Latest news with #DesertGold
The Market Online
4 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
BOMBSHELL! RENK, Bayer, Desert Gold! Who has the potential to multiply?
Bombshell at RENK! Order intake is exploding! Revenue and earnings are also already up significantly. After Rheinmetall and Hensoldt posted rather disappointing figures, the defense boom appears to be reaching the tank transmission specialist. The stock is reacting strongly. Meanwhile, the share price of gold explorer Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) has not yet responded to the recent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). This is surprising, as the returns are high – even with the conservative gold price assumptions. In an interview with analysts, the CEO once again explains the opportunities. GBC Research sees potential for multiplication here. At Bayer, investors have recently been focusing more on litigation risks in the US than on upside potential. However, the latest news from the pharmaceutical division is driving the Leverkusen-based company's shares up again. Is the weak phase finally over? This article is disseminated in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Desert Gold: An opportunity in the gold sector Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) currently offers an opportunity in the gold sector. Last week, the long-awaited Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the SMSZ project in West Africa was published. Despite strong prospects, Desert Gold's share price has hardly reacted. Yesterday, Desert CEO Jared Scharf clarified in an interview with analysts from GBC Research that the study reflects only a fraction of the actual potential. According to this, only around 10% of the current gold resource of 1.1 million ounces was taken into account. Based on a gold price of USD 2,500 per ounce, the PEA calculates an internal rate of return (IRR) of 34% and an after-tax cash flow of USD 71 million. According to Scharf, the IRR is even above 50% at current prices. Thanks to low all-in sustaining costs of around USD 1,350 per ounce, the project has high leverage to the gold price. The reason for the 'small' PEA is that Desert is pursuing a modular processing strategy. Mobile open-pit mining equipment will enable the Company to start production quickly and remain flexible. The current permit allows for the processing of up to 36,000 tons per month – a capacity expansion is possible and could significantly accelerate cash flow. At the same time, the current gold resource of 1.1 million ounces at the SMSZ project could be significantly expanded. This is because only 5 of the more than 30 known gold zones have been included in the resource estimate to date. Scharf is also optimistic about Desert Gold's second project. Exploration is scheduled to begin after the end of the rainy season in Côte d'Ivoire. Link to interview. This should keep Desert Gold on track in terms of operations. Analysts at GBC Research see the fair value of the share at CAD 0.425. The security is currently trading at CAD 0.08 and is listed on Tradegate in Germany, among other places. RENK: One defense company that delivers At least one German defense company is already benefiting from the supercycle. RENK posted impressive figures for the first half of 2025 yesterday. The order intake in particular caused jubilation on the stock market, rising by 46.8% to EUR 921 million in the reporting period. Rheinmetall and Hensoldt had previously opened their books, and their order intake had caused disillusionment and led to hopes being pinned on the second half of the year. As a result, RENK shares rose by more than 5% yesterday. The Company, which is known for its transmissions for the Leopard 2 tank, also posted impressive operating results. Revenue rose by 21.5% to EUR 620 million. Adjusted EBIT climbed by 29.4% to EUR 89 million. With a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5x and a total order backlog of EUR 5.9 billion, visibility for the coming quarters has further improved. Given this strong performance, the forecast for the current year was (naturally) confirmed. RENK aims to increase revenue to over EUR 1.3 billion (2024: EUR 1.14 billion). EBIT is expected to be between EUR 210 million and EUR 235 million (2024: EUR 189 million). Bayer: Billion-dollar deal After uncertainty surrounding Bayer's court cases in the US caused its shares to fall last week, this week has seen a return to optimism thanks to positive developments in the pharmaceuticals division. Bayer shares rose by more than 4% yesterday alone. The reason: The Leverkusen-based company has signed a licensing deal with Kumquat Biosciences that could be worth billions. The US biotech company specializes in the KRAS signaling pathway. The KRAS signaling pathway is a central 'control center' in human cells that regulates how they respond to growth and division signals. It is one of the most frequently disrupted signaling pathways in cancer biology. Kumquat Biosciences is developing a small-molecule inhibitor designed to specifically block the KRAS G12D mutant. This mutation is particularly common in pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer and is currently difficult to treat medically. IND (Investigational New Drug) approval for the compound was granted by the US FDA in July 2025. Kumquat intends to conduct the Phase Ia study independently. Bayer will then take over the further development, approval, and marketing of the active ingredient. Bayer could pay Kumquat Biosciences up to USD 1.3 billion in total, but many milestones still need to be achieved. Desert Gold currently offers a great opportunity in the gold sector. The PEA has not yet triggered the expected price explosion, but a sharp upward move may be imminent. According to GBC Research, a multiplication is possible. After Rheinmetall and Hensoldt disappointed, particularly in terms of order intake, RENK's strong figures were important for the entire industry. Meanwhile, Bayer shares have already delivered a solid performance this year. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a 'Transaction'). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships. For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
The Market Online
08-08-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Stock news: Gold mine figures – Desert Gold impresses with strong initial study
Following recent acquisitions, Canadian explorer Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) has reached the next milestone in its SMSZ project in Mali. With a fresh Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), the Company is now set to construct a small processing plant. With production of approximately 5,500 ounces per year, annual gross cash flows in excess of USD 5 million are expected from 2026. At the same time, the Company has recently expanded its portfolio significantly with an option in West Africa. With the Tiegba project, Desert Gold is now also active in Côte d'Ivoire, alongside major mining companies such as Barrick, Allied, Endeavour, and B2Gold. The vision is clear: to extract easily accessible ounces at low cost and use the generated surplus for exploration of the high-grade properties in Côte d'Ivoire. The setup should excite investors and make the current valuation history! This article is disseminated in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Desert Gold Ventures ((TSXV:DAU) WKN: A14X09 | ISIN: CA25039N4084 | Ticker symbol: QXR2 | TSX-V: DAU) has released the results of its first Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Barani and Gourbassi deposits in western Mali. The analysis envisages a low-cost open pit operation with a production rate of around 220,000 tonnes per annum (18,500 tonnes per month) and a mine life of over 17 years. A total of 113,500 ounces of gold are contained, of which approximately 97,600 ounces can be recovered using a simple process (gravity and CIL) with an average recovery rate of 86%. Assuming a gold price of USD 2,500 per ounce, the net present value of these actions after taxes is USD 24 million, the internal rate of return (IRR) is 34% and the payback period is a low 3.25 years. If the gold price rises to current levels of USD 3,366, the NPV increases to USD 54 million, the IRR to 64% and the payback period decreases to 2.5 years. These are excellent parameters for a small exploration operation. Mining will begin in Barani East, where a mobile processing plant will be installed and later relocated to Gourbassi. Here is an overview of the highlights of the PEA: Net present value of USD 24 million after tax and internal rate of return (IRR) after tax of 34% based on a gold price of USD 2,500/ounce, USD 54 million at the current gold price of USD 3,366. Financing requirement of USD 16 million with initial investments of USD 15 million and ongoing investments of USD 9 million over the 17-year mine life. All-in Sustaining Cost ('AISC') of USD 1,352 per ounce. Projected average gold production of 460 ounces/month or 5,500 ounces/year. Payback period after taxes of 3.25 years at a base price of USD 2,500/oz gold. Cumulative cash flow of USD 71 million after taxes over 17 years based on base assumptions. Total recoverable gold production of 97,600 ounces. Average strip ratio for the entire operation is estimated at 2.47:1. Management sees even more potential CEO Jared Scharf comments on the analysis: '*We are very pleased to present such a strong mine plan. With less than 10% of the SMSZ project's gold resources included in this study, there is tremendous potential to improve the project's economics and significantly expand operations over time. We have deliberately designed a mining solution that is both modular and flexible from a processing standpoint, providing us with maximum operational flexibility going forward. The focus will remain on exploration of the SMSZ project, particularly gold zones and prospect areas near the initial mining sites at Barani and Gourbassi. In addition, the Barani East small-scale mine license allows for ore processing of up to 36 kilotons per month. This means that we can double production from the current PEA plan of 18 kilotons per month. * Given the numerous brownfield exploration targets in close proximity to the initial Barani open