Short-Seller Report Questions New Found Gold's Promising Claims

Vancouver-based New Found Gold Corp. has recently come under scrutiny following a report from Iceberg Research that challenges the company’s narrative of striking bonanza-grade gold deposits. Despite the report's claims, investor confidence appears largely unaffected, with shares maintaining their value.

Key Takeaways

• Iceberg Research questions the continuity of gold deposits at New Found Gold.
• The report suggests that high-grade intercepts may not be economically viable.
• New Found Gold's shares remain stable despite the report's release.
• The company has not yet provided an official mineral resource estimate.

Background on New Found Gold

New Found Gold Corp. has gained significant attention in Canada’s exploration sector since 2020, when it announced the discovery of gold in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. The company’s CEO, Collin Kettel, described their initial drilling success as “incredible luck,” reporting a high-grade intercept of 92.86 grams of gold per tonne over 19 meters.

Billionaire investor Eric Sprott has also shown strong support for the company, investing around $200 million and calling it his largest investment in a single precious metals exploration venture.

The Iceberg Research Report

Released earlier this month, the Iceberg Research report raises critical questions about the viability of New Found Gold’s claims. Key points from the report include:

• Lack of Continuity: The report highlights a historical issue with the deposit, noting that the presence and grades of gold vary significantly across the site.
• Economic Viability: It suggests that the best drill holes may be too narrow and too far apart to be mined profitably.
• Delayed Resource Estimate: The report accuses New Found Gold of resisting recommendations to compile an official mineral resource estimate, which is essential for assessing mining feasibility.

Investor Reactions

Despite the serious allegations made in the Iceberg report, New Found Gold’s stock price has remained stable at around $3.72, similar to its value prior to the report’s release. This stability indicates that investors may still have confidence in the company’s potential.

The Relationship Between Kettel and Sprott

The report also scrutinizes the relationship between CEO Collin Kettel and Eric Sprott, suggesting that their history of joint investments and previous failed ventures raises concerns about the current project. Critics have pointed out that many exploration companies face challenges, and the success rate is generally low.

Conclusion

As New Found Gold navigates the fallout from the Iceberg Research report, the company faces a critical juncture. Investors will be watching closely to see how management responds to the allegations and whether they will move forward with a mineral resource estimate. The exploration sector remains fraught with risks, and the coming months will be pivotal for New Found Gold as it seeks to validate its claims and maintain investor confidence.

Sources

• Short-seller report aims to poke holes in story told by fledgling gold company, Yahoo Finance Canada.