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i-80 Gold (IAUX) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold sales totaled approximately 9,050 ounces for the fourth quarter and 21,500 ounces for the year, reflecting the impact of water issues at Granite Creek [38] - Total revenue from gold and silver sales was approximately 23millionforthefourthquarterand23 million for the fourth quarter and 50 million for the full year, slightly lower than the prior year due to lower volumes sold, partially offset by a higher average realized gold price [39] - The company concluded both the quarter and the full year in a net loss position due to ongoing development of projects, with growth expenditures primarily allocated towards infill drilling and pre-development activities [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Granite Creek Underground, approximately 38,000 ounces of gold were mined, achieving 71% of the internal target, with production just above 16,000 ounces [20] - Production from heap leach operations exceeded internal targets, with approximately 6,200 ounces produced from Lone Tree and 3,700 ounces from Ruby Hill [24] - The company expects to produce between 30,000 and 40,000 ounces of gold in 2025, with Granite Creek Underground contributing 20,000 to 30,000 ounces [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company filed four SK 1300s and four NI 43-101 reports under US and Canadian regulations, respectively, highlighting the potential value of its gold portfolio [7][8] - Life of mine valuations based on recent published PAs indicate a combined net present value of 1.6billionatagoldpriceof1.6 billion at a gold price of 2,175 per ounce and 4.5billionat4.5 billion at 2,900 per ounce [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new development plan for its portfolio of three underground and two open pit gold projects, aiming to produce half a million ounces of gold by the early 2030s [4][9] - A strategic change to the development plan includes the addition of the autoclave refurbishment, which is pivotal for the recapitalization plan [12][14] - The company is in active discussions regarding financing options, including a senior debt facility and royalty sales, to support its development plan [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the activities being manageable and staggered, with expectations for improved cash flow models as feasibility studies are released [10] - The anticipated capital spend for the autoclave refurbishment is included in the recapitalization plan, with a goal to secure new senior financing by the second quarter of 2026 [17] - Management highlighted the importance of advancing permitting activities and investing in feasibility studies as top priorities for growth expenditures [46] Other Important Information - The company transitioned from IFRS to US GAAP as of January 1, 2025, impacting the reporting of pre-development costs and resulting in several financial adjustments [34][36] - The company has maintained a clean environmental record, ending the fourth consecutive year without any environmental violation notices [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the status of the recapitalization plan? - Management indicated that the recapitalization plan is well underway, with agreements in place with National Bank and Aramet, reflecting confidence in the quality of the technical reports filed [51]