pit, management believes that this operation has a high probability of being significantly expanded over time. '** Strong leverage to the gold price The SMSZ project has strong leverage to the gold price, as demonstrated by the sensitivity analysis in the table below. In the base case scenario of $2,500 per ounce, the project has an after-tax NPV (10%) of $24 million and an after-tax IRR of 34%. At a higher gold price of $3,000 per ounce, the after-tax NPV increases to $41 million with an IRR of 51%. If prices above the USD 3,300 mark per ounce of gold are actually realized on sale, an NPV of USD 54 million could even be achieved. The positive and negative leverage effects are illustrated in the following table. These sensitivities are for illustrative purposes only and assume that all other parameters remain constant. The current Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for Desert Gold's SMSZ project focuses exclusively on oxide and transition mineralization within optimized open pit pits at the Barani East, Barani Gap, Gourbassi West, and Gourbassi West North deposits. These four zones collectively contribute approximately 113,500 ounces of gold to the mine plan (after deducting mining modification factors), at an average grade of 0.95 g/t Au and a projected gold recovery rate of 86% through conventional CIL processing, representing approximately 97,600 ounces of recoverable gold. Notably, the study does not include some of the smaller pits identified during the PEA that may offer additional potential in future technical work. In addition, the current cut-off grade for reporting the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) is 0.2 g/t Au. Total measured and indicated (M&I) resources now total 11.12 million tonnes grading 0.94 g/t Au for 336,800 ounces, while inferred resources total 27.16 million tonnes grading 1.01 g/t Au for 879,900 ounces. Key exploration targets such as Mogoyafara South, Linnguekoto West, and the Keniegoulou area were not included in the current PEA. However, they collectively host significant inferred resources and represent clear upside potential for future expansion. Recently announced: Option to acquire the Tiegba Gold Project The news for Canadian gold explorer Desert Gold (WKN: A14X09 | ISIN: CA25039N4084 | Ticker: QXR2 | TSX-V: DAU) could hardly be more positive. With the recent signing of an option agreement to acquire 90% of the Tiegba Gold project in Côte d'Ivoire, the Company is taking an important step towards expanding its portfolio and diversifying its regional presence in West Africa. Tiegba covers an area of 297 square kilometers in one of the most investor-friendly and politically stable regions of West Africa – an area with excellent infrastructure and a rapidly growing mining environment. The project is located in the Birimian greenstone belt, one of Africa's most prolific gold-bearing regions, with historical soil data from Newcrest Mining indicating a 4.2-kilometer gold-in-soil anomaly. Values of over 900 ppb gold have been measured in some areas, which is well above the regional average. This strategic expansion opens up new growth potential in one of Africa's most exciting gold markets, which is attracting attention due to increasing political stability, favourable tax conditions, and low operating costs. GBC analysts to reassess Mali and Ivory Coast Assets The Company is in advanced discussions with potential partners to secure financing for the start of construction in Barani East as soon as possible. With the current mineral resource estimate, figures for the SMSZ area in Mali are becoming increasingly concrete, and initial production is now within reach. Given this, GBC Research analysts are set to conduct a reassessment. It is anticipated that the current market valuation of approximately CAD 20 million, including all present values from future production and the new properties in Côte d'Ivoire, will be significantly upgraded. All studies agree that there is still considerable valuation potential due to the strong momentum of gold prices. CONCLUSION: The sleeping giant in the West African gold boom Central banks worldwide have purchased over 1,000 tons of gold reserves in 2024 alone, a clear signal of the growing loss of confidence in fiat currencies. While large gold producers are already benefiting from this development and increasing their market capitalization, exploration companies and juniors like Desert Gold are still lagging far behind in terms of revaluation. In regions such as Côte d'Ivoire, heavyweights like Barrick Gold, Endeavour Mining, and Allied Gold, with valuations in the billions, are pushing ahead with new projects, a clear indication of West Africa's enormous potential. In comparison, Desert Gold's current market capitalization of only EUR 12.5 million seems almost grotesquely low. With advanced projects in Mali, ongoing resource expansion and the recently published Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), Desert Gold is positioning itself as a hot candidate for a new discovery on the market. The planned commissioning of a modular mine with low investment costs, solid extraction rates and a life span of over 17 years creates solid fundamentals. Major banks such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and BoA are already forecasting gold prices of over USD 3,200 to USD 3,900 for 2025/26. In this environment, Desert Gold's share price could quickly rise to many times its current value if further progress is made and gold prices rise. This update follows our initial report 11/21. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') currently hold or hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies and speculate on their price developments. In this respect, they intend to sell or acquire shares or other financial instruments of the companies (hereinafter each referred to as a 'Transaction'). Transactions may thereby influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In this respect, there is a concrete conflict of interest in the reporting on the companies. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual this reason, there is also a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. Keyfacts ISIN: CA25039N4084 WKN A14X09 Last Price 0.075 CAD / 0,05 EUR Number of shares 258.11 mln Marketcap. 19.4 mln CAD Sector Gold, Exploration & Development Geogr. focus Westafrica Flagship project SMSZ (Mali) Catalysts PEA study in progress, takeover speculation Founding year 2003 CEO Jared Scharf Homepage Source: Desert Gold, TSX Venture Media comments Author André Will-Laudien Born in Munich, he first studied economics and graduated in business administration at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in 1995. As he was involved with the stock market at a very early stage, he now has more than 30 years of experience in the capital about the author Further analyses Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
The Market Online
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Barrick Mining, Desert Gold, Newmont: Triple gold turbo for your portfolio
Gold is experiencing an unprecedented triumph in 2025. As a crisis-resistant store of value, the precious metal is outshining turbulent markets and setting new records. Driven by geopolitical tensions, interest rate cuts, and a weak dollar, demand from central banks and private investors is rising exponentially. Analysts are predicting a 'golden decade' with further upside potential – not a short-lived flash in the pan, but a sustained rally. Investors looking to capitalize on this momentum would do well to focus on key players like Barrick Mining, Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU), and Newmont. This article is disseminated in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Barrick is on track to produce over 4.2 million ounces of gold in 2025. This is being driven by its high-performance mines in Africa and America. In Africa in particular, the Company is maintaining its presence despite challenging conditions, including significant investments in local economies. The billion-dollar Lumwana copper project in Zambia is proceeding according to plan and is expected to contribute significantly more to revenue in the future. Barrick is consistently expanding its copper division here to reduce its dependence on the price of gold. Projects like Reko Diq in Pakistan are also gearing up for development. The figures are impressive, with revenue growth of almost 14% in the last quarter and earnings per share significantly above expectations. The balance sheet is robust with a net margin of 17.5%. The combined strategy of a dividend of approximately 2% and active share buybacks of USD 1 billion is attractive to shareholders. At the same time, Barrick is consistently reducing its debt burden. In terms of valuation, the Company remains attractive with a P/E ratio of 16, which is below the industry average. The situation in Mali remains the biggest challenge. The important Loulo-Gounkoto mine has been shut down since January, which represents a significant loss for the 2025 production forecast. The Malian government has appointed an administrator and intends to continue operations independently. Barrick considers this to be illegal and has filed a lawsuit with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The question is why only Barrick is struggling so much in Mali. This political uncertainty is currently overshadowing the positive operational and financial developments and is the key risk for investors to keep an eye on. The share price is currently USD 21.41. Desert Gold – Two levers, one strategy The wait is almost over. The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its flagship SMSZ project in Mali is about to be published. The timing could hardly be better, as the key figures for the planned small-scale mine are likely to be convincing given the current gold prices. If the PEA gives the green light, Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) intends to start production quickly. The goal is clear: to move from exploration to production within a few months. This would not only generate cash flow but also significantly enhance the Company's overall profile. A positive study conclusion would be a strong catalyst. At the same time, the Company has