to address global oversupply and stabilize plunging prices.

According to the Financial Times, cobalt prices on China’s Wuxi Stainless Steel Exchange rose nearly 10 percent after the DRC government announced the news over the weekend.

The ban — originally set to expire on Monday (June 23) — will now remain in effect until at least September.

The DRC’s Strategic Mineral Substances Market Regulation and Control Authority (ARECOMS) said the extension was necessary “due to the continued high level of stock on the market.”

The ban, first imposed in February of this year, was initially slated to last four months.

It came after a prolonged slump in cobalt prices, which have plummeted approximately 60 percent over the past three years, reaching a nine year low of US$10 per pound earlier this year.

The DRC produced 72 percent of the global cobalt mine supply in 2024, as per market intelligence firm Project Blue.

The export halt has already begun to ripple through international markets. In China, where most of the world’s cobalt is refined, prices for the metal and related company stocks spiked.

‘We are likely to see an initial price spike, but real pressure will be later in the year as intermediate stocks begin to dry up,’ Thomas Matthews, a battery materials analyst at CRU Group, told Bloomberg. ‘In short, strap yourselves in.’

The government of the DRC is attempting to tackle a persistent supply glut that has undermined the cobalt market since 2022. By curbing exports, Kinshasa is aiming to drive up prices, thereby increasing revenues from royalties and taxes on mining companies, while also incentivizing further investment in its domestic mining infrastructure.

ARECOMS said that a follow-up decision will be made before the new deadline in September, signaling that the ban could be modified, extended or lifted depending on market developments.

Reuters reported last week that Congolese officials are also exploring a quota-based system for cobalt exports, which would allow selected volumes to leave the country while still exerting downward pressure on global supply.

The proposal has garnered support from major industry players.

Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF), the world’s second largest cobalt producer and a key stakeholder in Congolese mining operations, is backing the potential quota system. The Swiss trader declared force majeure on some of its cobalt supply contracts earlier this year due to the export restrictions, citing exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless, Glencore has managed to fulfill its obligations so far, thanks to pre-existing cobalt stockpiles located outside the DRC.

By contrast, CMOC Group (OTC Pink:CMCLF,HKEX:3993,SHA:603993), the China-based firm that overtook Glencore as the world’s top cobalt producer in 2024, has been lobbying for the ban’s complete removal.

CMOC, which processes a significant share of Congolese cobalt in China, argues that prolonged supply constraints could jeopardize downstream industries and global battery production.

A race against the clock

Despite initial cushioning from global stockpiles, experts warn that refined cobalt supply may soon run thin.

Transporting cobalt from the landlocked DRC to China’s processing hubs typically takes about 90 days. This means that if shipments do not recommence soon, shortages could begin to materialize in late Q3 or early Q4.

‘Stockpiles of cobalt outside the DR Congo will reach very low levels by the September 21 deadline if nothing else changes,’ Jack Bedder, founder of Project Blue, told the Financial Times.

Cobalt plays a vital role in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics and renewable energy storage. While many battery makers have begun shifting toward lower-cobalt or cobalt-free chemistries, demand for the metal remains strong — especially for high-performance applications.

Complicating the supply/demand dynamics is the fact that cobalt is often a by-product of copper mining.

With copper prices rebounding sharply — trading around US$9,600 per metric ton this week on the London Metal Exchange — producers have little incentive to curb overall output.

The move to extend the cobalt ban also coincides with the DRC’s recent efforts to assert greater control over its vast mineral wealth. The Central African nation is currently in discussions with the US over a potential minerals partnership aimed at strengthening supply chain security for clean energy technologies.

The export suspension is just the latest in a series of efforts by resource-rich countries to assert more control over key commodities. Similar moves have been seen in Indonesia, which banned nickel ore exports in 2020 to spur domestic processing, and in Chile, where the government is pushing for greater state participation in the lithium sector.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Silver Crown Royalties Announces Annual General Meeting Results

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(TheNewswire)

TORONTO, ON TheNewswire – June 25, 2025 –Silver Crown Royalties Inc. (‘Silver Crown’, ‘SCRi’, the ‘Corporation’, or the ‘Company’) (Cboe:SCRI; OTCQX:SLCRF; FRA:QS0) reports that all resolutions proposed to shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders (held on June 24, 2025) were approved, including the election of all of the director nominees listed in the management information circular for the meeting. Please refer to the report of voting results filed under SCRi’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca for further details.

Voting as to each of the director nominees was as follows:

DIRECTORS

VOTES FOR

VOTES WITHHELD

Peter Bures

201,149

100%

0

0%

Peter Schloo

201,149

100%

0

0%

Peter Simeon

201,149

100%

0

0%

Philip van den Berg

201,149

100%

0

0%

ABOUT Silver Crown Royalties INC.

