Q1 2026 Equinox Gold Corp Earnings Call and Business Update
Speaker #1: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Equinox Gold First Quarter 2026 results and corporate update. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded.
Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Equinox Gold Q1 2026 Results and Corporate Update. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, you may press star one on your telephone keypad. Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach out to an operator by pressing star zero. I would now like to turn the conference over to Ryan King, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets for Equinox Gold. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you for standing by. This is the conference operator. Welcome to the Equinox Gold Q1 2026 Results and Corporate Update. As a reminder, all participants are in listen-only mode, and the conference is being recorded. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, you may press star one on your telephone keypad. Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach out to an operator by pressing star zero. I would now like to turn the conference over to Ryan King, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets for Equinox Gold. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To join the question queue, you may press star, then 1 on your telephone keypad.
Speaker #1: Should you need assistance during the conference call, you may reach out to an operator by pressing star, then 0. I would now like to turn the conference over to Ryan King, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets for Equinox Gold.
Speaker #1: Please go ahead.
Speaker #2: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to join the call this morning. Before we begin, I'd like to direct everyone to our forward-looking statements.
Ryan King: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to join the call this morning. Before we begin, I'd like to direct everyone to our forward-looking statements on slide 2. Our remarks and answers to your questions today may contain forward-looking information about the company's future performance. Although management believes their forward-looking statements are based on fair and reasonable assumptions, actual results may turn out to be different from these forward-looking statements. For a complete discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and factors that may lead to actual operating and financial results being different from the estimates contained in our forward-looking statements, please refer to risks identified in the section titled Risks Related to the Business in Equinox Gold's most recently filed Annual Information Form, which is available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR and on our website.
Ryan King: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to join the call this morning. Before we begin, I'd like to direct everyone to our forward-looking statements on slide 2. Our remarks and answers to your questions today may contain forward-looking information about the company's future performance. Although management believes their forward-looking statements are based on fair and reasonable assumptions, actual results may turn out to be different from these forward-looking statements. For a complete discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and factors that may lead to actual operating and financial results being different from the estimates contained in our forward-looking statements, please refer to risks identified in the section titled Risks Related to the Business in Equinox Gold's most recently filed Annual Information Form, which is available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR and on our website.
Speaker #2: On slide 2, our remarks and answers to your questions today may contain forward-looking information about the company's future performance. Although management believes our forward-looking statements are based on fair and reasonable assumptions, actual results may turn out to be different from these forward-looking statements.
Speaker #2: For a complete discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and factors that may lead to actual operating and financial results, being different from the estimates contained in our forward-looking statements please refer to Risks Identified in the section titled Risks Related to the Business in Equinox Gold's most recently filed annual information form, which is available on Cedar Plus on edgar and on our website.
Speaker #2: And finally, I should mention that all figures in today's presentation are in US dollars unless otherwise stated. With me on the call today are Darren Hall, Chief Executive Officer; Pete Hardie, Chief Financial Officer; David Schummer, Chief Operating Officer; Daniela Dimitrov, Chief Strategy and Risk Officer; and Matt McPhail, SVP of Technical Services.
Ryan King: Finally, I should mention that all figures in today's presentation are in US dollars, unless otherwise stated. With me on the call today are Darren Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hardie, Chief Financial Officer, David Schummer, Chief Operating Officer, Daniella Dimitrov, Chief Strategy and Risk Officer, and Matt McPhie, SVP of Technical Services. Today, we will be discussing our Q1 2026 financial and operating results and provide an update on Greenstone and Valentine ramp-up progress, and then we'll take questions. The slide deck we are referencing is available for download on our website at equinoxgold.com. With that, I'll turn the call over to Darren.
Ryan King: Finally, I should mention that all figures in today's presentation are in US dollars, unless otherwise stated. With me on the call today are Darren Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hardie, Chief Financial Officer, David Schummer, Chief Operating Officer, Daniella Dimitrov, Chief Strategy and Risk Officer, and Matt McPhie, SVP of Technical Services. Today, we will be discussing our Q1 2026 financial and operating results and provide an update on Greenstone and Valentine ramp-up progress, and then we'll take questions. The slide deck we are referencing is available for download on our website at equinoxgold.com. With that, I'll turn the call over to Darren.
Speaker #2: Today, we will be discussing our first quarter 2026 financial and operating results, and provide an update on Greenstone and Valentine ramp-up progress, and then we'll take questions.
Speaker #2: The slide deck we are referencing is available for download on our website at equinoxgold.com, and with that, I'll turn the call over to Darren.
Speaker #3: Yeah, turning to slide 3, and thanks, Ryan. Good morning, and thank you for joining us today on the call. Firstly, I'd like to thank the entire Equinox Gold team, including all of our business partners across the Americas, for their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and disciplined execution, which delivered another strong quarter.
Darren Hall: Yeah, turning to slide 3, and thanks, Ryan. Good morning, and thank you for joining us today on the call. Firstly, I'd like to thank the entire Equinox Gold team, including all of our business partners across the Americas, for their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and disciplined execution, which delivered another strong quarter. There is no better demonstration of the team's capability and commitment than responsibly delivering more than 197,000 ounces of production with no material environmental events, and a 25% reduction in our reportable injury frequency rate. Well done. Thanks to the entire team for a great quarter. We continue building on the positive momentum established in 2025, which reset the foundation of the business, strengthened the balance sheet, and established a clear path to a long-term value creation.
Darren Hall: Yeah, turning to slide 3, and thanks, Ryan. Good morning, and thank you for joining us today on the call. Firstly, I'd like to thank the entire Equinox Gold team, including all of our business partners across the Americas, for their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and disciplined execution, which delivered another strong quarter. There is no better demonstration of the team's capability and commitment than responsibly delivering more than 197,000 ounces of production with no material environmental events, and a 25% reduction in our reportable injury frequency rate. Well done. Thanks to the entire team for a great quarter. We continue building on the positive momentum established in 2025, which reset the foundation of the business, strengthened the balance sheet, and established a clear path to a long-term value creation.
Speaker #3: There is no better demonstration of the team's capability and commitment than responsibly delivering more than 197,000 ounces of production. With no material, environmental events, and a 25% reduction in our reportable injury frequency rate, well done, and thanks to the entire team.
Speaker #3: For a great quarter. We continue building on the positive momentum established in 2025, which reset the foundation of the business, strengthened the balance sheet, and established a clear path to a long-term value creation.
Speaker #3: Today, we are executing against that foundation with a focus on operational excellence, cost discipline, and delivering on our organic growth profile. We delivered a solid start to 2026, producing 197,000 ounces of gold, with cash costs of $1,633 an ounce and ASIC of $1,950 per ounce.
Darren Hall: Today, we are executing against that foundation with a focus on operational excellence, cost of discipline, and delivering on our organic growth profile. We delivered a solid start to 2026, producing 197,000 ounces of gold with cash costs of $1,633 an ounce and AISC of $1,950 per ounce. Importantly, our Canadian platform continues to ramp up, contributing over 87,000 ounces during the quarter. While the quarter reflected a level of variability not unusual with ramp-ups in winter conditions, based on performance to date and expected improvements through the year, we remain on track to achieve our full-year production and cost guidance. Turning to slide 4.
Darren Hall: Today, we are executing against that foundation with a focus on operational excellence, cost of discipline, and delivering on our organic growth profile. We delivered a solid start to 2026, producing 197,000 ounces of gold with cash costs of $1,633 an ounce and AISC of $1,950 per ounce. Importantly, our Canadian platform continues to ramp up, contributing over 87,000 ounces during the quarter. While the quarter reflected a level of variability not unusual with ramp-ups in winter conditions, based on performance to date and expected improvements through the year, we remain on track to achieve our full-year production and cost guidance. Turning to slide 4. During the quarter, we sold more than 199,000 ounces of gold at a realized price of just over $4,600 an ounce, generating $527 million in adjusted EBITDA.
Speaker #3: Importantly, our Canadian platform continues to ramp up, contributing over $87,000 ounces during the quarter. While the quarter reflected a level of variability not unusual with ramp-ups and winter conditions, based on performance today and expected improvements through the year, we remain on track to achieve our full-year production and cost guidance.
Speaker #3: Turning to slide 4, during the quarter, we sold more than 199,000 ounces of gold at a realized price of just over $4,600 an ounce, generating $527 million in adjusted EBITDA.