secured a second foothold with the Tiegba Gold project in Côte d'Ivoire. The deal is cleverly structured. For a manageable USD 450,000 plus shares, Desert Gold secures 90% of a promising, largely untouched property. The centerpiece is a massive 4.2 km x 2.1 km gold anomaly in the ground with striking concentrations, and that without any previous drilling. The Ivory Coast scores highly in terms of political stability and mining-friendly conditions, which diversifies the country risk compared to Mali. A lean, budgeted exploration program aims to define drill-ready targets within months. The combination of both projects is strategically smart. The similar geology in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire allows the experienced team to leverage its expertise efficiently. While field work in Mali is on hold until October due to the rainy season, energy can be focused entirely on Tiegba. The anticipated PEA in Mali could serve as a proof of concept for low-cost, high-margin mining, adding further appeal to the Company's overall narrative. With two promising assets in top regions, the chances are increasing that Desert Gold could soon attract attention as a regional acquisition target. The share is currently trading at CAD 0.08. Newmont's second quarter shows a mixed picture. Gold production fell by 8% to around 1.48 million ounces. This is mainly due to the recent sales of mines in Canada, Australia, the US, and Ghana. However, sites such as Penasquito in Mexico, Cerro Negro in Argentina, and Cadia in Australia stand out positively, benefiting from better ore grades. Overall, with around 3.01 million ounces since the beginning of the year, the Company is on track to achieve its target of 5.9 million ounces in 2025. What is striking is the declining share of production from first-class mining regions (Tier 1), which has fallen from a previous 65% to just 44%. The current total costs (AISC) of USD 1,593 per ounce in Q2 were encouragingly low and drove up the margin in view of the record gold price. However, this cost advantage proved to be deceptive. Newmont has postponed necessary investments, particularly maintenance investments, to the second half of the year. At the same time, lower ore grades are expected at key mines such as Cadia, Lihir, Ahafo South, and Penasquito later in the year. This combination of pent-up spending and more difficult production is likely to push costs up significantly in Q3 and Q4, likely to over USD 1,700 per ounce. Despite the operational challenges, Newmont performed well financially—a record gold price and deferred spending led to strong free cash flow of USD 1.71 billion. The Company aggressively used this to buy back shares and has already completed over 90% of a USD 3 billion program. In parallel, a new program of the same size is underway. A serious incident at the non-producing Red Chris underground mine, in which three workers were fortunately rescued, underscores the inherent risks of the business. Newmont is also counting on copper as a growth driver for the future, but large new projects such as the planned block caving operation at Red Chris will take several more years to implement. The share is trading at USD 63.66, close to its annual high of USD 66.57. The gold market will continue to have tailwinds in 2025. Barrick Mining is performing well operationally and financially, but is struggling with the government in Mali. Desert Gold is facing a decisive catalyst with the upcoming feasibility study for Mali and is diversifying skillfully with a new project in Ivory Coast. Newmont is generating strong cash flows and aggressively pursuing share buybacks, but faces significant cost pressure in the second half of the year. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a 'Transaction'). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships. For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
The Market Online
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
TAKEOVER SPECULATION! Barrick Mining, Evotec, Desert Gold
Just like the high prices, takeover speculation in the gold sector is also continuing. Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) is repeatedly mentioned as a candidate. With its exciting acquisition in West Africa, the explorer has diversified and made itself even more attractive to a large corporation. Perhaps Barrick? The heavyweight is currently focusing on its ore mines and selling smaller projects. It could then expand again in the gold sector, and Desert certainly fits in regionally. In the biotech sector, Evotec has long been rumored as a takeover candidate. Following the latest revenue warning, this is likely the only hope for investors to achieve short-term returns. Or was the price slide exaggerated? This article is disseminated in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Desert Gold: 2 Aces for rising prices When it comes to takeover candidates in the gold sector, the name Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) keeps coming up. In recent weeks, the West Africa-focused explorer has made itself even more attractive to one of the major gold producers through its own