Vista Gold

DENVER, Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that the Company has entered into an amendment to the net smelter return ("NSR") royalty agreement between Vista and PT Masmindo DWI Area ("PT Masmindo") dated December 11, 2013 (the "Amending Agreement), pursuant to which Vista granted PT Masmindo the right to cancel the NSR royalty held by Vista on the Awak Mas gold project in Indonesia ("Awak Mas").

Pursuant to the terms of the Amending Agreement:

• Nusantara Resources Limited ("Nusantara"), an indirect shareholder of PT Masmindo, issued to Vista 666,667 ordinary shares in the capital of Nusantara and paid $100,000 to Vista;
• PT Masmindo has the right to cancel 50% of the royalty (which represents a 1.0% NSR royalty on the first 1,250,000 ounces of gold and 1.25% NSR royalty on the next 1,250,000 ounces of gold produced from Awak Mas) by giving notice and paying $2.4 million to Vista prior to April 30, 2020; and
• If PT Masmindo executes its right to cancel 50% of the royalty, as described above, it then has the right to cancel the remaining 50% of the royalty (representing the remaining 1.0% NSR royalty on the first 1,250,000 ounces of gold and 1.25% NSR royalty on the next 1,250,000 ounces of gold produced from Awak Mas) by giving notice and paying $2.5 million to Vista prior to April 30, 2021.

Frederick H. Earnest, Vista's President and CEO, commented, "We are pleased with Nusantara's efforts to advance the Awak Mas project.  As reported by Nusantara in their October 4, 2018 Australian Securities Exchange announcement, the Awak Mas project presently contemplates production of nearly 1.1 million ounces over the 11.25-year life of the project.   A normal development cycle suggests that commencement of production is likely to be at least three years in the future. This Amending Agreement provides Vista with an excellent opportunity to monetize its NSR royalty on Awak Mas in the near term and still maintain longer term exposure to potential upside through the Nusantara ordinary shares."

Awak Mas is not a material property to Vista. References to Awak Mas production and life of the project are based on Nusantara's foreign non-National Instrument 43-101 compliant report.

All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our expectation that the NSR royalty will be monetized in the near term by PT Masmindo exercising its right to cancel the NSR; the production forecast and life of the project estimates of the Awak Mas project; our expectation that commencement of production at Awak Mas is likely to be at least three years in the future; and our expectation that there is potential upside over the longer term through the Nusantara ordinary shares are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: our review and reliance on the production forecast and life of the project estimates of the Awak Mas project; our approved business plans; our experience with regulators; and our assumptions that the general economic and market conditions will be maintained. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT on October 24, 2019. The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, together with other applicable disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on October 23, 2019 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. 

Third Quarter Highlights and Recent Developments

• Positive results of the updated October 2019 preliminary feasibility study (the "2019 PFS") for the Mt Todd gold project ("Mt Todd" or the "Project") with improved after-tax net present value at a 5% discount rate ("NPV_5%") of $823 million and internal rate of return ("IRR") of 23.4% at a price of $1,350 per ounce of gold and a $0.70=A$1.00 exchange rate;
• 2019 PFS after-tax NPV_5% of $1.15 billion and IRR of 30.3% at a price of $1,500 per ounce of gold and a $0.68=A$1.00 exchange rate;
• Metallurgical optimization program demonstrated life-of-mine gold recovery of 91.9% and total recovered gold of 5.3 million ounces; and
• Received the third $1.5 million option payment from Prime Mining Corp. for the Company's Guadalupe de los Reyes gold / silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico ("Los Reyes").

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Frederick H. Earnest commented, "Completing the 2019 PFS was a significant achievement in further advancing and de-risking Mt Todd. With average life-of-mine gold recoveries of 91.9%, NPV_5% of $823 million, an IRR of 23.4% at a $1,350 per ounce gold price and a $0.70=A$1.00 exchange rate, and all major environmental approvals in place, we believe Mt Todd is a superior asset located in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction. In addition, we believe the independent benchmarking study provides greater confidence to the capital and operating cost estimates in the technical report. These studies provide a solid foundation to further advance the Project and demonstrate that Mt Todd is poised to become a major Australian gold producer. We intend to continue to de-risk Mt Todd in a cost-effective manner while seeking to secure a development partner. The 2019 PFS provides a solid basis for engagement with prospective development partners that recognize the value of Mt Todd.

"We continue to effectively manage our working capital to best improve the value of Mt Todd. We believe our working capital will be sufficient to fully fund our currently planned corporate and project holding costs and discretionary programs for more than 12 months. Vista has other potential future sources of non-dilutive financing that may be converted to additional working capital. These sources include the sale of non-core assets such as our used mill equipment, future option payments for Los Reyes, and monetization of royalty interests held by the Company. We plan to increase our focus on monetizing these other sources of working capital."

Summary of Q3 2019 Financial Results

Vista reported a net loss of $2.5 million, or $0.02 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019. The loss is comprised of $2.3 million of operating expenses and a $0.2 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp. Operating expenses for the quarter include costs related to the 2019 PFS.

Working capital at September 30, 2019 was $7.2 million, including cash and short-term investments of $4.5 million. The Company has no debt.

Mt Todd Update

2019 PFS

In September 2019, we announced the results of the 2019 PFS for the Project and in October 2019 we filed a technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia" with an effective date of September 10, 2019 and an issue date of October 7, 2019.  The 2019 PFS was based on the results of metallurgical testing, a comprehensive review of the Project and the re-design of elements of the process flow sheet, and most importantly, grinding circuit design changes. Key inputs that changed in the 2019 PFS include higher gold recoveries due to the finer grind size, a higher gold price, and improved foreign exchange rates.

These process improvement efforts resulted in revised estimates that reflect reduced estimated operating costs, increased projected gold recovery and higher gold production forecasts. In addition, we updated revenue, capital, and operating costs based on current market conditions and recent quotes from suppliers.

Vista retained GR Engineering Services of Perth, Australia to undertake an independent benchmarking study to assess the appropriateness of capital and operating cost estimates, construction and ramp-up schedules, owner's costs and key components of the Project, such as power supply.

Metallurgical Optimization Program

Vista's latest metallurgical test programs have confirmed: (1) the efficiency of ore sorting across a broad range of head grades and the natural concentration of gold in the screen undersize material prior to sorting; (2) the effectiveness of fine grinding and improved gold leach recoveries at an 80% passing grind size of 40 microns ("µm"); and (3) the selection of FLSmidth's VXP mill as the preferred fine-grinding mill.

Vista initiated a metallurgical optimization program (the "Program") following the issuance of its 2018 preliminary feasibility study ("2018 PFS"). The objective of the Program was to determine overall gold recoveries at finer grind sizes and evaluate the efficiency of the FLSmidth VXP mills as opposed to the Glencore ISA mills, which were contemplated in the 2018 PFS. As a result of this test work and related leach recovery tests, a final grind size of 80% passing 40µm was selected. The Program was completed during the third quarter of this year. The outcomes of the metallurgical testing and other findings were incorporated into the 2019 PFS.

