Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) has appointed Billy Choi as its new chief financial officer, with Choi expected to assume full CFO responsibilities in October 2026 following a transition period. The announcement signals a deliberate strengthening of the company’s financial management team at a critical juncture, as Lahontan pushes forward with permitting for its flagship Santa Fe Mine and aims to restart production in 2027.
Choi brings a wealth of experience in mining finance, most recently serving as vice president of finance at Lithium Royalty Corp. During his tenure there, he was instrumental in the company’s initial public offering, public-company reporting, and financial controls, and he also played a key role in its subsequent acquisition by Altius Minerals. This track record in navigating complex financial transactions and public market requirements is expected to be directly applicable to Lahontan’s own ambitions.
The timing of the appointment is significant. Lahontan is currently advancing the Santa Fe Mine project, a past-producing asset that yielded 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing. The company holds a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant 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 plans to update the Preliminary Economic Assessment and drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025, the addition of a CFO with IPO and M&A experience could enhance Lahontan’s ability to secure financing and manage the financial complexities of transitioning from development to production.
Investors and industry observers may view Choi’s hiring as a signal that Lahontan is preparing for the next phase of growth, which will require rigorous financial oversight and access to capital markets. The company’s objective to restart production by 2027 hinges on successful permitting and project execution, and a seasoned CFO will be central to those efforts. As part of the transition, Choi will work alongside the current financial team before taking full responsibility next year, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover.
For those tracking Lahontan’s progress, the full press release is available at https://nnw.fm/BUdJ8. Additional information about the company can be found on its website at www.lahontangoldcorp.com. The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are also available in the company’s newsroom at http://nnw.fm/LGCXF.
This appointment underscores Lahontan’s commitment to building a robust financial foundation as it seeks to unlock the value of its Nevada properties. With a clear timeline and a strengthened leadership team, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for gold and silver, while managing the risks inherent in mine development. The market will be watching closely to see how Choi’s expertise translates into tangible progress on the path to production.
