Tariffs, Trade Wars, and the Gold Rush. Why This Junior Miner Could Be the Biggest Winner

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On behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd

Something big is happening in gold.

Gold isn’t just rising—it’s surging to record highs, with Donald Trump at the center.

This isn’t just another bull run. It’s not just central banks hoarding more reserves.

Western investors are flooding back in, flipping the gold market on its head.

For years, they sat out, offloading 30 million ounces1 while China, India, and central banks quietly stocked up.

Now, that’s changed—making Western investors question everything.

Western investors are questioning if the long ascent in the overall markets will persist while the stock market flashes warning signs:

  • Trade wars, tariffs, and global tensions are creating dramatic market uncertainty.2
  • Trump’s new tariffs threaten to push costs higher, squeezing businesses and consumers.
  • Stock market volatility is surging—with the Dow plunging nearly 900 points in a day3 with recession fears creeping in.
  • A weakening dollar and looming Fed rate cuts are driving gold’s momentum.

When markets get shaky, investors look for stability—which is why gold continues to reach new record-breaking highs.

Gold prices recently hit an all time high of $3,400 per ounce, prompting top institutions to raise their forecasts.

JP Morgan now predicts gold will climb to $4,000 per ounce in mid-20264, while Goldman Sachs is calling for $3,700-$3,950 gold as early as June.5

And billionaire investor John Paulson recently predicted gold could hit $4,000 to $5,000 by 2028, calling it the “ideal asset in an uncertain world”6.

And as gold climbs, smart investors aren’t just looking at bullion—they’re seeking leverage.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting:

Gold Stocks Haven’t Caught Up—Yet

Historically, gold miners outperform physical gold in bull markets.

But right now, even as gold prices surge and mining margins approach 40%7, gold stocks are still lagging behind the metal itself.

Why Are Gold Stocks Still Cheap?

The biggest gold buyers over the last two years—China, central banks, and the Middle East—don’t buy gold stocks. 

That’s why, even as gold hits record highs, gold equities remain undervalued.

But record gold prices combined with stock market risks could prompt Western investors to look at gold for the first time in over a decade. 

If that happens, it’s important to note that Western investors  don’t just buy any gold stock—they look for leverage. 

  • New gold producersCompanies going from zero to production often see the biggest re-rates.
  • High-cost producers – Their profit margins expand the most when gold prices surge.
  • Large-cap gold miners – Big money flows into the biggest names first.

But here’s the challenge—most early-stage miners are still years from production.

Only four single-asset gold producers are set to come online in 2025, according to BMO Capital Markets. 

One—Artemis’ Blackwater Mine—has already launched and the stock has re-rated. That leaves just three new producers. 

And only one operates in a safe jurisdiction.

Enter West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF)—a junior miner gearing up for production in one of the world’s most prolific gold belts.

Gold is surging. Western investors are back. New producers are scarce.

That’s why West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) stands out as one of the most compelling gold stock setups in years.

Riding the Golden Runway Towards a Targeted Restart in Q2 2025

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is on the cusp of a major transformation, targeting a restart in Q2 2025 at its Madsen Gold Mine in Canada’s Red Lake Gold District.

That puts them on a short and desirable list—only a handful of companies are on track to enter production in 2025.

It also means West Red Lake Gold Mines – currently trading as a pre-production developer – is still significantly undervalued compared to producers it will soon join.

West Red Lake Gold Mines’ (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) controls the 1.65-million-ounce Madsen Mine, sitting on a highly prospective 80 km² land package in one of the world’s most prolific gold belts.

It’s fully permitted.8 It’s a past-producing mine with 2.5 million ounces of historic gold production. And it contains what Mining.com has called one of the world’s highest-grade, undeveloped gold projects.9

  • 1.65 Moz gold (Indicated) at 7.4 g/t Au
  • 366 Koz gold (Inferred) at 6.3 g/t Au10

But the real story isn’t just about the asset itself—it’s about how close West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is to production and how few investors realize it.

Why are investors looking at West Red Lake Gold Mines?
Gold isn’t just rising, it’s surging to record highs. New producers are scarce. Western investors are piling in. And West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is set to become one of the only new gold producers of 2025, right as the market is demanding fresh production. A near-term producer, high-grade gold, a fully built mine, and a leadership team that’s delivered before.

West Red Lake Gold Mines Just Checked Off Every Box

Most juniors are still talking about timelines and what-if scenarios.

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) has already checked off most of the biggest technical and operational boxes that many developers are hoping to achieve.

First, the company released a Pre-Feasibility Study in January confirming strong economics at a conservative US$2,640/oz gold price.11 The study outlined a $496 million after-tax NPV and projected $94 million in annual free cash flow.

Then in Q1, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) mined and processed 15,000 tonnes from six gold zones as a bulk sample —executing the mine plan exactly as designed. 

Grades and tonnes matched expectations, with independent engineers overseeing the process from stope design to final gold pours.

This bulk sample isn’t just symbolic—it’s the operational proof investors needed to see.

Real gold. Real recovery.

The company didn’t just talk about what could work. They showed it does.

