i-80 Gold Reports First Quarter 2026 Results; Fully Funded Development Plan on Track
"
FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL, OPERATING AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Three months ended
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts referred to herein are in
- Revenue increased to
$52.4 million , representing 10,590 ounces in gold sold(2) at an average realized gold price(3) of$4,941 per ounce, compared to$14.0 million represented by 4,952 ounces sold(2) at an average realized gold price(3) of$2,825 per ounce in the prior year period. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by higher gold sales atGranite Creek as a result of the finalization of the third-party toll processing agreement inMarch 2025 and a higher average realized gold price(3).
- Gross profit increased to
$16.1 million from$2.9 million in the prior year period due to increases in revenue.
- Net loss increased to
$78.6 million compared to$41.2 million in the prior year period, due primarily to higher non-cash fair value revaluations on derivative financial instruments of$48.4 million driven by stronger metal prices. Additional non-cash losses on extinguishment of the gold prepay agreement, convertible loan, and convertible debentures of$7.1 million also contributed to lower net earnings, as well as financing expenses incurred in the amount of$9.9 million . Higher pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenses were incurred as the Company advances multiple projects within its development plan, which were partially offset by higher gross profit. Upon declaration of mineral reserves, certain pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenditures currently expensed, will be capitalized.
- Loss per share of
$0.09 decreased from$0.10 loss per share in the prior year period primarily due to an increase in the number of outstanding common shares following the equity raise inMay 2025 .
- Adjusted loss increased to
$28.6 million compared to$23.6 million in the prior year period due to increased spending on pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenses, partially offset by higher gross profit.
- Cash used in operating activities increased to
$45.1 million compared to$22.7 million in the prior year period as a result of interest payments made on the extinguishment of legacy debt of$25.7 million .
- Cash and cash equivalents were
$513.5 million as ofMarch 31, 2026 , an increase of$450.3 million compared toDecember 31, 2025 , primarily due to the net proceeds received from the financing transactions to complete the Company's recapitalization plan, offset by higher capital expenditures compared to the prior year period driven by the commencement of the Lone Tree Plant refurbishment project, as well as the settlement of legacy debt obligations.
- The Company closed several financing transactions for a total amount of
$787.5 million . Gross proceeds of$662.5 million and net proceeds of$637.2 million were received on closing. These financing arrangements completed the recapitalization plan ahead of the Company's mid-2026 target and established a fully funded development plan(1):
-
-
March 16, 2026 : Completed a net smelter return royalty for$250 million (the "NSR Royalty") withFranco-Nevada U.S. Corporation ("Franco-Nevada") of which$225 million was received on closing, an additional$25.0 million is expected to be made available to advanceMineral Point , contingent upon satisfaction of specified project conditions.
-
March 16, 2026 : Entered into a gold prepayment facility with National Bank of Canada ("NBC ") and Macquarie Bank Limited ("Macquarie") for up to$250 million including a$100 million accordion option subject to customary conditions and lender approval (the "2026 Gold Prepay").
-
March 23, 2026 : Completed an offering of 3.75% unsecured convertible senior notes due 2031 in the aggregate amount of$287.5 million (the "2026 Convertible Debentures").
- Proceeds from the NSR Royalty were used to redeem the 2023 Convertible Debentures, Orion Gold Prepay, and the Orion convertible loan in the amount of
$165.0 million .
-
- Completed approximately 7,000 meters of drilling, initiating the largest 12-month drill program in Company history. First quarter activities included infill drilling at Upper Archimedes underground to enhance mineral resource definition ahead of mining, resource definition drilling at
Granite Creek underground beyond a planned feasibility study, and infill drilling atMineral Point open pit to upgrade resource classification for the planned pre-feasibility study.
- Approved the construction decision to proceed with the Lone Tree Plant refurbishment during the first quarter of 2026 with capital commitments of
$31.2 million atMarch 31, 2026 , with approximately 50% of total project capital expected to be committed by mid-2026.
- Three-phase development plan remains on track with 2026 development priorities, as well as full year production, operating and pre-development evaluation, and exploration cost guidance for 2026.
- Strengthened the Board with the appointment of three new directors who bring highly relevant experience and proven track records in mining operations, mineral processing, finance, and capital markets.