Founded by industry veterans, Silver Crown Royalties ( Cboe: SCRI | OTCQX: SLCRF | BF: QS0 ) is a publicly traded, silver royalty company. Silver Crown (SCRi) currently has four silver royalties of which three are revenue-generating. Its business model presents investors with precious metals exposure that allows for a natural hedge against currency devaluation while minimizing the negative impact of cost inflation associated with production. SCRi endeavors to minimize the economic impact on mining projects while maximizing returns for shareholders. For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures, Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

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Lode Gold Engages Strategic Advisors to Advance Development of the Fremont Mine in Gold County- Mariposa, California

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Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: LODFF) (‘Lode Gold’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has engaged experienced capital markets and strategic advisors to support the advancement of its Fremont Mine in Mariposa, California. These advisors will assist in securing strategic investors and partners as the Company moves into the next phase of development.

As part of its current development strategy, Lode Gold is also engaging with mining contractors and progressing with engineering evaluations aimed at optimizing the mine plan and initiating permitting. The Company’s evaluation is focused on three key priorities:

  • High-grading during early production years to enhance initial project economics
  • Scaling production to over 100,000 ounces per year in later phases

‘Our objective is to take a disciplined and scalable approach to developing the Fremont Project,’ said Wendy T. Chan, CEO and Director at Lode Gold. ‘By securing the right strategic partnership, we will focus on various technical initiatives to optimize project economics, expedite permitting and get to production in near term. Being in a jurisdiction that is now increasingly aligned with domestic resource development, Fremont presents an interesting investment opportunity.’

The Fremont Mine is an advanced-stage exploration and development asset, on 100% private and patented land. It is located in Mariposa, an Opportunity Zone designated to attract investments with tax incentives provided by Trump’s Administration. The 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) outlined positive project economics at a gold price of USD $1,750, based on an annual production rate of approximately 130,000 ounces. More recently, an NI 43 -101 compliant mineral resource estimate (MRE 2025) was completed with a new geological model that separately evaluated vein and stockwork mineralization. Only 8% of the total mineral resource, filed at SEDAR+ (April 2025) has been extracted, mostly in the first 250 m. At a 1 g/t cut-off, the average true width is 53 m (at 3 g/t cut-off, the width is 16.8 m).

Upcoming Near Term 2025-2026 Catalysts:

  • Rehabilitation of 2 km underground workings
  • Expedite access to two adits, out of a total of 14
  • Channel sampling to upgrade resources to M&I
  • Metallurgy and Recovery Studies
  • Geotechnical work and rock mechanics assessments
  • Drilling 3,000 m to initiate Pre-Feasibility Study
  • Completion of Pre-Feasibility Study (underground bulk mining and other optimized methods will be evaluated)

About Lode Gold

Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

In Canada, its assets in Yukon sit on the southern portion of the prolific Tombstone Belt. It covers 99.5 km2 across a 27 km strike.  Over 4,500 m have been drilled with confirmed gold endowment and economic drill intercepts over 50 m. There are four reduced-intrusive targets (RIRGS), in addition to sedimentary-hosted orogenic exploration gold.

In New Brunswick, Lode Gold, through its subsidiary 1475039 B.C. Ltd. (soon to be spun out into Gold Orogen), has created one of the largest land packages with its Acadian Gold Joint Venture, consisting of an area that spans 445 km2 with a 44 km strike. It has confirmed gold endowment with mineralized rhyolites.

In preparation for the spin-out, NI 43 101 technical reports have been prepared for all assets in Yukon and New Brunswick in 2024.

In the United States, the Company is focused on its advanced exploration and development asset, the Fremont Mine in Mariposa, California. According to the NI 43- 101 Compliant 2025 MRE, the asset contains 1.3 Moz at 4.4 g/t (3 g/t cut-off) with an average true width: 16.8 m.

Fremont was previously mined at 10.7 g/t. During gold mining prohibition in WWII, its mining license was suspended. Only 8% of the resource identified in the 2025 MRE has been extracted. This asset has exploration upside and is open at depth (three step-out holes at 1,300 m hit structure and were mineralized) and on strike. This is a brownfield project with over 43,000 m drilled, 23 km of underground workings and 14 adits. The project has excellent infrastructure and is close to electricity, water, roads, railhead and port.

Recently, the Company completed an internal scoping study, with a strategic pivot to 100% underground mining. Previously, in March 2023, the Company completed an NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) with an open pit and underground combination mine. The NI 43-101 technical reports are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company’s website (www.lode-gold.com).

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology – UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a ‘qualified person’ as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (‘NI 43-101’).

