Northwire Canada EditionWednesday, July 29, 2026
Northwire
CAN 0.055 +0.0% NVO 0.055 +0.0% ARIS 19.57 −4.2% IVN 10.59 −0.8% MCI 0.165 +0.0% MTS 0.130 +0.0% PPX 0.210 +0.0% ICON 0.030 −33.3% ACS 0.070 +0.0% EMPR 0.860 +2.4% CYG 0.140 +0.0% IZN 0.075 +25.0% XXIX 0.110 +0.0% MERG 0.815 −4.1% LEGY 0.910 +3.4% GTWO 9.19 −3.6% CAN 0.055 +0.0% NVO 0.055 +0.0% ARIS 19.57 −4.2% IVN 10.59 −0.8% MCI 0.165 +0.0% MTS 0.130 +0.0% PPX 0.210 +0.0% ICON 0.030 −33.3% ACS 0.070 +0.0% EMPR 0.860 +2.4% CYG 0.140 +0.0% IZN 0.075 +25.0% XXIX 0.110 +0.0% MERG 0.815 −4.1% LEGY 0.910 +3.4% GTWO 9.19 −3.6%
M&A / Property

Revival Gold exercises Mercur project option

RVG · Price

Executive Summary

  • Revival Gold Inc. has exercised its option to acquire 100% of Barrick Mining Corp.'s interest in the Mercur gold project in Utah, consolidating control over the entire project area.
  • The acquisition involves a total cash consideration of $20 million (paid upfront and over three anniversaries of commercial production) plus royalty interests, with closing expected around April 1, 2026.
  • The move completes the consolidation of a large Carlin-style gold system, supporting Revival Gold's goal to restart production at Mercur, which has a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) indicating a 10-year mine life with significant NPV potential.

Key Details

  • Transaction Structure: Revival Gold exercises an option granted under a mineral lease and option to purchase agreement dated May 13, 2021 (as amended) to acquire Barrick Resources (USA) Inc. (or successor) via a membership interest purchase agreement (MIPA).
  • Consideration:
    • $5 million (U.S.) cash (or common shares at Barrick's discretion) on closing of the option.
    • $5 million (U.S.) cash (or common shares) on the first anniversary of commercial production.
    • $5 million (U.S.) cash (or common shares) on the second anniversary of commercial production.
    • $5 million (U.S.) cash (or common shares) on the third anniversary of commercial production.
  • Royalties:
    • 2% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the mineral interests subject to the option agreement.
    • 1% NSR royalty on all other mineral properties held by Revival Gold within one kilometer of the mining claims.
  • Project Scope: The option covers 996 hectares, bringing the total Mercur project area to approximately 7,200 hectares. This consolidates interests previously held by Barrick, a successor to Homestake Mining Company, and other owners.
  • Exploration & Permitting Status:
    • Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) completed in mid-2025.
    • 13,000-meter drill program completed this year to support a planned 2026 prefeasibility study and Utah state mine permitting.
    • Mine permitting is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
    • $6 million in exploration expenditures were incurred prior to Jan. 2, 2026, satisfying option conditions.
  • PEA Highlights (Mercur Heap Leach):
    • Life-of-mine average production: 95,600 ounces of gold per year over a 10-year mine life.
    • After-tax NPV: $294 million at a 5% discount rate and gold price of $2,175/oz.
    • After-tax NPV: $752 million at a gold price of $3,000/oz.
  • Closing Conditions: Closing is expected on or around April 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, execution of the MIPA, and Revival Gold taking on environmental surety bonding.

Notable Quotes

  • "Barrick produced 1.4 million ounces of gold at Mercur, but never controlled the contiguous Homestake claims and west Mercur land position. This option exercise completes the consolidation of a large Carlin-style gold system -- a rarity outside the Nevada gold majors -- and comes with paved road access, an energized powerline to the site and extensive technical information," said Hugh Agro, president and chief executive officer.
  • "Mercur is our top priority to move to production. Utah is a favourable jurisdiction, and we expect a relatively short timeline to repermit Mercur for mining."
  • "Mercur's PEA economics have the potential to drive transformational value for Revival Gold's shareholders."
Read the original news release →

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