Despite this progress, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is still trading like a pre-production explorer.

And yet, the mine is built. The mill is running. The underground connection drift is complete. More than 200 employees are already on site, and ore is being stockpiled in preparation for processing in the coming months.

While other juniors are years away from a restart, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is lining up for gold production in H2 202512 — with the hard part already done.

The last operator at Madsen rushed to production — and missed on grade. That mistake cost them everything, and investors still remember.

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) saw the potential, but took a completely different approach.

No shortcuts. No overpromises. Just a disciplined plan backed by real geology, new engineering, and methodical execution.

That difference is now showing up where it matters most:

  • The grades from WRLG’s bulk sample matched expectations
  • The tonnes were right on target
  • The mill restart went smoothly
  • And the mine plan is doing exactly what it was designed to do

In short: West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) did what the previous operator couldn’t.

And in doing so, it’s become something rare in this market—a junior that’s actually delivering.

The Rerating Potential Is Clear

In the gold space, rerating happens when risk disappears.

When a company proves the mine works… when the grades hold up… when the infrastructure is built… when production is no longer a hope, but a process already underway—that’s when the market pays attention.

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) has already delivered on all of that.

It’s rare to see a junior with a fully built mine, a restarted mill, verified bulk sample results, and production targeted within months—still trading like it’s early days.

Compare that to Pure Gold, which once hit a $1 billion market cap based on the same asset—before it ever proved it could operate.

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is taking a smarter approach. It’s proving each piece step by step. 

And now, with the biggest technical risks behind it, the conditions for a rerating are in place.

The market hasn’t caught up yet.

But it’s starting to notice.

With heavyweight backers like legendary industry financier Frank Giustra, who owns a 9.4% stake, and a leadership team of industry pros from billion-dollar gold producers, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is quickly transforming Madsen into a producing gold mine.

The company’s CEO, Shane Williams, was COO of Skeena Resources when it advanced the past producing Eskay Creek Gold project toward a restart. Before that Williams was VP of Operations at Eldorado Gold, where he led builds of mines in Quebec, Turkey, and Greece. 

WRLG director Duncan Middlemiss previously served as President and CEO of Wesdome Gold Mines.

Under Middlemiss’s leadership, Wesdome achieved record annual production of 172,033 ounces in 2024, marking a 39% increase compared to the previous year14 and  the company’s market cap is now sitting at a cool C$2.38 billion.15

Starting up a mine—even one with infrastructure already in place—takes serious expertise, capital, and execution.

At the Madsen Mine, that work isn’t theoretical. It’s happening:16

  • Underground drilling is tightening the definition of high-grade zones ahead of production.
  • A 1.4-kilometre connection drift has been completed to streamline underground operations.
  • The mill has been restarted, fully ready to process ore.
  • A new camp for 114 workers is built and operational.
  • Over 200 employees and contractors are already on site, actively preparing for the next phase.

This isn’t early-stage exploration. It’s a near-term production story in motion.

And with each milestone achieved, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) moves one step closer to its targeted restart—and one step closer to a potential market re-rating.

Why are investors looking at West Red Lake Gold Mines?
Gold isn’t just rising, it’s surging to record highs. New producers are scarce. Western investors are piling in. And West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is set to become one of the only new gold producers of 2025, right as the market is demanding fresh production. A near-term producer, high-grade gold, a fully built mine, and a leadership team that’s delivered before.

7 Key Traits

That Define a High-Potential Gold Stock Opportunity

1 Strong Market: Gold is up over 43% in the past year, recently breaking above $3,400/oz—with top investors like John Paulson forecasting gold could reach $5,000 by 2028.17
2 World-Class Location: Situated in Red Lake, one of the most prolific high-grade gold districts in Canada with over 30 Moz produced to date.18
3 Top-Tier Assets: The fully permitted Madsen Mine boasts past production of 2.5 Moz gold19 and a high-grade resource of 1.65 Moz at 7.4 g/t gold.20
4 Infrastructure Advantage: A modern 800 tpd mill is already in place,21  along with extensive underground development, power, camp facilities, and a completed 1.4 km connection drift.22
5 Near-Term Production Timeline: West Red Lake Gold Mines has completed test mining, restarted the mill, and is stockpiling ore—targeting gold production in H2 2025.
6 Fully Permitted: All required permits are in place, setting up a quick return to activities.
7 Experienced Leadership: Led by proven mine builders and capital markets professionals from billion-dollar gold producers like Skeena, Eldorado, and Wesdome.

Why Near-Term Producers are the Biggest Winners

In gold mining, timing is everything.

And the timing couldn’t be better for West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF).

The Lassonde Curve—a roadmap for how mining projects typically grow in value—shows that the most significant opportunities arise as companies transition from development into production.

It’s during this “golden runway” phase that substantial stock price appreciation happens—sometimes by double or even triple digits—as big money flows in to capitalize on the transition from development to production.

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) exemplifies this potential. Unlike many projects that spend decades navigating discovery, permitting, and financing, they’re already past those hurdles.

