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On Monday, Filo Corp (TSX:FIL) was acquired for $4.5B.

BHP and the Lundin Group made the offer.

A massive announcement for a company still in the exploration stage.

What does this mean for the industry?

There’s still hope.

Large mining companies can no longer risk waiting for assets to be further developed. Copper supply shortage is coming fast, and these majors are reacting quickly.

BHP and Lundin clearly believe in the asset, and it’s been worked on enough to be confident in it’s producibility - but it comes with inherent risks that these two majors are willing to take, given the market conditions.

Location is a risk, development of the mine is a risk, and of course copper prices *could* drop, but we think thats unlikely.

Filo Corp’s Filo del Sol Project

Confidence in the region

The acquisition of Filo not only signals confidence in the asset, but also region.

The company’s Filo del Sol project is located in Argentina, a country that has an ever changing political landscape and can sometimes be against mining.

This committment from BHP and Lundin shows they are confident in Argentina’s promise to support mining.

This confidence could encourage more exploration and further project development in the region - bullish!

Filo's got the metal

At the heart of the acquisition is the geological potential of Filo Corp's project.

The Filo del Sol Project, located on the Chile/Argentina border and has an indicated resource of 3.2 billion pounds of copper, 4.6 million ounces of gold, and 160.4 million ounces of silver.

There’s also an inferred resource of 1.3 billion pounds of copper, 2.1 million ounces of gold, and 50.3 million ounces of silver.

This high-sulphidation deposit is part of a larger porphyry copper-gold system.

The mineralization includes various forms such as high-grade copper, gold, and silver, both at the surface and deeper levels.

Safe to say, the results speak for themselves.

Lundin Group's Strategic Move

Jack Lundin

The acquisition of Filo by BHP and Lundin Mining is a key moment for the Lundin Group, highlighting the strategic vision of its new leadership.

This move continues the Lundin family's tradition of taking bold risks for high rewards, following the legacy of Lukas Lundin.

By partnering with BHP, the Lundins show confidence in Filo Corp's long-term potential and their willingness to invest in promising projects, even if risky.

It’s one of the first big moves Jack Lundin has made since his fathers passing.

Wealth favours the bold

In a bold move that echoes the Lundin legacy, BHP and the Lundin group are betting big on Filo's potential, despite the inherent risks.

With copper demand heating up and a vote of confidence in Argentina's mining future, this acquisition is a signal flare for more big plays in the industry.

It's clear: the race for resources is on, and no one's waiting at the starting line.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.

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A few weeks ago, Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine suffered a catastrophic failure of it’s heap leach pad at it’s Yukon property.

We wrote about it here. 

At first, the company indicated there wasn’t any damage to the waterways, but the local first nations group disagreed and said they found dangerous levels of cyanide in the rivers and streams in the area.

The Yukon government imposed a requirement for the company to come up with a water treatment plan for the contaminated water, but Victoria Gold has failed on that.

Now, the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun ("FNNND") has requested a halt to all mining activities in the area.

This not only effects Victoria Gold, but also Cantex Mine Development Corp. (TSX-V:CD, Snowline Gold (TSX-V:SGD) and Fireweed Metals (TSXV: FWZ).

Twitter tweet

Fireweed is a $200M+ market cap company, can they really do that?

Yes, and they will.

Well technically, the FNNND is “requesting” a halt to mining activites, not requiring it.

But it’s not like one of these companies is going to get on the groups bad side by ignoring the request.

Cantex announced they’re halting activities: https://48p318.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-22-Program-suspension.pdf

Snowline said they have “made adjustments” to the upcoming program, which is already late to start. Exploration usually ends around October up there, and with this delay, I can’t imagine Snowline will get anything done this year.

The wording in snowline gold’s latest news is not encouraging…

Twitter tweet

How are the stocks holding up for these 3 companies?

Not good.

Snowline is down 10%, Cantex is down 15% and Fireweed is also down 15%.

When one company makes a mistake, it can have ripple effects in the industry.

Mining activites in the Yukon is now at risk of shutting down for a very long time.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.

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Today’s newsletter is available in audio format 👇

[Audio] What predicts mining success?

A Good Team Will Outperform a Good Asset

We’ve talked about this before.

How very few mining projects actually result in producing assets.

1 in 1,000.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like those odds.

So, how do some investors seem to win in a market that’s setup to lose?

They rely on one thing when making a decision - leadership.

Don’t believe me? Fine, believe Rick Rule.

Transforming Assets

Patriot Battery Metals wasn’t always the powerhouse lithium explorer it is today.

They previously held the Freeman creek gold project in Idaho, but through strategic management the focus switched to the now-famous Corvette lithium project.

Leadership identified a need in the market, and an imbalance between supply and demand for lithium, which has resulted in a stock trading as high as $17.

How leadership beats the odds

Previous success

A team's track record is crucial.

Teams with a history of successful projects are more likely to repeat their success.

They’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, and they apply those learnings in every future venture.

They know a good asset when they see it

One of the most valuable skills a mining team can possess is the ability to quickly identify good and bad assets. This expertise saves time, resources, and ultimately leads to better investment decisions.

They study the asset fast. Whether that’s because they have a background in mining and exploration, or they have a team that helps with this.

Either way, they avoid spending resources on assets that aren’t worth it, because they know what to look for - and focus investor resources on top-tier assets only.

The 'Fail Fast' Approach

In the fast-paced mining industry, the ability to "fail fast" is crucial for long-term success.

If leadership drills a property and doesn’t find success, the ability to drop it and move on to another asset is a sign of confidence for investors. Not confidence in the project, but confidence in leadership.

Good leadership knows they did everything right in their approach, and if the results don’t speak for themselves, they move on.

Honesty is Everything

The mining industry is notorious for lying. See Bre-X.

Good leadership knows this, and does everything they can to be transparent.

That means updating investors as often as possible through video interviews, Q&A sessions and more.

They have nothing to hide- and why would they?

Building trust is the foundation for raising money, and you need money to run an exploration company.

Financial Backing

Arguably the most important thing in exploration is the ability for a company to be funded.

Proven leadership teams likely have a network of trusted investors that fund each of their deals.

This network has won in the past with leadership, and are willing and eager to support new deals.

This relationship puts pressure on leadership to succeed, which results in a strategic vision and a pathway to success.

The only thing worse than a bad asset is a good asset with no money - a network that trusts you is crucial.

Success is never garuanteed, but when you’re playing on a good team you have a much larger chance.

Find a team, follow them, and watch what happens.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.

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Hey everyone,

Today’s post is different.

It’s a deep dive into Uranium and why you’ve been hearing so much about it lately.

This handbook is made for the investor hoping to get a solid understanding of Uranium so that they can make an educated decision when they’re looking to invest.

There’s no mention of any exploration companies in this report, but future reports may cover a wide range of topics, inclduing deep dives into specific companies that I think are worth looking at.

This is a new format, so please provide feedback if you liked something, or even if you hated it. If you have any ideas, let me know! You can simply reply back to this email.

Can you imagine a world without the constant reminder of fossil fuels and the harm they do?

What if we truely didn’t need them?

That's the promise of nuclear energy, and at its heart lies one weird element: uranium.

Uranium is a heavy, radioactive metal used as fuel for nuclear reactors and as a critical component in nuclear weapons.

In the past five years, uranium prices have surged by over 60%. 

The global nuclear power capacity is projected to increase by 25% over the next decade, and China is planning to build 150 new reactors by 2035.

If you’re betting on the future, you’re betting on uranium.

Let’s go back to the basics - why is nuclear energy so good?

Simply put: Nuclear energy provides a more sustainable way to meet the world's growing energy needs as society seeks more renewable sources.

Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not emit greenhouse gases during operation - a huge benefit.

See the process below 👇

In a nuclear reactor, uranium fuel rods are placed in water. Uranium atoms split, releasing energy that heats the water and creates steam. The steam drives a turbine, turning a generator to produce electricity. The steam then cools back into water for reuse. Some plants release extra heat from a cooling tower.

Uranium History

Uranium's importance extends far beyond the 20th century's nuclear boom. Traces of its history can be found in ancient pottery and it was used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

But after the famous bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, things have been different.

Back in the old days

• Ancient Uses: Uranium was used to add color to pottery and glass in ancient times.

• Medicinal Uses: Before its radioactive properties were fully understood, uranium compounds were used in medicine to treat diabetes & skin conditions.

The Atomic Age

• Nuclear Boom: The 20th century saw a surge in nuclear power adoption. By the 1980s, over 400 nuclear reactors were operational worldwide.

• Decline and Resurgence: After a decline in the late 20th century due to safety concerns and incidents like Chernobyl, the interest in nuclear energy is resurging. Today, over 50 reactors are under construction globally.

From Exploration to Energy

Like any metal or critical mineral, uranium is mined.

Exploration and Mining

In 2022, global uranium production reached approximately 48,000 tonnes, with Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia leading the way, contributing over 60%.

The industry relies on three primary mining methods: open-pit mining, underground mining, and in-situ leaching. The latter method, which involves extracting uranium directly from the ground using chemical solutions, accounts for about half of all uranium mining.

Processing and Enrichment

Once mined, uranium ore undergoes processing to be converted into a concentrated form known as yellowcake (U3O8).

Yellowcake uranium.

In 2022, the global production of yellowcake was around 50 million pounds.

This raw material then requires enrichment to increase the concentration of U-235, the isotope needed for nuclear reactors. Major enrichment facilities are located in Russia, the United States, and France, playing crucial roles in the nuclear fuel supply chain.

Reactor Operation

Currently, there are 440 operational nuclear reactors worldwide, supplying about 10% of the world's electricity.

The United States, France, China, and Russia are the largest producers of nuclear power.

Countries like China and India are spearheading ambitious nuclear power expansion plans, with China aiming to build 150 new reactors by 2035.

Waste Management

Managing spent nuclear fuel is a critical aspect of the nuclear fuel cycle. To address this, innovative technologies are being developed to reprocess and recycle spent fuel, reducing waste and extending the usability of nuclear resources.

Long-term storage solutions are also being implemented, with deep geological repositories like Finland’s Onkalo facility serving as notable examples of how countries are preparing for the safe disposal of nuclear waste.

Finland’s Onkalo facility

Why Invest in Uranium?

There’s a few main reasons for investing in Uranium, whether thats through an ETF like $URA, or specific Uranium miners.

They all center around 1 key point, the supply is dwindling and demand is increasing.

1. Rising Demand: The global push for clean energy has led to increased interest in nuclear power. China plans to build 150 new reactors by 2035, while India aims to triple its nuclear capacity by 2030.

2. Supply Constraints: Despite growing demand, uranium supply is limited. Many mines are operating at reduced capacity, and new projects face significant regulatory hurdles.

3. Geopolitical Factors: Uranium trade is influenced by international relations, making it a strategic investment. Countries with stable political environments and strong mining industries, like Canada and Australia, are key players.

4. Technological Advancements: Innovations in reactor technology and uranium enrichment can lead to more efficient and safer nuclear power generation, potentially increasing uranium demand.

China is planning on dominating the nuclear energy space.

While China is leading the move towards a nuclear future, many other coutries are starting to make the switch after years of hesitancy.

Market Growth

Over the past five years, the uranium market has seen solid increases:

• Price Increase: Uranium prices have increased by over 60%, from around $25 per pound to over $40 per pound.

• Production Growth: Global uranium production has risen by 10%, with major contributions from Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia.

• Demand Surge: Demand for uranium has grown by approximately 15%, and expected to grow even more.

Uranium (shysical & stocks) has outperformed other commodities in the past 5 years.

Trends Influencing Supply and Demand

Several factors are influencing these favorable supply and demand dynamics of uranium:

• Nuclear Power Outlook: Increasing concerns about climate change and energy security are driving a renewed interest in nuclear power. Global nuclear capacity is projected to grow by 25% over the next decade.

• Mine Expansions: Limited expansions in existing mines and the development of new mines can impact supply. For example, the delayed expansion of Cameco’s Cigar Lake mine in Canada has created supply constraints.

• Geopolitical Uncertainties: Events like sanctions on major producers or political instability in producing regions can disrupt supply chains.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in reactor technology and uranium enrichment can affect demand by making nuclear power more efficient and cost-effective.

All of these factors are causing experts to call for a boom in the uranium market.

As supply decreases and demand increases - prices skyrocket. Investors make money. It’s that easy.

Investing in Uranium for the future

The uranium market is at a pivotal moment, with several factors suggesting significant growth.

1. Rising Global Demand for Clean Energy:

   • Climate Change Initiatives: Governments worldwide are committing to reducing carbon emissions. Nuclear power, a low-carbon energy source, is gaining traction as a reliable solution. For instance, the European Union has included nuclear energy in its sustainable finance taxonomy.

   • Increased Reactor Construction: According to the World Nuclear Association, there are currently 440 reactors in operation, 55 under construction, and many more planned. China alone plans to build 150 new reactors by 2035, which could increase global uranium demand by 30%.

2. Supply Constraints:

   • Limited Mine Expansions: Despite growing demand, uranium supply is constrained by limited new mine developments. Key producers like Kazakhstan and Canada have not significantly expanded production capacity in recent years.

   • Geopolitical Risks: Political instability in major producing regions such as Niger and Kazakhstan, along with international sanctions on countries like Russia, pose risks to stable uranium supply.

3. Technological Advancements:

   • Next-Generation Reactors: Innovations in reactor technology, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, promise safer, more efficient, and more flexible nuclear power generation. These technologies could significantly boost uranium demand.

   • Reprocessing and Recycling: Advances in reprocessing spent fuel could extend uranium’s lifecycle, reducing waste and increasing the efficiency of nuclear fuel use.

Experts agree

Don’t just take our word for it, several influential experts are calling for the same thing.

Uranium supply & demand, showing significant increase in demand over the next 15 years

Key Investment Indicators

Rising Prices

Recent trends show that uranium prices have steadily increased over the past five years, climbing from $25 per pound to over $40 per pound.

Analysts from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley predict that uranium prices could reach $60 per pound within the next few years.

Increased Institutional Interest

Investment funds such as the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust have been aggressively accumulating uranium, reflecting strong investor confidence in future price increases.

Major mining companies are investing heavily in uranium projects, anticipating higher future returns. For example, Cameco and Kazatomprom are significantly ramping up their exploration and production activities.

Sprott Physcial Uranium (SPUT) accumulation

Investing in uranium now offers you the chance to tap into the booming demand for clean, reliable energy.

As prices rise and major players ramp up production, the market is poised for impressive growth.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (July 5)

• Junior mining investors are tired of losing money - when will it end?

Mining investment is all but dead.

Don’t believe me?

This graph of the TSX Venture index proves it.

Venture companies are trading at some of the lowest levels seen in 20 years.

If 10 years ago you invested $1,000 in the TSX Venture Composite Index, a stock market index that tracks the performance of companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada - you’d be down to about $500, or 50%.

Not exactly ideal.

But why?

Since the TSX Venture’s creation in 1999, it’s served as the primary exchange for early stage exploration companies.

Investors have historically understood the “high risk, high reward'“ nature of the exchange and generally allocate a smaller portion of their portfolio to these types of companies, in hopes of a ‘ten bagger’ - referring to 10x+ returns.

While these returns still occur, risk capital is becoming harder to access for new companies - investors just aren’t investing in mining as much as they used to.

They’re still investing though.

If you put that same $1,000 into the S&P 10 years ago, you’d have almost $4,000.

This looks a whole lot prettier than the TSX Venture.

So what’s the problem?

Well in short, investors are getting smarter about where they put their hard earned cash.

In the mining industry, a common belief is that "mines are made, not found."

However, this mantra, often promoted by those looking to profit, might not reflect the harsh realities many small mines face.

You see, most mines don’t ever make it into production, and I’d argue that even less should.

Projects are promoted by heavily invested parties and investors are told this is the next ‘sliced bread’.

This results in a rise in stock price, followed by a subsequent financing at a higher price.

More investors pile in and the company pushes to develop an official resource for the project - which is often overally optimistic and uses ‘best case’ scenarios.

Then, if lucky, the companies will go into production.

Sounds good, right?

Well, this is where the facade shows itself.

These companies will run into ‘unexpected’ costs, grades won’t be consistent and they’ll start losing money, and investment.

This is because the initial studies done on the project were maybe too optimistic and failed to account for all the variables.

It will require too much capital to adjust the operations and eventually the project is sold off for virtually nothing just to get rid of the liability.

The next group will essentially rinse and repeat until they run into similar issues.

It happens all the time.

How many projects have really had no work done on them and are completely new? Very little.

This is becoming too common - and don’t get me wrong, there are investors who will make money in this process, but they’re typically the ones involved in the company who took large positions early on.

This cycle is not sustainable and the industry risks more investors leaving if things don’t change.

If you haven’t been scared off yet and still think there’s value in this industry, you’ve got balls - and you’re right, there is still value.

But you need to be careful.

1. Learn about the history of the project. Who owned it prior, has it been mined before, if so why’d it stop?

2. Management - do they have a history of success, if not, do they have respected advisors helping? This is the most important part, good management will figure out success someway, even if the first project doesn’t work out.

3. Market trends - Is this industry growing or stagnant? ‘Hot’ markets like copper & lithium can be good, but there’s a lot of companies jumping on the bandwagon, avoid those.

It’s going to take a long time for investors to feel confident in junior mining again.

And it’s even harder to get new investors in the game when all they see are failures.

This industry is more cyclical than most and the tide can turn at any time.

As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Just not sunken ones.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

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What to expect (June 26)

• 🚫 A second heap leach pad failure in 2024 has investors questioning the safety.

• ✅ Sponsored Monster Pick - Copper is still hot, get it while you can.

This week’s Monster Stock is sponsored by World Copper

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• Up to 4x faster to revenues vs. typical mines

• 1-Billion lbs+ of Copper in global copper inventory

• Copper +70% over last 5 years

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(OTC: WCUFF | TSX.V: WCU)

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: WCU

Price: $0.19 (as of June 26, 2024)

Market Cap: $33M

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

On June 25 (yesterday) Victoria Gold Corp.’s (TSX.V: VGCX) stock price dropped from $7.35 to below $1.30 - an 82% loss.

The company suffered a catastrophic failure of it’s heap leach pad at it’s Eagle property in Yukon.

This comes 5 months after a similar heap leach pad failure at SSR mining’s Çöpler Mine in Erzincan Province, eastern Turkey.

While the extent of the failure in Yukon is still unknown, it begs the question to investors: is this type of mineral extraction too risky?

Image of landside at Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine on June 24, 2024

What is a heap leach pad and why do they fail?

A heap leach pad is a method used to extract precious metals by stacking ore and applying a leaching solution (often cyanide) to dissolve and collect the desired metals.

It’s a pretty common way of mineral extraction.

Failures can occur due to structural instability, inadequate design, or excessive height.

The Çöpler mine's heap leach pad was over 250 meters tall, significantly higher than the typical 150 meters, leading to its failure.

Heap leach diagram

Details on the failure at the Eagle project are unknown at this time, but further investigation will lead to cause.

