Barrick(US:GOLD) TMX Newsfile·2026-01-19 12:00Core Viewpoint - Rua Gold Inc. is advancing its Auld Creek gold-antimony project in New Zealand, with significant exploration updates and permitting activities aimed at accelerating resource development and production plans for 2026 [1][4][6]. Exploration Update - New mineral intersections confirm the expansion of the Auld Creek system beyond 870 meters, with mineralization remaining open to the north and at depths exceeding 320 meters [3][10]. - A third drill rig is set to commence operations by the end of January 2026, which will enhance resource development and test anomalies along the Fraternal and Bonanza lodes [3][6]. - Highlighted assay results include ACDDH050 with 3.0m at 21.27 g/t AuEq (4.5 g/t Au & 3.9% Sb) from 137m, and ACDDH056 with 5.1m at 7.27 g/t AuEq (5.3 g/t Au & 0.5% Sb) from 240.4m [6][18]. Permitting Activities - The company has made significant progress in permitting activities, targeting the submission of a Fast Track referral application in the first half of 2026 [4][7]. - Engagement with local Maori stakeholders, Te Runanga o Ngāti Waewae, has been ongoing, with strong support for the project and collaboration on cultural impact assessments [8][9]. - The mine concept design was completed in 2025, and community consultations are set to intensify throughout 2026 [9]. Technical Reports and Assessments - RSC Consulting has been engaged to prepare an updated NI 43-101 Reefton Technical Report, scheduled for publication in February 2026, which will incorporate drilling results to date [6][10]. - Tendering is underway for works to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) [6][9]. Regional Opportunities - Auld Creek is one of at least six known occurrences of gold-antimony in the Reefton Goldfield, which has a historical production of over 2 million ounces of gold [19][21]. - The company controls over 120,000 hectares of tenements in the Reefton Gold District, positioning it as a dominant landholder in the region [21].