Athena Gold Provides Exploration Update on Laird Lake Project
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 15 2026
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Exploration Progress: Athena Gold Corporation's maiden drill campaign at the Laird Lake project in Ontario's Red Lake Gold District has intersected a broad zone of sulfidized banded iron formation in Hole LL-26-001, with assay results expected in the coming weeks, which will provide critical data for the project's potential gold mineralization.
- Key Contact Confirmation: Holes LL-26-002 and LL-26-003 successfully intersected the Balmer-Confederation contact, exhibiting strong alteration and sulfide mineralization, indicating a classic Red Lake-style mineralizing environment that could lay the groundwork for future gold mining.
- Historical Data Support: Hole LL-26-002 intersected a banded iron formation at approximately 116 meters depth, which historically returned grab samples of up to 78 g/t Au, further validating the area's mineral potential and likely attracting investor interest.
- Follow-up Drilling Plans: The company has commenced drilling Hole LL-26-004, aimed at testing the G4 anomaly, demonstrating its commitment to advancing exploration efforts, which may provide additional opportunities for future resource assessment and development.
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Analyst Views on RGLD
Wall Street analysts forecast RGLD stock price to rise
9 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 222.680
Low
205.00
Averages
253.11
High
280.00
Current: 222.680
Low
205.00
Averages
253.11
High
280.00
About RGLD
Royal Gold, Inc. is engaged in the business of acquiring and managing precious metals, streams, royalties and similar interests. The Company operates through two segments, which include acquisition and management of stream interests, and the acquisition and management of royalty interests. Its acquisition and management of stream interests segment includes metal stream, which is a purchase agreement that provides, in exchange for an upfront deposit payment, the right and obligation to purchase all or a portion of one or more metals in an amount determined by reference to production at a mining operation, at a price determined for the life of the transaction by the purchase agreement. Its acquisition and management of royalty interests segment include non-operating interests in mining projects that provide the right to revenue or metals produced from the project after deducting specified costs, if any.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
New Strategies for Gold Investment in 2026
- Gold Investment Misconception: While purchasing physical gold or gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Trust offers direct exposure to precious metals, long-term investors may find this approach overly reliant on gold price fluctuations, making effective asset diversification challenging.
- Mining Company Advantages: For instance, Newmont Mining generated $3.1 billion in free cash flow in Q1 2026, benefiting from high gold prices, showcasing the profit potential of mining companies during price surges, although their operational risks and capital-intensive nature cannot be overlooked.
- Streaming and Royalty Companies: Companies like Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals mitigate operational risks by providing upfront cash to miners in exchange for the right to purchase gold at favorable prices, enabling long-term growth potential while maintaining diversified portfolios.
- Learning About Streaming Investments: Although streaming and royalty companies are relatively niche in the investment landscape, understanding these firms and their unique business models will be worthwhile for long-term investors looking to add gold exposure in 2026, as they offer better protection and profitability amid market volatility.
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Analysis of Gold Investment Strategies
- Gold Investment Options: Short-term investors can opt for gold bullion or gold ETFs, while long-term investors should consider mining companies like Newmont, which generated $3.1 billion in free cash flow in Q1 2026, reflecting strong profitability from high gold prices.
- Mining Company Advantages: Newmont's production capacity grows with rising gold prices, and despite the complexities and capital intensity of mining operations, its long-term growth potential makes it a noteworthy investment choice.
- Streaming and Royalty Companies: Companies like Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals provide upfront funding to miners in exchange for the right to purchase gold at favorable prices in the future, thereby reducing operational risks and achieving diversified revenue streams.
- Investor Recommendations: For long-term investors looking to add gold in 2026, streaming and royalty companies offer a more attractive business model; although they are relatively niche in the market, their stable profit margins and growth potential warrant further exploration.
