New Zealand Government Publishes Its Critical Minerals List - Naming Gold and Antimony. RUA GOLD Provides Exploration Update on the Reefton Project's Extensive Antimony Potential
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF) announces significant developments following New Zealand's inclusion of gold and antimony in its Critical Minerals List. The company reports holding the majority of New Zealand's antimony inventory, with antimony prices surging 250% in 2024 to over US$40,000 per ton.
The company's Reefton Project shows promising antimony potential, with recent drilling at Auld Creek intersecting 4-5m of strong stibnite mineralization. The project already has an inferred resource of 700,000 tonnes at 3.1g/t Au and 1.1% Sb, containing 67,000oz of gold and 8,000 tonnes of antimony. Surface exploration has revealed high-grade samples, including rocks with up to 40.3% antimony and gold grades up to 74.3g/t.
Recent drilling commenced in December 2024, with holes ACDD024 and ACDD025 showing promising mineralization. The company expects assay results in February.
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF) annuncia sviluppi significativi dopo l'inclusione dell'oro e dell'antimonio nella Critical Minerals List della Nuova Zelanda. L'azienda riporta di detenere la maggior parte dell'inventario di antimonio della Nuova Zelanda, con i prezzi dell'antimonio che sono aumentati del 250% nel 2024, superando i 40.000 dollari americani per tonnellata.
Il Reefton Project dell'azienda mostra un promettente potenziale di antimonio, con recenti perforazioni ad Auld Creek che hanno intercettato 4-5 metri di forte mineralizzazione da stibnite. Il progetto ha già una risorsa inferita di 700.000 tonnellate a 3,1g/t Au e 1,1% Sb, contenente 67.000 once d'oro e 8.000 tonnellate di antimonio. L'esplorazione superficiale ha rivelato campioni ad alta qualità, inclusi rocce con fino al 40,3% di antimonio e gradi d'oro fino a 74,3g/t.
Le recenti perforazioni sono iniziate a dicembre 2024, con i fori ACDD024 e ACDD025 che mostrano una mineralizzazione promettente. L'azienda prevede risultati di analisi per febbraio.
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF) anuncia desarrollos significativos tras la inclusión del oro y el antimonio en la Critical Minerals List de Nueva Zelanda. La empresa informa que posee la mayoría del inventario de antimonio de Nueva Zelanda, con un aumento del 250% en los precios del antimonio en 2024, superando los 40,000 dólares estadounidenses por tonelada.
El Reefton Project de la empresa muestra un prometedor potencial de antimonio, con perforaciones recientes en Auld Creek que intersectaron 4-5 metros de fuerte mineralización de estibnito. El proyecto ya cuenta con un recurso inferido de 700,000 toneladas a 3.1g/t Au y 1.1% Sb, conteniendo 67,000 onzas de oro y 8,000 toneladas de antimonio. La exploración superficial ha revelado muestras de alta calidad, incluyendo rocas con hasta un 40.3% de antimonio y grados de oro de hasta 74.3g/t.
Las perforaciones recientes comenzaron en diciembre de 2024, con los agujeros ACDD024 y ACDD025 mostrando mineralización prometedora. La empresa espera resultados de análisis en febrero.
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF)는 뉴질랜드가 금 및 안티모니를 주요 광물 목록에 포함한 후 중요한 발전을 발표했습니다. 회사는 뉴질랜드의 안티모니 재고 대부분을 보유하고 있으며, 안티모니 가격이 2024년에 250% 급등하여 톤당 40,000달러를 초과했다고 보고했습니다.
회사의 Reefton Project는 유망한 안티모니 잠재력을 보여주고 있으며, 최근 Auld Creek에서의 시료 채취 결과 4-5m의 강한 스틴바이트 광물화를 교차했습니다. 이 프로젝트는 이미 3.1g/t Au 및 1.1% Sb의 추정 자원을 700,000톤 보유하고 있으며, 67,000온스의 금과 8,000톤의 안티모니를 포함하고 있습니다. 표면 탐사에서는 40.3%까지의 안티모니를 포함한 고급 샘플과 74.3g/t까지의 금함량을 포함한 암석이 발견되었습니다.