Darren Hall: During the quarter, we sold more than 199,000 ounces of gold at a realized price of just over $4,600 an ounce, generating $527 million in adjusted EBITDA. We reported net income from all operations of $310 million, or $0.39 per share, and adjusted net income of $234 million or $0.30 per share. We ended the quarter with $363 million in cash and net debt of approximately $80 million, excluding our in-the-money convertible debentures. Additionally, we completed the sale of our Brazilian assets, repaid $990 million of debt, initiated a share buyback, and paid our inaugural dividend.
Speaker #3: We reported net income from all operations of $310 million, or 39 cents per share, and adjusted net income of $234 million, or 30 cents per share.
Darren Hall: We reported net income from all operations of $310 million, or $0.39 per share, and adjusted net income of $234 million or $0.30 per share. We ended the quarter with $363 million in cash and net debt of approximately $80 million, excluding our in-the-money convertible debentures. Additionally, we completed the sale of our Brazilian assets, repaid $990 million of debt, initiated a share buyback, and paid our inaugural dividend. Subsequent to quarter end, following meaningful deleveraging and improved financial strength, we refinanced our revolving credit facility on improved terms, which enhances liquidity, flexibility, and our overall cost of capital. As of 30 April, the company has nearly $1 billion in available liquidity, providing significant financial flexibility. We also declared our second quarterly dividend of $0.015 per share, reinforcing our commitment to disciplined capital returns.
Speaker #3: We ended the quarter with $363 million in cash and net debt of approximately $80 million. Excluding our in-the-money convertible dimensions. Additionally, we completed the sale of our Brazilian assets, repaid $990 million of debt, initiated a share buyback, and paid our inaugural dividend.
Speaker #3: Subsequent to quarter-end, following a meaningful deleveraging and improved financial strength, we refinanced our revolving credit facility on improved terms which enhances liquidity, flexibility, and our overall cost of capital.
Darren Hall: Subsequent to quarter end, following meaningful deleveraging and improved financial strength, we refinanced our revolving credit facility on improved terms, which enhances liquidity, flexibility, and our overall cost of capital. As of 30 April, the company has nearly $1 billion in available liquidity, providing significant financial flexibility. We also declared our second quarterly dividend of $0.015 per share, reinforcing our commitment to disciplined capital returns. Turning to slide 5. Let me take a moment to focus on our Canadian operations, which are central to our long-term value proposition. At Greenstone, we produced just over 60,000 ounces in the quarter. Mining rates averaged 180,000 tons per day, marginally lower than Q4, primarily due to heavier than normal snowfall, while mill throughput averaged 24,600 tons per day, a 6% increase over Q4.
Speaker #3: As of April 30th, the company has nearly $1 billion in available liquidity, providing significant financial flexibility. We also declared our second quarterly dividend of a penny and a half per share, reinforcing our commitment to disciplined capital returns.
Speaker #3: Turning to slide 5, let me take a moment to focus on our Canadian operations, which are central to our long-term value proposition. At Greenstone, we produce just over 60,000 ounces in the quarter, mining rates averaged 180,000 tons per day, marginally lower than Q4, primarily due to heavier than normal snowfall, while mill throughput averaged 24,600 tons per day, a 6% increase over Q4.
Darren Hall: Turning to slide 5. Let me take a moment to focus on our Canadian operations, which are central to our long-term value proposition. At Greenstone, we produced just over 60,000 ounces in the quarter. Mining rates averaged 180,000 tons per day, marginally lower than Q4, primarily due to heavier than normal snowfall, while mill throughput averaged 24,600 tons per day, a 6% increase over Q4. Plant performance continues to improve quarter over quarter, with 51% of the days exceeding nameplate capacity in the quarter, compared to 36% in Q4. With April mining rates increasing to approximately 200,000 tons per day and the underlying productivity metrics continuing to improve, the mine is well-positioned to deliver on 2026 material movement expectations, which will result in increasing grades through the balance of the year.
Speaker #3: Plant performance continues to improve quarter over quarter, with 51% of the days exceeding nameplate capacity in the quarter, compared to 36% in Q4. With April mining rates increasing to approximately 200,000 tons per day, and the underlying productivity metrics continuing to improve, the miners' well-positioned to deliver on 2026 material movement expectations, which will result in increasing grades through the balance of the year.
Darren Hall: Plant performance continues to improve quarter over quarter, with 51% of the days exceeding nameplate capacity in the quarter, compared to 36% in Q4. With April mining rates increasing to approximately 200,000 tons per day and the underlying productivity metrics continuing to improve, the mine is well-positioned to deliver on 2026 material movement expectations, which will result in increasing grades through the balance of the year. At Valentine, we completed our first full quarter of operations, producing over 27,000 ounces. The plant performed well, and despite some significant weather challenges, the team delivered 90% of nameplate capacity for the full quarter. Importantly, we actually exceeded nameplate capacity over the combined period of February and March. Mining performance was impacted by a severe winter in Newfoundland, which hampered material movement and delayed access to planned ore zones.
Speaker #3: Our Valentine, we completed our first full quarter of operations, producing over 27,000 ounces, the plant performed well, and despite some significant weather challenges, the team delivered 90% of nameplate capacity for the full quarter.
Darren Hall: At Valentine, we completed our first full quarter of operations, producing over 27,000 ounces. The plant performed well, and despite some significant weather challenges, the team delivered 90% of nameplate capacity for the full quarter. Importantly, we actually exceeded nameplate capacity over the combined period of February and March. Mining performance was impacted by a severe winter in Newfoundland, which hampered material movement and delayed access to planned ore zones. In addition, early-stage mining practices and sequences impacted mill feed grades. We have identified a number of opportunities to improve performance, including enhancements to blasting practices, better utilization of mine control systems, and tighter control around dig lines to positively impact dilution. We are seeing progress in April with improving grades, supported by continued exceptional process plant performance.
Speaker #3: Importantly, we actually exceeded nameplate capacity over the combined period of February and March. Mining performance was impacted by a severe winter in Newfoundland, which hampered material movement and delayed access to planned ore zones, in addition, early-stage mining practices and sequences, impacted mill feed grades.
Darren Hall: In addition, early-stage mining practices and sequences impacted mill feed grades. We have identified a number of opportunities to improve performance, including enhancements to blasting practices, better utilization of mine control systems, and tighter control around dig lines to positively impact dilution. We are seeing progress in April with improving grades, supported by continued exceptional process plant performance. To highlight this progress, following a planned 7-day total shutdown at the start of April, the mill has averaged 8,488 tons per day, or 124% of nameplate since coming out of the shut. Looking ahead, we expect steady quarter-over-quarter improvements through 2026 as mining productivity increases at our Canadian operations ramp up to steady state performance, underpinning our robust outlook of over 500,000 ounces of annual production for the next decade.
Speaker #3: We have identified a number of opportunities to improve performance, including enhancements to blasting practices, better utilization of mine control systems, and tighter control around dig lines to positively impact dilution.
Speaker #3: We're seeing progress in April with improving grades, supported by continued exceptional process plant performance. To highlight this progress, following a planned seven-day total shutdown at the start of April, the millers averaged 8,488 tons per day, or 124% of nameplate, since coming out of the shut.
Darren Hall: To highlight this progress, following a planned 7-day total shutdown at the start of April, the mill has averaged 8,488 tons per day, or 124% of nameplate since coming out of the shut. Looking ahead, we expect steady quarter-over-quarter improvements through 2026 as mining productivity increases at our Canadian operations ramp up to steady state performance, underpinning our robust outlook of over 500,000 ounces of annual production for the next decade. Turning to slide 6. Beyond our current operations, we continue to advance a strong organic growth profile that underpins our long-term production profile. At Valentine, we announced details of our plan phase II expansion as part of the updated technical report published at the end of the quarter. We are currently committing funds to long lead time items and progressing detailed engineering to secure schedule.
Speaker #3: Looking ahead, we expect steady quarter-over-quarter improvements through 2026 as mining productivity increases at our Canadian operations, ramp up to steady-state performance, underpinning our robust outlook of over 500,000 ounces of annual production for the next decade.
