RPX Gold Inc. Delivers Robust Preliminary Economic Assessment and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Wawa Gold Project
Highlights
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After-tax NPV5%
C$523 million and after-tax IRR of 99.7% at a base case gold price ofUS$3,500 /ounce (“oz”) and an after-tax NPV5% ofC$935M and an IRR of 181% at a gold price ofUS$4,500 /oz -
Base case average annual after-tax free cash flow1 (excluding initial capital expenditures) of
C$85M and cumulative after-tax free cash flow ofC$767M ; first 5 years of production$354 M after-tax free cash flow (excluding initial capital expenditures) -
LOM Cash Costs1 of
US$1,835 /oz and All-In Sustaining Costs (“AISC”)1 ofUS$2,149 /oz at the base case gold price - 81% of the gold production coming from Indicated resources
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Initial Capital :~C$51 million - Payback Period: <1 year
- Phased open-pit and underground development utilizing toll milling
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Figure-01: After-Tax Free Cash Flow Profile at
The PEA outlines a phased development plan beginning with open pit mining of near surface mineralization followed by underground mining. The Project has been evaluated at a life of mine (“LoM”) average of 2,000 tonnes per day (“t/d”) of Run of Mine (“ROM”) and demonstrates strong economics using a long-term gold price of
The PEA is supported by an updated mineral resource estimate (“2026 MRE”), which resulted in a 48% increase in indicated ounces of gold (compared to the 2024 MRE announced on
Project Economics
The financial highlights of the
Table-01: Financial Highlights
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PEA Base Case |
Alternate Upside Pricing Case |
|
Gold Price – US$ |
|
|
|
Exchange Rate – C$/US$ |
1.35 |
1.35 |
|
Life of Mine - years |
9 |
9 |
|
|
All amounts in million C$ unless otherwise specified |
|
|
Average Annual After -Tax Free Cash Flow1 |
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|
|
Pre-Tax Net Present Value (5% discount rate) |
|
|
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After-Tax Net Present Value (5% discount rate) |
|
|
|
Internal rate of return (after-tax) |
99.7% |
181% |
|
Payback (after-tax) |
0.9 years |
0.5 years |
|
Capital Expenditure (Initial) |
|
|
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Capital Expenditure (Sustaining) |
|
|
|
AISC (US$ per ounce)1 |
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|
|
|
||
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NOTES
1. 2. Reference date of the economic analysis is the production decision on the Project. The analysis assumes that no initial capital is spent in advance of this decision, which has not been made as of the date hereof. |
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Production Highlights
The production highlights of the
Table-02: Production Highlights
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Units |
Years 1-3 |
Underground Years 3-9 |
|
|
Operating Units |
|
|
|
|
Material Processed (LoM) |
Mt |
2.1 |
4.5 |
|
Material Processed, Annual average3 |
Mt/y |
0.70 |
0.73 |
|
Gold Grade (LoM average) |
g/t Au |
2.4 |
3.6 |
|
Gold Recovery (LoM average) |
% |
88 |
88 |
|
Gold Production, Annual average3 |
koz Au |
48 |
74 |
|
Strip Ratio |
w:o |
10.6 |
- |
| Operating Costs | |||
| Mining |
C$/t processed |
|
|
|
|
C$/t processed |
|
|
| General and Administrative |
C$/t processed |
|
|
| Royalties1,2 |
C$/t processed |
|
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NOTES
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Cautionary statement: Readers are cautioned that a PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would be enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. In addition, the assumption that toll milling will be utilized for processing the material requires agreement with a third-party, which has not been obtained.
The Base Case free cash flow (after-tax) and cumulative cash flow (after-tax) profile is shown in Figure 01, which illustrates the impact of capital expenditures on these parameters.