최근 드릴링은 2024년 12월에 시작되었으며, ACDD024 및 ACDD025 홀에서 유망한 광물화를 보여주고 있습니다. 회사는 2월에 분석 결과를 기대하고 있습니다.
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF) annonce des développements significatifs suite à l'inclusion de l'or et de l'antimoine dans la liste des minéraux critiques de la Nouvelle-Zélande. L'entreprise rapporte détenir la majorité de l'inventaire d'antimoine de la Nouvelle-Zélande, avec des prix de l'antimoine ayant bondi de 250% en 2024 pour dépasser les 40 000 dollars américains par tonne.
Le Reefton Project de l'entreprise montre un potentiel d'antimoine prometteur, avec des forages récents à Auld Creek qui ont intercepté 4-5m de forte minéralisation de stibnite. Le projet possède déjà une ressource inférée de 700 000 tonnes à 3,1g/t Au et 1,1% Sb, contenant 67 000 onces d'or et 8 000 tonnes d'antimoine. L'exploration de surface a révélé des échantillons de haute qualité, y compris des roches avec jusqu'à 40,3% d'antimoine et des teneurs en or allant jusqu'à 74,3g/t.
Les récents forages ont commencé en décembre 2024, avec les trous ACDD024 et ACDD025 montrant une minéralisation prometteuse. L'entreprise s'attend à des résultats d'analyse en février.
Rua Gold Inc. (NZAUF) gibt bedeutende Entwicklungen bekannt, nachdem Neuseeland Gold und Antimon in seine Liste der Kritischen Mineralien aufgenommen hat. Das Unternehmen berichtet, dass es den Großteil des Antimonbestands Neuseelands hält, dabei sind die Antimonpreise im Jahr 2024 um 250% auf über 40.000 US-Dollar pro Tonne gestiegen.
Das Reefton Project des Unternehmens zeigt vielversprechendes Antimonpotenzial, wobei bei den jüngsten Bohrungen in Auld Creek 4-5 Meter starke Stibnitmineralisation festgestellt wurden. Das Projekt hat bereits eine vermutete Ressource von 700.000 Tonnen mit 3,1g/t Au und 1,1% Sb, die 67.000 Unzen Gold und 8.000 Tonnen Antimon enthält. Oberflächenuntersuchungen haben hochgradige Proben ergeben, darunter Gesteine mit bis zu 40,3% Antimon und Goldgehalte von bis zu 74,3g/t.
Die jüngsten Bohrungen wurden im Dezember 2024 eingeleitet, wobei die Löcher ACDD024 und ACDD025 vielversprechende Mineralisation zeigen. Das Unternehmen erwartet im Februar Analyseergebnisse.
- Antimony price increased 250% in 2024, reaching all-time highs over US$40,000/ton
- Company holds majority of New Zealand's antimony inventory
- Existing inferred resource of 700,000 tonnes at 3.1g/t Au and 1.1% Sb
- High-grade surface samples showing up to 40.3% antimony and 74.3g/t gold
- Both gold and antimony included in New Zealand's Critical Minerals List
- None.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 3, 2025) - Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC) ("RUA GOLD" or the "Company") executives attended the launch event for the Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040 and Critical Minerals List event hosted by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals in Waihi on January 31, 2025. Honorable Shane Jones, Resource Minster for New Zealand, presented the critical minerals list that included both gold and antimony.
Furthermore, RUA GOLD is pleased to provide an update from the exploration campaign underway at the Reefton Project on the South Island of New Zealand with significant added potential of antimony within the project.
Highlights:
RUA GOLD is sitting on the vast majority of New Zealand’s antimony inventory.
Byproduct credit that antimony brings the potential to add considerable economic value to the Reefton Project and New Zealand’s strategic mineral inventory.
Antimony spot price increased
250% in 2024 and has held at all time high levels of over US$40,000 t on.Auld Creek already has an antimony resource, and the Company is focused on expanding this in 2025. The resource is restricted to two of the four known shoots. Soil geochemistry indicates the potential for discovery of additional mineralised shoots over a strike length of 2.5km.
