Ian Campbell, CEO, HARFANG EXPLORATION
Can you introduce Harfang Exploration and the firm’s portfolio?
We are a pre-discovery company focused mostly in the Eeyou Istchee - James Bay region of Québec. In 2022, Harfang merged with another Junior explorer, LaSalle and so we also have some Northeastern Ontario gold projects near Timmins. While Serpent-Radisson has been our flagship, our Lake Ménarik property has numerous geological similarities to the Timmins Gold Camp so we are focusing our attention there this year. In the summer of 2022, we began reviewing lithium opportunities in James Bay which led to the staking of several properties later in the year and earlier this year.
What will the current lithium frenzy mean for the future of James Bay?
James Bay is rapidly gaining attention as the center of gravity for a source of North American lithium deposits, based on the amounts of deposits delineated to date, and the exploration potential for more. Last month Midland brought in Rio Tinto on a CAD$64 million dollar deal which was followed by a deal with Azimut. I believe the push into lithium is resetting James Bay, and as explorers in the area, we are in the right place at the right time.
What makes Québec a unique jurisdiction for junior mining?
Québec is the best jurisdiction in which I have operated, period. The whole mining ecosystem is strongly supported, from the grassroots level to development, and the geology for literally any type of hard rock deposit is as good as anywhere else in Canada. The Québec institutional funds provide excellent support as they understand the benefits of success. They are at the grassroots level, the highest risk point, and not just the mining level. This separates Québec from other jurisdictions not only in Canada but globally. Having worked in most Canadian provinces, it is easy to pinpoint Québec as an excellent place to do business.
Mark Fedosiewich and Laurent Eustache MF: President and CEO LE: Executive VP, VIOR INC
Can you give an update on VIOR’s activities and plans for the coming year?
MF: VIOR has plans for a very busy 2023 as we rapidly advance three district-scale projects in Québec: Belleterre Gold, Belleterre Lithium, and Skyfall Nickel. Currently, the Belleterre gold project is the most advanced. Our Skyfall Nickel Project is still in its early stages but is extremely prospective. VIOR is advancing this project with its partner, SOQUEM Inc., a well-financed subsidiary of Investissement Québec, with whom we signed an option agreement in March 2023.
Our newly developed Belleterre lithium project is situated within the Sayona Abitibi lithium hub. In May we began an initial field exploration program and identified several pegmatite swarms on the property as well as some strong mineral indicators for lithium potential.
Do you believe we will see more consolidation in the junior space in the coming year?
LE: There are a substantial number of juniors operating in the Québec market and competing for a limited pool of capital. Still, on a broader scale, I do not believe that there is a shortage of investors. The primary issue at the moment for many junior companies is that they are too small in market value to be eligible to access most institutional investors and funds. I think that this may lead to potential consolidations as a way for juniors to grow and attract the attention of investors. Finally, to consolidate, positive synergies that create value for shareholders will have to be properly demonstrated and executed.
Why is VIOR going to be a great story for investors?
MF: VIOR is rapidly advancing three district-scale projects in Québec. Each has the potential for discovery and to be a game changer in the industry, and each distinct project offers exposure to a different highly sought-after metal, representing tremendous opportunity for the province and for our shareholders.