🟡 Brightstar’s Modest MRE Increase Boosts Confidence at Lord Byron
ASX‑listed Brightstar Resources has reported a modest increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at its Lord Byron gold deposit in Western Australia, based on recent drilling. The uplift strengthens geological confidence and supports ongoing development planning ahead of a definitive feasibility study (DFS).
Key Facts:
Recent drilling at Lord Byron delivered positive results, expanding known mineralisation and prompting a small MRE increase.
The updated Resource supports confidence in future mine planning and technical studies.
Brightstar is progressing its broader Goldfields Hub strategy, with multiple deposits and a pathway to development.
Expert Insight: “Even modest increases in mineral resources can meaningfully de‑risk projects and enhance valuation, especially when paired with solid drilling results and ongoing feasibility work,” industry analysts note.
🟡 Gold & Silver Hit Record Highs on Weak Dollar, Powell Subpoenas & Iran Tensions
Gold and silver prices surged to all‑time highs as markets reacted to a weaker U.S. dollar following news that Fed Chair Jerome Powell was served grand jury subpoenas, while heightened geopolitical tensions (especially in Iran) boosted safe‑haven demand.
Key Facts:
Gold futures jumped to $4,585.56/oz and spot gold reached around $4,575.82/oz after hitting a fresh peak.
Silver prices climbed ~4.85%, hitting a record high of about $83.88/oz.
The U.S. dollar weakened after the Powell subpoena news, lifting demand for precious metals.
The rally reflects safe‑haven inflows, Fed rate‑cut expectations, and ongoing geopolitical risk.
Expert Insight: “With geopolitical uncertainty elevated and monetary policy risk rising, gold and silver are benefiting from strong safe‑haven and investment demand.
🟡 Gold & Silver Hit Record Highs on Safe-Haven Demand & Fed Rate-Cut Bets
Gold and silver prices surged to all-time highs as investors flocked to safe-haven assets amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty, alongside growing expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts in 2026.
Key Facts: Gold broke above US $4,600/oz, hitting record levels before settling slightly lower.
Spot gold traded near US $4,478/oz, with U.S. futures also strong.
Silver climbed above US $83/oz, also reaching all-time highs.
Bulls are pricing in multiple Fed rate cuts this year, boosting demand for non-yielding metals.
Expert Insight: With geopolitical risks rising and softer U.S. economic data increasing the likelihood of rate cuts, safe-haven inflows into gold and silver have strengthened — signaling continued bullish momentum in the precious metals complex.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is facing a criminal investigation over the Federal Reserve’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, according to reports. The news rattled markets, sending the US dollar lower and pushing gold prices to fresh record highs as investors rushed to safe-haven assets.
Key Facts:
U.S. prosecutors are examining Powell’s Congressional testimony related to the Fed’s renovation project.
US dollar weakened sharply following the report.
Gold surged to record levels on heightened uncertainty and safe-haven demand.
Markets are concerned about Fed independence and policy stability.
Expert Insight: “Any uncertainty around the Federal Reserve leadership boosts volatility. Gold is benefiting as investors hedge against political and institutional risk.
🟡 Year‑End High Points to Continued Bull Run for Gold
Gold finished 2025 with record price performance, tagging multiple all‑time highs as the market continues a strong bull run. Safe‑haven demand, macro uncertainty, and sustained investment inflows are fueling optimism that gold’s momentum could extend into 2026.
Key Facts:
Gold hit record highs throughout 2025, with numerous all‑time price peaks.
Analysts see ongoing strengths in the bull market, driven by central bank buying and macro stress factors.
Spot gold has surpassed historic levels, highlighting robust investor interest.
Expert Insight: Markets remain optimistic on the gold bull run, with many strategists projecting further upside beyond current price levels, supported by ongoing safe‑haven flows and structural drivers.
