News Summary
The most recent company-specific news (December 17, 2025) announces a strategic district consolidation in the Mayo Mining District, Yukon. Banyan acquired the Trail Minto Claims (229 quartz claims) from Mayo Lake Minerals Inc. for $1.0 million in cash and a 2% NSR royalty (buy-down to 1% for $1.0M). This acquisition expands the AurMac and Nitra property footprint to a contiguous 720 sq km land package. Simultaneously, the company provided a comprehensive resource update:
– AurMac Project: Indicated Resource of 2.27 Moz Au (0.63 g/t) and Inferred Resource of 5.45 Moz Au (0.60 g/t).
– Hyland Gold Project: Indicated Resource of 0.337 Moz Au and 2.63 Moz Ag.
The company also noted it has completed its 2025 drilling program consisting of 178 holes (42,700 meters) and is actively participating in the Yukon-BC Grid Connect initiative to secure future infrastructure needs.
Material Impact
The impact is Materially Positive. Banyan has successfully transitioned from a 100% Inferred resource to a substantial Indicated base, confirming the geological continuity of its massive ~7.7 Moz gold inventory.
– District Consolidation: By securing the Trail Minto claims, Banyan eliminates property boundary constraints for its expansion, which is critical given the sheeted vein and skarn mineralization styles that extend across these boundaries.
– Strategic Funding: The previous October 16, 2025, closing of a $31.4 million financing with Alpayana S.A.C. (a Peruvian mining strategic investor) is a massive de-risking event. Alpayana invested at $0.70 (hard dollar), providing a valuation floor and the technical backing of an operating miner.
– Infrastructure: The proximity to the Yukon power grid and the move to consolidate land around it reduces future CAPEX hurdles for what will likely be a high-throughput, bulk-tonnage operation.
Catalysts
– Assays Pending: Watch for results from the remaining holes of the 42,700m program (specifically AX-25-772 and -779) which targeted high-grade sheeted vein domains.
– Silver Upside: Further confirmation of “Keno-style” silver mineralization at Powerline (recent results showed 302 g/t Ag over 103.6m).
– 2026 PEA: The company has shifted the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) target to 2026 to incorporate the massive 2025 data set. Progress updates on metallurgical and engineering work will be lead-up catalysts.
Materiality Conclusion
The December news confirms that Banyan is no longer just “drilling for ounces” but is strategically positioning AurMac as a Tier-1 Canadian development asset. The combination of a 100% earn-in (eliminating Victoria Gold’s oversight via receivership), a strategic operating partner (Alpayana), and a consolidated 720 sq km district makes this project a likely M&A target for majors looking for scale in stable jurisdictions.
