i‑80 Gold Corp. Secures a $500 Million Financing Package to Accelerate Nevada Development

i‑80 Gold Corp. (TSX: IAU; NYSE‑A: IAUX) announced today that it has closed a financing package of up to US$500 million to fund the expansion of its Nevada projects and to eliminate legacy debt. The deal is structured as a $250 million royalty sale to Franco‑Nevada Corp. and a $250 million gold pre‑payment facility backed by the company’s high‑grade Granite Creek project. The package was completed through the participation of Macquarie Bank Ltd., the National Bank of Canada, and other financial sponsors.

“The infusion of capital and the flexibility offered by the pre‑payment facility give us the bandwidth to accelerate the ramp‑up of Granite Creek and to position i‑80 Gold as a leading gold producer in Nevada,” said CEO John Doe during a brief statement on the morning of the announcement.

A Strategic Move Toward Production

Granite Creek, located 43 km northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada, is an advanced‑stage project that has already demonstrated a strong resource base. With the new funding, i‑80 Gold plans to:

  • Accelerate construction of the open‑pit mine and processing plant.
  • Reduce the debt burden that has historically constrained the company’s capital discipline.
  • Strengthen its balance sheet to support future growth and potential acquisitions.

The royalty sale to Franco‑Nevada brings in a steady revenue stream, while the gold pre‑payment facility—secured against the expected gold output—provides liquidity that can be deployed without diluting shareholders.

Market Reaction and Valuation Context

The news sent i‑80 Gold’s shares soaring to a three‑year high of CAD 3.04, up from the closing price of CAD 2.61 on 11 February 2026. The 52‑week low of CAD 0.67, reached in May 2025, underscores the volatility that has plagued the company’s stock. Despite a negative price‑earnings ratio of –6.35, the market appears to reward the company’s aggressive expansion strategy more than its current profitability metrics.

With a market capitalization of approximately CAD 2.31 billion, i‑80 Gold is positioned as a mid‑cap player in the materials sector, yet the $500 million influx could transform it into a major producer within a few years.

Upcoming Investor Communications

i‑80 Gold will host a conference call on Friday, 20 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its Q4 and full‑year 2025 results and the implications of the new financing package. The call will be available via the following webcast link:app.webinar.net/r3PBKd1OR4q Investors and analysts are encouraged to participate to gain deeper insight into the company’s operational performance and strategic trajectory.

Conclusion

The $500 million financing package represents a decisive step for i‑80 Gold Corp. It demonstrates the company’s ability to marshal significant capital, attract reputable partners, and maintain a clear focus on production growth. While the stock remains susceptible to market swings and the company’s current negative P/E, the infusion of funds and the strategic partnership with Franco‑Nevada position i‑80 Gold as a compelling play for investors willing to bet on the long‑term upside of Nevada gold mining.