Drilling of Auld Creek commenced in December 2024, holes ACDD024, ACDD025 intersected 4-5m of strong stibnite (antimony sulphide) mineralization. Assays pending in the lab.
Rock chips have been found in several areas across the Reefton District with grades with up to
40.3% antimony (and gold grades up to 74.3g/t).It is common for high grade gold and stibnite (antinomy ore mineral) to be co-located and the stibnite it is often used as a pathfinder for gold.
Robert Eckford, CEO of RUA GOLD commented: "Having New Zealand's largest known antimony presence on our property is extremely encouraging, especially with it trading at all time high's and with it being announced on New Zealand's first ever critical minerals list.
We commenced drilling on Auld Creek antimony-gold prospect which already has an antimony resource. Rock chips across the other projects on the property increase our confidence this gold-antimony occurrence is consistent across the Reefton Goldfield. We are focused on expanding the Auld Creek resource and we will have assay results from the latest holes coming out in February.
This all comes on the back of the government's launch event for the Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040 and Critical Minerals List, where both gold and antimony in Reefton Goldfield was called out as being one of the key focus points of the critical minerals strategy for New Zealand."
Figure 1: Overview of the Reefton Goldfield.
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GLOBAL SUPPLY AND VALUE OF ANTIMONY
Antimony, is a critical metalloid primarily sourced from the mineral, stibnite. It is highly valuable and increasing in demand due to its versatility and has essential applications across renewable energy, liquid battery metals, defence and technological sectors.
Due to its limited supply, predominantly controlled by China, Russia & Tajikistan, antimony is considered a strategic material essential for supply chain security, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability. This was heightened in August 2024, when China announced export controls on processed antimony products. In response to these controls, nations have accelerated their efforts to secure alternative sources of antimony to mitigate the risk of significant supply chain vulnerabilities.
The US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia all designate antimony as a critical mineral. On January 31, 2025, New Zealand also announced their Critical Mineral List which included antimony.
Reflecting heightened demand, the price of antimony has reached new highs, currently trading over US
EXPLORATION POTENTIAL
Auld Creek Focus
RUA GOLD commenced drilling at Auld Creek in December 2024. It has a targeted program to drill four mineralised shoots identified from historical surface exploration work interpreted by the RUA GOLD team over the past 3 months.
Auld Creek is situated between two past producing mines, Globe Progress mine, and the Crushington Group of mines which collectively produced 933,000oz at 14.0g/t Au (Barry 1993). Auld Creek has three historic adits but no commercial production from the reefs.
RUA GOLD has an inferred resource indicating 700,000 tonnes at 3.1g/t Au and
Two of the four holes completed to date intersected 4-5m of strong visible stibnite (antimony sulfide) mineralization in the Fraternal-Bonanza structure. Logging and assaying are in progress.
Previous diamond drilling by Siren Gold Limited ("Siren") confirmed the presence of significant antimony, with notable drill holes including:
- ACDDH011: 8.1m @ 2.73g/t Au and
4.33% Sb (AuEq of 11.0g/t) 80m below the surface. - ACDDH015: 12.4m @ 5.19g/t Au and
13.65% Sb (AuEq of 31.3g/t) 75m below the surface.
Full table of results in Table 1 in the appendix below.
Figure 2: Extent of drilling and mapping at Auld Creek with four main reef tracks overlain on arsenic soil geochemistry.
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Other Reefton Prospects
With the increased interest in antimony over 2024, the exploration team widened its focus to include testing for stibnite (antimony) mineralization across other known targets of the Reefton Goldfield.
