Exploring High-Grade Gold Districts: Rua Gold's Journey in Reefton and Beyond

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared in October 2024 (Episode 479). Robert Eckford, CEO of Rua Gold, a junior gold mining exploration company exploring two historic high-grade gold districts across New Zealand. Robert is a Chartered Accountant and a Master in Mineral Economics, where he began his career as a mining auditor and consultant at EY, before moving on and becoming a founding member of two successful mining ventures. He’s been at the helm as CEO of RUA Gold for nearly 18 months and gives us an update on the company, update on New Zealand as a mining jurisdiction, how they work with the local communities, what factors influence the company's strategic decisions, and the use of AI in exploration. KEY TAKEAWAYS New Zealand's Mining Landscape: The new political party in New Zealand has implemented a fast-track permitting process, allowing mines to be permitted in just six months, significantly reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that previously existed. Rua Gold has successfully acquired 95% of the Reefton gold district, which is rich in historic high-grade gold deposits. Recent drilling results have shown promising high-grade intercepts, indicating strong potential for future mining operations. Community Engagement: Rua Gold actively engages with local Maori groups and communities, fostering a collaborative relationship. The company provides updates and seeks feedback, emphasising a partnership approach rather than a confrontational one. Use of AI in Exploration: The company utilises AI technology, specifically a tool called Verify AI, to analyze large datasets and identify high-potential drilling targets. This approach enhances efficiency in exploration by focusing resources on the most promising areas. The junior mining sector faces significant challenges in securing funding, despite high gold prices. The need for continuous capital raises and the difficulty in attracting investment highlight the complexities of operating in this space. BEST MOMENTS "The way that we're going to help mining in New Zealand is actually just cut the red tape and get permitting done quicker." "We have 95% of the tenements there, and now we're uncovering the rest of that district." "Antimony is really interesting in the sense that it is the most scarce critical mineral of critical minerals." "I think the biggest factor for me is can you make this into a business?" VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [e-mail] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS  www.ruagold.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/rua-gold/ Contact: [e-mail] ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectiv