Interview with Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining Corp.
Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/luca-mining-tsxvluca-high-grade-drilling-results-boost-mexican-mining-operations-7559
Recording date: 22nd October 2025
Luca Mining (TSXV:LUCA) is pursuing an ambitious transformation strategy designed to triple its market capitalization from $300 million to over $1 billion by scaling production to 200,000 ounces of gold equivalent annually. The company operates two underground mines in Mexico-Campo Morado, a polymetallic VMS deposit in Guerrero, and Tahuehueto, an epithermal gold-silver mine in Durango—both previously starved of capital for a decade.
CEO Dan Barnholden, bringing two decades of investment banking experience, has spent his first year stabilizing operations and strengthening the balance sheet. With only $6 million in debt remaining, two-thirds retiring by year-end 2025 and complete elimination by June 2026 and $25 million in cash reserves, the company is pivoting decisively toward growth.
The most compelling element of Luca's strategy centers on transforming Campo Morado from a zinc-focused operation into a significant gold producer. Currently recovering only 20-30% of gold content, the company has engaged Ausenco to develop metallurgical processes targeting 50-70% recovery rates. "At Campo Morado, if we can double the gold grades, if we can better than double the gold recoveries, now you're talking about a real gold mine," Barnholden explained.
Simultaneously, drilling at the Reforma zone has delivered exceptional results, with intercepts of 30+ meters grading over 12 grams per ton gold equivalent. Management believes this represents a potential 8 million ton high-grade gold pod that could position Campo Morado as an 80-100,000 ounce annual producer.
Tahuehueto offers a more straightforward expansion pathway, with mill capacity increasing from 1,000 to 1,500 tons per day targeting 40-50,000 ounces annually. The company has also engaged three investment banks pursuing strategic acquisitions in Mexico's consolidating mining sector, where five competitors were acquired over the past year.
With operating cash flow funding exploration without dilution and debt elimination providing maximum financial flexibility, Luca Mining presents investors with a clear roadmap from mid-tier producer to potential billion-dollar enterprise.
View Luca Mining's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/luca-mining-corp
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What is Company Interviews?
An insight into junior mining and opportunities to invest.
Company Interviews, a Crux Investor show, exists to cut through the jargon, bias and bluster.
Matthew Gordon, and guest host Merlin Marr-Johnson hone in on the important factors that indicate a company's strong footing for growth and success.