Equinox Gold and Orla Mining complete $18.5 billion merger, appoint Jason Simpson as CEO

Equinox Gold and Orla Mining have finalized an all‑share merger valued at about $18.5 billion, creating a six‑mine gold producer with an expected output of roughly 1.1 million ounces per year. The combined company will operate projects in Canada and the United States, expanding its North‑American presence.

As part of the integration, longtime Equinox CEO Mark Hall will retire on Oct. 31, and Orla Mining President Jason Simpson will assume the chief executive role on Nov. 1. Simpson, who previously led Orla for more than seven years and held senior positions at Torex Gold and Vale, will oversee the integration of the two portfolios and the execution of new mine builds. The board has also been reshaped, with Ross Beaty stepping down as chair and former Orla chair Chuck Jeannes taking the position.

Analysts view the leadership change as providing clearer long‑term direction for the merged entity and expect the focus to shift from dealmaking to operational execution.