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|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
|
|
2026 |
2025 |
|
Revenue |
$000s |
52,390 |
14,048 |
|
Gross profit |
$000s |
16,078 |
2,906 |
|
Net loss |
$000s |
(78,601) |
(41,205) |
|
Loss per share |
$/share |
(0.09) |
(0.10) |
|
Adjusted loss1 |
$000s |
(28,599) |
(23,596) |
|
Adjusted loss per share1 |
$/share |
(0.03) |
(0.05) |
|
Cash flow used in operating activities |
$000s |
(45,080) |
(22,701) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$000s |
513,506 |
13,475 |
|
Drilling |
meters |
6,937 |
4,499 |
|
Gold produced |
oz |
10,825 |
5,240 |
|
Gold ounces sold1 |
oz |
10,590 |
4,952 |
|
Average realized gold price2 |
$/oz |
4,941 |
2,825 |
|
Notes to table above: |
|
1 Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 57% in 2026 (2025 - 59%). |
|
2 This is a Non-GAAP Measure; please see "Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Performance Measures" section. |
RECAPITALIZATION PLAN COMPLETE
Over the past 12 months,
Overall, the recapitalization secured over
With the recapitalization complete, the Company believes it is now fully funded to advance Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development plan. Phase 1 and Phase 2 currently include advancing three underground projects (
Following the successful completion of the recapitalization plan, the Company has discontinued the sale process for its non-core FAD property.
UPCOMING CATALYSTS
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the Company is targeting to deliver the following key catalysts across its gold portfolio while also identifying opportunities to optimize the development schedule:
Technical Studies
- Cove underground (Feasibility) — Q2 2026
-
Granite Creek underground (Feasibility) — Q2 2026 - Archimedes underground (Feasibility) — Late-Q1 2027
-
Mineral Point open pit (Pre-Feasibility) — 2027 Timing under review -
Granite Creek open pit (Pre-Feasibility) — Timing under review
- Commence demolition — Q2 2026
- Commence construction — H2 2026
- Plant commissioning — Q4 2027
Archimedes Underground
- Initiate infill drilling of
Lower Archimedes — Q2 2026 - First gold from Upper Archimedes — Q4 2026
2026 Guidance
The Company remains on track to meet its 2026 guidance as originally published in its 2025 Year End Annual Report on Form 10K published on
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
(in thousands of USD) |
2026 |
2025 |
|
Revenue |
52,390 |
14,048 |
|
Cost of sales |
(35,829) |
(10,766) |
|
Depletion, depreciation and amortization |
(483) |
(376) |
|
Gross profit |
16,078 |
2,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
Pre-development, evaluation and exploration |
25,699 |
9,545 |
|
General and administrative |
7,632 |
4,990 |
|
Property maintenance |
4,565 |
4,147 |
|
Loss from operations |
(21,818) |
(15,776) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income and expenses, net |
(42,279) |
(17,225) |
|
Interest expense |
(6,184) |
(8,204) |
|
Loss on loan extinguishment |
(7,110) |
— |
|
Loss before income taxes |
(77,391) |
(41,205) |
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax expense |
(1,210) |
— |
|
Net loss |
(78,601) |
(41,205) |
Drill results released in the first quarter at both
The
Granite Creek Property
|
Granite Creek Property |
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Operational Statistics |
|
2026 |
2025 |
|
Oxide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
11,713 |
15,876 |
|
Sulfide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
19,714 |
14,643 |
|
Total oxide and sulfide mineralized material mined |
tonnes |
31,427 |
30,519 |
|
Oxide mineralized material mined grade |
g/t |
8.86 |
11.89 |
|
Sulfide mineralized material mined grade |
g/t |
6.16 |
8.31 |
|
Low-grade mineralized material mined1 |
tonnes |
13,037 |
22,845 |
|
Low-grade mineralized material grade1 |
g/t |
2.85 |
2.78 |
|
Waste mined |
tonnes |
40,357 |
27,462 |
|
Total material mined |
tonnes |
84,821 |
80,826 |
|
Processed mineralized material - sulfide |
tonnes |
26,405 |
— |
|
Processed mineralized material - leach |
tonnes |
5,827 |
33,838 |
|
Total processed mineralized material |
tonnes |
32,232 |
33,838 |
|
Gold produced2 |
oz |
8,857 |
2,544 |
|
Gold sold2 |
oz |
8,767 |
3,106 |
|
Underground mine development (pre-development) |
meters |
387 |
154 |
|
Drilling |
meters |
1,925 |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2026 |
2025 |
|
Mining cost (total mineralized material and waste) |
$/t |
161 |
169 |
|
Processing cost (processed mineralized material) |
$/t |
283 |
29 |
|
Site general and administrative ("G&A") (total mineralized material mined3) |
$/t |
45 |
31 |
|
Royalties |
$000s |
2,602 |
505 |
|
Capital expenditure |
$000s |
4,808 |
378 |
|
Pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenses |
$000s |
11,398 |
3,770 |
|
Notes to table above: |
|
1 Low-grade mineralized material extracted as part of the mining process that is below cut-off grade but incrementally economic. |
|
2 Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 57% in 2026 (2025 - 59%). |
|
3 Total mineralized material mined consists of sulfide, oxide, and low-grade mineralized material. |
Granite Creek Underground
Mining & Processing
Mineralized material mined at
Mining activities at
Throughout the quarter, waste development in the main decline and access ramps continued to progress according to the mine plan, despite limited access in January and early February due to the loss of power incident. For the remainder of the quarter, decline advance rates exceeded plan, and from the second quarter onwards, the development rate is expected to be sufficiently ahead of the mine workings to allow for the efficient extraction of the mineralized material for the foreseeable future.