🟡 Capricorn Metals Sees Early Gains from Karlawinda Expansion
ASX-listed Capricorn Metals delivered 30,476 oz of gold at its Karlawinda gold project in WA for Q2 FY2026, keeping production on track for the full-year guidance of 115,000–125,000 oz. The mine continues to operate at the post-expansion run rate of the Karlawinda Expansion Project (KEP).
Key Facts:
Quarter production: 30,476 oz gold; YTD: 62,794 oz
Recovery rate: 89.9% (slightly down from 90.3% in prior quarter)
Cash & gold on hand: $444 million, up from $394 million last quarter
Capital expenditure: $39 million, including $36.1 million at KEP (engineering, equipment, civil works, pre-production mining)
Development at Mt Gibson project ongoing, early works and design activities underway
Key milestones: Bulk earthworks completed at Karlawinda, 95% of process plant design scope finished, ball mill delivery scheduled Q3 FY2026
Expert Insight: “Post-expansion production rates are stabilizing Karlawinda output while KEP development progresses, positioning Capricorn for strong full-year results and long-term growth,” says the company.
🟡 Summit Minerals to Rebrand as Western Ridge Resources Following Keystone Acquisition
ASX-listed Summit Minerals will seek shareholder approval to change its name to Western Ridge Resources (WRX). The rebranding coincides with the company’s acquisition of the Keystone polymetallic project in Nevada, US, which hosts high-grade silver, gold, and tungsten. The general meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2026.
Key Facts:
New ticker: WRX (subject to shareholder approval)
Keystone project: Polymetallic project in a mining-friendly Nevada jurisdiction
Metals: Silver, gold, tungsten — all high-demand for technology and industrial markets
Strategic rebrand aligns with focus on critical technology metals
Acquisition positions company for long-term growth and sustainable shareholder value
Expert Insight: “The Keystone project offers a strong platform in a Tier-1 jurisdiction, expanding exposure to technology-critical metals like silver and tungsten, meeting growing global demand,” says MD Dr. Matthew Cobb.
🟡 Pacgold Nearing Gold Production at White Dam Project
ASX-listed Pacgold is set for initial gold production and cash flow at its White Dam project in South Australia. Cyanide irrigation is underway on the heap leach pad, with ~250,000 t of run-of-mine ore being processed. Production is expected to start mid-January, marking a major milestone for the company.
Key Facts:
Location: White Dam Gold Project, South Australia, ~80 km west of Broken Hill
Heap leach irrigation underway on first lift of existing heap leach pad
Ore being processed: ~250,000 t of RoM ore
Leaching timeframe: 5–6 weeks, with initial cash flow expected soon
Existing PLS pond and processing infrastructure fully operational
Total RoM ore on pad: ~7.5 million t — potential for significant gold recovery
Expert Insight: “Commencing heap leach irrigation signals the transition from project acquisition to production. Early results will validate recovery potential and unlock near-term value,” says MD Matthew Boyes.
🟡 Regis Resources Reports $255M Quarterly Cash & Bullion Build
ASX-listed Regis Resources produced 96,600 oz of gold in Q2 FY2026 (ended Dec 31, 2025), bringing H1 production to 186,900 oz. The company recorded a $255-million increase in cash and bullion after paying $38 million in dividends, reaching a record cash & bullion balance of $930 million.
Key Facts: Total group gold production Q2: 96,600 oz
H1 FY2026 gold production: 186,900 oz
Cash and bullion build: $255 million for the quarter
Dividend paid: $38 million
Record cash & bullion balance: $930 million
Full December quarterly results (including AISC) due Jan 22, 2026
Expert Insight: “Strong production and cashflow demonstrate Regis’ operational efficiency and financial strength, positioning the company for continued growth in FY2026.”
🟡 GoldStone Reports Steady Operational Progress at Homase Mine
Aim-listed GoldStone Resources produced 90.6 kg (2,912 oz) of gold at its Homase mine in Ghana for the year ended Dec 31, generating around $10 million revenue at an average realized price of $3,464/oz. All gold produced was sold during the period.
Key Facts:
Total material mined: 744,000 t, including 144,000 t of ore.