Immediate Impact on production and financials

Victoria Gold had set ambitious production targets for 2024, estimating between 165,000 and 185,000 ounces of gold.

But the company immediately suspended operations following the failure, obviously.

They reported producing 29,580 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2024, an encouraging start that is now overshadowed by this tragic event.

What is the real cost?

Heap leach pad failures have massive costs for the company, both direct and indirect.

Direct costs include immediate remediation efforts, repair of damaged infrastructure, and potential fines or increased regulatory scrutiny.

For Victoria Gold, this means diverting resources towards stabilizing and rebuilding the heap leach pad, as well as addressing any environmental impacts.

The First Nation group Nacho Nyak Dun, whose traditional territory includes the mine site, said they are worried about “potentially significant and far-reaching environmental impacts, particularly to surrounding waters, fish and wildlife.”

“Our first priority is to minimize the impacts on our lands, waters and wildlife, as well as on (the First Nation) and any other affected First Nations. We will then seek to understand how and why this occurred.”

It also begs the question, will mining in Yukon run into permitting issues moving forward?

It’s happened before.

The Aberfan disaster in Wales (1966), where a coal mine spoil tip collapsed and killed 144 people, led to stricter government regulations and safety measures for mining operations which significantly impacted mining practices in the UK.

The indirect costs of an event like this are more nuanced but can be equally as damaging.

The suspension of operations leads to lost production and sales.

They may also face higher insurance premiums and increased borrowing costs due to the perceived higher risk of operations.

Investors are also more likely to stay clear, which impacts the ability to raise capital.

What does this mean for investors?

A quick survey of investors of VGCX highlights a few common concerns.

The drop in stock price and the inevitable loss of production are the primary areas of concern, but was there a failure by management to identify this risk and stop it before it happened? Potentially.

When something like this happens, a deep investigation will be done to accurately understand how and why it occurred, and if it could have been prevented.

The environmental blowback from this is also causing concern.

We don’t know the extent of the damage to wildlife and waterways - but the Nacho Nyak Dun will be monitoring it closely.

With the stock down more than 80%, some investors are using it as a buying opportunity, hoping that the company can get back to regular production in a timely manner.

But that is yet to be determined and any investment now would be extremely risky.

In the coming months we’ll learn more about the details of this tragic event, but in the meantime, investors should be using this a a reminder that mining is not always sunshine and rainbows.

There is a real risk to the environment and communities associated with this industry and it’s extremely important to be aware of those risks when making investments.

The full extent of the damage won’t be clear for a few weeks but this is a very sad day for mining.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have been compensated by World Copper for this weeks pick, therefore we are biased. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.

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What to expect (June 19)

• 🤠 There’s a new sheriff in town and it needs mining

• ✅ Monster Pick - Silver is bound to breakout, and this BC based company has tons of it.

As of today, Nvidia is the most valuable company in the world.

If you don’t know, Nvidia started in the early 90’s making graphics processing units (GPUs) for video games.

Fast forward to today, and the company’s GPUs are the backbone of AI and machine learning.

Virtually every company researching in the AI space relies on their GPUs for processing, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is included on that list.

With all the buzz around AI right now, you can imagine Nvidia is raking in the dough.

And you’d be right, but not only that, they’ve reached Rockstar status.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang signs fans chest at tech expo - officially reaching rockstar status.

At the heart of Nvidia's products are semiconductor chips, which are key to the performance of their GPUs. These chips rely on minerals including Silicon, Rare Earth Elements, Gallium and Indium.

Given the relative small size of these chips, it’s not likely that the demand will cause supply issues.

But one thing on everyone’s mind in the AI space is power.

We need a stable, renewable source of power for these AI supercomputers, how do we get it?

The general conclusion is that this will be done with solar power.

Thoughts of a future with fields of solar panels powering our autonomous robots and AI feel close to reality.

We may not get there, but one thing is certain - solar power is growing at a rapid rate partly due to AI.

And solar panels require materials.

Monster Stock Pick

Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSX.V:DV)

As we talk about the growth of AI, we can’t forget silver. It’s a crucial element in the development of technologies related to AI - and Dolly Varden Silver (TSX.V:DV) has lots of it.

Why we like it ✅

1. Crazy silver: $DV has the silver goods, including 978 g/t Ag over 5 meters at Moose Vein and 79.49 g/t Au over 12.45 meters at Homestake Ridge, indicating substantial silver and gold deposits.

2. Top location + size: Located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, the Kitsault Valley Project has 34.7 million ounces of indicated silver and 165,993 ounces of indicated gold. Massive.

3. Strong support: With a $15 million bought-deal led by Eric Sprott & strong management from CEO Shawn KhunkKhun provides some confidence to investors.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: DV

Price: $1.06 (as of June 19, 2024)

Market Cap: $303M

Website: https://dollyvardensilver.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

They typical solar panel is made of 76% glass, 10% plastic polymer, 8% aluminum, 5% silicon and1% copper.

It’s estimated that to produce a 1kW solar panel, you’d need 40kg of silicon.

As AI grows, so will solar. But that’s not everything.

Data centers will need to be set up, requiring copper for wiring and energy infrastructure, and REEs for computers and processing units.

Nvidia's DRIVE platform is developing AI for autonomous vehicles.

EVs and autonomous vehicles use lithium (for batteries), cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements (for electric motors and electronic components).

The list goes on: robotics, cryogenic systems, energy storage, batteries & more.

All of these factors and associated industries are driving AI demand, and mining demand.

As Nvidia becomes a household name, exploration & mining companies feeding this movement will inevitably grow alongside.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (June 12)

• 🌌 10x your chance at mining investment success

• ✅ Monster Pick - Gold’s near all time highs, this company will be there soon

If you’ve been invested in mining (especally juniors), you’ll know that the chance of success, that being a project goes into production, is low.

How low?

1 in 100.

That’s right, only 1% of projects get developed into an actual producing mine.

These are terrible odds, but what if I told you there was a way to 10x your chances?

Well, there is.

Welcome to the world of Carbonatites. 

What Are Carbonatites?

In simple terms, carbonatites are rare igneous rocks that contain more than 50% carbonate minerals.

They are formed from magma that is rich in carbonate and alkaline elements. Carbonatites are often full of valuable minerals like rare earth elements (REEs), niobium, and fluorite.

Why Carbonatites are so good

Carbonatites are the desposit of choice for a few reasons.

Data shows that while only 1 in 100 mining projects make it into production, 1 in every 10 carbonatites becomes a producing mine.

This is due to the high concentration of minerals, reducing the amount of ore that needs to be processed - which in turn lowers production costs.

For instance, the Mountain Pass mine in California, a well-known carbonatite deposit, has been a major source of rare earth elements for decades, producing 15% of the worlds rare earth elements.

Mountain Pass mine, California

Monster Stock Pick

Banyan Gold

Why we like it ✅

1. The AurMac Gold Project's has a solid resource. With an updated mineral resource estimate at 7M ounces of gold and an inferred mineral resource of 347.5 million tonnes grading 0.63 g/t gold at a 0.3 g/t Au cut-off, including intersections like 0.95 g/t gold over 35.7 meters.

2. Management knows how to run gold mines. Tara Christie has over 25 years in the exploration including her previous role as President of Gimlex Gold Mines Ltd., one of Yukon's largest placer mining operations.

3. Money, money & more money: You need money to make money, and Banyan raised $16M in 2022 which is funding the resource development in the Yukon.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: BYN

Price: $0.33 (as of June 12, 2024)

Market Cap: $94M

Website: https://banyangold.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Why are they so unique?

So what makes carbonatites worth so much more?

Rare Earth Elements and other metals found in carbonatites are used in important technology like EV’s, defense systems and electronics - making them highly sought after for advanced countries like the USA.

So much so that they’re listed as critical minerals in the US, meaning they are crucial to the countries development.

That’s essentially a vote of confidence from the US government to say “We need these minerals and will do what we need to ensure the US has a stable source for the future”.

Bullish.

Safety? Please tell me more

If you’re a junior resource investor, any ‘safety’ is welcomed.

With a 10 times higher success rate than other types of deposits, carbonatites offer a much safer bet for investors.

There are just over 500 known carbonatites in the world, and the ones that are being mined are worth a lot.

For instance, the Araxá mine in Brazil, managed by CBMM, is one of the world's largest producers of niobium - acquired by Magris for $530 million.

That means if you find a carbonatite, hold on tight - you’ve found a gem (literally).

Carbonatites are a unique opportunity in the mining sector.

Their high success rate & the strategic importance of their minerals make them a somewhat “safer” bet, while still having the potential of a high-growth mining stock.

As the demand for advanced technologies and sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, carbonatites will continue to grow in importance.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (June 5)

• 🌌 The monkey that beat everyone, then didn’t.

• ✅ Monster Pick - On the verge discovering of another porphyry?

This week is sponsored by Value Investor Daily

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As investors, especially in a high-risk industry such as mining, we often try to “beat” average returns of 10%.

Many view hedge funds and other successful firms as ‘geniuses’ or having access to exclusive information that ordinary investors don’t.

They must know something we don’t, right?

Wrong.

For the most part, company stock success is largely dependant on the economy and industry.

For instance, in 2021 the junior mining industry was on fire 🔥.

Every stock seemed to go up, it didn’t matter what you picked.

Now, not so much.

If you’ve been investing long enough, you’ll remember the tech boom of the early 2000’s.

Companies like Pets.com and Webvan saw their stock prices soar, only to crash when the bubble burst in 2000.

But what happens when picking stocks completely random does better than most money managers?