Economic Sensitivities
A sensitivity analysis was carried out, using the Base Case as a starting point, to assess the impact of changes in the price of gold, total capital expenditures (“Capex”) and operating expenditures (“Opex”) on the Project’s net present value (“NPV”) at a 5% discount rate and internal rate of return (“IRR”). The impact of each variable is examined individually with an interval of ±30% and increments of 15% applied. The after-tax results of the sensitivity analysis are shown in Figure 02 and Figure 03. The Project is sensitive to the gold price, with lower sensitivities observed to changes in Capex and Opex.
The sensitivities of the key after-tax economic metrics of the Project were also evaluated at specific gold prices. The results of this analysis are shown in Table 03 with the Base Case highlighted.
Table-03: After-Tax Sensitivity of Economic Parameters to Gold Price
|
Gold Price |
US$/oz |
2,450 (Base -30%) |
2,975 (Base -15%) |
3,500 (Base) |
4,025 (Base +15%) |
4,550 (Base +30%) |
|
NPV @ 5% |
C$M |
|
|
|
|
|
|
IRR |
% |
19% |
58% |
100% |
143% |
185% |
|
Payback Period |
years |
5.5 |
3.2 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
Development Strategy and Capital Discipline
The PEA was deliberately designed around a capital efficient, high-margin development strategy intended to generate early free cash flow, reduce execution risk, and position the Project to become self-sustaining at an early stage of development.
The mine plan prioritizes easily accessible near-surface mineralization in the early years using an elevated cut-off grade strategy, followed by underground production, while leveraging existing regional infrastructure and toll milling potential. This approach significantly reduces upfront capital requirements by avoiding the construction of a standalone processing facility, resulting in an initial Capex of approximately
With a strong projected cash flow profile with
Importantly, once the Project has achieved steady-state cash flow, the PEA mine plan maximizes the value of the existing mineral resource while preserving substantial upside for future expansion with its demonstrated nearby exploration potential. This phased strategy provides
Mineral Resource Estimate
The PEA is supported by the 2026 MRE as presented in Table 04. The 2026 MRE shows a quantity of Indicated mineral resources of 1,244,000 ounces, representing an increase of more than 400,000 ounces (from 842,000 ounces to 1,244,000 ounces), or 48% from the 2024 MRE, while the overall size of the mineral resource remains comparable to the 2024 MRE. This demonstrates a marked improvement in confidence in the mineral resource model supporting the PEA.
The 2026 MRE continues to refer to a small portion of the Company’s land holdings. Numerous historic zones and high priority targets are included in the
The 2024 MRE and the 2026 MRE were derived using a 3D block modelling approach, based on Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) grade interpolation and reported from grade cut-offs and constraining volumes for open-pit (OP) and underground (UG) mining.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves, and do not demonstrate economic viability. There is no certainty that all, or any parts, of this mineral resource that are the subject of this press release will be converted into mineral reserves. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves.
Table-04: 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate for the
(Effective Date
|
Category |
Resource |
Tonnes |
Au (g/t) |
Au (oz) |
|
Indicated |
|
22,378,000 |
1.65 |
1,190,000 |
|
Indicated |
Underground |
531,000 |
3.16 |
54,000 |
|
Total Indicated |
|
22,909,000 |
1.69 |
1,244,000 |
|
Inferred |
|
7,534,000 |
1.24 |
300,000 |
|
Inferred |
Underground |
2,417,000 |
2.69 |
209,000 |
|
Total Inferred |
|
9,951,000 |
1.59 |
509,000 |
| Notes: | |
|
1) |
The 2026 MRE has been reported in-situ and has been prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards (2014) and follows Best Practices outlined by the CIM (2019). |
|
2) |
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no mineral reserves for the |
|
3) |
The QP (for purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) for the 2026 MRE is |
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4) |
The effective date of the 2026 MRE is |
|
5) |
A minimum thickness of 3 metres was used when interpreting the mineralized bodies. |
|
6) |
The 2026 MRE is based on sub-blocked models with a main block size of 3 metres x 3 metres x 3 metres. |
|
7) |
The open pit-constrained mineral resources are reported at a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off grade considering an Operating Expense (“Opex”) of |
|
8) |
The underground constrained mineral resources are reported at a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off and a minimum of 2,000 t of contiguous material contained within a 1.40 g/t grade envelope. The 1.5 g/t cut-off assumes underground long hole mining with an Opex of |
|
9) |
A bulk density factor of 2.77 tonnes per cubic metre (t/m3) was applied for the 2026 MRE. |
|
10) |
A gold price of |
|
11) |
Mill recovery of 87% was assumed. |
|
12) |
