Item 2. Properties
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES .
References to USD or $ refer to United States currency and AUD or A$ refer to Australian currency, all in thousands, unless specified otherwise.
Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical disclosures about Mt Todd in this annual report on Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by Maria Vallejo Garcia of P&G Consulting Services LLC, independent technical consultant, previously Vista’s Director of Projects and Technical Services through October 2025, and a designated qualified person (or “QP”) as defined by S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral resources and mineral reserves included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the technical report summary of the Mt Todd FS (as described below) which is included as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.
Mt Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia
Summary Disclosure
The Company has one material mining property, being the Mt Todd Gold Project located in Northern Territory, Australia (“NT”). We hold Mt Todd through our wholly owned subsidiary Vista Gold Australia Pty. Ltd. (“Vista Gold Australia”).
Technical Report Summary
The Mt Todd FS is the technical report summary, prepared pursuant to S-K 1300, is attached as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is entitled “ S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary – Mt Todd Gold Project – 15 ktpd Feasibility Study – Northern Territory, Australia ” with an effective date of July 29, 2025 and a filing date of September 11, 2025 in accordance with S-K 1300 and filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov on September 11, 2025.
A companion technical report for Canadian purposes, pursuant to NI 43-101, was filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on September 11, 2025 and is entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report – Mt Todd Gold Project – 15 ktpd Feasibility Study – Northern Territory, Australia”, with an effective date of July 29, 2025. The companion report is referenced herein for informational purposes only and is not incorporated herein by reference.
The technical data and economic conclusions of these reports are materially identical, with differences in the formatting of the reports and details of certain assumptions resulting only from the respective disclosure requirements of S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. The reports were prepared for the Company by GR Engineering Services Limited, Mining Plus, Tetra Tech, BBA Consultants International LP (formerly Tierra Group), Deepak Malhotra, Ph.D., SME RM, and WSP Australia Pty Limited, each of whom is a qualified person under S-K 1300 and NI 43-101. None of the qualified persons or any associates of the qualified persons employed in the preparation of this report have any beneficial interest in the Company or the Mt Todd Project and are not employed by the Company. The qualified persons are not insiders, associates, or affiliates of the Company. The results of the Mt Todd FS are not dependent upon any prior agreements concerning the conclusions to be reached, nor are there any undisclosed understandings concerning any future business dealings between the Company and the qualified persons. The qualified persons are being paid a fee for their work in accordance with normal professional consulting practices.
The following disclosure regarding the Company’s Mt Todd Gold Project has been derived, in part, from the Mt Todd FS. Readers should consult the Mt Todd FS to obtain further particulars regarding Mt Todd. The Mt Todd FS is available for review at www.sec.gov and under our SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Mt Todd FS is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Mt Todd FS.
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Certain capitalized terms in this section not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Mt Todd FS.
Project Location, Access, Ownership and Climate
Mt Todd is located 56 kilometers (“km”) by road northwest of Katherine, NT, Australia, and approximately 290 km by road southeast of Darwin, NT. Access to the property is via high quality, two lane paved roads from the Stuart Highway, the main arterial within the territory.
The following figure illustrates the location of Mt Todd:
The Project area has a sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet season and dry season. The area receives most of its rainfall between the months of December and March. Temperatures are moderate, allowing for year-round mining operations. The topography is relatively flat. The tenements encompass a variety of habitats forming part of the northern Savannah woodland region, which is characterized by eucalypt woodland with tropical grass understories. Surface elevations are approximately 130-160 meters above sea level in the area of the previous and planned site and waste rock dumps.
Project Stage
The Project is a development stage property with proven and probable Mineral Reserves.
Feasibility Study Results
The Mt Todd FS evaluates a 15 ktpd project that optimizes payable gold, capital efficiency, operating costs, and net present value (“NPV”) at this scale.
The Mt Todd FS highlights include:
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● Estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 5.2 million ounces of gold (172 million tonnes at 0.94 g Au/t) using a gold price of $1,800 per ounce for the Mineral Reserves estimate and a cut-off grade of 0.50 g Au/t (1)(2) ;
● Initial capital of $425 million, a 59% reduction from the Company’s feasibility study issued in 2024 for a 50 ktpd case;
• Capital Efficiency of $93 per ounce (initial capital : total ounces of gold produced) (3)
• Benefit to Cost Ratio of 2.5 (NPV 5% : initial capital) (3) ;
● Average ore grade of 1.04 grams gold per tonne (“g Au/t”) over the first 15 years of operations and 0.97 g Au/t over a 30-year life of mine;
● Average annual gold production of 153,000 ounces during years 1-15 and 146,000 over the life of mine;
● All-in Sustaining Cost (“AISC”) of $1,449 per oz years 1-15 and $1,499 per oz years the life of mine (3) ; and
● After-tax NPV 5% of $1.1 billion and IRR of 27.8% at a gold price of $2,500.
(1) Note to investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are estimated in accordance with S-K 1300 and CIM Definition Standards.
(2) See “Item 1. Business – Cautionary Note to Investors Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources and Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves” in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information.
(3) Capital efficiency, benefit to cost ratio, and AISC per ounce are non-U.S. GAAP financial measures; see Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures for additional disclosure.
Key statistics of the Mt Todd FS are presented in the table below:
Years 1-15
Life of Mine (1)
Average Plant Feed Grade (g Au/t)
1.04
0.97
Average Annual Gold Production (koz)
153
146
Gold Production (koz)
2,298
4,387
(2)
Average Recovery (%)
88.6
%
88.5
%
Cash Costs ($/oz) (3)
$
1,399
$
1,413
AISC ($/oz) (3)
$
1,449
$
1,499
Strip Ratio (waste:ore)
4.15
3.98
Initial Capital ($ millions)
$
425
After-tax NPV 5% ($ millions)
$
1,060
After-tax IRR
27.8
%
After-tax Payback (years)
2.7
Note: Table economics presented using a gold price of $2,500/oz.
(1)
Life of mine refers to years 1-30.
(2)
Life of mine does not include 167 koz produced during reprocessing of the heap leach material in years 31-33.
(3)
Cash Costs per ounce and AISC per ounce are non-U.S. GAAP financial measure; see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures for additional disclosure.
The following figure presents the Mt Todd FS annual after-tax cash flows using a gold price of $2,500/oz:
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The Project is most sensitive to changes in the gold price. Sensitivity to operating and capital costs changes are closely matched with the Project being slightly more sensitive to operating costs changes as shown in the following figure.
The following table provides the sensitivity of IRR and NPV at various discount rates to changes in the gold price.
Gold Price Sensitivity
-15%
-10%
-5%
Base
5%
10%
15%
Gold Price
$2,125
$2,250
$2,375
$2,500
$2,625
$2,750
$2,875
IRR
18.8%
21.9%
25.0%
27.8%
30.7%
33.4%
36.1%
After-Tax NPV5%
$559
$724
$896
$1,060
$1,232
$1,403
$1,575
After-Tax NPV8%
$325
$440
$560
$674
$793
$913
$1,032
After-Tax NPV10%
$223
$316
$414
$506
$602
$699
$796
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Capital expenditures for the Mt Todd FS initial and sustaining capital requirements include:
Capital Expenditures ($ Millions, except per ounce amounts)
Initial
Sustaining
Capital
Capital (1)
Mining
$
22
$
33
Process Plant
145
46
Project Infrastructure
84
146
Site Establishment and Facilities
37
8
Management, Engineering and EPC Services
65
9
Preproduction Costs and Capital Spares
47
—
Reclamation
—
109
Sub-total: Capital Expenditures
$
400
$
351
Heap Leach Pad, Reclamation and Closure
—
50
Engineering Growth and Contingency (6 -10% by area)
25
41
Capital Expenditures
$
425
$
442
Capital Efficiency (2)
$
93
$
97
Note: Amounts may not add to total due to rounding.
