#Canada #Toronto #i-80 Gold Corp #Ronald Butler Jr #Steven Yopps

i-80 Gold Corp. Strengthens Its Board of Directors

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance corporate governance and operational effectiveness, i-80 Gold Corp. has announced the timely addition of three distinguished members to its Board of Directors. Effective February 1, 2026, Ronald Butler Jr., Michael Jalonen, and Steven Yopps will take their seats as independent directors, bringing a wealth of expertise across mining operations, finance, and technology to the table.

The New Faces on the Board

The newly appointed directors each carry impressive credentials that will support i-80 Gold's growth strategies in Nevada, particularly as the company aims to solidify its position as a mid-tier gold producer. The board will grow to include nine members following this strategic enhancement.

Ronald Butler Jr.

Ronald Butler Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over three decades of extensive experience spanning across audit, financial management, and strategic planning. His career includes a significant tenure at Ernst & Young LLP (EY) in Arizona, where he served as Managing Partner until his retirement in 2024. Notably, he led EY's U.S. Mining and Metals division, contributing insights that aided major players like Freeport-McMoRan and Newmont Corporation. His background equips him with a robust understanding of the complexities within mining financials and operations.

Michael Jalonen

Michael Jalonen, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), boasts nearly forty years in mining and capital markets. His celebrated career includes over thirty years at Bank of America, where he held the title of Managing Director and Senior Precious Metals Research Analyst. Recognized as a leading figure in mining investment, Jalonen has advised numerous senior and intermediate precious metal producers and developed comprehensive financial models that inform strategic decision-making in the industry. His geologist background enriches his analytical approach, making him a perfect fit for i-80’s ambitious plans.

Steven Yopps

Steven Yopps brings an extensive operational and technical background, illustrated by his 35 years in mining, specifically within Nevada’s premier gold districts. His previous roles at AngloGold Ashanti and Barrick Mining showcase his leadership in large-scale processing operations and project development, with significant accomplishments including the advancement of feasibility studies at key projects. His knowledge of regulatory processes ensures i-80 Gold can navigate the complexities of mining regulations effectively.

Strategic Outlook

The appointments of Butler, Jalonen, and Yopps underline i-80 Gold's strategic approach to building a comprehensive expertise palette that will guide the company through its developmental plans. According to Ron Clayton, Chairman of the Board, each new director brings not only relevant experience but also a track record of excellence that aligns well with the company’s objectives.

“We are pleased to welcome three directors of such caliber,” noted Clayton. “Their unique skill sets and insights will provide essential guidance as we work to execute our development plans across five significant gold projects and refurbish our Lone Tree autoclave processing facility.”

This collective wealth of experience is expected to bolster i-80 Gold's ongoing efforts to efficiently manage its high-quality asset portfolio and execute a regional mining and processing strategy, maximizing both growth potential and shareholder value in the process.

About i-80 Gold Corp.

Headquartered in Nevada, i-80 Gold Corp. is a prominent mining company focused on becoming a leading mid-tier gold producer by advancing its portfolio of high-grade projects. With a pipeline that includes both development and production-stage assets in one of the world’s most productive gold regions, the company is well positioned for future growth. For further information about their operations and strategic plans, interested parties can visit i-80 Gold’s website.

As i-80 Gold prepares to embark on this new chapter, industry experts and investors alike will be closely watching how these board enhancements will translate into effective governance and operational success in the competitive mining landscape.