In August 2019, the Company announced the results of the 2019 fine-grinding tests completed on samples of various grade ranges. These tests confirm that the Mt Todd ore can be efficiently ground to a finer final product size with lower power consumption in the grinding circuit than estimated in the 2018 PFS. Leaching the 40µm size material resulted in higher life-of-mine recoveries of 91.9% compared to 86.4% in the 2018 PFS, and an estimated increase in total gold produced over the life of the mine of approximately 349,000 ounces. It also proved that at the 40µm target grind size, the tail grade is nearly constant within specific grade ranges. 

Project Mineral Reserves

The 2019 PFS estimated total recovered gold at 5.3 million ounces. The table below presents the estimated mineral reserves for the Project. 

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for October 24, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Participant Toll Free: 844-898-8648
Participant International:  647-689-4225
Conference ID:  1866315

This call will also be webcast and can be accessed at the following web location: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=2116870&s=1&k=E81C5C34A6233FBE5019BA517017F58D

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com beginning October 24, 2019. An audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 855-859-2056.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars, unless specified otherwise.

Technical Report on Mt Todd

For further information on the Project and the 2019 PFS, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia", with an effective date of September 10, 2019 and an issue date of October 7, 2019, which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR, as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

John Rozelle, Vista's Sr. Vice President, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the information in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia. For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our reserve estimates, projected NPV_5%, IRR and total gold recovery at Mt Todd; Mt. Todd being poised to be a major Australian gold producer, the Company's future advancement of the Project, the Company continuing to de-risk Mt Todd in a cost-effective manner while seeking to secure a development partner for the Project, management being able to obtain appropriate reward for the Company's shareholders, the Company continuing to effectively manage its working capital and seeking to use the sale of non-core assets such as the Company's used mill equipment, future option payments for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project, and monetization of royalty interests held by the Company to fund future working capital needs, process improvements at the Project being substantially realized in actual production our belief that process improvement efforts will result in reduced estimated operating costs, increased gold recovery and higher gold production at Mt Todd; our forecasts of revenue, capital, and operating costs; our belief that the Mt Todd ore can be efficiently ground to a finer final product size with lower power consumption in the grinding circuit than estimated in the 2018 PFS; that leaching the 40µm size material will result in higher life-of-mine recoveries of 91.9% compared to 86.4% in the 2018 PFS, and an increase in total gold produced over the life of the mine; our belief that at the 40µm target grind size, the tail grade is nearly constant within specific grade ranges; and our belief that Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven Reserves", "Probable Reserves" and "Proven & Probable Reserves".  Reserve estimates contained in this press release are made pursuant to NI 43-101 standards in Canada and do not represent reserves under the standards of the SEC's Industry Guide 7  and may not constitute reserves under the SEC's newly adopted disclosure rules to modernize mineral property disclosure requirements, which became effective February 25, 2019 and will be applicable to the Company in its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021.  Under the currently applicable SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced receipt of the third $1.5 million option payment from Prime Mining Corp. ("Prime Mining") for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold / silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico ("Los Reyes").  

Prime Mining assumed the Los Reyes option agreement from Minera Alamos Inc. ("Minera Alamos") in June 2019, giving Prime Mining an exclusive option to earn a 100% interest in Los Reyes. Completing the earn-in under the option agreement requires, among other things, Prime Mining making payments totaling $6.0 million comprised of four payments of $1.5 million, the first three of which have now been completed. A final $1.5 million payment is to be made on or before October 23, 2021.

Payments made to Vista by Minera Alamos prior to the assignment of the option agreement to Prime Mining are credited toward Prime Mining's earn-in. To date, the Company has received $4.7 million from Minera Alamos and Prime Mining, $4.5 million for Los Reyes option payments and $0.2 million for deferral fees and interest, all of which is non-refundable.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased with Prime Mining's progress since acquiring the Los Reyes option in June 2019. Prime Mining successfully completed a C$8.7 million financing, assembled an experienced management team, and most recently started a trenching and road cut sampling program at Los Reyes. We wish them success and look forward to seeing exploration results in the near future."

Once Prime Mining completes the earn-in to Los Reyes, Vista retains a capped net smelter royalty ("NSR") on production from open pit mining and a perpetual NSR on production from underground mining. In addition, Vista has the right to relinquish its underground NSR and assume a 49% non-carried interest in an underground mining project if Prime Mining decides to proceed.

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise specified.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our expectation that Prime Mining will make the final option payment to Vista not later than October 23, 2021 and complete the earn-in to Los Reyes; and that Prime Mining will produce exploration results on Los Reyes in the near future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: our discussions with Minera Alamos, our reliance that Minera Alamos will be able to raise funds to finance its business plans; our approved business plans, exploration and assay results, results of our test work for process area improvements, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, prefeasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Oct. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) today announced that it has completed and filed the National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") preliminary feasibility study (the "PFS") for its Mt Todd gold project ("Mt Todd" or the "Project") in Northern Territory, Australia to support the results of its updated preliminary feasibility study announced on September 10, 2019. The PFS successfully confirmed the efficiency of ore sorting across a broad range of head grades, the natural concentration of gold in the screen undersize material prior to sorting, the efficiency of fine grinding and the resulting improved gold recoveries, and the selection of FLSmidth's VXP mill as the preferred fine grinding mill.

The PFS provides an assessment of the Project at a gold price of US$1,350 per troy ounce with a foreign exchange rate of US$0.70 per Australian dollar. The base case for the PFS evaluates a 50,000 tonne per day ("tpd") owner-operated, open-pit operation with a conventional three-stage crush and two-stage grind comminution circuit followed by a carbon-in-pulp gold recovery circuit. The results of an alternate case designed to mine and process 33,000 tpd are also included in the PFS. Additionally, the PFS incorporates the results of metallurgical optimization work, a redesign of the fine grinding circuit, construction and ramp-up schedule changes and a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Project, including consideration of an independent benchmarking study of key PFS parameters. For further information on the results of the PFS and the Project, see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia," dated October 7, 2019, with an effective date of September 10, 2019, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, EDGAR at www.sec.gov, as well as on Vista's website under "Mt Todd – Technical Reports."

Vista's President and CEO, Frederick H. Earnest, commented, "We are pleased with the results of the PFS, which reflect improved average life of mine gold recoveries to 91.9%, net present value at a 5% discount rate ("NPV_5%") of $823 million and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 23.4%, all at a conservative gold price and foreign exchange rate. We believe that Mt Todd has been de-risked through intensive, multi-year studies and application of proven technologies. All major environmental approvals have been received. We believe that Mt Todd is an exceptional asset with a NPV_5% of US$1.15 billion and an IRR of 30.2% at the current gold price and foreign exchange rate. We do not believe that the debt and dilution to build Mt Todd on a stand-alone basis is in the best interest of our shareholders. Looking ahead, we are focused on identifying prospective development partners that we believe will recognize the value of Mt Todd, allowing us to provide what we view as appropriate reward for Vista shareholders. We are focused on creating shareholder value, and if needed we are prepared to preserve the value of Mt Todd until an appropriate strategic transaction can be completed that will reward our shareholders."

