Viva Gold Announces Filing PEA Study for its Tonopah Gold Project, Nevada

Core Viewpoint - Viva Gold Corp has filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) report for the Tonopah Gold Project, indicating its potential viability for development as an economic open pit gold mine [1][2]. Project Overview - The Tonopah Gold Project is located approximately 20 minutes from Tonopah, Nevada, and the PEA was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. and Kappes, Cassiday Associates [1][2]. - The project is designed to operate at a rate of 45,000 tonnes per day over a seven-year mine life, producing approximately 75,000 ounces of gold annually for the first two years, with an average of 50,000 ounces per year in years three to seven [3]. Economic Results - The after-tax net present value (NPV) at a 5% discount rate is estimated at $111.6 million at a gold price of $2,400 per ounce, increasing to $363.6 million at $3,200 per ounce [4]. - The after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) is projected at 17.6% at $2,400 per ounce, rising to 43.4% at $3,200 per ounce [4]. - The after-tax payback period is estimated at 3.6 years at $2,400 per ounce, decreasing to 1.8 years at $3,200 per ounce [4]. Cost Structure - Average production cash costs are projected at $1,164 per ounce of gold, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,269 per ounce [4]. - Pre-production capital expenditure is estimated at $219.9 million, with $22.2 million in working capital and additional sustaining capital of $70.4 million [4]. Future Work Program - The future work program recommended by WSP and KCA includes further refinement and optimization of the final mine and process plan, with a focus on improving capital and operating costs [2][4]. Management and Company Background - Viva Gold is led by CEO James Hesketh, who has extensive experience in the mining industry, having developed and constructed eight other mines globally [7][8]. - The company is advancing the Tonopah Gold Project with the support of institutional shareholders and is committed to environmentally and socially responsible development [9][8].