This is a very brief summary of what was a lengthy interview. Don’t rely on this summary. Watch the full interview which is linked at the end of this post.
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Time to Read: 7 minutes
Teako Minerals Company Overview
Teako Minerals (CSE: TMIN) is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering battery metals in Norway. With a large and diversified land package, the company is dedicated to exploring a wide range of metals, including copper, cobalt, zinc, and rare elements, Teako is committed to leveraging innovative exploration techniques, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of Norway’s rich mining history to unlock new mineral opportunities.
We are in contact with the Oslo Exchange and are considering a listing, but we need to ensure it’s the right time and that the costs are justified. Listing there would open up more opportunities for local investors and increase liquidity.
Sven Gollan, CEO Teako Minerals (CSE: TMIN)
Teako Minerals CEO Interview Summary
Why should I trust you with my money?
We have invested our own money in the company and are committed to building Teako alongside our shareholders. We have built the company on three pillars: our focused exploration strategy in Norway, our drive for innovation in exploration, and our emphasis on collaborations and partnerships.
How important is this investment to you specifically?
Teako is by far my largest shareholding, and I am fully dedicated to its success. We have accepted share payments instead of cash and have not sold any shares, showing our commitment to the company’s future.
Is this your only activity? Are you involved in other businesses?
I have stepped down from all other board positions to focus solely on Teako. My time is fully dedicated to building Teako, and I am also an adviser to our largest shareholder, a family office in Austria.
What’s the connection with your largest shareholder, which seems to be a food company?
The investment comes from the family office attached to the food company. They invest a part of their stable cash flow into commodities and infrastructure, following the principle that everything needs to be either grown or mined.
What is your corporate strategy given the multiple projects you have? Are you an explorer, a project generator, or both?
We initially staked a large number of projects across Norway to secure the best ground. Moving forward, our focus will be on refining and developing the most promising projects while potentially partnering on or selling others. Our goal is to build Teako by leveraging the extensive potential in Norway.
What about your projects in British Columbia?
We are currently focused on Norway, but we are looking for a buyer or partner for our projects in British Columbia. We believe Norway offers greater potential for discovery and growth.
What would a sale of your British Columbia project look like? What would you want from a potential buyer?
We are looking for several hundred thousand Canadian dollars for the portfolio. A good partnership that shows commitment to developing the projects further is essential, whether it’s a co-ownership or an outright sale.
How do you determine which projects to keep and which to drop?
We use a combination of public data, historic drill cores, and extensive fieldwork to assess the potential of our projects. The decision is based on both geological potential and the strategic fit with our long-term goals.
How do you approach potential partners and expand your network?
We rely on a combination of in-person meetings, networking, and social media to build relationships. The entry of major companies like BHP into the region has increased interest in Norwegian projects, and we are focused on leveraging these opportunities.
How do you reach potential partners in Norway? Do you use LinkedIn, attend conferences, or something else?
We use a full range of networking strategies, including social media, conferences, and one-to-one meetings. Building relationships locally and being present in Scandinavia is key to our strategy.
How is the relationship with Eric Roth of Capella Minerals, and are there larger synergies there?
We have a close relationship with Capella Minerals, particularly with Eric Roth, who is also on the board of Teako. While a merger could be an option in the future, our focus is on advancing Teako’s current projects and exploring potential partnerships where they make sense.
Why not a simple merger with Capella Minerals to lower G&A and increase opportunities?
A merger could be an option, but we need to ensure it aligns with our long-term goals and doesn’t distract us from our current focus. We are also considering other strategic moves, such as listing on a different exchange.
Why not list on the Norwegian Stock Exchange?
We are in contact with the Oslo Exchange and are considering a listing, but we need to ensure it’s the right time and that the costs are justified. Listing there would open up more opportunities for local investors and increase liquidity.
How much would it cost to list in Norway?
The basic package for listing in Norway would cost around 100,000 Canadian dollars, which is more expensive than the CSE but cheaper than the TSX Venture.
What specifically are you going to do in the field this year? What’s the focus?
We have been in the field since early May, conducting mapping, prospecting, sampling, and soil sampling. Our focus is on confirming the targets identified through desk research, particularly in central Norway, where we are looking for VMS-style deposits.
How long is that program going to take you? Is it seasonal?
Our field program is seasonal, focusing on the summer months. We plan to complete the mapping and sampling by the end of the summer and may continue with geophysical work or drilling over the winter, depending on the results.
How much money are you budgeting for all that work?
We budget around 100,000 Canadian dollars per month for the full field program, which includes our own geologists, field crews, and sampling costs.
Are you planning any capital raises this year?
Depending on the success of our field program and deal flow, we may raise additional capital or pursue project sales to finance further exploration.
What are your G&A expenses, and how are you managing them?
Our management G&A is about 37,000 Canadian dollars per month, and we are committed to keeping costs low by employing our own geologists and field crews rather than hiring expensive contractors.
What about the environmental regulations and community relations? Is everyone happy with your work in Norway?
We have experienced strong support from local municipalities, landowners, and the Norwegian government. While there are challenges, particularly in northern Norway, we are committed to open communication and working within the regulations to ensure a positive impact.
Do you need any specific permits before you can finish your field program?
For our current field program, we only need to notify the relevant authorities. However, if we move to drilling, we will need to apply for permits, which typically takes six to eight weeks.
How reliable is the permitting process in Norway? Can there be delays or obstacles?
The permitting process is generally reliable, but challenges can arise depending on the region. Communication and local engagement are crucial to navigating any potential issues.
What are the next steps for Teako, and what should we expect in the coming months?
We are planning significant developments in the coming months, with a focus on advancing our projects in Norway and securing strategic partnerships. Watch for our news flow as we continue to progress.
Teako Minerals Full CEO Interview (VIDEO)
In this comprehensive interview with Sven Golan, CEO of Teako Minerals, we explore the company’s ambitious strategy in Norway, the challenges and opportunities in a revitalized mining jurisdiction, and the innovative approaches the company is taking in exploration. Sven discusses the importance of aligning management with shareholders, Teako’s focused approach on its three main projects, and the potential for partnerships and strategic deals in Norway. The interview also touches on the company’s financial strategy, its approach to environmental regulations, and the future direction of Teako as it seeks to expand its operations and secure new opportunities in the mining sector.
