Sandstorm Gold Royalties Provides Significant Updates on Diverse Portfolio and Strategic Expansion Plans in 2025
Sandstorm Gold Royalties Portfolio Updates
Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (NYSE SAND, TSX SSL) has unveiled key updates regarding its extensive stream and royalty portfolio, showcasing promising developments across multiple projects as of February 2025.
Fruta del Norte's Resource Growth
Lundin Gold Inc. reported a remarkable increase in both mineral reserves and resources at the Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador, following record gold production in 2024 that exceeded 500,000 ounces. The company's successful exploration drilling efforts have enhanced inferred resources by 59%, reaching 2.36 million ounces of contained gold at 5.27 grams per tonne. Significant increases were seen primarily in Fruta del Norte's southern region, while Lundin Gold plans to disclose an initial resource estimate for the Bonza Sur deposit later this year. The enhanced metrics reflect both exploration drilling's effectiveness and rigorous conversion drilling, leading to increased confidence in the mine's long-term viability.
Platreef Expansion Plans
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. has published positive findings from two independent studies concerning the Platreef mine in South Africa. Focused on a three-phase expansion, the updated feasibility studies anticipate the first ore feed into the Phase 1 concentrator by late 2025 and further expansion set for 2027. Initial studies project annualized gold production to average approximately 6,900 ounces for the first few years, scaling up substantially post-expansion. With life-of-mine costs projected competitively low, Platreef is set to position itself among the top primary producers of platinum-group metals globally.
Additionally, plans for Phase 3 of development signal a further increase in production and capacity, with total production potentially reaching over 65,000 ounces annually once all expansions are in effect, cementing Platreef as a critical asset in Sandstorm's portfolio.
Argentine Projects Driven by New Incentives
The freshly implemented Promotional Regime for Large Investment in Argentina is facilitating significant advancements in the Gualcamayo Deep Carbonates Project. The $1 billion investment plan commenced by Minas Argentinas SA includes constructing a new underground mine capable of processing thousands of tonnes daily. Predictions estimate that the project will yield around 120,000 gold ounces each year over at least 17 years. Sandstorm’s agreements provide royalties that will benefit from the anticipated increase in production at Gualcamayo.
Glencore plc’s plans to harness the MARA copper-gold project also reflect the attractive funding environment under Argentine regulations, with substantial investments planned for 2025, further boosting Sandstorm’s potential returns from these ventures.
Equinox Gold and Greenstone Mine Updates
Equinox Gold Corp anticipates producing a significant volume of gold from its Greenstone mine in Ontario, aiming for 300,000 to 350,000 ounces in 2025. The company is set to enhance processing capabilities while optimizing recovery rates. Sandstorm retains a gold stream on Greenstone, underscoring its ongoing commitment to maximizing returns from its investments.
Development of Woodlawn Mine
In New South Wales, Develop Global Limited’s Woodlawn copper-zinc mine project has made notable progress, reaching 70% completion on its processing plant refurbishment. Mining operations are set to commence in early 2025, building positive momentum for Sandstorm’s silver stream entitlements at this site.
Conclusion
With these strategic advancements, Sandstorm Gold Royalties continues to build a robust portfolio amid rising mineral production and an evolving investment landscape in the mining sector. By leveraging its royalty agreements and diversified asset base, Sandstorm is poised for sustainable growth in the years to come.
To explore further developments and specific project metrics, visit Sandstorm Gold's official website: www.sandstormgold.com.