SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Vancouver-based Equinox Gold Corp. is set to become one of Canada’s top gold producers in 2026, thanks to its new Valentine mine in central Newfoundland and Labrador. The mine, which poured its first gold bar in September 2025 and reached commercial production in November, could produce up to 200,000 ounces of gold this year.

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Combined with its Greenstone mine in Ontario, expected to yield 250,000 to 300,000 ounces, Equinox Gold could deliver a total of 500,000 ounces from Canadian operations, ranking it among the top two or three producers. Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., with its multiple Canadian operations including the Detour Lake mine, is projected to remain the country’s largest, producing 715,000 ounces in 2026.

Ryan King, executive vice-president for capital markets, noted that heavy snowfall in January slowed operations, but production has picked up in February and is on track to reach design capacity during Q2. Valentine produced over 23,000 ounces in Q4 2025, with 2026 output expected to be weighted toward Q3 and Q4.

Analyst Jeremy Hoy estimates the company’s combined production, including mines in California and Nicaragua, could reach 800,000 ounces this year.