Episode Details

Interview with Stephen Soock, VP of Investor Relations and Development, Heliostar Metals

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/heliostar-metals-tsxvhstr-big-high-grade-gold-potential-at-anapola-project-3935

Recording date: 29th December 2025

Heliostar Metals is pursuing an ambitious strategy to transform from a 30-40,000 ounce gold producer in 2025 to a 300,000 ounce operation by decade's end, with a critical differentiator: the entire expansion will be internally financed without shareholder dilution. In a detailed discussion, Stephen Soock, VP of Investor Relations and Development, outlined how the company plans to leverage cash flow from recently restarted Mexican operations to fund systematic development of high-margin projects.

The foundation of this strategy rests on the successful restart of operations acquired from Argonaut Gold in November 2024. La Colorada's return to production early in 2025 established initial cash flow, followed by San Augustine's restart in late December 2025. San Augustine, with 68,000 ounces in reserve and projected production of 45,000 ounces over 14 months, is expected to generate approximately $65 million in 2026 at current gold prices. Soock characterised the operation as "a little bit like an ATM" for funding broader growth initiatives.

The flagship Ana Paula project represents the centrepiece of Heliostar's transformation. The underground mine's preliminary economic assessment shows compelling economics: $300 million in initial capital for 100,000 ounces annual production at just over $1,000 all-in sustaining costs, placing it in the bottom 15% of the global cost curve. This exceptional positioning derives from a rare combination of 5.5 grams per ton high-grade ore with bulk tonnage characteristics. The company targets a Q1 2027 feasibility study and H2 2028 production start.

Looking further ahead, Cerro del Gallo provides additional growth potential with a 15-year mine life producing 85,000-87,000 ounces annually. Despite recent share price appreciation to nearly $800 million valuation, management maintains capital discipline, with Soock stating unequivocally that near-term equity financing remains unnecessary. Trading at 0.28x net asset value, the company sees continued re-rating potential as operational execution de-risks the development pipeline.

View Heliostar Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/heliostar-metals

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