Speaker #3: Turning to slide 6, beyond our current operations, we continue to advance a strong organic growth profile that underpins our long-term production profile. Our Valentine, we announced details of our plan to planned phase two expansion as part of the updated technical report published at the end of the quarter.
Darren Hall: Turning to slide 6. Beyond our current operations, we continue to advance a strong organic growth profile that underpins our long-term production profile. At Valentine, we announced details of our plan phase II expansion as part of the updated technical report published at the end of the quarter. We are currently committing funds to long lead time items and progressing detailed engineering to secure schedule. We expect to initiate early site works in the H2 of the year, following full funds approval anticipated in the coming months. At Castle Mountain, we continue to advance engineering and permitting activities with the project on track to receive a federal Record of Decision before year-end. In anticipation, we have hired an experienced project director to lead all aspects of the project and have engaged Worley, an engineering professional services firm, to progress the detailed engineering.
Speaker #3: We are currently committing funds to long lead-time items and progressing detailed engineering to secure the schedule. We expect to initiate early site works in the second half of the year, following full funds approval anticipated in the coming months.
Darren Hall: We expect to initiate early site works in the H2 of the year, following full funds approval anticipated in the coming months. At Castle Mountain, we continue to advance engineering and permitting activities with the project on track to receive a federal Record of Decision before year-end. In anticipation, we have hired an experienced project director to lead all aspects of the project and have engaged Worley, an engineering professional services firm, to progress the detailed engineering. I anticipate committing at-risk funds to secure long lead time items in early Q3. At Los Filos, we have made important progress strengthening relationships with our host communities and government stakeholders.
Speaker #3: At Castle Mountain, we continue to advance engineering and permitting activities with a project on track to receive a federal record of decision before year-end.
Speaker #3: In anticipation, we have hired an experienced project director to lead all aspects of the project and have engaged Warley, an engineering professional services firm, to progress the detailed engineering.
Speaker #3: By anticipate committing at-risk funds to secure a long lead time items in early Q3. At Los Filos, we have made important progress, strengthening a relationship with our host communities and government stakeholders.
Darren Hall: I anticipate committing at-risk funds to secure long lead time items in early Q3. At Los Filos, we have made important progress strengthening relationships with our host communities and government stakeholders. With fully ratified new long-term access agreements in place with two of the three communities and continue constructive dialogue with the third, I am convinced that all stakeholders are aligned on identifying a path forward to a restart of operations and realizing the full potential of the world-class mineral endowment which exists at Los Filos. Turning to slide seven, I'm confident that Equinox Gold is well-positioned to deliver top quartile valuation based on our portfolio of long life assets and tier-1 jurisdictions, a clear and executable organic growth pipeline, strong and growing free cash flow generation, a disciplined approach to capital allocation and shareholder returns, and importantly, with the right team in place to deliver on those commitments.
Speaker #3: With fully ratified new long-term access agreements in place with two of the three communities and continued constructive dialogue with the convinced that all stakeholders are aligned on identifying a path forward to a restart of operations and realizing the full potential of the world-class mineral endowment which exists at Los Filos.
Darren Hall: With fully ratified new long-term access agreements in place with two of the three communities and continue constructive dialogue with the third, I am convinced that all stakeholders are aligned on identifying a path forward to a restart of operations and realizing the full potential of the world-class mineral endowment which exists at Los Filos. Turning to slide seven, I'm confident that Equinox Gold is well-positioned to deliver top quartile valuation based on our portfolio of long life assets and tier-1 jurisdictions, a clear and executable organic growth pipeline, strong and growing free cash flow generation, a disciplined approach to capital allocation and shareholder returns, and importantly, with the right team in place to deliver on those commitments.
Speaker #3: Turning to slide 7, I am confident that Equinox Gold is well-positioned to deliver top-quartile valuation based on our portfolio of long-life assets and Tier 1 jurisdictions, a clear and executable organic growth pipeline, strong and growing free cash flow, generation, a disciplined approach to capital allocation and shareholder returns, and importantly, with the right team in place, to deliver on those commitments.
Speaker #3: In closing, clear. Ramp Greenstone and Valentine to nameplate capacity, maintain cost discipline and operational consistency, advance our growth pipeline, continue strengthening the balance sheet, and return capital to shareholders.
Darren Hall: In closing, our priorities for 2026 are clear. Ramp Greenstone and Valentine to nameplate capacity, maintain cost discipline and operational consistency, advance our growth pipeline, continue strengthening the balance sheet, and return capital to shareholders. With a stronger portfolio, improving operations, and a clear path forward, we are entering 2026 from a position of strength. Before passing to the operator, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the team's efforts in Nicaragua, which delivered a record 81,000 ounces of production for the Q, which is a testament not only to the team, but the prolific and enduring nature of those assets. With that, I'll turn it back to the operator for questions.
Darren Hall: In closing, our priorities for 2026 are clear. Ramp Greenstone and Valentine to nameplate capacity, maintain cost discipline and operational consistency, advance our growth pipeline, continue strengthening the balance sheet, and return capital to shareholders. With a stronger portfolio, improving operations, and a clear path forward, we are entering 2026 from a position of strength. Before passing to the operator, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the team's efforts in Nicaragua, which delivered a record 81,000 ounces of production for the Q, which is a testament not only to the team, but the prolific and enduring nature of those assets. With that, I'll turn it back to the operator for questions.
Speaker #3: With a stronger portfolio, improving operations, and a clear path forward, we are entering 2026 from a position of strength. Before passing to the operator, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the team's efforts in Nicaragua which delivered a record 81,000 ounces of production for the quarter, which is a testament not only to the team but the prolific and enduring nature of those assets.
Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn it back to the operator for questions.
Speaker #4: Once again, to join the question queue, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request.
Operator: We ask that you please limit your time to 1 question. If you have additional questions, the Equinox Gold team would be happy to offer a call to go into more details. Thank you. The first question is from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.
Speaker #4: If you're using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star, then two. We ask that you please limit your time to one question.
Operator: We ask that you please limit your time to 1 question. If you have additional questions, the Equinox Gold team would be happy to offer a call to go into more details. Thank you. The first question is from Wayne Lam with TD Securities. Please go ahead.
Speaker #4: If you have additional questions, the Equinox Gold team would be happy to offer a call to go into more details. Thank you. The first question is from Wayne Lam with TD Securities.
Speaker #4: Please go ahead.
Wayne Lam: Oh, man, one question is kind of tough. Let's go with Valentine. Grade in the early years of the mine plans, well above 2 gram ton, I guess supported by the Berry Pit. Just wondering how the grades have reconciled the plan to date, and should we be expecting a big step change on the grade profile into Q2, or is that more weighted to the H2?
Wayne Lam: Oh, man, one question is kind of tough. Let's go with Valentine. Grade in the early years of the mine plans, well above 2 gram ton, I guess supported by the Berry Pit. Just wondering how the grades have reconciled the plan to date, and should we be expecting a big step change on the grade profile into Q2, or is that more weighted to the H2?
Speaker #5: Man, one question's kind of tough. Let's go with Valentine. Grading the early years of the mine plans, well above two grand a ton, I guess supported by the Barry Pit.
Speaker #5: Just wondering how the grades have reconciled to plan to date and should we be expecting a big step change on the grade prof profile into Q2, or is that more weighted to the back half of the year?
Speaker #6: No, Wayne, and, thanks for the support. Thanks for the question. you know, if I sit back, I look at, you know, our reconciliation above and all waste cut off and, you know, we're very comfortable with what we see out of Valentine and we've, you know, we've articulated that over the last couple of years of infill drilling.
Darren Hall: No, Wayne, and thanks for the support. Thanks for the question. You know, if I sit back, I look at, you know, our reconciliation above the orebody cutoff, and we're very comfortable with what we see out of Valentine, and we've, you know, we've articulated that over the last couple of years of infill drilling. You know, Q1 was really our first quarter of how do we reconcile against the selectivity. We saw some challenges, right? You know, because we didn't have that reconcilability with respect to the mill because it was the first quarter of taking that run of mine material in. We've seen some deficiencies in that we need to focus on, and that's in and around, you know, mining control, utilizing the high precision. Again, that was, you know, impacted further by the weather.
