i-80 Gold Corp.

i-80 Gold Corp. is a junior gold producer headquartered in Reno, United States, operating primarily in USA. The company's portfolio consists of 3 projects, comprising 1 operating mine, 1 development, and 1 advanced exploration project. Key assets include Granite Creek and Ruby Hill. The business model centers on establishing a comprehensive mining complex through a 'hub and spoke' operational approach. This involves developing multiple mining operations designed to supply material to a central processing facility. The organization possesses a diverse range of metallurgical processing capabilities, including a whole ore autoclave, a carbon-in-leach mill, a flotation mill, and heap leach facilities, enabling the treatment of various material types. This integrated infrastructure is intended to serve as a central hub for operations, housing the main office, assay lab, and warehouse to create logistical and operational synergies across all sites. The company's competitive positioning is built on controlling this integrated processing infrastructure and advancing a pipeline of development projects to feed it, aiming to become a stand-alone producer. This model allows for flexibility in sequencing development and processing material from different sources to optimize production and manage operational risk.

Strategic priorities are centered on executing a phased 'hub and spoke' development plan to achieve stand-alone producer status. The core objective is to systematically advance multiple mining operations towards production decisions, with the ultimate goal of restarting a central autoclave facility to process refractory material from these satellite sites. This growth strategy is supported by large-scale drill programs to expand the resource base, advancing permitting on multiple fronts, and pursuing value-accretive acquisitions. Capital allocation is managed through a complex mix of financing arrangements, including equity placements, convertible debentures, and metal purchase and prepay agreements with strategic partners. These financial instruments are specifically structured to fund key development milestones, asset acquisitions, and the refurbishment of the central processing infrastructure. The enterprise intends to continue advancing its project pipeline through sustained exploration and development activities to build a long-term production profile.

Executive leadership includes a Chief Executive Officer with a background as the President and CEO of Premier Gold Mines Limited and a President and Chief Operating Officer with extensive technical and operational experience, including roles as Chief Technical Officer for Barrick and Chief Operating Officer for Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi operation. The Board of Directors is composed of 10 members, with a Non-Executive Chairman who previously served as President and CEO of Tahoe Resources Inc. The governance framework is supported by 4 primary committees: Audit; Compensation; Corporate Governance and Nominating; and Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability. The Audit Committee consists of 3 directors, all of whom are determined to be independent and financially literate. The management team includes several former executives from Premier, providing continuity of experience in exploration, development, and corporate strategy. The board's structure and the executive team's deep industry experience are designed to provide robust oversight and guide the company's complex, multi-asset development strategy.

The organization's approach to environmental, social, and governance matters is structured around 3 strategic pillars: Environmental Responsibility, People and Partners, and Corporate Governance. A key initiative involved completing an ESG assessment with a third-party consultant to identify and prioritize key areas of focus. Environmental stewardship is a stated corporate priority, with performance overseen at the Board level and a commitment to meet or exceed all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The company maintains surety bonds totaling $132.8 million as financial assurance for its environmental reclamation and exploration permitting obligations. The enterprise actively engages with stakeholders, including local communities, government entities, and regulatory agencies, to maintain its social license to operate. A formal sustainability report was scheduled for publication in 2024 to provide detailed disclosure on performance and initiatives.

The company was established in 2021 following a spin-out from Premier Gold Mines Limited. Its corporate structure was significantly shaped by a series of strategic transactions, beginning with the 2021 acquisition of Osgood Mining Company LLC from affiliates of Waterton. In the same year, the company executed a definitive asset exchange with Nevada Gold Mines LLC, a joint venture between Newmont and Barrick, to acquire the Lone Tree Project and its associated processing infrastructure in exchange for its interest in the South Arturo Mine. This was immediately followed by the acquisition of Ruby Hill Mining Company, LLC, also from Waterton affiliates. In 2023, the company further expanded by acquiring Paycore Minerals Inc. via a plan of arrangement. Significant shareholders include Equinox Gold and affiliates of Orion, with Orion holding participation rights in future equity offerings. The structure is also defined by key operational agreements, including toll milling arrangements with Nevada Gold Mines LLC for processing material until the company's own autoclave facility is operational.