Collective Mining’s Leadership Shift: Ned Jalil’s Vision for the Guayabales Gold Rush

The appointment of Ned Jalil as CEO of Collective Mining (NYSE/TSX: CNL) marks a pivotal moment for the junior mining company, which is riding high on a $63.4 million financing round and advancing its flagship Guayabales gold-silver project in Colombia. Jalil, a seasoned mining executive with a 25-year track record of turning exploration assets into production, brings credibility to a sector where execution often falls short of promise. This leadership change, paired with strategic financial backing, positions Collective Mining at the forefront of a potential gold and battery metals boom—but investors must weigh risks against rewards.

The Ned Jalil Factor: A Track Record of Delivering Projects

Jalil’s career is a blueprint for operational excellence. At Kinross Gold, he led the Great Bear project from discovery to a 5-million-ounce resource and oversaw the on-time, under-budget completion of the MVV Copper-Gold Project in Turkey while at Appian Capital. His technical expertise—rooted in mining engineering and MBA training—aligns perfectly with Collective Mining’s ambitions. The Guayabales project, which includes the Apollo high-grade gold-silver-copper-tungsten system, is now his primary focus. Recent drill results, like a 51.95-meter intersection grading 8.38 g/t AuEq, underscore the project’s potential. Jalil’s mandate is clear: advance Guayabales toward production, leveraging its proximity to infrastructure and Colombia’s mining-friendly policies.

The Financial Backing: Agnico Eagle’s Strategic Stake

The March 2025 investment by Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX: AEM) was a game-changer. By acquiring 4.7 million shares at C$11 and exercising warrants for 2.25 million more, Agnico now holds ~15% of Collective Mining, signaling confidence in the Guayabales project. This injection of capital is fueling aggressive drilling programs, including tests of high-grade sub-zones in the Apollo system and new targets like Tower and X.

Valuation and Risks: A Balancing Act

Analysts have set price targets ranging from C$8.25 to C$16, with the upper end reflecting a successful production decision for Guayabales. At current shares outstanding (68.2M diluted), the market cap hovers around C$680 million, offering room for upside if resource estimates expand. However, risks loom large:

1. Geopolitical and Regulatory Hurdles: Colombia’s mining sector, while supportive, requires navigating local community relations and permitting.
2. Commodity Volatility: Gold prices (currently ~$2,000/oz) and battery metals like copper and tungsten are key drivers.
3. Execution Risk: Even with Jalil’s expertise, delays in drilling or resource delineation could pressure the stock.

The Bottom Line: A High-Reward Play for Risk-Tolerant Investors

Collective Mining is a classic “story stock” with a catalyst-rich narrative: a seasoned CEO, a multi-metal project in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, and a strategic partner like Agnico. The $63.4 million financing has de-risked near-term funding needs, while Jalil’s track record reduces execution concerns.

Crucial data points to watch:
- Guayabales resource upgrades: The Apollo system’s current inferred resource is ~5 million ounces AuEq; drill results in 2025 could expand this.
- Production feasibility: A decision on development could come by late 2026, with tungsten’s discovery adding a secondary revenue stream.
- Shareholder alignment: Insiders own 36%, aligning their interests with investors.

While not without risks, Collective Mining’s combination of strong leadership, capital backing, and high-grade assets makes it a compelling speculative pick. For investors willing to bet on Jalil’s ability to deliver on the Guayabales promise, the rewards could be substantial—if the drill bits hit pay dirt.

Conclusion
Ned Jalil’s arrival at Collective Mining is more than a leadership change—it’s a vote of confidence in the company’s potential to transform Guayabales into a producing asset. With Agnico’s financial heft, a 25-year track record of project delivery, and a resource base that includes gold, silver, copper, and tungsten, the company is positioned to capitalize on multiple commodity cycles. While risks like regulatory delays or metal price swings remain, the data—$63.4 million raised, 8.38 g/t AuEq drill results, and insider ownership—suggest this is a high-potential play for investors with a long-term horizon. For now, Collective Mining is a stock to watch closely as Jalil’s vision moves from exploration to execution.