(1) Sustaining capital is inclusive of reclamation and closure costs but excludes an estimated $88 million of pre-tax cash operating margin considered as self-funding reclamation associated with reprocessing heap leach pad ore material.
(2) Capital efficiency is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure; see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures for additional disclosure.
The following table presents the Mt Todd FS operating costs on per ore tonne processed and per ounce produced bases.
Operating Cost
Years 1-15
Life of Mine Cost
(Years 1-30)
Per ore tonne
Per ore tonne
processed
Per ounce
processed
Per ounce
Mining
$
18.49
$
623
$
16.55
$
597
Processing
17.70
597
17.62
635
Site General and Administrative
2.09
70
2.09
75
Jawoyn Royalties (1)
2.22
75
2.08
75
Wheaton Royalty (1)
0.84
28
0.73
26
Refining Costs
0.15
5
0.14
5
Cash Costs (2)
$
41.49
$
1,399
$
39.20
$
1,413
Note: Table may not add to total due to rounding
(1) Royalties are based on the contractual terms as described below.
(2) Cash Costs is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure; see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures for additional disclosure.
In November 2020, we modified our agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (“Jawoyn Association”). The modified agreement provides the Jawoyn Association with a gross proceeds royalty (“GPR”) ranging between 0.125% and 2.0%, depending on prevailing gold prices and foreign exchange rates, instead of its previous right to become a 10% participating joint venture partner in Mt Todd. The modified agreement did not affect the previously agreed 1.0% GPR. The combined royalty (“Jawoyn Royalty”) ranges from 1.125% to 3.0%. Based on a gold price of $2,500/oz and the AUD/USD foreign exchange rates used in for the Mt Todd FS economic analysis, the Jawoyn Royalty was assumed to be 3.0%.
In December 2023, Vista entered into a royalty agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals (Cayman) Co., an affiliate of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., in relation to Mt Todd (the “Royalty Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Royalty Agreement, Vista granted Wheaton a royalty in the amount of 1% of gross revenue from the sale or disposition of minerals from the Project, subject to adjustments in certain circumstances (the “Wheaton Royalty”). Based on the timing to achieve
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the Royalty Agreement’s defined completion test, the Wheaton Royalty was assumed to be 1.13% for purposes of the Mt Todd FS economic analysis.
The production schedule contemplates 158.6 million tonnes of ore from the Batman deposit containing an estimated 4.96 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.97 g Au/t to be processed over a 30-year life of mine. As part of the closure plan, 13.4 million tonnes of heap leach pad material from previous operations containing an estimated 0.23 million ounces of gold will be reprocessed and then placed in Tailings Storage Facility (“TSF”) 2. Cashflow from this closure activity provides a form of self-funding reclamation. Total gold to be produced is expected to be 4.55 million ounces. Average annual gold production over the life of mine is expected to be 146,000 ounces, which includes an average of 153,000 ounces per year during the first 15 years.
The following table summarizes the production schedule for the 30-year life of mine and the subsequent reprocessing of gold Mineral Reserves from the heap leach pad.
Years
ROM Ore Mined
(kt)
Waste Mined
(kt)
Ore Processed
(kt)
Processed Grade
(g Au/t)
Contained Ounces
(koz)
Gold Produced
(koz)
Recovery
(%)
1
6,731
22,726
2,934
1.19
112
100
89.0%
2
8,214
23,785
5,309
1.19
204
181
89.0%
3
7,675
24,325
5,325
1.19
203
181
88.9%
4
7,975
24,024
5,325
1.20
205
182
89.0%
5
4,993
27,095
5,340
0.99
171
151
88.4%
6
5,085
26,915
5,325
0.99
170
150
88.4%
7
4,979
27,020
5,325
0.99
169
150
88.4%
8
7,349
24,651
5,325
0.99
170
150
88.4%
9
6,420
25,667
5,340
0.99
170
150
88.4%
10
7,186
24,814
5,325
1.00
171
151
88.4%
11
5,557
26,442
5,325
0.99
170
150
88.4%
12
4,740
27,260
5,325
0.99
170
150
88.4%
13
5,872
26,215
5,340
1.00
172
152
88.4%
14
4,276
27,724
5,325
0.99
169
150
88.4%
15
5,796
26,204
5,325
1.00
171
151
88.4%
16-20
22,518
137,507
26,640
0.92
786
693
88.3%
21-25
25,203
102,927
26,654
0.83
715
629
88.0%
26-30
18,054
6,193
26,640
0.98
841
747
88.8%
31
—
—
1,178
0.58
22
19
87.3%
Life of Mine (1)
158,623
631,493
158,623
0.97
4,959
4,387
88.5%
31-33 (2)
—
—
13,352
0.54
232
167
72.0%
Note: Table may not add to total due to rounding.
(1) Life of mine includes all run of mine ore from the Batman deposit, including the final tonnes of ore from the Batman deposit that are scheduled for processing in Year 31.
(2) Years 31-33 reflects the reprocessing of heap leap pad material that results in a form of self-funding reclamation .
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Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Estimates
The Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves reported in this section were prepared in accordance with both S-K 1300 standards and Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The table below presents the estimated Mineral Resources for the Batman and the Quigleys deposits, excluding the Heap Leach Pad due to the entirety of the Heap Leach Pad Mineral Resource being converted to Mineral Reserves, therefore, a Mineral Resource exclusive of Mineral Reserves is not reported.
Mt Todd Gold Project – Summary of Gold Mineral Resources (Exclusive of Gold Mineral Reserves)
Based on $1,950/oz Gold Price
Batman Deposit
Heap Leach Pad
Quigleys Deposit
Total
Contained
Contained
Contained
Contained
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
Measured
47,143
0.61
930
—
—
—
3,702
1.13
134
50,845
0.65
1,064
Indicated
110,644
0.72
2,568
—
—
—
6,965
1.34
299
117,609
0.76
2,867
Measured & Indicated
157,787
0.69
3,498
—
—
—
10,667
1.26
433
168,454
0.73
3,931
Inferred
54,338
0.78
1,369
—
—
—
2,761
0.71
63
57,099
0.78
1,433
Notes:
● Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves.
● Batman and Quigleys Mineral Resources are quoted at a 0.4 g Au/t cut-off grade. Heap Leach Pad Mineral Resources were fully converted to Mineral Reserves.
● The Point of Reference for the Batman and Quigleys Mineral Resources estimates is in-situ at the property. The Point of Reference for the Heap Leach Pad Mineral Resources estimates is the physical Heap Leach Pad at the property.
● Batman and Quigleys Mineral Resources are constrained within a $1,950/oz gold pit shell. Pit parameters: Mining Cost $3.00/tonne mined, Processing Cost $17.50/tonne processed, General and Administrative Cost $1.50/tonne processed, Au Recovery 89.7%.
● Kira Johnson MMSA of Tetra Tech is the QP responsible for the Statement of Mineral Resources for the Batman deposit, Quigleys deposit and Heap Leach Pad.
● The effective date of the Batman, Quigleys and Heap Leach Pad Mineral Resources estimates is July 25, 2025.
● Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have no demonstrated economic viability and do not meet all relevant modifying factors.
● Differences in the table due to rounding are not considered material.
● The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.
● “–“ indicates no reported value.
● The effective date of the Batman Deposit, Heap Leach Pad, and Quigleys Deposit mineral resource estimates under the requirements of S-K 1300 is December 31, 2025.
The table below presents the estimated Mineral Reserves for the Project.
