Aura Minerals Completes Feasibility Study for the Era Dorada Project
Globenewswire·2025-12-08 13:30

Core Viewpoint - Aura Minerals Inc. has announced the results of the Feasibility Study for the Era Dorada Project, indicating a robust economic outlook with significant gold production potential and favorable financial metrics [1][3]. Project Overview - The Era Dorada Project is located in Jutiapa, Guatemala, approximately 160 km from Guatemala City and near the El Salvador border [4]. - The project is an underground gold mine with an expected production of 111,000 gold equivalent ounces (GEO) annually for the first four years, totaling approximately 1.75 million GEO over a life of mine (LOM) of 16.8 years [3][5]. Financial Metrics - The Feasibility Study indicates an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of US$2.17 billion at spot prices of US$4,200 per ounce of gold, with an after-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 68% [3]. - The project has a competitive All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of US$1,178 per ounce during the LOM, with an initial capital expenditure (Capex) of US$382 million and a payback period of approximately 2.82 years [3][5]. Production and Cost Estimates - Average production is projected at 111,000 GEO for the first four years, with a total payable gold of 4,852,000 ounces over the LOM [8]. - The average cash cost is estimated at US$993 per ounce, with an AISC of US$1,178 per ounce [8][9]. Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates - The project has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 1.75 million GEO, with an average grade of 6.23 grams per tonne [5][30]. - Exclusive Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 523,000 GEO, assuming 2.46 million tonnes at 6.61 grams per tonne [5][27]. Mining and Processing Plan - The mining method will primarily utilize sublevel long hole stoping, contributing approximately 98.5% of total metal production [33]. - The processing plant is designed to treat 1,600 tons per day, employing conventional methods including gravity concentration and cyanide leaching [39][40]. Environmental and Social Considerations - The company is working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards, aligning with its Aura 360 culture [3].