acquisition. Exciting news is expected in the coming weeks. That could finally push the stock out of its sideways movement. Desert is currently trading at CAD 0.08, which corresponds to a market capitalization of around CAD 20 million. Analysts at GBC Research estimate the fair value to be CAD 0.425. There should be some long-awaited news about the flagship SMSZ project in Mali in the coming weeks: The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for a mine is expected. Given current gold prices, this should be extremely positive. Desert could then ramp up production within a few months and become a gold producer in 2026 – unless it is acquired before then. With the acquisition of 90% of the Tiegba Gold project in Côte d'Ivoire, the Company has another ace up its sleeve since this year. The country has developed into one of the most stable and investor-friendly mining regions in West Africa. As with SMSZ, Tiegba is also located in the vicinity of numerous gold companies, which are likely to keep an eye on its progress. Tiegba covers an area of 297 km². Only 20% of the concession area has been explored in detail so far. The potential is correspondingly great. The heart of the project is a gold-in-soil anomaly measuring 4.2 km long and 2.1 km wide. Historical samples showed 50 to over 200 ppb gold. The upcoming tests will now determine the depth of the gold deposit. Barrick Mining: Focus on copper for now, but what next? Barrick is also a potential buyer for both Desert Gold projects. Even if the Company is currently on the selling side for a change. First, let's take a look at the stock: After a rapid rise from EUR 16 to EUR 19 within four weeks, Barrick Mining's stock has settled down somewhat. Similar to the gold price. However, with Barrick, one must stop looking only at the gold price. That is why the name change makes sense. The renaming of Barrick Gold to Barrick Mining underscores the realignment. Gold remains central, but copper is gaining in importance. CEO Mark Bristow aims to position the Company as a diversified metal producer in the long term, with copper as a second pillar. A key project on this path is Reko Diq in Pakistan, one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. After long delays, preparations are now underway for production to start in 2028/2029. Investments are also being made in Zambia. The Lumwana mine is to be expanded at a cost of several million USD and copper production doubled to around 240,000 tons. Parallel to the copper expansion, Barrick is divesting projects that no longer align with its new strategic direction. Instead of capital-efficient, high-cost mines, Barrick wants to focus on large, high-margin deposits with long-term potential. Among the candidates for sale is the Hemlo mine in Canada. The long-established gold mine has been an integral part of the North American portfolio for decades, but has been suffering from declining ore grades and rising operating costs for some time. The sale process has been officially launched and, according to Bloomberg, Discovery Silver is close to acquiring Hemlo. There could be news by August 11, 2025, at the latest, when Barrick will report on developments for the second quarter. Evotec: Revenue forecast cut Evotec will likely need a takeover to see rapid share price gains. This has now become clear once again. On Monday, the German biotech company's shares lost almost 17% after a revenue warning. Evotec announced that revenue for the current year will be between EUR 760 million and EUR 800 million. The previous forecast was EUR 840 million to EUR 880 million. Last year, revenue amounted to EUR 797 million. The Company cited lower-than-expected revenues in its core business, specifically in the Shared R&D segment, as the reason for the adjustment. R&D expenses are expected to be between EUR 40 million and EUR 50 million, and thus remain unchanged. This also applies to the adjusted EBITDA forecast of EUR 30 million to EUR 50 million (2024: EUR 22.6 million). The medium-term outlook has also not been adjusted. By 2028, Evotec aims to increase its annual revenue by an average of 8% to 12% and to increase its EBITDA margin to more than 20% during this period. Evotec CEO Dr. Christian Wojczewski: ' We are on track to achieve sustainable, profitable growth. The strong demand for higher-margin business areas reflects the strength of our platforms and confirms the decisions we have made in terms of focus, partnerships, and capital efficiency. While some areas of our business continue to operate in a challenging market environment, the implementation of our 'Priority Reset' and our new strategy gives us confidence that we are well positioned to achieve our long-term goals .' Based on the announcement, the share price decline appears somewhat exaggerated. On the other hand, the low growth prospects within the new strategic direction had already been criticized in recent months. Barrick Mining does not appear to be interested in acquisitions at this time. The focus on large ore projects and the sale of smaller mines seems logical. There is likely to be a lot of activity at Desert Gold in the coming weeks. The Company has acquired an exciting project, and the PEA for its flagship project should pique the interest of investors and potential buyers. Against this backdrop, the stock appears undervalued. At Evotec, on the other hand, investors can probably only hope for a quick return through a takeover. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a 'Transaction'). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships. For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. 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The Market Online
