Desert Gold Delivers PEA Update for SMSZ Project with USD $61 Million After-Tax NPV (10%) and 57% IRR at USD $2,850/oz Gold for Barani and Gourbassi Deposits in West Mali

Core Insights - Desert Gold Ventures Inc. has released an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its SMSZ Gold Project in Mali, indicating a robust economic outlook with an after-tax NPV of USD $61 million and an IRR of 57% at a gold price of USD $2,850 per ounce [2][4][10] Project Overview - The PEA includes the Barani and Gourbassi deposits, projecting an increase in production capacity from 18,000 tonnes per month to approximately 36,000 tonnes per month over a mine life of 10 years [3][6] - The total gold production is estimated at 130,700 ounces, with 113,100 ounces expected to be recoverable through a gravity and CIL processing method [4][25] Financial Metrics - At a gold price of USD $2,850 per ounce, the project shows an after-tax NPV of USD $61 million and an IRR of 57%, with a payback period of 2.5 years [4][10] - If the gold price rises to USD $4,070, the after-tax NPV increases to USD $124 million, with an IRR of 101% and a payback period of 2.1 years [5][10] Production and Cost Estimates - The average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is estimated at USD $1,137 per ounce, with total cash costs at USD $29.70 per tonne processed [7][22] - The project anticipates a cumulative cash flow of USD $126 million after tax over the 10-year mine life [11] Mining and Processing Strategy - The mining plan is structured in two phases, starting with Barani East and transitioning to Gourbassi, utilizing a modular processing plant to minimize initial capital costs [6][58] - The average strip ratio for the combined operations is estimated at 2.60:1, with a total of approximately 11 million tonnes of waste rock and 4.24 million tonnes of ore planned to be mined [9][37] Mineral Resource Estimate - The current PEA focuses on oxide and transitional mineralization, with total Measured and Indicated Resources at 11.12 million tonnes grading 0.94 g/t Au for 336,800 ounces [27][30] - The study excludes deeper sulfide mineralization, which may provide additional resources for future evaluations [28][33] Exploration and Future Plans - The company plans to continue exploration across Barani, Gourbassi, and Gourbassi East, with multiple near-mine targets identified for potential resource expansion [8][60] - Advanced discussions are underway with potential partners for funding to commence construction at Barani East [60]