Mt Todd Gold Project – Summary of Gold Mineral Reserves Based on 15 ktpd, 0.50 g Au/t cut-off and $1,800/oz Gold Price Pit Design
Batman Deposit
Heap Leach Pad
Total
Contained
Contained
Contained
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
Tonnes
Grade
Ounces
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
(000s)
(g Au/t)
(000s)
Proven
77,359
0.95
2,371
—
—
—
77,359
0.95
2,371
Probable
81,263
0.99
2,588
13,352
0.54
232
94,615
0.93
2,820
Proven & Probable
158,623
0.97
4,959
13,352
0.54
232
171,975
0.94
5,190
The Mt Todd FS economic analysis was conducted only on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves.
Notes:
● The Mineral Reserves point of reference is the point where material is fed into the processing plant.
● Batman deposit Mineral Reserves are reported using a 0.50 g Au/t cutoff grade and $1,800 per ounce gold price.
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● Colin McVie and Peter Lock of Mining Plus are the QP's responsible for the Statement of Mineral Reserves for Batman deposit Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves.
● Because all the Heap Leach Pad Mineral Reserves are to be fed through the processing plant, these Mineral Reserves are reported without a cutoff grade applied.
● Deepak Malhotra is the QP responsible for reporting the Heap-Leach Pad Mineral Reserves.
● The effective date of the Batman and Heap Leach Pad Mineral Reserves estimates is July 25, 2025.
● Differences in the table due to rounding are not considered material.
● The Mineral Reserves were estimated in accordance with S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.
● The effective date of the mineral reserve estimates under the requirements of S-K 1300 is December 31, 2025.
Cautionary note to investors: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are estimated in accordance with S-K 1300 and CIM Definition Standards. A number of risk factors may adversely affect Estimated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, any of which may result in a reduction or elimination of reported Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Property Holdings
In 2006, through an agreement with Pegasus Gold Australia Pty. Ltd. (“Pegasus”), the NT Government, and the Jawoyn Association, we acquired the concession rights and access to Mt Todd. Also in 2006, through an agreement with the NT Government, we established the rights and obligations of Vista and the NT Government with respect to Mt Todd site care and maintenance and potential future development. The latter agreement was extended in 2017 through the end of 2023 and further extended in 2023 through December 31, 2029, with the option for an additional three-year extension.
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A map showing the location of the mineral leases (“MLs”) and exploration licenses (“ELs”) is set out below.
A table listing the MLs and ELs and the provisions of each tenement is set out below. All estimated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are located within the boundaries of the MLs, with the majority of estimated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves contained in the Batman deposit.
The Batman and Quigleys deposits are located within the MLs. Should a deposit be discovered on the ELs, that portion of the related EL would need to be converted to an ML before mining operations could start.
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Mt Todd Tenements of Vista Gold Australia
Estimated Holding
Requirements
Annual Rent &
Annual Work
Annual
Surface
Location
Admin Fees
Requirement
Expenditure/
Area
Description
Location Date/
(thousands
(thousands
Technical
Mineral Leases
(Km 2 )
(UTM)
Grant Date
Renewal Date
of A$)
of A$)
Reports Due
MLN 1070
39.8
Mining License Block
March 5, 1993
March 4, 2043
104
(due March 4)
N/A
May 4
MLN 1071
13.3
centered at
March 5, 1993
March 4, 2043
35
(due March 4)
N/A
May 4
MLN 1127
0.8
approximately
March 5, 1993
March 4, 2043
2
(due March 4)
N/A
May 4
MLN 31525
1.6
188555E, 8435665N
September 4, 2017
September 3, 2042
4
(due September 3)
N/A
May 4
Subtotal
55.4
145
-
Estimated Holding
Requirements
Annual Rent &
Annual Work
Annual
Surface
Location
Admin Fees
Requirement
Expenditure/
Area
Description
Location Date/
(thousands
(thousands
Technical
Exploration Licenses
(Km 2 )
(UTM)
Grant Date
Renewal Date
of A$)
of A$)
Reports Due
EL29882
555.5
Centered at approximately 189100E, 8452000N
September 16, 2013
September 15, 2027
46
(due September 15)
177
May 14
EL29886
594.6
Centered at approximately 200300E, 8452000N
September 16, 2013
September 15, 2027
52
(due September 15)
59
May 14
EL30898
186.7
Centered at approximately 176100E, 8428700N
May 3, 2016
May 2, 2026
15
(due May 2)
6
May 14
Subtotal
1,336.8
113
242
Totals A$
258
242
The surface land of the contiguous MLs and ELs is freehold land owned by the Jawoyn Association. Because the Jawoyn Association has title to the land, such land is not part of the lands classified by the government as Indigenous lands, and as a result such lands are not subject to an Indigenous land use agreement. Vista has a private agreement with the Jawoyn Association for access to the land.
Annually, we are required to submit an MMP (now called a Deemed Environmental (Mining) License) (“DEML”) for care and maintenance that details work to be done on the property. We received our operational MMP (also now a DEML) in June 2021 based on the parameters of the 50 ktpd 2020 Mt Todd prefeasibility study. This authorization is the operating permit that sets out how the mine operating strategy will be implemented throughout the mine life in compliance with the associated approved EIS and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (“EPBC”) requirements. Modifications to align existing approvals with the plans and designs in the Mt Todd FS have been initiated.
Infrastructure
Because Mt Todd was an operating mine, certain existing infrastructure was contemplated for future use in preparing the Mt Todd FS and resulted in reduced initial capital expenditures in developing the economic analysis.
Existing infrastructure includes:
● TSF 1, with expansion capacity for approximately 90 million tonnes of additional material;
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● a heap leach pad with approximately 13.4 million tonnes of Mineral Reserves to be reprocessed at the end of the mine life as a form of self-funding reclamation;
● initial stage of a waste rock dump;
● a freshwater reservoir with sufficient storage capacity to meet the Mt Todd FS raw water requirements;
● a natural gas pipeline spur to site that can supply sufficient natural gas to meet the Project’s primary energy requirements;
● a paved road to site;
● current electrical connection to the NT electric grid; and
● miscellaneous other buildings and equipment that may be re-purposed.
In addition, we expect reduced earthworks costs due to the new process plant location being in the same general area as the previous process plant, which was cleared and graded at the time of original construction.
Other non-owned regional infrastructure that Vista expects to benefit Mt Todd include:
● the Stuart Highway, the main north/south highway in the NT, is less than 10 km from the Project;
● a rail line parallel to the Stuart Highway;
● a natural gas transmission pipeline also parallel to the Stuart Highway;
● the regional center of Katherine, with a population of approximately 14,000, is located 56 km from the Project site and provides access to various local commercial resources, short-term accommodations, schools and a satellite university, and the Katherine Tindal Civilian Airport; and
● the NT capital of Darwin is located approximately 290 km by road from the Project and provides access to a broad range of commercial resources, the deepwater Port of Darwin, the Darwin International Airport, and other resources common to a small-medium urban center.
Planned infrastructure for the site includes the following:
● mine infrastructure will be supplied and installed by a mining contractor and includes – workshop and warehouse, maintenance support facilities, contractor laydown and storage yards, fuel and lubricant farm, explosives storage and facilities, water cart filling point, mine administration and personnel facilities, information and communication systems;
● expansion of the existing waste rock dump;
● upgraded water retention pond dam below the waste rock dump;
● 250-person accommodation camp with all facilities;
● a water treatment plant;
● pit dewatering system;
● communications system;
● gatehouse;
● emergency services building;
● process plant and administration building;
● process plant workshop and stores building with offices;
● reagents storage facility;
● process plant control rooms;
● sample preparation and laboratory;
● solid and liquid waste disposal facilities; and
● expansion of TSF 1 and additional of a second tailings storage facility.
Geological Setting, Mineralization, and Deposit Type
The Project is situated within the southeastern portion of the Early Proterozoic Pine Creek Geosyncline. Meta-sediments, granitoids, basic intrusives, acidic and intermediate volcanic rocks occur within this geological province.
