Unigold Receives Overwhelming Community Support - Accelerates Development of the Candelones Deposits in the Dominican Republic

Core Viewpoint - Unigold Inc. is advancing its Candelones gold project in the Dominican Republic, having completed a bankable feasibility study that indicates strong financial metrics and is now moving towards environmental assessments and community engagement [1][3]. Group 1: Feasibility Study and Financial Metrics - The bankable feasibility study for the Candelones oxide deposits, completed in late 2022, assumed a gold price of US$1650 and demonstrated a 44% after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) with a payback period of 1.5 years [1]. - The oxide reserves represent less than 10% of the total measured and indicated (M&I) resources on the property [1]. Group 2: Community Engagement and Support - Unigold has maintained a Community Information Office and conducted a stakeholder survey in 2020, with a new outreach program completed in February 2026, showing over 70% public support for environmental studies and consultations [2]. - Local communities expressed interest in employment opportunities and infrastructure improvements, while also raising concerns about water quality and benefit-sharing agreements [2]. Group 3: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) - The company plans to proceed with an ESIA, having completed baseline environmental work in 2022 and now possessing over 5 years of baseline data [3]. - The Ministry of the Environment has completed its project review, and a site visit is scheduled for March 3, 2026, which is the final step before the Terms-of-Reference (ToR) are granted [3]. Group 4: Project Timeline and Construction Plans - The ESIA consultation and approval process is estimated to take approximately 12 months, during which detailed engineering for the 100,000 oz Oxide Project will commence [4]. - The construction period for the project is estimated to be between 8 to 14 months, contingent upon ESIA approval [4]. Group 5: Company Background - Unigold is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the Candelones gold deposits in the Dominican Republic, with a total concession area of 9,990 hectares [6]. - The company has been active in the region since 2002 and has received strong local community support for its exploration and development activities [6].