Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has announced three strategic additions to its management team, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the Santa Fe Mine project in Nevada toward a planned production restart in 2027. The company is transitioning from a mine developer to a mine builder, and these appointments are designed to strengthen its technical, operational, and business development capabilities during this critical phase.
Tony Gesualdo rejoins Lahontan as Vice President of Exploration, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as Exploration Manager from 2020 to 2023. During his earlier tenure, Gesualdo was instrumental in contributing to the initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Santa Fe Mine, which underpins the project's current resource base. His return is expected to provide continuity and deep geological insight as the company continues to refine its understanding of the deposit.
Michael Kubel joins the team as Senior Mine Engineer, bringing over a decade of experience in Nevada open-pit gold mining and heap-leach operations. His background includes work at the Florida Canyon and Hycroft mines, both of which are significant operations in the region. Kubel's expertise will be vital as Lahontan advances mine planning and engineering for the Santa Fe project, ensuring that development aligns with best practices and operational efficiency.
Jen Earle has been appointed to lead Investor Relations and Business Development. With two decades of experience in natural resources, capital markets, and investor engagement across the LSE, ASX, and TSX markets, Earle is well-positioned to communicate the company's strategic vision and progress to the investment community. Her role will be key as Lahontan seeks to build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential shareholders.
Kimberly Ann, Founder, Executive Chair, CEO, and President of Lahontan Gold, commented on the appointments, stating, "These additions significantly enhance our technical, operational, and business development capabilities as we advance Santa Fe permitting, mine planning, and our planned transition toward construction and operations." The timing of these hires is strategic, as the company aims to update the Santa Fe Preliminary Economic Assessment and drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025.
The Santa Fe Mine has a rich history, with past production of 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing. The project currently hosts a National Instrument 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, all pit constrained. These resources are detailed in the Technical Report with an effective date of December 10, 2024.
As Lahontan Gold progresses toward its goal of restarting production at Santa Fe, the strengthened management team will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of permitting, financing, and construction. The company's focus on the Walker Lane district in Nevada, a mining-friendly jurisdiction, underscores its potential to become a significant gold producer in the coming years.
For more information on Lahontan Gold Corp., visit the company's website at www.lahontangoldcorp.com. The latest news and updates are available in the company's newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LGCXF.