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY
Wendy T. Chan 
CEO & Director

Information Contact:

Winfield Ding 
CFO
info@lode-gold.com
+1-(604)-977-GOLD (4653)

Jenna Mosher 
Investor Relations
jenna@lode-gold.com
+1 (604) -977-GOLD (4653) 

Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds, advancement and completion of resource calculation, feasibility studies, and exploration plans and targets. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company’s interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company’s mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading ‘Risks and Uncertainties’ in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256755

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Questcorp Mining Announces Commencement of Phase 1 Work at the La Union Gold Project

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Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Questcorp’) is pleased to announce the commencement of the first phase work program at its La Union carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) project, located in Sonora, Mexico. Questcorp is earning a 100% interest from Riverside Resources Inc. in the 2,520 ha (25 km sq) property by making a series of cash payments and share issuance and completing a series of exploration expenditures.

The initial stages of phase one will concentrate on finalizing the location of drill targets and drill pads for the upcoming drill program. Field activities are underway and include:

  • Establishment of 5 to 6 one kilometre picket lines for IP surveying which commenced on Monday. The IP lines are being run over the heart of some of the past mining areas which continue to be known expansive target areas to help evaluate further potential, possible most favorable zones and assist to model the larger context for the upcoming drill holes. This work further de-risks the up-coming first pass drill holes.
  • Sampling of limestone and dolomite host rocks across the mineralization from country rock through to the heart of mineralization for Black Light analysis and alteration vector modeling. The objective is to use the changes or variance in fluorescence to map alteration patterns to vector into the heart of the manto and chimney plumbing systems.
  • Geological mapping of drill collar sites and section lines particularly along the surface of the IP lines to help develop the most accurate interpretations of the IP data for drill hole planning.
  • Rock and soil sampling of peripheral areas to identify additional targets including study of the stratigraphy for understanding and context with the many mineralization showings on the large district holding.

‘We are extremely pleased to initiate the fully funded first phase work program at La Union,’ commented Questcorp President & CEO Saf Dhillon. ‘We are first concentrating on de-risking the upcoming 1,500 metre drill program scheduled for mid to late Q3 through alteration mapping and IP geophysics,’ he continued. ‘Under the technical expertise of John-Mark Staude and the Riverside team we are confident we are maximizing every exploration dollar being invested at La Union,’ he concluded.

Riverside Resources Inc. President & CEO John-Mark Staude stated ‘The work program is going well, I have been in the field this past week with the exploration team and pleased to see the safe, high quality focus of good work and diving into careful review of the planned drill sites and now the IP program is underway. It is great to work with Saf, Tim and the entire Questcorp organization.’

The La Union Project

The La Union Project is a carbonate replacement deposit (‘CRD‘) project hosted by Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane. The structural setting features high-angle normal faults and low-to-medium-angle thrust faults that sometimes served as mineralization conduits. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides, consistent with a CRD model (see the technical report entitled ‘NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Union Project, State of Sonora, Mexico’ dated effective May 6, 2025 available under Questcorp’s SEDAR+ profile). These targets also demonstrate intriguing potential for large gold discoveries potentially above an even larger porphyry Cu district potential as the Company’s target concept at this time.

Questcorp cautions investors grab samples are selective by nature and not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the property.

Riverside, the operator of the La Union Project, is currently lining up the various geophysical contractors to immediately undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets.

The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (BC), a director of the Company and a ‘qualified person’ under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.

Contact Information

Questcorp Mining Corp.
Saf Dhillon, President & CEO
Email: saf@questcorpmining.ca
Telephone: (604) 484-3031

This news release includes certain ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Riverside’s arrangements with geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the ability of Riverside to secure geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets as contemplated or at all, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the geophysical surveys will be completed as contemplated or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256556

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Silver Crown Royalties Announces Closing of First Tranche of its Non-Brokered Private Placement

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(TheNewswire)

TORONTO, ON TheNewswire – June 24, 2025 –Silver Crown Royalties Inc. (‘ Silver Crown ‘, ‘ SCRi ‘, the ‘ Corporation ‘, or the ‘ Company ‘) (Cboe:SCRI; OTCQX:SLCRF; FRA:QS0) is pleased to announce that the Company has successfully closed the first tranche (‘ First Tranche ‘) of its non-brokered offering of units of the Company (‘ Units ‘) for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 that was previously announced on May 20, 2025 (the ‘ Offering ‘). The Company issued 102,838 Units at a price of C$6.50 per Unit pursuant to the First Tranche for gross proceeds of approximately C$668,447.

Each Unit consists of one common share (‘ Common Share ‘) and one Common Share purchase warrant (‘ Warrant ‘), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of C$13.00 for a period of three years from the date hereof.

The proceeds from the First Tranche will be used to fund the Company’s silver royalty acquisition on the Igor 4 project in Peru, as well as general and administrative expenses. All securities issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The closing was subject to customary conditions, including the approval of Cboe Canada Inc.

The Company is also pleased to announce it is extending the closing of an additional tranche of the Offering to July 11, 2025.

ABOUT Silver Crown Royalties INC.

