Fortuna(US:FSM) Globenewswire·2025-10-15 11:58Core Insights - Fortuna Mining Corp. has released a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal, indicating strong project economics with a gold price of $2,750 per ounce, resulting in an after-tax NPV5% of $563 million and an IRR of 72% [2][30][41]. Project Overview - The PEA supports the development of an open-pit mine and a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) processing plant, projecting an average annual production of 147,000 ounces of gold in the first three years at an All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of $904 per ounce [2][5][30]. - The total mineralized material mined is estimated at 17.75 million tonnes, containing 932,000 ounces of gold, with a life of mine (LOM) of 8.1 years [5][10]. Financial Metrics - The construction capital cost is estimated at approximately $283.2 million, with a payback period of ten months [3][30]. - Average operating cash costs over the LOM are projected at $1,081 per ounce, with AISC averaging $1,238 per ounce [6][30]. Exploration and Development - Ongoing exploration is expected to enhance the LOM production profile beyond a decade, with five drill rigs currently active [4][8]. - A supplementary budget of $17 million has been approved to advance early construction works and detailed engineering activities [4][40]. Environmental and Permitting - Fortuna has filed an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) as part of the permitting process, marking a significant milestone [38]. - The company anticipates applying for an exploitation permit before the expiration of its exploration permit in June 2026 [39]. Next Steps - The Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026, with a construction decision anticipated shortly thereafter [41][42].