Equinox Gold (TSX, NYSE-A: EQX) has begun processing ore at its Valentine gold mine in Newfoundland and Labrador, with first gold expected next month.“I am pleased to announce that our Valentine gold mine has begun processing ore through its 2.5-million-tonne-per-annum facility,” chief executive officer Darren Hallsaid on Thursday. The Vancouver-based miner expects to ramp-up to nameplate capacity in the second quarter of 2026. At that point, Valentine is projected to produce 175,000 to 200,000 ounces of gold annually for the first 12 years of its 14-year reserve life.When fully operational, Valentine will be the largest gold mine in Atlantic Canada and a major economic driver for Newfoundland and Labrador. It marks the second mine Equinox has brought online, following the start-up of its Greenstone project in Ontario, which entered commercial production in November 2024. Equinox gained control of Valentine through its recent acquisition of Calibre Mining.Valentine hosts proven and probable reserves of 2.7 million ounces grading 1.62 g/t gold. It also contains 1.3 million ounces in measured and indicated resources grading 1.45 g/t, along with an Inferred resource of 1.1 million ounces grading 1.65 g/t. Equinox says the project could anchor a new gold district in central Newfoundland.New bloodTo support the transition at Greenstone, Equinox is expanding its leadership team. Bryan Wilson will join as vice-president of operations on September 3, bringing more than 37 years of open-pit and underground mining experience. Roger Souckey has been appointed director of external relations, while Daniella Dimitrov will take on the role of executive vice-president of sustainability, people and strategy. Dimitrov, who has more than 25 years of experience in strategy, finance and governance, is expected to strengthen the company’s push to become a top-tier gold producer anchored by long-life Canadian mines.Hall said Equinox is entering “a pivotal phase of growth,” with both Valentine and Greenstone set to drive a sharp increase in production and cash flow in the year ahead.
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