Within the Mt Todd region, the oldest outcropping rocks are assigned to the Burrell Creek Formation. These rocks consist primarily of interbedded greywackes, siltstones, and shales of turbidite affinity, which are interspersed with minor volcanics. The sedimentary sequence incorporates slump structures, flute casts and graded beds, as well as occasional
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crossbedding. The Burrell Creek Formation is overlain by interbedded greywackes, mudstones, tuffs, minor conglomerates, mafic to intermediate volcanics and banded ironstone of the Tollis Formation. The Burrell Creek Formation and Tollis Formation comprise the Finniss River Group. The Finniss River Group strata have been folded about northerly trending F1 fold axes, which are folds in bedding. The folds are closed to open style and have moderately westerly dipping axial planes with some sections being overturned. A later north-south compression event resulted in east-west trending open style upright D2 folds, which is associated with the second deformation event in the area. The Finniss River Group has been regionally metamorphosed to lower green schist facies.
Late and Post Orogenic granitoid intrusion of the Cullen Batholith occurred from 1,789 Ma to 1,730 Ma and brought about local contact metamorphism to hornblende hornfels facies. Unconformably overlying the Burrell Creek Formation are sandstones, shales and tuffaceous sediments of the Phillips Creek sandstone, with acidic and minor basic volcanics of the Plum Tree Creek Volcanics. Both of these units form part of the Edith River Group and occur to the south of the Project area.
The geology of the Batman deposit consists of a sequence of hornfelsed interbedded greywackes, and shales with minor thin beds of felsic tuff. Bedding is striking consistently at 325°, dipping at 40° to 60° to the southwest. Minor lamprophyre dykes trending north-south pinch and swell, cross cutting the bedding.
Bedding parallel shears are present in some of the shale horizons. These bedding shears are identified by quartz/calcite sulfidic breccias. Pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite are the main primary sulfides associated with the bedding parallel shears.
East-west trending faults and joint sets crosscut bedding. Only minor movement has been observed on these faults. Calcite veining is sometimes associated with these faults. These structures appear to be post mineralization.
Northerly trending quartz sulfide veins and joints striking at 0° to 20°, dipping to the east at 60° are the major location for mineralization in the Batman deposit. The veins are 1 millimeter (“mm”) to 100 mm in thickness, with an average thickness of around 8 mm to 10 mm. The veins consist of dominantly quartz with sulfides on the margins. The veining occurs in sheets with up to 20 veins per horizontal meter (“m”). These sheet veins are the main source of mineralization in the Batman deposit.
The Batman deposit extends approximately 2,400 m along strike, 600 m across dip and drill tested to a depth of 800 m. Drilling indicates the Batman mineralization to be open along-strike and down-dip.
The mineralization within the Batman deposit is directly related to the intensity of the north-south trending quartz sulfide veining. The lithological units impact on the orientation and intensity of mineralization. Sulfide minerals associated with the gold mineralization are pyrite, pyrrhotite and lesser amounts of chalcopyrite, bismuthinite and arsenopyrite. Galena and sphalerite are also present, but appear to be post-gold mineralization, and are related to calcite veining in the bedding plains and the east-west trending faults and joints. Two main styles of mineralization have been identified in the Batman deposit. These are the north-south trending vein mineralization and bedding parallel mineralization.
The north-south trending mineralization in the Batman deposit occurs in all rock units and is most dominant in the shales and greywackes. The north-south trending mineralization can be divided into three major zones based on veining and jointing intensity. Mineralization in the core complex is consistent and most, to all, joints have been filled with quartz and sulfides. The core complex occurs in all rock types and vein frequency per meter is high. Mineralization in the hanging wall zone is patchier than in the core complex due to quartz veining not being as abundant as it is in the core complex. The lithology controls the amount of mineralization within the hanging wall zone, and a large quartz/pyrrhotite vein defines the boundary of the hanging wall zone and core complex in places. Like the hanging wall zone, the footwall zone mineralization is patchier than is found in the core complex and jointing is more prevalent than quartz veining. Footwall zone mineralization style is controlled by the lithology and occurs in all lithological units.
Additionally, bedding parallel mineralization occurs to the east of the Batman core complex. Veining is both bedding parallel and north south trending. The mineralization appears to have migrated from the south along narrow north-south trending zones and ballooned out parallel to bedding around the felsic tuffs.
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Historical Operations
The Mt Todd area is part of a goldfield that was worked from early in the 20th century. Gold and tin were discovered in the Mt Todd area in 1889. Most deposits were worked during the period from 1902 to 1914. A total of 7.80 tonnes of tin concentrate was obtained from cassiterite-bearing quartz-kaolin lodes at the Morris and Shamrock mines. The Jones Brothers reef was the most extensively mined gold-bearing quartz vein, with a recorded gold production of 28.45 kilograms (“kg”).
The Yinberrie Wolfram field, discovered in 1913, is located 5 km west of Mt Todd. Tungsten, molybdenum, and bismuth mineralization was discovered in greisenized aplite dykes and quartz veins in a small stock of the Cullen Batholith. Recorded production from numerous shallow shafts is 163 tonnes of tungsten, 130 kg of molybdenite and a small quantity of bismuth. Exploration for uranium began in the 1950s. Small uranium prospects were discovered in sheared or greisenized portions of the Cullen Batholith in the vicinity of the Edith River. The area was explored previously by Esso for uranium without any economic success.
Australian Ores and Minerals Limited (“AOM”) in joint venture with Wandaroo Mining Corporation and Esso took out a number of mining leases in the Mt Todd area during 1975. The joint venture conducted reconnaissance work for a variety of commodities and drilled two diamond holes at Quigleys. Despite determining that the gold potential of the reefs in the area was promising, their work ceased around Mt Todd.
The Arafura Mining Corporation, CRA Exploration, and Marriaz Pty Ltd all explored the Mt Todd area at different times between 1975 and 1983. In late 1981, CRA Exploration’s program included a 14-diamond drill hole program to test the gold content of Quigleys reef over a strike length of 800 m, with an aggregate meterage of 676.5 m. Following this program, CRA Exploration did not proceed with further exploration.
During late 1986, Pacific Gold Mines NL (Pacific Gold Mines) undertook exploration in the area which resulted in small-scale open cut mining on the Quigleys and Golf reefs, and limited test mining at the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta pits. Ore was carted to a carbon-in-pulp (“CIP”) plant owned by Pacific Gold Mines at Moline. Pacific Gold Mines ceased operations in the area in February 1988 having produced approximately 86,000 tonnes grading 4 g Au/t. Subsequent negotiations between the Mt Todd Joint Venture partners (Billiton Australia Gold Pty. Ltd (“Billiton”) and Zapopan) and Pacific Gold Mines resulted in the acquisition of this ground and incorporation into the joint venture.
Billiton, who was the managing partner in an exploration program in joint venture with Zapopan, discovered the Batman deposit in May 1988. Zapopan acquired Billiton’s interest in 1992 by way of placement of shares to Pegasus. Pegasus progressively increased their shareholding until they acquired full ownership of Zapopan in July 1995. Feasibility studies (not NI 43-101 or S-K 1300 compliant) for Phase I, a heap leach operation which focused predominately on the oxide portion of the deposit, commenced during 1992. The Phase I project was predicated upon a 4 million tonne per annum (“Mtpa”) heap leach pad, which came on stream in late 1993. The treatment rate was subsequently expanded to a rate of 6 Mtpa on an annualized basis in late 1994.
Historical heap leach production is shown in the following table:
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Category
Historical Heap Leach Production Reported
Tonnes Leached (million)
13.2
Head Grade (g Au/t)
0.96
Recovery (%)
53.8
Gold Recovered (oz)
220,755
Cost/t (A$)
8.33
Cost/oz (A$)
500
NOTE: All tonnages, grades, recovery figures, and costs are historical production numbers that predate Vista’s ownership. Historical estimates are considered relevant but not current.
