Interview with Richard Young, President & CEO of i-80 Gold Corp.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/i-80-gold-corp-iau-explore-develop-mine-au-ag-zn-pb-in-nevada-3037

Recording date: 25th August 2025

i-80 Gold (TSX:IAU) is executing an ambitious transformation from minimal production to becoming Nevada's next significant gold producer, targeting 600-700,000 ounces annually within six years. The company holds 14 million ounces of gold resources and over 200 million ounces of silver across four past-producing Nevada properties, positioning it among the state's largest resource holders.

Under President and CEO Richard Young's leadership, i-80 Gold is leveraging a strategic advantage by restarting proven assets rather than developing greenfield projects. Young brings substantial credibility through his experience at Barrick Gold and successful track record taking Teranga Gold from small producer to 500,000-ounce annual operation. "It's not very often that any management group has the opportunity to work with tier one assets in a tier one jurisdiction to create a new mid-tier gold producer," Young notes.

The company's three-phase development plan centers on systematic asset restart with significantly reduced execution risk. Phase 1 targets 150-200,000 ounces by 2028 through underground operations at relatively low capital intensity of $40 million per portal development. The self-funding model generates $200-250 million cash flow to finance Phase 2, reaching 300-400,000 ounces by 2030.

i-80 Gold completed a $175 million equity raise in Q2 and is arranging $400 million debt financing to fund the $800 million development plan through 2030. The company benefits from Nevada's homogeneous geology, existing infrastructure, and established permits, while operating one of only two autoclaves in the state.

The flagship Mineral Point project anchors Phase 3, potentially delivering 350,000 ounces over 20 years. Despite current market valuation around $500-600 million, management's internal assessment suggests $6 billion value following feasibility studies, highlighting significant upside potential as the company systematically executes its Nevada-focused growth strategy.

View i-80 Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/i-80-gold

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