BASE METALS

Forum falls on Rio Tinto exploration pause

Major could earn up to 80% of copper project

Staff reporter

This article is 3 years old. Images might not display.

It said Rio had spent C$14 million on exploration to date, more than the $10 million required to earn a 51% stake in Janice Lake, adding Rio had to make a $100,000 cash payment by May to complete its 51% earn-in obligation.

Rio can earn up to 80% of the project under a $30 million 2019 agreement.

Forum president and CEO Rick Mazur said Rio's drilling had "added tremendous value" to Janice Lake.

The final assay results from summer drilling at the Rafuse target announced on Friday included 42.25m at 0.15% copper, 1.63g/t silver and 0.41% lead from 221.25m.

Higher grades were reported from Rafuse in June. 

Mazur said Forum would focus on its uranium portfolio in the first quarter of 2022.

It had $4.8 million in working capital at August 31.

Its shares closed down 11% to C24c - double the price of 12 months ago but below a September peak of 56c - on what was a downbeat day on markets.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence: Investor Sentiment Report 2025

Exclusive insights into the plans, priorities and preferences of 130+ mining investors and top factors influencing investment decisions in 2025.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report 2024 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 117 jurisdictions globally, assessed across six risk categories and an industrywide survey.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Global Leadership Report 2024: Net Zero

Gain insights into decarbonisation trends and strategies from interviews with 20+ top mining executives and experts plus an industrywide survey.