Phase II involved expanding to 8 Mtpa and treatment through a flotation and CIL circuit. A feasibility study was conducted by a joint venture between Bateman Kinhill and Kilborne (“BKK”) and was completed in June 1995. The Pegasus board approved the Phase II project on August 17, 1995, and awarded an EPCM contract to BKK in October 1995. Commissioning commenced in November 1996. The reported final capital cost to complete the project was A$232 million.
Design capacity was never achieved due to inadequacies in the crushing circuit. A throughput rate of just under 7 Mtpa was achieved by mid-1997; however, problems with the flotation circuit, which resulted in reduced recoveries, necessitated closure of this circuit. Subsequently, high reagent consumption because of cyanide soluble copper minerals further hindered efforts to reach design production. Operating costs were above those predicted in the feasibility study. The spot price of gold deteriorated from above $400 per ounce in early 1996 to below $300 per ounce during 1997. According to the 1997 Pegasus Annual Report, the economics of the project were seriously affected by the slump. Underperformance of the project and higher operating costs led to the mine being closed and placed on care and maintenance on November 14, 1997.
In February 1999, General Gold Resources Pty. Ltd. (“General Gold”) agreed to form a joint venture with Multiplex Resources Pty Ltd (“Multiplex Resources”) and Pegasus to own, operate, and explore the mine. Initial equity participation in the joint venture was General Gold 2%, Multiplex Resources 93%, and Pegasus 5%. The joint venture appointed General Gold as mine operator, which contributed the operating plan in exchange for a 50% share of the net cash flow generated by the project, after allowing for acquisition costs and environmental sinking fund contributions. General Gold operated the mine from March 1999 to July 2000. Pegasus, through the Deed Administrators, regained possession of various parts of the mine assets to recoup the balance of purchase price owed to it. Most of the equipment was sold in June 2001 and removed from the mine.
In March 2006, Vista acquired the MLs from the Deed Administrators and surface access rights from the Jawoyn Association and entered into a contract with the NT Government.
Exploration Licenses
Since acquiring the Mt Todd ELs, Vista has conducted exploration programs that included prospecting, geologic mapping, rock and soil sampling, geophysical surveys and exploration drilling.
The exploration effort initially focused on follow up work on targets developed by Pegasus during their tenure on the property. These included the RKD target, Golden Eye, and Silver Spray, among others. During a review of Pegasus’ airborne geophysical survey data, five distinct magnetic highs were observed located within sedimentary rocks that should have a low magnetic signature. These features are remarkably similar to those at the Batman deposit, which, as a result of the included pyrrhotite, exhibits a strong magnetic high. The geophysical targets were prioritized following review of historical work in the area and site visits. To date, two of the geophysical targets (Golden Eye and Snowdrop) have had some drilling and a third has been covered by soil sampling (Black Hill). The Wandie target has a different
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magnetic signature, where field examination identified small-scale pits on an iron-rich outcropping. There are no reportable Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves on the ELs, and no data from the ELs were used in the development of the Mt Todd FS results.
The quantity and type of exploration samples collected on the ELs is summarized in the following table.
Year
Soils
Rock Chips
2008 – 2015
12,719
1,054
2016 – 2020
2,271
416
2021
0
11
2022
685
71
2023
1,500
44
2024
0
0
2025
881
61
Total Samples
18,056
1,657
Drilling
Batman Deposit
The Vista exploration program at the Batman deposit consisted of diamond core drill holes that targeted both infill definitional drilling and step-out drilling. Historical drilling for the Batman deposit is summarized in the table below.
Batman Deposit Drilling History
Date
Reference
Holes (#)
Percussion (m)
Diamond (m)
Reverse Circulation
(m)
1988
Truelove
17
1,475
—
—
1989
Kenny, Wegmann, Fuccenecco
133
6,263
8,562
3,065
1990
Wegmann, Fuccenecco, Gibbs
122
—
5,060
8,072
1991
Billiton
149
501
202
3,090
1992
Zapopan
18
—
1,375
1,320
1993
Zapopan
16
—
—
2,814
1994-1997
Pegasus
170
—
—
22,534
1998-2000
General Gold
105
—
7,436
26,365
2007
Vista
25
—
9,883
—
2008
Vista
16
—
8,938
—
2010
Vista
12
—
6,864
—
2011
Vista
15
—
7,063
—
2012
Vista
27
—
17,439
—
2015
Vista
5
—
3,185
—
2020-2022
Vista
26
—
8,887
—
2024
Vista
34
—
6,776
—
Batman Total
890
8,239
91,670
67,260
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A large percentage of the historical drilling was by reverse circulation drilling of less than 100 m in depth. Vista’s drilling discovered a larger Batman Mineral Resource by probing deeper with diamond drilling averaging 550 m in depth. Most of the diamond drilling was angled to be approximately perpendicular to the mineralization. This orientation more accurately transects the true thickness of the mineralization.
Eight drill holes were completed for metallurgical testing in 2017-2018. These holes were not included in the Mineral Resource estimation due to a difference in the data collection and type. The data from the metallurgical drilling was used as a verification check of the Mineral Resource model estimation in section view.
Vista drilled additional holes during 2020-2022 and 2024. The 2024 drilling program consisted of infill drilling at the Batman deposit, as well as step out drilling to define the mineralization in the area to the north and northeast of the Batman deposit, towards the historical Golf-Tollis pits. This area has been named the South Cross Lode zone (“SXL”). The 2020-2022 and 2024 holes were included in the Mt Todd FS.
Four drill holes were completed for metallurgical testing in late 2025 and early 2026. The mineralized intervals were assayed to assist in the selection of sample composites for the testing program.
Quigleys Deposit
The table below shows the Quigleys deposit drilling history. The Quigleys deposit was mined from 1982 to 1987 during which time the largest amount of drilling was percussion type used for ore grade control.
Relevant intervals of mineralization are contained within blanket-like zones which are modelled with 3-D wireframes for Mineral Resource estimation. Most of the drilling has been angled to be approximately perpendicular to the mineralized core zone. This orientation more accurately transects the true thickness of the mineralization. While there are random high-grade intercepts outside of the core zone, most higher-grade mineralization resides within the defined zones. In 2011, Vista explored the potential for a deeper deposit with three diamond drill holes, each over 350 m in depth.
Quigleys Deposit Drilling History
Date
Reference
Holes (#)
Percussion (m)
Diamond (m)
Reverse Circulation (m)
1975
AOM/Esso
2
—
200
—
1981
Arafura Mining Corp / CRA
14
—
676
—
1982-1987
Pacific Gold Mines
603
41,429
9,710
4,013
1989
Pacific Gold Mines
9
501
202
—
2011
Vista
3
—
1,090
—
Quigleys Total
631
41,930
11,878
4,013
Drilling Results
The results of drilling at the Batman deposit and Quigleys deposit were used to estimate gold Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Vista’s drilling discovered a larger Batman Mineral Resource by probing deeper with diamond drilling, which averaged approximately 550 m in depth. While there are random high-grade intercepts outside of the Batman core zone, most higher-grade mineralization at Batman resides within the core zone of the deposit. Relevant intervals of mineralization at the Quigleys deposit are contained within blanket-like zones which are modeled with 3-D wireframes for Mineral Resource estimation. While there are random high-grade intercepts outside of the Quigleys core zone, most higher-grade mineralization resides within the defined zones.
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2020-2022 Drilling Program Results and Exploration Targets
Between late 2020 and early 2022, we completed an exploration drilling program designed to demonstrate that the Batman, Golf Tollis, and Quigleys deposits are not independent of each other but connected by structure and mineralization. This program consisted of 26 drill holes totaling 8,887 m of HQ diamond core. The program consistently intersected mineralization predicted by our geologic model and demonstrated both horizontal and vertical continuity of the targeted structures. Additionally, the program identified four quality exploration targets as well as other potential structures along a 5.4 Km portion of the 24 Km Batman-Driffield Trend that contains the Batman, Golf Tollis, and Quigleys deposits.
