Central Banks Drive $407 Billion ETF Surge as Industry Consolidation Accelerates
Central Bank Gold Purchases: Global central banks have significantly increased gold purchases, acquiring over 1,000 tonnes annually for the past three years, which has led to a surge in gold ETFs and record assets under management of $407 billion as of August 2025.
RUA GOLD Inc. Developments: RUA GOLD Inc. has reported exceptional high-grade results from its Auld Creek project, with plans to expand its resource base and a strong financial position of $14 million to support aggressive exploration efforts in New Zealand's mining districts.
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- Drilling Progress: As of February 11, 2026, Osisko Development has completed 11,025 meters of infill drilling at its Cariboo Gold Project's Lowhee Zone, representing approximately 80% of the planned 13,000 meters, which will provide more precise data for future resource modeling.
- High-Grade Gold Discoveries: The latest drilling results include a highlight from hole BMU-25-132, which showed 596.40 g/t gold, with a peak of 2,293.56 g/t at 6.6 meters downhole, significantly enhancing the economic potential of the area and potentially impacting future mining plans.
- Project Timeline: The infill drilling program is anticipated to conclude in early Q2 2026, and as drilling progresses, it is expected to further optimize production designs and sequencing, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
- Resource Assessment Update: Approximately 12.1 kilometers of drilling has been completed, accounting for about 88% of the planned total, and this data will be used to update resource assessments, potentially supporting the addition of new reserves and enhancing the project's long-term value.
- Project Management Partnership: Osisko Development's wholly-owned subsidiary, Barkerville Gold Mines, has signed a Project and Construction Management Services Agreement with JDS Energy & Mining to advance the Cariboo Gold Project in British Columbia, indicating a more integrated approach to project delivery.
- Enhanced Management Expertise: JDS's extensive experience in project and construction management will provide additional capacity and structure for planning and execution at the Cariboo Gold Project, ensuring disciplined progress and enhancing Osisko's competitiveness in gold mining development.
- Company Background: Founded in 2004, JDS boasts a diverse team known for delivering tailored solutions, with a proven track record in executing projects on budget and on schedule, including past successes like the Minto Mine and Gahcho Kue Mine.
- Strategic Objectives: Osisko Development aims to become an intermediate gold producer, with the Cariboo Gold Project as its flagship, fully permitted and 100%-owned, expected to significantly support the company's future growth and mineral inventory expansion.
- New VP Appointment: Osisko Development has appointed Sarah Harrison as Vice President of Permitting and Compliance effective February 2, 2026, aiming to enhance the company's compliance capabilities within the western Canadian mining ecosystem and improve project management efficiency.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Harrison brings over 13 years of experience in environmental assessment, reclamation, and regulatory compliance, having managed major permit amendments for large-scale mining projects, ensuring smooth project progression.
- Previous Role Background: Prior to joining Osisko, Harrison served as Project Manager at JDS Energy & Mining, overseeing compliance in the Environmental Division, and held the position of Environmental Manager at Artemis Gold's Blackwater Gold Mine, accumulating significant hands-on experience.
- Company Development Strategy: Osisko Development focuses on developing gold projects with district-scale potential, aiming to become an intermediate gold producer through its 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project, and Harrison's expertise will further drive the implementation of this strategy.
Market Surge: Spot gold prices have surged above $5,300, setting new records in the market.
FOMC Meeting Anticipation: The increase in gold prices comes ahead of the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
- Transaction Completion: Osisko Development has successfully sold its 100% interest in the San Antonio Gold Project located in Sonora, Mexico, receiving 15,325,841 Axo common shares, representing a 9.99% stake, thereby enhancing its capital base in gold mining development.
- Potential Earnings: The transaction includes future cash payments and stock options, with Osisko expected to receive $2 million in cash or up to 9,398,496 Axo shares upon Axo's public filing of a feasibility study, further improving the company's financial flexibility.
- Financing Conditions: Should Axo raise over $10 million in equity financing, Osisko will retain a 9.99% interest in Axo, reflecting the company's strategic positioning for future market opportunities and ensuring long-term benefits.
- Legal Support: Bennett Jones LLP acted as legal advisor to Osisko in this transaction, ensuring compliance and smooth execution, showcasing the company's expertise in navigating complex deals.