Water inflow volumes to the mine remained largely unchanged and continue to be managed well using the current underground pumping system, which presently operates near capacity. An enhanced pumping system that includes expanded sumps and higher capacity pumps will be installed throughout the year to allow for an increase in overall water discharge capacity of the contact water as the mine progresses at depth. Further, commissioning of a second water treatment plant currently under construction remains on track for
The Company continues to encounter elevated levels of oxide mineralized material compared to levels anticipated in the
As at
Capital spend at
Pre-development, evaluation, and exploration expenses were
Drill Program
During the quarter, the Company continued infill and step-out drilling at
New assay results from 40 holes reported on
Following the completion of the
Ruby Hill Property
The
|
Ruby Hill Property |
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Operational Statistics |
|
2026 |
2025 |
|
Gold produced |
oz |
393 |
623 |
|
Gold sold |
oz |
383 |
452 |
|
Underground mine development (pre-development) |
meters |
660 |
— |
|
Archimedes drilling |
meters |
4,262 |
— |
|
|
meters |
750 |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statistics |
|
2026 |
2025 |
|
Processing cost (produced oz) |
$/oz |
3,356 |
1,652 |
|
Site G&A (produced oz) |
$/oz |
875 |
1,210 |
|
Royalties |
$000s |
53 |
37 |
|
Capital expenditure |
$000s |
1,064 |
192 |
|
Pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenses |
$000s |
12,382 |
3,191 |
Archimedes Underground
During the first quarter of 2026, underground development at the Archimedes project advanced ahead of schedule, with approximately 660 meters completed during the quarter supported by favorable ground conditions. A new dewatering well was completed during the quarter, with pump testing scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Predictive groundwater modeling and geochemical technical studies are ongoing in support of the Lower Archimedes permitting process. The timeframe for first gold mined is in the second half of 2026.
The Company also completed 4,262 meters of infill drilling at the 426 zone of Upper Archimedes, with infill drilling of the Ruby Deeps zone within
Capital expenditures for the three months ended
Pre-development, evaluation and exploration expenditures were
The Company continues to leach the historic leach pads on the Ruby Hill property recovering minor amounts of gold. For the residual leaching process, management continues to focus on improving solution flows to control ponding and optimizing cyanide application rates with the objective of increasing production from the historic leach pad during the first quarter of 2026.
At
Cove Underground
Cove is an advanced stage exploration project and is expected to be the Company's third underground mine. NEPA permitting activities are underway with the BLM at Cove in anticipation of an EIS.
During the first quarter, the Company continued to advance the feasibility study for the Cove Underground project, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. Further, the Company also submitted updated hydrological and geochemical baseline reports to the BLM. During the second quarter, the Company submitted the updated biological baseline studies report, as well as the Plan of Operations amendment to the BLM.
Lone Tree Plant Refurbishment
The
The
During the first quarter, the Company provided Hatch with a formal Notice to Proceed for the Lone Tree refurbishment project. In preparation, procurement for long lead equipment and detailed engineering activities commenced in 2025 to optimize the schedule. At present, the project is on plan for the first gold pour in
The facility is permitted for the existing operational components in use. The approval of new and revised permit applications pertaining to air quality, mercury control, water pollution control, reclamation management, and other secondary programs for the new design remain outstanding. The Company submitted the necessary applications for air quality, mercury control and water quality environmental permits in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of schedule. Various construction activities are expected to commence upon the approval of needed permits, the Company does not envision delays in the construction schedule due to the permitting process at this time.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
This press release should be read in conjunction with
The Company advises that its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
Management will hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the first quarter highlights followed by a question-and-answer session with participants. The details are as follows:
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Date: |
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Time: |
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Webcast: |
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Telephone: |
1-416-945-7677 |
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Toll-free ( |
1-888-699-1199 |
QUALIFIED PERSONS
All scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed, verified and compiled under the supervision of
ENDNOTES
|
(1) |
Based on capital costs, gold output estimates, and average annual gold output targets outlined in the most recent life of mine schedules disclosed in the latest technical studies filed for each respective project and related property: the Lone Tree Facility, |
|
(2) |
Gold ounces sold include attributable gold from mineralized material sales at a payable factor of 57% in 2026 (2025 - 59%). |
|
(3) |
This is a Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial measure; please see "Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Performance Measures" section. |
|
(4) |
The Company has secured over |
ABOUT
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information set forth in this press release, including but not limited to management's assessment of the Company's future plans and operations; the anticipated timing of the permitting, construction, refurbishment and commissioning of the Lone Tree Plant; the anticipated benefits of the refurbished