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Desert Gold's ingenious move: How the untapped gold anomaly and upcoming PEA could significantly enhance your portfolio
Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. What if there were a vast, largely unexplored area right next to some of West Africa's most productive gold mines? And what if strong gold traces had already been found on surface, but no drill had ever been set up there? Desert Gold Ventures (TSXV:DAU) is now seizing this opportunity with the Tiegba Project in Ivory Coast. The deal is more than just a new exploration field. It is a strategically astute move with the potential to fundamentally transform the Company. Investors looking for exceptional opportunities in the commodities sector would be well advised to take a closer look. Tiegba: A sleeping giant awakens At the heart of the new project is a massive gold-in-soil anomaly in Côte d'Ivoire. It covers an impressive area of 4.2 km long and 2.1 km wide in the high-grade Birimian gold belt. Historical data, originally collected by Newcrest Mining, reveal high values, with peaks exceeding 900 ppb gold and dozens of samples ranging from 50 to over 200 ppb. Such concentrations are significantly higher than what is typical for this region. What makes this anomaly unique is that it has never been drilled. A site visit by the Desert Gold (TSXV:DAU) team in March 2025 confirmed the findings as 'in situ' – meaning the gold likely originates from the underlying rock and has not been transported from elsewhere. The anomaly is located along the regionally significant Tehini Shear Zone, a geological structure known to host gold and which is also being successfully explored on neighboring properties. Tiegba is also in excellent company. Within reach are multi-million-ounce deposits such as Agbaou (Allied Gold), Bonikro/Hire (Allied Gold), and the major Yaouré mine (Perseus Mining). The geology is similar to that of the well-known Bonikro-Agbaou district, featuring promising calc-alkaline intrusions and structural contacts – classic traps for gold mineralization. Despite these promising signals and the strategic location, systematic exploration has only been carried out on less than 20% of the 297 km² concession area. This is where the considerable upside potential lies. Location map of the Tiegba Project. Source: Desert Gold The deal: Clever, inexpensive, forward-looking How do you secure a project like this? Desert Gold opted for an option agreement with Flower Holdings, a local private company. The terms are remarkably favorable and demonstrate skillful negotiation. Desert Gold will pay a total of USD 450,000, of which USD 150,000 will be paid immediately and the remainder in two further installments, and will issue 1.5 million common shares, also in three tranches. Upon fulfillment, the Company will receive 90% of Tiegba. Flower will retain 10%, contribute this free of charge until the feasibility study is completed, and receive an additional 1% net smelter royalty (NSR). It is important to note that Desert Gold has secured a right of first refusal on this NSR and the remaining 10% should Flower wish to sell. Operational control will remain with Desert Gold during the option period. This deal is not only financially attractive, but also strategically smart. The Ivory Coast has established itself as one of the most stable and investor-friendly mining jurisdictions in West Africa. Fast approvals, good infrastructure, growing gold production, and the presence of global players such as Barrick Mining and Endeavour Mining speak for themselves. For Desert Gold, Tiegba represents a welcome diversification away from its sole focus on Mali. It transforms the Company from a single-project explorer in Mali into a regional player with two promising footholds in West Africa. This reduces the specific country risk and significantly increases the attractiveness for potential partners or buyers. The roadmap: Fast and cost-efficient to the goal Given the clear geological signature, Desert Gold is committed to a rapid, cost-efficient exploration program. The goal is to define drill-ready targets within a few months. The plan includes: Geological precision: Targeted trenching, detailed geological mapping and prospecting to verify mineralization directly in the rock, and collect samples. Geophysical verification: Airborne magnetic and IP resistivity surveys over the entire area to reveal the underground structural architecture and promising zones. Validation & expansion: 3,000 m of infill and expanded ground sampling to better define existing anomalies. The required