Northstar Gold Corp. has secured up to $4.0 million in co-investment funding from DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, to support its Cam Copper Surgical Mining for Critical Minerals Project. This initiative, led by Novamera Inc., aims to apply the innovative Surgical Mining™ approach to accelerate the production of critical minerals, particularly copper, in a more sustainable and efficient manner. Northstar is collaborating with Novamera and Micon International Limited as consortium partners in this venture.
The funding, approved under DIGITAL’s Future of Mining and Energy (FoME) program, represents a significant milestone for Northstar. The company expects to receive up to approximately $1.8 million net of fees and adjustments, which accounts for about 30% of the total Project-approved expenditures of approximately $11.0 million. This funding will be disbursed over the Project term to the three partners against eligible expenditures. Northstar anticipates receiving its first reimbursement of eligible Project expenditures, approximately $300,000, on or before mid-April 2026.
The Cam Copper Project, located near Kirkland Lake, Ontario, will leverage Novamera’s proprietary Surgical Mining technology. This approach involves directly targeting mineralized zones from the surface using large-diameter rotary drill holes, aiming to generate direct-shipping copper mill feed. The method is designed to significantly reduce waste, surface disturbance, capital intensity, and permitting timelines compared to conventional underground mining methods.
Brian Fowler, P.Geo., President, CEO, and Director of Northstar Gold Corp., emphasized the importance of this co-investment, stating, “This co-investment represents an important execution milestone as we advance the Cam Copper Surgical Mining™ pilot toward permitting and potential deployment. Partnering with Novamera, Micon, and DIGITAL positions Northstar at the forefront of next-generation mining technologies while maintaining a disciplined, capital-efficient development strategy.”
The Cam Copper Project is expected to proceed in phased stages, focusing on advanced subsurface imaging, real-time orebody modeling, metallurgical validation, and regulatory engagement under Ontario’s critical minerals framework. This aligns with Northstar’s recently signed definitive Master Project Agreement.
In addition to the funding announcement, Northstar also revealed that it has granted an aggregate of 11,250,000 stock options to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Corporation. These stock options are exercisable at $0.08 and will expire five years from the date of grant. Half of the options will vest immediately, subject to a statutory four-month hold period, with the remainder issued on the grant date annual anniversary.
Northstar Gold Corp. focuses on advancing the exploration and development of the near-surface Allied Gold Zone and the nearby high-grade Cam Copper VMS exploration and development projects on its 100%-owned Miller Copper-Gold Property near Kirkland Lake. The company also holds three additional 100%-owned exploration projects in northern Ontario, including the Rosegrove Property, the Bryce Gold Property, and the Temagami-Milestone Cu-Ni-Co Critical Minerals Property.
This development could significantly impact the mining sector by demonstrating the viability of precision mining technologies in extracting critical minerals. The success of the Cam Copper Project could set a precedent for other mining companies to adopt similar sustainable and efficient practices. Furthermore, the collaboration between Northstar, Novamera, Micon, and DIGITAL highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation within the mining industry.
The use of advanced imaging, AI modeling, and precision robotic drilling in the Surgical Mining approach could revolutionize how narrow-vein deposits are extracted, reducing costs, accelerating timelines, and minimizing environmental impact. This could lead to a new category of sustainable, high-return projects, potentially reshaping the future of mining.
However, the project’s success will depend on various factors, including the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, the availability of financing, and the actual results of current exploration activities. The mining industry is inherently risky, and unforeseen challenges could arise, impacting the project’s outcomes.
In conclusion, Northstar’s announcement marks a significant step forward in the adoption of next-generation mining technologies. The success of the Cam Copper Project could have far-reaching implications for the mining sector, promoting more sustainable and efficient practices. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its developments and the potential impact on the broader mining industry.