IAMGOLD Charts Ambitious Future for Côté Gold, Focused on Growth and Innovation Despite Market Fluctuations IAMGOLD's Côté Gold mine, located near Gogama, is prioritizing long-term growth and the integration of new technologies, regardless of current gold price volatility. The company is advancing plans to incorporate the nearby Gosselin deposit, potentially extending the mine's operational life well into the next decade. Automation and sustainability are key pillars of their strategy. Growth and innovation remain the central objectives for IAMGOLD at its Côté Gold mine in the Gogama area, with leadership emphasizing that these strategic aims are independent of fluctuating gold prices. Speaking at the Timmins Chamber’s State of Mining event on April 15, IAMGOLD CEO Renaud Adams highlighted that while the current favorable gold price might expedite the company's expected growth trajectory at the Côté Gold site, the fundamental work and expansion plans will proceed regardless. Adams remarked that the current market conditions are enabling a slight acceleration in development, providing an opportunity to allocate a portion of net profits towards future investments. He stressed that this forward momentum is an unstoppable force, essential for realizing the company's long-term vision and operational sustainability. The Côté Gold site, which commenced construction in 2019, achieved its inaugural gold pour in 2024. By the final quarter of 2025, the operation is projected to reach a significant production milestone, producing between 350,000 and 400,000 ounces of gold per day. Looking beyond this immediate production target, IAMGOLD is actively exploring opportunities to expand its operational footprint. Exploratory drilling has been conducted at the nearby Gosselin deposit, a key initiative aimed at understanding how this prospective site can be integrated with the existing Côté mine. Colin Pegues, Côté Gold’s vice president and general manager, explained that the data gathered from this drilling is now undergoing comprehensive assessments, studies, and economic evaluations throughout the current year. The objective is to be in a position to announce a concrete timeline for the Gosselin integration by the end of this year or early next year. Pegues indicated that the preliminary goal for infrastructure development related to the mill expansion and preparatory work at the Gosselin pit extends into the year 2030. The Gosselin deposit is strategically situated between 1.5 and 3 kilometers northeast of the current Côté mine, which itself is located approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Gogama. A crucial aspect of the integration plan involves leveraging shared processing and tailings infrastructure between the two sites. This synergy is expected to optimize operational efficiency and environmental management. Pegues outlined a potential operational sequencing where the Côté site would be depleted while the Gosselin site ramps up production. This phased approach would allow for the eventual repurposing of the Côté pit to store tailings from the Gosselin operations, presenting an innovative solution for waste management and mine closure. From its inception, the Côté Gold site has been designed with a high degree of automation, and Adams affirmed that the company’s commitment to exploring and implementing emerging technologies will continue as they evolve. He noted that there are still significant unexplored opportunities related to advanced automation, which could further enhance safety and productivity. Adams also emphasized the paramount importance of safety, the human element in operations, and the responsible management of water resources and biodiversity, particularly in the early stages of development and as new technologies are introduced. The current elevated gold prices have undoubtedly facilitated a more rapid pace of growth and the accelerated development of these cutting-edge technologies. As of the present, gold is trading within a range of $4,795 to $4,836 USD per ounce, a notable increase from approximately $3,000 USD per ounce a year ago. However, even in scenarios where the gold price experiences a downturn, Pegues reiterated that the planned growth and development initiatives at Côté Gold are designed to be resilient. Adams concurred, stating that the continued integration and optimization of the Côté and Gosselin sites is a matter of time, with the enhanced efficiency and economic viability ensuring its progression regardless of short-term market fluctuations. The company's focus on innovation extends to exploring novel mineral processing techniques and refining operational efficiencies to maximize resource recovery and minimize environmental impact, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for its mining operations in the region