Vancouver, BC — December 10, 2025 — Leads & Copy — Dolly Varden Silver (TSX-V: DV, NYSE MKT: DVS, FSE: DVQ) announced a proposed merger with Alaska-based Contango ORE on December 8, 2025, creating Contango Silver & Gold Inc.
According to a YouTube video by Jay Martin, the merger would create a new high-grade precious metal producer. In a December 8, 2025, episode of the Jay Martin Show, Martin and Shawn Khunkhun, CEO of Dolly Varden, discussed the benefits of each company and how the merger will create a 20-year pipeline for high-grade silver and gold development in Alaska and British Columbia.
Khunkhun praised Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, President, CEO & Director of Contango, highlighting his successful track record in Alaska, including building Nova Gold into a $6 billion company.
Khunkhun stated that Contango has a solid five-year operational plan and a strong balance sheet. The Dolly Varden merger extends their plan to 20 years. He added that the company’s large, high-grade mineral inventory and team of operators, combined with Dolly Varden’s exploration and capital markets teams, would expedite the Kitsault Valley assets from exploration to production.
Khunkhun noted that the merger would provide exposure to cash flow for project development without dilution. “Contango is buying silver, Dolly Varden is buying production,” he stated.
In addition to the merger, Contango has a property in its portfolio known as Lucky Shot. A fully funded drill program is planned for 2026. With the integration of Lucky Shot, Contango’s pro forma production profile could increase from 60,000 ounces to a range of 90,000 to 110,000 ounces, and Dolly Varden’s Kitsault Valley assets could add a significant production layer.
Valks, Senior Analyst at TheGoldAdvisor.com, confirmed that the merger will form a new North American precious-metals company with both production capabilities and significant exploration potential.
Upon completion of the transaction, existing Contango and Dolly Varden shareholders will each own approximately 50% of the outstanding shares of MergeCo. The merged company will be led by Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse as CEO, Shawn Khunkhun as President, and Mike Clark as Executive Vice President and CFO.
Van Nieuwenhuyse said he believes the combined company has great potential to expand resources and advance Kitsault Valley to production, stating, “The combined company will be well financed for growth that is expected to continue to deliver long-term value for its shareholders.”
Khunkhun added that the boards are fully aligned on realizing the vision of a unique, multi-asset platform for silver and gold production focused exclusively on the United States and Canada.
Transaction highlights include:
- Complementary Assets: Creation of a North-American focused multi-stage silver and gold company.
- Well Funded: Over US$100 million combined cash on hand and annual cash flow from the Manh Choh gold mine in Alaska.
- High-Grade Projects: High-grade development of assets anchored by projects in Alaska and British Columbia.
- Shared Capex Strategy: Pursue low-capex DSO projects that can be developed using existing processing facilities.
- Exploration Potential: Track record of high-grade exploration success across the portfolio.
- Enhanced Capital Markets Profile: Combined market capitalization of approximately US$812 million (C$1.1 billion), increased trading liquidity, index inclusion, research coverage, and institutional ownership.
- Insider and Institutional Support: All directors and officers of Contango and Dolly Varden have signed voting support agreements in favor of the transaction.
- Expanded Presence: Listing on the NYSE American and intention to apply to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Dolly Varden Silver, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in the release.
Contact: guy.bennett@globalstocksnews.com
Source: Global Stocks News
