Rua Gold Secures $25M to Reignite New Zealand's Historic Goldfields

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – January 21, 2026 – Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) has announced a significant capital raise of up to C$25 million, a strategic move poised to accelerate the exploration and development of its highly prospective gold projects in New Zealand. The financing underscores growing investor confidence in the company's potential to unlock value in some of the nation's most historically productive gold districts.

The capital infusion is earmarked for the company's flagship Reefton and Glamorgan projects, located on New Zealand's South and North Islands, respectively. This funding arrives at a pivotal moment, with gold prices showing sustained strength and New Zealand's government implementing a streamlined permitting process designed to attract and fast-track major resource projects.

A Sophisticated Financing Strategy

Rua Gold is pursuing the C$25 million through a two-pronged approach. The bulk of the funds, up to approximately C$20 million, will be raised via a brokered private placement led by co-lead agents and joint bookrunners Raymond James Ltd. and Cormark Securities Inc. This offering involves the sale of up to 18.19 million common shares at a price of C$1.10 per share.

Crucially, this brokered portion is being conducted under the 'listed issuer financing exemption' (LIFE). This modern exemption allows shares to be freely tradable in Canada immediately upon issuance, a feature that significantly enhances liquidity and attractiveness for investors. The agents also hold an option to sell an additional 15% of the shares, potentially increasing the total proceeds.

Concurrently, the company will conduct a non-brokered private placement to raise up to an additional C$5 million, offering up to 4.55 million shares at the same C$1.10 price point. Unlike the brokered offering, shares from this placement will be subject to a standard four-month-and-one-day hold period under Canadian securities laws. This dual-structure approach allows Rua Gold to tap into different pools of capital, from institutional to private investors, to ensure its financing goals are met.

The closing of both offerings is anticipated on or about January 28, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

Fueling the Engine at Reefton and Glamorgan

The net proceeds will directly fuel Rua Gold's ambitious exploration plans. The company's primary focus is the Reefton Project on the South Island, where it is the dominant landholder with over 120,000 hectares. The Reefton Goldfield is legendary in mining circles, having historically produced over two million ounces of high-grade gold with grades often ranging between 9 and 50 grams per tonne (g/t).

A cornerstone of this project is the Auld Creek target, a gold-antimony system that is rapidly advancing. Recent drilling has successfully extended the known mineralized strike length to 870 meters, and it remains open for expansion. With three drill rigs currently active on site as of this month, the new funding will ensure this aggressive drill program continues unabated. The company aims to update its NI 43-101 technical report for Reefton in February 2026 and is already tendering for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

The project's potential is further amplified by the presence of antimony, which New Zealand has formally designated as a critical mineral. With China, the world's dominant producer, tightening export controls, Rua Gold's Auld Creek project is strategically positioned as a potential non-Chinese source of this vital industrial metal, adding a significant geopolitical dimension to its resource profile.

Meanwhile, on the North Island, the Glamorgan Project solidifies Rua Gold’s position in another prolific region. Located in the Hauraki district, which has a historical output of 15 million ounces of gold, Glamorgan sits adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation’s major Wharekirauponga development. The financing will support continued exploration to unlock the potential of this strategically located asset.

A Favorable Tide: Regulation and Market Dynamics

Rua Gold's push comes as the New Zealand government actively works to make the country a more attractive mining jurisdiction. A new "FAST TRACK" permitting process aims to slash approval times for projects of national significance to as little as six months. This legislative tailwind is a game-changer for explorers, dramatically reducing timelines and de-risking the path to production.

Rua Gold has explicitly stated its intention to utilize this process for its Auld Creek project, targeting a referral application in the first half of 2026. The recent approval of OceanaGold’s nearby project under this very framework provides a powerful and positive precedent, signaling government support for responsible resource development.

This favorable regulatory environment is complemented by a robust gold market. After a strong rally in 2025, institutional analysts are projecting gold prices could average over $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026. This macroeconomic backdrop provides a strong incentive for investment in high-potential gold explorers like Rua Gold.

Investor sentiment already reflects this potential. The company's stock has seen a dramatic appreciation of over 196% in the past year, trading at C$1.23 on the TSXV as of January 21. While analysts acknowledge the inherent risks of a pre-revenue exploration company, the successful execution of this C$25 million financing provides the critical liquidity needed to advance its projects toward major de-risking milestones. This capital raise is not just a financial transaction; it is a clear signal of confidence and a crucial step in transforming Rua Gold’s significant geological potential into tangible shareholder value.