Equinox Gold announced that its 100 percent-owned Valentine Gold Mine in Newfoundland and Labrador has reached commercial production, marking a significant step forward in the company’s Canadian growth strategy. CEO Darren Hall said the mine is performing ahead of expectations, with strong plant availability, throughput and recoveries during the commissioning period.

Over the past 60 days, the plant averaged 5,451 tonnes per day, equal to 80 percent of its 6,850 tpd nameplate capacity. Gold recovery averaged more than 93 percent using lower-grade commissioning feed of 1.2 grams per tonne. Valentine is expected to deliver at the higher end of the company’s Q4 guidance of 15,000 to 30,000 ounces.

Equinox Gold anticipates achieving full nameplate capacity by the second quarter of 2026, supporting annual production of 150,000 to 200,000 ounces next year. The company is also advancing Phase 2 studies that could raise mill throughput to 5 million tonnes per year, up from the 4 million tonnes outlined in the 2022 feasibility study.

Equinox Gold describes Valentine as a key contributor to its broader North American portfolio, which spans long-life mines and development projects across Canada and the Americas.