Ewan Downie: Nevada – The #1 Mining District
Tom welcomes Ewan Downie, CEO of I-80 Gold Corp, to the show. Ewan discusses his early background growing up in the resource business and then building two successful companies.
He outlines I-80s current portfolio in Nevada and his focus on finding good assets that can survive lower gold prices. They want to maintain a strong balance sheet that can also perform well during slower periods.
He explains some of the reasons for spinning off new companies and why it can be advantageous.
Ewan outlines their plans for mine construction and exploration in Nevada. There are advantages to being focused in one region. At times the market doesn’t seem to appreciate companies in multiple jurisdictions.
He discusses their ongoing drill program to expand their existing mine life while expanding results for their exploration projects. They are doing a lot of underground drilling and expect further news later in the year.
Ewan has an interest in base metals and their various applications, including green energy. If it’s practical, he would be interested in exposure to base metals since it could diversify the companies portfolio.
Time Stamp References:
0:00 – Introduction
0:30 – Ewan’s Background
2:15 – Business Cycles
3:35 – Being Prudent
5:06 – Spin Out Vehicles
7:48 – Joint Venture
9:56 – Project Phases
12:06 – Covid Impacts
13:14 – Premiere Deal
14:43 – Public Vs. Private
16:11 – Focusing on Nevada
17:35 – Exploration
18:53 – Efficiency & Tech
20:23 – Responsible Mining
22:17 – Base Metals
24:06 – Silver Production
24:42 – Wrap Up
Talking Points From This Episode
Ewan’s background and previous successes.
Exploration and mine development in Nevada.
Responsible Mining and Base Metals
Guest Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/i80GoldCorp
Website: https://www.i80gold.com/
Ewan Downie is Chief Executive Officer and Director of i-80 Gold Corp and is an accomplished company builder and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the mining sector. Mr. Downie served as founder, President & CEO of Premier and Founder, President & CEO of Wolfden Resources Inc. Both companies enjoyed significant value appreciation following inception, resulting in both being acquired with spinout vehicles to benefit shareholders.
In his extensive career, Mr. Downie has participated in several gold and base metal discoveries. He has been awarded accolades to reflect this success, including the 2003 recipient of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Bill Dennis Prospector of The Year, and several Exploration and Development acknowledgments from the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association.