With West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) targeting production at Madsen Mine targeting production in 2025, the company is rapidly moving toward becoming a fully financed gold miner.

Not many investors realize just how rare this opportunity is. Less than 1 in 10,000 exploration projects ever becomes a producing mine, making near-term producers like West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) stand out.

Right now, the company’s share price and market cap remains lower than its peers, representing significant upside potential as milestones like mine restart create tangible reason for a higher valuation.

Just take a look at other gold miners that have seen significant appreciation as they transition into production:

      • Artemis Gold: Up 225% since June 2023 as it nears production at its Blackwater Mine in British Columbia, Canada.23
      • SilverCrest Metals: After putting the Las Chispas Mine in Mexico into production in Nov 2022, SILV shares skyrocketed 89%, resulting in a $1.7 billion buyout in October.24
      • G Mining Ventures: Up 279% since beginning construction at the Tocantinzinho Gold Project in Brazil.25 The company poured its first gold in July 2024, further boosting investor confidence.
      • Perseus Mining: Saw strong stock price appreciation leading up to its first gold pour at the Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire in December 2020 and continued gains in 2021 and 2022 as it ramped up production.26

These examples highlight how production milestones can transform undervalued gold stocks like West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) into breakout success stories.

Leadership That’s Done This Before

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) has the advantage of leadership that’s learned from past successes how to march the company forward to success.

Shane WilliamsB. Eng. M. Sc – CEO, President & Director

  • Former Skeena Resources COO; advanced past producing Eskay Creek Gold project toward restart
  • Former VP Operations and Capital Projects at Eldorado Gold; brought Lamaque Gold project from Preliminary Economic Assessment to commercial operation in just 18 months
  • Extensive open-pit development experience with Rio Tinto

Frank GiustraAdvisor

  • CEO of private equity investor Fiore Group
  • Involvement with large gold producers, including Wheaton River Minerals and Goldcorp
  • Entrepreneurial success includes founding Lionsgate Entertainment

Anthony MakuchB.Sc, P.Eng – Director

  • President, CEO & Director of Discovery Silver, advancing the Mexico’s Cordero Project back into production
  • Former CEO of Kirkland Lake Gold when they increased annual gold production by over 340% from 315Koz to 1.4Moz & merged with Agnico Eagle Mines
  • Former President & CEO of Lake Shore Gold Inc. until acquired by Tahoe Resources Inc.

Duncan MiddlemissDirector

  • Former President, CEO & Non-Independent Director of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
  • Former Chief Mine Engineer at Barrick Gold Corp.
  • Former positions include Chairman for Ontario Mining Association; President, CEO & Director at St. Andrew Goldfields Ltd.; Manager-Engineering & Production at Kirkland Lake Gold, Inc.

Hugh AgroB.Sc., MBA, P.Eng. (Non-Practicing) – Director

  • Over 35 years of leadership and business experience in mining
  • President, CEO & Director of Revival Gold Inc.
  • Co-founded Carbon Arc Capital Investments Inc., specializing in mining and metals
  • Former Executive VP, Strategic Development with Kinross Gold
  • Former senior executive with Placer Dome and Deutsche Bank’s Global Metals and Mining Group

7 Key Reasons

Why West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) Should Be On Your Radar

1 Strong Market: Gold prices are up 43%+ in the past year and forecast to hit $3,700 to $3,950 by mid-2026.
2 World-Class Location: One of the highest graded gold producing districts in Canada with Red Lake Gold District with over 30 Moz of gold produced to date.32
3 Top-Tier Assets: Fully permitted Madsen Mine with 2.5 Moz of past production33 and 1.65 Moz at 7.4 g/t gold (Indicated).34
4 Advanced Infrastructure: Brand-new 800 tonne-per-day mill and key facilities already in place.
5 Near-Term Path to Production: Madsen Mine restart is fully funded and targeted for 2025.
6 Fully Permitted: All required permits secured for quick restart.
7 Experienced Leadership: Proven team with expertise from billion-dollar gold producers.

The biggest gold bull run in decades is accelerating, and West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is perfectly positioned to ride the wave as it races toward its H2 2025 restart at the Madsen Mine.

Gold is breaking records. New producers are scarce. Western investors are piling in. 

And West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is set to become one of the only new gold producers of 2025—right as the market is demanding fresh production.

This is exactly where smart money goes in a gold bull market. A near-term producer, high-grade gold, a fully built mine, and a leadership team that’s delivered before.

With every major milestone—bulk sample results, mine restart, and first gold pour—this stock is expected to attract serious attention.

As gold prices soar and West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) moves toward production, the market won’t ignore this story for long.

For market watchers looking for a high-leverage gold play with massive upside potential, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is one to keep a close eye on—before the market catches up.

Why are investors looking at West Red Lake Gold Mines?
Gold isn’t just rising, it’s surging to record highs. New producers are scarce. Western investors are piling in. And West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB:WRLGF) is set to become one of the only new gold producers of 2025, right as the market is demanding fresh production. A near-term producer, high-grade gold, a fully built mine, and a leadership team that’s delivered before.

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