08:20 AM EST, 02/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Vista Gold ( VGZ ) rose 0.7% at last look Wednesday in NYSE American pre-market trading as the company outlined its 2025 strategic outlook for the Mt Todd gold project in Australia.

The company said a feasibility study on the project is progressing, with completion anticipated in mid-2025. The study aims to increase the reserve grade to 1 gram per tonne of gold by applying a higher cut-off grade, while also reducing initial capex by 60% to $400 million.

"Our key strategic focus in 2025 is to complete the Mt Todd feasibility study and leverage the results to deliver value to our shareholders," President and CEO Frederick Earnest said.

Vista said it expects the results of the study to serve as a catalyst to attract investors seeking ready-to-build gold projects. The company also plans to release a new mineral resource estimate as part of the study.

"Momentum continues to build in the gold sector and the capital markets are beginning to recognize the value of advanced-staged gold development projects," Earnest said. "We believe that the lower cost, 15,000 tonne per day development strategy in this feasibility study will attract interest from a broad range of investors seeking ready-to-build gold projects like Mt Todd, ultimately unlocking significant value for our shareholders."