John Rozelle, Vista's Sr. Vice President, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has approved the information in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is the largest known undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

For more information about our projects, including technical studies and mineral resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's continued work on the Project; projected project economics, including anticipated production, average cash costs, before and after-tax NPV_5%, IRR, capital requirements and expenditures, gold recovery after-tax payback, operating costs, average tonne per day milling, mining methods procedures, estimated gold recovery, project design, and life of mine; that Mt Todd has been de-risked through intensive, multi-year studies and application of proven technologies; Vista's belief that the debt and dilution to build Mt Todd on a stand-alone basis is not in the best interest of its shareholders; Vista's focus on identifying prospective development partners that it believes will recognize the value of Mt Todd; Vista's intention to preserve the value of Mt Todd until an appropriate strategic transaction can be completed that will reward our shareholders and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: the accuracy of the results of the PFS, mineral resource and reserve estimates, and exploration and assay results; the terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan; the anticipated timing and completion of a feasibility study on the Project; the anticipated receipt of required permits; no change in laws that materially impact mining development or operations of a mining business; the potential occurrence and timing of a production decision; the anticipated gold production at the Project; the life of any mine at the Project; and all economic projections relating to the Project, including estimated cash cost, NPV_5%, IRR, and initial capital requirements. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of mineral resource estimates, estimates of results based on such mineral resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven reserves" and "Probable reserves". Reserve estimates contained in this press release are made pursuant to NI 43-101 standards in Canada and do not represent reserves under the standards of the SEC's Industry Guide 7 and may not constitute reserves under the SEC's newly adopted disclosure rules to modernize mineral property disclosure requirements, which became effective February 25, 2019 and will be applicable to the Company in its annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Under the currently applicable SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. Additionally, this press release uses the terms "Measured resources", "Indicated resources", and "Measured & Indicated resources". We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources described in this press release have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. The term "contained gold ounces" used in this press release is not permitted under the rules of the SEC. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that any or all part of an Inferred resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Sept. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) today announced the positive results of an updated preliminary feasibility study (the "PFS") for its Mt Todd gold project ("Mt Todd" or the "Project") in Northern Territory, Australia.  The PFS is based on the results of metallurgical optimization test work, a redesign of the fine grinding circuit, construction and ramp-up schedule changes and a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Project, including an independent benchmarking study of key PFS parameters. The process improvements have resulted in improved projected gold recovery and increased estimated gold production at Mt Todd. All dollar amounts stated herein are in United States currency and are expressed as $ unless specified otherwise. References to A$ are to Australian dollars.

Highlights of the PFS for a 50,000 tonne per day ("tpd") project include:

• After-tax NPV_5% of $823 million and IRR of 23.4% at a $1,350 per ounce gold price and a $0.70=A$1.00 exchange rate (the "Base Case");
• After-tax NPV_5% of $1.15 billion and IRR of 30.3% at current prices and exchange rates ($1,500 per ounce gold and $0.685=A$1.00 exchange rate);
• Unchanged proven and probable mineral reserves estimated to be 5.85 million ounces of gold (221.0 million tonnes at 0.82 grams of gold per tonne ("g Au/t")) at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g Au/t⁽¹⁾;
• Improved estimated annual production of 413,400 ounces of gold per year over the life of the Project, including estimated average annual production of 495,100 ounces of gold per year during the first five years of commercial operations;
• Life of mine projected average cash costs of $645 per ounce, including projected average cash costs of $575 per ounce during the first five years of commercial operations (life of mine average all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of $746 per ounce, including average AISC of $688 per ounce during the first five years of commercial operations);
• A projected 13-year mine life; and
• Estimated initial capital requirements of $826 million.

(1)  See "Cautionary Note to United States Investors" below.

Vista's President and CEO, Frederick H. Earnest, commented, "We believe the PFS has substantially de-risked Mt Todd. The metallurgical programs and process area design changes completed by Vista over the past months have confirmed our belief that Mt Todd can achieve excellent anticipated gold recoveries within an attractive operating cost profile. This work, combined with an independent review of capital and operating costs and development schedules, underpin our confidence that Mt Todd will become a major Australian gold producing project and provide a solid foundation to further advance the Project."

Mr. Earnest continued, "Vista's management believes the PFS reflects significant value creation through Vista's optimization and development work.  We believe project economics are strong at assumed long-term gold prices and quite compelling at today's market conditions. However, we do not believe Vista should develop Mt Todd on its own.  The PFS gives us a solid basis for conversations with prospective development partners who we believe will recognize the value of Mt Todd and provide appropriate reward for Vista shareholders. To preserve the value of Mt Todd, we are prepared to hold the project until a time when the value of the Project appropriately rewards shareholders."  

The PFS was authored by Tetra Tech Inc. ("Tetra Tech") with Mine Development Associates, Resource Development Inc., Proteus EPCM Engineers (a Tetra Tech Company, "Tetra Tech Proteus"), JDS Energy & Mining, Inc., and POWER Engineers, Inc.

Vista's senior management team is attending the Precious Metals Summit from September 10 to 13, 2019 in Beaver Creek, CO and the Denver Gold Forum from September 16 to 18, 2019 in Denver, CO, and will be available to discuss these results at both conferences. A conference call and webcast to discuss highlights of the PFS will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. MDT.  Call-in details are located at the end of this release. 

Rex Bryan, Ph.D., Amy Hudson, Ph.D., April Hussey, P.E., Chris Johns, P.Eng., Guy Roemer, P.E., Vicki Scharnhorst, P.E., Erik Spiller and Keith Thompson on behalf of Tetra Tech, Thomas Dyer on behalf of Mine Development Associates, Dr. Deepak Malhotra on behalf of Resource Development Inc., Zvon Ponos on behalf of Tetra Tech Proteus, Jessica Monasterio, P.E. on behalf of JDS Energy & Mining, Inc., each an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), prepared or supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein and have reviewed this press release and consented to its release.  Dr. Deepak Malhotra has verified the metallurgical testing program and data in respect of the process improvements.  For additional information on data verification, quality assurance and control, key assumptions and other matters relating to the Project, see Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml on February 25, 2019.

Overview                                                                                                                                                        

An overview of the PFS is presented in the table below. 

Sensitivity Analysis

The following table provides additional details of the Project's after-tax economics at variable gold prices and exchange rate assumptions.

Capital Costs

Key capital expenditures for initial and sustaining capital requirements are identified in the following table. 

Operating Costs

Mining and Production

The mine plan contemplates that 221.0 million tonnes of ore containing an estimated 5.85 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.82 g Au/t to be processed over the 13-year operating life of the Project.  Total recovered gold is expected to be 5.3 million ounces.  Average annual gold production over the life of the Project is expected to be 413,400 ounces, averaging 495,100 ounces during the first five years of commercial operations, with 608,600 ounces produced in the first year of commercial operation. Commercial production is anticipated to begin after two years of construction and six months of commissioning and ramp-up.

The table below highlights the PFS production schedule.

Project Mineral Resources and Reserves

The table below presents the estimated mineral resources and reserves for the Project.  The effective date of the Batman and Quigleys deposits mineral resource estimates is January 24, 2018.  The effective date of the heap leach mineral resource estimate is July 9, 2014. 

