VISTA GOLD CORP

In this annual report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Vista”, “Vista Gold”, or the “Company” refer to Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries. References to AUD or A$ refer to Australian currency and USD or $ refer to United States currency, all in thousands,* *unless specified otherwise, except per share-related, per tonne, and per ounce amounts.

Overview

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries operate as a development-stage company in the gold mining industry. Vista does not currently generate cash flows from mining operations.

Our flagship asset is the Mt Todd Gold Project (“Mt Todd” or the “Project”), a ready-to-build development-stage gold deposit located in the Tier-1 jurisdiction of Northern Territory, Australia (the “NT”). Mt Todd offers a large gold mineral reserve, development optionality, expansion opportunities, exploration upside, advanced local infrastructure, community support, and demonstrated economic feasibility.

We are positioning Mt Todd as a leading development opportunity within the gold sector. Our strategy is to advance Mt Todd in ways that efficiently position the Project for development while exercising the discipline necessary to best realize value at the right time.

We expect continued strength in the gold price and believe that ready-to-build projects like Mt Todd are attractive development opportunities in the current environment of a strong gold market, diminishing major deposit discoveries, and depleting gold reserves.

The Project offers strategic optionality through development as a large or mid-scale project and has all major operating and environmental permits necessary to initiate development. A feasibility study for Mt Todd was completed in 2022, with material project costs and economic returns updated in 2024 (the “Mt Todd FS”). The Mt Todd FS demonstrates strong economics for development of a 50,000 tpd, nominally 17.5 million tpa, operation.

In view of the substantial investment required to develop Mt Todd as a large-scale project, we completed an internal scoping study in 2023 for an alternative 15,000 tpd operation, nominally 5.2 million tpa. In 2024, we undertook additional internal assessments and trade-off studies to evaluate the economic potential for a range of processing and mining rates. These assessments identified the 15,000 tpd operation as the optimal alternative scale project. A project of this scale could reduce financing, development, and operating risks.

In December 2024, Vista commenced a new Mt Todd feasibility study (the “2025 FS”) that aims to increase the reserve grade to 1 g Au/t using a higher cut-off grade and reduce the initial capex by 60% to about $400 million while achieving average annual gold production ranging from 150,000 – 200,000 ounces from 15,000 tpd or 5.2 million tpa throughput. By using contract mining, third-party power generation, and construction practices commonly used in Australia, we believe there is opportunity to maintain high capital efficiency at this project scale. The 2025 FS will leverage prior technical studies and the work completed for the Mt Todd FS, preserve the potential for future expansion, and demonstrate the opportunity for Mt Todd to deliver attractive economic returns.

The Company undertook a drilling program during 2024 with a total of 34 holes for 6,776 meters drilled. The program was completed in December 2024 at a cost of $1,891. Results of the program indicate the potential to increase gold mineral reserves in the Batman deposit and successfully delineated the South Cross Lode (“SXL”) over a 400-meter strike length. These drill results, and those from the 2020-2022 drilling program, will be included in the block model for the updated Mt Todd mineral resources estimate and 2025 FS.

During Phase 1, a total of 11 holes were drilled in the northern end of the Batman deposit including several holes drilled outside the limits of blocks defined in the current mineral resource model. This drilling, in conjunction with the 2020-2022

drilling program, provided information that extended the boundaries of the mineralization in the northern section of the Batman deposit. Phase 1 drilling intercepted gold grades higher than estimated in the current block model and mineralization outside the limits of the current mineral resource envelope. We expect Phase 1 drilling to result in an increase in mineral resources in the north end of the Batman deposit. Additionally, we expect this drilling to result in the conversion of a portion of inferred mineral resources within the Mt Todd FS pit design to measured and indicated mineral resources.

During Phase 2, a total of 23 holes were drilled in the SXL, a narrower mineralized structure adjacent to the Batman deposit that extends to the northeast with a current strike length of approximately 400 meters. Results from this drilling defined the mineralized boundaries of the SXL over the strike length drilled and intersected high-grade sub-structures in the lower portion of 13 holes. The drill hole spacings are acceptable for the definition of measured and indicated mineral resources and are expected to support the expansion in the northeastern section of the mineral resource shell in the new mineral resource model being completed as part of the 2025 FS. For more information on the Company’s 2024 drilling results, please refer to the Company’s 2024 and 2025 drilling news releases, available at www.sec.gov and under our profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company’s 2024 and 2025 drilling news release are referenced for informational purposes only and are not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report filed with the SEC.

