Vista Gold Corp. Announces Favorable Changes to the Northern Territory, Australia Mineral Royalties Regime

Rhea-AI Summary

Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) announced the Northern Territory, Australia, has passed the Mineral Royalties Act 2024, effective July 1, 2024. The Act will replace the net profits royalty regime with an ad valorem royalty regime for new mines, notably impacting Vista's Mt Todd gold project. The new royalty rate of 3.5% on gold doré is expected to significantly improve project economics, cutting the previous near 7% rate by nearly 50%. This change is projected to reduce payable royalties from an estimated $765 million to around half, enhancing shareholder returns. The legislation intends to make the NT's mining sector more competitive, fostering exploration and development, and providing economic benefits.

Positive

• The new 3.5% ad valorem royalty rate is expected to significantly improve the economics of Vista's Mt Todd gold project.
• The royalty reduction from nearly 7% to 3.5% is projected to halve the payable royalties, from an estimated $765 million.
• The Mineral Royalties Act 2024 aims to foster exploration and development in the Northern Territory, enhancing the project’s attractiveness.
• The new regime is simpler and more competitive, which could lead to higher investment and economic benefits in the NT.

Negative

• The changes in the royalty regime only apply to new mines, which may not benefit existing projects under the old system.
• The company might face transitional regulatory and operational challenges as the new regime is implemented.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Vista Gold Corp’s announcement of changes to the Northern Territory's mineral royalties regime represents a significant shift that could enhance the company's financial outlook. Under the new ad valorem royalty regime, the royalty rate for gold doré from the Mt Todd gold project will be 3.5% of the value of gold produced. This is nearly a 50% reduction from the previous effective rate of almost 7% under the net profits royalty regime.

From a financial analysis perspective, this change has several implications:

• Cost Reduction: The reduction in royalty payments means that Vista Gold will retain a larger portion of its revenue. This will directly improve cash flow and profitability.
• Improved Project Economics: The updated feasibility study had accounted for a higher royalty rate. With the new, lower rate, the project's overall economics are more favorable, potentially improving the net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
• Investor Sentiment: This legislation may positively influence investor sentiment, as lower operational costs and improved financial metrics make the project more attractive. This could lead to a higher stock valuation over time.

However, investors should remain cautious about the external factors like gold price volatility which can impact revenue projections. Ultimately, this legislative change positions Vista Gold in a more competitive light within the mining sector, potentially attracting more investment and enhancing shareholder value.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research perspective, the shift to a 3.5% ad valorem royalty rate signifies a competitive advantage for Vista Gold Corp, particularly in comparison to other jurisdictions with higher royalty structures. The NT Government's move aims to stimulate mining activity, which aligns with broader trends of governments looking to attract investments in key sectors.

Several key points stand out:

• Market Competitiveness: By simplifying and reducing the royalty rates, the Northern Territory is making itself a more attractive destination for mining companies. This could lead to increased exploration and development activities in the region, creating a favorable environment for Vista Gold as an early mover.
• Regulatory Certainty: The ad valorem scheme provides greater certainty and predictability compared to net profits-based royalties, reducing the risk for investors concerned about fluctuating costs.
• Economic Impact: The decision is likely to have a positive economic impact on the region, potentially resulting in higher employment and secondary economic benefits.

In the context of the broader market, Vista Gold's ability to operate under a more favorable royalty regime enhances its strategic positioning. However, it is important to consider geopolitical and regulatory risks that may still impact long-term operations. Overall, this change is poised to benefit Vista Gold by aligning the economics of the Mt Todd project with investor expectations.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) (“Vista” or the “Company”) today announced that the Northern Territory, Australia (the “NT”) has passed legislation to enact the Mineral Royalties Act 2024 (“Royalties Act”) effective July 1, 2024. The Royalties Act will replace the prior net profits royalty regime with an ad valorem royalty regime for new mines. The new effective royalty rate is expected to positively impact project economics for the Company’s Mt Todd gold project in the NT. All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

The Royalties Act is aimed at encouraging present and future exploration and development of mining projects by simplifying the NT’s royalty system and making it more competitive with other Tier 1 jurisdictions. Pursuant to the Royalties Act, the royalty rate applicable to gold doré from Mt Todd will be 3.5% of the value of gold produced.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of Vista Gold, stated, “We are pleased with the successful efforts of the NT Government to encourage new mining development in the Territory. The 3.5% royalty to be applied to the production from Mt Todd represents a meaningful opportunity for improved project economics and earlier shareholder returns compared to our 2024 updated feasibility study, which included NT royalties equivalent to nearly a 7% ad valorem rate. Under the previous net profits royalty regime, our base case economic analysis at an $1,800 gold price estimated the payment of $765 million in NT royalties over the life of the mine. The new royalty rate will represent nearly a 50% reduction in payable royalties and underscores the NT’s commitment to growing a viable mining sector through new development.”

The Chief Minister and Treasurer of the Northern Territory, Eva Lawler, recently commented, “Mining is a key driver of the Territory economy. An ad valorem scheme is simple, competitive, and delivers investment certainty, allowing new mines to commence operations in the Territory, creating significant economic benefit, higher employment, and more royalties for Territorians. Right now we are in a position to set our course for a mining industry that is not only profitable to the Northern Territory, but also supports the energy transition to renewables.”¹

John Rozelle, a “qualified person” as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has verified the data underlying the information contained in and has approved this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

Vista is a gold project developer. The Company’s flagship asset is Mt Todd, located in the mining friendly jurisdiction of Northern Territory, Australia. Situated approximately 250 km southeast of Darwin, Mt Todd is one of the largest development stage opportunities in Australia and demonstrates compelling economics. All major environmental and operating permits necessary to initiate development of Mt Todd are in place.

Mt Todd benefits from its location in a leading mining jurisdiction and offers opportunities to add value through growth of mineral reserves, alternative development strategies, and other de-risking activities.

For further information about Vista or Mt Todd, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185 or visit the Company’s website at www.vistagold.com.

1

Lawler, Eva Dina and Australian Labor Party. (2024, May 21) Securing the best value for our Territory resources. Northern Territory Government.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including our belief that the Mineral Royalties Act 2024 (“Royalties Act”) will be effective July 1, 2024; our belief that the Royalties Act will replace the prior net profits royalty regime with an ad valorem regime for new mines; our belief that the new effective royalty rate is expected to positively impact project economics for the Company’s Mt Todd gold project; our belief that the Royalty Act is aimed at encouraging present and future exploration and development of mining projects by simplifying the NT’s royalty system and making it more competitive with other Tier 1 jurisdictions; our belief that the royalty rate applicable to gold doré from Mt Todd will be 3.5% of the value of gold produced; our belief that the 3.5% royalty to be applied to the production from Mt Todd represents a meaningful opportunity for improved project economics and earlier shareholder returns compared to our 2024 updated feasibility study, which included NT royalties equivalent to nearly a 7% ad valorem rate; under the previous net profits royalty regime, our base case economic analysis at an $1,800 gold price estimated the payment of $765 million in NT royalties over the life of the mine; our belief that the new royalty rate will represent nearly a 50% reduction in payable royalties and underscores the NT’s commitment to growing a viable mining sector through new development; our belief that Mt Todd is one of the largest development stage opportunities in Australia and demonstrates compelling economics; our belief that Mt Todd offers opportunities to add value through growth of mineral reserves, alternative development opportunities, and other de-risking activities are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this news release include the following: our forecasts and expected cash flows; our projected capital and operating costs; our expectations regarding mining and metallurgical recoveries; mine life and production rates; that laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities will remain consistent; our approved business plans, our mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments; preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any; our experience with regulators; political and social support of the mining industry in Australia; our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and our expectations of economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this news release, the words “optimistic,” “potential,” “indicate,” “expect,” “intend,” “hopes,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “if,” “anticipate” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company’s future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in March 2024, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240607564698/en/

Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, (720) 981-1185

Source: Vista Gold Corp.

FAQ

What is the new royalty rate for Vista Gold's Mt Todd project?

The new royalty rate for Vista Gold's Mt Todd project is 3.5% on the value of gold produced.

When will the new Mineral Royalties Act 2024 take effect?

The Mineral Royalties Act 2024 will take effect on July 1, 2024.

How much does Vista Gold expect to save in royalties with the new regime?

Vista Gold expects the new regime to cut their payable royalties by nearly 50%, from an estimated $765 million.

How does the new royalty regime compare to the old one?

The new ad valorem royalty regime is simpler and more competitive, reducing the effective rate from nearly 7% to 3.5%.

What impact will the new royalty regime have on the Northern Territory's mining sector?

The new regime aims to encourage exploration and development, boosting economic benefits, higher employment, and increased royalties for the Northern Territory.