Gold Explorer Appoints Veteran Executive Targets Big Liberia Gains

Mining executive Brett Richards has chosen to become a nominee for Zodiac Gold Inc.’s (ZAU:TSX.V; ZAU:XFRA; ZAUIF:OTCQB) board of directors, according to a company press release on June 1, 2026. At Zodiac’s annual general meeting later this year, Mr. Richards is expected to be appointed as Chair of the Board, but will participate as an observer with the company until that appointment.

Mr. Richards is a highly accomplished mining executive, investor, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in mining company leadership. He is widely respected throughout the global mining industry and brings “an exceptional track record of operational execution, strategic growth, mine development, capital markets leadership, and value creation for shareholders,” said the company in the press release.

Mr. Richards said: “I am extremely excited about stepping into the role of Chairman of Zodiac Gold at such an important inflection point for the company. What David and the entire team have assembled in Liberia is truly impressive. Zodiac Gold has a highly prospective district-scale land package in one of the most underexplored and geologically compelling regions in West Africa. The exploration success achieved to date strongly supports the potential for multiple significant gold discoveries across the Todi Shear Zone. I believe Zodiac Gold is uniquely positioned to create substantial long-term value for shareholders, and I look forward to working closely with management and the board to help unlock that potential.”

Currently, Mr. Richards manages Richards Enterprises Inc. in the Bahamas, a single-family company that handles strategic investments in mining, metals, post-consumer goods recycling, and digital asset trading platforms. Before entering the investment world, Mr. Richards held senior executive positions with major companies like Kinross Gold Corp. (K:TSX; KGC:NYSE) and Co-Steel Inc.

CEO of Zodiac, David Kol, expressed the company’s excitement to have Mr. Richards on the team, saying: “Brett’s appointment as Chairman is transformational for Zodiac Gold. He is one of the mining industry’s respected executives and has an extraordinary track record of building companies, financing growth, creating shareholder value, and identifying world-class opportunities before the broader market recognizes them. Brett has been a tremendous supporter of Zodiac Gold and strongly believes in the scale and district potential emerging across our land package in Liberia. His leadership, strategic insight, operational expertise, and global network will be invaluable as we accelerate exploration, expand our discoveries, and position Zodiac Gold as one of the most exciting emerging gold stories in Africa.”

Zodiac Gold Inc. is a West-African gold exploration company focused on the Todi Gold Project in Liberia. The company asserts that Liberia is a politically stable, mining-friendly country with an expedited permitting process and strong political and social support for mining companies.

War Uncertainties Play Metals Market

The continuing war between the U.S. and Iran has been creating havoc in commodities markets for months. Government officials in both countries are claiming responsibility for both initiating peace and initiating strikes, causing gold prices to fall to US$4,482.30 per ounce. Still, “. . . recent optimism that the U.S. and Iran may forge a deal eased fears that a conflict-fueled energy shock could spark a period of stagnant growth and persistent inflation.“

In April, S&P Global wrote, “Gold is expected to remain volatile but structurally supported, with central bank demand and geopolitical risk helping to establish a price floor above recent correction lows.”

Despite the volatility of gold, the sector as a whole is only showing signs of improvement. On May 7, 2026, Brian Taylor of Recycling Today said that the World Bank Group has predicted that overall global metals prices will rise by 17% in 2026, which would mark the first overall market increase since 2022.

Analyst Eyes “Significant” Results

¹On May 20, 2026, technical analyst Stewart Thomson gave Zodiac a “Speculative Buy” rating, with a short-term price target of CA$0.45, a medium-term price target of CA$0.75, and a long-term technical price target of CA$1.00.

Thomson noted that “. . . early results appear to highlight significant potential for the project.”

Drilling and MRE to Come

So far, 3,600m of trenching and 14,000m of diamond drilling is being completed as part of the Zodiac’s 2026 exploration strategy targeting the 16km Monterra Trend from the Arthington discovery to Youth Camp. In addition, a drone-based magnetic and LiDAR survey is underway to further refine drill targeting and support a planned Mineral Resource Estimation (MRE) for late Q4 2026.

In H2 2026, the company will also follow up on the current soil geochemical program (10,500 samples) in its Bomi South and Bong West licenses, with potential for mapping, trenching, and drilling as warranted. 

Ownership & Share Information²

Zodiac Gold Inc. has a market cap of CA$57.34 million, with 163.82 million shares outstanding. The company’s 52-week range is CA$0.05-CA$0.44. Management & Insiders own 33% of shares, while Institutions own 9%. The remaining 58% of shares are held by Retail.