Equinox Gold Finds 2.68 g/t Gold Over 32m at New AI-Targeted Valentine Zone
Equinox Gold’s AI-powered Valentine Mine discovery identified the Minotaur target 8 km from the mill, confirming 2.68 g/t gold over 32 metres along a 700-metre strike open in all directions. High-grade surface samples hit 650 g/t gold, prompting 15,000–20,000-metre 2026 drilling and BMO price target increase from C$20 to C$26.
1. AI-Supported Discoveries at Valentine Mine
Equinox Gold applied VRIFY’s DORA AI software to geological data at its Valentine Mine, identifying the Minotaur Zone 8 km from the existing mill and expanding the Frank Zone southwest of the Leprechaun pit. Both zones are open for further resource definition beyond current boundaries.
2. High-Grade Assay Results
Initial drilling at Minotaur confirmed mineralization of 2.68 g/t gold over 32 metres along a 700-metre strike, while surface sampling returned grades up to 650 g/t gold. At the Frank Zone, intercepts included 22.10 g/t gold over 6.3 metres and 3.12 g/t gold over 63.9 metres outside defined resources.
3. 2026 Drill Campaign and Mine Life Extension
The company plans a 15,000–20,000-metre dedicated drilling program in 2026 targeting both Minotaur and Frank zones. These efforts support the potential development of a new open pit that could extend the mine’s current 14-year life.
4. Analyst Rating and Valuation Impact
Following these high-grade results, BMO Capital increased its price target on Equinox Gold from C$20 to C$26 and maintained an Outperform rating, reflecting improved resource potential and valuation upside.