Dakota Gold Corp. announced a comprehensive 2026 development plan that accelerates the flagship Richmond Hill heap‑leach project and launches a new infill drilling program at the Maitland Gold Project’s Unionville Zone. The company will conduct a pre‑feasibility study (PFS) for Richmond Hill in the second half of 2026, followed by a full feasibility study (FS) in early 2027. Simultaneously, it will target a maiden resource at Unionville by year‑end 2026 through intensified drilling.
The Richmond Hill plan includes a throughput trade‑off study that could double the plant’s capacity from the current 30,000 tonnes per day (TPD) to 60,000 TPD. The study will evaluate the impact of high‑grade intercepts discovered during the 2025 drill campaign, which have already raised the project’s economic profile. A higher throughput would shorten the mine life and improve the project’s net present value, positioning the company for a quicker investment decision and potential permitting in 2027.
The Maitland program focuses on the Unionville Zone, which has already been shown to extend at least 2,000 m (6,562 ft) strike, with rock‑chip samples suggesting a potential extension to 3,000 m (9,843 ft). By targeting a maiden resource by year‑end 2026, Dakota Gold aims to de‑risk the epithermal mineralization and provide a clearer resource base for future capital allocation decisions.
Financially, Dakota Gold holds approximately $33 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30 2025, and has secured a $35 million financing in March 2025. The company’s disciplined capital allocation strategy focuses on advancing the two flagship projects while maintaining a strong cash position. The planned studies and drilling are designed to reduce technical risk, support permitting, and ultimately enable a production start in the coming years.
Management emphasized the company’s confidence in the accelerated timeline, stating, “With many higher‑grade gold intercepts encountered during the 2025 drill program, solid working capital and an experienced team, Dakota Gold is positioned to advance Richmond Hill by completing a Pre‑Feasibility Study, and deliver Maitland’s maiden resource in 2026—key steps that further de‑risk our flagship projects and position the Company to create long‑term value for shareholders.”
The announcement underscores Dakota Gold’s commitment to revitalizing the historic Homestake District, one of the most prolific gold mining regions in the United States. By accelerating development and de‑risking its core assets, the company is positioning itself for a potential production start and a stronger competitive stance in the U.S. gold market.
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