The Company continues to prioritize the efficient use of resources to advance Mt Todd. Our funding strategy is to maintain adequate liquidity while minimizing share dilution as we seek to preserve, enhance, and realize value from Mt Todd. The Company periodically raises funds in the capital markets and considers alternative strategies and possible strategic opportunities as ways to enhance its liquidity and deliver shareholder value.

The Mt Todd FS contemplates a plant processing 50,000 tpd and demonstrates the underlying value potential of a large-scale gold project. Highlights include:

After Vista completed the Mt Todd FS, the NT enacted the Mineral Royalties Act 2024 (“Royalties Act”) effective July 1, 2024. The Royalties Act replaces the prior net profits royalty regime with an ad valorem royalty regime for new mines. Under the Royalties Act, a 3.5% ad valorem royalty rate will be applied to gold production from Mt Todd. This represents a nearly 50% reduction in payable NT royalties compared to the Mt Todd FS and should result in improved project economics. Under the previous net profits royalty regime, our base case economic analysis at an $1,800 gold price estimated the payment of $765 million in NT royalties over the life of the mine.

The Mt Todd FS includes mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates pursuant to Item 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (“CIM Definition Standards”) based on mine plans developed using a gold price in line with current market conditions at the time of the study.

In addition to the technical advancements of the Project in 2023 and 2024, Vista has all major operating and environmental permits necessary to initiate development of Mt Todd. We have invested significant resources in water treatment and management, and environmental and social programs. We believe this has benefited our relationships with the traditional landowners, local communities, and Northern Territory, creating a strong social license.

Vista was originally incorporated on November 28, 1983 under the name “Granges Exploration Ltd.” It amalgamated with Pecos Resources Ltd. during June 1985 and continued as Granges Exploration Ltd. In June 1989, Granges Exploration Ltd. changed its name to Granges Inc. Granges Inc. amalgamated with Hycroft Resources & Development Corporation during May 1995 and continued as Granges Inc. Effective November 1996, Da Capo Resources Ltd. and Granges, Inc. amalgamated under the name “Vista Gold Corp.” and, effective December 1997, Vista continued from the Province of British Columbia to the Yukon Territory, Canada under theBusiness Corporations Act(Yukon Territory). On June 11, 2013, Vista continued from the Yukon Territory, Canada to the Province of British Columbia, Canada under theBusiness Corporations Act(British Columbia). The current addresses and telephone numbers of our offices are:

Human Capital Management

As of December 31, 2024, we had 13 full-time and no part-time employees globally. In addition, we use consultants with specific skills to assist with various aspects of our corporate affairs, project evaluation, due diligence, corporate governance and property management.

Our compensation programs are designed to align compensation of our employees with Vista’s corporate objectives and performance, and are designed to provide proper incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees to achieve superior results. The structure of our compensation programs balances competitive wages, benefits and incentive earnings for both short-term and long-term performance.

The health and safety of our employees, contractors, and the communities in which we operate are high priorities in the way we manage our business. Oversight is provided by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) and the Board of Directors’ Health, Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee. Management utilizes the principles set out in our Health & Safety Policy to administer health and safety programs. Employees and others entering our workplaces are provided with and required to use personal protective equipment appropriate for their duties. Each employee and visitor to our workplaces receives relevant orientation and is required to adhere to our established site health and safety protocols. In addition, we comply with relevant policies and regulations enacted by regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions where we operate. Our compensation programs include consideration of health and safety performance in determining incentive awards.

It is Vista’s priority to maintain a culture of ethical performance as a core value, as reflected in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other related policies. Oversight is provided by the Board of Directors and, for specific areas of performance, by committees of the Board of Directors. Periodically, our employees are required to review the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and acknowledge their understanding of the content and intent to comply. Our compensation programs include consideration of ethical performance in determining incentive awards.

Vista values the diversity and talents of its team, collectively working together in an inclusive environment to achieve corporate goals and personal professional development objectives. We cultivate a culture that is sensitive to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Environmental, Social, and Governance Responsibility

Vista is committed to implementing and continuing to improve business practices that are designed to minimize environmental impacts of our operating activities, support the people and communities within our areas of influence, and appropriately manage the business affairs of our organization. We believe part of being a good corporate citizen requires a dedicated focus on how we affect the environment and fulfill our responsibilities to stakeholders. In particular, through our planning for development of Mt Todd, we have worked closely with governmental entities in the NT and local groups, including the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (the “Jawoyn Association”), to strive towards an environmentally sound and socially responsible development plan.

