Contango Ore and Dolly Varden Silver Plan Merger to Enhance Growth

Contango Ore, Inc. (CTGO) and Dolly Varden Silver have announced their intention to merge, a move aimed at enhancing growth and increasing market presence in the mining sector. The merger was the focal point of a conference call held on December 8, 2025, led by CTGO’s President and CEO, Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, and Dolly Varden’s President and CEO, Shawn Khunkhun.

During the call, which attracted a global audience, Van Nieuwenhuyse and Khunkhun discussed the strategic benefits of the merger. They emphasized that combining resources and expertise would position the new entity for greater operational efficiency and exploration opportunities. Romeo Maione, an analyst from Haywood Securities Inc., moderated the session, engaging with both executives about the specifics of the proposed merger.

Van Nieuwenhuyse highlighted that the collaboration is not just a financial arrangement but a strategic alliance designed to leverage the strengths of both companies. “This merger will allow us to capitalize on our combined assets and expertise,” he stated. Khunkhun echoed this sentiment, noting that the merger would create a more competitive force in the market.

The call also included a presentation outlining the potential synergies and growth prospects resulting from the merger. Participants were encouraged to submit questions through a chat feature, allowing for an interactive session that addressed various stakeholder concerns. Both CEOs expressed their commitment to transparency throughout the merger process, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed.

As the mining industry continues to evolve, this merger appears to be a strategic response to changing market dynamics. Analysts are keenly observing how this union will affect both companies’ operational capabilities and financial performance in the coming months.

The merger is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Both companies are optimistic about the future, believing that the merger will not only benefit their respective shareholders but also contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.

As the mining sector faces challenges related to sustainability and resource management, the combined expertise of Contango Ore and Dolly Varden Silver could play a crucial role in addressing these issues. Stakeholders will be looking for updates as the companies move forward with the merger process.