Project Description

Gold mineralization in the Batman Deposit at the Project occurs in sheeted veins within silicified greywackes/shales/siltstones.  The Batman deposit strikes north-northeast and dips steeply to the east.  Higher grade zones of the deposit plunge to the south.  The core zone is approximately 200-250 meters wide and 1.5 kilometers long, with several hanging wall structures providing additional width to the deposit.  Mineralization is open at depth as well as along strike, although the intensity of mineralization weakens to the north and south along strike.

The Project is designed to be a conventional, owner-operated, open-pit mining operation that will utilize large-scale mining equipment in a drill/blast/load/haul operation.  Ore is planned to be processed in a comminution circuit consisting of a gyratory crusher, two cone crushers, two high pressure grinding roll crushers, and primary grinding by two ball mills and secondary grinding by 10 FLSmidth VXP mills.  Vista plans to recover gold in a conventional carbon-in-pulp recovery circuit.

Metallurgy, Processing and Infrastructure

Vista has completed extensive metallurgic test work that was announced in press releases dated August 2, 2018, January 9, 2019, April 8, 2019, May 29, 2019, and August 13, 2019. 

Vista's recent metallurgic test programs confirmed: (1) the efficiency of ore sorting across a broad range of head grades and the natural concentration of gold in the screen undersize material prior to sorting; (2) the efficiency of fine grinding and improved gold leach recoveries at an 80% passing grind size of 40 microns; and (3) the selection of FLSmidth VXP mill as the preferred fine-grinding mill.

Benchmarking

Vista retained GR Engineering Services of Perth, Australia to undertake a benchmarking study to assess the appropriateness of capital and operating cost estimates, construction and ramp-up schedules, owner's costs and key components of the Project, such as power supply.  Vista has given thorough consideration to this study, resulting in important changes to the costs and schedule of the Project.

Opportunities for Adding Value

In addition to the mineral reserves at the Batman Deposit, we estimate measured and indicated resources of 1.7 million ounces gold (70.2 million tonnes at 0.77 g Au/t) and inferred resources of 1.4 million ounces gold (61.3 million tonnes at 0.72 g Au/t). A portion of the inferred resources are contained within the existing pit design and are currently included in the mine plan as waste material. Additional resources are predominantly at depth and lateral along strike. Potential to convert part of the mineral resources to reserves represents an opportunity to improve existing LOM economics and extend mine life.

The Company also has known mineral resources at the Quigleys Deposit, which is close to the planned processing plant. The estimated grade of the Quigleys Deposit is higher than the estimated average grade of the Batman Deposit and could provide a source of higher-grade feed in the mid years of the Project when higher stripping is encountered and the average grade of feed to the plant is expected to decrease. Additional drilling and metallurgical testing are required to develop mine plans and ultimately convert part of the Quigleys resource to proven or probable reserves.

Growth through exploration represents additional opportunity to add value at Mt Todd. Both the Batman Deposit and Quigleys Deposit remain open. In addition, Vista controls over 1,100 sq. km of contiguous exploration licenses at the southeast end of the Pine Creek Mining District. Various gold targets have been identified through early-stage, grass roots exploration programs along the Cullen-Australis and Batman-Driffield structural corridors, the latter of which is the host to the Batman Deposit. To-date, Vista's exploration efforts have primarily focused on the Batman Deposit.

The PFS uses a natural gas price derived from east coast gas pricing.  The Company believes that there would be a significant opportunity to achieve a lower gas price upon commitment to a long-term gas delivery contract. This belief is in part based on local expectations of significantly increased gas reserves in the Beetaloo Basin south of the Mt Todd project. The Company is also considering additional optimization of the power plant.

Conference Call Details

A conference call and webcast to discuss highlights of the PFS will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. MDT.

Toll-free in North America: 844-898-8648
International: 647-689-4225
Confirmation Code:  2416449
This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location:

http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=2087023&s=1&k=D1D1D87054C6B0E6EBDA948F2FB3BC32

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after September 19, 2019.  Audio replay will be available for 14 days by calling toll-free in North America: 855-859-2056.

Detailed Report

An NI 43-101 compliant technical report will be filed on SEDAR and EDGAR within 45 days of the date hereof and will be available on our website at that time.  As part of the sensitivity analysis of the Project, Vista intends to complete and present the results of an alternate 33,000 tpd project as part of the technical report.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest known undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

For more information about our projects, including technical studies and mineral resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Vista expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's continued work on the Mt Todd gold project; that process improvements will result in lower operating costs, reduced power consumption, increased gold recovery and higher gold production; estimates of mineral reserves and resources; projected project economics, including anticipated production, average cash costs, before and after-tax NPV, IRR, capital requirements and expenditures, gold recovery after-tax payback, operating costs, average tonne per day milling, mining methods procedures, estimated gold recovery, project design, and life of mine; that the Project is an advanced stage development project; average annual production overtime; commencement of commercial production; timing for construction and commissioning; exploration of new deposits at Mt Todd and the surrounding exploration areas; size of final product through the high pressure grinding roll crusher; potential costs or savings related to gas price; ability to convert Quigleys estimated mineral resources to proven or probable mineral reserves; grade of minerals at the Quigleys deposit; ability to add higher grade feed from the Quigleys deposit to the Project in its mid years; timing for and completion of the NI 43-101 technical report for the PFS; and other such matters are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: the accuracy of the results of the PFS, mineral resource and reserve estimates, and exploration and assay results; the terms and conditions of our agreements with contractors and our approved business plan; the anticipated timing and completion of a feasibility study on the Project; the anticipated receipt of required permits; no change in laws that materially impact mining development or operations of a mining business; the potential occurrence and timing of a production decision; the anticipated gold production at the Project; the life of any mine at the Project; all economic projections relating to the Project, including estimated cash cost, NPV, IRR, and initial capital requirements; and Vista's goal of becoming a gold producer.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Vista to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of mineral resource estimates, estimates of results based on such mineral resource estimates; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs;  risks related to the timing and the ability to obtain the necessary permits, risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on Vista's operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Vista's Annual Report Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although Vista has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, Vista assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. This press release uses the terms "Proven reserves" and "Probable reserves".  Reserve estimates contained in this press release are made pursuant to NI 43-101 standards in Canada and do not represent reserves under the standards of the SEC's Industry Guide 7  and may not constitute reserves under the SEC's newly adopted disclosure rules to modernize mineral property disclosure requirements, which became effective February 25, 2019 and will be applicable to the Company in its annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.  Under the currently applicable SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and all necessary permits and government approvals must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority.  Additionally, this press release uses the terms "Measured resources", "Indicated resources", and "Measured & Indicated resources".  We advise U.S. investors that while these terms are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101, such terms are not recognized under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC.  Mineral resources described in this press release have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade, without reference to unit measures. The term "contained gold ounces" used in this press release is not permitted under the rules of the SEC.  "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that any or all part of an Inferred resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 reserves.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Aug. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced the completion of its metallurgical testing program and reported final leach test results for its Mt Todd gold project located in Northern Territory, Australia.

