Resource Estimate
IAMGOLD Announces Consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate for Cote Gold
IAMGOLD's Cote Resource Expansion Validates Drilling Spend, But Royalty Creep at Essakane Threatens Margin Expansion in a $2,500/oz World

Executive Summary
- IAMGOLD Corporation released an updated consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Côté Gold mine in Ontario, effective March 31, 2026.
- The update integrates the Côté and Gosselin zones into a single geological framework, marking a technical milestone ahead of the planned Q4 2026 expansion study.
- Consolidated Measured and Indicated (M&I) resources increased 12% to 20.34 million ounces of gold (838.0 Mt at 0.75 g/t Au).
- Inferred resources surged 61% to 3.48 million ounces of gold (177.1 Mt at 0.61 g/t Au).
- The company raised its gold price assumption to $2,500/oz and lowered the consolidated cut-off grade to 0.25 g/t Au from 0.30 g/t Au.
- Integration of 64 additional drill holes (39 in Côté, 25 in Gosselin) improved confidence in the saddle area and converted inferred to indicated ounces.
- A 30,000-meter diamond drilling program is planned for 2026 to infill resources and test envelope expansion.
- The updated resource base will feed the Côté Gold Technical Report and mine plan expected in Q4 2026, targeting a plant expansion and larger-scale mining scenario.
Material Impact
- The resource update is a direct, expected follow-up to the aggressive 2025 drilling campaign and the company's stated guidance to deliver an expansion study in Q4 2026.
- The 12% increase in M&I and 61% jump in Inferred resources confirm the geological continuity and growth trajectory previously outlined by management.
- The lowering of the cut-off grade to 0.25 g/t Au and the $2,500/oz price assumption are standard economic parameters that optimize the resource model but do not represent a fundamental shift in the project's economics.
- The market has already priced in the Côté expansion narrative through the Q4 2026 catalyst timeline. This announcement serves as validation rather than a surprise.
- No new strategic partnerships, financing events, or operational breakthroughs are disclosed. The impact is incremental and aligns with previous expectations.
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Company Overview
- IAMGOLD is a mid-tier gold producer operating three primary assets: Côté Gold (Ontario, Canada), Westwood (Ontario, Canada), and Essakane (Burkina Faso).
- Flagship Project: Côté Gold is a high-grade, underground mine that achieved nameplate throughput of 36,000 tpd in mid-2025. It is the primary driver of production growth and cash flow.
- Strategic Expansion: The company recently consolidated the Nelligan Mining Complex in Quebec through the acquisitions of Northern Superior Resources and Mines D'Or Orbec, adding ~134,000 hectares and significant pre-production resources.
- Production Guidance: 720,000–820,000 attributable ounces for 2026, with Côté targeting 270,000–310,000 oz.
- Cost Profile: 2026 cash cost guidance (ex-royalties) is $1,100–$1,250/oz, with AISC guidance of $2,000–$2,150/oz.
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Jun 17, 2026 · 17:01