Oct 1 (Reuters) - Canadian small-scale gold miner Eros

Resources ( EROSF ) would merge with rivals MAS Gold ( MSGCF ) and

Rockridge Resources ( RRRLF ) to develop copper and gold projects

in the province of Saskatchewan, the companies said on Tuesday.

The Canadian province, home to copper, potash and uranium

mines, is known for its mining prowess and contains several

unexplored metal deposits.

Spot gold prices have risen about 29% so far this year on

expectations of interest rate cuts and demand for safe haven

amid rising geopolitical tensions, while copper has gained on

long-term demand for the metal.

Under the deal terms, Eros would acquire MAS Gold ( MSGCF ) and

Rockridge shares that it does not own already by issuing 0.375

Eros common shares to Rockridge shareholders and 0.25 Eros

shares to MAS Gold ( MSGCF ) shareholders.

After the transaction closes, Eros shareholders would own

about 42.37% of the combined company, while MAS Gold ( MSGCF ) and

Rockridge shareholders would own 37.33% and 20.3%, respectively.

"The portfolio of the combined company is expected to

provide shareholders with exposure to approximately 77,890

hectares of mineral claims, offering the potential for new

discoveries and potentially attracting larger strategic

partners," the companies said in a statement.

Eros had a market capitalization of C$4.4 million ($3.26

million) as of Sept. 30, according to LSEG data.

($1 = 1.3500 Canadian dollars)