The Prodigy - Raven Thorogood III

The early 2000’s is a classic example of how riding the wave of the industry and markets can lead to great success, but also great downfall.

Raven Thorogood III was a prodigy investor in the early 2000’s who beat hundreds of money managers during the tech boom by randomly throwing darts at a dartboard full of stocks.

Raven's portfolio outperformed the majority of professional money managers during that period.

The kicker? Raven Throrogood III was a chimp.

Raven Thorogood III

In a famous experiment conducted in the early 2000s, Raven was given a dartboard with various stocks.

His stock picks, determined by throwing darts at the board, were tracked over a year.

The researchers called it MonkeyDex.

Raven's stocks generated a 213% return. Crushing more than 6,000 other money managers returns.

However, his story ended soon after.

By 2003, when the market conditions shifted, Raven's portfolio ‘MonkeyDex’ was gone.

Worth $0.

It’s an example of how riding the wave of a hot market is largely random, and no amount of skill will outdo that.

In all honesty, 99% of us (myself included) should really just be buying ETF’s and holding for as long as possible.

That’s not to say you can’t be putting some risk dollars in the junior mining game - because let’s be honest, you’re still going to do it - you degenerate.

Just don’t YOLO your life savings into a mining stock.

Keep telling yourselves that

Monster Picks

Stock Monster makes it’s Monster Picks each week, focused on junior mining companies that I believe will do well - you can see previous picks here: https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/ab8c783f-e693-4ad7-9667-f63386edcd79?s=l8kxge1Fgpc

The portfolio is down as a whole, but that’s to be expected for a portfolio full of junior mining.

The market is not hot.

That being said, some stocks are up, and by keeping a close eye on their performance you can ‘trade’ them during upticks in the market.

Check out our latest Monster Pick here 👇

Monster Stock Pick

Cascadia Minerals (TSX.V: CAM)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - any company that shows potential for a copper porphyry system is going to have a good time in the markets. Cascadia Minerals (TSX.V: CAM) is about to test this on their Catch project and if they hit it, watch out.

Why we like it ✅

1. The Catch Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in Yukon has impressive drill results including 116.60 meters of 0.31% copper and 0.30 g/t gold, and high-grade samples of 3.88% copper with 30.00 g/t gold. Recent drilling has indicated that not only grade is high, but they have the size as well.

2. Cascadia is fully cashed and ready to explore after securing over $3M in funding led by strategic investor Michael Gentile in May 2024, and additional $2M in March 2024.

3. The company is led by President and CEO Graham Downs, who has over 25 years of experience and has raised over $100 million for mineral exploration in his career - they’re in safe hands.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: CAM

Price: $0.43 (as of June 3, 2024)

Market Cap: $20M

Website: https://cascadiaminerals.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Buying & holding is usually the smart move, but with exploration and mining it’s important to keep an eye on the performance - sometimes selling makes sense.

If a stock is up 30% in cool market, that might be a good time to sell.

Don’t end up like Raven Thorogood.

Junior mining is basically gambling, so allocate your resources accordingly.

Have you had any experiences where you mistook luck for skill? If so reply to this email.

Remember, this is not financial advice and you shouldn’t listen to anything I say - I;m an idiot. Just sharing my views and ideas.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (May 29)

• 🤫 Private equity has a dirty little secret holding it back

• ✅ Monster Pick - Long & High-Grade Copper

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If you don’t know what private equity (PE) is or does, it’s basically a company that is funded by private investors that’s main goal is to acquire other businesses in the private sector, often small and midsize.

They don’t buy them all with their own cash, usually they use a good amount of borrwed money or debt.

The goal is to improve these businesses and sell them at a profit.

While also taking in management fees.

Historically, PE firms have delivered high returns, attracting more investors - which has caused the industry to explode.

For the past few decades, interest rates have generally been falling.

This makes borrowing cheap, allowing PE firms to buy businesses with less of their own money and more debt.

As borrowing costs dropped, PE firms could pay more for businesses, driving up their prices.

The problem now? Interest rates are climbing.

Higher rates mean borrowing costs increase, which reduces the buying power of PE firms.

They can’t afford to pay the high prices they once did, otherwise their returns will be lower.

Even if the PE firms lose money, their management fees keep them afloat.

A lot PE firms in the past 10 years bought businesses at peak prices using cheap debt.

As rates rise, the value of these businesses doesn’t necessarily increase. If these firms try to sell now, they’ll have losses.

The solution is to hold onto these businesses, hoping to avoid marking down their lost value on paper - a strategy known as "extend and pretend.”

Funds raised between 2019-2022 are seeing much lower distributions (profits paid out to investors) compared to earlier funds.

This tells us that PE investments made during this period aren’t performing as expected.

Data shows that distributions from 2019-2022 funds are down 81% compared to similar funds from 2015-2018.

Monster Stock Pick

Intrepid Metals

Intrepid Metals is trading high and has a strong shareholder base that seems to be growing daily. It’s a copper exploration company with long intercepts of high-grade copper in a known district, what more could you want?

Why we like it ✅

1. Huge, high-grade intercepts: Intrepid’s Corral Copper Project's initial drill program resulted in 193.15 meters of 0.68% Copper and 0.33 gpt Gold in Hole CC24_011. These are incredible, and the company will look to build on them.

2. Location, location, location: Tombstone South is located near the Tombstone district and deposits like the Taylor deposit, which sold for $1.3 billion in 2018. An area play like this is common and can be lucrative.

3. Top-tier team: CEO Ken Brophy has shown his ability to advance projects with his Ram River steel-making coal project in Alberta, developing it to the Pre-Feasibility stage in 2017.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: INTR

Price: $0.59 (as of May 27, 2024)

Market Cap: $26M

Website: https://www.intrepidmetals.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

The private equity industry operates on 10-year cycles, so if rates continue to rise, PE firms will struggle to deliver the high returns they promised investors.

This could cause the private equity industry to contract heavily in the next decade.

Over the past 5 years, private equity firms have been buying mining companies because they get better value privately than in public markets - this is changing.

As the cost of borrowing increases, PE firms will shy away from these acquisitions.

This creates an opening for companies to consider going public instead, not only in the mining sector but across all industries.

The public markets may become a more attractive avenue for raising capital as interst rates climb and private equity retreats.

This, along with rising metal and commodity prices, is creating a perfect opportunity for the junior mining industry by bringing in more capital than we've seen in a very long time.

Hold on tight everyone.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (May 2)

• 🌌 Are we entering into a new Copper era?

• ✅ Monster Pick - Gold in Côte d'Ivoire?

This week is sponsored by Vinovest

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Copper is finally having it’s day.

The metal is trading at over $5/pound and shows no signs of slowing down.

We’ve been hearing about the need for copper for the past few years, and it we’ve reached a turning point.

With any large increase in value, investors have to be careful about buying at all-time highs.

Companies like Nvidia, trading at 26x revenue, are potentially overvalued and more likely that they go down in value rather than up, hypothetically of course.

Is the current copper boom indicative of a bubble, or is this the start of something huge?

I’d lean towards agreeing with the latter.

The Surge in Copper Prices

Copper prices have surged by 25% this year alone, reaching a new all-time high of $5.19 a pound.

We’re seeing demand increase in areas like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers - some of the most hyped & high-growth industries.

When adjusted for inflation, copper prices are at levels last seen in the early 1990s - which means there’s still room to grow.

What is driving this demand?

Green Tech: Copper is needed for renewable energy projects, there’s no way around it.

For instance, solar projects need about 2x as much copper per megawatt compared to traditional power sources, while offshore wind projects use up to 5x more copper.

Electric Vehicles: The shift towards EV’s obviously increases copper demand. EVs use 2.5x more copper than regular vehicles for their batteries, motors, and charging infrastructure. While the shift towards EV’s may be delayed, the demand isn’t going anywhere.

Data Centers and AI: Tech infrastructure which includes data centers and AI systems, heavily relies on copper. With companies like OpenAI and Google driving the growth of AI, the need for copper is clear.

Monster Stock Pick

Awalé resources

Awalé Resources stock success has been recent and rapid, but for good reason. Strong management with acquisitions under the belt and early results, this team has quickly gained attention in the industry.

Why we like it ✅

1. Results are key: Awalé Resources Odienné Project in Côte d'Ivoire has the goods, with assay results of 45.7 g/t gold over 32 meters - they announced this on March 25 and the stock peaked at $0.98.

2. Big dollars: They raised $11.5 million through a bought deal private placement in May 2024, and have a strategic partnership with Newmont, committing up to $10 million to earn a 65% interest.

3. Confidence in leadership: CEO Andrew Chubb led the Mantra Resources Mkuju Project to a $1B acquisition.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: ARIC

Price: $0.69 (as of May 21, 2024)

Market Cap: $45M

Website: https://awaleresources.ca/

Up big in 2024.

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Supply Constraints

One of the primary constraints on copper supply is the limited number of new greenfield projects.

Industry expert Lukas Lundin has highlighted this issue, noting the scarcity of new copper mining project.

Lundin Mining founder Lukas Lundin dies at age 64

Lukas Lundin passed away following a two-year battle with brain cancer. Read more here.

financialpost.com/commodities/mining/lundin-mining-founder-lukas-lundin-dies-age-64

This lack of development means that existing mines are under pressure to meet rising demand and major copper producers are scrambling to acquire more projects

This all bodes well for copper exploration companies.

Nations are trying control over copper resources to secure their energy transition and tech advancements.

The Biden administration is reportedly in talks to invest $3 billion in Zambia's First Quantum Minerals to secure a stake in its copper mines.

