Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) announced the appointment of Billy Choi as its new chief financial officer, with Choi expected to assume full CFO responsibilities in October 2026 following a transition period. The hire brings a seasoned finance executive to the company as it navigates the critical permitting phase for its flagship Santa Fe Mine and aims to restart production in 2027.
Choi most recently served as vice president of finance at Lithium Royalty Corp., where he played a key role in the company’s initial public offering, public-company reporting, financial controls, and its subsequent acquisition by Altius Minerals. His experience in both going public and managing a sale process gives him a well-rounded perspective on the financial demands of a growing mining company.
For Lahontan Gold, the appointment is about more than filling a vacancy. The company is advancing the Santa Fe Mine, a past-producing property that yielded 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines using heap-leach processing. Lahontan is currently working to update the Preliminary Economic Assessment and permitting, with a goal of restarting production in 2027. A CFO with Choi’s background in public markets and acquisitions could be instrumental in securing financing, managing investor relations, and ensuring rigorous financial controls as the company transitions from explorer to producer.
The timing is notable. The Santa Fe Mine hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 oz Au Eq and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 oz Au Eq, all pit-constrained. With gold prices remaining volatile but historically strong, Lahontan’s ability to move the project toward production could create significant value. Choi’s experience with Lithium Royalty Corp.’s IPO and eventual acquisition by Altius Minerals demonstrates his capacity to handle complex transactions and public reporting—skills that will be essential if Lahontan seeks additional capital or partnership opportunities.
Moreover, the appointment signals to the market that Lahontan is serious about its timeline. Bringing in a CFO nearly two years before full assumption of duties allows for a smooth transition and ensures that financial strategy is aligned with operational milestones. As permitting progresses, Choi will likely be involved in updating feasibility studies, negotiating offtake agreements, and managing the company’s financial narrative with investors.
The company also plans to drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025, further expanding its potential resource base. A strong financial team will be needed to allocate capital efficiently across these initiatives. For investors, the addition of a CFO with IPO and M&A experience may boost confidence in Lahontan’s ability to execute its business plan and create shareholder value.
Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mine development and mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, four top-tier gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining-friendly Nevada. The flagship Santa Fe Mine project covers 26.4 km2 and has a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource. The company plans to continue advancing the project towards production, update the Preliminary Economic Assessment, and drill test West Santa Fe during 2025. For more information, visit www.lahontangoldcorp.com.
To view the full press release, visit https://nnw.fm/BUdJ8. The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://nnw.fm/LGCXF.
