Gold Juniors Keep Faith in Turbulent Times
Gold prices may have retreated from record highs beyond US$5500/oz in January, but they remain at historically high levels, consolidating in a US$4000/oz-US$4500/oz range. This stability is keeping exploration and project economics on track for gold juniors.
Australia's major banks and official forecasters predict continued strength for gold. Central bank buying of gold instead of US-dollar denominated assets and policy shifts in key markets will shape its trajectory this year.
Moho Resources (ASX:MOH) defined two new shallow gold systems at Gage Road and CBco through a 5000m RC program, with assays from soil samples seeing 1516 above 10ppb gold and 19 exceeding 1g/t. The company is eyeing first-pass drilling across Bush Chook's district-scale position in the Mosquito Creek Basin.
Carnavale Resources (ASX:CAV) is advancing its high-grade Kookynie gold project as a low-capex, open-pit operation with an updated mineral resource estimate doubling the value to $188m and free cash flow of $237m. The company is working on technical studies to support a bankable feasibility study.
OzAurum Resources (ASX:OZM) confirmed continuous high-grade gold mineralisation across Mulgabbie North, with metallurgical testwork showing the ore leaches well and supporting an open-pit mining model. The heap leach plant refurbishment is nearing completion and site civil works are underway.
Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) has made steady progress on its Mandilla gold project, with a final investment decision expected swiftly following the completion of a DFS in Q1 2027.