Heliostar Provides 2026 Guidance and Growth Plan

Core Viewpoint - Heliostar Metals Ltd. has announced its production and cost guidance for 2026, projecting gold production of 50,000-55,000 ounces with by-product cash costs of $1,850-$1,950 per ounce and consolidated All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC) of $2,025-$2,125 per ounce. The company plans to reinvest cash generated from operations into exploration and growth initiatives, particularly focusing on the Ana Paula development project [1][5]. Production Guidance - La Colorada Mine is expected to produce 20,000-22,300 ounces of gold and 130,000-145,000 ounces of silver, with cash costs of $1,650-$1,750 per gold ounce and AISC of $1,775-$1,875 per gold ounce [2][4]. - San Agustin Mine is projected to produce 30,000-32,700 ounces of gold and 160,000-175,000 ounces of silver, with cash costs of $2,000-$2,100 per gold ounce and AISC of $2,150-$2,250 per gold ounce [2][9]. - Consolidated production for Heliostar is anticipated to include 290,000-320,000 ounces of silver sold [2]. Growth Initiatives - The company plans to commence pre-stripping of 11 million tonnes of waste at the Veta Madre open pit expansion project in early Q3 2026, aiming to access 43,000 ounces of in-situ gold [4][5]. - A $27 million exploration program will be funded from operating cash flow, focusing on resource development and exploration activities [5][8]. - The Ana Paula project will continue with a 20,000-meter infill and expansion drill program, with an additional 6,500 meters approved to upgrade inferred material [11][13]. Exploration and Development - Heliostar has budgeted $5.8 million for resource development and exploration activities at La Colorada in 2026, including drilling to investigate underground potential [8][10]. - The company plans to invest $6.6 million in resource development and regional exploration at Ana Paula, alongside $15 million for extending the decline [13]. - At Cerro del Gallo, permitting discussions and community engagement are ongoing, with a workplan to update the geologic model and conduct further metallurgical tests [14][15].