(Kitco News) - Louis-Pierre Gignac, the Founder, President & CEO of G Mining Ventures, has been named Kitco Mining's 2024 CEO of the Year in the producer category.
The award comes on the heels of a successful year for G Mining Ventures, marked by the completion of its Tocantinzinho gold mine in Brazil and a strategic acquisition in Guyana.
Speaking with Kitco's Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris at the 2025 BMO Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference, Gignac reflected on the company's achievements. "I'm very happy to receive this. I'm very flattered," he said upon receiving the award during the interview.
Gignac highlighted the significance of completing the Tocantinzinho mine. "Getting Tocantinzinho completed on time and on budget was really our prime objective of last year," he stated.
The mine produced approximately 64,000 ounces of gold and maintained exceptional safety standards. "And also, we did it very safely, and we had one LTI [lost time injury] over the whole project duration, which is exceptional," he added.
The successful execution of the Tocantinzinho project paved the way for acquiring the Oko West gold project in Guyana.
Gignac outlined ambitious plans for this new venture. "The plan is to fast-track that project as much as we can," he affirmed, noting the strong governmental support in Guyana, including the early granting of an interim environmental permit.
The feasibility study for Oko West is expected in April, and the company is already progressing with detailed engineering and procurement, aiming for a full environmental permit by May or June to facilitate a construction decision.
Gignac also commented on Guyana's growing prominence in the mining sector. "Guyana has great geology," he said, emphasizing the country's pro-mining stance and increasing industry interest.
Regarding the company's financial health, Gignac stated, "We're continuing to increase our cash balance," which stood at $120 million in the last reported financials, supported by cash flow from the Tocantinzinho mine. This strong financial position will support the development of the Oko West project.
Looking ahead, Gignac identified key milestones for the year, including the Oko West feasibility study, the full environmental permit, and the construction decision. The company is also actively investing in exploration across its properties
A big congratulations to G Mining Ventures' @GMiningVentures Louis-Pierre Gignac, the winner of Kitco's Mining @KitcoMining CEO Of The Year 2024 ? in the Producer category
Catch all our #mining interviews here - https://t.co/TzjoVAE9Wz pic.twitter.com/YbsMf8kUOl— Kitco Mining (@KitcoMining) March 10, 2025