Globenewswireยท2025-09-11 21:00Core Viewpoint - Centerra Gold Inc. has announced a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for its Mount Milligan mine, confirming a life of mine (LOM) extension to 2045, driven by strategic investments and exploration efforts [1][2]. Group 1: LOM Extension and Production Metrics - The PFS indicates a LOM extension of approximately 10 years, with average annual production from 2026 to 2042 expected to be around 150,000 ounces of gold and 69 million pounds of copper [6][8]. - Total gold production over the mine life is projected to be 2,791,000 ounces, with total copper production estimated at 1,282 million pounds [4][6]. - The average gold grade is expected to be 0.28 grams per tonne (g/t) and the average copper grade is projected at 0.16% [4][28]. Group 2: Capital Expenditures and Economic Outlook - Total capital expenditures over the LOM are estimated at $925 million, with non-sustaining capital expenditures of $186 million planned, primarily for a second tailings storage facility and process plant upgrades [4][21]. - The after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) at a 5% discount rate is approximately $1.5 billion based on long-term commodity price assumptions, increasing to about $2.1 billion at spot prices [4][50]. Group 3: Mineral Reserves and Exploration Potential - An updated mineral reserve estimate shows a total of 483.2 million tonnes, containing 4.4 million ounces of gold and 1.7 billion pounds of copper, representing a 56% increase in gold reserves and a 52% increase in copper reserves compared to the end of 2024 [6][28]. - Ongoing exploration efforts have confirmed mineralization extending to the west of the current resource pit, indicating potential for further resource expansion [2][35]. Group 4: Environmental and Operational Improvements - The mine will utilize in-pit dumping of potentially acid-generating waste to reduce environmental impact and optimize tailings storage capacity [10][11]. - Operational improvements are expected to increase mining rates to 200,000 tonnes per day at certain points during the LOM, with a modest fleet expansion required [11][12]. Group 5: Community and Regulatory Aspects - Mount Milligan has been designated as a provincial priority project by the British Columbia government, which supports a more streamlined permitting process [47][48]. - The extended LOM is anticipated to provide consistent employment for over 1,000 workers and enhance business opportunities for First Nations and surrounding communities [49].