Darren Hall: No, Wayne, and thanks for the support. Thanks for the question. You know, if I sit back, I look at, you know, our reconciliation above the orebody cutoff, and we're very comfortable with what we see out of Valentine, and we've, you know, we've articulated that over the last couple of years of infill drilling. You know, Q1 was really our first quarter of how do we reconcile against the selectivity. We saw some challenges, right? You know, because we didn't have that reconcilability with respect to the mill because it was the first quarter of taking that run of mine material in. We've seen some deficiencies in that we need to focus on, and that's in and around, you know, mining control, utilizing the high precision. Again, that was, you know, impacted further by the weather.
Speaker #6: you know, Q1 was really our first quarter of how do we reconcile against the selectivity. And we saw some challenges, right? you know, because we didn't have that reconcilability with respect to the mill because it was the first quarter of taking that run-of-mind material in.
Speaker #6: And we've seen some deficiencies in that we need to focus on, and that's in and around, you know, mining control, utilizing the high precision.
Speaker #6: And again, that was, you know, impacted further by the weather. So no, we'll see improvements into Q2 and we'll see improvements as we work through the balance of the year.
Darren Hall: No, we'll see improvements into Q2, and we'll see improvements as we work through the balance of the year. You know, as we sit today, comfortable with how we've guided the year, and we'll continue to see improvements through the year. Medium longer term, you know, I think we're comfortable with where we've positioned ourselves. I think that, you know, the importance of the phase II of the process to get us to 5 million tons is critical in that value proposition as well. I mean, you know, we've got a significant resource here with great opportunity to expand, as we've highlighted with flank drilling. You know, this property will continue to deliver for a long, long time, and it'll evolve as it goes.
Darren Hall: No, we'll see improvements into Q2, and we'll see improvements as we work through the balance of the year. You know, as we sit today, comfortable with how we've guided the year, and we'll continue to see improvements through the year. Medium longer term, you know, I think we're comfortable with where we've positioned ourselves. I think that, you know, the importance of the phase II of the process to get us to 5 million tons is critical in that value proposition as well. I mean, you know, we've got a significant resource here with great opportunity to expand, as we've highlighted with flank drilling. You know, this property will continue to deliver for a long, long time, and it'll evolve as it goes.
Speaker #6: But, you know, as we sit today, you know, comfortable with, you know, how we've guided the year, and we'll continue to see improvements through the year and medium, longer term, you know, I think we're comfortable with where we've positioned ourselves.
Speaker #6: And I think that, you know, the importance of Valen of the phase two of the process to get us to five million tons is critical in that value proposition as well.
Speaker #6: I mean, you know, we've got a we've got a, a significant resource here with great opportunity to expand as we've highlighted with frank drilling, you know, this property will continue to deliver for a long, long time, and it'll evolve as it goes.
Speaker #6: But I think it's going to evolve to the positive, and that, you know, kind of highlights the criticality of phase two. And, you know, why we're committing today to get those funds in place so we can ensure a schedule to get us into, you know, a build as soon as we possibly can, which will take out the, the variances you see in trying to predict to, you know, a grade in a quarter and take out some of the lumpiness.
Darren Hall: I think it's gonna evolve to the positive. That, you know, kind of highlights the criticality of phase II and, you know, why we're committing today to get those funds in place so we can ensure a schedule to get us into a, you know, a build as soon as we possibly can, which will take out the variances you see in trying to predict to, you know, a grade in a quarter and take out some of the lumpiness. You know, long-winded answer, Wayne. No. Comfortable with it's an evolution of, and there's, you know, there's nothing that concerns me at this point.
Darren Hall: I think it's gonna evolve to the positive. That, you know, kind of highlights the criticality of phase II and, you know, why we're committing today to get those funds in place so we can ensure a schedule to get us into a, you know, a build as soon as we possibly can, which will take out the variances you see in trying to predict to, you know, a grade in a quarter and take out some of the lumpiness. You know, long-winded answer, Wayne. No. Comfortable with it's an evolution of, and there's, you know, there's nothing that concerns me at this point.
Speaker #6: But, you know, long-winded answer, Wayne, but no, comfortable with it's an evolution of, and there's, you know, there's nothing that concerns me at this point.
Speaker #5: Very great. look forward to the ramp up ahead.
Wayne Lam: Oh, great. Look forward to the ramp-up ahead.
Wayne Lam: Oh, great. Look forward to the ramp-up ahead.
Speaker #6: Cheers, buddy.
Darren Hall: Cheers, buddy.
Darren Hall: Cheers, buddy.
Speaker #4: The next question is from Anita Sony with CIBC Work Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Hi, good morning. I, I just wanted to ask, actually, about grade reconciliation at Greenstone as well. so I think the so I just wanted to first clarify that the in the technical report that, that the new M-MRE already includes the, reduction as a result of the, the voids and all that.
Anita Soni: Hi. Good morning. I just want to ask actually about grade reconciliation at Greenstone as well.
Anita Soni: Hi. Good morning. I just want to ask actually about grade reconciliation at Greenstone as well. I just wanted to first clarify that the, in the technical report that the new MRE already includes the reduction as a result of the voids and all that.
Anita Soni: I just wanted to first clarify that the, in the technical report that the new MRE already includes the reduction as a result of the voids and all that.
Speaker #6: Yes. Hi, Anita. Yeah. And, and, I guess there's two questions in that. From a technical report perspective, it re.
Darren Hall: Yes. Hi, Anita. Yeah, and I guess there's two questions in that. From a technical report perspective, it.
Darren Hall: Yes. Hi, Anita. Yeah, and I guess there's two questions in that. From a technical report perspective, it.
Speaker #7: Sorry. It was the follow-up was going to be go ahead.
Anita Soni: Sorry. The follow-up was going to be-
Anita Soni: Sorry. [crosstalk] The follow-up was going to be.
Darren Hall: No.
Darren Hall: No.
Anita Soni: Go ahead.
Anita Soni: Go ahead.
Speaker #6: Sorry. It reflects the, the technical report reflects the model update going forward. And if we think about so again, the question's in and around voids and the experiences that we've had to date is reflected in that model revision, in terms of the quarter, we saw, some turnover issues in and around the Glory Hole, which is that shrink stope in the center of the pit, and maintaining focus, but that's where Dave and the crew have, have brought in some additional resources so we can get that bench turnover rate, which negatively impacts our performance of grade against plan.
Darren Hall: Sorry. It reflects the technical report reflects the model update going forward. If we think about again, the questions in and around voids and the experiences that we've had to date is reflected in that model revision. In terms of the quarter, we saw some turnover issues in and around the Glory Hole, which is that shrink stope in the center of the pit, and maintaining focus, but that's where Dave and the crew have brought in some additional resources so we can get that bench turnover rate, which negatively impacts our performance of grade against plan. From a reconciliation perspective, if we take the last couple of quarters, the model is actually reconciling very well above a cut-off against the model that we've used to predict the longer term. I mean, Matt, is there anything you'd add to that, bud?
Darren Hall: Sorry. It reflects the technical report reflects the model update going forward. If we think about again, the questions in and around voids and the experiences that we've had to date is reflected in that model revision. In terms of the quarter, we saw some turnover issues in and around the Glory Hole, which is that shrink stope in the center of the pit, and maintaining focus, but that's where Dave and the crew have brought in some additional resources so we can get that bench turnover rate, which negatively impacts our performance of grade against plan. From a reconciliation perspective, if we take the last couple of quarters, the model is actually reconciling very well above a cut-off against the model that we've used to predict the longer term. I mean, Matt, is there anything you'd add to that, bud?
Speaker #6: But from a reconciliation perspective, if we take the last couple of quarters, the model's actually reconciling very well above a cutoff, against the model that we've used to predict the longer term.
Speaker #6: I mean, Matt, is there anything you'd add to that, bud?
Speaker #8: No, that's, that's correct.
Matt McPhie: No, that's correct.
Matt MacPhail: No, that's correct.
Speaker #6: Okay.
Darren Hall: Okay.
Darren Hall: Okay.
Speaker #4: And I-I'll just add one item if I might. And, and we in we included all that information with respect to our guidance for the year as well.
Matt McPhie: I'll just add 1 item if I might. We included all that information with respect to our guidance for the year as well.
Peter Hardie: I'll just add 1 item if I might. We included all that information with respect to our guidance for the year as well.
Speaker #6: Yep.
Darren Hall: Yep.
Darren Hall: Yep.
