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Client Updates

Posted by Peter Grandich at 7:45 PM on Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Anooraq Resources (ANO-NYSE/Amex) - A pullback both in platinum and resource stocks has brought ANO back to an attractive entry point.

Crescent Resources (CRC-TSX-V) – The latest drill results from Evolving gold should give CRC some comfort on its own play.

Crocodile Gold (CRK-TSX) – Has held up very well versus its peers. Longer term I believe it’s a takeover candidate.

Crosshair Exploration (CXX-TSX) – While nothing is official, there’s some talk of the moratorium being lifted in Labrador. This would be a big boost for CXX so stay tuned.

Donner Metals (DON-TSX-V) – Recent financing should give an underpinning while the company’s key project marches towards production. It would come as no surprise that its joint venture partner decided to take out DON interest. Stay tuned.

Evolving Gold (EVG-TSX-V) See comment in update

Farallon Resources (FAN-TSX) – Base metals and overall market correction has led to some profit-taking. In my biased but honest opinion, FAN will either need to make some acquisitions or be a prime takeover candidate.

Formation Metals (FCO-TSX) Still waiting on financing news.

Heatherdale Resources (HTR-TSX-V) I believe this is Hunter-Dickinson’s next big thing. I’ve bought a boatload of shares. Here’s to a sailing to new highs on drill results coming in next several weeks.

Northern Dynasty Minerals (NAK-NYSE/Amex) Fantastic updated resources. Incredibly cheap thanks mostly IMHO to the concerns of obtaining permitting. It would come as no surprise is bought out before permitting begins.

Rodinia Minerals (RM-TSX-V) The recent Argentina acquisitions can lead to much bigger and better things. Stay tuned.

Silver Quest Resources (SQI-TSX-V) Recent comment

Strathmore Minerals (STM-TSX-V) – Continuing weakness in uranium stocks has brought STM back to levels those not yet with uranium exposure can use to gain some.

Sunridge Gold (SGC-TSX-V) See comment in update

Taseko Mines (TGB-NYSE/Amex)See comment in update

Timmins Gold (TMM-TSX-V) – Had a great update from company in Phoenix. Company appears to be firing on all cylinders.

Grandich in Prospector News

Posted by Peter Grandich at 6:01 PM on Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Read

Please note – In my recent comments on Silver Quest Resources, I failed to note another very attractive project of theirs called the Slate Falls gold property. It has  some incredible gold showings up to 25.0 oz/t (Yes, I said 25 ounces). The company hasn’t decided yet whether to JV it or work on it this summer. Again, I want to note the plethora of great projects this company has that I believe are not even close to being appreciated in the market at this time.

Special Metals, Mining and Exploration Shares Update

Posted by Peter Grandich at 11:16 PM on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

As previously noted, I’m aggressively bullish on gold and silver again. I believe the risk in gold is $50 down and $200+ for the next 12 months. I also noted that the HUI Index is at levels it was when gold was $725. Given the fact that I don’t envision a worldwide economic retreat despite believing the U.S. economy will be overall lackluster for years to come, I’m quite bullish on the junior resource shares in general.

With this in mind, I like to review some model portfolio plays, Grandich clients, and another potential play. Before I do, I think it’s more critical than ever to fully realize we’re talking about gambling and all gamblers must be fully prepared to lose part or all of their money. I continue to see and hear many speculators/gamblers complaining about their holdings losing money and the impact such an event is having on them (if they’re not blaming someone else for their losses). Please!!!! You shouldn’t consider most of these types of stocks if any losses in them are going to cause you financial and/or mental anguish. You’re only fooling yourself if you do and still put any real dollars into them.

Finally, a good strategy for most is to consider putting no more than half a loaf in now and holding the other half for a break down towards key support around $1,050 gold or a break above key resistance at $1,150.

Model Portfolio

Northern Dynasty Minerals – I continue to suggest purchases at $8 or under

I continue to favor gold and silver bullion exposure through CEF, SLV and GLD.

Taseko Mines – I believe TGB has pulled back to an area that offers those not yet shareholders a chance to get on board. I suspect they’ve many majors, copper smelters and the like, beating a path to their door as I speak. I think $8 is a realistic target for the next 12 months.

Continental Minerals – While it had managed to hold onto most of its gains since I first recommended it, the weight of the metals and general market pullback appears to have given cause to those sitting on some nice profits to take some. I do think under $2 would be a chance to acquire more on a continuing belief they’re a prime takeover candidate. I would be especially aggressive if for some reason the selling begot selling to $1.80 or below. It’s now Chinese New Year season so any potential Chinese acquirers is not likely for a short period of time.