2024 Drilling Program Results and Exploration Targets
During 2024, we completed a drilling program designed to upgrade the Mineral Resources, validate mineralization extension at the north portion of the Batman deposit and add gold ounces within the existing Batman resource shell, as well as define the boundaries of the SXL. This program consisted of 34 drill holes totaling 6,776 m of HQ diamond core. The program consistently intersected mineralization within the Batman deposit resource shell and along strike of the SXL. Results to date support the thesis that the structure remains open at depth and along the strike to the northeast of the concession.
Sampling, Analysis and Data Verification
The following section describes the sample preparation, analyses and security undertaken by Vista through the Mt Todd FS Mineral Resource update.
The diamond drilling program was conducted under the supervision of Vista’s geology staff composed of a chief geologist, several experienced geologists, and a core handling/cutting crew.
Facilities for the core processing included an enclosed logging shed and a covered cutting and storage area that is fenced in. Both of these facilities are considered to be limited access areas and kept secured when work is not in progress.
The diamond drill core was boxed and stacked at the rig by the drill crews. Core was transported directly into the logging shed by Vista staff.
Processing of the core included photographing, geotechnical and geologic logging, and marking the core for sampling. The nominal sample intervals were one meter. When this process was complete, the core was moved into the core cutting/storage area where it was laid out for sampling. The core was laid out using the following procedures:
● One meter depth intervals were marked out on the core by a member of the geology staff.
● Core orientation (bottom of core) was marked with a solid line when at least three orientation marks aligned and used for structural measurements. When orientation marks were insufficient, an estimation orientation was indicated by a dashed line.
● Lithology, mineralogy, alteration, and geotechnical logging was then done by a member of the Vista geology staff in the core logging facility. Assay intervals were selected at that time and a cut line was marked on the core. The standard sample interval was one meter, with a minimum of 0.2 m and a maximum of 1.2 m. The sample interval was selected to have the identified vein in the middle of the sample, when possible.
● Blind sample numbers were then assigned based on pre-labeled sample bags. Sample intervals were then indicated in the core tray at the appropriate locations.
● Each core tray was photographed at a photography station, with a mounted camera, light and water sprayer, and then transported to the cutting area via a roller conveyor.
● The core was then cut in half using diamond saws, with each interval half-core placed in sample bags with a sample tag.
● The standards and blanks were also placed in the plastic bags for inclusion in the shipment to the laboratory, with a reference standard or a blank inserted at a minimum ratio of 1 in 10 and at suspected high grade intervals additional blanks sample were added.
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● Standard reference material was sourced from Ore Research & Exploration Pty Ltd and provided in 60 g sealed packets. The standards were selected from the six commercially purchased standards at site, which are stored under refrigeration.
● When a sequence of five samples was completed, they were placed in a shipping bag and closed with a zip tie. All samples were kept in the secure area until crated for shipping.
● Samples were placed in crates for shipping with 100 samples per crate (20 shipping bags). The crates were stacked outside the core shed until transport.
● Samples were delivered to the laboratory by Vista staff.
The following laboratories have been used for sample preparation, analyses, and check assays:
Laboratory
Address
Purpose
Abbreviation
Certifications
ALS | Minerals
31 Denninup Way
Malaga, WA 6090
Main assay analyses
ALS
ISO:9001:2008 and ISO 17025 Certified
ALS | Minerals
13 Price St
Alice Springs, NT 0870
Sample Preparation
ALS
Alice Springs
ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 Certified
Genalysis Laboratory Services (Intertek Group)
15 Davison St Maddington, WA 6109
Check Analyses
Genalysis
ISO/IEC 17025 Certified
North Australian Laboratories Pty. Ltd. (NAL)
MLN 792 Eleanor Rd
Pine Creek, NT 0847
Alternative assay analyses
NAL
ISO 17025 Certified
NT Environmental Laboratories (Intertek Group)
3407 Export Dr
Berrimah, NT 0828
Check Analyses
NTEL
ISO 17025
Certified
Vista is independent of each of the above listed analytical testing entities, other than the engagement of said entities as a service provider.
Prior to the 2011 drilling campaign, the majority of samples were transported first to ALS in Alice Springs, NT for sample preparation. After preparation, samples were then forwarded on to ALS in Malaga, Western Australia for assay analyses. One in every 20 pulps or rejects was sent from ALS in Alice Springs to NAL, and Vista was notified by email which samples were sent.
For the 2011-2025 drilling campaign, samples for assay were sent to NAL in Pine Creek, NT. At the end of each drilling campaign, Vista also submitted samples to Intertek in Darwin and Perth for confirmation of the NAL values. This umpire sampling is standard practice and meets the requirements for QA/QC on a project at this level.
The crushing equipment is cleaned between samples, and the laboratory processes one job at a time, to ensure that there is no cross contamination. LIMS software is used to track the samples and the results, as well as tracking the QA/QC standards for the facility. Certified standard material from Ore Research & Exploration Pty Ltd is utilized for QA/QC purposes for the laboratory.
The procedure defined by the Vista geology staff was to duplicate the fire assay of any sample that has an assay value greater than 10 ppm. Any discrepancies in the testing initiated a re-assay of the samples, before reporting data to Vista. Results were transmitted to the Vista geologist by email, including an un-editable PDF file, and an Excel file. Overall, the laboratory met the requirements for testing and was appropriate for samples of this type. Vista is completely independent of any analytical testing entity presented herein.
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Each of the laboratories listed follow their own quality controls based on international standards and accredited methods specified by ISO/IEC 17025 in North America and Australia. The standards specify sample preparation procedures, analytical methods and set of quality control steps that the laboratory should follow, including:
● How the sample should be coded to obscure its relationship to the drilling geometry.
● How the received sample should be prepared.
● The analytical steps to be taken.
● Given the required detection level and material analyzed, what instruments should be employed.
● Internal quality controls should be done such as: periodic assaying of duplicate samples, the insertion of certified calibration samples; utilizing blanks; and including a required number of randomized samples.
Regarding data verification, this section summarizes the extensive verification efforts undertaken from 2007 to 2024, highlighting the methodologies employed to validate both historical and recent assay results. Through systematic audits, inter-laboratory comparisons, and quality control measures, these verification activities ensure that the assay data used for Mineral Resource modeling meets the various requirements for gold projects.
In 2007, a verification exercise was conducted as part of the exploration program to validate historical assay results and ensure compliance with reporting standards for Mineral Resources. This program included re-assaying a portion of historical drill holes and analyzing new core drill holes. A multi-phase approach was implemented to assess the accuracy of gold assays generated by NAL on Mt Todd core samples. The phases included cross-checking assay standards between NAL and ALS, preparing and assaying intervals of remaining half-core, and conducting screen sieve assay analysis of coarse reject samples. The findings indicated that finer material tended to yield higher grades, which were lost during handling. Consequently, Vista adopted commercial polyester sample bags to mitigate this issue. The inter-laboratory analyses demonstrated strong reproducibility across all tests, particularly at grade ranges typical of the deposit.
In 2011, an external audit by Mine Development Associates reviewed the quality of 12,365 assays in the database, focusing on records related to in situ mineralization. The review revealed that 95% of these records had corresponding gold values in source documents. Among the historical assays, eight significant outliers were identified, confirming discrepancies between the database and source documents. The audit concluded that the historical and Vista assays in the Mt Todd database are reliable for Mineral Resource modeling.
For the March 2018 Mineral Resources estimates, Tetra Tech conducted a detailed verification of the assay database, which included results from the 2012-2017 exploration programs. This involved comparing assay results with laboratory certificates and reviewing field QA/QC samples. The analysis of 13 drill holes from the 2012 program and nine from the 2015-2017 programs showed no significant errors, although one drill hole had erroneous selenium results, which were corrected. A spot-check of approximately 14% of the database against laboratory certificates confirmed a 100% correlation of reported values. Field QA/QC samples were also analyzed, revealing that the majority fell within acceptable limits, with only a few exceptions.