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- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 0.85% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The dividend will be payable on July 16, with a record date of July 2 and an ex-dividend date also set for July 2, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
- Buyback Plan: Royal Gold outlines a $500 million stock buyback plan and targets full repayment of its revolver by Q4, with liquidity expanding to $2 billion, showcasing the company's strong financial position and potential for future growth.
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- Partner Changes: Concurrently, Royal Gold will reduce its ownership interest in the project from 30% to 15%, receiving an uncapped 2.5% net smelter royalty on 100% of the project, reflecting a reassessment of its involvement and risk management.
- Operational Shift: Upon closing, Lidya Mines will become the operator of the Hod Maden project, owning 85% while Royal Gold retains 15%, which is expected to enhance management efficiency and operational flexibility of the project.
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Royal Gold Restructures Ownership in Artmin Joint Venture
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- New Partnership: Lidya Madençilik will take over the operations of the Hod Maden project, with SSR Mining transferring its ownership to Lidya, which is expected to leverage its local resources and expertise to effectively advance the project.
- Financial Arrangements: Royal Gold will fund $70 million of project costs, followed by Lidya covering $397 million in development expenses, with future funding needs allocated according to their ownership stakes, ensuring ongoing financial support for the project.
- Production Expectations: Post-restructuring, Royal Gold anticipates receiving approximately 9,000 gold equivalent ounces annually from the combination of the new and existing royalties, contributing about 4% to the overall asset value, thus ensuring stable returns in the precious metals market.
See More
Athena Gold Provides Exploration Update on Laird Lake Project
- Exploration Progress: Athena Gold Corporation's maiden drill campaign at the Laird Lake project in Ontario's Red Lake Gold District has intersected a broad zone of sulfidized banded iron formation in Hole LL-26-001, with assay results expected in the coming weeks, which will provide critical data for the project's potential gold mineralization.
- Key Contact Confirmation: Holes LL-26-002 and LL-26-003 successfully intersected the Balmer-Confederation contact, exhibiting strong alteration and sulfide mineralization, indicating a classic Red Lake-style mineralizing environment that could lay the groundwork for future gold mining.
- Historical Data Support: Hole LL-26-002 intersected a banded iron formation at approximately 116 meters depth, which historically returned grab samples of up to 78 g/t Au, further validating the area's mineral potential and likely attracting investor interest.
- Follow-up Drilling Plans: The company has commenced drilling Hole LL-26-004, aimed at testing the G4 anomaly, demonstrating its commitment to advancing exploration efforts, which may provide additional opportunities for future resource assessment and development.
See More
New Strategies for Gold Investment in 2026
- Gold Investment Misconception: While purchasing physical gold or gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Trust offers direct exposure to precious metals, long-term investors may find this approach overly reliant on gold price fluctuations, making effective asset diversification challenging.
- Mining Company Advantages: For instance, Newmont Mining generated $3.1 billion in free cash flow in Q1 2026, benefiting from high gold prices, showcasing the profit potential of mining companies during price surges, although their operational risks and capital-intensive nature cannot be overlooked.
- Streaming and Royalty Companies: Companies like Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals mitigate operational risks by providing upfront cash to miners in exchange for the right to purchase gold at favorable prices, enabling long-term growth potential while maintaining diversified portfolios.
- Learning About Streaming Investments: Although streaming and royalty companies are relatively niche in the investment landscape, understanding these firms and their unique business models will be worthwhile for long-term investors looking to add gold exposure in 2026, as they offer better protection and profitability amid market volatility.
See More
Analysis of Gold Investment Strategies
- Gold Investment Options: Short-term investors can opt for gold bullion or gold ETFs, while long-term investors should consider mining companies like Newmont, which generated $3.1 billion in free cash flow in Q1 2026, reflecting strong profitability from high gold prices.
- Mining Company Advantages: Newmont's production capacity grows with rising gold prices, and despite the complexities and capital intensity of mining operations, its long-term growth potential makes it a noteworthy investment choice.