Nevsun Resources – It has wilted under the news of sanctions against Eritrea to the point where much of the political risk is being washed out of the price. Sub $2 IMHO appears to be a complete washout.

I believe several of the significant producers on my list are worthy here and especially:

  • AEM
  • AUY
  • ABX
  • GG
  • IAG
  • KGC
  • NEM

No change on EVG

Grandich Clients

Donner Metals – It used its recent sharp share price rise to raise significant funds. It also made yet another significant discovery. Strictly my opinion only, I can’t see Xstrata going into production with Donner still its joint venture partner. We shall see.

Heatherdale Resources – I believe this is Hunter-Dickinson’s next big thing.

Rodinia Minerals – I’m especially fond on RM given what is taking place within the lithium industry and the package of projects now in their portfolio. I think we can wake up one day and learn of a knock at RM’s door that greatly enhances shareholder value. Stay tuned.

Silver Quest Resources – An extremely big and cheap financing done under previous key management has come free trading and I believe is really the only real reason for such a sharp decline. Myself and a friend contacted management today to see if the group selling their cheap shares would sell two million shares below the current market. I know they’re going to sell so as long as the market is weak, there’s no need to step up for the time being. I do believe below $.25 would be a gift. Corporate wise things couldn’t be better and I hope to have an update out soon.

Other Potential Play

Buy East Asia Minerals (EAS-TSX-V) at $2.85 or better

Good night and happy trading!

Special Update 1PM EST

Posted by Peter Grandich at 1:06 PM on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

You’ve got to love the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” crowd on Wall Street. Yesterday they said the stock market was going up on anticipation of a Republican win in Massachusetts. The Republican wins and guess what? Yep, down she goes. I can’t wait to hear the spin on this (trust me, they’ll spin it).

In all seriousness, think about what has taken place in just twelve months. This time last year, it seemed like the Messiah had arrived in Washington. The Democrats looked like they would have their way while the rest (me included) would have to somehow “get along” in this “new era” liberalism/socialism-like environment.

That all evaporated last night when in one of the most liberal/socialists-like states in the nation, they elected a fairly hard-right Republican. All I can say is, “THERE IS A GOD”!!!

This win alone has changed the political landscape and will have a definite impact on markets. I shall, of course, make my views known about it as we progress, but for now I’d like to do a quick update on the markets and some model portfolio and client stocks.

U.S. Stock Market – I’m still standing by the door with my bags packed and my bear suit pressed. I continue to believe the “Happy” people can still get the DJIA to around 11,000 if not even somewhat higher. As many of you know, I’ve been looking for such a feat from last spring and said over and over again that the so-called rebounding economy can last to about mid-year 2010 before rolling over again. I believe the “Happy” crowd will try and run with the 4th quarter GDP that I estimate can come in at 4%+. This should cause one last orgy of “happy days will be here again hype” and allow the market one last day (maybe even week or month) in the sun before my scenario of a Japanese-like era takes hold .

U.S. Dollar – The “countertrend” rally in the U.S. Dollar continues and my target of the 83 area on the U.S. Dollar Index remains. This is not some new-found love for the fundamentals of the United States but merely a corrective phase in a continuing secular dollar bear market. I’ll wait to see the dollar bull boat fill up before suggesting abandon ship (I also expect the gold perma-bears to be packing as many poor souls onto this boat with them).

Precious Metals – I’ve been waiting for one more wash out before declaring in my mind the correction/consolidation is over in gold. I believe my wish came true today. While the risk still remains $1,050, the upside of several hundred dollars higher demands full bullishness again. Silver is also equally attractive while platinum and palladium are due for a correction/consolidation.

Base Metals – I expect them to at best match precious metals performance and continue to suggest over-weighting with precious metals-related investments.

Oil and Gas – I remain dead neutral.

U.S. Bonds – I’m very bearish and believe one should avoid tying up large amounts of principle dollars at current rates for any length of time past a year or so.

Model Portfolio Comments

Because I’m raising my opinion on gold and silver back to full bullishness, many holdings are back on the buy side. Please see the updated model portfolio list.

  • Northern Dynasty Minerals comment.
  • Continental Minerals is trading extremely well and had every excuse to sell off but instead is under serious accumulation. I didn’t think it was possible for Hunter-Dickinson to get more tight lipped but they have (the response from a director was something like “Pete, I just can’t comment at this time so stop asking”). Stay Tuned!
  • Use this hopefully last wash-out to get long some of the major metals producers.