Expert Insights

Jeff Currie, chief strategy officer at the Carlyle Group, called copper "the most compelling trade" he’s ever seen. Currie said the energy demand for AI and the constraints on the electricity grid, create a enticing market for the metal​​.

Robert Friedland, Founder and Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines has famously stated, "You're going to need a telescope to see copper prices".

Robert Friedland

Stanley Druckenmiller, a legendary investor, paints a clear picture: "Copper is a pretty simple story, takes about 12 years, greenfield to produce copper, and you got EVs, the grid, data centers, and believe it or not munitions. These missiles all got enough copper in them and the world's getting hot, that we just think the supply-demand situation is incredible for the next five or six years"​.

How to take advantage

The easiest way to make a bet on copper is by investing in it, but you don’t need to fill your garage with copper wire.

Have any extra copper wire lying around??

Copper exploration companies have the real upside here.

With limited greenfield projects, large mining companies are scooping up projects that have any sign of potential - and they’re going to have to do it at a record pace if the world is going to catch up with the demand.

The industry has been touting copper as an investment for years, but it finally looks like everything is coming to fruition.

We’re about to see a boom in copper like never before.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (May 15)

• 👑 Bre-X 2.0: Manipulating assay results

• ✅ Monster Pick - Uranium giant growing in Sweden

When I wrote about the biggest mining scandal of all-time, Bre-X, I talked about how fraud ushered in new standards in mining reporting, the introduction of the NI43-101 being the biggest update.

In the three decades since the scandal that inspired Matthew McConaughey's film 'Gold' came to light, the mining industry has yet to witness anything quite like it.

But that changed last week.

The Scandal

It started on May 1st 2024, when Red Pine Exploration (TSX.V: RPX) announced the withdrawal of assay results on it’s Wawa project in Ontario due to “inconsistencies”.

And not just a few results, - they withdrew all assay results dating back to their 43-101 report in June 2023.

Okay, weird.

Stock price dropped from $0.21 to $0.08.

More than half it’s market cap vanished in one day.

Investors were waiting for an update, speculating on the circumstances and people involved.

On May 6th, the company confirmed the assay labs, Actlabs, was not to blame for the results and everything they did was accurate and reliable.

This indicated to the market that something occurred between the assay labs sending the results to the company and their public release.

An update, but not the full story.

On Friday last week - we got the details.

Monster Stock Pick

District Metals (TSX.V:DMX)

District Metals (TSX.V: DMX) is led by an award winning CEO, has a massive Uranium resource and Sweden is about to ramp up Uranium production - what more could you want?

Why we like it ✅

1. Viken Deposit Size

   • The Viken Deposit boasts one of the largest undeveloped uranium and vanadium resources in the world, with historical inferred resources of 1.15 billion lbs of U3O8 and 16.7 billion lbs of V2O5.

2. Top Level CEO

   • CEO Garrett Ainsworth led discoveries such as the Patterson Lake South high-grade uranium field and the Triple R Uranium deposit. His leadership at NexGen Energy Ltd. & Alpha Minerals Inc. helped earn him the 2018 PDAC Bill Dennis Award and the 2013 AMEBC Colin Spence Award.

3. Sweden Uranium

   • With the anticipated lifting of Sweden's uranium mining moratorium and District Metals consolidation of of property across 10,812 hectares is setting up for a nice story amongst ongoing Uranium supply worries.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: DMX

Price: $0.42 (as of May 15, 2024)

Market Cap: $54M

Website: https://www.districtmetals.com

Not a bad looking graph.

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

The manipulation affected 532 out of 98,000 results, going all the way back to 2014.

The correct results were initially sent by ActLabs to Yarie, who then manipulated them before entering them into the company’s database.

Twitter tweet

According to Red Pine, Quentin Yarie was the sole person who received the assay results from the lab, which means he manipulated the results before bringing to his technical team and the board.

Slimey.

This does raise questions - was Quentin the only one to receive assay results in the 10 years? The company says yes, but I find that hard to believe. 

This story is stil unravelling, so expect updates in the coming weeks.

Who knows what this will entail for Red Pine, but you can bet that Quentin Yarie will have the book thrown at him.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (May 9)

• Are EV’s really the future? 🔋

• ✅ Monster Pick - An undervalued gold co. before it’s well known

This week is sponsored by

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In a word - consumption.

Global alcohol consumption is on the rise, with projections hitting new peaks by 2028. Whiskey, in particular, is experiencing significant growth, with the number of US craft distilleries quadrupling in the past decade. Younger generations are moving from beer to cocktails, boosting whiskey's popularity.

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Since 2020, investors have been pummeled with articles, reports & hundreds of media outlets pushing the narrative that Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are the future.

Investing in companies supplying this future was touted as a ‘safe bet’, can’t lose.

Consumers were buying Tesla’s, Rivian’s and more - causing those companies stock prices to skyrocket.

Mercedes and other major car companies had committed to making their products 100% electric by 2030.

Mining investors quickly caught on.

Copper, Lithium & Nickel companies were suddenly the talk of the town and new projects seemed to emerge every day.

Some Investors made millions.

The shift

In 2023 though, things started to change.

Tesla reported a slowdown in sales, so did Rivian.

Their stock prices fell 30% and 44%, respectively.

Long investors were preaching that it’s just ‘seasonality’, and sales would pick up.

EV sales are estimated to grow 20% this year, but that’s a decline from the 33% increase seen in 2023.

Exploration & mining companies were initially holding on, but lithium & nickel prices started to decline and companies felt the hit.

Then, EV manufacturers started to announce changes.

Instead of EV’s, the companies are shifting to a happy medium - hybrids.

Hybrid sales grew 36 per cent in the first quarter of 2023, so it’s not a bad call.

All of these changes point to one thing - consumers aren’t ready for EV’s the way we were told they were.

And investors are reacting accordingly.

Take Albermarle (NYSE: ALB) for instance, the $15B market cap lithium producer, falling more than 30% in the past year.

Or a smaller comparison, Surge Battery Metals, down almost 50% this year.

There’s countless examples in the past year.

Copper and Nickel companies aren’t having as bad of a time, but the drops are still significant.

Take Alaska Energy Metals for example, a company with a MASSIVE nickel deposit in “the last frontier”.

When I wrote about them in early December, they were sitting around $0.35 - down to $0.16 today.

See our report here about $AEMC: https://stock-monster.com/p/mondays-monster-stock-dec-18

Monster Stock Pick

Roscan Gold Corporation (TSX.V: ROS)

Roscan Gold Corporation (TSX.V: ROS) is a gold giant that has yet to grow. With a strong management and huge gold resources, the fact that this company trades under $0.10 is simply a gift.

Why we like it ✅

• Roscan’s Kandiole project has 1.2 Moz of indicated gold resources, with good growth potential from four new targets ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 Moz. Metallurgically, they’re elite. Recoveries of 97.6% for oxide and 92.9% for fresh rock.

• Management includes Director Sir (yes, sir) Samuel Jonah who helped transform Ashanti Goldfields into a multi-national mining giant, amongst other top dogs.

• Roscan's valuation per ounce (C$29.2 to C$48.3) is below recent acquisitions and they’re backed by major shareholders like Sprott Asset Management - setting up for nice story here.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: ROS

Price: $0.075 (as of May 7, 2024)

Market Cap: $29M

Website: https://roscan.ca/

It’s down in share price, but volume has been picking up and investors are jumping in.

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

What does this mean for investors?

As many of you already know, these situations happen in cycles.

We reached all-time highs, and the market is pulling back. How much? No one knows.

EV’s aren’t going anywhere. Ask anyone in Vancouver how many Tesla’s they see every day. I’d guess every 3rd car is a Tesla.

But the demand isn’t where we thought it was.

The charging networks aren’t where they need to be and electric trucks aren’t as ‘sticky’ with contractors as much as Ford thought..

If you believe in a renewable energy future, than this is a great opportunity to buy low.

But with increasing recession fears in the upcoming year, it’s hard to know if these companies will continue to fall. And if so, by how much.

If you are privileged enough to be able to take risks, you might be rewarded.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (May 2)

• 👑 This one deposit type is dominating them all

• ✅ Monster Pick - High-grade results, high-grade team

For the past year, there’s been a common denominator in the successful exploration companies - at a time when most are suffering substantial drops in market cap.

Sure, lithium was hot but it’s cooled off.

Lihtium prices have dropped… a lot

Over recent months, companies discovering porphyry style deposits have been seeing large influxes of investors (and upticks in stock price), when other juniors are seeing investors exit.

Why are companies like Hercules Silver (TSX.V:BIG) finding success with porphyry’s, are they something special?

Turns out, they are.

65% of world’s copper production comes from porphyry’s.

What are Porphyry Deposits?

Porphyry deposits are large underground rock formations that contain mineral veins, formed deep within the Earth. They’re rich in copper and often gold & molybdenum.

The process starts when hot fluids filled with minerals come into contact with underground rock. These fluids spread out and deposit metals over a wide area, creating what we call a 'porphyry', named after the texture of the rock.

If you want more detail, this video is simple and easy to understand 👇

Size
Porphyry deposits are among the largest mineral deposits in the world, often covering areas several square kilometers and extending deep into the crust.

Some deposits can measure hundreds of millions to several billion tons of ore.

Multiple Commodities
They’re ot only large but also diverse in their minerals. They include a mix of copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, lead, and zinc.

This allows companies to mine several valuable minerals from the same operation, increasing the economics and efficiency of producing mines.

Copper Focus
Copper is always the primary commodity of porphyry deposits.

These deposits contribute significantly to the global copper supply, with some of the largest mines, like the Escondida mine in Chile, producing over a million tons of copper every year.