Results of this comprehensive metallurgical program are based on testing completed on 71 samples of material from the Batman deposit, representing various head grades and a wide range of grind sizes. Results confirm:

• Average gold recoveries are in the low-90% range, compared to 86.4% in the Preliminary Feasibility Study dated effective January 24, 2018 (as defined below);
• Grinding to 80% passing (P80) 40 microns results in higher gold recoveries across all grade ranges; and
• Additional higher gold recoveries correlate to higher grade feed material.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased with the results of the comprehensive metallurgical testing program. The average gold recoveries at a finer grind size continue to reflect the predictable nature of the deposit observed in previous programs. We expect these results to positively impact the economics of the Mt Todd gold project. Our analysis indicates that each 1% improvement in gold recovery results in approximately a 0.6% increase in IRR and a US$27 million increase in the NPV_5%. In addition to the improvement in gold recovery, this metallurgical program provides us with the engineering information to make modest changes in the process flowsheet to reflect the finer grind size. We are now focused on completing an updated preliminary feasibility study that will also incorporate current equipment prices, consumable supply costs, and foreign exchange rates. We have hired an independent engineering firm to complete a benchmarking study for our internal use in the review of the preliminary feasibility study results due to be announced later this quarter."

Metallurgical Testing Program Description and Results

The metallurgical testing program was conducted on bulk samples from the Batman deposit with gold grades in the following ranges: greater than 1.5 grams gold per tonne ("g Au/t"), 1.0 to 1.5 g Au/t, 0.8 to 1.0 g Au/t, 0.6 to 0.8 g Au/t, 0.4 to 0.6 g Au/t, and less than 0.4 g Au/t (lower than cut-off grade). All samples were HPGR crushed, screened and sorted at testing facilities in Germany. Subsequently, they were shipped to Denver, Colorado where samples were prepared by Resource Development Inc. ("RDi"). Fine grinding tests were completed at FLSmidth in Salt Lake City, Core Metallurgical Labs in Perth, and SGS Laboratories near Toronto. Fine grinding was completed to simulate results from VXP mills and IsaMills. In addition to providing samples for subsequent leach testing, these tests provided engineering information to support the preparation of an updated preliminary feasibility study. Standard leach tests reflective of the proposed Mt Todd process flowsheet were completed at RDi with assays completed by Florin Analytical Services in Reno.

The following tables summarize the leach test results of 71 samples:

Qualified Person

Deepak Malhotra, on behalf of Resource Development Inc., an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein and has reviewed this press release and consented to its release. 

For further information on the Mt Todd Gold Project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia," dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018 (the "Preliminary Feasibility Study"), which is available on SEDAR as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that recoveries in the low 90% range may be achieved for the Mt Todd gold project; our belief that the testing results show higher recoveries at finer grind sizes; timing and completion of an updated preliminary feasibility study incorporating the results of the completed metallurgical testing program; and that actual results will be consistent with test work results are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: test results are indicative of actual results, no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, July 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MDT on August 6, 2019. The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, together with other applicable disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on July 31, 2019 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. 

Second Quarter Highlights

• Latest test results continue to demonstrate average gold recoveries in the low-90% range;
• Commenced update to preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") on Vista's Mt Todd gold project, anticipated for completion in the third quarter; and
• Maintained solid working capital.

Summary of Q2 2019 Financial Results

Vista reported a net loss of $3.0 million, or $0.03 per share, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019. The loss is comprised of $2.0 million of operating expenses and a $1.1 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp., offset by other income of $0.1 million.

Working capital at June 30, 2019 was $9.6 million, including cash and short-term investments (comprised of government securities) of $6.3 million. The Company has no debt.

Mt Todd Update

Metallurgical test work at Vista's Mt Todd gold project continued throughout the second quarter. Initial leach test results on material from the Batman deposit with an 80% passing ("P80") grind size of approximately 50 microns achieved average gold recoveries of 92.7%, a six percentage point improvement from the average gold recoveries reported in the January 2018 prefeasibility study. Additional leach test work is nearing completion and final results are expected in the coming weeks.

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Frederick H. Earnest commented, "As we come to the conclusion of the comprehensive metallurgical optimization program, we are encouraged by the intermediate results that continue to support recoveries in the low-90% range. While this testing program has continued, we have advanced work on an updated PFS to incorporate the improved gold recoveries and associated design changes. We have retained independent consultants to review the fine grinding circuit and complete an independent benchmarking study of our capital and operating costs, pre-production and ramp-up schedules, and staffing requirements. We believe these studies in tandem with the updated PFS will provide greater confidence in the economics of the project. As we move forward, we continue to focus on achieving a valuation that is reflective of a very large project in a low-risk jurisdiction, with favorable costs, robust economics, and environmental permits in hand."

We anticipate that the updated PFS on Mt Todd will be completed in the third quarter.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for August 6, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. MDT.

Participant Toll Free: 844-898-8648
Participant International:  647-689-4225
Conference ID:  8192745

This call will also be webcast and can be accessed at the following web location: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=2056422&s=1&k=1501F7ED34AFAE300AE85AAA7B6582C9

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com beginning August 6, 2019. An audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 855-859-2056, passcode 8192745.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

Technical Report on Mt Todd

For further information on the Mt Todd gold project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia", dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018, which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

John Rozelle, Vista's Sr. Vice President, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the information in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as the timing and completion of an updated Mt Todd PFS which incorporates the improved gold recoveries and associated design changes, completion of leach recovery testing as the last phase of a comprehensive testing program in the next month, the leach recovery tests to confirm the results of the testing work announced in August 2018; the Mt Todd gold project achieving a valuation that is reflective of a very large project in a low-risk jurisdiction, with favorable costs, robust economics and environmental permits in hand; and our belief that Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas Tobler as Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective July 1, 2019. He succeeds Jack Engele, who is retiring as Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, following 6 ½ years of service with the Company.

"Jack Engele has been a key member of our senior executive team for more than six years. On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I would like to thank Jack for his many valuable contributions. His commitment to financial discipline and focus on capital management have been instrumental in maintaining our capital share structure while advancing the Mt Todd gold project," said Frederick H. Earnest, President and CEO of the Company.

Mr. Tobler brings more than 35 years of corporate financial management experience gained as a chief financial officer, CPA and corporate advisor. He has extensive experience with growth-stage resource companies, including most recently as CFO of Lydian International. Prior to Lydian, Mr. Tobler was CFO of Alacer Gold Corp. throughout the development and early years of operations of the Çöpler Gold Mine in Turkey. While a CPA and advisor, Mr. Tobler assisted numerous mining clients with strategic financial and corporate accounting objectives.

Mr. Earnest commented, "We are pleased to have Doug Tobler join our executive management team.  His extensive accounting, finance and corporate leadership experience will be an excellent addition to the Vista team as we continue to pursue our objective of creating shareholder value. Doug's broad industry experience will be invaluable as we position Vista for long-term success."