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as at the date of this press release, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Material assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding: the price of gold and silver; the accuracy of the Company's mineral resource estimates and the underlying geological, technical and economic parameters; anticipated costs and expenditures; the timely receipt of all required regulatory and governmental approvals and permits on acceptable terms; the availability of financing on acceptable terms; the availability of equipment, labour and contractors; the absence of significant labour disruptions or material adverse changes in general economic conditions; and the Company's ability to execute its three-phase development plan on the anticipated timeline and within budget. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing assumptions, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be inaccurate and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, if any, that the Company will derive therefrom. By their nature, forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including: general economic and industry conditions; volatility of commodity prices, including the prices of gold and silver; title risks and uncertainties; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, including by selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital, on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive; uncertainties related to the refurbishment of the Lone Tree Plant, including cost overruns and construction delays; risks related to third-party toll milling arrangements and processing delays; uncertainties regarding water management and groundwater inflows at Granite Creek; risks related to the conversion of mineral resources and the results of feasibility and other technical studies; risks associated with mineral exploration, development and mining operations generally; risks related to obtaining and maintaining required governmental, environmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including under NEPA and the BLM process, on a timely basis or at all; environmental, health and safety risks; risks relating to the reliance on key personnel and contractors (including Hatch); changes in applicable laws, regulations or government policies in
Additional information relating to
NON-GAAP AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Company has included certain non-GAAP commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under US GAAP in this document. These include adjusted loss, adjusted loss per share, and average realized price per ounce. These measures are not defined under US GAAP, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. Management believes these measures in addition to measures determined in accordance with US GAAP provide investors with useful information to evaluate the Company's underlying operations and financial performance. Supplementary financial measures represents a component of a GAAP number. The measures presented are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements.
Definitions
"Average realized gold price" per ounce of gold sold is a supplementary financial measure and the calculation is shown below.
"Adjusted loss" and "adjusted loss per share" are non-GAAP financial performance measures that the Company considers to better reflect normalized earnings because it eliminates temporary or non-recurring items such as: gain and losses on fair value measurements, loss on loan extinguishment, loss on Convertible Loans and finance fee expense.. Adjusted loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding under the basic calculation of earnings per share.
Average realized gold price per ounce of gold sold (3)
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Three months ended
|
|
|
(in thousands of |
2026 |
2025 |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Revenue |
52,390 |
14,048 |
|
Silver revenue |
(64) |
(61) |
|
Gold revenue |
52,326 |
13,987 |
|
Gold sold¹ |
10,590 |
4,952 |
|
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
4,941 |
2,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granite Creek |
|
|
|
Revenue |
43,839 |
8,695 |
|
Gold ounces sold1 |
8,767 |
3,106 |
|
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
5,000 |
2,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
6,886 |
3,963 |
|
Silver revenue |
(60) |
(14) |
|
Gold revenue |
6,826 |
3,949 |
|
Gold sold |
1,440 |
1,394 |
|
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
4,740 |
2,833 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ruby Hill |
|
|
|
Revenue |
1,665 |
1,390 |
|
Silver revenue |
(4) |
(47) |
|
Gold revenue |
1,661 |
1,343 |
|
Gold sold |
383 |
452 |
|
Average realized gold price ($/oz) |
4,337 |
2,971 |
|
Note to table above:
|
Adjusted loss (2)
Adjusted loss and adjusted loss per share exclude a number of temporary or one-time items detailed in the following table:
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
(in thousands of |
2026 |
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
$ (78,601) |
$ (41,205) |
|
Adjust for: |
|
|
|
Loss on Silver Purchase Agreement and embedded derivative |
(26,802) |
(7,475) |
|
Finance fee expense |
(9,922) |
— |
|
Loss on fair value measurement of NSR Royalty |
(7,624) |
— |
|
Loss on loan extinguishment |
(7,110) |
— |
|
Loss on fair value measurement of Convertible Loans derivative |
(3,463) |
(1,437) |
|
Loss on fair value measurement of Orion Gold Prepay Agreement derivative |
(3,377) |
(8,263) |
|
Gain on fair value measurement of 2026 Gold Prepay derivative |
7,893 |
— |
|
Gain (loss) on fair value measurement of warrant liability |
403 |
(434) |
|
Total adjustments |
$ (50,002) |
$ (17,609) |
|
Adjusted loss |
(28,599) |
(23,596) |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares |
837,103,078 |
431,341,371 |
|
Adjusted loss per share |
$ (0.03) |
$ (0.05) |
Adjusted loss was higher for the three months ended
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