#USA #Nevada #i-80 Gold #Refurbishment #Lone Tree Plant

Update on i-80 Gold's Lone Tree Plant Refurbishment Project

i-80 Gold Corp., a notable player in the gold mining sector, has shared significant updates regarding the refurbishment of its Lone Tree autoclave and carbon-in-leach processing plant in Nevada. This project marks a crucial part of the company's broader development strategy aimed at transforming its operational capabilities to meet growing demands.

The Lone Tree plant, which is essential for processing gold from the company’s underground mines, is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment designed to modernize its facilities and enhance efficiency. The company is strategically moving towards an owner-operated processing model from a toll milling arrangement, a shift that is projected to significantly lower processing costs and increase profit margins. According to their engineering study from December 2025, margins could rise between $1,000 and $1,500 per ounce of gold depending on the quality of the ore and current market prices.

Current Progress and Future Plans

As of mid-July 2026, early preparatory works are progressing smoothly on-site, which includes several pre-construction activities gearing up for the anticipated major construction phase starting in the fourth quarter of the year. These initial efforts involve:

• - Mobilization of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor;
• - Demolition of outdated plant components;
• - Continued advancement of detailed engineering and contract awards.

In terms of procurement, the project remains on track, with about half of the required packages awarded in terms of value. Notably, the project's financials indicate that capital expenditures are on course, with minimal contingency use and approximately 40% of the budget already committed.

Engineering and Technical Development

The refurbishment project is backed by Hatch Ltd., an engineering firm that has been heavily involved in the planning stages for several years. The early demolition work, which began mid-June, is a significant milestone indicating the project's momentum.

Safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans are integral to the process, ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld throughout the demolition and construction phases. The preliminary equipment and environmental tests have shown no issues requiring special handling, suggesting a smooth transition into deeper renovation activities.

Financial Overview

To date, project costs align with earlier projections from the December 2025 study, suggesting a total capital requirement around $430 million, including contingencies and operational costs necessary for the refurbishment and upgrades. The financial framework has been scrutinized through extensive engineering assessments, ensuring confidence in the planned expenditure.

Refurbishment Scope and Goals

The refurbishment initiative encompasses a combination of upgrading existing infrastructure and integrating new technologies. One principal focus is modernizing the autoclave operation to include a contemporary pressure oxidation system that meets new environmental compliance standards. This modernization is vital for optimizing the processing of both refractory and non-refractory materials—capabilities that will enhance flexibility and reduce operating costs.

Upcoming Milestones

The company has laid out upcoming targets for the refurbishment process:

• - Q4 2026: Construction commencement
• - End of Q1 2027: Detailed engineering completion
• - Early Q4 2027: Filtration plant completion
• - By end of 2027: Expecting the first gold pour

These milestones reflect a robust timeline aimed at enhancing the plant's operational effectiveness. The Lone Tree site is poised to cement its place as a centralized processing hub, critical to the company’s strategic growth in Nevada's rich gold mining landscape.

Conclusion

With strong governance and an experienced owner's team leading the refurbishment, i-80 Gold is positioned to progress successfully towards its operational goals. This ambitious endeavor not only underscores i-80's commitment to advancing its development plan but also highlights the potential for creating a prominent mid-tier gold producer within the competitive landscape of Nevada's mining industry.