Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) announced today the groundbreaking for the construction of the Greenstone gold mine in Ontario. The mine is being developed in a 60-40 partnership with Orion Mine Finance Group.
The initial capital cost is expected to be $1.23 billion, including $50 million spent to date and a $177 million contingency budget. It is estimated that 10% of the construction will happen for the rest of 2021, 40% in 2022, 35% in 2023, and the remaining 15% in 2024. The mining firm plans to finance its attributable portion of the capital expenditure through its existing treasury worth $330 million as of June 2021, cash flow from its producing mines, and a $400 million revolving credit facility.
Greenstone mine is reported to have an initial mine life of 14 years and total gold production of 5.05 million ounces. For the first five years, the average annual production is estimated to be 400,000 gold ounces, then it becomes 360,000 gold ounces annually for the rest of the mine’s life.
The mining is expected to start in Q4 2022 and the first gold pour is targeted in H1 2024.
Equinox Gold last traded at $9.86 on the TSX.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