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company's objective of creating shareholder value and its plans related to the Mt Todd gold project, are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced excellent leach test results from the ongoing metallurgical test work at its Mt Todd gold project located in Northern Territory, Australia. These results are the first from a number of metallurgical tests being conducted on material from the Batman deposit. Leach tests on material with an 80% passing ("P80") grind size of approximately 50 microns achieved average gold recoveries of 92.7%. Gold recoveries at coarser grind sizes were consistent with previous test results on similarly sized material. Additional leach test work on samples with a finer design P80 grind size of 40 microns is nearing completion, with final results expected in the coming weeks.

Initial leach test results are from high-grade and deposit-average grade composites from the Batman deposit.  Samples BR153 and BR154 had individual head grades of 1.96 and 1.90 grams gold per tonne ("g Au/t"), respectively, while Samples BR161 and BR162 had individual head grades of 0.72 and 0.73 g Au/t, respectively.  Assays were completed in triplicate.  The reported gold recovery is based on the average of the three assays.  The following table summarizes the leach test results.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very encouraged by these results, which further support our confidence that finer grind sizes will yield higher gold recoveries. Our design contemplates a P80 particle size of 40 microns.  The current testing is being completed on samples with estimated head grades of 0.8 to 1.7 g Au/t at target grind sizes of 45, 38 and 30 microns.  We expect to receive the remaining leach test results in batches over the next several weeks and anticipate recoveries to be in the low ninety-percent range, consistent with the results above and our work as previously announced in August 2018.  This is a significant improvement from the average gold recoveries of 86.4% reported in the January 2018 prefeasibility study and represents the potential to recover approximately 300,000 more ounces of gold over the life of the project."

The comprehensive results will be incorporated into an updated prefeasibility study currently scheduled for completion in the third quarter of this year.

Qualified Person

Deepak Malhotra, on behalf of Resource Development Inc., an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein and has reviewed this press release and consented to its release. 

For further information on the Mt Todd Gold Project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia," dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018, which is available on SEDAR as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that recoveries in the low 90% range may be achieved for the Mt Todd gold project; our belief that the testing results show higher recoveries at finer grind sizes; our plans to undertake additional testing over specified estimated head grades and target grind sizes; timing of and completion of such testing; results of future testing; timing and completion of an updated preliminary feasibility study; incorporating the results of this and ongoing leach testing; and that actual results will be consistent with test work results are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: test results are indicative of actual results, no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MDT on May 8, 2019.  The Company's unaudited financial statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 6, 2019 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. 

Summary of Q1 2019 Financial Results

Vista reported a net loss of $2.7 million or $0.03 per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. The loss is comprised of $2.1 million of operating expenses and a $0.6 million mark-to-market loss on our investment in Midas Gold Corp., offset by other income of $0.1 million.

Working capital at March 31, 2019 totaled approximately $10.7 million, including cash and short-term investments (comprised of government securities) of approximately $6.4 million. The Company currently has no debt.

Subsequent to the period end, the Company received the second $1.5 million option payment from Minera Alamos for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold / silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico.  (Please refer to Vista's April 24, 2019 press release).

Mt Todd Update

During the quarter grinding tests were completed on 470 kilograms of samples with average grades ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 grams gold per tonne (g Au/t), from its Mt Todd gold project. The preliminary grinding test results confirm the results of previous tests, which indicated that the power required to achieve a target grind size of 38-45 microns is less than was estimated in the 2018 preliminary feasibility study.  (Please refer to Vista's January 24, 2018 press release.)  We have started an update of the Mt Todd technical report and plan to incorporate these test results into an updated preliminary feasibility study scheduled for completion in the coming months.

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Frederick H. Earnest commented, "With completion of the grinding tests, we are now able to complete leach recovery testing as the last phase of a comprehensive testing program.  With the anticipated completion of the leach recovery tests in the next month, we expect to generate grind-size leach recovery curves covering a wide range of potential ore feed grades. The relationship between the grind-size and gold recovery on Mt Todd samples is well established, and we expect the leach recovery tests to confirm the results of the test work announced in August 2018.  (Please refer to Vista's August 2, 2018 press release.)

We are also pleased with the receipt of the Guadalupe de los Reyes option payment as it provides the Company with non-dilutive financing, consistent with our corporate strategy."

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for May 8, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. MDT.

Participant Toll Free: 844-898-8648
Participant International:  647-689-4225
Conference ID:  2857058

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after May 8, 2019.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 855-859-2056, passcode 2857058.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email your questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

Technical Report on Mt Todd

For further information on the Mt Todd Gold Project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia", dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018, which is available on SEDAR as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

John Rozelle, Vista' s Sr. Vice President, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the information in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations, at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that an update of the Mt Todd technical report incorporating new test results into a new report will be completed prior to the end of the second quarter 2019, completion of leach recovery testing as the last phase of a comprehensive testing program in the next month, the leach recovery tests to confirm the results of the testing work announced in August 2018; and our belief that Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (the "Company," "we" or "our") (NYSE American and TSX: VGZ) today announced the voting results from its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia (the "Meeting").

A total of 70,930,518 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") were represented at the meeting, being 70.72% of the Common Shares.  Detailed results for the ballot votes for the election of directors are as follows:

In addition, at the Meeting, shareholders appointed Plante & Moran PLLC as auditors of the Company and passed ordinary resolutions to approve: on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers; the amendments to the Company's Long Term Equity Incentive Plan and all unallocated awards granted thereunder; and the Company's Deferred Share Unit Plan.  

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia. Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia. For more information about our projects, including technical studies and resource estimates, please visit our website at www.vistagold.com.  

For further information, please contact Pamela A. Solly, Vice President of Investor Relations at (720) 981-1185 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, April 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has received the second $1.5 million option payment from Minera Alamos for the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold / silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico (the "GdlR Project").  

In October 2017, Vista granted Minera Alamos an exclusive option to earn a 100% interest in the GdlR Project by, among other things, making payments totaling $6.0 million comprised of a payment of $1.5 million made at the execution of the option agreement, two successive payments of $1.5 million each to be made at the one-year and two-year anniversaries of the option agreement, and a final $1.5 million payment to be made on or before the four-year anniversary of the option agreement.

In October 2018, the Company and Minera Alamos agreed to defer the payment date for the second option payment by six months to April 23, 2019. As consideration for the deferral, Minera Alamos paid Vista an additional $150,000 in cash, plus $65,700 of interest.

To date, the Company has received $3.2 million from Minera Alamos for the GdlR Project, all of which is non-refundable.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to have received the second payment under the option agreement, which will strengthen Vista's cash position. We believe this payment is indicative of Minera Alamos' commitment to continue to advance the GdlR Project."

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our expectation that our cash position will be strengthened as a result of the option payment and our belief that the additional consideration offered by Minera Alamos demonstrates their commitment to advance the GdlR Project are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: our discussions with Minera Alamos, our reliance that Minera Alamos will be able to raise funds to finance its business plans; our approved business plans, exploration and assay results, results of our test work for process area improvements, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, prefeasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, April 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that the fine grinding tests on 470 kilograms of samples from its Mt Todd gold project are complete and that the final products are being returned to Denver for leach recovery testing.  Due to backlogs at the labs of Core Metallurgy and FLSmidth, the testing program was delayed four to five weeks and final leach recovery results are now expected in May.  The preliminary grinding test results confirm the results of previous tests, which indicated that the power required to achieve a target grind size of 38-45 microns is less than was estimated in the 2018 updated preliminary feasibility study.  (Please refer to Vista's January 24, 2018 press release.)

