Equinox Gold secures federal permits for Nevada gold mine

Equinox Gold has secured federal approval for its South Railroad Project, a major open-pit gold mine located in Nevada’s Carlin Trend. The US Bureau of Land Management issued a positive Record of Decision, finalizing the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process.

The project is planned as a conventional open-pit, heap-leach operation with an estimated initial life of 10 years. It is expected to produce an average of 100,000 ounces of gold annually, with output reaching approximately 130,000 ounces per year during the first five years. Engineering work is currently about 55% complete, and the company expects mining activities to begin in spring 2027, with the first gold pour scheduled for 2028.

Equinox President Jason Simpson stated that the project is a significant milestone that will contribute to the company’s goal of adding 800,000 ounces of annual gold production through its organic development pipeline. The company recently expanded its operations following a merger with Orla Mining.