MINING.COMยท2025-11-11 15:58Core Viewpoint - SSR Mining has announced a new technical study for the Cripple Creek & Victor (CC&V) gold mine, indicating an increase in mineral reserves and an extended projected life for the asset [1][2]. Mineral Reserves and Mine Life - CC&V's mineral reserves are now estimated at approximately 2.8 million ounces of gold, an increase from 2.4 million ounces at the end of 2024, allowing for an additional 12 years of mining and stacking, followed by 14 years of residual leaching [2]. - The mine's life plan suggests a long-lived operation, as stated by SSR's executive chairman [2]. Acquisition and Financial Performance - SSR Mining acquired CC&V from Newmont in February, and the operation has already generated over $100 million in after-tax free cash flow, effectively paying back the acquisition cost [3]. - CC&V is projected to produce between 90,000 to 110,000 ounces of gold in the current year, with an average annual output expected to be 141,000 ounces from 2026 to 2028 [3]. Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return - At an average gold price of $3,240 per ounce, CC&V's after-tax net present value (NPV) is estimated at $824 million, which could rise to approximately $1.5 billion if gold averages $4,000 per ounce [4]. - The acquisition has an implied internal rate of return exceeding 100% based on cash payments and projected cash flow [4]. Resource Expansion Potential - The new technical report includes a proposed expansion of the mine's open pits and leach pads, with significant ore expected to be sourced from existing operational pits [5]. - CC&V holds 235.1 million proven and probable tonnes grading 0.37 grams of gold per tonne, totaling 2.8 million ounces, with additional measured and indicated resources of 4.8 million ounces and inferred resources of 2 million ounces [6]. Future Mine Life Extensions - The additional 6.8 million ounces of resources not included in the current mine plan provide SSR with significant optionality to extend CC&V's mine life in the future [7]. - Analysts view CC&V as a generational asset for SSR, offering substantial free cash flow and leverage to higher gold prices [7]. Cost Projections - SSR anticipates all-in sustaining costs to average $2,051 per ounce of gold sold during the 2026-28 period, and $2,135 for the 2026-30 period [8]. - The higher-than-expected life-of-mine unit operating costs have surprised analysts, exceeding previous estimates and actual costs incurred by both SSR and Newmont [8]. Location and Market Performance - CC&V is situated about 160 km southwest of Denver, covering 61 square kilometers in a prolific U.S. gold mining district, with extensive drilling completed [9]. - SSR's shares experienced a slight decline of 0.2% to C$29.11, giving the company a market capitalization of approximately C$5.9 billion ($4.2 billion) [9].