Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of precious metals exploration, few regions hold as much allure as Canada's Abitibi Greenstone Belt. This prolific mining district, spanning Ontario and Quebec, has yielded some of the world's most significant gold and base metal deposits over the past century. At the forefront of modern exploration in this area is Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp (KLDC), a junior mining company led by CEO Stefan Sklepowicz. Sklepowicz shared insights into the gold market, the company's expansive land holdings, recent drilling successes, and the path ahead.

The Gold Market: A Bullish Outlook Amid Inflationary Pressures

Sklepowicz outlined his bullish perspective shaped by recent global events. He traced the turning point to the COVID-19 pandemic, when governments worldwide engaged in massive money printing to mitigate economic downturns. "The interesting thing for me is that this has been a few years in the making," Sklepowicz explained. "The turning point was in Covid whenever we started printing money like crazy... And instead of recession occurring, we basically created a hyperinflationary environment."

He argued that this surge in debt and money supply has led to inevitable inflation, potentially hyperinflation, with precious metals serving as a historical hedge. While acknowledging Bitcoin's emergence, Sklepowicz noted it lacks the long-term testing gold has endured through economic upheavals. "In the test of time, the only thing that's ever been able to go against inflation or hyperinflation has been precious metals," he stated. Gold, in his view, provides security in such environments, which prompted his entry into the sector in 2020.

Looking forward, Sklepowicz anticipates continued upward momentum for gold prices over the foreseeable future. He described a sequential uplift: first in gold prices since 2020, followed by major producers, then mid-tier developers, and finally juniors like KLDC. "We've seen a steady regular increase in the price of gold... And then in turn, we're starting to see those mid tiers and those assets that are being put into development are starting to get some love." For investors seeking exponential growth, he advocates for junior explorers in precious metals over holding bullion alone.

This optimistic view aligns with demand drivers such as central bank purchases and shifting investor sentiment, positioning companies like KLDC to capitalize on the trickle-down effect to exploration-stage assets.

Company Overview: A Massive Land Package in a Prolific District

KLDC boasts an impressive 40,000-hectare land package in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario's Abitibi Greenstone Belt, assembled over years during bear market conditions. Sklepowicz highlighted the challenge of acquiring land in this region: "In the Abitibi, everybody thinks they're sitting on the next mine, so they hold onto their land with very

tight-held hands... Negative markets, bear markets, are the only time that you can accumulate that type of land."

The properties are situated in the Blake River Group of rocks, known for hosting massive volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits with high-grade gold components. Comparable mines include the Horne Mine, Quemont, and La Ronde—prolific operations that have produced over 80 million tons of ore at grades around 6 grams per ton gold. On the Ontario side, however, the area has been underexplored due to overburden cover, which KLDC is addressing with modern techniques like geophysics, geochemistry, and artificial intelligence.

The land is divided into KL West and KL East packages, with neighbors including majors like Agnico Eagle, Pan American Silver, STLLR Gold, and Eldorado Gold (which holds optioned ground between KLDC's packages). Infrastructure is a key advantage: Kirkland Lake is a century-old mining camp with roads, power, and active operations like Agnico Eagle's Macassa Mine (in production for nearly 30 years) and the upcoming Upper Beaver Mine being put into production. "It's a mining town... Supportive community, easy access, able to drive right up to the drill and everything else," Sklepowicz noted, enabling year-round drilling.

This setup provides KLDC with a pipeline of exploration targets for the next 20 years, positioning it as a district-scale player in a belt where such opportunities are rare for juniors.

Current Exploration Program: Drilling Success at KL West

A highlight of the interview was KLDC's recent drilling at the KL West property, detailed in a press release announcing three additional holes intersecting semi-massive to massive sulfides near the Winnie Shaft. Sklepowicz provided backstory: The west side, under cover, had seen limited prior exploration. KLDC initiated a broad-scale soil sampling program, identifying clusters of mineralization and pathfinders around a 17-kilometer halo of the Winnie Lake Pluton.

The company shifted from a traditional VMS model to an intrusion-related thesis, hypothesizing that the pluton drove fluid introduction and mineralization. "Our approach was... let's move closer to the intrusion. Cause we think that's where the mineralization is coming from," he explained. The first hole, a 15-meter step-out west of known showings, hit massive sulfides. Follow-up holes confirmed continuity, with fluids and alteration indicating a dynamic system.

