Bryce Adams's questions to Orla Mining Ltd (ORLA) leadership • Q1 2024
Question
Bryce Adams of CIBC Capital Markets inquired about the potential impact of the upcoming Mexican election on permitting, the timeline for the Camino Rojo sulfide project's technical report, the status of the Panama arbitration, the strategic rationale behind the Pony Creek acquisition, and Orla's broader M&A strategy regarding producing assets versus development projects.
Answer
President and CEO Jason Simpson stated that the company plans to resubmit permit amendments in Mexico during the governmental transition, targeting a decision from the new administration. He confirmed the Camino Rojo sulfide resource estimate is on track for H2 2024, with subsequent engineering studies to follow, aiming for production before 2030. Regarding Panama, a value for arbitration will be determined around June. For the Pony Creek acquisition, Simpson and SVP of Exploration Sylvain Guerard explained it's a natural geological extension of South Railroad. On M&A, Simpson noted the focus remains on organic growth but the company would consider permitted, construction-ready projects that could accelerate value creation.