GoldQuest Mining Corp.'s Advancement of the Romero Project in the Dominican Republic: Strategic Catalysts and Valuation Upside

GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX: GQ) has positioned itself as a compelling player in the junior gold-copper sector through its strategic advancements at the Romero Project in the Dominican Republic. With a series of recent milestones and a favorable macroeconomic backdrop, the company is primed to capitalize on both operational progress and rising metal prices, offering investors a unique combination of near-term catalysts and long-term valuation upside.

Strategic Catalysts: From EIA to Bankable Feasibility

The Romero Project, a high-grade gold and copper deposit, has reached critical inflection points in its development. In June 2025, GoldQuest received the official Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Environment and Natural ResourcesRomero Overview - GoldQuest Mining, [https://goldquestcorp.com/index.php/projects/romero-project/romero-overview]^[2]. This milestone confirms the project's classification as a “Category A” initiative under local environmental law, streamlining regulatory pathways and reducing permitting risks. The ToR paves the way for the final phase of the EIA, a prerequisite for obtaining an environmental license to proceed with the proposed 2,800-tonne-per-day underground mineRomero Overview - GoldQuest Mining, [https://goldquestcorp.com/index.php/projects/romero-project/romero-overview]^[2].

Simultaneously, the company has initiated a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) in collaboration with leading engineering firms Sedgman and SRKGoldQuest Engages Sedgman and SRK for Romero Bankable Feasibility Study, [https://goldquestcorp.com/]^[1]. Scheduled for completion in 1H 2026, the BFS will incorporate updated metal price assumptions, reflecting the current surge in gold and copper prices. As of September 9, 2025, gold prices had climbed to $3,681.70 per troy ounce—a 8.07% increase from one month prior—driven by inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and central bank demandGold Price Today: September 12, 2025 – Forbes Advisor, [https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/gold-price/]^[3]. By aligning the BFS with these elevated price levels, GoldQuest aims to enhance the project's economic viability and potentially unlock higher net present value (NPV) metrics.

Resource expansion efforts further bolster the project's potential. GoldQuest is conducting drilling campaigns to expand the defined mineral resource base, with a focus on metallurgical and geotechnical testing to optimize mine designRomero Overview - GoldQuest Mining, [https://goldquestcorp.com/index.php/projects/romero-project/romero-overview]^[2]. These activities not only support the BFS but also aim to extend the mine's life and improve recovery rates, critical factors for attracting capital in a sector where operational efficiency is paramount.

Valuation Upside: Leveraging Commodity Tailwinds

The junior gold-copper sector is inherently cyclical, with valuations closely tied to metal price trends and project-specific catalysts. GoldQuest's strategic alignment with rising gold prices positions it to benefit from a sector-wide upswing. According to a report by Forbes Advisor, gold prices have surged 8.07% in the past month alone, reaching record levels in 2025Gold Price Today: September 12, 2025 – Forbes Advisor, [https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/gold-price/]^[3]. This trend is unlikely to reverse in the near term, as central banks continue to accumulate gold as a hedge against currency devaluation and geopolitical uncertainty.

While specific valuation metrics for junior gold-copper peers remain elusive in the provided data, GoldQuest's project economics are poised to improve significantly post-BFS. A higher-grade resource base, combined with updated metal price assumptions, could drive upward revisions to the project's enterprise value-to-reserves (EV/Reserves) ratio—a key metric for evaluating mining assets. Additionally, the company's engagement with Adelaide Capital for investor relationsGoldQuest Engages Sedgman and SRK for Romero Bankable Feasibility Study, [https://goldquestcorp.com/]^[1] signals a commitment to transparency and market communication, which often correlates with improved liquidity and investor confidence.

Risks and Considerations

Despite these positives, investors must remain cognizant of sector-specific risks. Environmental and social governance (ESG) scrutiny remains a challenge for mining projects, particularly in emerging markets. GoldQuest's proactive approach to the ESIA process, however, demonstrates a commitment to mitigating these risks. The company's environmental and social impact assessment is designed to address community concerns and align with global ESG standards, reducing the likelihood of delays or reputational damageGoldQuest Engages Sedgman and SRK for Romero Bankable Feasibility Study, [https://goldquestcorp.com/]^[1].

Conclusion: A Catalyst-Driven Investment Opportunity

GoldQuest Mining Corp. offers a compelling case for investors seeking exposure to the junior gold-copper sector. With the Romero Project advancing through critical regulatory and technical phases, and gold prices providing a tailwind, the company is well-positioned to deliver near-term shareholder value. The upcoming BFS in 2026 will serve as a pivotal test of the project's economic resilience, while the broader macroeconomic environment suggests a favorable backdrop for gold-copper plays. For investors willing to navigate the inherent volatility of the sector, GoldQuest represents a strategic bet on both operational execution and commodity cycles.