The verification process continued through the 2020 to 2022 program, where each sample interval was assayed at NAL. Assays for gold were conducted using fire assay methods, with additional multi-element analyses performed. Independent laboratory checks by Intertek Genalysis Perth (INT) were also carried out to further validate the results.
In 2024, Tetra Tech professionals visited the NAL facility to observe the ongoing processing of samples from the Vista 2024 drill program. The verification procedures adhered to the standards outlined in S-K 1300. The assay results were meticulously entered into the database after thorough checks by Vista's senior geologist.
Quality control samples, including CRMs and blanks, were incorporated into the sampling sequence to monitor for contamination and ensure data integrity. The results from the independent laboratory checks indicated a strong correlation with NAL's assays, affirming the reliability of the data for the Mineral Resource estimation at Mt Todd.
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Sample Security
NAL was the primary laboratory used for Vista’s drilling programs. The NAL laboratory is located in the town of Pine Creek, approximately 65 km distant by road from Mt Todd site. A sample transmittal form was prepared and included with each shipment and a copy is filed in the geologist office on site.
When a shipment leaves the site, sample transmittals were prepared and e-mailed to NAL. When the shipment arrived at the preparation facility the samples were lined out and a confirmation of sample receipt was e-mailed back to Vista. Following completion of assay results, all pulps and reject material was shipped back to the Project site and stored.
Vista has completed more than 60,000 m of core drilling in the Batman deposit, to verify the approximately 98,000 m of historical drilling. Statistical analysis of the various drilling populations and QA/QC samples has not identified or highlighted any reasons to not accept the data as representative of the tenor and grade.
Mining Operations
The Mt Todd FS contemplates that the Batman deposit will be mined in eight stages using a conventional truck and excavator approach with all material requiring drilling and blasting for fragmentation prior to excavation. Mining operations will be undertaken via contract mining with the contractor utilizing 400 tonne class excavators and 190 tonne class rigid frame trucks.
Multiple stages will be developed at any one time to manage mill feed tonnage and grade requirements, waste movement and stockpile balances.
Ore material will be designated as high grade, medium grade, or low grade with approximately 15 ktpd being fed to the processing plant. High and medium grade material not fed directly to the processing plant will be stockpiled on a run of mine pad adjacent to the processing plant. Low grade material will be placed on a dedicated low-grade stockpile.
Based on its sulfur content, waste material will be classified as non-acid forming or potentially acid forming (“PAF”) with management plans and dumping strategies in place to ensure containment of the PAF material on a single waste rock landform. Mined unclassified waste material with no sulfur assays will be deemed as low level PAF.
Mineral Processing
The Mt Todd processing facility has been designed to process 15 ktpd of hard ore from the Batman open pit, equating to an annualized throughput rate of 5.325 Mtpa.
The processing facility unit processes are based on well-proven technologies for gold recovery and treatment of hard ore, following a processing circuit consisting of:
● Primary crushing in open circuit using a gyratory crusher to produce a nominal product P 80 of 120 mm.
● Secondary crushing incorporating a cone crusher operating in closed circuit with a double deck vibrating screen to produce a nominal circuit product P 80 of 30 mm.
● Coarse ore stockpile (COS) with reclaim via apron feeders.
● Tertiary crushing circuit incorporating a HPGR in closed circuit with two double deck wet vibrating screens to produce a nominal circuit product P 80 of 3.25 mm.
● Sorting the HPGR product screen top deck oversize -29.5+16 mm fraction with a single stage of XRT ore sorters.
● Primary grinding in an overflow ball mill operating in closed circuit with hydro-cyclones to a produce P 80 of 250 µm.
● Secondary grinding utilizing four Vertimill mills operating in parallel to produce P 80 of 40 µm.
● Pre-leach thickening to produce an underflow of increased pulp density suitable for leaching.
● Conditioning/pre-oxidation of the leach feed slurry with lead nitrate and oxygen in two agitated pre-conditioning/oxidation tanks.
● Direct cyanide leaching and adsorption in a hybrid CIL circuit comprising two leach tanks followed by six adsorption tanks.
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● Acid washing and elution of the loaded carbon in a split AARL elution circuit, and thermal regeneration of the barren carbon prior to its return to the CIL circuit.
● Smelting of cathode sludge from electrowinning to produce the final gold doré product.
● Detoxification of leach tailings via the Air/SO2 process.
● Transfer of the final tailings to the TSF for deposition with the supernatant water recovered from the surface of the TSF for re-use in the process plant.
An overall schematic flowsheet depicting the unit operations incorporated in the selected process flowsheet is presented below.
Metallurgical Testing
No new metallurgical test work has been completed since 2019. The Company is currently undertaking a metallurgical testing program to provide data for detailed engineering and design, with results expected mid-year 2026. Consideration of the results of our prior metallurgical testing resulted in the process flowsheet presented above. The only significant change to the process flowsheet between the 2024 FS and the Mt Todd FS was the exclusion of laser sorting.
Our metallurgical testing programs have confirmed: (1) ore hardness of the Batman deposit is consistent throughout the deposit; (2) the selection of HPGR crusher technology as part of the comminution circuit; (3) the selection of ore sorting (XRT) technology to eliminate waste material after crushing and prior to grinding; (4) estimated gold recovery rates based on optimized grind size and leach conditions; and (5) the processing of material from the historical heap leach pad at the end of the proposed life of mine.
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The test work results collated from the 2011 and 2012 testing campaigns and additional metallurgical and process test work conducted in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, together with the process design criteria, were used to develop the process flow sheet and mass balance.
Ore Hardness
Bond ball mill work indices (“BWi”) were determined at a grind size of P 80 of 100 mesh for the various products, namely HPGR crusher, ore-sorting, composite samples and waste material.
The test results indicate the following:
● The BWi for the ore sorter feed (+5/8” screened HPGR crusher product) was higher than the composite samples prepared from the -5/8” screened HPGR crusher product. Hence, it is reasonable to conclude that the uncrushed material from the HPGR is harder than the crushed product.
● The rejected waste material had a BWi higher than both the composite sample prepared from the -5/8” HPGR crusher product and the XRT ore sorting product that is returned to the HPGR crushers.
● The BWi for the final HPGR product ranged from 23.10 to 26.63. A BWi of 24.50 was selected for the design of the primary ball mill circuit.
HPGR Crusher Selection
The proposed 15 ktpd project comminution circuit incorporates the use of a gyratory crusher followed by secondary cone crushing. Secondary crushed ore will be further crushed by a tertiary stage HPGR to produce a ball mill feed. XRT ore sorting has been included on the HPGR circuit.
HPGR testing was conducted in 2018, the drill core was HPGR crushed and screened at 16 mm (5/8”) at the facilities of Thyssen Krupp Industries near Dusseldorf, Germany. HPGR testing was also conducted at Weir Metals. The screened +16mm material was sent to the test facility of Tomra Sorting Solutions near Hamburg, Germany.
The test work confirmed prior test work and supports the comminution circuit design. The use of HPGR crushers is anticipated to (a) produce a product that can be ground more efficiently (lower BWi); and (b) reduce energy requirements when compared to a SAG Mill design.
The crushing circuit design utilizing a primary gyratory crusher, secondary cone crusher and HPGR tertiary crushing is robust, proven technology to generate a grinding circuit feed F80 size of 3.25 mm.
