Rio2 (TSX:RIO) Approaching January 2026 Production, Targeting 20,000TPD Ramp-Up

Sep 12, 2025

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Interview with Andrew Cox, President & CEO of Rio2 Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/from-mega-mines-to-lean-machines-rio2-ltd-vista-golds-blueprint-for-fast-track-gold-production-7298

Recording date: 10th September 2025

Rio2 Limited presents a compelling investment opportunity as one of the few genuine new gold producers emerging in a market increasingly characterized by consolidation rather than organic growth. The company's Fenix Gold project in Chile is approaching first production in January 2026, positioned to capitalize on record-high gold prices exceeding $3,600 per ounce—more than double the $1,800 assumptions used in the original feasibility study.

The project demonstrates exceptional execution discipline under CEO Andrew Cox's leadership, maintaining its production timeline while operating slightly under budget. Construction has progressed systematically with completed earthworks across 12 hectares of leach pads and process solution ponds, while mineral movement to the pad has already commenced. The company's $50 million funding arrangement with Wheaton Precious Metals eliminates typical development-stage financing uncertainties, providing clear visibility to cash flow generation.
The management team's 11-year partnership and proven track record of building two previous operations with the same contractor relationships significantly reduces execution risk. This experience is evident in their methodical construction sequencing, targeting solution circulation by November and gold room completion by late December 2025.

Fenix Gold targets 20,000 tons per day processing capacity, achievable by August-September 2026 through heap leach technology. The 90-day leach cycle provides relatively rapid cash flow generation, with approximately 50% of gold recovery occurring within the first 30-40 days of production. This operational profile, combined with current gold pricing, creates substantial cash generation potential from the project's 5 million ounce resource base.

The most significant value driver lies in the project's expansion potential. Rio2 is advancing partnerships with two desalination providers in Copiapó to secure water supply for expanded operations. The proposed 160-kilometer pipeline infrastructure, requiring approximately $350 million in capital, would enable production of 300,000 ounces annually for 10 years—creating an estimated $3 billion in additional value.

This expansion case transforms Rio2 from a mid-tier producer into a significant gold operation, supported by substantial inferred resources requiring conversion and exploration upside in boundary areas and depth extensions.

Rio2's emergence occurs during unprecedented industry consolidation, where major producers like Newmont, Barrick, and Kinross pursue growth through acquisitions rather than organic development. This environment creates strategic optionality for Rio2, whether through independent expansion or potential acquisition by larger producers seeking established operations with growth potential.

The company's single-asset concentration, while presenting risk, also provides focused execution and clear value catalysts. Management actively evaluates acquisition opportunities to diversify the asset base while maintaining commitment to the Fenix expansion.

Rio2 offers investors a unique combination of near-term production certainty and transformational expansion potential. The company's disciplined execution, experienced management, and strategic timing during favorable gold market conditions create multiple pathways for value creation. With production approaching and expansion studies advancing, Rio2 represents both income generation and significant growth optionality in a proven geological setting during an optimal market environment for gold producers.

View Rio2 company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/rio2-limited