Grandich Clients

  • Crosshair Explorations continues to have good news and hopes to have an update out soon.
  • Donner Metals used the recent strength in its share price to do a very good financing while it continues to have excellent results in the field.
  • Formation Metals tells me the financing is advancing and to anticipate news in the not-too-distant future
  • I love Heatherdale Resources.
  • Silver Quest Resources: A very cheap financing that was done during the previous CEO’s time has come free trading but is being absorbed nicely. Fundamentals have never been better in my biased but honest opinion and the share price is likely to go back to previous highs once this past placement is fully behind us.

Weekend Update

Posted by Peter Grandich at 8:39 PM on Saturday, January 16th, 2010

My bags are packed and my bear suit is pressed but I have yet to leave the key on the counter at the “Don’t Worry” Be Happy” Hotel. Some may ask with almost two feet out the door, why not just hit the check out button on the TV and return back to where I belong?

In a business where many times you’re only as good as your last call, it’s going to be extremely difficult to surpass or match my last two market calls. My biggest sell recommendation ever came just two days after the all-time high in DJIA and my go long buy came just one day before the bottom last March. So unless I timed the ultimate top within hours, someone will surely say I’m slipping-Lol!

I promise this blog will be the first to note when I tell the desk “sayonara”.

The correction/consolidation in gold is nearing an end and while we can’t rule out one more dip below $1,100, I continue to believe the surprises in the gold market remain almost exclusively to the upside.

Given the fact that people are literally knocking themselves over in declaring their new-found love for the U.S. Dollar, the U.S. Dollar Index has seen barely a blip up. Bullish sentiment has gone from the low single digits to the majority yet the dollar has barely budge, net-net. While there’s still a window of opportunity for a decent bear market rally, time is not on the dollar bull’s side.

I continue to like going short 10-30yr. Treasuries here and on any further rallies.

I remain dead neutral on oil and gas.

Model Portfolio Comments

Finally, a commentary on Donner Metals

The Street.com on Northern Dynasty Minerals

Posted by Peter Grandich at 3:25 PM on Monday, January 11th, 2010

Read

Northern Dynasty Minerals

Posted by Peter Grandich at 7:48 AM on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Takeover? From the author’s mouth to God’s ears.

Model Portfolio Update

Posted by Peter Grandich at 11:56 AM on Friday, January 1st, 2010

NAK – 2010 can finally be the year NAK’s remaining 50% interest in the Pebble Deposit is bought out. While the opposition to Pebble has been noisy and has scared some potential stock investors away, I don’t believe they’ve come close to demonstrating why this project shouldn’t be built. On any real weakness, I would be a buyer.

GDX and XGD are strong holds.

PST and TBT – I said a few weeks ago the play for 2010 was to be short the treasuries. We’ve a big bump up in rates and while I think this is just the beginning of a bear market, I wouldn’t chase these or other short plays for the moment. Buy on pullbacks.

FXC and FXE – I’m anticipating the U.S. Dollar bear market rally to continue for the first few months in 2010. I would welcome the chance to put the Euro back on a buy mode if it got back to the $1.35 area. As many of you know my favorite foreign currency remains the Canadian Dollar. It has shown strong relative strength in the U.S. Dollar bear market rally. I continue to believe it can reach parity in 2010.

CEF, SLV and GLD – While the bullion correction can still linger in early 2010, I do believe its okay to be a buyer of gold and silver again.

SSRI and HL are strong holds and become long-term capital gains in 2 months.

TGB had a great 2009. While similar returns are not in the cards, the stock still has plenty of upside left. Any bullish news on the Prosperity should be the catalyst to a significant higher share price and possible takeover of TGB itself.

I said throughout 2009 that Chinese led companies would become more aggressive on the acquisition front in the metals and mining industry. I think this became apparent as 2009 came to an end. KMK is a prime takeover target and I don’t believe its independence is long for this world.

NSU saw some significance weakness as 2009 came to a close on news that Eritrea was to face some significant U.N. sanctions. There’s no question such actions can have an impact but barring a full-fledge economic embargo, I think NSU should more than survive. The closer the share price is to $2 the more compelling speculation it is.

Outside of HAT and client STM, I remain cautious towards uranium stocks. I am monitoring several but only on further weakness do they have a realistic chance of becoming buys at this point. HAT is a hold for now as we await a new round of drilling.

AUY is a buy and I’m also looking at adding some other producers to my shopping list for the New Year.