Operations impacted by regulatory inspections and heavy rainy season, reducing stacking rates from 36,000 t/month to 14,000 t/month.
New screening and conveying system commissioned, enabling stacking rates up to 56,000 t/month.
Mining focus in 2026: near-surface oxide material from Pit 3; total ore planned: ~250,000 t at ~1 g/t gold.
Heap leach pad capacity expanded: Pad 6 (160 m × 120 m) largest at Homase, enhancing operational flexibility.
Financials: Self-funded since Jan 2023, reduced historical liabilities by $2.5M; AISC expected between $2,500–$2,900/oz for 2026.
Guidance for 2026: Targeting ~4,000 oz gold production, assuming ~68% metallurgical recovery.
Expert Insight: “Despite heavy rains and regulatory challenges, Homase mine shows improved operational resilience with enhanced heap leach infrastructure and disciplined planning around seasonal conditions,” says CEO Emma Priestley.
🟡 Pacific Bay & Aurwest Sign Joint Venture on Weaver Gold Project
TSX-V-listed Pacific Bay Minerals (PBM) has entered a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aurwest Resources, allowing Aurwest to earn a 50% stake in PBM’s Weaver Gold Project in British Columbia over three years through cash, share payments, and exploration work.
Key Facts:
Weaver Gold Project is located in the East Harrison Lake Belt, with strong orogenic gold and silver potential.
Historical sampling: up to 63.77 g/t gold and 2,009.44 g/t silver; multiple drill intercepts show multi-gram gold/silver over metre-scale widths.
The property covers 725 ha, with year-round access and potential for magmatic nickel/copper sulphides, drawing parallels to Pacific Nickel’s Giant Mascot Mine.
PBM highlights favourable geology, mineralisation continuity, and untapped potential along strike and depth.
Expert Insight: “This partnership accelerates exploration in a high-potential BC gold project,” says PBM CEO David Brett. Aurwest CEO Cam MacDonald adds: “Weaver represents a strong entry point into gold exploration in British Columbia.
🟡 Gold Prices Climb on Geopolitical & Macro Drivers
Gold continues its strong start to 2026, buoyed by safe‑haven demand from geopolitical tensions (especially in Iran and the Middle East) and expectations of interest rate cuts, keeping prices near historic highs.
Key Facts:
Gold trading near multi‑year highs as safe‑haven flows build.
Market watchers see a gap‑up bias on COMEX & MCX due to Middle East risk.
Analysts from major banks forecast further upside, with Morgan Stanley projecting ~US $4,800/oz by late 2026.
Bullion expected to stay firm as geopolitical uncertainty persists and key political/economic events unfold.
Expert Insight: Gold’s safe‑haven appeal remains powerful amid global risk, steadily attracting both institutional and retail demand — especially as markets weigh geopolitical stress and central bank policy cues.
🪙 Global Uncertainty Remains Gold’s Strongest Catalyst
Gold prices opened 2026 above US$4,500/oz, with global uncertainty continuing to act as the most powerful support for bullion — driven by geopolitical tensions, economic risks, and safe-haven demand.
Key Facts:
Gold started the year around US$4,507 per ounce amid persistent market uncertainty.
According to The Perth Mint, this bullish momentum is far from over as investors seek protection.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions and macro risks keep gold attractive as a safe-haven asset.
Expert Insight: In times of ongoing economic and political instability, gold remains a core hedge for investors — underpinning further upside potential in 2026.
🪙 Gold Investors Stay Bullish After Record Rally in 2025
After one of the strongest gold rallies in decades — with prices up about 65% in 2025 — investors remain bullish on gold’s outlook, holding long positions and expecting further gains in 2026.
Key Facts: Gold’s rally in 2025 was its strongest in nearly 50 years, driven by central bank buying and geopolitical tension.
Many money managers expect further gains in 2026, though at a steadier pace.
Continued central bank demand and weakening fiat currencies are seen as key long-term support.