budgets are manageable. The first steps to define drill targets are expected to cost only about USD 100,000. An initial drilling program of approximately 3,000 m is likely to cost around USD 200,000. These funds are already covered by the exercise of outstanding warrants, which gives the Company planning security and avoids dilution through an immediate capital increase. A major advantage is the experienced team. The geologists and managers can seamlessly apply their knowledge from Mali to Tiegba, as the geological conditions are similar and the cultural environment is familiar. Perfect timing: More than just a new project The launch of Tiegba comes at an extremely favorable time for Desert Gold: Mali PEA nearing completion: The long-awaited preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the flagship SMSZ project in Mali is expected soon. With gold prices currently at record highs, economic indicators such as NPV and IRR are likely to be particularly attractive. This study serves as a key valuation anchor and a potential price driver. Gold price tailwind: The high gold price not only dramatically improves the economics of the Mali project, but also increases the implied value of undiscovered resources in the ground, not only at the SMSZ project, but also at the new Tiegba Project. It makes exploration successes even more valuable. Operational synergies: While Mali is currently in its rainy season, which lasts until October, the team can focus fully on preparations in Côte d'Ivoire. No waste of resources, just optimal utilization. M&A horizon expanded: With two projects in two attractive West African countries, Desert Gold is becoming significantly more attractive to potential acquirers. The proximity to Allied Gold in Tiegba or to majors such as Barrick and B2Gold in Mali offers concrete points of contact. Analysts at GBC Research already see considerable upside potential, which is further supported by Tiegba and the Mali PEA. The price target is CAD 0.425. Against this backdrop and compared to large gold producers, the current market capitalization of around CAD 20.5 million at a current share price of CAD 0.085 appears very attractive. Chart for Desert Gold as of July 1, 2025. Source: Refinitiv Desert Gold Ventures offers more than just a new exploration project with the Tiegba deal. It represents a combination of a rare geological opportunity, a vast, high-grade and undrilled anomaly in a prime gold belt, with a financially and strategically cleverly negotiated acquisition in a first-class jurisdiction. The clear, low-cost work plan is aimed at rapid proof of concept. This step also comes at the perfect time, flanked by the upcoming Mali PEA and the tailwind of strong gold prices. For risk-aware investors who understand the leverage potential of early-stage exploration successes and believe in the strategic vision of a diversified West African player, Desert Gold represents a fascinating, albeit speculative, opportunity. The market does not yet appear to have priced in the full extent of this combination of opportunities. It is worth following developments closely. Conflict of interest Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as 'Relevant Persons') may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a 'Transaction'). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company. In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships. For this reason, there is a concrete conflict of interest. The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies. Risk notice Apaton Finance GmbH offers editors, agencies and companies the opportunity to publish commentaries, interviews, summaries, news and the like on These contents are exclusively for the information of the readers and do not represent any call to action or recommendations, neither explicitly nor implicitly they are to be understood as an assurance of possible price developments. The contents do not replace individual expert investment advice and do not constitute an offer to sell the discussed share(s) or other financial instruments, nor an invitation to buy or sell such. The content is expressly not a financial analysis, but a journalistic or advertising text. Readers or users who make investment decisions or carry out transactions on the basis of the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. No contractual relationship is established between Apaton Finance GmbH and its readers or the users of its offers, as our information only refers to the company and not to the investment decision of the reader or user. The acquisition of financial instruments involves high risks, which can lead to the total loss of the invested capital. The information published by Apaton Finance GmbH and its authors is based on careful research. Nevertheless, no liability is assumed for financial losses or a content-related guarantee for the topicality, correctness, appropriateness and completeness of the content provided here. Please also note our Terms of use. This article is presented in partnership with Apaton Finance GmbH. It is a sponsored communication intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice.