Segment Information

We have one reportable segment, consisting of acquisition, exploration and evaluation activities which are focused on Australia. We reported no mining operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Additional segment-level disclosure is provided in Note 11 – Segment Information. Geographic location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Note 3 – Mineral Properties and Note 4 – Plant and Equipment to our Consolidated Financial Statements under the section heading “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” below.

Reclamation

The Mt Todd site was not reclaimed by the predecessor owners when the mine closed in 2000. Reclamation obligations associated with this period and prior to Vista’s acquisition in 2006 are presently the responsibility of the NT Government. After we provide notice to the NT Government that we intend to proceed with development, the Company will then assume these historical rehabilitation liabilities, currently stated by the NT Government at A$73 million. As a result, we would be required to mitigate long-term environmental impacts, including any of those existing prior to 2006, that are not otherwise mitigated during the life of mine, by stabilizing, contouring, re-sloping and re-vegetating various portions of the Project after mining and mineral processing operations are completed. Reclamation programs would be conducted in accordance with detailed plans, which would be finalized and reviewed by the appropriate regulatory agencies at the time of the execution of the programs.

Government Regulation

Our exploration and development activities and other property interests are subject to various national, state, territorial, provincial, and local laws and regulations in Australia and other jurisdictions, which govern prospecting, development, mining, mine safety, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, the use and disposal of hazardous substances, and other matters. We have obtained all major authorizations to initiate development of Mt Todd and have other minor licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct our exploration, site management, and other programs. We believe we comply in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which we operate.

Australian Laws

Mineral projects in the NT are subject to Australian federal and NT laws and regulations regarding environmental matters and the use and disposal of hazardous wastes and materials. As with all mining projects, development and operation of Mt Todd is expected to have a variety of environmental impacts. We are required under Australian laws and regulations (federal and territorial) to acquire permits and other authorizations before Mt Todd can be developed and mined. In September 2014, the environmental impact statement (“EIS”) for Mt Todd was approved. The Environmental Protection Agency of the Northern Territory Government (“NT EPA”) advised that it had assessed the environmental impacts of the proposed gold mine at Mt Todd and authorized the Company to proceed with development, subject to a number of recommendations as outlined in the assessment report (the “Assessment Report”). The Assessment Report included a request for Vista to secure an authorization under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (“EPBC”) as it relates to the Gouldian Finch. In January 2018, the authorization required by the EPBC was approved by the Australia Department of the Environment and Energy. We must comply with the terms of our Authority Certificate under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 which deals with the handling of archeological material

and sacred sites. We are also subject to statutory requirements under the NT Mining Management Act, which includes the requirement to have a mining authorization before the start of mining operations. The mining authorization is issued after the approval of the mining license. It is the legal document that makes the mining license and any additional conditions binding for the project. The Mt Todd Mining Management Plan (“MMP”) and associated mining authorization were approved by the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade in June 2021. As a result of recent changes to the Mining Management Act, all MMPs were converted to Deemed Mining Licenses in July 2024, and companies have four years to convert the Deemed Mining Licenses to Mining Licenses. In the interim period, the Deemed Mining License ensures the same rights and obligations as determined in the MMP.

Environmental Regulation

Mt Todd is subject to various federal, territorial, and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. Such laws and regulations are continually changing and, in general, are becoming more restrictive. Our policy is to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment. We believe that our operations are conducted in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Changes to current local, territorial, or federal laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we have exploration and development activities could require additional capital expenditures and increase operating and/or reclamation costs. We are unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, or what additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of Mt Todd.

During 2023, Mt Todd did not have any material non-compliance occurrences with any applicable environmental laws and regulations. See “Item 1. Business – Reclamation”, above.

Competition

We compete with other mining companies to acquire, explore, finance, and develop gold properties and to retain expert consultants required to complete our geological and project development studies. We also compete with other mining companies to hire mining engineers, geologists and other skilled personnel in the mining industry, and for exploration and development services. Some of these competing mining companies have substantially greater financial and technical resources than Vista. As a result, we may have difficulty acquiring attractive gold projects at reasonable prices, engaging skilled consultants with sufficient resources to support timely completion of work programs, and attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Gold Price History

The price of gold is volatile and is affected by numerous factors, all of which are beyond our control, such as the sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, inflation, recession, fluctuation in the relative values of the U.S. dollar to foreign currencies, changes in global gold supply and demand, and political and economic conditions.

The following table presents the high, low and average London Bullion Market Association PM Fix prices in U.S. dollars per troy ounce of gold over the past five years and during 2025 through February 20, 2025:

Data Source: www.lbma.org.uk/prices-and-data/precious-metal-prices#/

Available Information

We make available, without charge, on or through our website atwww.vistagold.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be, and are not, incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K.