i-80 Gold (US:IAUX)2026-02-20 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved consolidated gold output of just under 32,000 ounces, meeting production guidance despite inventory buildup at the end of the quarter [2][3] - Gold sales for the year increased to approximately 28,200 ounces, compared to 21,500 ounces in the prior year, with total revenue from gold sales rising to approximately $95 million from $50 million [21][22] - The company reported a net loss of just under $200 million or $0.10 per share, while adjusted loss was $123 million, compared to $111 million in the prior year [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Granite Creek, mining activities ramped up, resulting in the mining of just over 41,000 tons of high-grade mineralized material in Q4, including approximately 15,000 tons of high-grade oxide material at a grade of 11.19 grams per ton gold [5][6] - The company mined approximately 142,000 tons of high-grade mineralized material for the year, with total gold production of 3,600 ounces for Q4 and 23,000 ounces for the full year [7][6] - The construction of Archimedes, the company's second underground mine, commenced, with underground development advancing ahead of expectations [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured a financing package of up to $500 million, which includes a $250 million royalty commitment from Franco-Nevada and a gold prepayment facility with National Bank of Canada and Macquarie [25][26] - The recapitalization plan is expected to fully fund phase one and phase two of the development plan, increasing annual production to approximately 300,000-400,000 ounces of gold from less than 50,000 ounces currently [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a mid-tier gold producer by advancing its development plan and recapitalizing its balance sheet [2][3] - The refurbishment of the Lone Tree process plant is central to the company's hub and spoke strategy, designed to process material from its three underground mines [16][17] - The company plans to publish feasibility studies for its three high-grade underground projects and advance the refurbishment of the Lone Tree autoclave over the next 12-18 months [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operational improvements at Granite Creek and the potential for expansion at the Granite Creek Underground [9][10] - The company is focused on accelerating the development of the Mineral Point project, which is seen as the most valuable asset within the portfolio [41] - Management anticipates that the recapitalization will provide the necessary financial flexibility to advance drilling and technical work, ultimately leading to earlier development timelines [41] Other Important Information - The company achieved an improved safety performance target, finishing the year with a total recordable incident rate (TRIR) of 0.62, including an incident-free fourth quarter [4] - The company plans a $10 million exploration drill program in 2026 to test high-potential targets and further delineate resources [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the $400 million+ CapEx for the Lone Tree autoclave project? - The autoclave vessel needs to be rebricked, and the CIL circuit tanks need replacement, along with upgrades to the filtration system and instrumentation, leading to the high cost [34] Question: Did you seek alternative proposals for the engineering work? - The project has been worked on for approximately four years, and Hatch, which built the facility in the 1990s, was chosen for its expertise [36][37] Question: Will accelerating pre-development work at Mineral Point allow for earlier value realization? - Yes, the financial flexibility gained from the recapitalization allows for advancing drilling and technical work, targeting earlier development than originally planned [41]