Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Newmont's Ahafo North Gold Pour: A Launchpad for Long-Term Growth?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Key Takeaways

  • Newmont recently achieved the first gold pour at its Ahafo North project in Ghana.
  • Ahafo North is expected to produce up to 325,000 ounces of gold annually over 13 years.
  • The project adds thousands of jobs and strengthens Newmont's Ghana operations.

Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) recently achieved a significant milestone at one of its key growth projects, Ahafo North in Ghana. It recorded the first gold pour at Ahafo North, marking a significant step toward commercial production planned in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The achievement, reflecting years of planning, engineering and construction, follows completion of crucial developmental phases, including ore stockpiling, commissioning of processing circuits, mining support infrastructure, and a tailings storage facility to make it ready for full-fledged operations. The execution was also facilitated by Newmont’s strong world-class portfolio. 

Ahafo North, situated at Afrisipakrom, around 30 kilometers from Newmont’s Ahafo South site, is built on leases acquired from Normandy Mining in 2002. It is expected to produce between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually over an estimated mine life of 13 years. The project has provided about 4,500 contracted jobs and is further expected to create 560 permanent and 1,000 contracted roles, contributing to Ghana’s economy through royalties, taxes, fees and development initiatives.

Ahafo North represents Newmont’s third investment in Ghana and second operational site in the country following the company’s divestment of the Akyem mine in April 2025. Being considered the best unmined gold deposit in the region, it reaffirms long-term growth and value creation for Newmont.

Looking across the competitive landscape, Barrick Mining Corporation (B - Free Report) also remains on track with its slate of high-return growth projects. Barrick’s major gold and copper growth projects, including Goldrush, the Pueblo Viejo plant expansion and mine life extension, Fourmile, Lumwana Super Pit and Reko Diq, are being executed. These projects are advancing on schedule and within budget, laying the groundwork for the next generation of profitable production for Barrick. 

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM - Free Report) is also executing its growth projects that are expected to provide additional growth in production and cash flows. Agnico Eagle is making steady progress with its key value drivers and pipeline projects, including the Odyssey project in the Canadian Malartic Complex, Detour Lake, Hope Bay, Upper Beaver and San Nicolas. Agnico Eagle’s robust liquidity position and cash flows allow it to maintain a strong exploration budget and fund a strong pipeline of growth projects.

The Zacks Rundown for NEM

Shares of Newmont have shot up 128.9% year to date compared to the Zacks Mining – Gold industry’s rise of 124.3%, largely driven by the gold price rally.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, NEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 15.20, a roughly 9.3% discount to the industry average of 16.77X. It carries a Value Score of A.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEM’s 2025 and 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 56.3% and 3.1%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been trending higher over the past 60 days.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NEM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Newmont Corporation (NEM) - free report >>

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) - free report >>

Barrick Mining Corporation (B) - free report >>

Published in