Founders Metals Inc. Increases Antino Gold Project Ownership to 70% Amid Strategic Expansion
- Founders Metals Inc. increased its ownership of the Antino Gold Project to 70% by completing Stage 2 of its Option Agreement.
- The company plans a 60,000-meter drill program in 2025 to enhance exploration and maximize shareholder value.
- Founders Metals may pursue additional ownership or a joint venture, reflecting its strategic flexibility in the mining sector.
Founders Metals Inc. Expands Ownership of Antino Gold Project to 70%
Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) achieves a significant milestone by completing all Stage 2 requirements under its Option Agreement with Lawa Gold N.V. and Nana Resources N.V., effectively increasing its stake in the Antino Gold Project to 70%. This development, announced on June 13, 2025, is underscored by President and CEO Colin Padget’s remarks on the strategic importance of this acquisition. Padget describes this as a crucial derisking step that highlights the project's promising potential in the competitive gold mining industry. With the additional ownership, Founders Metals positions itself to capitalize on the rich resources of the Antino project, located in Suriname, a region known for its mineral wealth.
The Antino Gold Project spans 20,000 hectares and boasts a historical production of over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining. Founders Metals plans to leverage its increased ownership to enhance exploration activities significantly. The company is fully financed for an ambitious 60,000-meter drill program set for 2025, which aims to identify major exploration targets and maximize shareholder value. This comprehensive drilling initiative reflects Founders’ commitment to advancing the project, showcasing a proactive approach to resource development in a market characterized by fluctuating gold prices.
Following the completion of Stage 2, Founders Metals is presented with options for its next strategic steps. It can proceed to Stage 3, allowing an additional 5% ownership increase to a total of 75%, or consider entering a joint venture with Nana Resources. This flexibility in strategic planning highlights Founders Metals’ agility in navigating the mining landscape, as it seeks to optimize its operations and enhance its role in the Antino project's future exploration and mining activities. The company’s focus on sustainable resource development positions it well within the gold sector, as it aims to balance economic growth with responsible mining practices.
In addition to expanding its ownership, Founders Metals emphasizes its optimistic outlook on the gold market and the viability of the Antino project. The updated ownership structure is anticipated to bolster the company's production capabilities and overall profitability. As the company prepares to release further updates on exploration targets, stakeholders can expect an ongoing commitment to enhancing Founders Metals’ position in the mining sector.
Founders Metals’ strategic maneuvers reflect a broader trend in the mining industry, where companies seek to strengthen their portfolios amid evolving market dynamics. The Antino Gold Project not only enhances Founders Metals' operational footprint but also embodies the company's long-term vision for growth and sustainability in the competitive landscape of gold mining.
