The Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) share price is in focus today as the company released its December 2025 quarterly activities report, highlighting group gold production of 76,520 ounces and a $12 million underlying free cash flow for the quarter.
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What did Vault Minerals report?
- Gold production of 76,520 ounces for the December quarter; YTD production of 168,607 ounces
- Gold sales of 77,798 ounces at an average realised price of A$4,582/oz; YTD sales of 169,274 ounces at A$4,508/oz
- All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) of A$3,160/oz for the quarter; YTD AISC of A$2,865/oz
- Quarter-end cash and bullion balance of $537 million (excluding $45 million of gold in circuit and concentrate)
- Quarterly underlying free cash flow of $12 million; $5 million spent on share buybacks
- Growth capital expenditure of $82 million, primarily for KoTH plant expansion and Deflector mining fleet acquisition
What else do investors need to know?
The company remains on track with the Stage 1 expansion of the King of the Hills (KoTH) processing plant, expected to integrate by the end of March, with throughput ramping up throughout the final quarter of FY26. Transition to owner-operator mining at Deflector is progressing well, with the fleet ramp-up on schedule for steady state production in Q4.
Vault made significant progress with exploration and resource definition at Leonora, Mount Monger, and Deflector, aiming to extend mine lives and improve mill grades. Drilling at the TT8 target near Sugar Zone will commence in Q3, pending receipt of permits.
The company settled all gold forward sales contracts for the second half of FY26 and is now materially unhedged, providing full exposure to current gold prices. The share buy-back program saw 1.02 million shares repurchased during the quarter, with more capacity set aside for future periods.
What did Vault Minerals management say?
Managing Director Luke Tonkin said:
Our strong results this quarter demonstrate the benefits of our diversified portfolio and commitment to building long-term value. As our major investments in processing and fleet upgrades near completion, we are well positioned to deliver increased free cash generation and capitalise fully on the gold price.
What's next for Vault Minerals?
Vault reiterated its FY26 group production guidance of 332,000 to 360,000 ounces with a clear pathway to growth. As capital projects at KoTH and Deflector progress, the business anticipates a step change in operational performance from the second half of FY26, with a targeted ~11% lift in gold production by FY28.
Ongoing exploration across key regions is expected to underpin extended mine lives and further production growth. The upcoming period will also see updates from the Leonora drilling program and commencement of drilling at new Deflector and Sugar Zone targets.
Vault Minerals share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Vault Minerals shares have risen 153%, strongly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has climbed 5% over the same period.