Royalty of 2.0% (reduced from 3.5% assuming expected re-purchasing of 1.5% of NSR from previous joint venture partner for |
|
13) |
Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and metal content. |
Mining
The mining methods used for the PEA are conventional open pit mining using truck and shovel followed by underground mining using long hole stoping. The mining schedule assumes one year of pre-production development for the open pits, followed by open pit mining during Years 1 to 3 from a north pit and a south pit, with underground development beginning in Year 2 and underground mining commencing in Year 3 (Figures 04 and 05). The stripping ratio for the open pits is approximately 10:1 given the elevated cut-off grade (0.83 g/t Au) for transporting and processing material at a toll mill. Additionally, wider ramps were designed to allow for larger haul trucks to ensure the 2,000 tonne per day production rate. The lower grade material below the cut-off grade (based on mining and on-site processing costs) will be stockpiled for potential processing in a possible on-site mill in the future, as economics allow.
The main part of the underground mine will be accessed from three portals; two located within the south pit and one within the north pit. Contract mining is assumed to be utilized for both the open pit and underground operations. Therefore, no mining equipment capital costs have been included, as contractor-supplied equipment is incorporated into operating costs over the life of mine. The Capex includes initial capital provisions for mining services, buildings, maintenance facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
Approximately 63% of the ounces in the open pits and 86% of the ounces in the underground mine plan considered in the PEA are in the indicated category, outlining a clear path forward for a drill program required to complete the conversion of inferred ounces (currently included in the mine plan) to indicated in preparation for a pre-feasibility study (“PFS”).
Processing
The gold production profile by year is shown in Figure 06.
The ROM material stockpile will be primary crushed and sampled on site using mobile equipment and placed in a secondary stockpile area for further downstream processing. All crushed material will be transported by highway truck to the selected off-site toll milling facility for processing to produce gold doré bars. Potential toll milling facilities within 150 km are shown in Figure 07). It is assumed that the selected toll milling facility will process material from the Project in the same year as it is mined. There are no current agreements in place with potential toll milling facilities for the Project.
Metallurgical test work completed in 2019 at
For assumed average head grade of 3.2 g/t Au, the modeled gold extraction over a range in arsenic and sulphide contents is estimated at 88% based on test work completed.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure scope includes the primary on-site facilities and supporting infrastructure required to sustain both open pit and underground mining operations (Figure 08). This includes essential site access roads, operational buildings, water management systems, power and utilities, and waste handling infrastructure. Allowance for site access roads is also incorporated, reflecting the development and improvement of road infrastructure required to provide reliable access to the mine site and support the consistent transport of personnel, supplies, and mined material.
The infrastructure scope in the PEA provides for key operational and support facilities required on site, including maintenance, administrative, and service-related infrastructure necessary for day-to-day operations, as well as power transmission and distribution facilities. The PEA also includes allowances for waste management infrastructure to support the safe handling, storage, and management of mine waste materials throughout the life of mine. Allowance for a water treatment facility has been included to manage site water discharge and ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and water quality standards. Figure 08 shows the general site plan.
Initial and Sustaining Capital Cost Estimates
The total LOM Capex for the PEA over the 9-year mine life is broken down into
The initial capital cost covers all upfront infrastructure required for mining (excluding mining fleet), crushing, power line, utilities and infrastructure.
The sustaining capital cost schedule (Figure 09) is primarily driven by underground mine development and sustaining underground infrastructure. Sustaining capital costs for underground mine development in Year 2 enable the Project’s transition from open pit mining to underground production. This represents the capital required to initiate underground access and infrastructure in preparation for underground production anticipated in Year 3. The sustaining capital costs across Years 3 through 9 represent ongoing underground development required to support continued underground production. Sustaining capital costs ensure ongoing mine development required to access production stopes, maintain underground infrastructure, and support long-term operations.
