Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has announced the addition of three seasoned professionals to its management team, signaling a strategic shift as the company transitions from mine developer to mine builder. The appointments come as Lahontan advances permitting and mine planning for its flagship Santa Fe Mine in Nevada, with a targeted production restart in 2027.
Tony Gesualdo rejoins Lahontan as vice president of exploration, a role he previously held from 2020 to 2023. During his earlier tenure, Gesualdo was instrumental in contributing to the initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Santa Fe Mine. His reappointment underscores the company's commitment to leveraging his expertise as exploration efforts continue to evolve alongside development activities.
Michael Kubel joins 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 recognized for their large-scale, low-grade gold deposits. Kubel's operational knowledge is expected to be invaluable as Lahontan fine-tunes mine plans and prepares for construction.
Jen Earle has been appointed to handle 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 will play a crucial role in communicating the company's progress and attracting investment as it moves toward production.
Founder, Executive Chair, CEO, and President Kimberly Ann commented on the additions, stating that they strengthen Lahontan's technical, operational, and business development capabilities as the company advances Santa Fe's permitting and mine planning, and transitions toward construction and operations.
The Santa Fe Mine project, which spans 26.4 square kilometers, has a rich production history, having produced 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 via open-pit and heap-leach methods. According to a National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report, the project hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 ounces of gold equivalent (Au Eq) (48,393,000 tonnes grading 0.92 g/t Au and 7.18 g/t Ag) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 ounces Au Eq (16,760,000 tonnes grading 0.74 g/t Au and 3.25 g/t Ag). These resources are pit-constrained and use a cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t Au Eq for oxide resources and 0.60 g/t Au Eq for non-oxide resources, based on gold and silver prices of $1,950/oz and $23.50/oz, respectively.
The company plans to update the Santa Fe Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025. These initiatives are critical to de-risking the project and enhancing its economic viability. The technical content of the announcement has been reviewed by Michael Lindholm, CPG, an independent consulting geologist and Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
For investors and industry observers, these management appointments signal that Lahontan is building the team necessary to execute on its development plans. The addition of experienced personnel in exploration, mining engineering, and investor relations is a positive indicator of the company's readiness to advance the Santa Fe Mine toward production. The 2027 target underscores the long-term commitment to revitalizing a past-producing asset in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Nevada.
For more information on Lahontan Gold Corp., visit the company's website at www.lahontangoldcorp.com.