Speaker #4: Yeah.
Matt McPhie: Yeah.
Matt MacPhail: Yeah.
Darren Hall: Does that cover the grade issue there, Anita?
Darren Hall: Does that cover the grade issue there, Anita?
Speaker #6: issue there, Anita?
Speaker #7: A-almost. The question was just in terms of the, in the in terms of the technical report, it does also talk about sort of a, a negative, ounces, and, you know, tons and, and also on the, the grade a little bit, but combined a negative a slight negative, on the ounces.
Anita Soni: Almost. The question was just in terms of the, in the, in terms of the technical report, it does also talk about sort of a negative ounces, and, you know, tonnes and also on the grade a little bit, but combined a slight negative on the ounces. I'm just wondering if the reserve estimate already includes that as well, or the commentary in the technical report says basically that, you know, it's typical for this early stage, and it's not necessarily included in the reserve estimate yet.
Anita Soni: Almost. The question was just in terms of the, in the, in terms of the technical report, it does also talk about sort of a negative ounces, and, you know, tonnes and also on the grade a little bit, but combined a slight negative on the ounces. I'm just wondering if the reserve estimate already includes that as well, or the commentary in the technical report says basically that, you know, it's typical for this early stage, and it's not necessarily included in the reserve estimate yet.
Speaker #7: And I'm just wondering if the reserve estimate already includes that as well or the commentary in the technical report says basically that, you know, it's, it's typical for this early of early stage and it's not necessarily included in the in the reserve estimate yet.
Speaker #6: No, again, the, the, the technical report is, is congruent with the reserves, and they all exactly tie together.
Darren Hall: No, again, the, the technical report is congruent with the reserves, and they all exactly tie together. Matt?
Darren Hall: No, again, the, the technical report is congruent with the reserves, and they all exactly tie together. Matt?
Matt McPhie: That's right. Yeah. Best available information was utilized in that technical report. The most up-to-date void model is included, so the reserve and resource are depleted for that void model. As Pete and Darren alluded to, Q1, we're reconciling nicely to that model.
Matt MacPhail: That's right. Yeah. Best available information was utilized in that technical report. The most up-to-date void model is included, so the reserve and resource are depleted for that void model. As Pete and Darren alluded to, Q1, we're reconciling nicely to that model.
Speaker #4: That's right. Yeah. Best available information was utilized in that technical report. The most up-to-date, void model is included, so the reserve and resource are depleted for that void model.
Speaker #4: And as Pete and Darren alluded to, Q1, we're reconciling nicely to that model.
Speaker #6: Yeah. But I think the underlying question there, Anita, is, is that is, is the reserve reflective of what's in the forward-looking plan? And yes, the same model is used for the forward-looking plan as used in the reserve.
Darren Hall: I think the underlying question there, Anita, is the reserve reflective of what's in the forward-looking plan? Yes, the same model is used for the forward-looking plan as used in the reserve. All those things are congruent.
Darren Hall: I think the underlying question there, Anita, is the reserve reflective of what's in the forward-looking plan? Yes, the same model is used for the forward-looking plan as used in the reserve. All those things are congruent.
Speaker #6: So there's all those things are congruent.
Speaker #7: Okay. Thank you.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker #6: Cool.
Matt McPhie: Cool.
Darren Hall: Cool.
Speaker #4: The next question is from Mohammed Sudebi with National Bank. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Mohamed Sidibe with National Bank. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Mohamed Sidibe with National Bank. Please go ahead.
Speaker #9: Hi there. Anita Mann. Thanks for taking my question. so maybe, going back to Valentine, o-o-on your grade tonnage and recovery there, I know that, production was probably impacted by inventory and circuit.
Mohamed Sidibe: Hi, Darren and team, and thanks for taking my question. Maybe, going back to Valentine, on your grade tonnage and recovery there. I know that production was probably impacted by inventory in circuit. Is there more inventory in circuit left that could potentially impact Q2? How should we think about, you know, that going into the next quarters?
Mohamed Sidibe: Hi, Darren and team, and thanks for taking my question. Maybe, going back to Valentine, on your grade tonnage and recovery there. I know that production was probably impacted by inventory in circuit. Is there more inventory in circuit left that could potentially impact Q2? How should we think about, you know, that going into the next quarters?
Speaker #9: is there more, inventory and circuit left that could potentially impact Q2, or how should we think about, you know, that going into the next quarters?
Darren Hall: No. I mean, the inventory, we're not managing inventory. It's not like an AP sort of issue. I mean, there's pinches and swells in inventory depending on grades going through. No, there was no drawdown of inventory at the end of the quarter. We play a straight bat at it. We actually saw a little bit of inventory build up in the April period as grades improve. No, there's no noise in there associated with inventory.
Speaker #6: no. I mean, the inventory w-we're not managing inventory. It's not like an AP sort of issue. I mean, there is there's pinches and swells in inventory depending on grades going through.
Darren Hall: No. I mean, the inventory, we're not managing inventory. It's not like an AP sort of issue. I mean, there's pinches and swells in inventory depending on grades going through. No, there was no drawdown of inventory at the end of the quarter. We play a straight bat at it. We actually saw a little bit of inventory build up in the April period as grades improve. No, there's no noise in there associated with inventory.
Speaker #6: But, no, there was there was no drawdown of inventory at the end of the quarter. We play a straight bat at it. we actually saw a little bit of inventory build up in, in the in the April period as grades improved, but no.
Speaker #6: there's, there's no there's no noise in there associated with inventory.
Speaker #9: Sounds good. Yeah. No, just asking 'cause trying to get back to your projec produce result with the tonnage grade and recovery, I'm, I'm, I'm slightly off, but maybe I can take that offline, if that's there.
Mohamed Sidibe: Sounds good. Yeah, no, just asking 'cause trying to get back to your produced results with the tonnage grade and recovery. I'm slightly off, maybe I can take that offline if that's there. On the cost at Valentine, I think the tech report highlighted lower, you know, processing costs, mining costs, versus what you deliver in Q1, understanding that you were impacted by the severe weather. What's the plan to get back to costs that were highlighted in the tech report there? What are some of the initiatives that you guys will be working on to get us back to that?
Mohamed Sidibe: Sounds good. Yeah, no, just asking 'cause trying to get back to your produced results with the tonnage grade and recovery. I'm slightly off, maybe I can take that offline if that's there. On the cost at Valentine, I think the tech report highlighted lower, you know, processing costs, mining costs, versus what you deliver in Q1, understanding that you were impacted by the severe weather. What's the plan to get back to costs that were highlighted in the tech report there? What are some of the initiatives that you guys will be working on to get us back to that?
Speaker #9: on the cost at Valentine, I think the tech report highlighted lower, you know, processing costs, mining costs, versus what you deliver in Q1. Understanding that you were impacted by the severe weather, but what's the plan to get back to, costs that were highlighted in the tech report there?
Speaker #9: And what are some of the initiatives that you guys will be working on, to get us back to that?
Speaker #6: Yeah. No, Mohammed, it's, it's a good question. And I'll guess I'll, I'll pass it over to Pete, and we can talk specifically about some of the nuances in, in Valentine.
Darren Hall: Yeah. No, Mohamed, it's a good question. I'll pass it over to Pete, and we can talk specifically about some of the nuances in Valentine. I will take a step back and look at the business holistically. I know we don't guide quarter-on-quarter against budget, I'll use that as a basis of because keeping in mind that all of our guidance, it's prefaced off or based in the budget. Of course, you know, you take a budget, you lower it a little bit, and that becomes the guidance. If we look at Q1 spend, you know, we were within 1% on non-kind of capital costs. When I say capital, I'm talking about the capital that was, yeah, capitalized inventory and those sort of things are all in that total spend number.
Darren Hall: Yeah. No, Mohamed, it's a good question. I'll pass it over to Pete, and we can talk specifically about some of the nuances in Valentine. I will take a step back and look at the business holistically. I know we don't guide quarter-on-quarter against budget, I'll use that as a basis of because keeping in mind that all of our guidance, it's prefaced off or based in the budget. Of course, you know, you take a budget, you lower it a little bit, and that becomes the guidance. If we look at Q1 spend, you know, we were within 1% on non-kind of capital costs. When I say capital, I'm talking about the capital that was, yeah, capitalized inventory and those sort of things are all in that total spend number.
