Yukon rush

Bill Sheriff, chairman of the Predator Mining Group, said the opportunities in the Yukon right now are unparalleled. — Photo courtesy Predator Mining Group

A number of member companies make up the Predator Mining Group, a private company whose focus is to promote shareholder value for its members.

Two of the member companies, Golden Predator and Redtail Metals Corp., are members of the Yukon Gold Mining Alliance (YGMA), a recently established not-for-profit coalition of qualified mining companies. The alliance's main goal is to identify companies that are dedicated to Yukon mineral exploration and development.

“The Yukon is certainly having a rush because of the unparalleled opportunities there,” said Bill Sheriff, chairman of the Predator Mining Group. “It has undeniably the best first-world opportunities for major gold discoveries. As a result, there has been a horde of companies moving in—and in that environment, it is difficult for the investor to separate the wheat from the chaff.”

Sheriff said that the YGMA was created in an effort to provide a good housekeeping seal of approval for the companies that are legitimate. He said that In a little over a year, it has come to full fruition, and the Yukon government is a heavy supporter.

“The individual companies pay to be members,” said Sheriff. “We have very stringent conduct and behaviour guidelines—including those involving community involvement and support for First Nations.”

Environmental responsibility and labour relations are also important aspects of the corporate sustainable policy that must be adhered to.

“The companies have to have minimum expenditures and/or established 43-101 resources in the Yukon in five of the last seven years,” said Sheriff. “We are trying to be inclusive and we hope that everyone working up there will meet the goals.”

Sheriff said that Golden Predator and Redtail Metals Corp. are the two companies that have significant deposits right now.

"Golden Predator has three advanced projects and six pipeline projects," said Sheriff. "It has one of the largest land holdings in the Yukon."

Golden Predator's objective is to be the leading exploration and gold-producing company in the Yukon and is the lead vehicle of the Predator Mining Group. Sheriff said Redtail Metals Corp. is focused exclusively in the Yukon on base metal opportunities with a significant precious metal credit.

“Redtail owns the Marg deposit in the Yukon, outright,” said Sheriff. “We will be looking to fast-track it into production.”