How did Austin Gold's expenses impact profits in Q4 2024?

Austin Gold's expenses had a significant negative impact on profits in Q4 2024, with the company reporting a net loss of $739,893 for the quarter. 1. **Expense Impact on Profitability**: The absence of expense data for Q4 2024 makes it challenging to directly calculate the impact of expenses on profitability. However, considering the net loss figure, it is clear that expenses were substantial enough to overwhelm revenues, resulting in a negative net income. 2. **Drilling Activities as a Cost Factor**: The company's focus on drilling activities at its Ashburton Copper-Gold and Austin Gold projects could have incurred considerable costs. Drilling is a capital-intensive process, involving significant expenditures on equipment, personnel, and operational costs. These costs, when added to other operational expenses, can lead to a substantial expense burden if not adequately managed. 3. **Strategic Implications**: The strategic decision to initiate drilling at the Donnelly’s Prospect reflects a forward-looking strategy aimed at unlocking value through exploration. While this is positive for long-term potential, it also implies immediate costs that could affect short-term profitability. The timing of these expenses, coupled with the absence of revenue generation during the exploration phase, likely contributed to the net loss in Q4 2024. In summary, Austin Gold's expenses, particularly those related to drilling and exploration, had a profound impact on the company's profitability in Q4 2024, leading to a substantial net loss.