Ore Sorting
The +16 mm composite fractions were sent to the Tomra-Outotec for ore sorting assessment. The fractions were weighed on arrival and washed to remove fines which were accounted for within the mass balance. The composites were split into equal fractions with each fraction subjected to two-step sorting design to separate gold bearing sulfide mineralization and quartz from non-fold bearing waste material. The first step used XRT to separate material based on density to target the gold bearing sulfide material with a higher specific gravity. Two different sensitivities were tested (2% and 5%). The second stage used laser to separate out the quartz (gold bearing) mineralization from the gangue non-gold bearing waste.
On a material mass basis, sorting tests confirmed that a single-stage XRT sorting circuit is expected to:
● reject approximately 8% of the run-of-mine feed as waste; and
● produce a gold loss from the rejected waste of approximately 1.7%.
Gold Recoveries
A series of batch leach tests were performed on six composites to evaluate the effect of feed grade against gold extraction at various grind sizes at the ALS Metallurgy Laboratory in Australia. A total of 123 tests were conducted including duplicate tests. Alternative milling types were also applied to the test procedure, utilizing an FLS VXP mill, IsaMill and a
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Lab steel ball mill.
The tests demonstrated that gold extraction is size dependent, increased gold extraction was recorded with finer grind size. In the same manner, a correlation that relates mill feed gold grade to gold extraction was derived from the historical leach test work for predicting gold recoveries in the plant according to the production schedule. The test results from both the 2018 and 2019 leach tests were used to derive the gold recovery model, based on mill feed gold grade. The samples selected for gold head grade analysis ranged from 0.6 g/t to 2.1 g/t Au. Tests done on samples reported grind sizes well below the design P 80 size of 40 µm were excluded from the assessment.
A carbon adsorption efficiency of 99.1% for gold has been factored for an average gold recovery of 89.9% (net of solution loss) based on mill feed from the life of mine average gold head grade of 0.97 g Au/t. This equates to 88.5% based on the processing plant feed.
Existing Heap Leach Pad
A historical heap leach pad adjacent to the current Mt Todd pit was analyzed for gold. The heap leach pad is a remnant of the Pegasus operation, pre-2006. The heap leach pad’s geometry was analyzed using historical maps to determine the pile bottom and current surveys of the present-day surface. This work produced two surfaces which were used to calculate the volume of the pile. The concentration of gold was analyzed with 24 vertical drillholes separated by approximately 100 m. Density was measured using a dual density sidewall gamma probe. A total of 1,162 samples were collected from 11 drill holes, and the density was estimated to be 2.01 for the heap leach pad material.
A nearest neighbor method was employed to estimate grades within the heap leach pad since there is no apparent spatial correlation between samples. The existing heap leach pad is estimated to contain 232,000 ounces of gold within 13.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.54 g Au/t.
Bottle roll and column leach test work undertaken at the ALS Metallurgy Laboratory in Australia indicated:
● Cyanidation leach tests on “as is” material on the heap will extract ± 30% of the gold; and
● CIP cyanidation tests at a grind size of P 80 of 90 μm will extract on average 72% of gold (range: 64.14% to 80.37%) in 24 hours of leach time. The average lime and cyanide consumptions were 1.75 kg/t and 0.78 kg/t, respectively.
The heap leach pad ore material will be reprocessed following processing of ore from the Batman deposit. Reprocessing of this material, with gold recovery estimated at 72%, will be completed as part of self-funded reclamation and closure activities. Following reprocessing of this material, the leap leach pad footprint will be reclaimed by cutting and removing the liner for consolidation in TSF 2.
Permitting
Vista has initiated activities to modify its existing authorizations to align with the designs and operating plans as set out in the Mt Todd FS and to obtain an additional AAPA Authority Certificate to cover additional project activity areas. The history of existing authorizations that Vista is presently seeking to modify includes:
In September 2014, the EIS was approved. In its Assessment Report, the NT EPA advised that it had assessed the environmental impacts of Vista’s development plans for Mt Todd and concluded that it can proceed, subject to a number of recommendations as outlined in the Assessment Report. The NT EPA Assessment Report includes 28 recommendations which were addressed as part of the subsequently approved MMP.
The approval of the EIS resulted in a requirement to obtain an authorization of a controlled activity as required under the EPBC as it relates to the Gouldian Finch. The EPBC authorization of a controlled activity was granted by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Environment and Energy in January 2018.
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In November 2018, we applied for an MMP approval, which is the operating permit that sets out how the mine operating strategy will be implemented throughout the life of mine in compliance with the EIS and EPBC requirements. The MMP was approved in June 2021. As a result of changes in legislation by the NT Government, in July 2024 all MMPs were converted to DEMLs with the same rights and obligations in regard to the operating plans for Mt Todd previously conferred by the MMP. All companies have four years from July 2024 to convert a DEML to an EML. In most cases, existing designs and management plans will be submitted for review and are expected to receive subsequent approval as an EML.
In 2012 and 2021, authority certificates were issued to Vista under the NT Aboriginal Areas Protection Act (“AAPA Authority Certificate”) that indicate the nature of, and areas where, project activities can proceed without risk of damage or interference with Aboriginal sacred sites. We also hold permits to interfere with a waterway and a water extraction license.
Environmental, Social and Community Factors
A number of environmental studies have been conducted at Mt Todd in support of the EIS and as required for environmental and operational permits. Studies conducted have investigated soils, climate and meteorology, geology, geochemistry, biological resources, cultural and anthropological sites, socio-economics, hydrogeology, and water quality.
The E I S for the Project was submitted in June 2013 . The document was prepared by independent consultants, GHD Pty Ltd., to identify potential environmental, social, transport, cultural and economic impacts associated with reopening and operating the mine. NT EPA provided its final assessment of the Project in June 2014. Final approval was given in September 2014. The EIS is among the authorizations that Vista is seeking to modify to align with the designs and plans in the Mt Todd FS.
The Jawoyn Association has been consulted as part of the planning process for the future of the Project. Areas of Aboriginal significance have been designated, and the mine plan has avoided development in these areas. Consultation with the Jawoyn Association is ongoing, including in regard to Vista’s plans to obtain an additional AAPA Authority Certificate.
Water Treatment
The existing Batman pit has the capacity to contain approximately 11.5 gigaliters (“GL”) of water. Historically, we have treated and discharged approximately 10.5 GL of treated water from the site in compliance with a waste discharge license issued by the NT Government. The Batman pit is used for ongoing water management to store excess water from other site locations. As of December 31, 2025, the volume of water in the pit was approximately 4.1 GL; however, this volume has increased to approximately 5.3 GL as a result of abnormally heavy seasonal precipitation. Beginning in 2025, the Company implemented an enhanced evaporation program to stabilize and begin reducing the overall volume of water on site. The Company is also in the planning stages for a program to begin treating and discharging the accumulated water in preparation for the resumption of operations.
Water treatment of acid rock drainage and metal laden water will occur once Project development begins. A water treatment plant will be installed for active water treatment prior to operations, during mining operations, and for a period following cessation of operations. Passive water treatment will be conducted at the site following closure in addition to use of the active water treatment plant, as required.
Project Development Plans
With completion of the Mt Todd FS, the Company has started activities expected to lead to the transition of Mt Todd to a producing operation. The Company has filed modifications and is preparing additional filings to align its existing major permits and approvals with the current Mt Todd FS parameters. The Company is undertaking studies that address recommendations in the Mt Todd FS to optimize the development plan and provide data for detailed engineering. To achieve its objectives, Vista will also advance plans to build the internal organizational capabilities and obtain the financing needed to make the transition of Mt Todd to a producing operation.
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The Company estimates recurring expenditures for the ensuing twelve months following December 31, 2025, will total approximately $9,100, including $4,600 for its Mt Todd site management, environmental stewardship activities, and expanding its corporate capability by building an Australia-based team. Additionally, expenditures of approximately $10,200 in non-recurring project program costs are estimated for the same period. Non-recurring costs are expected to primarily include pre-development evaluations, project planning and early development work, initial project financing costs, and site maintenance requirements.