The new agreements formalize a framework for labor and supply services, aiming to stabilize the relationship between the Vancouver-based miner and its local partners. Chief Executive Officer Darren Hall described the arrangement as a foundation for sustainable investment, noting that the restart will follow a phased, de-risking approach to account for technical and permitting requirements.

While the company is now evaluating expansion opportunities at the site, the immediate focus remains on restoring output. Los Filos holds significant assets, including 5.4 million ounces of mineral reserves and 7.9 million ounces of measured and indicated resources. Despite the restart, Equinox Gold has excluded production estimates for the mine from its 2026 guidance. Following the announcement, company shares climbed 1.8% to $9.58 in after-hours trading.