Equinox Gold has secured federal approval to build the South Railroad Project in Nevada, clearing the primary regulatory hurdle for its next major mine development. The US Bureau of Land Management issued a positive Record of Decision for the site on August 17, 2026, finalising the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process and opening the door for construction activity to begin.
The South Railroad Project is located along Nevada’s prolific Carlin Trend, one of the most productive gold-bearing geological formations in the world. Following the federal approval, Equinox commenced early construction works and earth-moving activities at the property.
Federal Approval Clears South Railroad Development
The Record of Decision represents a significant regulatory milestone for the South Railroad Project. With the NEPA permitting process now complete, the Nevada gold mine can advance through the remaining stages of development without the uncertainty that typically surrounds federal permitting for large-scale mining operations.
Equinox President Jason Simpson said in the company’s release, “Receiving the Record of Decision is a major milestone for the South Railroad project and advances our next phase of growth.” He added, “The incremental production from South Railroad will be the first meaningful contributor towards our objective of adding 800,000 ounces of annual gold production from our organic development pipeline.”
Detailed engineering for the South Railroad Project currently sits at 55.2 per cent completion, with work continuing as the mine development progresses through its pre-production phases.
Early Construction Begins in Nevada
With the federal approval secured, early construction and earth-moving activities are now under way at the South Railroad site. Mining equipment is expected to begin arriving by the end of 2026, positioning the operation for the next stages of mine development.
Equinox Gold is targeting the start of mining activities at the Nevada gold mine in spring 2027. The timeline reflects a steady progression from permitting through to active operations, with key milestones expected to fall into place over the coming months.
South Railroad Targets First Gold in 2028
The South Railroad Project is planned as an open-pit heap-leach mining operation, a method well suited to the geological characteristics of the Carlin Trend. Based on a 2026 feasibility study, the mine is expected to yield an average of 130,000 ounces of gold annually over its first five years of production.
Across the initial 10-year mine life, output is planned to exceed 100,000 ounces of gold per year. First gold production is targeted for 2028.
The federal approval marks a key step in the South Railroad Project’s progression from an advanced development asset to an operating mine, reinforcing Equinox Gold’s position within the Nevada mining landscape.