In the early 1900's, the Fiery Cross lode, within Capleston, reported significant antimony mineralisation associated with the gold-bearing quartz reef, but at the time, in common with many other Reefton Goldfield mines, mining this posed a problem for gold recovery and the material was discarded on the tip head. Re-sampling of this mined material from the tip head (float), and from an insitu quartz reef of the old mine at surface has returned exceptionally high results including:
- Sample GER3721 with 23.5g/t gold and
20.6% antimony - Sample GER3725 with 7.53g/t gold and
16.7% antimony - Sample GER3726 with 52.3g/t gold and
16.0% antimony
Refer to Table 2 in the appendix below for a complete list of rock samples.
Murray Creek hosts the Golden Treasure mine, 350m south south-west of the Victoria-Inglewood mines. Gold recovery at the Golden Treasure was also hindered by the presence of stibnite. In parts of the mine where the shoot consisted of 30-40 % antimony the ore was stacked in the workings for future sale (Downey, 1928a).
RUA GOLD conducted both channel samples on surface and assayed a suite of rocks from the tip head of the mine workings. This has provided firsthand evidence of the tenor of the antimony has returned exceptionally high results including:
- GERS6027: Trench with 1m wide with 10.8g/t gold and
1.7% antimony - GERS6028: Trench with 1m wide with 3.66g/t gold and
3.8% antimony - GERS3714: Rock sample with 2.29g/t gold and
40.3% antimony - GERS3716: Rock sample with 6.72g/t gold and
26.9% antimony - GERS3720: Rock sample with 4.77g/t gold and
23.3% antimony
Refer to Table 3 and 4, respectively, in the appendix below, for a complete list of trench and rock samples.
With results from this surface exploration work, the exploration team are encouraged that the stibnite mineralization is demonstrated throughout the Reefton Goldfield and further work will form part of the surface exploration campaign in 2025.
Figure 3: Location of known antimony locations.
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ABOUT RUA GOLD
RUA GOLD is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, our team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of RUA GOLD's two highly prospective high-grade gold projects.
The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2Moz of gold grading between 9 and 50g/t.
The Company's Glamorgan Project solidifies RUA GOLD's position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand's North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands' Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15Moz of gold and 60Moz of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation's biggest gold mining project, Wharekirauponga.
For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and Chief Operating Officer and a director of RUA GOLD, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein. Mr. Henderson has participated in the geochemical sampling, and mapping programs to verify that they have been conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures. Mr. Henderson has verified the data disclosed by running checks on the location, analytical, and test data underlying the information in the technical disclosure herein.
QA/QC ROCK SAMPLES AND CHANNEL SAMPLES
Veins were sampled in 1 m intervals. Before sampling, outcrops were cleared of debris and alluvial sediments with shovels and hammers to uncover the full extent of the veins. 1m intervals were measure with a tape and marked with flagging tape or spray paint. A line was made along the outcrop, then chips were taken continuously along that line. Each 1m interval sample is 1.5kgs of material.
Rock samples were sent to SGS Laboratories, Westport for sample preparation. Samples were crushed and pulverized to
RUA GOLD Contact
Robert Eckford
Chief Executive Officer
Email: reckford@RUAGOLD.com
Website: www.RUAGOLD.com
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions, including but not limited to exploration programs at its Reefton and Glamorgan projects and the results thereof. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated July 11, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Table 1: Significant drilling intercepts for Auld Creek, full mineralized zone composites (1.5 g/t Au cut-off)1.