Significance lies in the style: Similar to Horne and La Ronde, with multiple mineralization stages, brecciation, and high bismuth content (over 1,000 grams per ton in grabs), which lowers gold's boiling point and suggests potential feeders. "This is a big hot system that brought in a lot of fluids... We're going to be finding a feeder system," Sklepowicz said.

The program tested this thesis with 10 holes totaling 1,700 meters (paused from a planned 2,000 to analyze data). Assays for about 1,000 samples are pending, with timelines uncertain due to lab delays (estimated 3-10 weeks). Future steps include

geochemistry for vectoring, a helicopter MT survey for 3D imaging (complementing high-density magnetics), and resumed drilling. "We think we've hit a branch of one of the trees and we want to hit the trunk," he analogized.

Partnerships and Community Support

KLDC's progress is bolstered by strong partnerships. A cooperation agreement with Beaverhouse First Nation ensures open communication and pathways forward, addressing a common concern in Canadian mining. Relationships extend to other First Nations in the territory.

Government support via the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) provides funding, with KLDC qualifying previously and applying again. "The Ontario government is of the frame of mind that mining is what's going to provide stability and growth for the economy... Permits faster, mines faster," Sklepowicz said, tying into Canada's push for self-sufficiency in critical minerals amid global supply chain risks.

These elements facilitate efficient exploration, reducing barriers in a supportive jurisdiction.

The Team: Expertise Driving Discovery

Sklepowicz credited KLDC's success to a robust team of geologists. As a non-geologist CEO focused on relationships and marketing, he surrounds himself with experts. Chairman Denis Laviolette, a founder of New Found Gold, brings an exploration mindset. Board members Gary Nassif, Christina McCarthy, and Vincent Dubé-Bourgeois offer geological insights.

In the field, senior geologist Mike Kilbourne, with decades in the Abitibi, provides veteran wisdom—pivoting drill orientations based on core observations. "He's the guy where you have him on the rig and he sees the rock and he goes, I saw this at this mine," Sklepowicz recounted. Complementing him is "young gun" Drake Hyden, handling digital modeling in Leapfrog.

This mix ensures comprehensive decision-making, from broad-scale planning to on-site adjustments.

Financial Position and Investor Momentum

Despite challenges in the junior sector attracting attention amid high gold prices, KLDC's results are turning heads. The drilling program cost about $400,000-$450,000, with the company starting at $1.2 million cash, bolstered by warrant exercises. Future financing is planned post-assays to fund year-round drilling.

Investor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with calls from the geological community and support from figures like Eric Sprott (buying on the open market) and Rob McEwen. New Found Gold Corp. is a major shareholder. "Since we put out our press release, the number of phone calls that I've gotten... It's primarily from the geological

community, and they’re all excited" Sklepowicz shared. He emphasized transparency via the "Treasure Hunters" video series, updating on progress weekly or biweekly.

While open to acquisitions, KLDC is focused on its existing package: "I don't need any more land... We built this in a bear market and we're moving into a bull."

Future Outlook: Steady News Flow and Discovery Potential

Investors can expect consistent updates in the next two to three months: geochemistry results, MT survey initiation and interpretations, and resumed drilling. "I have every intention of putting out the results as we receive them... We're trying to be as open and transparent as possible," Sklepowicz affirmed.

The excitement centers on KL West's potential as a district-scale, intrusion-related system akin to Horne, LaRonde or Upper Beaver. With no barriers like infrastructure or permitting, KLDC is poised to stand out in the Abitibi. "We think we're onto something very big here... The potential for it to be another Horne mine or an Upper Beaver is very exciting."

Conclusion

Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. exemplifies the thrill of junior mining: leveraging modern science in a historic district to chase transformative discoveries. As gold's safe-haven status strengthens amid economic turbulence, KLDC's story—rooted in strategic land assembly, innovative exploration, and strong backing—offers a beacon for investors. With assays pending and drills ready to spin, the coming months could define the company's trajectory. As Sklepowicz concluded, "Can't wait to share more of our story." For those following the gold rush, KLDC is one to watch.

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