Monster Stock Pick

Magna Mining Inc. (TSX.V: NICU)

Drilling at Magna Mining (TSX.V: NICU)’s Crean Hill is turning heads with some seriously impressive nickel and copper hits, and with big players already lining up, it looks like they might have the goods.

Why we like it ✅

• Recent drilling results have been exceptional. The 109 Footwall Zone at the Crean Hill project in the Sudbury Basin nickel district, assayed 2.5% nickel, 9.6% copper, and 17.4 g/t of Pt+Pd+Au over 6.8 meters. They’ve barely scratched the surface (literally), and big names are already starting to take notice.

• The management team has experience in the Sudbury Nasin, CEO Jason Jessup's brought the Morrison Deposit into production and he’s looking to do it again with $NICU.

• An Off-Take Agreement between Magna & Vale Canada for the Crean Hill Project secured a guaranteed buyer for production. Magna’s material will be processed at Vale's Clarabelle Mill nearby.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: NICU

Price: $0.85 (as of May 2, 2024)

Market Cap: $138M

Website: https://magnamining.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Producing Mines

Bingham Canyon Mine, USA: Located in Utah, the Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, is among the oldest and most productive mines in the world.

Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah.

Chuquicamata Mine, Chile: As one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, Chuquicamata has been a staple in Chile’s economy, providing copper production for over a century.

Why should you care?

Well to put it simply, porphyry’s make investors money.

There’s no better example than one of our favorite stocks, Hercules Silver (TSX.V: BIG).

The silver explorer announced news of a new porphyry discovery stock skyrockets over $1.

Or how about Libero Copper & Gold Corp. (TSX-V: LBC )? They’re up over 200% YTD on a porphyry discovery.

Our monster pick back in early March, Pampa Metals Corp. (CSE: PM), is also up after annoucing positive porphyry results.

The trend is clear - investors want copper and porphyry style deposits are the primary source for it.

Identify these companies early & take your bets - copper demand is only increasing.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (Apr. 15)

• 🏠 A look at how exploration ‘darlings’ rise to the top

• ✅ Monster Pick - This company is worth 10x it’s stock price

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If you've been invested in the mining/exploration game long enough, you'll start to notice patterns.

One of these patterns happens more consistently than others.

Every year, a few exploration companies seem to gain the following of everyone in the industry. You'll hear about them at conferences, other companies compare themselves in presentations and investors can't get enough.

Becoming a 'darling' of the exploration game often also comes with a nice increase in stock price.

But how do companies do it?

Do they better results than everyone? A stronger management team? Or are they possibly backed by exceptional funds or 'smart money'?

If there’s one thing I've learned in my short time in this world is that success is rarely ever because of one thing - a perfect storm of everything coming together is more likely.

But that doesn't mean it's completely random either.

There's a few very specific reasons why these companies get that status and the synergistic effect of them coming together is what drives this success.

As we've seen before, if it turns out you're missing some of these key pieces then watch out - the fall from the top is long and painful.

Previous/Current darlings

Hercules Silver (TSX.V: BIG) is the current celebrity of the TSX venture & CSE. If you're not sure why, check out the post we did about them last December here: https://stock-monster.com/p/mondays-monster-stock-dec-11

Patriot Battery Metals (TSX: PMET) - The craze in the lithium exploration world (although dying) was highlighted by Patriot Battery Metals, driving the stock from under $0.5 to over $17. Following the Corvette discovery, tons of companies rushed into the James Bay Lithium district and ushered in the equivalent of a modern day 'gold rush'.

Ask anyone in the industry, they know Patriot.

Emerita (TSX.V:EMO) - an earlier example of an industry darling comes from Emerita Resources. In 2021, the company rose from under $0.2 to over $4 on news that it would win an upcoming court case for a valuable spanish asset. Emerita's rise initially began when an anonymous investor going by Doc Jones wrote his case for why to invest in the company.

While the company still has a loyal following, the stock price has severely dropped (down to $0.28) since, largely in part because the court case decision will likely be pushed a few years.

These are all examples of companies that have done or are utilizing strategies to get their stock in the hands of investors, and on top gainer lists - but can anyone do this?

Probably.

Let's take a look at the strategies utilized by these industry darlings and how you can notice the up and comers before it's too late.

Monday’s Monster Stock

Tinka Resources (TSX.V: TK)

Tinka Resources (TSX.V: TK) is not your typical exploration company. They have a resource and are just about ready to build a mine with an updated resource estimate in 2023.

Funny thing is they’re still trading at the levels of a little exploration company.

Why we like it ✅

• The updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Ayawilca project indicates a 21-year mine life with a NPV of US$434 million. Not bad.

• Tinka Resources' CEO Dr. Graham Donald Carman has been around the game. Dr. Carman's extensive background in exploration is too much to list, but it’s deep, view it here.

• The Ayawilca project has high-grade zinc, with drill results from 2023 showing long intervals over 20%. With zinc being crucial for solar panels & turbines, demand is expected to grow in the next 10 years.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: TK

Price: $0.14 (as of April 20, 2024)

Market Cap: $54M

Website: https://tinkaresources.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Big investor early

Whether it's Shaq for Icy Hot or Michael Buble for Bubly, companies that use this tactic are taking a calculated bet that their audience will resonate with seeing someone they know and love using a product, thus convincing them to buy it.

The same goes for junior mining and exploration.

Of course getting a celebrity like Brad Pitt to endorse your mining company isn't the smartest move (or could that work...?), but a well-known investor acts in the same way.

Someone like Eric Sprott - the wealthy mining investor known to take large bests in early stage companies - can help give retail investors the confidence to jump in the stock.

Investors aren't confident, they need a reason to be.

Billionaire Eric Sprott

Results matter

This one is pretty obvious, but size (and grade) matters.

Investors want to know the company has the goods, and if they don't - there's no chance.

Take Neotech Metals (CSE:NTMC) for instance.

That stock ran to over $4 in less than 2 months on 0 results. They spent a shitload on marketing and basically told investors that their project was the same as defense metals (TSX.v: DEFN).

It resulted in a big increase in share price - but the exchanges didn't like it and made them change almost all their materials to accurately reflect the project.

Active Strategy

It's important that management has a plan for the company. A direction.

Too many times I see companies with 5+ projects and news releases are hard to follow as they jump from asset to asset with very little direction.

Investors, and people in general, want a story to follow. Exploration is quite literally a treasure hunt, take them with you.

A good strategy for companies is to write a checklist or timeline for their strategy, outlining the expected milestones.

Check for this, are they checking the boxes they said they would - good, keep going.

Marketing

Marketing your company is important. Investors need a way to access information in an easy to understand format, with their needs taken into account.

Do investors want to read technical news releases every day and sift through research reports to find the info? Some do, but most don't.

In 2024, companies need to using short form content, they need cohesive branding that relates to their vision and they need to make it clear the goals of the company.

Making sure they website is easy to navigate and information is clear is a must.

Video content is increasingly becoming more important. Nobody wants to read anymore, but we'll happily watch it on video. Regular video interviews allow for more in-depth explanations and it personalizes the executives (if they have a personality).

Building trust is invaluable.

The biggest thing to avoid here is over marketing. You can't build a company on that and the ones who try ($NTMC) often sour the deal for investors when the stock inevitably plummets.

Takeaways for investors

As an investor, look out for these types strategies. Is the team transparent and are they updating investors regularly with good results? Do they have result and strong management?

None of this guarantees success - but it makes it a heck of a lot easier.

Look out for these darlings, there's more than you think.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

Do you want to support Stock Monster? Buy me a coffee

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (Apr. 15)

• 🏠 A new premier copper mining district is developing

• ✅ Monster Pick - Another Porphyry, another good stock

It’s not often that a new mining district emerges in North America.

The James Bay Lithium district is a recent example, and Patriot Battery Metals who rose from a $0.20 stock to a high of nearly $18.

But it’s uncommon.

James Bay Lithium District

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When a new mining district emerges, a new wave of investors often make serious money on the price action of the early companies in that area.

At the end of 2023 and into 2024, a new mining district has started to emerge in western Idaho - and it didn’t take long for one of the majors to step in.

Let’s take a look at how this area emerged, who’s playing this new game and what it holds for the future.

The Hercules Copper Belt/Trend

In 2023, Hercules Silver (TSX.V: BIG) was exploring western Idaho on their Hercules Silver project when they noticed a zone on the property with some interesting characteristics.

By the way, we featured them as a Monster stock back in December 2023, check that out here: https://stock-monster.com/p/mondays-monster-stock-dec-4

The Leviathan Zone, as they called it at the time, is located within the Hercules Silver Project in western Idaho and the company noted it’s strong potential for gold-copper porphyry mineralization.

This region, now named the Hercules Copper Trend, lies in the Blue Mountain Province, similar to British Columbia's Stikine and Quesnel terranes. These terranes are known for hosting significant porphyry copper deposits, including the Highland Valley and Red Chris mines.

Initially, Hercules did some soil sampling, which helped define the extent of the anomaly and measured approximately 2.7 kilometers east-west and 1.7 kilometers north-south.

They even found some rock samples of 8%+ copper. Very high-grade.

Historical age dating – completed as part of a Ph.D. dissertation by Hercules advisor Dr. Tom Henricksen – provided an age estimate of 200 million years for the nearby intrusives.

This is the same mean age of formation for nearly all significant porphyry copper systems north of the Property in British Columbia.

Geologists are now starting to understand the connection between the two areas.

Possible connection to BC’s Golden Triangle - Cordillera Porphyry Copper Terrane

The company explored this anomaly with drilling in late 2023, and in September announced the results of drill hole HER-23-05, sparking a frenzy in the stock price.

