Hycroft Mining Announces Strategic Engineering Engagement, Technical Progress, and ETF Inclusion

Winnemucca, NV, April 21, 2026 – Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: HYMC) has released a significant update for investors, outlining critical developments at its flagship Hycroft mine in Nevada, a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction. The company reports notable progress in its exploration and technical studies, as well as a major milestone in market visibility through ETF inclusion.

Key Highlights for Investors

• Engagement of RESPEC Company LLC: Hycroft has appointed RESPEC, a prominent engineering consultancy, to assess underground mining options for the recently discovered high-grade silver systems at Brimstone and Vortex. This includes a full review of mining methods, conceptual mine design, and development scheduling, culminating in an internal report to guide future decisions.
• Exploration Decline for Underground Access: In parallel, Hycroft is evaluating the development of an exploration decline to enable underground drilling, aiming to increase drilling efficiency and reduce both time and cost. RESPEC’s work will determine the optimal location and design of the decline, which could potentially support future production operations.
• Project Advancement: These efforts represent a crucial step toward unlocking the value of high-grade silver systems. The Brimstone system, notably, is accessible from just 30 meters beneath the current open pit, allowing for expedited underground exploration and possible early-stage production.
• Technical Report Progress: WestLand Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. has completed engineering work for additional lifts on the tailings storage facility (TSF), addressing increased capacity requirements due to a large rise in mineral resources announced in February. With this step complete, Ausenco Engineering South USA, Inc. can now finalize the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) Technical Report, expected in Q2 2026.
• Addition to VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ): Hycroft has been included in the GDXJ, a leading ETF tracking junior gold and silver miners globally. This inclusion signals heightened visibility and credibility within the investment community, potentially attracting new institutional investors.

Details of the Underground Mining Review

RESPEC’s engagement is particularly significant due to the high-grade nature of the Brimstone and Vortex silver systems. Their scope includes not only the evaluation of mining methods but also conceptual mine design and scheduling. The collaboration between RESPEC and Hycroft’s technical team leverages all existing data, ensuring a thorough and strategic approach. The results of this work are expected to provide the company with actionable insights into the economic and operational viability of underground development.

The exploration decline under consideration would allow direct underground access for drilling, which is anticipated to maximize the efficiency of the ongoing 2025-2026 drill program. This could accelerate the expansion of the new high-grade silver discoveries and open up early opportunities for production, which would be a potential catalyst for share price appreciation.

Tailings Storage Facility and Technical Study Progress

The completion of engineering work for the additional TSF lifts is a key de-risking milestone. The increased TSF capacity is necessary to store the larger volume of tailings expected from the expanded resource base. With WestLand’s work finalized, Ausenco can now complete the much-anticipated Preliminary Economic Assessment, which will provide updated project economics and is expected to be a crucial event for investors in Q2 2026.

ETF Inclusion: A Major Milestone for Market Visibility

Hycroft’s addition to the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a noteworthy development for shareholders. The GDXJ is one of the most prominent ETFs in the precious metals sector, and inclusion typically results in increased share liquidity and exposure to a broader base of institutional investors. This recognition reflects Hycroft’s recent growth, strategic advancements, and rising relevance in the global mining industry.

Company Overview and Strategic Direction

Hycroft Mining continues to build on its position as one of the largest US-based gold and silver resource holders. Following a history of oxide heap leach operations, the company is now focused on transitioning to a milling operation to process sulfide mineralization. The discoveries of high-grade silver zones within existing resource areas are positioned as major value drivers, with ongoing exploration designed to expand these systems and target additional opportunities.

What Shareholders Need to Know (Key Takeaways and Price-Sensitive Information)

• The engagement of RESPEC and the study of underground mining could unlock significant new value from high-grade silver discoveries, potentially accelerating project development timelines and future cash flow.
• The completion of TSF engineering and the upcoming PEA are key technical milestones that will de-risk the project and clarify its economic potential.
• Inclusion in the GDXJ ETF is likely to improve share liquidity and attract new institutional investment, which can support share price performance.
• Investors should monitor the timing of the RESPEC report and the release of the PEA, both expected in the coming months, as these could be price-moving events.
• The company cautions that exploration targets are conceptual and not yet mineral resources; ongoing studies and drill results will be critical for future valuation.

Contact Information

For further details, investors are encouraged to contact Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation:
Email: [email protected]
Investor Relations Phone: 775-245-0564
Website: www.hycroftmining.com

Disclaimer

This article contains forward-looking statements as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For more information regarding risk factors, please consult the company’s latest filings with the SEC. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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