Speaker #6: But I will take a step back and look at the business holistically. And I know we don't guide quarter on quarter against budget, but I'll use that as a basis of because keeping in mind that all of our guidance, it's prefaced off or based in the budget.
Speaker #6: And, of course, you know, you take a budget, you lower it a little bit, and that becomes the guidance. But if we look at, at, Q1 spend, you know, we were within a percent on non-kind of capital costs that I wanna say capital.
Speaker #6: I'm talking about the capital that was, yeah, capitalized inventory and those sort of things are all in that total spend number. We were within 1% of spend.
Darren Hall: We were within 1% of spend. You know, from an outgoings perspective, we're very, very consistent with where we see. We're actually underspent on some of the capital during the quarter, which we'll work on over the balance of the year. That's the typical people being a little bit more aggressive about what they can get done at the outset of the year. Now specifically into Valentine. You wanna give a bit of color, Pete?
Darren Hall: We were within 1% of spend. You know, from an outgoings perspective, we're very, very consistent with where we see. We're actually underspent on some of the capital during the quarter, which we'll work on over the balance of the year. That's the typical people being a little bit more aggressive about what they can get done at the outset of the year. Now specifically into Valentine. You wanna give a bit of color, Pete?
Speaker #6: So you know, from a s from an outgoing perspective, we're very, very consistent with where we see. we're actually underspent on some of the capital during the quarter, which will, will work on over the balance of the year.
Speaker #6: But that's the typical people being a little bit more aggressive about what they can get done at the outset of the year.
Speaker #6: But now specifically into into Valentine, you wanna give a bit of color, Pete?
Speaker #4: Yeah. Thanks, Darren. Thanks, Mohammed, for the question. Yeah. As Darren mentioned, across the board, we're within 1%, very pleased, with the control that, the, the team and operators are showing over spend.
Peter Hardie: Thanks, Darren. Thanks, Mohamed, for the question. As Darren mentioned, across the board, we're within 1%. Very pleased with the control that the team and operators are showing over spend. At Valentine itself, we're a little above expectation, but not in a way that we're concerned about. You know, largely, any spend that's above expectation is due to the severe winter and mitigations we've put in place. Go forward. That's on the numerator side, so we're pretty happy with what's happening total spend side. It's the denominator, as Darren has already highlighted, on bringing unit costs back into line with expectations. We have to focus on the denominator side and that's the mining and the processing and grade management that Darren already alluded to.
Peter Hardie: Thanks, Darren. Thanks, Mohamed, for the question. As Darren mentioned, across the board, we're within 1%. Very pleased with the control that the team and operators are showing over spend. At Valentine itself, we're a little above expectation, but not in a way that we're concerned about. You know, largely, any spend that's above expectation is due to the severe winter and mitigations we've put in place. Go forward. That's on the numerator side, so we're pretty happy with what's happening total spend side. It's the denominator, as Darren has already highlighted, on bringing unit costs back into line with expectations. We have to focus on the denominator side and that's the mining and the processing and grade management that Darren already alluded to.
Speaker #4: At Valentine itself, we're a little above expectation, but not in a way that we're concerned about. Mo you know, largely, any spend that's above expectation is due to the severe winter and, and mitigating and mitigations we put in place.
Speaker #4: go forward. And that-that's, that's on the numerator side. So we're, we're pretty happy with what's happening total spend side. I-it's the denominator, as Darren has already highlighted, on, on bringing unit costs back into line with expectations.
Speaker #4: We have to focus on the denominator side. And that as that's the mining and the processing and, and grade management that Darren already alluded to.
Speaker #9: Thank you. I'll get back into the queue.
Mohamed Sidibe: Thank you. I'll get back into the queue.
Mohamed Sidibe: Thank you. I'll get back into the queue.
Speaker #4: The next question is from John Tomazos with John Tomazos Independent Research. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from John Tumazos with John Tumazos Independent Research. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from John Tumazos with John Tumazos Independent Research. Please go ahead.
Speaker #10: Thank you very much. And congratulations on net cash day, whichever day that's gonna be, this week or last week or next week. could you elaborate on your definition of gold production versus inventory versus in circuit?
John Tumazos: Thank you very much, congratulations on net cash today, whichever day that's gonna be this week or last week or next week. Could you elaborate on your definition of gold production versus inventory versus in-circuit? We know you're generating cash, and we know you're really selling gold, but it's kind of amazing that 20,000 ounces fell out of the circuit's extra in Nicaragua this quarter. It's also equally amazing that Greenstone only had a 12,000 ounce drop from the Q4 when the grade fell by 1/3 and the recovery fell by 1/4, and the recovery fell by 3%. It seems like the golden solution is somewhat extraordinary.
John Tumazos: Thank you very much, congratulations on net cash today, whichever day that's gonna be this week or last week or next week. Could you elaborate on your definition of gold production versus inventory versus in-circuit? We know you're generating cash, and we know you're really selling gold, but it's kind of amazing that 20,000 ounces fell out of the circuit's extra in Nicaragua this quarter. It's also equally amazing that Greenstone only had a 12,000 ounce drop from the Q4 when the grade fell by 1/3 and the recovery fell by 1/4, and the recovery fell by 3%. It seems like the golden solution is somewhat extraordinary.
Speaker #10: We know you're generating cash, and we know you're really selling gold, but it's kind of amazing that 20,000 ounces fell out of the circuits extra in Nicaragua this quarter.
Speaker #10: And it's also equally amazing that greenstone only had a 12,000 ounce drop from the December quarter when the grade fell by one-third and the recovery fell by one-fourth.
Speaker #10: And the recovery fell by 3%. So it seems like the, the gold in solution is some-somewhat extraordinary.
Darren Hall: Okay. No, John, thanks for your question. Thanks for the support. I'll start with the definition of what we use as gold production. Gold production is bullion, right? It's poured. We'll have a recovered gold, which represents the kind of the in-circuit changes. There's not a lot of noise between gold poured and gold recovered for the better part. If we think about Nicaragua, the drawdown in inventory was all not in process, it was stockpiles, right? You know, we ended up at the year, at the end of the year with a significant inventory that we then got into the process plant in Q4. Oh, sorry, in Q1, that was built in Q4 because we ran out of capacity. That was the inventory change in Nicaragua.
Darren Hall: Okay. No, John, thanks for your question. Thanks for the support. I'll start with the definition of what we use as gold production. Gold production is bullion, right? It's poured. We'll have a recovered gold, which represents the kind of the in-circuit changes. There's not a lot of noise between gold poured and gold recovered for the better part. If we think about Nicaragua, the drawdown in inventory was all not in process, it was stockpiles, right? You know, we ended up at the year, at the end of the year with a significant inventory that we then got into the process plant in Q4. Oh, sorry, in Q1, that was built in Q4 because we ran out of capacity. That was the inventory change in Nicaragua.
Speaker #6: Okay. No, John, and thanks for your question. Thanks for the support. I'll start with the definition of what we use as gold production. Gold production is bullion, right, is poured.
Speaker #6: then we'll have a recovered gold, which is re-re-represents the kind of the in-circuit changes. There's not a lot of noise between gold poured and gold recovered for the better part.
Speaker #6: If we think about Nicaragua, the drawdown in inventory was all not in process. It was stockpiles, right? You know, we ended up in the year a-at the end of the year with a with a significant inventory that we then got into the process plant in Q4 or sorry, in Q1 that was built in Q4 because we ran out of capacity.
Speaker #6: so that was the inventory change in Nicaragua. It was just a build-in, i-inventory outside of the process plant. so yeah, it's not an in-process inventory per se.
Darren Hall: It was just a build-in inventory outside of the process plant. yeah, it's not an in-process inventory per se. In talk about inventories on Q1 to Q4 at Greenstone, I'll ask Matt, but from my recollection, I don't think there was a significant change in in-process inventories in-circuit Q1 over Q4.
Darren Hall: It was just a build-in inventory outside of the process plant. yeah, it's not an in-process inventory per se. In talk about inventories on Q1 to Q4 at Greenstone, I'll ask Matt, but from my recollection, I don't think there was a significant change in in-process inventories in-circuit Q1 over Q4.