The company released further drill results from nearby holes and in early November, Barrick Gold (TSE: ABX) announced an investment of $25 million.

In the month following HER-23-05, the stock price rose from around $0.25 to over $1.50. It’s since fallen below $1.00, buying opportunity?

HER-23-05 is the first major porphyry copper system identified in the area and is establishing a new district for porphyry exploration in a top-tier jurisdiction.

Idaho is considered the most mining friendly state, according to this.

The geology of the Hercules Copper Trend is eerily similar to British Columbia’s famous Golden Triangle, where some of the world’s largest porphyry copper systems have been discovered.

BC’s Golden Triangle

The difference is that the Hercules Copper Trend in Idaho is accessible year-round, with excellent infrastructure and a supportive, pro-mining government.

Emergence of a new district

Hercules silver isn’t the only company in the area - and with this discovery they certainly won’t be the last.

Companies in the newly discovered Hercules Copper Trend include:

• Hercules Silver (TSX.V:BIG) - Visit website

• Bayhorse Silver - Visit website

• NevGold - just announced staking in the area, learn more.

• Zeus Mining - Visit website

• Scout Discoveries -Visit website

I’m probably missing some. If I am, can you reply and let me know which?🙂

Monday’s Monster Stock

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX.V: BAY)

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX.V: BAY) is following the footsteps of so many others right now with the focus on a copper porphyry system at their Nunavut project. Management is exceptional, with award winners and a CEO with a history of major copper development.

Why we like it ✅

• Aston Bay's Storm Copper Project in Nunavut has high-grade results already, with 41m at 4.2% copper. The Buckingham Gold Project in Virginia has surface samples up to 701 g/t gold and solid drill results like 2.03m at 35.61 g/t gold. They’ve raised the money to further explore it too.

• Led by CEO Thomas Ullrich, previously with Antofagasta Minerals, and supported by Don Taylor, a Thayer Lindsley award winner, Aston Bay's management brings the heat.

• Porphyry copper deposits (Aston Bay’s Storm project) are the world’s primary source of copper, supplying about 60-70% of the global copper because of their large size and relatively high-grade. With the global demand for copper projected to rise up to 31% by 2035, Aston Bay is in a market primed for investment… from majors.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: BAY

Price: $0.13 (as of April 15, 2024)

Market Cap: $28M

Website: https://astonbayholdings.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

With Barrick making an investment this early, something is up.

We already know Barrick’s geologists are working very closely with Hercules, and you can imagine they’re looking at everything in that area.

Majors don’t mess around, and if there’s a newly discovered system in that area with potential, you can bet Barrick will be aiming to scoop up everything up they can.

As an investor, consider investing in the area as a whole, rather than just one of the companies.

Some companies may successfully find the goods, as $BIG seems to have done, while others may not.

By spreading your investment across several companies in this area, you can hedge your bets.

Western Idaho is primed for big discovery in 2024, it may be wise to take notice.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

Do you want to support Stock Monster? Buy me a coffee

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. All content is based on public knowledge. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased, but not compensated to promote them.

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (Apr. 8)

• 💰 How this billionaire got busted trying to do a ‘good’ thing.

• Monday’s Monster Pick - Another porphyry story 🌟

• ⛏️ Latest Mining/Exploration News

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The billionaire that got busted for trying to ‘give back’

Is it okay to do something illegal if it helps other people?

Billionaire Joe Lewis thinks so.

And his case proves how complicated that question can be.

Joe Lewis, a self-made billionaire from London, had it all.

He transformed his dad's small restaurant business into an empire but really made his wealth betting on the British pound crashing in 1992.

He even bought the English Premier League Tottenham Hotspur soccer club.

Billionaire & owner of Tottenham Hotspurs, Joe Lewis

This is what makes the details of how Joe Lewis got busted for insider trading so perplexing.

He wasn’t doing the typical scheme, buying or selling his own personal shares based on private information.

He didn’t make his fortune this way - and there wasn’t any indication he was doing this to make himself money.

Joe was helping others by providing stock tips to the ‘less rich‘ people around him, including his pilots, girlfriend and personal assistants.

In 2019, members of Australian Agricultural’s board of directors allegedly told Lewis that the company, a “beef giant” had suffered massive losses due to flooding.

Lewis called two of his personal pilots, and told them to sell their stock in the company immediately. They did.

In 2019, he told his girlfriend to purchase shares of the company Solid Biosciences after hearing about an upcoming trial that hadn’t been disclosed yet.

The girlfriend paid $700,000 to purchase 150,000 shares and sold after the news released for a $849,000 profit.

He told two personal assistants working aboard his superyacht to invest in SPAC company called BCTG acquisition group or $BCTG quoting that the stock will triple or even quadruple.

Turns out it did.

Monday’s Monster Stock

Ridgeline Minerals (TSX.V: RDG)

Ridgeline Minerals (TSX-V: RDG) is an early stage exploration company gathering steam at it’s Selena project. Recent discovery of a polymetallic porphyry back up by magnetic survey results is getting management and investors excited for 2024.  

Why we like it ✅

• At Ridgeline Minerals' Selena Project, drilling in the Upper Chinchilla Zone revealed an intercept of 0.4 meters grading 570.2 g/t silver, 20.8% lead, 1.5% zinc, and 0.3 g/t gold. This combined with a magnetic survey uncovering an unexplored porphyry anomaly is getting investors excited. The stock may be down, but volumes are picking up and they’ve barely scratched the surface.

• With an oversubscribed $4,507,000 private placement in April 2023, Ridgeline Minerals is well-financed to drill the Upper Chinchilla Zone at the Selena Project, aiming to delineate its size.

• Chad Peters, CEO of Ridgeline Minerals was previously at Premier Gold Mines where he helped discover 10 million ounces of gold and played a crucial role in uncovering the high-grade CSD Gap deposit, leading to a valuable partnership with Barrick Gold - read about that partnership here. 

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: RDG

Price: $0.125 (as of April 8, 2024)

Market Cap: $11.4M

Website: https://www.ridgelineminerals.com/

The stock might be down the past year, but who isn’t in junior mining? Key is the volume is up these past few weeks.

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

Aftermath and jail time

Joe Lewis won’t go to jail for this.

Last week, a judge ordered a $5 million fine and limits on business activities due to his declining health. He wouldn’t last a day in jail at 87 years old.

These are crazy stories for a man worth over $6B.

The risk versus reward seems absurd for someone with so much to lose.

The craziest part of all is the reason he said he did it.

“Hubris and childish exuberance'“ said his lawyers.

He thought he was something special and wanted people to feel the same way - what an ego.

Was he justified?

It begs the question, is it really that bad to help out your friends?

Lewis's actions, though seemingly generous, undercut the fairness and trust that the stock market relies on.

Legally, the message is crystal clear: the law is the law, and bending it for personal gain or to help your circle doesn't fly.

Also - it was just incredibly stupid.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

Do you want to support Stock Monster? Buy me a coffee

If you liked this, make sure to Subscribe and if you want to read my other posts, check them out here.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.rcule

Hello and welcome to Stock Monster! If you’re new here, add your email below to ensure that you receive my next emails in your inbox, and if you want to read more of our posts, check them out here.

What to expect (Apr. 1)

• 🏠 Why this retailer is betting big on housing & how you can too

• Monday’s Monster Pick - Fiji based gold 🐲

• ⛏️ Latest Mining/Exploration News

Last Thursday, Home Depot (NYSE: HD) announced its acquisition of SRS Distribution for $18.25 billion - read the official news here.

SRS Distribution is the fastest growing distributor of building products in the United States across several verticals including roofing, landscaping and pool contracting.

What does this say to the world?

Home Depot is betting on the growth of housing market - and not just a small bet, this is their largest acquisition ever.

They’re not betting on the DIY movement or small home renovations really, they think the US & Canada are going to need new houses, and a lot of them.

One thing to know about Home Depot, they’re usually right.

And their stock proves it, up 89% over 5 years.

During a bathroom reno I went to Home Depot at least 4 times/day. Bullish on $HD.

The acquisition, which aims to close by the end of 2024, is a sign that something is coming in new construction and large-scale renovation projects.

SRS Distribution is a huge player in the distribution of roofing, landscaping, pool contracting and other building materials and brings to Home Depot a network of 760 locations across 47 states, and a fleet of over 4,000 delivery trucks​.

Home Depot is focusing on professional contractors, builders, and specialty trades, a sector that’s crucial in determining the pace and scale of nationwide projects.

It’s a bet on the resurgence of the housing market, something that has slowed the past few years.

The Bet

The past couple of years have seen a dramatic fluctuation in mortgage rates, with Canada seeing the largest rate of increase ever.

High mortgage rates have historically cooled down the market, making it more challenging for buyers to afford new home which leads to a decrease in new home construction.

As rates begin to stabilize or even decrease, the housing market is expected to experience a resurgence.

The Bank of Canada increased rates 10x over 1.5 years.

Home depot’s acquisition is no doubt a smart one given the conditions, but it should also serve as a lesson for investors.

Real estate is usually a good investment but they key is time.

Not waiting for the right time, but maximizing your time. Getting in early is the key to success in real estate. ‘Timing the market’ is not.

Monday’s Monster Stock

Lion One Metals (TSX.V: LIO)

Lion One Metals Limited (TSX-V: LIO) is a Canadian exploration company looking to prove up it’s Fiji based Tuvatu Gold Project. Preliminary results are showing similarities between their project and other massive deposits in the area, and $LIO has the cash to explore for it.

Why we like it ✅

• Lion One’s discovery hole TUG-141, which yielded 20.86 g/t Au over 75.90m is an indication that they have something large here. With the project location in Fiji having easy access to commercial ports, if they have something here it should be economical.

