2026 To Be All About Increased Exploration For Equinox Gold (EQX)

Group 1: Company Overview - Equinox Gold Corp. is engaged in the exploration, operation, acquisition, and development of mineral properties in the Americas, primarily focusing on silver and gold deposits. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Vancouver, Canada [4]. Group 2: Recent Developments - On February 2, Equinox Gold released updated results from its 2025 diamond drilling program at the Valentine Gold Mine in Newfoundland & Labrador, highlighting a new gold discovery and successful expansion of mineralization across the property. The drilling confirmed the discovery of the Minotaur Zone, located approximately 8 km northwest of the mill, with results showing broad intervals of high-grade mineralization [2]. - CEO Darren Hall stated that the latest drill results enhance confidence in the scale and quality of the Valentine Gold District, particularly at the Frank Zone, where consistent high-grade gold mineralization over broad widths supports the potential for a new open pit, contributing to production growth and extending the mine life beyond the current 14-year plan [3]. Group 3: Analyst Upgrades - CIBC analyst Anita Soni upgraded Equinox Gold from Neutral to Outperformer on February 4, raising the price target from C$21.50 to C$31. This upgrade reflects a more bullish outlook on the gold market, with increased gold price assumptions to $6,000 per ounce in 2026, $6,500 per ounce in 2027, and $6,000 per ounce in 2028. The firm believes that the demand drivers supporting gold prices in 2025 will continue into 2026 [1].