Analyst Andrew Mikitchook with BMO Capital Markets reported his findings from a recent site visit to the Yukon's likely next operating gold mine.
In a June 26 research note, Andrew Mikitchook, a BMO Capital Markets analyst, indicated that Victoria Gold Corp. (VIT:TSX.V) continues construction at its Eagle gold project in the Yukon. "We are encouraged by construction progress to date, which is primarily advancing major earthworks."
Since mid-March, when Victoria began the work, "detailed engineering has progressed to approximately 71% including leach pad to 85%, crusher facility to 75% and the recovery plant to 55%," noted Mikitchook. Victoria aims to take advantage of the summer season to get the earthworks and building foundations done.
The analyst further reported he witnessed Victoria concentrating on the crusher recovery plant sites. Once the cement trucks arrive, which is expected on July 15, the company will pour the foundations for the crusher facility using material from previously excavated areas. Completion of these foundations will constitute a near-term, construction milestone.
As for the project's capital component, Victoria's "commitments currently total CA$200 million out of the total CA$505 million development budget," Mikitchook relayed.
He pointed out that Victoria is studying the already identified "potential satellite zones that could be added into a future mine plan." Development of any such satellite would complement the heap-leach plant that is being built for a 75–80 million ton capacity, enough to cover total production outlined in the plan. The company intends to follow up on targets at the Nugget, Spinach and Bluto zones in the next few weeks.
Upcoming potential catalysts for Victoria's Eagle, Mikitchook wrote, are construction updates, expected in 2018 and 2019, and first gold pour, slated for the second half of 2019.
BMO has an Outperform rating and a CA$0.80 per share price target on Victoria, whose shares are trading at around CA$0.35.