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Frederick H. Earnest commented, "The completion of the grinding tests on samples with average grades ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 grams gold per tonne (g Au/t) now allows us to complete leach recovery testing as the last phase of this comprehensive testing program. With the results of these grinding tests, we have a significant amount of data for ongoing and future evaluations of both the IsaMill and VXP stirred-media mills.  The tests at both laboratories confirm lower anticipated power requirements and provide the basis for a favorable adjustment in our project evaluation.  With the anticipated completion of the leach recovery tests in the next month, we expect to generate grind-size leach recovery curves covering a wide range of potential ore feed grades.  The relationship between the grind-size and gold recovery on Mt Todd samples is well established.  We expect the leach recovery tests to confirm the results of the testing work announced in August 2018.  (Please refer to Vista's August 2, 2018 press release.)  We have commenced an update of the Mt Todd technical report and plan to incorporate these test results into a new report presently scheduled for completion prior to the end of the second quarter 2019."

Technical Report on Mt Todd Gold Project

For further information on the Mt Todd gold project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia," dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018, which is available on SEDAR, EDGAR and Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

Deepak Malhotra, Vista's principal metallurgical consultant and President of Prosolv Consulting, LLC, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the information in this press release.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact Pamela Solly, Vice President, Investor Relations at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that the power required to achieve the target grind size is less than previously estimated; our expectation that the further data  can be used for ongoing and future evaluations of the mills; our belief that the test results  confirm lower anticipated power requirements and provide for a basis for a favorable adjustment in our project evaluation; our belief that the anticipated leach recovery tests will generate grind-size leach recovery curves covering a wide range of potential ore feeds; our belief that the relationship between grind-size and gold recovery on Mt Todd samples is well-established; our belief that the leach recovery tests will confirm the results of the testing working announced in August 2018; and the timing of and our intention to update the Mt Todd technical report are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, the results of the test work on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company' s future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which it operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which it operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, April 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has appointed Pamela A. Solly as Vice President, Investor Relations of the Company effective immediately. She succeeds Connie Martinez who retired as Manager, Investor Relations on December 31, 2018 following 14 ½ years of service with the Company. Ms. Solly is an accomplished mining investor relations executive with 30 years of experience.  Previously she held key investor relations positions with Cyprus Amax Minerals, Thompson Creek Metals and most recently with Lydian International.

Vista's President and CEO, Mr. Frederick H. Earnest commented, "We are pleased to have Pamela Solly join our executive team.  We welcome her knowledge of domestic and international mining projects and familiarity with global fund managers, high net-worth investors and retail shareholders as we seek to realize shareholder value in line with the intrinsic value of the Mt Todd gold project.  Pamela brings experience that complements our commitment to maintaining strong stakeholder relations, from the local project level to our largest and most supportive shareholders.  We look forward to her leadership in strengthening existing relationships and in establishing new ones.  In welcoming Pamela to our team, we also thank Connie Martinez for her many years of dedicated service and wish her the very best in her retirement."

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact the Company at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as, the Company seeking to realize shareholder value in line with the intrinsic value of the Mt Todd gold project, are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, March 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that it has increased the size of its Board of Directors from six to seven, and appointed Ms. Deborah Friedman as a director of the Company. Ms. Friedman is a successful mining company executive with over 38 years of international and domestic industry experience with major, mid-tier and junior companies, and a retired partner from the law firm of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP.  The Board of Directors will consider board committee appointments at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Vista's Chairman of the Board, Mr. Michael Richings, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Deborah Friedman to the Board and look forward to her contributions as we seek a partner for the development of the Mt Todd gold project.  We believe that Ms. Friedman's past experience with domestic and international development project joint ventures, corporate and project finance, business combination transactions, mine development/operations matters, and exploration joint ventures, will be of benefit as the Company continues its efforts to realize shareholder value in line with the intrinsic value of the Mt Todd gold project.  We are very fortunate to add someone with Deborah's credentials and extensive international experience to our Board."

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia. 

For further information, please contact the Company at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements  
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed in February 2019 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced its audited financial results and highlights for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. Management's quarterly conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MST on February 27, 2019. The Company's consolidated audited financial statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis together with other important disclosures can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

2018 Mt Todd Highlights

Vista is focused on the Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia where the Company completed and announced a number of important project economic and permitting milestones in 2018, including:

• InJanuary 2018, Vista was notified that its request for authorization of a controlled activity, as required under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, had been approved. With this approval, Vista holds all major environmental approvals necessary for the development of the Mt Todd gold project.
• Also in January 2018, Vista announced the results of an updated Mt Todd preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") which demonstrated significant economic improvements resulting from the inclusion of ore sorting, a newly designed two-stage grinding circuit and improved gold recoveries estimated to be 86.4%.
• In August 2018, the Company announced that additional fine-grinding and leaching tests completed on low-grade samples (averaging 0.66 grams gold per tonne) demonstrated that with a modified PFS grinding circuit, including fine grinding capability, it was possible to produce a finer final product with improved gold recoveries in excess of 90%, with no increase in process area power requirements.
• In November 2018, the Company filed the Mine Management Plan (mine operating permit) for the Mt Todd gold project with the Northern Territory Department of Mines.

Additionally, in January 2019 Vista announced that high pressure grinding roll crusher and ore sorting tests on 5 tonnes of high-grade samples confirmed previous ore sorting test results.  The material from those tests is now being used to confirm the Company's expectation of gold recoveries above 90% over a broad range of ore head grades. Analysis indicates that each 1% improvement in gold recoveries could add approximately 0.5% to Mt Todd's after-tax IRR, and approximately $25 million to after-tax NPV_5%.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "2018 was a productive year for Vista.  We successfully demonstrated the positive economic impact of the testing programs and design changes completed over the previous 16 months.  Subsequently, we identified new optimization opportunities that we expect will have additional positive impacts on the Mt Todd project economics.  With the project optimization testing programs coming to a conclusion, we plan to release an updated PFS for the Mt Todd gold project in the second quarter of this year.  We expect this study will further demonstrate the positive impacts of the recently improved gold prices, weaker Australian dollar, and improved gold recovery resulting from a finer final grind size than was thought to be achievable in January 2018."

Summary of 2018 Financial Results

We reported a net loss of $8.7 million or $0.09 per share for the year ended December 31, 2018. The principal components of this loss are: $10.8 million of operating expenses which include a $1.0 million asset impairment charge related to our used mill equipment; a $1.7 million mark-to-market gain on our investment in Midas Gold Corp; and interest and other income of $0.4 million.

Our working capital at December 31, 2018 totaled approximately $13.2 million, including cash and short-term investments (comprised of government securities) of approximately $8.1 million. The Company currently has no debt.

