Gold production for the 12-month period stood at 602,100 ounces, which compares with guidance of 560,000-625,000oz. It followed fourth-quarter production of 210,4000oz.

"During 2021, Equinox Gold produced its millionth ounce of gold as a company and realised over US$1 billion in revenue," the company's CEO Christian Milau said.

He noted that the Canada-based miner had more than $300 million in cash, $200 million available to draw on a revolution credit facility, expected proceeds of the Mexican Mercedes gold-silver mine sale, and an investment portfolio worth about $450 million.

In December, the company agreed to sell Mercedes to Bear Creek Mining. The sale was expected to close during the current January-February quarter.

"Equinox Gold is in a strong position to deliver on our ambitious growth strategy in 2022, including commencing production at our new Santa Luz mine, advancing construction at Greenstone and conducting exploration programmes across our operations," Milau said.

Equinox plans to release 2022 production and cost guidance around the end of January.

The company has seven operating gold mines, including Mercedes, throughout the Americas and plans to drive annual production to more than 1 million oz.

Equinox is listed on the TSX and NYSE.