Gold-Copper Junior Surges 47% WoW, Plus Biotech and Gold Producer Updates

Published: 4/14/2025

Author: FRC Analysts

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In this edition, we analyze the performance of our top picks, including a gold-copper junior, whose shares rose 47% last week. We also highlight key updates from a biotech, and a junior gold producer under coverage.

Gain insights into companies under coverage that experienced significant developments last week, along with our analysts' commentary and actionable takeaways.
FRC top picks and standout performers from the past week

Monument Mining Limited (MMY.V, MMTMF)

PR Title: Enters into another agreement to process ore at its Burnakura mill in Australia

Analyst Opinion: Positive – This is the second such agreement signed by MMY this month. The latest announcement relates to a collaboration with Odyssey Gold Limited (ASX: ODY | MCAP: A$13M) to potentially process ore from the Tuckanarra gold project at MMY’s Burnakura mill, located 40 km away. Tuckanarra is an 80:20 joint venture between Odyssey and MMY, with MMY holding a 20% free-carried interest until a production decision. This project hosts 407 Koz of gold, grading 2.45 g/t. Earlier this month, MMY announced a similar agreement with Great Boulder Resources (ASX: GBR | MCAP: A$55M) to potentially process ore from GBR’s Side Well gold project, located 48 km from the Burnakura mill. Although both Tuckanarra and Side Well are in the exploration/development stage, these preliminary agreements, if converted into definitive toll milling arrangements, could provide MMY with a faster and more cost-effective path to stable cash flows. We anticipate record revenue and production this year from the company’s flagship Selinsing gold mine in Malaysia.

Updates on Financials, Technology, Energy, and Special Situations Companies Under Coverage

NurExone Biologic Inc./TSXV: NRX

PR Title: Announces U.S. uplisting intention, and closes $2.3M private placement

FRC Opinion: Positive - We believe NRX is on track to enter phase one clinical trials within 12 months. Last month, the company completed a preclinical study to support its application for an Investigational New Drug (IND) designation, a necessary step before initiating human clinical trials, for its ExoPTEN treatment for acute spinal cord injury (SCI). ExoPTEN has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). We note that there is currently no cure for SCI.

Top Picks

The following table shows last week’s top five performers among our Top Picks. The top performer, Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM), was up 47%. LUM owns an advanced-stage gold-copper project in Ecuador.

Top Five Weekly Performers	WoW Returns
Lumina Gold Corp. (LUM.V)	46.70%
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (SSV.V)	26.30%
Contango Ore Inc. (CTGO)	24.40%
Lake Resources NL (LKE.AX)	22.20%
Rio2 Limited (RIO.V)	18.70%

* Past performance is not indicative of future performance (as of Apr 14, 2025)

Last week, companies on our Top Picks list were up 8.2% on average vs 7.3% for the benchmark (TSXV).

FRC's Top Picks Portfolio vs TSXV Total Returns

Performance by Sector

Total Return	1 Week	1 mo	3 mo	6 mo	1 yr	Since launch
Mining	10.20%	0.50%	12.50%	-12.10%	3.20%	-6.90%
Cannabis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	-23.60%
Tech	4.60%	-17.80%	4.40%	17.50%	-2.00%	-8.00%
Special Situations (MIC)	1.70%	-11.90%	-19.90%	-4.40%	16.20%	-9.80%
Private Companies	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	6.70%	30.50%
Portfolio (Total)	8.20%	-2.80%	6.30%	-8.50%	5.40%	0.60%
Benchmark (Total)	7.30%	0.50%	3.30%	4.00%	8.30%	-29.60%
Portfolio (Annualized)	-	-	-	-	5.40%	0.10%
Benchmark (Annualized)	-	-	-	-	8.30%	-3.00%

1. Since the earliest initiating date of companies in the list of Top Picks (as of Apr 14, 2025)