While EVG is now a client, I do favor it for 2010 and beyond. I’m very optimistic the company can move several steps up on the corporate ladder. Stay tuned.

GBG appears to be under aggressive accumulation and could be an above average performer in 2010.

Two Great BNN Clips

Posted by Peter Grandich at 9:22 PM on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

# 1

# 2

Short Update

Posted by Peter Grandich at 9:26 AM on Friday, November 20th, 2009

With the U.S. Stock Market approaching my upside target of DJIA 10,500 – 11,000, I’ve now begun to look closely for a selling point. Given next week begins a seasonally strong period for the stock market, I may not be saying Ba Hum Bug until after Christmas. Stay tuned.

The U.S. Dollar is showing signs of a doable short- to intermediate-bottom but needs to get above 78 on the U.S. Dollar Index to confirm, IMHO. Such a move could lead to a significant bear market rally so we shall watch closely.

If and when such a dollar rally takes hold, one should not assume it’s curtains for gold (as much as the mortally wounded perma-gold bears are praying for). Gold has so many long-term bullish factors going for it which I hope to discuss as we move closer to year-end. For now, it continues to demonstrate an ability to self-correct intra-day and my target of $1,200 for this year still remains a strong possibility. As I’ve stated often, $1,000 gold has gone from being a ceiling to floor so those looking to buy on weakness should not expect to buy gold again  for three digits for quite some time.

This has to be one of the worst-written articles I’ve ever read. I point this out for a couple of reasons:

  • Look at the author’s past articles and you will find a big slant against “goldbugs.” This is not uncommon in financial journalism. Simon Constanable comes to mind as someone who can’t help himself but knock gold and those who believe in it. We all know several commentators on CNBC-TV have over the years “panned” gold whenever they can. BNN, a five star network in my book, also has some gold bear anchors. Frances Hurodelsk and Martin Cej can’t help themselves whenever they have a guest on gold. They always take the-cup-is-half-empty line. As I have said numerous times, gold will never be accepted by the masses as it flies in the face of owning financial assets, a factor most in the financial services industry and financial media need to do okay in order to prosper.
  • Gold bears always point back to $850 gold, an event that, by the way, was a one day affair (gold fell quickly back to under $700 so very few people bought at $850). What they fail to do is to point back to the tops in the asset they love and live off of – stocks. The author of the article I refer to fails to note how much worse the masses are who bought stocks at their all-time highs. At least gold is back above its high nominally. Good luck to those who wait for the NASDAQ to hit 5,000 to do the same.

Now here’s a journalist who deserves a medal! If it was up to me, he would get the “John Crudele” medal of honor.

PLEASE NOTE – You must assume my opinions remain the same from my last commentary on a market or stock until such time I publish an update.

In the case of Northern Dynasty Minerals, no change in opinion therefore no new update. However, here’s a copy of a comment on it by me for an upcoming article in a mining publication:

Northern Dynasty Minerals (NAK-NYSE/Alnet, NDM-TSX) – Since acquiring the Pebble Project in 2001, Northern Dynasty has delineated and advanced one of the world’s greatest stores of mineral wealth.

Located on American soil in southwest Alaska, the Pebble deposit is remarkable for both its size and composition. Current estimates indicate a total resource of 5.1 billion tonnes measured and indicated and 4.0 billion tonnes inferred, containing 72 billion lb copper, 94 million oz gold and 4.8 billion lb molybdenum. Quantities of silver, palladium and rhenium also occur in the deposit.

In 2007, a wholly-owned affiliate of Northern Dynasty entered a 50:50 partnership with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anglo American plc to permit, construct and operate a modern, long-life mine at Pebble. Based on Anglo American’s staged investment of $1.425 to $1.5 billion, both companies share equal ownership, board representation and rights in the Alaska-based Pebble Limited Partnership.

Under the leadership of the Pebble Partnership, the Pebble Project is on a path to development. Key project strengths include:

  • a known mineral resource with the tonnes, grade, metallurgy and geometry to support a modern, long-life mine;
  • favorable terrain — low elevation;
  • a stable and predictable regulatory environment;
  • ready human and financial resources; and,
  • broad public support for responsible resource development in Alaska.

Theirs is a rather loud anti-pebble crowd that has clearly spooked some investors into believing the project will not be able to even make it to the formal permitting application stage and receive due process of law. While one can never say this crowd can’t win, I remain confident because so far government regulators haven’t shown to be anything but fair and I trust they will allow the process itself to determine whether Pebble can go forward into mine development.

End of update