Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has 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 move comes as the company pushes forward with permitting for its flagship Santa Fe Mine and sets its sights on restarting production in 2027, underscoring the importance of experienced financial stewardship during a critical growth phase.
Choi brings a strong background in mining finance, having most recently served as vice president of finance at Lithium Royalty Corp. During his tenure there, he was involved in the company’s initial public offering, public-company reporting, financial controls, and its subsequent acquisition by Altius Minerals. That experience in both capital markets and corporate transactions is expected to be directly applicable as Lahontan navigates the complexities of taking a past-producing mine back into operation.
The appointment signals Lahontan’s intent to strengthen its financial management team ahead of several key milestones. The company is currently advancing permitting for the Santa Fe Mine, which historically produced 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing. A restart in 2027 would mark a significant revival of the project, and Choi’s expertise in financial controls and reporting will be critical in maintaining investor confidence and ensuring compliance as the company transitions from development to production.
According to the company, the Santa Fe Mine holds a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 oz Au Eq (48,393,000 tonnes grading 0.92 g/t Au and 7.18 g/t Ag) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 oz Au Eq (16,760,000 tonnes grading 0.74 g/t Au and 3.25 g/t Ag), all pit constrained. These substantial resources provide a solid foundation for the planned restart, but realizing their value will require disciplined financial management and strategic capital allocation—areas where Choi’s leadership is expected to make an immediate impact.
Beyond the Santa Fe Mine, Lahontan plans to continue advancing the project towards production, update the Santa Fe Preliminary Economic Assessment, and drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025. These initiatives demand robust financial planning and reporting, and the addition of a CFO with public-company experience aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance its capital markets profile and operational readiness.
For investors, the appointment of a CFO with a track record in IPO and acquisition activities could be a signal that Lahontan is preparing for increased market scrutiny and potential financing activities. As the company moves closer to a production decision, having a seasoned financial executive in place may help streamline negotiations with lenders, manage shareholder communications, and ensure timely and accurate financial disclosures.
The full press release can be viewed at https://nnw.fm/BUdJ8. For more information about Lahontan Gold Corp., visit www.lahontangoldcorp.com. The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://nnw.fm/LGCXF.
