Rua Gold Releases Positive PEA for Auld Creek Gold-Antimony Project
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
Source: Globenewswire
- Economic Assessment: The Auld Creek project's Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) indicates a base-case after-tax NPV of US$42 million, with potential to reach US$113 million at a gold price of US$4,700 per ounce, highlighting strong cash flow generation and economic viability.
- Fast-Track Approval Process: Rua Gold submitted its Fast-Track Referral application on April 20, 2026, expecting a decision within three months, which could significantly accelerate project development timelines and enhance market competitiveness.
- Drilling Program Implementation: The company is currently executing a 19,000-meter drilling program with six rigs, aimed at improving resource assessment accuracy and expanding the deposit, which is expected to further enhance production capacity and project lifespan.
- Economic Contribution Outlook: The project is anticipated to employ approximately 200 people and contribute an estimated NZ$240 million to the regional economy, underscoring its significance in promoting local economic development.
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Analyst Views on ORLA
Wall Street analysts forecast ORLA stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 12.280
Low
15.14
Averages
18.60
High
23.07
Current: 12.280
Low
15.14
Averages
18.60
High
23.07
About ORLA
Orla Mining Ltd. is a Canada-based company, which focuses on acquiring, developing, and operating mineral properties. The Company has three material projects, consisting of two operating mines and one development project. The Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas State, Mexico, an operating gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine and an underground project. The property covers approximately 139,000 hectares and which contains a large oxide and sulphide Mineral Resource; Musselwhite Mine, in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, an underground gold mine producing close to six million ounces of gold, with a long history of resource growth and conversion; and South Railroad (South Carlin Complex), in Nevada, United States, a feasibility-stage, open pit, heap leach gold project located on the Carlin trend. The Camino Rojo deposit comprises three continuous zones with distinct characteristics including optimization studies, exploration decline development, and staged underground drilling.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Accelerated Construction Readiness: The sterilization drilling program, initiated on May 12, 2026, is 39% complete, supporting final infrastructure placement and detailed engineering design, ensuring the project progresses as planned with construction expected to start in the second half of 2026.
- Significant Project Advantages: The Imwelo project is fully permitted for construction, with metallurgical recoveries confirmed at 97%, providing a solid foundation for future economic benefits, as Lake Victoria Gold ensures smooth project advancement through a non-dilutive financing structure in a high gold price environment.
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- Financing Progress: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has completed the second tranche of its non-brokered convertible debenture financing, raising a total of C$3.834 million, with plans to upsize the financing to C$5 million, reflecting strong investor confidence in its Imwelo Gold Project.
- Rising Gold Prices: Between 2025 and 2026, gold prices surged from approximately US$3,335 to a range of US$4,500–US$4,700 per ounce, marking a year-over-year increase of over 40%, creating a favorable market environment for mining companies and attracting capital inflow.
- Drilling Program Initiated: Lake Victoria Gold commenced its sterilization drilling program on May 12, 2026, completing 8 of 21 planned boreholes, approximately 39%, which will support final infrastructure placement and detailed engineering design, ensuring the project progresses as scheduled.
- Clear Project Outlook: The Imwelo project is fully permitted for construction, with construction targeted for 2026 and first gold expected in 2027, while the project boasts a high metallurgical recovery rate of 97%, significantly reducing economic risks and attracting more investor interest.
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- Economic Assessment: The Auld Creek project's Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) indicates a base-case after-tax NPV of US$42 million, with potential to reach US$113 million at a gold price of US$4,700 per ounce, highlighting strong cash flow generation and economic viability.
- Fast-Track Approval Process: Rua Gold submitted its Fast-Track Referral application on April 20, 2026, expecting a decision within three months, which could significantly accelerate project development timelines and enhance market competitiveness.
- Drilling Program Implementation: The company is currently executing a 19,000-meter drilling program with six rigs, aimed at improving resource assessment accuracy and expanding the deposit, which is expected to further enhance production capacity and project lifespan.
- Economic Contribution Outlook: The project is anticipated to employ approximately 200 people and contribute an estimated NZ$240 million to the regional economy, underscoring its significance in promoting local economic development.
See More
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