Speaker #6: in, in talk about im-inventories on Q4 to or Q1 to Q4 at, at greenstone, I'll ask Matt, but from my recollection, I don't think there was a significant change in in-process inventories in circuit Q1 over Q4.
Speaker #4: Yeah. Th-there's a little bit of variation Q1Q, but it's nothing, planned. It's just based upon timing of pour at the at the month end.
David Schummer: Yeah. There's a little bit of variation Q on Q, but it's nothing planned. It's just based upon timing of pour at the month-end, and it's a natural ebb and flow. Yeah, as to what Darren said, I didn't think there was a huge change of in-process inventory Q on Q.
David Schummer: Yeah. There's a little bit of variation Q on Q, but it's nothing planned. It's just based upon timing of pour at the month-end, and it's a natural ebb and flow. Yeah, as to what Darren said, I didn't think there was a huge change of in-process inventory Q on Q.
Speaker #4: And it's a natural ebb and flow, but yeah, to what Darren said, I didn't think there was a huge change of in-process inventory, Q1Q.
Speaker #6: But we'd be happy to talk about that.
Darren Hall: We'd be happy to jump on a call.
Darren Hall: We'd be happy to [crosstalk]
John Tumazos: You might have had an extra pour at Greenstone, like having an extra ship go off for a copper mine shipping concentrate or something.
John Tumazos: You might have had an extra pour at Greenstone, like having an extra ship go off for a copper mine shipping concentrate or something.
Speaker #10: So you might have had an extra pour at greenstone like having an extra ship go off for a copper mine shipping concentrate or something.
Speaker #6: Yeah. I mean, because what will typically do is, is that, we won't we won't, kind of, you know, pour on the last day of the month, right?
Darren Hall: Yeah. I mean, because what we'll typically do is that, we won't kind of, you know, pour on the last day of the month, right? We'll just pour on a specific day every week or 2 days a week. Wherever they happen to fall, you might see some, you know, some inventory ups and inventory downs. No, happy to get on a chat and walk through the specifics at Greenstone as well to make sure you're comfortable. Yeah.
Darren Hall: Yeah. I mean, because what we'll typically do is that, we won't kind of, you know, pour on the last day of the month, right? We'll just pour on a specific day every week or 2 days a week. Wherever they happen to fall, you might see some, you know, some inventory ups and inventory downs. No, happy to get on a chat and walk through the specifics at Greenstone as well to make sure you're comfortable. Yeah.
Speaker #6: We'll just pour on a sp on a specific day every week or two days a week. And wherever they happen to fall, you might see some, you know, some inventory ups and inventory downs.
Speaker #6: But no, happy to happy to get on a on, on a chat and walk through the specifics at greenstone as well to make sure you're comfortable.
Speaker #6: But,
John Tumazos: Congratulations on all the cash. Thank you.
John Tumazos: Congratulations on all the cash. Thank you.
Speaker #10: Congratulations on all the cash. Thank you.
Speaker #6: No, appreciate it, bud. Thanks for all your support. No, it's been a journey, and you've been, supportive of the product for a long time.
Darren Hall: No, appreciate it. Thanks for all your support. I know it's been a journey, and you've been a supporter of the product for a long time, so thank you very much.
Darren Hall: No, appreciate it. Thanks for all your support. I know it's been a journey, and you've been a supporter of the product for a long time, so thank you very much.
Speaker #6: So thank you very much.
Speaker #10: Thank you.
John Tumazos: Thank you.
John Tumazos: Thank you.
Speaker #4: The next question is from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is from Jeremy Hoy with Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.
Speaker #11: Thanks, Darren, team. Appreciate you taking my question. I-I'm gonna talk about Los Filos could you, give us any detail on, I guess, wh-what's pending or needs to be negotiated on with the third community?
Jeremy Hoy: Thanks, Darren and team. Appreciate you taking my question. I'm gonna talk about Los Filos. Could you give us any detail on, I guess what's pending or needs to be negotiated on with the third community? Any update on how you're thinking about that operation. I know you guys internally have been going through some iterations of what that operation could look like if it restarts, just a refresh on your thinking there would be helpful. Thank you.
Jeremy Hoy: Thanks, Darren and team. Appreciate you taking my question. I'm gonna talk about Los Filos. Could you give us any detail on, I guess what's pending or needs to be negotiated on with the third community? Any update on how you're thinking about that operation. I know you guys internally have been going through some iterations of what that operation could look like if it restarts, just a refresh on your thinking there would be helpful. Thank you.
Speaker #11: And then, and any update on, on how you're thinking about that operation? I know you guys internally have been going through some iterations of what that, operation could look like if it restarts.
Speaker #11: And, and just a refresh on your thinking there would be helpful. Thank you.
Speaker #6: Yeah. No, thanks, Jeremy. And thanks for your and Canaccord's support over the years. no, Los Filos is, you know, we're very how do you say?
Darren Hall: No, thanks, Jeremy, and thanks for your and Canaccord's support over the years. No, Los Filos is, you know, we're very, how do you say, optimistic about what we see at Los Filos, partly because, you know, there's 16 million ounces in all category. It's, you know, clearly a world-class asset. It has demonstrated ability to be able to produce. Our view of Filos is really looking to what the long term looks like. We're not in any hurry to restart operations in what was the previous form. It's really about, you know, the value proposition of birthing something that's in that, you know, potentially 300,000 to 400,000 ounces a year with a 20 to 30 year life within the current resource base. I mean, it's an outstanding asset.
Darren Hall: No, thanks, Jeremy, and thanks for your and Canaccord's support over the years. No, Los Filos is, you know, we're very, how do you say, optimistic about what we see at Los Filos, partly because, you know, there's 16 million ounces in all category. It's, you know, clearly a world-class asset. It has demonstrated ability to be able to produce. Our view of Filos is really looking to what the long term looks like. We're not in any hurry to restart operations in what was the previous form. It's really about, you know, the value proposition of birthing something that's in that, you know, potentially 300,000 to 400,000 ounces a year with a 20 to 30 year life within the current resource base. I mean, it's an outstanding asset.
Speaker #6: Optimistic about what we see at Los Filos. And partly because, you know, there's 16 million ounces in all category. It's, you know, clearly a, a world-class asset.
Speaker #6: It has demonstrated ability to be able to produce. Our view of Filos is really looking to what the long-term looks like. We're not in any hurry to restart operations in what was the previous form.
Speaker #6: It's really about, you know, the value proposition of, of birthing something that's in that, you know, potentially 3 to 4 hundred thousand ounces a year with a 20 to 30-year life within the current resource base.
Speaker #6: I mean, it's an outstanding asset. So what we're working, you know, very constructively with, with all of our stakeholders, including the third community, is getting them comfortable with a commercial arrangement that's gonna ensure that that product is durable and resilient and all gold price environments and can maximize value for all stakeholders.
Darren Hall: What we're working, you know, very constructively with all of our stakeholders, including the third community, is getting comfortable with a commercial arrangement that's gonna ensure that that product is durable and resilient in all gold price environments and can maximize value for all stakeholders. We're working with that third community. The dialogue is, suffice to say, has been very constructive. It's clear in my mind that everyone is aligned behind wanting to that to work, and we're gonna make sure that what we put in place ensures that people can have a level of confidence about our ability and our, I mean, us and the stakeholders working together over the long term to ensure that that investment we put into a CIL plant and reinvest back in that property is secure. That's our value proposition.
Darren Hall: What we're working, you know, very constructively with all of our stakeholders, including the third community, is getting comfortable with a commercial arrangement that's gonna ensure that that product is durable and resilient in all gold price environments and can maximize value for all stakeholders. We're working with that third community. The dialogue is, suffice to say, has been very constructive. It's clear in my mind that everyone is aligned behind wanting to that to work, and we're gonna make sure that what we put in place ensures that people can have a level of confidence about our ability and our, I mean, us and the stakeholders working together over the long term to ensure that that investment we put into a CIL plant and reinvest back in that property is secure. That's our value proposition.
Speaker #6: So we're working with that third community, the, the, the dialogue is I'll s-suffice to say has been very constructive. It's clear in my mind that everyone is aligned behind wanting to that to work.
Speaker #6: And we're gonna make sure that what we put in place ensures that people with can have a level of confidence about our ability and our I mean, us and the stakeholders working together over the long term to ensure that that investment we put into a CIL plant and reinvest back in that property is secure.
