Rua Gold’s Auld Creek PEA Shows US$42M NPV, 17% IRR and 19,000m Drill Program
Rua Gold’s Auld Creek PEA shows an after-tax NPV5% of US$42 million and IRR of 17% (36% at US$4,700/oz), with US$132.6 million capex and 3.3-year payback. The study projects a 5.5-year underground mine at 250,000 tpa, cash costs of US$1,400/oz, AISC US$1,850/oz and 19,000 metres drilled toward a Q4 2026 PFS.
1. PEA Financial Metrics
Rua Gold’s Auld Creek PEA reports an after-tax NPV5% of US$42 million and IRR of 17% based on the base gold price, rising to US$113 million NPV and 36% IRR at US$4,700/oz. Initial capital expenditure is US$132.6 million including a 29% contingency, with payback in 3.3 years.
2. Production and Cost Profile
The study models a 5.5-year underground operation with annual throughput of 250,000 tonnes producing gold and antimony concentrates. Recoveries are projected at 95% for gold and 85% for antimony, with cash costs of US$1,400/oz gold and AISC of US$1,850/oz.
3. Permitting and Drilling
Auld Creek sits within New Zealand’s Fast-Track Approvals jurisdiction, streamlining permitting. Rua Gold has commenced a 19,000-metre infill and step-out drill program focused on converting Inferred resources to Indicated and extending the deposit at depth and to the north.
4. Development Timeline
The company plans to deliver a Prefeasibility Study in Q4 2026, supported by ongoing metallurgical, geotechnical and environmental work. Historic Reefton district potential and additional exploration upside at depth and along strike could extend mine life beyond the base case.