White Gold Corp. has released a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its flagship White Gold Project in Yukon, outlining the potential for a significant, high-production gold operation with strong economic returns.
The independent study envisions a conventional open-pit mine and 12,000-tonne-per-day processing facility operating for approximately 9.4 years. At a base-case gold price of US$3,600 per ounce, the project is projected to produce an average of 188,000 ounces of gold annually, increasing to 223,000 ounces per year during the first five years.
The PEA estimates an after-tax net present value of C$1.91 billion, a 38% internal rate of return and a rapid 1.7-year payback period. Initial capital requirements are estimated at C$1.05 billion, with life-of-mine after-tax free cash flow projected at C$2.69 billion. Life-of-mine cash costs are estimated at US$1,290 per ounce, with all-in sustaining costs of approximately US$1,480 per ounce.
The project also offers substantial potential for expansion. The PEA incorporates only four deposits—Golden Saddle, Arc, Ryan’s Surprise and VG—and approximately 60% of the company’s current mineral resource. More than 25 additional exploration targets remain across the approximately 55,000-hectare property, while underground mining at Golden Saddle and further resource growth could potentially extend mine life and increase production.
At a US$4,500 gold price, the after-tax NPV increases to nearly C$3 billion, with an IRR of 52%.
White Gold says its next priorities include continued drilling, metallurgical optimization, environmental baseline work, permitting preparation and ongoing engagement with First Nations and the Yukon Government.
The company cautions that the PEA is preliminary and does not demonstrate economic viability or guarantee future development.