Founded by industry veterans, Silver Crown Royalties ( Cboe: SCRI | OTCQX: SLCRF | BF: QS0 ) is a publicly traded, silver royalty company. Silver Crown (SCRi) currently has four silver royalties of which three are revenue-generating. Its business model presents investors with precious metals exposure that allows for a natural hedge against currency devaluation while minimizing the negative impact of cost inflation associated with production. SCRi endeavors to minimize the economic impact on mining projects while maximizing returns for shareholders. For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures, Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the proceeds from the First Tranche will be used to fund the Company’s silver royalty acquisition on the Igor 4 project in Peru, as well as general and administrative expenses. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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Canada Makes Tech Leadership Moves: Axl Launches, Carney Shares Priorities at G7 Summit

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Canada’s tech sector saw momentum this week, with announcements spanning venture capital and quantum computing, as well as global policy leadership news out of the G7 summit.

Axl on a mission to retain Canadian innovation

On Tuesday (June 17), Axl, a newly founded Canadian venture studio, announced plans to help launch 50 artificial intelligence (AI) companies in Canada over the next five years, supported by a C$15 million fund led by co-founder Daniel Wigdor, a computer science professor at the University of Toronto.

The venture’s other founders are Tovi Grossman, another University of Toronto professor, entrepreneur Ray Sharma and former Telus (TSX:T,NYSE:TU) executive David Sharma. Mining magnate Rob McEwen of McEwen Mining (TSX:MUX,NYSE:MUX) and Smart Technologies co-founder David Martin are also investors.

According to Wigdor, Axl will tackle practical business problems and connect them with promising academic research in a bid to keep Canadian innovation at home. “The social contract academics believe we have with society is that we invent these technologies and inspire people,” he told the Globe and Mail on Tuesday. “The tragedy is that the foundational technologies we’re inventing in Canada are not accruing capital for Canada.’

Wigdor pointed to his own career as a cautionary tale, explaining that the iPhone’s multi-touch interface was presaged by research he conducted in the early 2000s for his University of Toronto thesis, which itself built on concepts pioneered by University of Toronto professor Bill Buxton in the 1980s.

Other University of Toronto AI breakthroughs fueled the international rise of figures like Geoffrey Hinton, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and xAI’s Jimmy Ba, all of whom took their expertise to US-based companies.

Carney talks tech leadership at G7 summit

Initiatives like Axl’s signal a proactive approach to Canada’s challenge of retaining tech talent and capitalizing on its world-class research; however, its success will hinge on broader public support.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that fostering tech innovation at home is a priority. He told G7 leaders that driving the digital transition, led by AI and quantum computing, would be one of his top goals at the summit.

Quantum technology was reportedly discussed at length during the two day meeting, which took place in Kananaskis, Alberta. In addition, a joint statement from members released by the prime minister’s office indicates that Canada will launch the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge and host a series of Rapid Solution Labs “to develop innovative and scalable solutions to the barriers we face in adopting AI in the public sector.”

That emphasis echoes longstanding concerns from the research community.

A 2024 letter acquired by the Logic and sent to then-innovation minister François-Philippe Champagne by the Quantum Advisory Council cites the significant sums that other countries have invested in quantum technology.

“The cost of inaction is tremendous,” the group wrote at the time, pointing to Canada’s history of “inventing core technologies,” but letting other countries “grow industries around our inventions.”

The council proposed a C$1 billion program that would mirror the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which fosters domestic quantum computing in the US. The QBI has selected 18 companies for its first phase, including three from Canada; firms that demonstrate the ability to build a functional quantum computer by 2033 will be eligible to receive up to US$316 million, making it a potential “kingmaker” program.

The second phase of the program is set to launch in August 2025. While no relocation demands have been made, concerns exist that later-stage QBI terms could force Canadian winners to the US.

The Quantum Advisory Council said its proposed program would be run by the National Research Council, which would independently assess firms to accelerate the development of competitive domestic quantum companies.

It would build on a C$360 million national quantum strategy announced in April 2021.

The council’s recommendations include increased grants for scientific and social science research into quantum technologies, and a new federal clusters program to foster regional quantum ecosystems encompassing research, development and training, alongside ethical and secure use. It also calls for significant investment in quantum-safe software certification and the development of other security systems.

In a speech at the Quantum Now conference in Montreal on Thursday (June 19), Canada’s AI minister, Evan Solomon, emphasized the need to protect Canada’s talent pipeline. “We cannot allow short-term funding opportunities to hollow out our domestic capabilities or transfer generations of Canadian innovation outside our borders,” he said.

Earlier this month, the minister said he would move away from “over-indexing on warnings and regulation” and instead focus on finding ways to unleash the economic potential of AI. The ongoing collaboration between government initiatives and private ventures will be key to unlocking Canada’s full potential in the new digital era.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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