The Capex conforms to Class 5 guidelines established by the
Table-05: Total Capital Costs
|
Item |
Cost Estimate1 |
|
(C$M) |
|
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Initial Capital Costs |
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Mining |
|
|
Processing |
|
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Power & Utilities |
|
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Infrastructure |
|
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Contingency |
|
|
Royalty Buyback |
|
|
|
|
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Sustaining and Closure Capital Costs |
|
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Underground, Development |
|
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Underground, Sustaining |
|
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Exploration |
|
|
Closure and Reclamation |
|
|
Total Sustaining and Closure Capital Costs1 |
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|
|
|
|
Total Capital Costs1 |
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1. Amounts may not add up precisely due to rounding |
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Permitting and Community Engagement
Baseline environmental studies are underway and early engagement with indigenous communities and local stakeholders has commenced. The phased development approach reduces permitting complexity and the Project’s environmental footprint.
- Advance toll milling discussions to a Letter of Intent
- Continue resource expansion and drilling
- Conduct additional metallurgical test work
-
Advance Project towards a PFS - Continue Baseline studies, and permitting efforts
- Continue Indigenous consultation and discussions
- Source contract mining and highway trucking suppliers
Qualified Persons
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by qualified persons as defined under NI 43-101. Full details will be provided in the associated NI 43-101 Technical Report.
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Syed Saad Mohsin Ali ,P. Eng .,DRA Americas Inc. -
Alex Duggan ,P. Eng .,DRA Americas Inc. -
Dave Frost , FAusIMM,DRA Americas Inc. -
Nigel Fung ,P. Eng .,DRA Americas Inc. -
André-François Gravel ,P. Eng .,DRA Americas Inc. -
Jean-François Montreuil,
P.Geo .,RPX Gold Inc. -
Brian Thomas ,P. Geo ., WSP Canada inc. -
Garth Wilcox ,P. Eng .,DRA Americas Inc.
Webcast Details
Management will host a webcast and conference call to discuss the results of the PEA on
CONFERENCE CALL NUMBER
International Toll Dial-In Number: +1-647-361-0247
WEBINAR LINK
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=mMv6SUJq
If you would like to submit questions ahead of time, please send an email to mgrigo@rpxgold.com, with the subject “PEA Question”.
A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website.
About
The Company’s flagship asset, the
The property currently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource from two mineral deposits, namely the Jubilee Shear and the
For material information about the Company, visit www.redpineexp.com
Neither
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance.
Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, but may not be limited to: statements regarding the ability to execute the Company’s plans relating to the
This information contained in this news release is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company, including the Company’s financial statements and related MD&A for the year ended
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Non-GAAP Measures
Certain financial measures referred to in this news release are not measures recognized under IFRS and are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The non-GAAP financial measures used in this news release and common to the gold mining industry are defined below:
- Cash cost and cash cost per ounce of gold: Cash cost consists of all production related expenses including mining, material transport, processing, services, royalties, treatment charges, penalties, and other selling costs. Cash cost per ounce of gold is calculated as cash cost divided by payable gold ounces.
- All-in sustaining cost and all-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold: All-in sustaining cost consists of cash cost, plus cash outlays for sustaining capital expenditures, closure capital expenditures, and corporate general and administrative expenses. All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold is calculated as all-in sustaining cost divided by payable gold ounces.
- Free cash flow: Free cash flow on an after-tax basis is defined as cash provided from operating activities, less cash outlays for sustaining capital expenditures, closure capital expenditures, changes in working capital and applicable taxes.
As the Project is not in production, the QPs do not have historical non-GAAP financial measures nor historical comparable measures under IFRS and therefore the foregoing prospective non-GAAP financial measures or ratios presented may not be reconciled to the nearest comparable measure under IFRS.
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