• In 2023 and 2024, Lion One had some big financing deals, including a $27 million public offering and a $37 million financing from Nebari. They also closed a $12 million offering in 2024. These guys are cashed up and ready to discover.

• Ron Stewart, ex-Chief Geologist at Porgera Gold Mine—valued at billions—joined the Lion One team and his view that Tuvatu shares geological similarities with the Porgera mine only strengthens Lion One's exploration approach.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: LIO

Price: $0.46 (as of April 1, 2024)

Market Cap: $100M

Website: https://liononemetals.com/

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

How to invest alongside $HD?

Of course buying a home or condo is a simple way to invest in real estate, but not everyone can drop the tens of thousands needed for a down payment - so how can you mirror Home Depot and invest in the upcoming housing boom?

REITS

For those looking for exposure to real estate without direct ownership, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are a good option.

These trusts invest in real estate assets, allowing investors to earn dividends from real estate investments actually buying the properties.

REITs invest in housing, apartment buildings, data centers, hotels, medical facilities, offices, retail centers, and warehouses. By investing in REITs, you’re mirroring the type of growth Home Depot expects.

The moment interest rates get cut, the housing market will go 🚀🚀🚀.

Don’t get caught on the sidelines.

Look into direct real estate opportunities, explore REITs, or look at alternatative real estate investment platforms like Addy, which allows you to invest in real estate for as little as $1. Click here to sign up and get $25.

Am I saying go out and buy 30 rental properties and become a landlord? No.

But some quick math makes everything a little bit more obvious.

Let’s say you have $50k.

Option 1 is putting the $50k into the S&P500, make 10%/year. After 10 years, you have $129,687.12, an increase of ~$80k, not bad.

Option 2, you buy a $500,000 home with the $50k. Each year, the value of your home goes up 3% (estimate). This would value you’re home at $671,958.19 after 10 years, an increase of over $171k. Plus, you’ve built equity in that home over the 10 years, putting your total ‘profit’ up over $200k in the same 10 year period.

That’s what I like to call leverage.

We sometimes second guess ourselves and worry about making the wrong decision, and while as investors and humans we should be cautious, the biggest regret is typically the thing we didn’t do.

Investing is about time in the market, not timing the market.

There’s been more millionaires made from real estate than any other investment class - why reinvent the wheel?

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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What to expect this week (Mar. 25)

• ⛰️The story of Whistler’s rise to a $1.4B acquisition

• Monday’s Monster Pick 🐲

• ⛏️ Latest Mining/Exploration News

Located just a couple hours from the hub of the early-stage, public company haven that is Vancouver, lies one of the world’s greatest ski resorts, Whistler.

What’s known today as a premier ski destination and worldwide winter vacation spot was once a humble mountain with visionaries who built it into a thriving public company that was acquired for over $1B.

Humble beginnings

In the 1960’s, Franz Wilhelmsen, now known as “The Father of Whistler”, and several of his business partners started developing plans to build Whistler mountain in hopes of hosting the upcoming Olympic Games in 1968.

Franz Wilhelmsen

They established the Garibaldi Lift Company and raised the money needed for Whistlers development from investors.

They raised $800,000 in the offering and after a few years of development the mountain was ready.

They opened to the public on February 15, 1965 with a four-passenger gondola, a two-seat chairlift, two T-bar lifts, essential lodges at the base, mid-mountain, and the summit, along with six ski runs.

Whistler surges

In the 70s, Whistler was in it’s growth phase, focusing on expanding its ski capabilities with new lifts and runs to accommodate an increasing number of visitors.

This era also saw crucial infrastructure improvements, including the enhancement of roads and the development of Whistler Village.

The introduction of summer activities, such as mountain biking and hiking, diversified Whistler's appeal to global tourism.

Whistler T-bar, 1978

Blackcomb Mountain's development initiated in the 1980s expanded the areas terrain, and in 1997, Intrawest, a real estate development company that had already acquired Blackcomb Mountain, bought Whistler Mountain, leading to the merger of the two once rival mountains.

The introduction of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting the two mountains, established Whistler as one of the largest mountains in the world.

In the early 2000’s, Whistler and Vancouver made strategic bids for the Winter Olympics, with their sights set firmly on the 2010 games.

Their successful bid was announced in 2003, and construction on facilities to support the games began immediately.

Monday’s Monster Stock

Libero Copper & Gold Corporation

Libero Copper & Gold Corp. (TSX-V: LBC ) is searching for copper in the land of Pablo Escobar, Colombia.

Their advanced asset has size and grade, and has investors drooling with their 230% increase Year to Date.

Why we like it ✅

• With an inferred resource of 636 million tonnes at 0.45% copper equivalent, comprising 0.33% copper and 0.038% molybdenum at their Mocoa project in Colombia,this porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit as investors giddy as the data is supported by extensive historical exploration and positive pre-feasibility studies.

• In 2023, one of the worst years to raise money for public companies, they managed to secure over $4M - and are having no issues in 2024. More money = more results.

• Libero has a strong management team led by CEO Ian Harris, a mining expert with 25+ years of experience and track record of success including the development of the Mirador mine in Ecuador.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: LBC

Price: $0.495 (as of March 25, 2024)

Market Cap: $24M

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

In 2010, Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “WB” with an initial public offering (IPO) price of $12.50 per share and market cap of over $500 million.

In 2016, Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) acquired Whistler Blackcomb for $1.4 billion.

The resort has been operated by Vail ever since and continues to be one of the world’s greatest ski destinations.

PEAK2PEAK, connecting Whistler & Blackcomb mountain

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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What to expect this week (Mar. 18)

• The Crypto CEO who stole everyone’s money and faked his death 🤑

• Monday’s Monster Pick 🐲

• ⛏️ Latest Mining/Exploration News

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Is this crypto CEO still alive after scamming millions from Canadians?

His story began with the rapid rise of cryptocurrency in the mid 2010’s and his wildly successful crypto exchange QuadrigaCX, but ended in 2018 with his timely “death“.

This is the story of how Gerald Cotten stole from thousands of Canadians and vanished, and how his sketchy past led to this inevitable scam.

The Early Warning Signs

In 2004, Gerald Cotten, 15, ventured into the murky world of high-yield investment programs (HYIPs) - basically ponzi schemes.

His venture was called S&S Investments.

He’d put up shady online ads for 150% return investment schemes and take money from investors - when they wanted their return, he’d use newer investor money to pay for the “150%" return”.

Through his online activities, Cotten met Michael Patryn - a known scammer, and the two would go on to start QuadrigaCX.

The Rise of QuadrigaCX

QuadrigaCX emerged in 2013 when Gerald learned of Crypto - and started the exchange with Patryn in Vancouver.

QuadrigaCX quickly gained traction, peaking at over 350,000 users at a time when most people didn’t know what Bitcoin was.

In 2013, it was very difficult to buy crypto, a popular method was to meet in person and transfer, or bitcoin ATM’s.

World’s first bitcoin ATM

Part of the reason QuadrigaCX was so popular early on was it’s ease of use.

I remember using it, and it was one of the only sites you could use debit cards to buy crypto.

It turns out, Cotten was using QuadrigaCX customer funds to live his lavish life, and money had been funneling out on a consistent basis.

Monday’s Monster Stock

Sun Peak Metals (TSX.V: PEAK)

Sun Peak Metals (TSX.V: PEAK) Shire Project was drilled in 2020 and high-value exploration targets were discovered. With substantial funding in place, the company is well-positioned to build on its impressive high-grade findings from 2020.

Why we like it ✅

• The 2020 drill results for the Shire Project show promising finds: 35.43 meters with 2.52 grams per ton gold, 22.3 grams per ton silver, 1.8% copper, and 1.5% zinc, all while targeting over 24 key VMS locations.

• Cashed up with $6.4M in the bank. They can drill these targets and then some.

• Sun Peak Metals Corp's management team, led by President and CEO Greg Davis, is known for their significant roles in major discoveries like the Bisha Mine and Asmara Project in the Arabian Nubian Shield.

Stock Info

Ticker Symbol: TSX.V: PEAK

Price: $0.50 (as of March 18, 2024)

Market Cap: $43M

Want to view our previous Monday Monster Stock picks? View them here.

The scam reveals itself

In 2018, crypto started to crash. And like any good ponzi scheme, Quadriga magically started having problems paying out investors.

Cottens scam started to unravel when it was announced he had suddenly died while on a trip in India.

India is known for the ease at which to fake a death - they even warned about it.

Cotten's sudden death in India plunged QuadrigaCX into chaos, with over $190 million in customer funds un-recoverable.

Of course, Cotten was the only one who could access the cold wallet codes.

The coincidental timing—just as QuadrigaCX faced insolvency—prompted theories about a faked death.

Gerald did have Crohn’s disease - and complications from this resulted in cardiac arrest, or at least that’s what they said the cause of death was.

He was supposedly helping build an orphanage in India, but only planned to be there for 2 hours.

His plans were cut short, less than 24 hrs after he landed in Jaipur, Cotten died.

No autopsy was done - and no one who was interviewed about the death could confirm they saw the body.

While the media was skeptical of his death, the general consensus nwis that he truly died.

But I’m not buying it.

A man who’s life purpose since the age of 15 was to scam people, ends up dead in the one place known for faking deaths, right when his company is having solvency issues.

Occam’s Razor says he’s still alive.

👋 Colton, Stock Monster.

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. We have not been compensated in any way for this pick or content; we genuinely just like it. Assume that contributors to articles own or have interest in stocks they talk about, therefore may be biased.