- Streaming and Royalty Companies: Companies like Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, and Wheaton Precious Metals provide upfront funding to miners in exchange for the right to purchase gold at favorable prices in the future, thereby reducing operational risks and achieving diversified revenue streams.
- Investor Recommendations: For long-term investors looking to add gold in 2026, streaming and royalty companies offer a more attractive business model; although they are relatively niche in the market, their stable profit margins and growth potential warrant further exploration.
See More
Royal Gold Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.475 per Share
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Royal Gold (RGLD) declares a quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 0.85% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The dividend will be payable on July 16, with a record date of July 2 and an ex-dividend date also set for July 2, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
- Buyback Plan: Royal Gold outlines a $500 million stock buyback plan and targets full repayment of its revolver by Q4, with liquidity expanding to $2 billion, showcasing the company's strong financial position and potential for future growth.
See More
SSR Mining Sells Stake in Hod Maden Project to Lidya Mines
- Transaction Overview: SSR Mining has agreed to sell its 20% stake and operatorship in the Hod Maden development project in Turkey to Lidya Mines in exchange for an uncapped 4% net smelter return royalty on 100% of the project, indicating a strategic asset reallocation.
- Partner Changes: Concurrently, Royal Gold will reduce its ownership interest in the project from 30% to 15%, receiving an uncapped 2.5% net smelter royalty on 100% of the project, reflecting a reassessment of its involvement and risk management.
- Operational Shift: Upon closing, Lidya Mines will become the operator of the Hod Maden project, owning 85% while Royal Gold retains 15%, which is expected to enhance management efficiency and operational flexibility of the project.
- Strategic Refocus: SSR Mining stated that this deal, combined with the previously announced sale of the Çöpler mine and acquisition of the Cripple Creek & Victor Mine, completes its strategic shift towards an Americas-focused platform, likely strengthening its competitive position in the region.
See More
Royal Gold Restructures Ownership in Artmin Joint Venture
- Equity Restructuring: Royal Gold reduces its direct equity stake in Artmin from 30% to 15% while securing a new 2.5% net smelter return royalty, aiming to mitigate capital and operating cost risks while preserving the value of its Hod Maden project interests.
- New Partnership: Lidya Madençilik will take over the operations of the Hod Maden project, with SSR Mining transferring its ownership to Lidya, which is expected to leverage its local resources and expertise to effectively advance the project.
- Financial Arrangements: Royal Gold will fund $70 million of project costs, followed by Lidya covering $397 million in development expenses, with future funding needs allocated according to their ownership stakes, ensuring ongoing financial support for the project.
- Production Expectations: Post-restructuring, Royal Gold anticipates receiving approximately 9,000 gold equivalent ounces annually from the combination of the new and existing royalties, contributing about 4% to the overall asset value, thus ensuring stable returns in the precious metals market.
See More
Athena Gold Provides Exploration Update on Laird Lake Project
- Exploration Progress: Athena Gold Corporation's maiden drill campaign at the Laird Lake project in Ontario's Red Lake Gold District has intersected a broad zone of sulfidized banded iron formation in Hole LL-26-001, with assay results expected in the coming weeks, which will provide critical data for the project's potential gold mineralization.
- Key Contact Confirmation: Holes LL-26-002 and LL-26-003 successfully intersected the Balmer-Confederation contact, exhibiting strong alteration and sulfide mineralization, indicating a classic Red Lake-style mineralizing environment that could lay the groundwork for future gold mining.
- Historical Data Support: Hole LL-26-002 intersected a banded iron formation at approximately 116 meters depth, which historically returned grab samples of up to 78 g/t Au, further validating the area's mineral potential and likely attracting investor interest.
- Follow-up Drilling Plans: The company has commenced drilling Hole LL-26-004, aimed at testing the G4 anomaly, demonstrating its commitment to advancing exploration efforts, which may provide additional opportunities for future resource assessment and development.
See More
