Lahontan Gold Corp. Advances Santa Fe Project with Metallurgical Testing

Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has commenced column leach testing at its Santa Fe project, focusing on the mixed oxide-sulfide transition zone to enhance cyanide leach gold recovery. This initiative follows a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) that reported a 49% gold recovery in this domain, a figure the company aims to surpass. The results of this testing, expected later this year, could significantly impact the project's economics by improving recoveries in an area that holds a substantial portion of the minable gold ounces.

CEO Kimberly Ann highlighted the importance of this testing, noting that new heap leaching methods have shown potential to dramatically increase recoveries from transition material. The Santa Fe project, historically producing 359,000 ounces of gold and over 702,000 ounces of silver, is central to Lahontan's strategy, with current resources estimated at more than 1.5 million ounces gold equivalent in the indicated category. Enhancing recoveries in the transition zone could notably improve production forecasting and project viability.

In addition to metallurgical testing, Lahontan is preparing for an expanded 2025 drilling campaign aimed at resource growth and project optimization. The Bureau of Land Management has approved an amendment to the company's Notice of Intent, allowing access to high-priority drill sites at Slab and York. This drilling is expected to play a vital role in expanding the existing resource and updating the Santa Fe PEA.

Lahontan's efforts are supported by historical metallurgical potential at Santa Fe, with previous studies reporting weighted heap leach recoveries of 74.4% for gold and 29% for silver in oxide zones. The company's ongoing work, including the engagement of KCA, RESPEC, and Equity Exploration to advance its PEA, underscores its commitment to repositioning Santa Fe as a near-term producer in the Walker Lane region. With its strategic initiatives, Lahontan Gold Corp. is making significant strides toward unlocking the full value of its Santa Fe project and reinforcing its position in Nevada's mining sector.