Expert Insight: While investors don’t expect a repeat of 2025’s massive surge, most still view gold as a strong hedge against inflation, currency risk, and economic uncertainty — keeping sentiment positive.
Gold is showing strong bullish signals for early 2026, supported by cooling economic growth, persistent inflation pressures, a weak US dollar, and strong technical momentum — setting the stage for a potential breakout above record highs.
Key Facts: Gold is rallying toward new highs after breaking past record levels in late 2025.
The combination of slowing growth and sticky inflation keeps rate-cut expectations alive, helping gold demand.
A break below ~$4,260 could signal deeper consolidation, but above that level the uptrend remains intact.
Expert Insight: Bullish macro trends — weakening labor data, inflation concerns, and a softer dollar — favor gold’s continued rally into 2026, with silver possibly outperforming as the gold-to-silver ratio breaks down.
🪙 Gold & Silver Outlook: Bullion Seen Holding Firm Next Week
Analysts expect gold and silver prices to remain firm next week as markets focus on key macro triggers — especially the upcoming US tariff verdict and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Key Facts:
Bullion prices are expected to stay steady or trend higher amid global uncertainty.
Traders are closely watching a US Supreme Court tariff decision, which could impact market sentiment.
Geopolitical risks continue to support safe-haven buying in gold and silver.
Expert Insight: With uncertainty around trade policy and global tensions, precious metals are likely to retain bullion’s safe-haven appeal — helping prices hold firm in the near term.
🌘 “Longest Solar Eclipse of the Century” Officially Confirmed
Astronomers have officially confirmed the date and details for one of the longest total solar eclipses of the 21st century, set to occur on 2 August 2027, when day will briefly turn to night across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Key Facts:
The total solar eclipse will happen on 2 August 2027 — not 2025.
At its peak, the Moon will completely block the Sun for about 6 minutes and 23 seconds — one of the longest durations this century.
The event has been described as the “eclipse of the century” due to its unusual length and wide path of visibility.
Expert Insight: This rare celestial event will attract observers, photographers, and eclipse chasers worldwide — and will transform midday into a brief twilight in the path of totality.
🏺 Tang Dynasty Noblewoman Buried with Gold Hair Ornaments
Archaeologists in northwest China have uncovered an elaborately furnished tomb of a young Tang Dynasty noblewoman, revealing finely crafted gold and silver hair ornaments and other burial goods that reflect cultural exchange along trans‑Eurasian networks in the late 7th century.
Key Facts: The tomb dates to 698 AD in Shaanxi Province, China.
Archaeologists recovered 19 burial objects, including gold and silver hair ornaments and finely decorated metalware.
The design and craftsmanship show influence from Western Regions and trans‑Eurasian cultural exchange, illustrating the Tang Dynasty’s connections across trade routes.
Expert Insight: These burial goods provide valuable material evidence of rich cultural interactions and elite status symbols during the peak of the Tang Dynasty.
🐢 Over 1,500 Giant Tortoises Rewilded in Galápagos
Conservationists have reintroduced more than 1,500 giant Galápagos tortoises to several islands, restoring natural ecosystems and boosting biodiversity.
Key Facts: Tortoises were bred in conservation programs due to previous population declines
Reintroduced tortoises help control invasive plants, disperse seeds, and reshape habitats
Considered “ecosystem engineers” for their role in maintaining ecological balance
Expert Insight: This large-scale rewilding is a major ecological success, showing how species recovery can restore natural landscapes and improve biodiversity resilience.
Mutual fund investors are sharply increasing allocations to gold and silver as equity markets show volatility and caution rises.
Key Facts: Precious metal funds recorded ₹15,600 crore inflows in December
Gold ETFs inflows surged to ₹11,647 crore, up from ₹3,742 crore in November
Silver ETFs inflows rose to ₹3,962 crore from ₹2,154 crore
Equity fund inflows cooled as investors shifted to defensive assets
Expert Insight: The strong inflows highlight a defensive investment shift, with gold and silver preferred as safe-haven assets during uncertain market conditions. Source: