South Railroad Project

Ready to go! Less than 24 months to first gold

A low-capital, high-margin heap leach project in Nevada.

Overview

The South Railroad Project is a construction-ready, open-pit heap leach project in the world-class Carlin Trend in Nevada, USA. A 2026 feasibility study completed by Orla Mining outlined a strong production profile and robust margins, with 130,000 ounces of average annual production over the first five years at an average AISC of ~$1,500/oz, and more than 100,000 ounces per year over an initial 10-year mine life.

Infrastructure at South Railroad is designed for operational efficiency. The plan includes, but not limited to, site roads, power distribution, and communications networks, alongside the heap leach pad, process plant, and ancillary facilities, supported by an on-site LNG power plant. Detailed engineering, supplier engagement, and early procurement activities are well advanced to ensure timely execution upon permit approval, which is expected in Q3 2026.

Feasibility Study Highlights

Ore Mined 66.6 Mtonnes
Average Grade0.71 g/t gold
Contained Gold 1,516,332 oz
Recovered Gold 1,072,306 oz
Initial Mine Life 10 years
Average Annual Gold Production103,756 pz
Initial Capex$395 M
Total Cash Cost (net of by-product credits)$1,207/oz
All-In Sustaining Cost (“AISC”) $1,505/oz
After-Tax – NPV (5%) (at $3,100/oz gold)$783 M
After-Tax IRR (at $3,100/oz gold)48%

1. See Orla Mining News Release dated January 15, 2026.

    Permitting

    The project is advancing through the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as a FAST-41 Project. The Notice of Intent was published in 2025, which formally began the Environmental Impact Statement process. The Bureau of Land Management’s Record of Decision (the final permitting decision) is targeted for mid-2026, after which construction can proceed.

    Opportunities

    Nevada’s Carlin Trend is globally recognized as one of the most prolific gold-producing regions. Located within this premier jurisdiction, the South Carlin Complex hosts a strategic, district-scale land package with immense exploration upside. Spanning approximately 25,000 hectares, the property hosts multiple mineralized zones and high-priority targets along an expansive 30-kilometre strike length.

    Exploration has identified 12 mineralized zones to date, 11 oxide and one sulfide, demonstrating material upside potential beyond the current feasibility study. Orla Mining’s 2025 drilling program identified several satellited targets and two new oxide zones, confirming substantial resource growth potential across the complex

    Growth Projects

    Equinox Gold is advancing expansion projects in Canada, the USA and Mexico.

    Learn More