Speaker #6: That's our value proposition. And, and again, the dialogue has definitely changed over the last year. and again, we're very w-very comfortable with the discussions we're having.
Darren Hall: Again, the dialogue has definitely changed over the last year. Again, we're very comfortable with the discussions we're having, you know, the time, the agreements will be had and the time they had and whether it's in 2 weeks' time or 2 months' time or, you know, 3 months' time. I mean, again, I would anticipate something this year, it's not important as to whether it happens this year. It's about making sure we get the right agreements. In the background, you know, we're actually working with an EPC company to look at scale and scope in around, you know, what could this asset look like and work out what that capital size relationship is.
Darren Hall: Again, the dialogue has definitely changed over the last year. Again, we're very comfortable with the discussions we're having, you know, the time, the agreements will be had and the time they had and whether it's in 2 weeks' time or 2 months' time or, you know, 3 months' time. I mean, again, I would anticipate something this year, it's not important as to whether it happens this year. It's about making sure we get the right agreements. In the background, you know, we're actually working with an EPC company to look at scale and scope in around, you know, what could this asset look like and work out what that capital size relationship is.
Speaker #6: And, you know, the time the agreements will be had and the time they had and whether it's in two weeks' time or two months' time or, you know, three months' time, I mean, again, I would anticipate something this year.
Speaker #6: But it's not important as to whether it happens this year. It's about making sure we get the right agreements. Because in the background, you know, we've we're actually working with, an EPC company to look at scale and scope in and around, you know, what could this asset look like and where, what c what that capital size relationship is.
Speaker #6: So our ability to be able to restart this asset is not impacted by the timing in which we have an agreement with the communities.
Darren Hall: Our ability to be able to restart this asset is not impacted by the timing in which we have an agreement with the communities. Again, they're all happening concurrently, and the communities are aware of it. They're happy that we're doing that work. They see the value. No, I think this is a win-win, and we'll end up with a world-class asset that delivers for a long, long time.
Darren Hall: Our ability to be able to restart this asset is not impacted by the timing in which we have an agreement with the communities. Again, they're all happening concurrently, and the communities are aware of it. They're happy that we're doing that work. They see the value. No, I think this is a win-win, and we'll end up with a world-class asset that delivers for a long, long time.
Speaker #6: So again, they're all happening concurrently, and the communities are aware of it. They're happy that we're doing that work. They see the value.
Speaker #6: So, no, I think this is a win-win. And we'll end up with a world-class asset that delivers for a long, long time.
Jeremy Hoy: Great. Thanks for the color and looking forward to seeing the progress there.
Jeremy Hoy: Great. Thanks for the color and looking forward to seeing the progress there.
Speaker #10: Great. Thanks for the caller, and looking forward to, seeing the progress there.
Speaker #6: Yep. Thank you.
Darren Hall: Yep. Thank you.
Darren Hall: Yep. Thank you.
Speaker #4: Once again, if you have a question, please press star, then one. The next question is a follow-up from Anita Sony with CIBC World Markets.
Operator: The next question is a follow-up from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question is a follow-up from Anita Soni with CIBC World Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #4: Please go ahead.
Speaker #12: Hi. so I just wanted to follow up on the, tailings, CapEx. Like, the remediation that you're gonna be doing there, with the shear keys.
Anita Soni: Hi. I just wanted to follow up on the tailings CapEx, like the remediation that you're gonna be doing there, with the shear key. Can you just give me an idea of the capital budget for that over the life of mine?
Anita Soni: Hi. I just wanted to follow up on the tailings CapEx, like the remediation that you're gonna be doing there, with the shear key. Can you just give me an idea of the capital budget for that over the life of mine?
Speaker #12: Can you just give me an idea of the, the capital budget for that, over the life of mine?
Speaker #6: Sure. We at this is a greenstone, right, Anita? The.
Darren Hall: Sure. This is a Greenstone, right, Anita?
Darren Hall: Sure. This is a Greenstone, right, Anita?
Speaker #12: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, greenstone.
Anita Soni: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Greenstone.
Anita Soni: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Greenstone.
Darren Hall: Yeah. Okay, cool. Yeah, Matt's probably best poised to be able to talk about that. Matt?
Darren Hall: Yeah. Okay, cool. Yeah, Matt's probably best poised to be able to talk about that. Matt?
Speaker #6: Yeah, okay, cool. Yeah, Matt's probably best placed to be able to talk about that. So, Matt?
David Schummer: Yeah. I don't know if I'd classify it as remediation. It's kind of initial construction of the shear key, and it's baked into our CapEx profile for 2026. Yeah, I wouldn't call it remediation per se. I think some maybe bleeds into 2027 as well, but it's all baked into our estimates and our guidance figures. We can dive into more detail on the call if you wanna go through.
Speaker #13: yeah. I don't know if I'd classify it as remediation. It's kind of initial construction of the shear key. And it's baked into our, CapEx profile for 2026.
Matt MacPhail: Yeah. I don't know if I'd classify it as remediation. It's kind of initial construction of the shear key, and it's baked into our CapEx profile for 2026. Yeah, I wouldn't call it remediation per se. I think some maybe bleeds into 2027 as well, but it's all baked into our estimates and our guidance figures. We can dive into more detail on the call if you wanna go through.
Speaker #13: So yeah, yeah, I wouldn't call it remediation per se. I think some maybe bleeds into 2027 as well. But it's all, baked into our estimates and our guidance figures.
Speaker #13: And we can. We can dive into more detail on a call if you wanna go through. Dollars and cents.
Darren Hall: Yeah.
Darren Hall: Yeah.
David Schummer: Dollars and cents.
David Schummer: Dollars and cents.
Darren Hall: Yeah, I was gonna add, Anita, that I think working off memory, we've got $80 million in there for the year 2026, but we'll take offline maybe the life of mine costs, if that's all right.
Peter Hardie: Yeah, I was gonna add, Anita, that I think working off memory, we've got $80 million in there for the year 2026, but we'll take offline maybe the life of mine costs, if that's all right.
Speaker #6: Yeah. I was gonna add, Anita, that I think I'm working off memory. We've got 80 million in there for, for the year 2026. But we'll take offline maybe the life of mine, costs.
Speaker #6: That's all right.
Speaker #12: Okay. Thank you. It definitely I'll, I'll, connect with you offline. Thanks.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you. Yeah, definitely I'll connect with you offline. Thanks.
Anita Soni: Okay. Thank you. Yeah, definitely I'll connect with you offline. Thanks.
Speaker #6: Thanks. Appreciate it. Thanks, Anita. And, yeah, no, reach out and we'll, we'll fill in any blanks that need to be filled in.
Darren Hall: Thanks. Appreciate it. Thanks, Anita. Yeah, no, reach out, and we'll fill in any blanks that need to be filled in.
Darren Hall: Thanks. Appreciate it. Thanks, Anita. Yeah, no, reach out, and we'll fill in any blanks that need to be filled in.
Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Darren Hall for any closing remarks.
Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Darren Hall for any closing remarks.
Speaker #4: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Darren Hall for any closing remarks.
Speaker #6: Yeah, I'd just like to thank all our shareholders for the continued support, and everyone's participation and questions this morning. It is appreciated. It is valued.
Darren Hall: Yeah. I'd just like to thank all our shareholders and for their continued support and everyone's participation and questions this morning. It is appreciated, it is valued. As always, Ryan and I and the entire executive team are always available if you have any further questions. With that, you know, take care, be well, and back to you, operator.
Darren Hall: Yeah. I'd just like to thank all our shareholders and for their continued support and everyone's participation and questions this morning. It is appreciated, it is valued. As always, Ryan and I and the entire executive team are always available if you have any further questions. With that, you know, take care, be well, and back to you, operator.
Speaker #6: And, as always, Ryan and I and the entire executive team are always available if you have any further questions. So with that, you know, take care.
Speaker #6: Be well. And back to your operator.
Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.
Operator: This brings to a close today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.
More EQX earnings call transcripts
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- EQX - Q4 2025 Equinox Gold Corp Earnings Call (February 19, 2026)
- EQX - Q4 2025 Equinox Gold Corp Earnings Call (February 19, 2026)
- EQX - Q1 2026 Equinox Gold Corp Earnings Call and Business Update (May 7, 2026)
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