Management Conference Call

A conference call with management to review our financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and to discuss corporate and project activities is scheduled for Monday February 27, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. MST.

Participant Toll Free: 844-898-8648
International:  647-689-4225
Conference ID:  2155425

This call will also be web-cast and can be accessed at the following web location: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1944360&s=1&k=D1B06551AE5A926700E64154DE175A33

This call will be archived and available at www.vistagold.com after February 27, 2019.  Audio replay will be available for 21 days by calling toll-free in North America: 855-859-2056, passcode 2155425.

If you are unable to access the audio or phone-in on the day of the conference call, please email questions to Paula Shade (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and we will try to address these questions prior to or during the conference call.

All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact the Company at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our belief that with a modified PFS grinding circuit, including fine grinding capability, it is possible to improve gold recoveries in excess of 90% with no increase in process area power requirements; our expectation that gold recoveries above 90% over a broad range of ore head grades is possible; our belief that each 1% improvement in gold recoveries could add approximately 0.5% to Mt Todd's after-tax IRR, and approximately $25 million to after-tax NPV_5%; our plan to release an updated PFS for the Mt Todd gold project in the second quarter of this year; our expectation that this study will further demonstrate the positive impacts of the recently improved gold prices, weaker Australian dollar, and improved gold recovery resulting from a finer final grind size; and our expectation that new optimization opportunities that we have identified will have additional positive impacts on the Mt Todd project economics are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which the Company operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which the Company operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 6, 2018 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.

DENVER, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Gold Corp. (TSX & NYSE American: VGZ) ("Vista" or the "Company") today announced that recent high pressure grinding roll ("HPGR") crusher and ore sorting tests on high-grade samples confirm previous test results. The Company also announced its plans to complete fine grinding and leaching tests in the 1st quarter of 2019 and to follow these results with updated preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") economics in the 2nd quarter of 2019.

Interim Met Testing Results Confirm Benefits of Ore Sorting

Additional HPGR and ore sorting tests were completed on two, 2.5 tonne samples from Mt Todd's Batman deposit containing 1.39 and 1.70 grams of gold per tonne ("g Au/t"), respectively. This testing program confirmed two important results:

• HPGR crushing followed by screening results in increased concentration of gold in the fine fraction, and
• the small amount of gold lost in the rejected material is proportionally lower when sorting higher-grade material.

As with previous tests, the samples were HPGR crushed at the facilities of Thyssen Krupp Industries in Germany and screened at 16 millimeters ("mm"), approximately 5/8 inches.  The coarse fraction (+16mm) was sent to the facilities of Tomra Sorting Solutions in Germany, where 2-stage (x-ray transmission and laser) sorting tests were completed using production-sized and commercially available equipment.  The following table summarizes the results of the testing program for each of the samples and compares these results to previous bulk tests on low-grade samples.

Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "These tests confirm the value-adding benefit of ore sorting for the Mt Todd gold project and demonstrate lower gold losses with higher grade crusher feed.  We attribute these results to the favorable characteristics of the Batman deposit.  Simply stated, the gold-containing sulfide minerals and quartz/calcite veining are more easily broken into small particles than the non-mineralized host rock.  Where this breakage does not result in clean separation from the host rock in the first pass of HPGR crushing, the gold-bearing minerals are easily identified and separated in the ore sorting circuit.  These results complement our previously announced fine grinding and leaching test results (please refer to our August 2, 2018 press release) and we expect that these results will support additional improvements in the economics of the Mt Todd gold project when we complete the PFS economics expected in the 2^nd quarter of this year."

Met Testing and PFS Update Schedule

The crushed and sorted samples have been transported to the facilities of Resource Development Inc., where sample preparation has been completed for assaying and additional fine grinding, leaching and tailings characterization tests.  Samples are being sent to Core Metallurgy Pty Ltd to obtain additional fine grinding data simulating grinding in the horizontal IsaMill and to the FLSmidth Minerals Testing and Research Center to obtain data simulating grinding in the vertical VPX Mill.  Both tests will target a final product size of 38-45 microns and will generate a sufficient volume of material for subsequent leach tests.  The fine grinding and leach tests are expected to be completed in the 1^st quarter of 2019 with final results expected to be available in the 2^nd quarter of 2019.

The Company has completed additional tailings characterization tests and concluded that no material design changes are required to proceed to the economic analysis using a final grind size of 38-45 microns.  At this time, the Company anticipates announcing the results of an updated PFS in the 2^nd quarter of 2019.

Mr. Earnest added, "We expect the combination of the recently improved gold prices, weaker Australian dollar, and improved gold recovery to have a positive impact on the economics of the Mt Todd gold project.  We anticipate that the planned testing programs will confirm our ability to achieve a nearly constant tail grade at the target grind size, which has previously demonstrated gold recoveries better than 90% with no increase in process area power requirements."

Qualified Person

Deepak Malhotra, on behalf of Prosolv Consulting LLC, an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for the scientific and technical information disclosed herein and has reviewed this press release and consented to its release. 

For further information on the Mt Todd Gold Project, see the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mt Todd Gold Project 50,000 tpd Preliminary Feasibility Study Northern Territory, Australia," dated March 2, 2018 with an effective date of January 24, 2018, which is available on SEDAR as well as on Vista's website under the Technical Reports section.

About Vista Gold Corp.

The Company is a well-funded gold project developer. The Company's principal asset is its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia.  Mt Todd is the largest undeveloped gold project in Australia.

For further information, please contact the Company at (720) 981-1185.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as our plans to complete fine grinding and leaching tests in the 1^st quarter of this year and update the PFS economics in the 2^nd quarter of this year; our expectation that with the combination of the recently improved gold prices, weaker Australian dollar, and improved gold recovery the updated PFS will disclose improvements in the economics of the Mt Todd gold project; our belief that no material design changes are required to proceed to the economic analysis using a final grind size of 38-45 microns; our belief that ore sorting for the Mt Todd gold project will result in lower gold losses with higher grade crusher feed; our anticipation that the planned testing programs will confirm our ability to achieve a nearly constant tail grade at the target grind size, which has previously demonstrated gold recoveries better than 90% with no increase in process area power requirements; our anticipation that the Company will announce the results of an updated PFS in the 2^nd quarter of this year, are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this press release include the following: no change to laws or regulations impacting mine development or mining activities, our approved business plans, mineral resource and reserve estimates and results of preliminary economic assessments, preliminary feasibility studies and feasibility studies on our projects, if any, our experience with regulators, our experience and knowledge of the Australian mining industry and positive changes to current economic conditions and the price of gold.  When used in this press release, the words "optimistic," "potential," "indicate," "expect," "intend," "hopes," "believe," "may," "will," "if," "anticipate," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.  Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of resource and reserve estimates, uncertainty as to the Company's future operating costs and ability to raise capital; risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of gold; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in the countries in which the Company operates; risks due to legal proceedings; risks relating to political and economic instability in certain countries in which the Company operates; uncertainty as to the results of bulk metallurgical test work; and uncertainty as to completion of critical milestones for Mt Todd; as well as those factors discussed under the headings "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 6, 2018 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.  Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.  Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information; whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Vista Gold Corp.