Several mining projects in North and South America are advancing beyond exploration and technical studies as developers move forward with permitting, engineering, construction approvals and operational activities aimed at bringing new production online. Recent developments across gold and copper assets highlight differing stages of project advancement, ranging from board-approved construction plans and mine restarts to feasibility work, engineering programs and infrastructure development.
The latest milestones involve projects operated by Minera Alamos, Soma Gold, NexGold, Collective Mining and P2 Gold, each progressing through key stages of the development pipeline.
Copperstone Receives Construction Approval
Minera Alamos has advanced its Copperstone Gold Project in Arizona after releasing a positive pre-feasibility study and securing board approval to proceed with a fast-track construction strategy.
The study outlined an after-tax NPV discounted at 5% of US$374 million, an after-tax internal rate of return of 108%, and a projected payback period of 1.2 years. Initial capital expenditure was estimated at US$58.3 million, based on a gold price assumption of US$3,500 per ounce. The company anticipates initial production from Copperstone in mid-2027, moving the project from the study phase into execution planning.
Existing Processing Infrastructure Receives Additional Feed
In Colombia, Soma Gold has reported operational progress at two mining assets supplying its El Bagre Gold Complex. The company received the final explosives permit required to resume mining activities at the Aurora Mine, enabling immediate shipments of mineralized material to El Bagre.
Mining operations have also restarted at the historic El Limon Mine, with ore deliveries to the El Bagre processing facility already underway. The developments add new sources of mill feed to existing permitted processing infrastructure.
Goldboro Advances Toward Development Decision
NexGold’s Goldboro Project in Nova Scotia has reached an advanced permitting stage as the company prepares an updated feasibility study. According to NexGold, all major provincial and federal approvals required for project development have been secured. These include environmental assessment approval, a mineral lease, Crown land approvals, Industrial Approval and Fisheries Act Authorization.
The company expects to complete an updated feasibility study by the end of Q3 2026. The study is intended to support project development planning and assist in evaluating a potential construction decision.
Engineering and Underground Access Work Progress at Guayabales
Collective Mining continues advancing the Guayabales Project in Colombia through engineering and permitting activities. The company reported progress on detailed engineering and execution planning while permitting activities continue. An explosives storage facility has also been completed and approved.
Development of an exploration adit forms part of the next phase of work. The underground access is designed to support drilling activities, collect geotechnical and hydrological information and provide bulk samples for future metallurgical testing. The adit is expected to play a role in generating technical data required for future development assessments.
Feasibility Support Drilling Continues at Gabbs
In Nevada, P2 Gold is progressing technical programs at its Gabbs Project as part of preparations for a future feasibility study. Recent geotechnical drilling at the Sullivan deposit intersected gold-copper mineralization in all five reported diamond drill holes.
The company plans additional drilling designed to support an updated mineral resource estimate. The revised resource will form part of a feasibility study currently targeted for completion in Q4 2026.
Development Milestones Reflect Different Stages of Advancement
The projects are progressing through a range of development milestones, including permitting approvals, engineering programs, resource definition work, operational restarts and board-authorized construction plans. Recent activities include the acquisition of key permits, completion of infrastructure components, validation of development plans, advancement of engineering studies and commencement of physical mining activities.
Across the sector, project advancement is increasingly being measured through progress toward construction readiness, operational execution and regulatory approvals as developers work toward future production.