| Hole ID | Azimuth | Dip (⁰) | Easting (NZTM) | Northing (NZTM) | From (m) | To (m) | Downhole Interval (m) | Au (g/t) | Sb (%) |
| ACDDH004 | 45 | -60 | 1507194 | 5332976 | 51.72 | 57.9 | 6.18 | 1.59 | 0,01 |
| ACDDH004 | 45 | -60 | 1507194 | 5332976 | 116.19 | 136.84 | 20.65 | 5.41 | 2.17 |
| ACDDH005 | 100 | -60 | 1507194 | 5332976 | 57.66 | 64.41 | 6.75 | 1.64 | 0.06 |
| ACDDH005 | 100 | -60 | 1507194 | 5332976 | 65.8 | 80.35 | 14.55 | 2.07 | 0.10 |
| ACDDH007 | 40 | -58 | 1507185 | 5332881 | 123.22 | 148.45 | 25.23 | 3.14 | 0.07 |
| ACDDH008 | 100 | -58 | 1507186 | 5332881 | 72.14 | 76.35 | 4.21 | 1.55 | 0.02 |
| ACDDH011 | 130 | -81 | 1507212 | 5333051 | 75.3 | 83.4 | 8.1 | 2.73 | 4.33 |
| ACDDH015 | 158 | -58 | 1507204 | 5333139 | 69.6 | 82 | 12.4 | 5.19 | 13.65 |
| ACDDH015 | 158 | -58 | 1507204 | 5333139 | 105 | 132.4 | 27.4 | 3.67 | 0.2 |
| ACDDH016 | 330 | -55 | 1507202 | 5333141 | 65 | 90 | 25 | 6.55 | 0.29 |
- Full drilling results are available in the Company's technical report entitled, "Technical Report on Reefton Project, New Zealand", dated October 30, 2024.
Table 2: Fiery Cross Rock Sampling
| Sample ID | Easting | Northing | Au (g/t) | Sb % |
| GERS3721 | 1511843 | 5341564 | 23.5 | 20.60 |
| GERS3722 | 1511843 | 5341575 | 3.99 | 3.37 |
| GERS3723 | 1511837 | 5341573 | 1.6 | 8.16 |
| GERS3724 | 1511850 | 5341579 | 0.75 | 16.80 |
| GERS3725 | 1511870 | 5341609 | 7.53 | 16.70 |
| GERS3726 | 1511865 | 5341607 | 52.3 | 16.00 |
| GERS3727 | 1511853 | 5341608 | 3.85 | 2.08 |
| GERS3728 | 1511855 | 5341611 | 9.22 | 4.50 |
| GERS3729 | 1512081 | 5341681 | 74.3 | 0.02 |
Table 3: Golden Treasure trench results outcropping Antimony lode
| Trench | Sample ID | Easting | Northing | From | To | Interval | Au (g/t) | Sb% |
| GT01 | GERS6024 | 1510018 | 5335275 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5.92 | 0.0168 |
| GT01 | GERS6025 | 1510018 | 5335275 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4.87 | 0.0158 |
| GT01 | GERS6026 | 1510018 | 5335275 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0.6 | 0.0172 |
| GT02 | GERS6027 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10.8 | 1.7212 |
| GT02 | GERS6028 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3.66 | 3.8173 |
| GT02 | GERS6029 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0.3 | 0.213 |
| GT02 | GERS6030 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 10.8 | 0.0223 |
| GT02 | GERS5651 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0.0124 |
| GT02 | GERS5652 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1.53 | 0.0123 |
| GT02 | GERS5653 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 19.8 | 0.0161 |
Table 4: Golden Treasure rock chip sampling from tip head and creek float adjacent to level 1.
| Sample | Easting | Northing | Au (g/t) | Sb % |
| GERS3711 | 1510018 | 5335275 | 12.4 | 1.07 |
| GERS3712 | 1510016 | 5335266 | 4.33 | 3.71 |
| GERS3713 | 1510020 | 5335249 | 1.74 | 0.371 |
| GERS3714 | 1510096 | 5335170 | 2.29 | 40.3 |
| GERS3715 | 1510097 | 5335170 | 13.3 | 7.46 |
| GERS3716 | 1510096 | 5335171 | 6.72 | 26.91 |
| GERS3717 | 1510095 | 5335171 | 7.03 | 9.88 |
| GERS3718 | 1510094 | 5335173 | 0.05 | 24.7 |
| GERS3719 | 1510098 | 5335173 | 1.85 | 30.3 |
| GERS3720 | 1510096 | 5335176 | 4.77 | 23.3 |
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FAQ
What is the current antimony price for NZAUF's resources in 2024?
What is the resource size at NZAUF's Auld Creek project?
What are the highest antimony grades found in NZAUF's Reefton Project?
When did NZAUF begin drilling at Auld Creek and what are the initial results?
How did New Zealand's Critical Minerals List affect NZAUF?
