Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has announced the addition of three seasoned professionals to its management team, a strategic move that underscores the company's transition from a mine developer to a mine builder. The appointments come as Lahontan advances permitting and mine planning for its flagship Santa Fe Mine in Nevada, targeting a production restart in 2027.
Tony Gesualdo rejoins Lahontan as vice president of exploration, a role he previously held from 2020 to 2023, during which he contributed to the initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Santa Fe Mine. His return brings continuity and deep knowledge of the project's geological nuances, which will be vital as the company refines its resource model and explores expansion opportunities.
Michael Kubel joins as senior mine engineer, bringing over a decade of experience in Nevada open-pit gold mining and heap-leach operations, including stints at the Florida Canyon and Hycroft mines. His operational expertise is expected to be instrumental in optimizing the mine plan and ensuring the project's economic viability as it moves toward construction.
Jen Earle assumes responsibilities in investor relations and business development, leveraging two decades of experience in natural resources, capital markets, and investor engagement across the LSE, ASX, and TSX markets. Her addition is aimed at strengthening Lahontan's communication with the investment community and broadening its shareholder base.
Founder, Executive Chair, CEO, and President Kimberly Ann commented on the appointments, stating that the new team members significantly enhance the company's technical, operational, and business development capabilities. "As we advance the Santa Fe Mine towards a 2027 production restart, these additions are critical to our success," she said. "Their combined expertise will help us navigate the complexities of permitting, detailed engineering, and the eventual transition to construction and operations."
The Santa Fe Mine project, which spans 26.4 square kilometers in the Walker Lane region of Nevada, has a rich history of past production, yielding 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 via open-pit mining and heap-leach processing. The project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 ounces of gold equivalent (Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 ounces Au Eq, as detailed in the Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report with an effective date of December 10, 2024.
Lahontan's strategy includes updating the Santa Fe Preliminary Economic Assessment and drill testing its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025. The company's technical disclosure is overseen by Michael Lindholm, CPG, an independent consulting geologist and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.
The strengthening of Lahontan's management team arrives at a pivotal time for the company, as it seeks to capitalize on a favorable gold price environment and the extensive infrastructure already in place at the Santa Fe site. With the addition of experienced professionals, Lahontan appears well-positioned to execute its development plans and potentially restore the Santa Fe Mine to production, which could generate significant value for shareholders and contribute to the local economy.
