Orford Mining's Gold and Nickel Projects Offer Upside for Investors

- Orford Mining (ORM) is exploring in Quebec, Canada, with projects in the Nunavik region and the Abitibi region.
- They have the West Raglan nickel project and the Qiqavik gold project, both large and underexplored.
- Orford Mining is about to start a drill program on the Joutel Eagle project in the Abitibi region.
- The past year has been challenging due to fluctuating metal prices for junior explorers, affecting share prices.
- Despite challenges, Orford Mining has raised funds and has a solid balance sheet, preparing for drilling and administrative costs.
Orford Mining is an exploration company focused on two regions in Quebec, Canada - the northern Nunavik region and the southern Abitibi region. The company has several early-stage exploration projects across these regions that show promising potential for new discoveries of gold and nickel deposits. With experienced management, strong partners, and activity ramping up on multiple projects in 2023, Orford offers investors upside exposure to exciting exploration.
Nunavik Projects Target Nickel & Gold
In Nunavik, Orford is advancing the West Raglan nickel project and the Qiqavik gold project located close together in northern Quebec.
West Raglan - Funded by Partner
The 714 sq km West Raglan project is being funded by partner Wallbridge Mining, which can spend up to $25 million to earn 80% interest. Orford operates the project. Work to date has outlined high-grade nickel intercepts across a 55km long belt, highlighting district-scale potential for nickel sulfide deposits similar to the producing Raglan mine nearby. Nine widely spaced holes were drilled in 2022, extending mineralization at the Frontier zone and discovering a new zone called Boomerang. Orford is working with Wallbridge Mining on a 2023 exploration budget and drill program. Continued funding expected from Wallbridge Mining de-risks further exploration here for Orford shareholders.
Qiqavik - New Gold District
The 400 sq km Qiqavik gold project sits adjacent to West Raglan and remains at an early stage of exploration by Orford. Work over the past few years has outlined high-grade gold boulders across the property, pointing to excellent discovery potential. Fourteen holes drilled in 2022 identified wide intersections of lower-grade gold mineralization, along with narrow high-grade veins. Orford engaged an expert to review results, who concluded gold sources may be located very close to high-grade boulders found at the surface. Orford plans to use a different drilling technique in 2023 to test closer to known boulders and explore faster and more cost-effectively. Qiqavik provides a blue sky upside for new potentially high-grade gold discoveries.
Joutel Project in Abitibi Targeting Open Pit Resource
In the Abitibi region of Quebec, Orford has assembled a large land package in the historic Joutel area, most of which has seen little modern exploration. Work is now focused on the Joutel Eagle project, situated next to Agnico Eagle's JV ground.
Orford sees potential for an open-pittable gold resource at the South Gold Zone, where shallow historic drilling shows wide intercepts of 1-2 g/t gold mineralization starting near surface. A 2,500m drill program set to start January 2023 will test the continuity of this zone along strike and at depth. Positive results could lead to a resource delineation drill program later in 2023 to advance towards a maiden resource estimate. There is also significant blue sky potential to make new high-grade discoveries along the interpreted mineralized structures extending across Orford's properties here.
Strong Partners, News Flow, Improving Market Conditions
Orford is well positioned to enter 2023 with a cash balance sufficient for planned programs, experienced management, and partnerships in place to advance projects:
- Wallbridge Mining earning into West Raglan provides funding to advance this nickel project.
- Alamos Gold owns 25% of Orford shares and sees the Qiqavik gold project as a potential game-changer, providing a strong endorsement.
- Improving macro conditions for gold and nickel should support junior explorers.
Upcoming Catalysts
- Drill results from 2,500m program starting January at Joutel Eagle
- Finalized 2023 exploration budgets/plans for West Raglan and Qiqavik
With drilling underway, funded partners, and multiple projects advancing in proven districts, Orford Mining offers investors exposure to potential high-impact discoveries in 2023. The current valuation leaves a significant upside on success.
The Investment Thesis for Orford Mining
Multiple Shots on Goal
Orford has several exploration projects covering gold and nickel, providing diversification across commodities and geographies. This increases the chances of a significant discovery.
Experienced Management
The Orford management team has extensive experience exploring and operating in these regions of Quebec. They have the technical knowledge to drive projects forward and relationships/access to talent.
Funded Partners de-risk Exploration
The earn-in deal on West Raglan with Wallbridge funds exploration, while Alamos' backing provides validation of the potential. This reduces dilution and risk for Orford investors.
Significant Exploration Upside
The early stage of exploration across Orford's properties means there is major upside potential from new discoveries. Recent results are encouraging and systematic exploration could unlock substantial value.
Future Catalysts
Assay results from drilling at Joutel are expected within months. Plus new drill programs are slated for Qiqavik and West Raglan once budgets are approved. News flow forthcoming.
Improving Macro Backdrop
Sentiment and funding for junior explorers are improving alongside rising gold and nickel prices.
Takeout Potential
Major discoveries could attract takeover interest from mid-tier and major miners active in the regions.
Summary
Orford Mining offers investors upside exposure to discovery-stage exploration on prospective ground, while risks are mitigated through partnerships and diversification. Catalysts upcoming in 2023 could re-rate the currently discounted valuation.
Analyst's Notes


