Cerrado Gold Announces Q4 and Year-End 2025 Production Results at Its Minera Don Nicolas Mine in Argentina

Core Viewpoint - Cerrado Gold Inc. reported stable production results for Q4 2025 and provided guidance for 2026, highlighting ongoing operational improvements and exploration efforts at its Minera Don Nicolas Mine in Argentina, as well as developments in its Lagoa Salgada and Mont Sorcier projects [1][4][8]. Production Results - Q4 2025 production totaled 13,806 Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEO), slightly down from 13,832 GEO in Q3 2025, with full-year production at 50,238 GEO, aligning with guidance [12]. - Heap leach production was impacted by low water availability, resulting in reduced irrigation capacity, while underground operations contributed higher-grade ore to the processing plant [12][2]. - Average recovery rates decreased due to increased primary ore on leach pads, but this was offset by higher volumes from underground mining processed through the CIL plant [2][12]. Production Guidance - The company anticipates annual production for 2026 to be between 50,000 and 60,000 GEO, with a significant increase expected in the second half of the year due to the mining of lower-grade heap leach material early in the year [4][12]. Growth Capital Plans - Cerrado approved a 2026 budget with approximately $45 million allocated for growth capital expenditures, primarily focused on the Minera Don Nicolas Mine, including a 50,000-meter exploration program and expansion of the tailing facility [5][12]. - Additional funding is earmarked for equipment upgrades and maintenance to support long-term operations [5]. Exploration and Development - The exploration program at Minera Don Nicolas is ongoing, targeting resource expansion to extend mine life, with a focus on the central Paloma area [6][7]. - The company plans a 50,000-meter drill program for 2026, utilizing multiple drill rigs to test high-value targets [7]. - Progress continues on the Lagoa Salgada and Mont Sorcier projects, with feasibility studies expected to be completed in Q1 and Q2 2026, respectively [8][9][14]. Project Updates - At Lagoa Salgada, the Optimized Feasibility Study is underway, with a slight delay expected due to consultant changes, but results from advanced geophysical exploration are anticipated soon [9]. - The Mont Sorcier project is advancing with an infill drilling program aimed at updating resource estimates, targeting an increased production rate of 8 million tonnes per annum of high-purity iron concentrate [14][15].