Equinox Gold Achieves First Pour at Valentine Mine: A Major Milestone for Canadian Gold Production

On September 14, 2025, Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) marked a significant moment in its growth trajectory by achieving first gold production at the Valentine Gold Mine in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The achievement represents more than just hitting a production target—it signals the company’s strategic move to establish itself as a major player in North American precious metals.

Faster-Than-Expected Ramp-Up

The process plant at Valentine commenced operations and demonstrated impressive early performance. During its first 15 days of operation, the mill achieved throughput levels equivalent to 47% of its designed nameplate capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year. This unexpectedly strong start led to first gold being produced ahead of schedule.

CEO Darren Hall highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting that the accelerated commissioning positions Valentine to reach full operational capacity by Q2 2026. The successful early performance reflects both solid engineering and effective project execution, qualities that distinguish well-managed mining operations in a competitive industry.

Production Capacity and Economic Impact

Once fully ramped up, Valentine is designed to produce between 175,000 and 200,000 ounces of gold annually during its initial 12-year production phase, spanning a total reserve life of 14 years. The mine will operate as a conventional crush-grind carbon-in-leach facility—a proven, reliable processing method.

Beyond production figures, Valentine holds broader significance for the region. It will become the largest gold mine in Atlantic Canada and is positioned to be Equinox Gold’s second-largest operation. The mine is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador through employment, local procurement and capital investment.

Strategic Growth for Equinox Gold

The first pour at Valentine, combined with the concurrent ramp-up of Equinox Gold’s Greenstone operation, fundamentally reshapes the company’s production profile. Management anticipates that with both assets reaching designed capacity, Equinox Gold will emerge as Canada’s second-largest gold producer—a significant competitive achievement.

The company is already advancing opportunities to enhance long-term value. Plans include a Phase 2 expansion to increase plant throughput and aggressive exploration targeting new discoveries on the Valentine property, with the potential to both extend mine life and boost annual production volumes.

Looking Ahead

The journey from concept to first gold pour represents years of development work, regulatory approvals and construction execution. Equinox Gold’s leadership, guided by founder and chairman Ross Beaty alongside a seasoned management team, emphasizes commitment to disciplined capital allocation and operational excellence as core principles driving the company’s next growth phase.

For shareholders, employees and communities, the Valentine Gold Mine represents the beginning of a multi-decade production cycle poised to generate value across economic and operational dimensions.