KGC Progresses With Three Organic Growth Projects in the US

Kinross Gold Corporation KGC has announced it is progressing with the construction of three organic growth projects to expand its United States portfolio. This is aimed at extending mine life and cost optimization. The projects are Round Mountain Phase X and Bald Mountain Redbird 2 in Nevada, and the Kettle River–Curlew project in Washington. Together, these projects are expected to contribute significantly to Kinross’ U.S. production profile and add a strong value proposition with a combined Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 55% and a combined incremental post-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $4.1 billion. These projects are expected to contribute 3 million ounces of life-of-mine production to KGC’s portfolio, adding grades and mine lives.Round Mountain Phase X is projected to add 1.4 million gold equivalent ounces (Au eq. oz.) to the life-of-mine production at Round Mountain. It will further add prospects as the drilling has already disclosed mineralization close to and deeper than the known deposit.The Kettle River mill is being restarted to process high-grade mineralization from the Curlew underground deposit. The project is expected to produce roughly 100,000 gold ounces (Au oz.) per year for the first five full years, with an initial 11-year mine life. It is expected to initiate production in 2028. The Bald Mountain Redbird 2 and five satellite pits are projected to add 643,000 Au oz. of production, with approximately 155,000 Au oz. expected per year, extending mine life to early 2032.Kinross Gold is planning to self-fund three growth projects entirely from operating cash flows, reflecting its disciplined strategy. In 2025, the company repaid $700 million of debt and returned more than $750 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, ending the year with about $1 billion in net cash. With $1.6 billion in available credit (as of Sept. 30, 2025) and no debt maturities until 2033, Kinross is positioned to support growth while strengthening its balance sheet and delivering shareholder value.KGC stock has gained 226.5% over the past year compared with the industry’s 153.8% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchKGC’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksKGC currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Some other top-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Agnico Eagle Mines Limited AEM, Albemarle Corporation ALB and Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. ASM.At present, AEM and ALB sport a Zacks Rank #1 each, while ASM carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEM’s 2025 earnings is pegged at $7.93 per share, indicating a rise of 87.47% year over year. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 11.63%. AEM’s shares have gained 132.3% over the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB’s 2025 earnings is pinned at a loss of $1.10 per share, indicating a 53% year-over-year increase. Its shares have surged 67.3% over the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASM’s 2025 earnings is pinned at 17 cents per share, indicating a 13.33% year-over-year increase. ASM’s shares have gained 540% over the past year.#1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC): Free Stock Analysis Report Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Free Stock Analysis Report Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM): Free Stock Analysis Report Avino Silver (ASM): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks